My Vegan Journey

我的素系之道

有時，一個簡單的決擇會影響一輩子。
Sometimes a simple decision can change your life forever.

四年前，我從食肉獸轉為素食者。雖然當中有經歷過困難的高高低低，我從沒有後悔過這個決定。素食，不止是飲食習慣上的改變；而是無論對自己，還是身邊的人，也有著微微的正面影響。

I became a vegetarian (and later, vegan) four years ago. Even when it was testing to my mind and my family at times, I have never regretted this decision as it has transformed my life entirely. The diet is more than just an eating habit. Time and time again, it has brought me to the most positive results, and eventually influencing the people around me.

從小就是食肉獸
The Little “Meat-Monster”

在典型的中國家庭長大，從小到大我們也對肉食——習慣了。「薯仔炆雞翼」和「蒸三點蟹」也食我最喜歡的菜色。即使蔬菜類的菜色在中國菜的各種佳餚中從不缺乏（就如蒜蓉蒸小白菜）；可以，一餐之中假如沒有肉類或海鮮，中國人也許不太習慣吧。

過年過節時，我們也總有一桌子的「大魚大肉」。燒肉、火鍋、自助餐⋯⋯ 最受歡迎的聚會地方，九成也是肉、肉還有肉。彷彿愈多肉，就肉好；愈惹味，就吃得愈過癮。飲食習慣，其實都是跟家人養成的。

雖然我從沒有討厭過吃蔬果，可是我以前也跟很多人一樣，認為素食是刻板沈悶的。素食未流行起來之前，就只有一些傳統的中式素食館，古舊的氛圍、老氣的菜色，看上去就跟年輕潮流完全拉不上關係⋯⋯ 也不會太吸引到普通肉食者用餐。（那時，我沒有任何的朋友是菇素，也不是沒有原因的。）

Being raised in a traditional Chinese family, we naturally followed a meat-oriented diet. “Roasted Chicken Wings with Potatoes” and “Steamed Crab” were among my favourite dishes. While there has always been an abundance of vegetable dishes in the Chinese cuisine, one could not have easily imagined a meal without meat or seafood with all these delicious flavours and varieties. 

It wasn’t just about the eating habit too. In any family gatherings, our tables were always “big meat big fish” as we called it. Asian barbecue, hotpot, buffet at the hotels, 90% of these popular places are all filled with meat, and more meat. The more, the better; the heavier, the better. It is how we were simply raised to be.

Although I had never detested vegetables or fruits, like everyone else I often thought that the vegetarian diet is only strict and boring. Before it became a trend of itself, there were quite a few traditional Chinese vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong, but most of them were old-fashioned, with austere decor, unappealing presentation, and perhaps unexciting flavours. None of my friends were vegetarians, not without reasons too.

What changed my mind?

我的跳舞老師 My Dance Teacher

把素食這個概念重新向我傳譯一次的，是我的跳舞老師。大約十年前，我開始學習現代舞。當時教舞的老師吃了十多年素，每次練舞後他都會帶我們一起到素食餐廳。當時我只是好奇，為何能吃素十多年仍有力跳舞、又是非常健康的呢？

As a vegetarian for 20+ years, Andy Wong (a renowned contemporary dance artist) was the first person who introduced me to a vegetarian lifestyle. His way of living totally changed my perception of vegetarianism. I was inspired to see that even for a dancer who needs a lot of energy everyday, he could still follow a vegetarian diet while being so healthy and physically ready at the same time. He was my first model for being a vegetarian.

