A court in Great Britain is being asked on Thursday to decide whether veganism is a philosophical belief akin to a religion and thus should be protected under law.

The case stems from a claim filed by Jordi Casamitjana, who says he is an ethical vegan, and will walk rather than take a bus, which might accidentally crash into insects or birds and injure or kill them. Casamitjana worked for the animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports, according to the BBC, and pointed out to his superiors that the organization had invested pension funds in firms involved in animal testing.

Casamitjana claims that after he informed his bosses, they did not take action, so he spoke to colleagues about the issue and was subsequently fired. That prompted his claim of discrimination against him because of his ethical veganism belief. He asserted,Although the manner in which I was dismissed was intensely distressing for me, some good may come of it if I am able to establish this valuable protection for all ethical vegans. If we are successful in that hearing, we will then proceed to a hearing on the specifics of my dismissal.

The League Against Cruel Sports counters that Casamitjana was dismissed for gross misconduct, though it does not dispute that veganism should be protected.

The BBC explains, ethical vegans try to exclude all forms of animal exploitation, for instance avoiding wearing or buying clothing made from wool or leather, or toiletries from companies that carry out animal testing.

On Thursday, the employment tribunal will consider whether veganism is a philosophical belief akin to a religion.

The BBC writes, Religion or belief is one of nine protected characteristics covered by theEquality Act 2010. It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate directly, by treating an employee less favorably than others because of their religion or belief.

BoltBurdon Solicitors explain:

In seeking to determine whether a belief is a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010, an individual needs to demonstrate that:

Casamitjanas attorney, Peter Daly, stated, Ethical veganism is a philosophical belief held by a significant and growing portion of the population in the UK and around the world.This case, if successful, will establish that the belief entitles ethical vegans protection from discrimination.The case we have prepared sets out how the belief in principle, and how Jordis particular interpretations of it, comprehensively meet the required legal test.

In an interview from October 2019 with Vegan Life, Casamitjana recollected that he had chosen years ago to study animal societies, specifically the amazing world of social wasps. I chose wasps because everyone seemed to hate them, and would run away from them or kill them at every opportunity. Nobody appeared interested to find out about who they are.

He continued, the very first day I went to observe a wild nest, something extraordinary happened. One of the wasps working as a guard at the time, saw me approaching. She looked at me, assessed my intentions, and she judged me as safe enough, so she did not raise the alarm. My heart was pumping fast when I realized that I had been correctly judged by a one-inch tall individual. She, and not it, was a wise person belonging to a mysterious civilization I was about to enter. And when I did, I discovered things I would never have imagined. These creatures were not that different to us. In fact, they seem superior in so many ways but people would kill them.

Original post:
Court To Decide Whether Veganism Is Protected Like Religion Under The Law - The Daily Wire

A survey of British men and women found widescale support for veganism, most viewing a completely plant-based diet as more ethical, better for the environment, and healthy. However, despite the overwhelmingly positive attitude, the same people also found veganism very challenging and inconvenient. The main barriers that kept them away from forgoing meat and dairy products dealt with taste, price, and convenience.

The analysis was published this week in the journal Sustainability by a team of researchers at the University of Bath in the UK.

Researchers surveyed 1,000 participants who were recruited online through Prolific, a surveying platform, about their beliefs about vegetarianism and vegan diets. All the participants were meat-eaters with an average age of 34.

According to the results, 73% of the surveyed participants thought veganism is ethical, 70% considered it was good for the environment, 60% found it socially acceptable, while 50% said it was healthy.

At a time of year when many people are considering switching to plant-based diets with Veganuary, this study shows that most people already agree with the ethics of veganism and are aware of the benefits of vegan diets to the environment, Chris Bryant, lead author of the new study and a psychologist at the University of Bath, said in a statement.

If thats the case, why are they still eating meat? On follow-up, 80% of respondents said that they did not think transitioning was easy, 77% said it was inconvenient, and 60% thought it was not enjoyable. Perceptions of vegan diets were significantly more negative than perceptions of vegetarian diets on most aspects.

That many people agree with the principles of veganism is one thing, but in terms of changing behaviours we need to acknowledge that for many it has been seen as too expensive, inconvenient and a sacrifice in terms of taste, Bryant said.

Although most of the respondents perceived cutting meat out of their diets as overwhelmingly positive and considered it too hard to do, its actually never been easier than ever to be a vegetarian or vegan.

For instance, the common argument that a vegan diet is expensive is simply no longer true. While a vegan menu will be significantly more expensive than a conventional, meat-based menu in most restaurants, things are changing fast. Companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat in the United States are now making plant-based products that not only taste and look like meat, theyre also similarly priced to meat-based products.

In the UK, fast food bakery Greggs just launched a vegan steak bake, right on the heels of Subways vegan Meatball Marinara sub and KFCs vegan burger.

Interestingly, in the time since this study was conducted, these things have all changed substantially. Supermarkets, restaurants, and even fast food outlets have developed numerous high quality and affordable vegan options. Having direct replacements for the foods people know and like makes it easier for everybody to consume fewer animal products. If we are to reduce animal product consumption in the UK and around the world, the development of high quality affordable alternatives to animal products is key, Bryant concluded.

Read the original:
A lot of people would go vegan if it wasnt for the money, taste, and convenience - ZME Science

Fiona Oakes is an extreme endurance runner. She has broken four Guinness World Records and runs in some of the worlds most inhospitable climates, including the polar ice caps and volcanic rings.

Fiona has achieved all of this with a disability. She lost a kneecap in an injury when she was 17 and doctors told her she would never walk again, let alone run. Despite this its her vegan diet that causes people to question her ability.

I have been vegan far longer than I have been a runner, Fiona tells Metro.co.uk. I actually became vegan when I was six years old, and I have honestly never found my veganism too difficult or compromising to any aspect of my life.

I think the biggest misconception people have about veganism is that it isnt healthy but Im testament to the fact it is.

Ive broken four Guinness World Records for running, having been vegan for 47 years now, and Im very healthy.

I built my athletic strength on a plant-based diet, and all this despite my permanent disability.

Fiona has faced skepticism and disbelief throughout her running career when it comes to her dietary choices. She thinks its vital to change perceptions about what people can achieve on a vegan diet.

When I ran the Marathon des Sables in 2017, I took a film crew with me who were making a documentary about my life Running for Good.

