22 May

Aditya Tawatia – Spearheading The World’s Health Conversation

As dynamic an entrepreneur as he is a philanthropist, Aditya Tawatia is the founder and director of Yoga & Health Expo Foundation – the non-profit organization working towards healthy eating and well-being lifestyle.

A successful personality in each one of his endeavors, Aditya is renowned in the media, health, and community service landscape. Currently titled as the President of the Indo Canada Global Forum, BC, he is considered to be an industry innovator for bridging relations between India and Canada over the past decade.

The entrepreneur has always been inspired by his father’s ideologies that he continues to put in motion in all his ventures even today. From being the publisher of Canada’s oldest ethic English newspaper “The Link” that is today well-renowned across the country’s stations to paving way for a healthy organic lifestyle platform with Yoga & Health Expo Foundation, Aditya rightfully redefines what it means to be a true visionary.

HEALTHY BEGINNINGS: International Yoga Festival Vancouver

Established with the aim to enhance health, happiness, knowledge, and peace in life through a holistic approach to life, Yoga & Health Expo is Aditya’s non-profit organization based in Vancouver, Canada, that celebrates healthy food and joyful living. Through Yoga, Veganism, Local for Vocal, going Organic, and Meditation, he believes in the necessity of saving our Environment and giving back to the community earnestly.

Be it highlighting the importance of vegan food and products or building a Yogic way of life through yoga classes, instructors, and practices, he is most passionate about spearheading the motto of clean and green eating for a better future for the world.

An avid wellness enthusiast himself, he advocates for ‘Oneness’ which he grew up admiring in his own  Indian household. He believes in bringing the values of peace and harmony of Indian culture to the rest of the world through healthy and organic eating. “My real passion lies in forging a strong link between the country of my birth, India, and the country of my living, Canada.” he shares.

LOOKING TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE

The Yoga Festival & Health Expo is an annual affair that aims for an environment-friendly, clean and healthy lifestyle for everyone around the world. The festival has witnessed seven expos since 2015 – all of which have fared most successfully. The event will now be making its comeback with the 8th Yoga Festival & Health Expo this 19th of June 2022 in Vancouver.

As always, Aditya today too aims to unlock the true potential of a healthy lifestyle and an even healthier planet if only we choose to eat right.

#adityatawatia #yogahealthfoundation2022 #YogateacherVancouver #YogaclassesVancouver #VeganproductsVancouver #VeganfoodVancouver #yogahealthfoundation

19 May

Decoding the Rising Demand for Vegan Products

According to the Research and Markets report, the vegan food industry value will predictably reach $36.3 billion by 2026. Thanks to the acute awareness raised over the years, especially during the pandemic, people have walked out more health-conscious regarding what goes in their food, and eventually their bodies. This is where plant-based and vegan products come in place.

Vegan food products are generally dairy-free or meat-free food products that are derived or processed from plant-based sources. In the last five years, the world has witnessed a massive growth in demand for plant-based products or completely opting for the plant-based, vegan diet. Whether it’s on their plates or in their vanities, consumers are consciously opting for cruelty-free products whereas brands are making shifts to veganism each year.

Here are a few factors that lead both brands and consumers to believe in the power of veganism:

  1. Compared to diets rich in animal products, plant-based is far more sustainable because it uses significantly fewer natural resources and puts far less pressure on the environment, thus helping conserve the environment.
  2. Research over time has concluded the harmful effects of consuming animal products including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Omitting animal-based products is the first road to good health.
  3. Much information has been shared on animal meat and products, showcasing the dark side of processing, and manufacturing them. Owing to this acute awareness, more people are choosing to advocate for non-violence towards animals and fight for their rights.

Furthermore, millennials and Gen Z make up 30 and 32 percent of the population, respectively, creating the enormous market potential for plant-based foods.

BENEFITS OF VEGANISM

Choosing an organic lifestyle devoid of animal-based products entails a dozen advantages for your health. Here are some of them:

  1. Reduced carbon footprint
  2. Improved gut health
  3. Low risk of ageing disorders such as dementia and cognitive disorders.
  4. Reduced risk of mental illnesses
  5. Low levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol
  6. Reduced body inflammation

THE POTENTIAL OF PRODUCTS

Grocery stores and supermarkets have introduced a plethora of plant-based alternatives to animal products, including burgers, meat, tofu, and much more. Plant-based dairy products constitute a major chunk of the vegan aisle – another huge factor in consumers turning to veganism.

