Being vegan in Melbourne: What you need to know!

Disclaimer: Please note the information in this article is not intended to serve as medical advice. Individual health conditions, lifestyle, and dietary requirements impact the effectiveness of a vegan diet. Please consult your GP or a medical profession for nutritional advice concerning your diet.


With the advent of #fitspo, it’s hard to avoid the health conscious, nutrition savvy movement that’s taken over our screens and in real life. Enter veganism and the chia puddings and soy lattes that come with it. Veganism, which is frequently confused with vegetarianism, is a practice that avoids all animal products, including dairy, silk, and egg products.

You’ve probably heard that veganism has its own advantages, such as numerous health benefits. But to what extent does it contribute to our health?

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, an Associate Subject Leader for Literature in Trinity College, who was previously a vegetarian before becoming a vegan felt positive about her dietary switch. “I feel healthier, I’ve lost some weight. I feel better physically, and I don’t get sick as much,” she said.

Carrie, a Trinity College student, echoed Dr. Mitchell’s experience, saying that by eliminating meat from her diet, she felt healthier, as she was able to reduce the amounts of animal-derived toxins and cholesterol in her body.

You wouldn’t be in a minority to assume that many vegans opt for the dietary practice because of cultural and religious reasons. However, lifestyle and upbringing can also play a role in choosing a vegan diet.

Dr. Rosslyn Almond, a Trinity College Literature Lecturer and environmentalist, attributed her vegan diet to a country-farm upbringing. Growing up treating animals as pets, Dr. Almond said she developed an interest in animal welfare.

Though veganism offers many health and environmental benefits, it can be a bit difficult change to your diet. If you’re considering adopting a vegan diet, make sure you’ve got the facts.

  1. Be conscious of vegan communities in your surroundings.
  2. Build up your cooking skills.
  3. Do not go cold turkey. Gradually adapt your diet so that your body can get used to veganism.
  4. Increase awareness for restaurants with vegan choices near you.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, hop into some of Melbourne’s popular vegan eateries as recommended by our interviewees. In Fitzroy, you can find the plant-based eatery Smith & Daughters and the appropriately titled, Vegie Bar. Meanwhile the very popular Lentil As Anything, has numerous locales all across Melbourne. The original restaurant, opened in 2000, still operates in St Kilda while students near Abbotsford and Footscray can also enjoy the same vegan delights.


This story was produced by Media and Communication students at Trinity College Foundation Studies as part of Meld’s community newsroom collaboration. Education institutions, student clubs/societies and community groups interested in being involved can get in touch with us via meld@meldmagazine.com.au.

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