The director asked the guys I was sharing my tent with; what do you think about Fiona? And one answer was; shes not what I expected a vegan to be like.

Remember, this is almost three years ago, before the meteoric rise of vegan and plant-based living, but I can only assume he didnt expect a vegan woman to be out in the Sahara Desert, running the toughest footrace on the planet for the third time.

After decades of veganism, my goal when I started running was to break down the myths and stereotypes attached to it at that time, in that it was some way deficient, hardly adequate and prohibitive to doing anything more than sedentary activity.

Fiona says that one of the toughest moments of her career was the first time she competed in Marathon des Sables in 2012.

Having decided to move up in distance from road running, Fiona was going to be the first vegan woman to tackle the race and there was quite a buzz about it online.

The event itself is unbelievably gruelling. Its a week-long, self-sufficiency, multi-stage race across the Sahara Desert, where temperatures can exceed 50 degrees and the terrain is extremely hostile.

If any sand gets into your shoes it can cause ferocious blistering.

I have actually known of peoples feet becoming so blistered that they needed skin grafts, says Fiona.

What made this first epic race so incredibly difficult, was that one week before the starting gun, one of the elderly horses from the animal sanctuary Fiona started in the 90s had stood on her foot, fractures two toes and caused horrendous swelling.

I wont go into detail but by 82km, I could actually see the bone sticking out of my little toe, Fiona remembers.

My foot was absolutely smashed to a pulp but I managed to keep going and keep strong enough to complete the race. I proves that anything is possible if you want it badly enough.

Running non-stop, for hours at a time through punishing conditions seems unimaginable for most of us. Fiona says the real struggle is often mental rather than physical.

Ultramarathons are a state of mind rather than body for me, she explains. Because I come from an elite road running background I am used to running quite high weekly mileage around 160km so I have the physical base fitness to carry me through, but the mental side of things in ultras is what is different.

You have to manage your body and your mind carefully and always try to look for the positives rather than focussing on the negatives which can quickly seem overwhelming if you dwell on them.

She says the intense, multi-stage races take her to some pretty dark places, and often she has to really battle to keep her demons in check.

You are out there, day-in day-out, on your feet for hours, really pushing through the pain. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term inconveniences, pain and struggles.

They teach you so much about yourself and, strangely enough, even though you literally have nothing apart from what you carry on your back, you have everything because you have the freedom and the ability to be there.

When you return to your day-to-day life, even the most seemingly trivial events like turning on a tap and fresh, drinkable water miraculously appearing is something to behold and cherish.

Fiona says running enriches every element of her life, and she is deeply grateful for everything it brings her.

I love the freedom of being out in the wilderness and the new and exciting experiences and adventures running always uncovers, she explains.

She adds that it isnt difficult adapting a vegan diet to enable her to achieve such physical extremes its just about working out exactly what your body needs.

Like any other diet, the main thing is that you find the correct nutritional balance for your particular lifestyle, says Fiona.

Mine has always been very active. I used to cycle 30 miles each way in to London to work, and now spend any time Im not running caring for our 550 rescued animals at the animal sanctuary I founded 25 years ago.

I dont fixate over my diet, but I have learned over the years to listen to what my body is telling me and act accordingly.

I dont think there is one set eating plan which suits all as everyones needs are different but basically I adhere to a whole grain diet including plenty of fresh, seasonal, locally sourced vegetables and fruits.

Fiona says that her convinction in her beliefs is what makes her a strong woman.

For the animals, the planet, other human beings, personal health and the future, my veganism is at the core of all I do.

It encapsulates justice and compassion for all something I have always been passionate about.

Strong Women is a weekly series that champions diversity in the world of sport and fitness.

A Sport England study found that 40% of women were avoiding physical activity due to a fear of judgement.

But, contrary to the limited images we so often see, women of any age, size, race or ability can be active and enjoy sport and fitness.

We hope that by normalising diverse depictions of women who are fit, strong and love their bodies, we will empower all women to shed their self-consciousness when it comes to getting active.

Each week we talk to women who are redefining what it means to be strong and achieving incredible things.

MORE: Strong Women: I lost all feeling in one side of my body at 28 but MS wont stop my fight

MORE: Strong Women: We live in a refugee camp and fear for our future but football gives us hope

MORE: Strong Women: Bells palsy changed my face and stole my confidence but yoga helped me heal

Read the original here:

'I'm an endurance runner with one kneecap - vegans aren't weak' - Metro.co.uk

Theres so much to think about when starting the vegan diet and it can get a little confusing to know how much of food groups a person will need to eat. With so many vegan type diets and know how articles online, its easy to miss the important considerations a beginner will need know. But getting it right can make all the difference, so here are some tips to think about before embarking on your first vegan diet.

MAIN NUTRIENTS TO KEEP IN MIND

Iron is one of the main nutrients to keep in mind when starting a vegan diet. The types of food groups to satisfy the level of intake is through plant-based foods like legumes, tofu, nuts and seeds, whole-grains, dried fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables.

Accredited practising dietitian and Spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia Melanie McGrice said the iron level intake is generally around 18mg for women aged 19-50.

From having a handful of seeds, youre going to get maybe 1 or 2mg of iron but not the full 18mg and so thats where its about the whole of your diet and planning for each meal. Ms McGrice said.

For men aged 19-50, the adequate intake for iron is 8mg.

Dietitians Association of Australia reports the type of iron in plant-based foods (non-haem iron) is not easily absorbed, so in order to boost the absorption of iron in plant-based foods is to include food meals rich with vitamin C. This would mean including berries, citrus fruit, Kiwi fruit, capsicum, tomatoes and broccoli.

Along with iron, nutrients such as B12, Calcium, Omega-3 fats, Zinc and Choline will need to be kept in mind according to Ms McGrice.

REPLACEMENTS AND PLANNING IS KEY

Sustaining balanced nutrients while on a vegan diet can be hard to do, especially if youre starting out for the first time. Many people worry about getting enough iron intake or if they get enough protein. But according to Ms McGrice, replacements and planning is key in getting the adequate intake.

According to practising dietitians, this diet involves food groups like fruit and vegetables, bread, cereals, and grains, legumes (lentils, chickpeas, dried beans), soy food like tofu and tempeh, and nuts and seeds.