In fact, veganism has long before crossed the threshold of just food and beverages. The vegan beauty market is now just as prevalent and necessary as any other. From beauty giants Sephora, Milk Makeup, Kylie Cosmetics, and many more, to even emerging beauty brands on small scales, the beauty industry has shown a positive turnover to vegan and cruelty-free products – some of them aiming for a complete transition. The Vegan Cosmetic Market was valued at USD 14 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 22.1 Billion by 2028!

For three consecutive years, the UK has topped the list as the Most Vegan Country followed by USA, Poland, Canada, and Thailand.

It has been concluded that raising awareness on the impact of plant-based organic products is the core of driving people to understand the need of going animal-product free. Let’s keep the conversation going.

#savethedate #yogahealthfoundation2022 #YogateacherVancouver #YogaclassesVancouver #VeganproductsVancouver #VeganfoodVancouver #adityatawatia #yogahealthfoundation

14 May

Yoga & Holistic Wellbeing: Road To A Healthy And Happy Lifestyle

In our ever-bustling never-resting state of mind, the International Yoga Festival & Health Expo aims to bring focus on healthy eating and bring oneself closer to the pursuit of positivity in one’s body and mind. Here’s how we at Yoga & Health Expo believe in bridging the gap between health and happiness, holistically.

Established in Vancouver, Canada, the Yoga & Health Expo is a one-day festival celebrating the joys of good wellbeing while enhancing health, happiness, knowledge, and peace in life through a holistic approach to the Yogic way of life including Yoga, Veganism, and Vegetarianism in our lifestyle. Hosted both physically and virtually since 2015, the celebration welcomes famous yoga instructors, a platform for health-conscious brands and retailers, and stalwarts from the walks of wellness, health, veganism, vegetarianism, and organic living.

Following a successful streak of seven expos since 2015, we are all set and excited to make our comeback with the 8th Yoga Festival & Health Expo this 19th of June 2022. Aiming for an environment-friendly, clean, and healthy lifestyle through food, the Expo shall witness yet another gathering in celebration of good health and good food.

Our Founder and President – Aditya Tawatia

With his belief in the essence of a community and giving back to it earnestly, Aditya Tawatia is the man behind Yoga & Health Expo. One of the most accomplished businessmen in recent times, he hopes to enhance health, happiness, knowledge, and peace in daily life through a holistic approach following the four cores of the brand.

An avid advocate for ‘Oneness’ which he grew up admiring in his Indian household, he believes in bringing those same values of peace and harmony of Indian culture to the rest of the world through healthy and organic eating. Hence was borne Yoga & Health Expo.

OUR FOUR CORES: Yoga, Meditation, Veganism, and Vocal For Local

Yoga: The oldest form of attaining wellbeing through the amalgamation of mental, physical, and spiritual disciplines. We at Yoga & Health Expo honor its ancient wisdom with interesting yoga sessions, conversations with instructors, and a healthy dose of motivation to practice it on daily basis for good wellbeing.

Meditation: Meditation has been long proven to combat many physical and mental health issues, and we encompass this exercise in all our activities to increase focus, reduce anxiety, and ground our minds to the present.

Veganism: Healthy, do-able, and well within everyone’s reach, going vegan is not just for trends and can be opted as a definite lifestyle option – this is what we hope to bring to the table for clean eating.

Vocal for Local: Supporting small businesses pertaining to fresh local produce makes a difference, and we at Yoga & Health Expo believe in harnessing the power of the right nutrition to make everyone’s journey to wellness happier.

OUR PAST VENTURES

Celebrating the power of good health and wellbeing every year, our previous excursions have witnessed the health industry’s most coveted participation in our interactive yoga sessions, mindfulness activities, and sparked interesting conversations on holistic and eco-friendly wellbeing. Our Expo highlights the sanctity of leading a clean and green organic eating and the natural way of life.

Emerging strong against the pandemic, our 7th Virtual Yoga Festival & Health Expo 2021 was a resounding success with speakers Rachel Beau – Creator & CEO (PARTY STAR) of Rock’n’Beau Entertainment; Marlene Watson-Tara – long-time vegan, activist and human ecology enthusiast; Bill Tara – co-founder of Sunwheel Natural Foods in London, England; Dr. Matthew Nagra – Naturopathic Doctor, and many more experts guiding our guests on living in accordance with nature’s laws.