一次瑜珈斷食營 A 5-day Yoga Retreat Camp

 是因為快大一歲了，想給自己一個改變的機會；與其買一份一星期後就會忘記的禮物，我想過一個有意義又可以 「抖抖氣」的經歷。 對，短短五天讓我對食物的看法改變了。知道了素食，或者看起來更好吃的「蔬食料理」不但易做也很好吃、我也開始喜歡上吃水果和喝果汁後輕盈清新的感覺、真正的意識到肉食為身體帶來的負擔。這種種對身體和心靈的正面影響，驅使了我決定要成為素食者。

It was a gift to myself on my 24th Birthday - rather than getting myself a present that I would probably forget in a week, I decided to experience something more meaningful by joining a yoga retreat camp in Tainan. For a week I adhered to a whole new lifestyle - following a strictly vegetarian diet with lots of fresh, nutritious smoothie, juices and food, gradually experiencing a positive change to my body, as well as practicing meditation and mindfulness with guidance. I was surprised to see that my stomach and digestive system had gotten much better, my skin looked clearer and I felt so much lighter physically and mentally. Ever since this marvellous experience, I decided to be a vegetarian.  

痘痘和敏感皮膚 My Acne-Prone & Sensitive Skin

去年的夏天，我經歷的一段嚴重的「青春痘」問題時期。老實說，雖然我已經吃素一段不短的時間，但有時候，對於一些喜歡的食物，我仍會控制不了而多吃的。尤其是塗滿牛油的麵包、曲奇餅、芝士拼盤、水牛芝士沙律、牛奶咖啡等等⋯⋯全部都有牛奶成分。經過我在網上進行了一些研究之後，我決定要跟長期最愛——牛奶說拜拜。 不過，這並不是件容易的事。 要小心的是，必須注意日常食物有沒有含奶的成分，特別是麵包或甜點。

I experienced a serious acne problem all of a sudden last summer. After doing some research online, I decided to give up my favourite dairy products and followed a strict-vegan diet. It was not an easy process, even a painful one - you cannot imagine how hard it is to stay away from so many milk-related ingredients in food like bread, cakes and even soup!

這就是我的決定和轉變了。現在的我，並不會想念吃肉，因為素食的選擇和替代品也有很多。當然，我間中仍會十分想念香濃咖啡上的綿密奶泡，以及奶油與芝士的質感和味道，但為了更好的皮膚，更好的身體，同時也出於消費良心上的考慮，盡可能減少為動物帶來痛苦，我決定堅持下去。調查指出，素食是對減碳排放和對環境保護最有效益的方法。對，一開始並不容易的，但慢慢地，心癮過後，就沒有那麼難了。或者像我一樣，把好奇心轉至找出美味的替代品，就如純素甜品/蛋糕，又或是植物奶咖啡⋯⋯

So, this is my story of transformation. Now I do not miss meat at all, as there can be thousands of alternatives and vegetarian options. I do miss the richness of dairy products at times, but my stomach and skin are way better since eliminating them completely. Besides, avoiding animal products is also the best way to stand against animal cruelty and exploitation. Research has found that veganism is also the most efficient way to save our planet by reducing carbon emission and conserving water. Yes, It might not be easy at start, but I promise you that it’d become easier when you get over the addiction. It is also certainly another curious habit to search for tasty substitute too, the fascinating vegan cakes and pastries, or just a cup of plant-based milk latte…

「愈簡單，愈豐足」不只是飲食，而是生活
Less for More, not only for Eating but also Living

素，不單改變了我的飲食，而是從食啟發衣、住、行等生活細節，情感甚至心態的轉變。吃一個真正的、全食物，總比吃加工食品更簡單和有營養。對我來說，這個道理可以應用到生活的每一個方面——無論是穿衣、居家、人與人之間的關係等等。當你開始選擇一個更簡單的生活，你會發現生活的美好，找到日常的快樂泉源。

The plant-based diet has not only nourished my body, but also transformed the way I see my life. Eating a whole, organic planet-based meal is always more nutritious and fulfilling than any of those harmful processed food. “Less for More” - it is way more than a eating habit. For me this lifestyle applies to every aspects of life, including how I dress, the way I live and even the perception of our relationships with other living beings. Once you decide to consume healthier food, simpler clothes, comforting homewares… Soon you will find out that you are not only living a simple lifestyle with less belongings, but also towards a much wholesome and happier lifestyle. It is “LifeStyle In White”.