Ms McGrice said its beneficial to really plan out your diet each day to make sure that nutritional needs are met. Its not about eating these food groups on its own but food groups that are complimentary as well.

Instead of having dairy, youll be having dairy alternatives such as soy milk and for Omega 3 options include foods such as chia seeds. Ms McGrice said.

With calcium it will be about having something like tahini and green, leafy vegetables and for iron, seeds are a good source, she said.

Zinc in plant-based foods are commonly found in legumes, nuts, seeds and oatmeal, and for a balanced intake of Choline, it appears in plant-based foods in small amounts.

Its beneficial to know food groups that contain these nutrients and by eating a well-balanced vegan diet with plenty of whole foods such as tofu, quinoa, and broccoli, its ensuring the daily requirements that are rich in resources.

I guess the key thing is that youre not going to get all of your nutrients just from one of those food types, Ms McGrice said.

The best way for a nutritional balance is ensuring to have complementary proteins within the same meal, she said.

COMMON MISTAKES

There are common mistakes made that affect nutrient adequate intake according to Ms McGrice. Sometimes these common mistakes can be tricky, even for those who have been and currently are on vegan diets.

Not having complementary protein in food groups within each meal is a common mistake its the kind of thinking that theyre going to meet the entire nutrient needs just by eating one food group with a particular nutrient, Ms McGrice said.

Just because someone eats a cup of broccoli doesnt mean that theyre going to meet all of their calcium needs. As mentioned before, its better to plan each meal with complementary proteins.

Ms McGrice said its easier to make an appointment with an accredited practising dietitian to help you to design a plan thats best for starting a vegan diet for the first time.

Or attend a vegan support group and get some practical tips to help you through the process, said Ms McGrice.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

A vegan diet, if not done correctly, has potential for negative side effects.

Iron and B12 deficiency are a common, negative side effect if the nutrient requirements are not met according to Ms McGrice. The body cant make iron itself, so food is needed.

Having an annual blood test is a good idea to check your nutritional profile, Ms McGrice said.

The main cause for iron deficiency, according to Ms McGrice, can be caused by not eating enough iron rich foods. Some people, like children and teenagers, and pregnant women need more iron than others.

Vitamin B12 is needed to help the blood form and for the brain and nervous system to function properly.

The common symptoms of B12 deficiency include tiredness, light-headedness, rapid heart rate, easy bruising and bleeding, weight loss.

Originally posted here:

Vegan diet: One thing to know before converting to veganism - NEWS.com.au

These days, there's a lot of vegans out there.

And for every vegan, there's a vegan myth.

For years, there has been an abundance of misconceptions about the diet.

Everything from 'you'll be malnourished' to 'vegans will always tell you when they're a vegan' has been spouted from the mouths of those who enjoy basking in miseducation, or those who are simply naive.

So, as Oprah once posited: what is the truth?

Are all vegans really missing out on nutrients? Are supplements enough? Is being vegan simply too difficult and nobody should bother?

According to vegans - and non-vegans alike - the most common misconception is that somebody following a vegan diet simply cannot access all the vitamins and nutrients that we need to survive.

And although we absolutely don't need a professional to tell us this - just look at all of the entirely healthy vegans there are around us - we found one anyway.

Dietician Maeve Hanan from Orla Walsh Nutrition says that although documentaries like Netflix's Game Changers make it look like everybody needs an entire team around them to be a healthy fit vegan, it's really all about making sure that you've got balance in your diet.

"What you need is a good variety of plant based foods, especially lots of different types of plant based proteins so youre getting all of the essential ammonia acids that your body needs," she says.

Another really important thing is the supplements. Anybody living in Ireland should be considering taking vitamin D around this time of year anyway - we just dont get the sunshine here - so we should be taking about 10 mcg.

"Women of childbearing age should also be considering 400 mcg of folic acid supplement. Again, thats whether youre vegan or not. The most important ones to supplement for vegans are vitamin B12, iodine, and omega 3."

Bronwyn Slater, founder of information website The Irish Vegan, says that she finds much of the confusion around nutrients in a vegan diet comes from the assumption that vegans are missing out on all of the good stuff that meat-eaters aren't.

However, a lot of the time, this simply is not the case.

"In fact, a lot of meat eaters also need to take a B12 supplement because they don't get enough from their diet," she says.

"For meat eaters, B12 comes from animals who ingest the B12 directly from the soil. Because we wash all our vegetables nowadays we remove any soil that might contain B12, hence the need for supplementation.

Another myth about veganism is that anyone who follows the diet struggles to get enough protein when, in actual fact, most people in Ireland are already getting more than enough of the stuff.

"All plants contain some protein," says Bronwyn. "Foods that are high in protein include tofu (made from soya beans), seitan (made from wheat gluten), lentils, chickpeas, beans, soya milk, nuts, and many more."

But it's not just the science that people are misled on. There also seems to be a lot of confusion around the use of the words: 'plant based' and 'vegan.'

While the word 'vegan' means a diet that avoids the use of any animal products, 'plant based' (although sometimes used as a synonym), actually means something else entirely.

Dietician Maeve says that despite what a lot of people think, there is actually "no single definition of what a plant based diet is."

"Its this really broad spectrum of anything from someone having a few meat-free meals during the week to someone who is completely vegan," she says.

"I think the flexitarian approach, where you have lots of plants in the diet, is a really healthy way of living where you dont need to exclude food groups or put a strict label on it. That works for a lot of people."

And although the label might be strict, it's also incredibly common.

Walk into any supermarket in Ireland and you'll be sure to find a selection of products actively marked as vegan friendly.Following the diet is, contrary to what many people still believe, not half as difficult as it used to be.

Sam Pearson, owner of Vegan Sandwich Co, can attest to that. Having been a vegan for three years - and a chef of vegan food for almost as long - he knows first hand the incredible increase of varied vegan options over the past few years.

"You can walk into any restaurant and any shop and find a vegan option," he says.

"What Im doing and what other vegan businesses are doing is trying to make these options as delicious as their meat and dairy counterparts."

And what about the the, ahem, joke that 'vegans will always tell you when they're vegan'? Sam says that at his stall, it's actually the opposite.

"Youll know a meat eater at the stall because theyll tell you," he says."Theyre like: Im not vegan, just so you know but this food is nice."

You can read more of Her's in-depth look at veganism in Ireland here.