For more information on our upcoming International Yoga Festival & Health Expo, please visit: https://yogahealthfoundation.com/.

#yogahealthfoundation2022 #YogateacherVancouver #YogaclassesVancouver #VeganproductsVancouver #VeganfoodVancouver #adityatawatia #yogahealthfoundation

22 Sep

Mixed rice with vegetable satay stir fry

1 cup sliced brown onion
1 sliced red capsicum
1 sliced green capsicum
2 cups sliced mixed mushrooms.
2 cloves chopped garlic
1 sliced carrot
1 sliced yellow capsicum
A handful of cashews.
Three dessert spoons of nut butter of your choice.
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Half cup vegetable liq stock.
1 tablespoon corn starch.
Cook onions in a little olive oil until translucent then add garlic cook for a min. Add carrots for a min stirring, then add mushrooms till cooked through. Add all other veg and stock. Simmer for a couple of min till just tender.
Then add nut butter, maple syrup,
Corn starch in a little water mixed.
Stir till all mixed through,
And sauce thickens.
Then stir through cashews.
In a sep pan lightly steam the kale for a min or so.
Add spinach to kale snd mix.
Arrange cooked rice of your choice in a bowl. Top with satay mix.
Put kale mix on the side.
Gill Calvert
@vegan_fortheanimals1
Perth, Australia
20 Sep

The Single Most Powerful Step We Can Take Toward Sustainable Living

International Yoga Festival & Health Expo Foundation has joined forces with Marlene Watson-Tara to continue to educate the need to move toward a vegan world.

Marlene has worked as a Macrobiotic Teacher & Counsellor, traveling the globe to help clients discover a healthier and happier way of life. She inspires and educates the next generation through her world-renowned lectures, books, and cooking/nutrition workshops.  Alongside her husband Bill Tara, they have 90 years combined teaching experience with graduates of their MACROVegan Health Coach in 28 countries.

We must eliminate the practice of eating animal-based foods.

It is the only significant contributor to climate change that all individuals can address immediately on their own. There is overwhelming evidence that our grossly unsustainable habit of eating animals contributes more to climate change than all other drivers combined.

 The joy of cooking

In today’s post, I am going to talk about the importance of cooking and how integral it is to your health. It’s easy, it’s fast and it’s delicious.

Why we cook

Cooking is an ancient human art. For thousands of years, humans have used fire, seasoning and time to change the texture, flavor, and smell of what they eat. Our ancestors also learned to preserve food so that it could be stored and saved for times of scarcity.

The true art and alchemy of food happened alongside the agricultural revolution. When humans settled into a plant-based diet, cooking was a tool that made food healthier, easier to digest and more flavoursome. The exploration of using different cooking techniques, such as steaming, baking, and sautéing, along with an understanding of fermentation and seasoning, transformed a fairly narrow range of grains, vegetables and beans into the diverse cuisine we enjoy today.

But the modern era handed cooking over to restaurants and factories. Most people are now eating food that is manufactured, not cooked.

Bringing you into the present

Aside from the serious health risks of eating a predominantly processed diet, it doesn’t take a lot of thought to piece a film lid and put the ready-to-eat meal in a microwave. The art of cooking naturally brings you into the present.

Modern living took away our time; it turned cooking from an art into a chore. My recipes aim to take the stress out of the kitchen, whilst bringing the goodness in. The emotional benefits of spending just a little time preparing your own food are outstanding. As you slice and sauté each wholesome ingredient, your mind is channelled on the task in hand, encouraging you on your way to good health and vitality.

You will also benefit from the satisfaction of your creation. Sitting down to enjoy a nutritious wholefood plant-based vegan meal, that you have prepared, is incredibly rewarding. Understanding the fusion of flavours, brought together by you, is excellent food for the soul.

So don’t forget to savour every moment that brings your food to your table. You are doing wonders for your body and your mind.

In good health

 

 

 

 

www.macrovegan.org

www.humanecologyproject.com

 

“Marlene is quite simply a human dynamo. She delivers the most powerful and life-changing programmes. I have first-hand experience of her cooking and nutrition workshop, and she won me over with such fabulously delicious, simple, and healthy cooking without spending hours over a stove. She is incredibly passionate about what she does and should be because IT WORKS.  A true genius and force of nature. I feel the huge benefits overall since following her programme.”