  “The simpler we are, the stronger we become.”

LOVE,

CHARLOTTE

想看更多我素食路上的分享，我的新書《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》現於香港及台灣各大書局有售。

按此看更多資料：《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》

To read more about my vegan journey, my new book 《LifeStyle In White》is now available at all major bookstores in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Click here for more information: 《LifeStyle In White》

Being Eslite BestSelling Author & Book Sharing

素系分享會 與 誠品暢銷榜！

素系誠品分享會

Two Book Sharings in Eslite Bookstores
 

剛剛的週末，我在誠品香港 2018 Reading Summer「靈感解密室」的主題活動中，分別在銅鑼灣和太古店舉辦了書本分享會，講述我書中的靈感與分享我的素系生活。很感謝到場的每一位，兩節一小時的分享中，見到很多原本陌生的面孔，卻因為《素系風格》連結起來；你們用心的聽，讓我感到無比榮幸。（對，很抱歉我的嗓子太差了；幸好你們也不嫌我棄我沙啞的聲音。）

Last weekend, I hosted two book sharing sessions, one of the events in 2018 Reading Summer organised by Eslite Hong Kong - to share my inspirations of the book and life. I can never imagine how 《LifeStyle In White》 has brought all of you together, and I'm really grateful to see so many new faces, paying so much attention during the 1-hour book sharing. 

(I am sorry that my voice was terrible - and fortunately, none of you has any complaints about it!)

我是誠品暢銷書作者！

I'm the Best Selling Author!
 

另外，其中一個很叫人興奮的消息，就是《素系風格》登上了誠品暢銷榜！記起剛剛出書的時侯，和哥哥走到書店，說要拍在書店上架的照片。我笑說：「放New Arrivals邊夠啊，等我放去暢銷榜影張相呃下人先！」

然後，新書出版未到兩個月的今天，這個小願望實現了。看到「BestSellers 誠品書店暢銷榜」的貼紙貼到書本右下角——實實在在的，《素系風格》得到了大家的肯定。

Another very exciting and unexpected news -《LifeStyle In White》 has reached the Eslite Bestsellers (Health & Well-being Rank 7)after published for 1.5 months! I still remember, two months ago, my brother and I went to the bookstore, wanted to take some pictures of my book. I joked that I should put it on the Best-Selling section instead of the New-Arrivals section to take a "unprecedented" picture.

Yesterday, the moment I saw the sticker of "Eslite Bookstore Bestsellers" being sticked to the bottom right corner of the book, I know that 《LifeStyle In White》 has been affirmed by many, many of you. I can proudly say that "I am the best selling author in Eslite Bookstore!".

另一個天大的喜訊

Another GREAT NEWS...
 

出書快要兩個月，得到很多朋友、陌生人、傳媒朋友一直的支持；也非常感謝誠品香港的同事兩天的幫忙、天窗出版社一直支持和名嘴哥哥Calvin林偉豪做司儀；媽媽也當我兩天的保姆，貼身照料感冒失聲中的我。

剛剛也知道《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》入圍了第五屆香港金閱獎（香港出版界的「奧斯卡」）；天大的喜訊，入圍了就當自己羸了！
（可以還是有公開網上投票的環節，到時候要大家幫手了！）

In these months, I have received endless support and love from many of my new and old friends (Yes, if you are reading this now, you are definitely one of them). Also, I must give a big applause to Eslite Hong Kong for their help in the weekend; Enrich Publishing for supporting all along the way and my best brother the one and only Calvin Lam being my greatest MC all the time. And last but not least, thank you to my mum who always takes good care of me when I am sick.