Go here to see the original:

Vegan myths: the most common misconceptions about the diet - Her.ie

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The recent Employment Tribunal case of Mr Jordi Casamitjana, which caused quite a stir in the media, focused on the Tribunals decision that ethical veganism was eligible to qualify as a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act 2010. In that case, Mr Casamitjana was dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct by his employer, the League Against Cruel Sports, where he was a policy adviser. More details on the case can be found in my colleague David Whincupsblog.

A little reported feature of the case was that the straw that broke the camels back (as it were) for the employee was that when he rejoined his companys employment, after a break of several years working on other causes, he was automatically enrolled in a defined contribution pension arrangement where the default fund, among other things, invested in companies which engaged in animal testing, contrary to his philosophical beliefs. Mr Casamitjana chose to invest his contributions in an alternative ethical fund but believed that his colleagues were unaware of the default funds investments. He decided to take matters into his own hands and publicised his views tohis fellow workers to encourage them to switch to one of the ethical funds offered. The employer concluded that he had failed to follow an instruction not to provide what could be construed as financial advice to his colleagues and he was dismissed. He subsequently challenged the grounds for his dismissal and the outcome of that part of the Employment Tribunals deliberations is still awaited.

The principle that workers should not be discriminated against for protected characteristics is familiar in other areas of pensions law, although most of the equality legislation focus in pensions concerns gender or sexuality issues. There has been relatively little case law in relation to religious or philosophical beliefs in the pensions context. However, a recentdeterminationby The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) addressed this point. The complaint was from a member of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund who argued that she would never have joined the Local Government Pension Scheme (into which she had been automatically enrolled) had she known that West Yorkshire invested its fund in part in equities, which the member argued was contrary to her religious beliefs (i.e. contrary to the principles of Sharia law). That member lost her case before TPO, who held that if a scheme member holdsstrong beliefs, it is up to the individual to make the necessary enquiries about a schemes investments (which is of course exactly what Mr Casamitjana did).

What do automatic enrolment regulations say about workers rights not to be discriminated against? Does it matter that the scheme is defined benefit or defined contribution, where there is a much clearer link between the member and the arrangements investments? The short and strict answer is, whether an employee is an ethical vegan or can demonstrate some other protected characteristic in relation to his/her beliefs, that the regulations are silent. Instead, the automatic enrolment regime focuses to a large extent on the requirements of the charge cap applying to the default fund of defined contribution qualifying schemes. In relation to defined benefit pensions, such as the Local Government Pension Scheme, the qualifying scheme test issue is remote from any considerations relating to equality legislation (and of course the charge cap is not relevant) as the test is driven by the accrual rate.

That is not to say that the law regards environmental, social and corporate governance issues as irrelevant. The chairs statement for automatic enrolment schemes requiresdisclosureof trustees policies on these matters, but it is not the case that members have the right not to be discriminated against in the event that an investment fund which is provided for them, whether the default fund or otherwise, is contrary to their religious or philosophical beliefs. The UK is not alone in grappling with such pensions issues the position under US automatic enrolment rules has recently been clarified (see ourblog).

It is tempting to think that Mr Casamitjanas complaint was merely an isolated incident. However, Extinction Rebellion appearances and other, more orderly activist groups, have gained access to Local Government Pension Scheme pensions meetings frequently in recent months. Furthermore, a TPOcasewhich was reported in August 2019 concerned a deferred pensioner of the Shell Contributory Pension Fund who complained about that schemes policy in relation to fossil fuels. The member in question was the beneficiary of financial support from ClientEarth. In that case, the claim concerned disclosure obligations, but TPO found that there were no grounds on which the member could complain that he had been given misleading or inadequate information about the schemes investments. Indeed, TPO found that the trustees and employer had gone above and beyond their strict legal duties. Of course, as a deferred member, the complainant could not opt out of the Shell scheme (although he could presumably have taken a transfer if he was so concerned about the issue).

These cases illustrate that, notwithstanding the inertia on which automatic enrolment rests, many members do care how their pension fund is invested. Whether members actually understand that, in either a trust based or a contract based arrangement, decisions have to be made collectively remains to be seen. However, the argument that the money in such a collective arrangement is not technically the members money but belongs to the trustees/the insurer is of little relevance to complainants. Trustees should note the potential strength of feelings behind member questions and complaints on scheme investments and should seek advice if they are unsure about disclosure obligations.

Originally posted here:
Should Veganism Feature on the UK Pensions Menu? - The National Law Review

Photograph courtesy of Tocaya Organica

Buzzworthy Brands is a weekly Restaurant Business feature highlighting innovative growth brands that operators should keep an eye on. A fresh Buzzworthy Brands profile will be published each Thursday.

The concept: Tocaya Organica

The details: A 17-unit fast casual that serves health-focused Mexican food, all of which start out as vegan.

The backstory: Tocaya Organica, which first opened in Southern California in 2016, is an offshoot of the full-service concept Toca Madera. As the founders noted demand for that fine-dining concept, they wanted to create a more affordable, limited-service variation. The original concept inspires Tocaya Organicas menu, although they feature quite different offerings. Tocayas most popular dishes are bowls and salads, all of which start out as vegan with meat and dairy add-ons available.

Why its worth watching: Breakwater Management invested $20.85 million in the two concepts in 2018, helping Tocaya Organica add seven units (with more planned) since then. As consumer interest in plant-based and flexitarian eating grows, the chain is well-suited to capture that demand. In August, the chain hired industry veteran Rudy Sugueti, a longtime California Pizza Kitchen executive, as chief operating officer to prepare the concept for growth.

Photograph courtesy ofTocaya Organica

Our entire menu starts out vegan. We do have nonvegan proteins and cheeses. But people who dont want to eat vegan have to opt in. Most vegans are used to going to restaurants that arent vegan and they have to subtract menu items. Its a reverse engineering of the menu.

I havent seen one comment or complaint from a vegan who had an issue with what were doing. We believe in veganism, but as a brand, we are flexitarian. Were realistic about the fact that were not trying to convince people to go vegan overnight. Theres a seat at the table for everyone.

Its healthier food that is also soulful. Guests dont feel like they have to make a sacrifice to eat healthy. Theres an emphasis on the overall experience. Most fast casuals are focused on how quickly they can get people out the door. Were the opposite. We want to restore the romanticism of hospitality without losing the speed of fast casual. There are touchpoints in the buildout, high-quality plates and bowls and smallwares. Gold forks. Nice furniture and lighting. An in-house music director curates the music.