Iseult Sword: P.A.

 

17 Sep

Mini Orange Chocolate Pots

A luscious dessert, with a dash of tangy orange. This recipe is really easy to make and provides a truly divine result, especially when served with fresh orange slices. I recommend leaving the chocolate pots in the fridge overnight to chill, but the recipe could easily be made on the day.

120 g bar 100% cocoa chocolate

300 g pack organic silken tofu

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup rice milk

1 tsp lemon juice

1 heaped tbsp tahini

¼ tsp pure orange extract

¼ tsp vanilla extract

To serve

Fresh orange slices

Desiccated coconut for garnish

Put a small amount of boiling filtered water in a saucepan. Place a metal bowl on top of the pan. Break the chocolate into pieces in the metal bowl and stir until melted. Remove from the heat. In a blender, purée all of the ingredients to a cream. Divide into small cups and chill in the refrigerator until set. Serve with a few fresh orange slices and garnish desiccated coconut. Makes 6 servings.

 

Marlene Watson-Tara

www.macrovegan.org

www.humanecologyproject.com

 

27 Aug

5 Essential ingredients for your vegan pantry

Veganism allows the reduction of resources needed to raise animals that put nature at risk, reduces the destruction of natural habitats and pollution generated by this type of industry. This is why, in addition to the seasonings you have in your pantry, there are some ingredients that are the most used by vegans or by anyone who enjoys a diet without meat or foods of animal origin. These elements are delicious and are enriched in proteins, textures, and flavors, which will help you have a healthy life. 

Most of these vegan essentials are easily accessible and reasonably priced, making eating a plant-based diet easy and affordable. Your life will always be easier if you put together a meal plan and routines for each week of the month beforehand.

I would like to point out that fresh vegetables and fruits should always be in your kitchen, these ingredients are the ones that will enhance your dish of the day or will be part of your snacks every day, this will depend on your personal taste.

  1. Quinoa

Quinoa combines with almost everything, it is quick to make and due to its level of vegetable proteins, it is a very good source to complete the vegan diet. It has a neutral flavor that can fit perfectly in salads, stews, desserts, breakfasts … which makes it possible to create countless dishes at any time of the day to our organic lifestyle.

  1. Tempeh

The possibilities of tempeh are very varied, as it is a very versatile food, which is manufactured in different shapes and flavors, as well as with multiple fermentation points, and from numerous legumes and cereals.

  1. Tahini

Tahini or tahini is a cream paste made with ground sesame seeds. The grace of tahini is that sesame is a food very rich in calcium, but eating sesame by spoonful is not a very good idea, so better use Tahini without fear in whatever you want.

  1. Cashews

You can use them in many types of food, it is an ingredient that goes with everything. In addition to this, they nourish the hair and nails, prevent constipation by helping to reduce inflammation of the digestive tract, and can help you fight anxiety.

  1. Chia seeds

Pour a tablespoon of chia seeds into a half cup of cold or warm water. Stir for a few seconds and let it rest for 30-45 minutes before consuming. Chia seeds can be added to smoothies, soups, yogurt, cereals, or even mixed in traditional recipes, such as homemade bread.

22 Aug

7 Ways To Make the Most of Your Nomadic Vegan Diet

A nomadic vegan diet can become a challenge to maintain. Whether you’re traveling around the world and tasting their local cuisine or just enjoy international fare, you need to get the most out of every bite. It is a challenge enough to travel on a low and no meat diet, so a full-on plant-based diet should be more problematic, right?

 

Fortunately, the answer is no. 

 

If you prepare a well-planned vegan diet, you can get not only more nutrition but a full stomach too. If you’re looking to taste the different flavors and aromas of international vegan cuisine, you need to know how to make the most out of it. Try these 7 ways to make the most of your nomadic vegan diet.

 

1. Ensure You Have Enough Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the biggest nutritional hurdles to becoming vegan. B12, known as cyanocobalamin, is a vitamin that helps blood and nerve cells be healthy. It also helps lower the risk of heart disease and potential complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

 

With that said, Vitamin B12 is only possible to absorb naturally from meat and animal products. In some reports, vegans can also get it from spirulina, dried nori, seaweed, yeast extracts like Marmite, barley grass, and more. Yet, the same reports note that there is not enough to meet the daily intake allowance for the vitamin.

