Brisbane mum writes book after teenage daughter becomes vegan

A Brisbane mother, who helped her teenage daughter adjust to life as a vegan, has written a cookbook on the plant-based lifestyle to help other parents in her position.

Mansfield mother Lynn Johnstone has written a book Nourished Vegan — A Teenager’s Guide which was inspired by her own journey supporting her daughter go vegan. Picture: Kristy Muir

Brisbane mother Lynn Johnstone heard the words every parent of a teenager secretly dreads — ‘I want to go vegan’.

The first thing the Mansfield mother did was “mildly panic” and then try to come up with a reason why it wasn’t a good idea for her 14-year-old daughter to take on the plant-based diet.

But then Ms Johnstone, deciding to support her daughter, launched headfirst into researching veganism and how to keep her beautiful girl healthy — and 18 months in, the now 15-year-old, is “thriving”.

Hummus, fresh carrot sticks and boiled chickpeas in wooden bowls.

Ms Johnstone spoke to a dietitian, went back to university, read as much as she could on the subject and experimented with ingredients that provided the “biggest nutritional bang”.

With all the knowledge she gained (and all the fruit and vegetables she had to chop up), Ms Johnstone decided to put pen to paper and write a book to help other parents — she called it Nourished Vegan — A Teenager’s Guide.

Vegan cauliflower broccoli pizza.

This dietitian-approved cookbook is an “incredible resource” for parents wanting to support their children through the transition to a vegan lifestyle.

“Knowledge really is power,” she said.

“I found out going vegan isn’t that hard.

“It takes time and energy but official advice is that it is acceptable.”

Mansfield mother Lynn Johnstone has written a book Nourished Vegan — A Teenager’s Guide which was inspired by her own journey supporting her daughter go vegan. Picture: Kristy Muir

Ms Johnstone said Nourished Vegan — A Teenager’s Guide wasn’t just a cookbook, but it was like taking your dietitian home with you.

“This is a resource that explains the basics about how to replace animal products in your diet in a safe way. It addresses the protein and iron issue. It addresses the soy issue. It also provides data. I wanted facts and figures,” she said.

Green vegan breakfast meal in bowl with spinach, arugula, avocado, seeds and sprouts.

This September, Ms Johnstone will bring her cookbook to the Brisbane Eco Expo, Australia’s largest sustainability expo, to be held at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

“I am very excited to think that I will be surrounded by so many people who are striving to make a positive change for the environment,” she said.

Pudding with chia seeds, fresh strawberries, blackberries and mint.

“There are a lot of very brave people being the change they want to see in the world and Nourished Vegan — A Teenager’s Guide is my way of supporting some of them.

Questions Lynn gets asked frequently

How did you come up with recipes that assist in meeting nutritional requirements but are also super tasty?

I started with the ingredients that provided the biggest nutritional bang such as all the different types of beans, grains and vegetables, incorporated the nutritional bonus that food combinations provide then with inspiration from the magic internet I hit the kitchen. When the dish worked out (lots didn’t) I ran it through the nutrition calculator and often had to adjust again to get the macro nutrient balance right. The thing is though, things do taste different. Great, but different. We can’t compare old tastes to new tastes. But roast potatoes and garlic still taste awesome. I find that when you are eating for environmental, ethical or health reasons then you are committed and with that comes acceptance and enjoyment from what you are eating.

What has been the reaction from people about your book?

Everyone I have spoken to has said (with a slight surprised look on their face) ‘this is actually really great’. They see that it isn’t just a cookbook. I have loved hearing the variety of reasons people have been interested in it. Supporting their teenagers is just one. Being prepared for vegan visitors coming to dinner or supporting family members health have been added bonuses. It really is the quintessential guide to eating a plant based diet.

In a sentence or two what advice would you give to a mother or father embarking on a similar journey to what you went on with your daughter?

My advice would be to show that you are willing to support them, even if it isn’t something you would do. My teenager challenges me a lot, however in the past year when we are discussing food, shopping at the markets, or preparing a dish, we are a team. While my initial intention was to show that I was prepared to listen, the best outcome has been the positive effect on our relationship.

Is there something you wish someone had said to you?

Ha ha — yes — ‘here, have this book, it tells you everything you want to know’.