Were trying to always figure out ways to bring that unique experience to the guests. On the catering side, we have beautiful packaging. In addition to that, we have these fun little touchpoints to reinforce the brand. A catering person would send you a Spotify playlist that features songs that are played in our restaurants.

Were working on supporting the environment through a number of different factors, including the Tocaya Life Foundation. We offer complimentary water to our guests. We had little plastic cups. Despite the fact there was some cost associated, weve started to make the transition to reusable water cups. Weve gotten a great response from our guests. Our guests really care about this stuff. People want to vote with their dollars.

See the original post here:
How a health-focused Mexican fast casual is making room for vegans and flexitarians alike - Restaurant Business Online

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic says his vegan diet is the secret to his success.

Djokovicwho is currently ranked the world No.2 best in mens singles tenniscomes from a family of food-lovers; his parents used to own a pizza restaurant in Kopaonik, Serbia. He still loves food and has even opened his own vegan restaurant, Eqvita, where he lives in Monte Carlo.

But for Djokovic, food isnt just gustatory pleasure. Its the key to his success. Because of my family, Ive always had a love for food,he explained.But as an athlete, it became something more.

[Food is] the fuel that determines how I play, how I recover, and how alert I am on the court, he added.I attribute a great deal of my professional success to my diet.

In a bid to convince others of the benefits of a plant-based diet, he joined the 2018 documentary The Game Changers as an executive producer. The filmwhich features a number of successful athletes including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lewis Hamiltonis all about debunking the myth that meat is a necessary form of protein.

According to Djokovic, he became involved with the film toward the end of the project, because he wasnt very vocal about being a plant-based athlete.

They heard that during Wimbledon last year when someone asked me in the press conference, he said. They wanted me to be a part of it.

I was definitely very happy to be a part of a very impressive group of people,he added.From sport, the movie industry, different fields of life, very successful people who are eating plant-based, being healthy, happy and successful in what they do. This is what it is all about.

Formula One driver Hamilton has also attributed his success to his vegan diet. He recently told GQ,ultimately, you want to feel great. You want to have energy, to be consistent, you dont want to have to the big oscillations and highs and lows in your energy levels. Veganism has eradicated that.

Summary

Article Name

Novak Djokovic Says a Vegan Diet Is the Secret to Great Tennis

Description

Vegan athlete Novak Djokovic attributes a great deal of his professional success on the tennis court to his plant-based diet.

Author

Charlotte Pointing

Publisher Name

LIVEKINDLY

Publisher Logo

Original post:
Novak Djokovic Says a Vegan Diet Is the Secret to Great Tennis - LIVEKINDLY

Jindilli, the name of milkadamia's macadamia farm that practices regenerative agriculture.

The agriculture sector is one of the biggest emitters of CO2. A2018 studypublished in Nature concluded that Americans need to eat 90% less beef and 60% less milk to keep global warming under 2 degrees Celsius.

But as awareness spreads around the benefits of a plant-based diet on the environment, a growing regenerative agriculture (RA) movement says livestock is actually integral to shaping farming practices that will save the planet.

The worlds soil has been degraded by humans via their management of animalsploughing, intense grazing and clear-cuttingand according to the United Nations, it will be completely degraded in the next 60 years. This is bad news for the quality of crops, and for carbon emissions, since soil captures carbon and prevents it from going into the environment.

In a separate report from 2017, also published in Nature, scientists note that increasing the carbon content of the world's soils by just a few parts per thousand each year could remove from the atmosphere the same amount of CO2 of the EU.

RA uses holistic farming and grazing techniques to improve soil health in order to rebuild and restore degraded soil, allowing it to sequester carbon and maintain biodiversity. For many, livestock is seen as integral to RAhelping with carbon sequestration, soil biodiversity, nutrient distribution and weed control. After all, there's a lot of land on earth that is grassland, which is not suitable for growing fruits or vegetables on it. Crucially, many believe animals should be allowed to graze in ways that mimic nature. Most of its proponents arent opposed to slaughter, so long as the animal has a good life.

While there is growing awareness of RA, it has some way to go before it becomes mainstream. But, beginning this year, food made from RA practices will have its own food label.

The Regenerative Organic certification will be applicable to foods made of organic agricultural ingredients, sourced from farms that practice pasture-based animal welfare and prioritize soil health, biodiversity, land management and carbon sequestration.

However, there are some doubts around the effectiveness of RA and whether it really can rebuild soil and help it store more carbon. There is evidence that RA can sequester significant amounts of carbon, however, some experts argue that to achieve anything close to the levels required to help mitigate climate change, wed need to see uptake across the entire agricultural sector. For small, family farmers, such a transition can be costly.

One significant barrier to mainstream uptake of RA is the growing appetite for eradicating animal agriculture altogether. Many vegans take issue with the idea that one can farm animals in a moral manner, without causing suffering, since slaughter is usually involved.

But as the RA movement grows, its becoming clear that it has more of a shared goal with plant-based proponents than meets the eye.

There is some crossover with RA and those who argue that soil quality can be maintainedand carbon loss minimizedwithout animal input. A growing group of farmers, for example, want to make farming vegan and organic; rather than depending on by-products such as cow manure or synthetic chemical fertilizers, they use naturally occurring plant matter as compost.

Also, not all vegan products are grown using RA practices. While they may be morally sound in the traditional sense, the practices used to grow them may be exacerbating the degradation of soil.

White Leaf Provisions, one of several companies that sources ingredients using regenerative ... [+] agriculture practices.

Some companies are working to combat this by combining veganism and agricultural practices that support soil. Plant-based drinks company milkadamia, for example, supplies the soil beneficial organic matter in the form of its own compost. From these soils comes more nutrient dense food, loaded with phytonutrients, natures own protective compounds, eliminating the need for chemical sprays. Milkadamia also keeps the soil protected with cover growth between their macadamia trees, and encourages the growth of native shrubs and trees around the property to ensure biodiversity. And biodynamic food company White Leaf Provisions ingredients are also regeneratively farmed, which means farmers use methods that maximize the health and vitality of their soil. So too are the plant-based hemp extracts found in RE Botanicals products, a company founded by John Roulac, a 20-year veteran in the superfood industry and founder of the organic brand NUTIVA.