 

An easy solution is to buy Vitamin B12 supplements, taking a lower daily dose or a higher weekly dose. You can also look for B12 fortified foods and incorporate them into your diet. These include fortified cereals, grains, Marmite, and even fortified tofu.

 

2. Be Open To More Types of Vegan Cuisine

When it comes to enjoying more flavors with your vegan cuisine, the devil is in the details. You would want to try and be experimental with the cuisines that you try. Try to be open to different kinds of dishes from various countries in the world.

 

Among the most accessible cuisines for those with nomadic vegan diets include Indian, Asian, and Italian food. If you’re tired of the same stir fry, you can try some dishes from these cuisines. South Indian cuisine, for example, offers delicious flavors that encompass several taste notes and aromas.

 

Be diligent in finding vegan recipes online. Let go of your fears that you’ll get it wrong the first time. The idea is to keep looking for new recipes that can diversify what you eat.

 

3. Incorporate Raw Foods Into Your Diet

One of the most vital benefits of the vegan diet is the ability to get the most out of the food that you eat. A raw diet adds food that is both uncooked and unprocessed. Not everyone is willing to go 100% raw in their diet but there are many diet benefits if you include it in your daily intake.

 

Adding raw food into your plant-based diet can maximize the number of vitamins and nutrients in every meal. Cooked food loses more than half its nutritional value when cooked, so adding raw food to your meals can boost what you can absorb.

 

Raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, nut milk, and more are also easier on the digestive system. You can get more fiber and protein while keeping it easy for your stomach.

 

4. Do Your Research When Traveling

Nomadic vegan diets rely on local cuisine options when traveling to different countries. Depending on where you are traveling, it might be easier or harder to get vegan-friendly dishes. You would want to do a few preparations before you decide to visit a country for its vegan food.

 

In many countries, the growing vegan economy makes it easier to find shops and restaurants that cater to plant-based diets. Tourist-friendly countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Israel offer different types of local vegan cuisine. 

 

Beyond some big restaurants and hotels, you would want to do some intensive research to find mom-and-pop shops.

 

As we noted before, India, due to its religious and economic restrictions, offers a big variety of vegan options. Italy also has a surprisingly well-developed vegan scene that offers favorites like pasta and pizza without cheese and dairy.

 

Before you visit a country, find out the vegan options that you can find there and where they’re available. A little extra time finding the best places to eat plant-based cuisine should save you a ton of time and grief.

 

5. Eat What You Want, When You Want

One advantage that vegans have is the ability to let go of the dieting mentality. Gone will be the days when you have to control how much you eat as plants are generally healthy and good for your body. When it comes to whole foods, there’s no reason for you to keep track of your calories at all.

 

With a vegan diet plan, there’s no limit to the salad, rice, potatoes, plant-based desserts, and fruits that you can eat. Eating an entire feast of vegan food should still be less than the fat and calories that you will get from a fast food meal set. Eat as much as you want, when you want!

 

6. Be Aware Of Your Dietary Restrictions

Enjoying a nomadic vegan diet means being informed and aware of your own body. Before you even start savoring the different flavors and aromas from plant-based cuisines all over the world, do your research. 

 

Be scientific about your approach and make sure you are free to eat various ingredients from all over the world. Test for allergies if you haven’t done so yet. 

 

A balanced vegan diet is most effective if you don’t have limitations in what you can eat, including nuts, soy, grains, and other legumes. 

 

If you plan on shifting to a plant-based diet, consult with your doctor. Some people with specific conditions, especially nut and soy allergies, will have trouble shifting to such a diet. A vegan diet is healthy but it may not fit your body’s dietary requirements.

 

7. Load On Carbs

Part of the nomadic vegan diet is to enjoy dishes that can make you full. You don’t want to feel hungry or sluggish all the time, it’s best to load up on carbs. While this can go against most recommendations, plant-based diets make carbohydrates easy to process.

 

Staple foods like rice, potatoes, and grains will contain starches that will give you an immediate boost in energy. Unless you’re diabetic, loading up on a high-carb vegan diet from several cuisines should help you power through your day.

