On this week’s episode of the Sisters Without Shame podcast, a curious friend in crisis says that he is ready to test the vegan waters, but is rather confused about where to start. So, we hooked up with the communications manager for ProVeg International in Mzansi, Arleen Nel, to give clarity on plant-based lifestyles.
ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation with the mission to reduce the global consumption of animals by at least 50% by 2040.
It’s not about plant-based v Nyama
According to Nel, plant-based or plant-forward eating focuses on foods that are mainly plants. This includes not only those yummy fruits and veggies but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.
“A lot of these diets, contrary to popular belief, is not because a person is trying to be difficult or elitist,” she says. “Many times it is due to serious health conditions or religious practices.”
It also does not mean that you are a vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy, rather you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources.
“If you think about the average plate of food the average person eats, it usually contains one portion of meat or an animal protein, a starch, which is usually highly processed or just a very refined white starch, and maybe a vegetable or two.”
Want to take the leap?
Looking to take that leap into the plant-based life? Find a community, advises Nel.
“The best place to start is not to figure what to eat or how, but to find a community who you can go on a wellness journey with; people who can advise you or even just go along on this journey with you,” she says.
“The easiest way for someone to lose interest in something new is by not being supported.”
And if you are interested or curious about delving into the plant-based lifestyle, now is actually the perfect time she adds. “It’s Veganuary.”
“Veganuary” is an annual challenge run by a UK non-profit organisation that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for January. What makes it even more attractive is that plant-based nutrition is used to manage chronic diseases in many countries around the world.
In this episode Nel also unpacks:
- The difference between, flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Finding your veggie-loving community.
- How cooking veggies forces you to get creative in the kitchen.
Listen to the full interview on Sisters Without Shame
Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Apple Podcasts: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Google Podcasts: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
Want to connect with Sisters Without shame?
To send an SOS to Sisters Without Shame, email hello@healthformzansi. Alternatively, send a WhatsApp to 076 132 0454.
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