However, some are skeptical that the same gains can be achieved without animal input, including manure and foraging. The UK's Soil Association argued in a report that grass-fed livestock has a critical role to play in minimizing agriculture's carbon emissions. Grassland for grazing livestock, it states, are important soil carbon stores.

On the other hand, a report citing 300 sources found that grazing doesnt cause a net reduction in greenhouse gases. Journalist George Monbiot argues in response to this report that farm land would be best used for rewildingthe practice of reintroducing species back into the wild.

Even if animals were required on farms for optimum carbon sequestration, this doesnt mean practices need to involve any animal slaughter. Some farms are using animals to mimic the herds that used to roam across the US to graze.

Scientists list ensuring crops are planted all year round, adding crop residues such as mulch, straw or compost, and minimizing tillage practices such as ploughing, as proven techniques. None of the above require the slaughter of animals. RA is in fact a broad term that includes many practices, such as tree planting, reducing fertilizers and increasing biodiversity.

It could be argued that allowing animals to roam isnt practical or easily scalableand giving land over to rewilding certainly isnt. But you could argue that farmers must find a way to do it, in the face of the planet heating up, and growing demand for the vegan diet.

Regardless, theres huge potential for proponents of RA and those against animal agriculture to come together and work out solutions. Yes, some vegans view any animal use as evil, that there is no gradation. And some farmers balk at vegans who want to end their way of life and live unnaturally. Ultimately, though, both agree that factory farmingthe way over 99% of animals are farmedmust end.

At the moment, RA is loosely defined and would benefit from having more clarity around its practices, especially as its exposed to consumers. But rather than staying divided for the sake of ideological differences, theres room to take the best of both worlds and work together to end factory farming while rebuilding soil. Our ability to grow food for vegans and non-vegans may very well depend on it. After all, there is no life without healthy soil, regardless of how animals are treated.

See the original post here:
Can Vegans And Ranchers Work Together To Rebuild The Worlds Soil? - Forbes

LONDON A British court ruled on Friday that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief that should be protected against workplace discrimination, in a landmark decision sought by a vegan who claimed he had been unfairly dismissed from his job because of it.

The complainant, Jordi Casamitjana, argued that his employer, the League Against Cruel Sports, fired him after he raised concerns about his pension fund investing in companies involved in animal testing.

In addition to not eating animal products, ethical vegans reject all forms of animal exploitation, and usually refuse to wear wool or leather, or to use products tested on animals.

On Friday, judge Robin Postle at the employment tribunal in Norwich, in eastern England, ruled that ethical veganism qualifies under Britains Equality Act as a philosophical belief and that those embracing it are entitled to similar protection as those who hold religious beliefs.

Under the Equality Act, which was passed in 2010, individuals practicing a religion or holding other belief systems are protected from discrimination in the workplace, if those beliefs are compatible with human dignity and dont conflict with the fundamental rights of others.

Judge Postles ruling didnt determine whether Mr. Casamitjana was dismissed because of his veganism. The tribunal is expected to address that issue in a hearing scheduled for late February.

The League Against Cruel Sports is an animal welfare charity that opposes hunting, fighting and bird shooting. Mr. Casamitjana, 55, is a zoologist specializing in animal behavior who worked as an investigator for the league. He documented cases of violations of the Hunting Act, which in 2004 banned hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales.

A lawyer representing the league, Rhys Wyborn, called the ruling an interesting point of law, but said the league maintained that Mr. Casamitjana was dismissed due to his misconduct and not to the belief he holds.

Mr. Casamitjanas lawyer, Peter Daly, said on Friday that the ruling could lead to more employee protection in the workplace, or in education.

Other experts went further. Following this decision, employers need to be alert to the risk of discriminating against people who hold beliefs that traditionally might not have been considered to be protected under employment law, said Hayley Trovato, a legal expert at OGR Stock Denton Solicitors. Besides veganism, Ms. Trovato added, such beliefs could include pacifism.

A growing number of people have become vegetarian or vegan in recent years, citing dietary, environmental and ethical reasons. Those citing ethical reasons argue that humans shouldnt exploit or eat animals but rather protect them.

Mr. Casamitjana worked for the league from 2004 to 2007 and later became a freelance consultant for various animal welfare organizations. He worked again for the league as its head of policy and research from 2016 until his dismissal in 2018.

Tribunal documents show that as Mr. Casamitjana sought to stop his pension contributions, he was told that the league was reviewing the pension provider and the issue. He argued that he was fired after he informed his colleagues about his concerns.

Ethical Veganism dictates all of my choices from the products and services that I consume, my interactions with the world, the way that I use my time and my employment, he said in a statement given to the tribunal.

Hopefully, from my dismissal, something positive will come by ensuring other ethical vegans are better protected in the future, he said in a statement after the ruling was made public.

Read the rest here:
Ethical Veganism Is a Philosophical Belief, British Court Rules - The New York Times

In a new Global Vegan Index by travel agency Hotelfollower, Asian destinations took the top spots for vegans who wish to explore the world. The top 3 countries in the ranking include Thailand, South Korea and Taiwan, while Malaysia and Vietnam made the top 10 travel destinations in the index. As veganism continues on its mainstream journey, more places in Asia are clearly gearing up to provide ample vegan-friendly dining choices for travelers, from dishes that are inspired by Asias long-standing history and culture of vegetarian cuisine to new culinary inventions using innovative products made by a host of plant-based startups.

Analysing several factors such as the number of vegan restaurants, popularity of veganism amongst citizens and annual meat and dairy consumption, a study by Hotel Follower has created a Global Vegan Index. The index ranks global destinations in terms of how vegan-friendly they are to plant-based travelers, and Asian countries nabbed the top 3 spots on the list: Thailand came first, followed by South Korea and then Taiwan. The goal of Hotelfollowers index is to help vegan travelers choose the most accommodating travel destinations in the world, and inform globetrotters about which countries are surprisingly vegan-friendly.

Read: Eco-tourism guide 10 ways to be a responsible traveler

While it might come to a surprise for some people that Thailand took first place in the index, the country fares well on low milk and egg consumption, high animal welfare and incredible choice of 334 completely plant-based restaurants for herbivores to choose from. South Korea, which came in second place, scored highly on animal welfare practices with the local Animal Protection Act, which stipulates that there is a duty of care for animals and that animal cruelty is punishable with imprisonment.