 

Don’t hesitate to eat dishes that use basic flour. While some will recommend against it due to some flours being bleached, flour is a crucial component of many dishes. If you’re in a country where you have little access to specialized flour varieties, enjoy the baked goods without guilt. Just make sure they don’t have animal products!

 

There are more ways you can do to make the most of your nomadic vegan diet. The best way to make the right decision each time is to do your research. Study what you’re eating and where it comes from. We’re sure you’ll have a good time figuring out what your palate would love to try.

 

Arleen Atienza

Tech. Dev. Business.

 

20 Jul

Yakisoba Bowl

Yakisoba brings an eclectic mix of oriental dining to the heart of your table. Yakisoba, literally ‘fried buckwheat’, is a Japanese noodle stir-fry dish. Although soba means buckwheat, yakisoba noodles are actually made from wheat flour. Whether in the form of udon, soba, yakisoba, somen, the universally popular ramen or other forms, Japan’s love affair with noodles is rich and varied.

 

For the sauce

2 tbsp shoyu

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp filtered water

2 tsp ginger juice

1 tbsp mirin

 

Make sauce by combining the ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside.

Yakisoba

1 pack soba noodles

1 cup sliced onion (thin half-moons)

Few pinches sea salt

½ cup fresh shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced

½ cup carrots, sliced into thin matchsticks

1 cup sugar snap peas

1 cup celery, thinly sliced on the diagonal

1 cup mung bean sprouts

Fresh coriander

 

In a large pot, cook the soba noodles according to the directions on the package. Drain and wash well with cold water. Set aside. In a large wok, heat a splash or two of water and sauté the onions with a few pinches of sea salt for 4–5 minutes, until translucent.

 

Add the mushrooms, carrots and celery and keep sautéing for 3–4 more minutes. Add the sugar snap peas and continue sautéing, mixing all the vegetables well in the wok. Add the soba noodles on top of the vegetables, cover and steam for a few minutes on a medium-low flame. If the bottom of the wok is dry, add a little water before covering. Open the cover, pour in the sauce, and toss the bean sprouts over the vegetables. Still over a low flame, mix the noodles and vegetables together using tongs. Mix gently so that the noodles don’t break, but the sauce penetrates all the ingredients. Adjust the flavour if necessary by adding a splash or two of shoyu. Garnish with fresh coriander. Makes 4–6 servings.

 

Variations – You may also use udon or other types of noodles. If you are gluten-sensitive, use brown rice or quinoa noodles.

 

Marlene Watson-Tara

Home

20 Jul

Go Vegan-It’s Easy

It’s Not Difficult To Be Vegan

 

The very first lesson in Yamas, that first limb of yoga, is ahimsa. Ahimsa can be translated as non-killing, non-violence, or non-harm. To hurt another being is to hurt oneself. As a long-time vegan, my mission and vision to create a healthy world for all who live here is what makes me jump out of bed every morning.

 

In our combined ninety years’ teaching human ecology, my husband Bill Tara and I have high hopes we can all come together and make a better world, a healthy vegan world where humans and non-humans alike live in harmony. Success can only be achieved through education, understanding and, ultimately, action. Let’s face it, back in the time of Copernicus, most would have thought it impossible if you said that you were going to convince everyone that the Earth revolved around the Sun, rather than the other way around, but it did eventually happen! So, the past teaches me to have hope for the future.

 

Going vegan is simply a choice you make. Many people waste a lot of energy pondering this as if it were a complex issue, but the only difficulty

lies in making the decision – it’s easy. Remove all the animal-sourced foods and replace with delicious plant-based foods – the choice is yours. You can do it right now. It may take you a few weeks to locate your best food sources and become comfortable with your new way of eating, but it’s worth it.

 

When we reflect deeply on our relationship with the outer world, our environment, we realise that we are never independent of its influences. Food is the link between the inside and the outside world. Our Human Ecology Diet is abundant in every vitamin and mineral required for good health, vitality and longevity.

 

Rethinking Protein

Protein is a subject that always comes up when discussing veganism. When you think of the biggest animals on the planet – elephants, giraffes, buffalo – these are huge mammals; they don’t eat meat, so where do they get their protein? They eat what grows out of the ground and that is where they get their protein; it’s as simple as that. We have all been sold a mythology that only animals have protein, without asking where they got it from. Plants are the source of all protein. There are many foods in the plant kingdom that are especially rich in protein. All the legume family – anything that grows in a pod, lentils, beans and chickpeas – and whole grains are full of protein, and many vegetables are rich in protein too.