I just know that the 《LifeStyle In White》 was shortlisted for the 5th Hong Kong Book Award (the "Oscar" in Hong Kong Publishing Industry). Okay... that really means so much to me and I already think I have won even I was just being shortlisted!
Public online voting will start very soon and your vote would mean so much to me!

Thank you for always sharing the best news with me,

Charlotte

LifeStyle In White 素系風格

簡約生活，由素食開始

Hello, This is Charlotte, Charlotte in White!

Hi！我叫Charlotte，九十後，是個攝影師／錄像導演／平面設計師／時尚博客／網上時裝店店主／半個服裝設計師／半個模特兒和半個舞蹈員⋯⋯是個Slash斜槓青年吧！基本上，所有關於視覺創意的事我也接觸。

（推出這本書之後，我也成為賣文人了。）

我天生就喜歡看所有美麗的事物——包括人、景色、服裝⋯⋯但我並不是從小就學習藝術的。小學的畫畫課也沒有特別高分，偶爾被貼堂的作品，多數也是因為有哥哥（出貓）幫忙。不過，我爸爸是半個攝影迷，家中有專業的菲林相機，從小我就喜歡去搶他的相機亂拍，是真的亂拍一通！而那些相薄中「鬆、郁、朦」的照片，就是我的童年大作。那時，我也不擔心拍得好不好，反正爸爸從來不介意我燒菲林。看來，這也算是我創作之路的起點。

長大後，我才開始接觸不同的藝術作品，也開始跳舞，慢慢發覺自己還是喜歡簡單、直接的東西。無論是照片、錄像、設計、穿衣，愈簡約，我所感覺到的力量更大——簡單化，在我所觸及的地方，追求著每一個位置和細節也有其意思和意義的。

三年前，因為一次到台南參加斷食營的經歷，讓我做了一個決定：要從生活中最基本的「食」開始，把其「簡約化」。從此，我的斜槓又多了一劃，決意成為「素食者」，裡裡外外去實行我的簡約生活。

但始終，「民以食為天」嘛，在一個傳統華人家庭長大，從小由煮飯習慣「多油、多鹽、多肉」的嫲嫲帶大，要徹底地改變飲食習慣，並非易事，也絕非我個人的事。其中不少經驗，有好笑的、奇怪的、意想不到的、掙扎的、不愉快的：和自己的對戰問：「為何要吃素？」、「為甚麼簡單的吃頓飯也好像要麻煩身邊人遷就？」；還有和身邊的人的互動，餐廳老闆一知半解的說：「不吃肉？我們海鮮也好吃！」甚至媽媽無奈的訴說：「甚麼也不吃，也不知道要給你煮些甚麼！」

也許，從我的文字，能道出不少素食朋友的心底話，讓大家知道難免崎嶇的素食之路上有這麼一個素未謀面的知心人。更能讓未曾試過吃素的朋友多明白一點吃素到底是甚麼一回事，然後能和吃素的家人朋友相處得更好，甚至偶爾一起享受素食的滋味。

這三年，素食除了讓我發現食物可以如此多樣性，也讓我因此接觸到更多的人、更多我未曾想像過的事。沒有負擔的蔬食，不止於可以為身體帶來好的能量，感覺輕盈和舒適了，也影響了我的生活態度，甚至對生命的看法。在二十七歲的這一年，我寫下自己從決定素食開始，那些初心和經歷、成功與困難、身體及心靈上的點點過程——記錄我如何由選擇「食物」開始，過一個自己選擇的人生，一步步成為「更好的我」。即使感覺未足以超越世界的慣性，我卻可以選擇改變自己，從每天都要吃的食物開始。

對我來說，「素」不只是吃，它能賞、能活。素食的日子、簡約的生活、直接的情感——是啟發，是美麗的開始，是愛。

這篇文章收錄於《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》一書中，CHARLOTTE與天窗出版社合作出版的書藉；
於2018年夏天六月陸續上架，於香港及台灣各大書局有售。

按此看更多資料：《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》

LOVE,

CHARLOTTE