In addition to these three, half of the top 10 countries for vegan travelers can be found in Asia, with Malaysia and Vietnam ranking 5th and 8th respectively. All 5 Asian countries listed scored particularly high for low milk and egg consumption and the number of vegan restaurants on offer. According to the researchers, this result could be linked to the fact that Asian diets rarely contain dairy foods such as milk and cheese, especially because according to some estimates, up to 90% of the continents population are considered lactose intolerant.

Read: Lonely Planet publishes new guidebook for vegan travelers

Another reason underpinning the many vegan-friendly rankings for Asian countries is the regions history and embedded culture of consuming traditional vegetarian food. Many followers of Asian religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, are committed to vegetarian diets, primarily due to animal welfare and ethical reasons. Buddhism and Taoism in China and East Asia in particular, traditionally requires monks and nuns to eat an egg and allium-free vegetarian diet, which in practice is similar to an all-vegan diet since dairy did not become a part of the Chinese diet until modern times. Like strict Taoists and Buddhists, Jainism, which originated in the Indian subcontinent, requires adherents to follow a meat, fish and egg-free diet, which is also similar to a 100% plant-based diet, though some do consume dairy products.

Veganism has also grown in popularity and become more widely available in Asia thanks to heightened global attention towards environmental issues in recent years. Most recently, a study conducted by the University of Bath found that the majority of public opinion supports veganism as ethical and good for the environment. To attract the growing numbers of flexitarian and plant-based diners local and foreign travellers alike restaurants across Asia have been racing to add in vegan-friendly options to their menus using the most innovative plant-based meat substitutes. Impossible Foods, for instance, have had seen great success from launching products across Asia, experiencing a five-fold increase in sales in the region alone and receiving huge funding from major names like Hong Kongs tycoon Li Ka-shings Horizon Ventures.

Want to know where the best vegan eats in Asia are? Check out Green Queens Vegan Travel Guides!

Lead image courtesy of Food Wine Travel.

See the article here:
Top 3 Vegan-Friendly Travel Destinations In The World Are Here In Asia - Green Queen Media

Starbucks has never shied away from giving the people what they want. Take the past couple of years when veganism skyrocketed for example: The coffee giant didnt hesitate to bulk up their menu with a handful of vegan items, from a lentils and veggie protein bowl with brown rice and strawberry and toasted almonds overnight grains, to their many vegan-friendly baked goods, like their vegan macadamia oat cookie, and their cauliflower tabbouleh side salad, which they tested at their Chicago- and Seattle-area stores earlier this year. And the new vegan items will reportedly continue to roll out at Starbucks but theres a catch, of course.

According to Instagram user @vegan_food_uk, Starbucks will reportedly launch two new items to its UK stores, specifically. These items include Smoky Jackfruit & Grains, a bowl filled to the brim with pulled smoky BBQ jackfruit, smoky grain mix, and spiced red pepper sauce, and topped with vegan smoked cheese; and a Vegan Chocolate and Raspberry Mini Loaf Cake, a mini vegan chocolate loaf cake injected with raspberry jam and topped with pink icing and dried raspberry pieces, the product description states.

We believe this may launch for #Veganuary or sooner, along with some other bits, @vegan_food_uk wrote in the caption. They also report that Starbucks will launch its new Vegan Chocolate and Coconut Overnight Oats at UK stores soon stores that already have hearty vegan options on the menu, including dairy-free mac n cheese, a BBQ vegan wrap with jackfruit and coleslaw, and a tofu breakfast burrito.

No word on if or when Starbucks will launch these new vegan menu items at U.S. stores, but we wouldnt be surprised if they didnt at least revamp its vegan food menu sometime next year. In the meantime, you have the next five days to head to one of Starbucks 1,000 Pop-Up Parties, where you can pick up a free espresso drink. Thats right, free post-Christmas caffeine: the greatest gift of them all.

See the article here:

Starbucks to Add New Vegan Items to Its Menu, But Theres a Catch - SheKnows

Vegans, vegetarians and the vegan-curious alike gathered for Miami VegFest 2020 at University of Miamis Lakeside Patio on Saturday, Feb. 22.

VegFest, short for Vegan Festival, is an annual event focusing on educating the public on the benefits of eating a plant-based diet.

This year marked the first ever VegFest held in Miami, with roughly 1,500 attendees and 21 vendors selling vegan-friendly food, beauty and fashion products.

The event also welcomed 10 guest speakers, including three medical professionals, who gave presentations surrounding plant-based eating and vegan activism.

Mike Young, a Florida, native, organized the event as part of his non-profit organization, aPlantBasedDiet.org. The organization, headquartered 60 miles north of Orlando, Florida, focuses on educating the general public about veganism through vegan-centered events.

Vendors sell plant-based food and beauty products on UM's Lakeside Patio for VegFest 2020. Photo credit: Essien Duke

Since its founding in 2014, Young has spent most of his time planning annual vegan events across the nation. He is also the founder of SWFL VegFest, which hosts VegFest events in the southwestern region of Florida.

When we started planning all of this 6 years ago, there were hardly any people who were interested in this lifestyle, Young said. Ideally, the goal is to show people that the plant-based lifestyle is fun and doable.

Young hopes to plan another VegFest at UM in hopes of getting more Miami locals involved in the initiative.

We want to get that spark going in people. We want to reach out to everyone, not just preach to the choir who are already into this, he said. As long as people look at this with an open mind, the more they may realize that this is the direction theyre meant to go towards.

Part of Youngs vision for VegFest is to invite prominent researchers, medical professionals and people who have made a significant impact in the vegan community, to speak at the events.

Dr. Michael Klaper a physician trained in surgery, anesthesiology and orthopedics was one of them, invited to Miami VegFest 2020 as the Keynote speaker.

According to Young, Klaper, 72, is a prominent figure in the vegan community and has been invited to speak about veganism at worldwide events.

At Saturdays event, Klaper presented about the benefits of a plant-based diet and gave advice for people who want to improve the status of their health.

Klaper, a vegan of 39 years, decided to switch his lifestyle after being impacted by what he saw while observing a surgery.