 

Plants are high-energy foods, and it’s good to note that an increasing number of athletes are switching to a vegan diet. Recent winners of long-distance events like triathlons, marathons and bicycle events are eating a vegan diet. These athletes recognise that they get injured less often, recover more quickly and have more stamina when they eat a diverse plant-based diet.

 

Animal meat is not required to build muscle or bone. This is a myth that is based on limited and biased science generated by the livestock and dairy industries.

 

Many years ago, I was listening to a webinar by my friend Dr John McDougall and it reminded me of some of the things I learned as a twelve-year-old working at the veg, fruit, grain and bean shop. Here I am fifty years later, having so many of these same lessons gaining notice. It is mentors such as Dr McDougall, Dr Barnard and Dr T. Colin Campbell who brought these simple truths to light again. Here are just some of these gems:

 

Vegetables are easy to grow – any gardener can grow potatoes, carrots, greens, etc. – and they are inexpensive; rice and beans are also

inexpensive (especially when you buy in bulk).

Animal meat is not required to build muscle or bone. This is a myth that is based on limited and biased science generated by the livestock and dairy industries.

 

Plants are lower on the food chain, so the environmental pollutants that are so prevalent in our food are in lower concentrations in plant-based foods. Animals are fed food grown with pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilisers, and drinking water exposed to industrial pollution. These contaminants are stored in the fatty tissue (including the milk) of the animal. They can concentrate 1,000-fold as they go up the food chain. This concentration of toxic products affects all animals on land or at sea.

 

Plants are environmentally friendly. You can grow 17 times more nutritional energy on a piece of land if you grow vegetables than you can if you raise animals for food. The difference between growing potatoes and raising beef is 100-fold.

 

We are all living on a planet that is food-stressed. There is a real risk of food shortages and security. We need to grow more healthy food. There are close to one billion people (our brothers and sisters) starving to death, while nearly one billion people are eating themselves to death.

 

85% of non-communicable diseases are related to the modern high-fat, high-calorie diet that is low in nutritional density.

Vegetables don’t grow microbes that are pathogenic to people. They don’t grow E. coli; they don’t grow mad cow disease; they don’t grow listeria. If a vegetable or grain does have a contaminant on it, then it originated from an animal. Animal faeces are a major agricultural

pollutant.

 

Vegetables taste amazing. Sweet potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, rice, and so on, are full of natural sugars and a broad range of taste without any added sauces.

 

Vegetables store well – you can dry and store rice, beans and grains in a cool place for years. Tubers, roots and cabbages can last months and retain their nutritional vitality.

 

Wholefoods (not processed junk food) are great foods for weight loss. Remember, they are low in fat.

 

Everything that breathes wants to live – killing animals for our pleasure must stop. Please Go Vegan and love all of life is my mes

sage and has been for decades.

Making the Change

 

Don’t make a shift to a healthy vegan diet be a trauma (or a drama). You are already eating vegetables, grains, fruits and maybe even beans in your diet. You are simply removing the animal-sourced foods and the simple sugar. Your body will thank you. The key is diversity.

 

People around you may be amused or even sceptical about your new choices. Don’t worry – when they see that it can be do

ne, and that you are happy with the results, they will become more interested (or not). Don’t expect everyone to support you; simply stick to your plan. Some people recommend that slowly introducing the new way of eating is the best. Everyone has to choose their approach for themselves, but our experie

nce is different.

 

We always suggest that our clients and students make a commitment to adhere to their new eating plan for at least a three-week period to start. There are practical reasons for this.

 

As you change your diet you will find that your tastes change. When you remove some of the foods you are used to you may miss them for a short time – but remember your reasons for change. You will find that your new way of cooking opens up a different appreciation of plant-based foods. We call

this period ‘creating a new normal’, and making veganism the new normal is my mission, so stay with me on this.

Changing our food habits is usually an eye-opening experience. How you feel, your energy levels and your food satisfaction will a

ll improve. When you feel great on your new approach to eating why would you want to change? Simply make sure that your food is tasty, and your meals include a diversity of grains, beans and vegetables.

 

Marlene Watson- Tara