Dr. Michael Klaper a physician and vegan advocate prepares to speak at VegFest 2020 as the Keynote speaker. Photo credit: Essien Duke

One day Im in the operating room, watching the surgeon remove a slithery piece of fat from the persons artery, he said. And I thought, That looks an awful lot like chicken fat.

Klaper also reflected on person experiences, citing them something else that shaped his views on eating animal products.

My dad died of clogged arteries, he said. I knew I was going to end up that way unless I made a change.

According to Klaper, he has not faced significant backlash from the medical community for advocating for a vegan diet. However, he does emphasize the importance of spreading truthful information to his medical students and patients.

Its unethical to withhold information that can drastically change peoples health for the better, he said. Im the happiest doctor I know, because my patients get healthy!

Klaper challenges UM students to make small changes in their nutrition and to advocate for introducing more vegan foods in the dining halls.

Going vegan changes everything for your body, changes everything for the animals, changes everything for the future, he said. Stop doing things that hurt you, and make a move towards health.

Here is the original post:
VegFest 2020 brings vegan education to UM campus - The Miami Hurricane

Thevegan cheese marketis expected to continue its steady growth on account of the growing trend of veganism, coupled with the increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits associated with cholesterol-free vegan cheese consumption. The global vegan cheese market is projected to register 8.6% CAGR during the forecast period 2018-2028, owing to the myriad factors mentioned in the PMR report.

Individuals with a fondness for cheese have shown a reluctance towards veganism, however the growing awareness about the different vegan cheese options and variants available in the market has altered the scenario completely. As veganism has already gone mainstream, and consumers inclination towards cheese is showing no signs of waning, vegan cheese companies have focused on introducing plant-based cheese substitutes, including cream cheese, parmesan, cheddar, ricotta, to name a few. Leading vegan cheese companies are focusing on introducing cost-effective vegan cheese variants to appeal to a wider, cost-sensitive demographic.

Request for Sample Report:https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/27580

PMR report opines that vegan cheese market has witnessed collective growth in the recent years. It is likely to accelerate further in the forthcoming years, on the back of the growing awareness about the lactose-intolerant conditions, in tandem with a significant shift in eating patterns. The report finds that globally, roughly 75% of the population is lactose intolerant, and suggests that the growing awareness about the potential health impact of dairy products will prompt consumers to shift to plant-based milk products, including vegan cheese, among many other dairy substitutes.

According to the study, the growing animal welfare and environmental concerns associated with dairy product consumption are gravitating consumers towards vegan cheese products. The transition to vegan cheese will further solidify, owing to numerous factors, including growing demand for eco-friendly, animal-free sources of protein, and raising concerns about allergens, antibiotic, and hormone use. Many leading food chains, such as Dominos Pizza, McDonalds have listed vegan food products on their menu to tap the expanding vegan population. The report opines convenience stores as the most common and imperative sales channel for vegan cheese customers, with leading grocery chains such as Aldi and Walmart, offering many exotic plant-based cheeses on shelves.

Request for methodology:https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/27580

To capitalize on the growing trend for veganism, vegan cheese companies are introducing novel forms of vegan cheese to move ahead of the increasingly competitive vegan cheese market. With the existing players taking efforts to produce vegan cheese variants with an added nutritional value, the global vegan cheese market is anticipated to witness tremendous changes during the forecast period.

The growing consumption of plant-based products in North America has made the region lucrative for the vegan cheese companies; 200 companies have already entered into the market in the recent three years. Meanwhile, the study opines that vegan cheese consumption accounts for roughly 4-5% of plant-based food consumption globally, with Western Europe and North America being the most lucrative and matured markets, owing to the preference for ready-to-eat snacks.

Read more from the original source:
Vegan Cheese Market New Innovations, Research and Growth Factor till 2028 - Lake Shore Gazette

Casamitjana v The League Against Cruel Sports ET3331129/2018

Facts

Mr Casamitjana was an ethical vegan so he followed a vegan diet and opposed the use of animals for any purpose. His former employer, The League Against Cruel Sports, was an animal welfare charity that campaigned against sports such as hunting and coursing. Mr Casamitjana was employed as a researcher. He concluded that his employer's pension funds were invested unethically and took steps to ensure his contributions were invested in an ethical fund. He suspected his colleagues were unaware of the nature of the investments and would be similarly offended. He therefore sent a number of emails to colleagues. He was dismissed for gross misconduct, as he had given financial advice to colleagues in breach of an express and repeated instruction not to do so. He brought claims for indirect discrimination, direct discrimination, harassment and victimisation by reference to his belief in ethical veganism. In order to succeed, Mr Casamitjana had to convince the employment tribunal that his ethical veganism was a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. A preliminary hearing was held to consider this issue.

Decision

The employment tribunal judge held that ethical veganism constituted a philosophical belief and was therefore protected by the Equality Act. The judge applied the test set out in Grainger v Nicholson and decided that the belief was genuinely held, it was a belief as to a weighty and substantial aspect of human life and behaviour, it attained a certain level of cogency, seriousness, cohesion and importance, it was worthy of respect in a democratic society, it was not incompatible with human dignity and it did not conflict with the fundamental rights of others.

This decision has attracted a huge amount of interest but its implications are limited because it is not binding and Mr Casamitjana is a very committed vegan; other vegans would have to prove their belief qualified for the same protection, which is unlikely to happen in the case of those who are health vegans rather than ethical vegans. There is a merits hearing next month to decide whether Mr Casamitjana was dismissed because of his veganism.

See original here:
What's the difference between a vegan and an ethical vegan? - Lexology

KARIM SAHIBGetty Images

The previous school of thought: In order to get big and strong, you need to eat meat, and lots of it. But now, tons of vegan and plant-based athletes are proving everyone wrong. In fact, recent research from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that vegan athletes get the benefit of a higher intake of carbohydrates, fiber, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and other micronutrients than omnivores. And all of that can contribute to prime performance, whether they're lifting weights or running miles.

So yeah, you can totally stick to that veggie-centric life and crush those PRs. Need more proof? Check out some badass vegan athletes who are showing the world that strong bodies arent only made at a steakhouse.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

1Alex Morgan

2019 FIFA Women's World Cup champ Alex Morgan fuels her soccer game with a vegan diet. "It makes me stronger and helps with fatigue and recovery, Alex told USA Today in an interview. And during the World Cup, she shared the U.S. Women's National Team chef prepared special vegan meals for the athlete.

"I never thought it was possible I could be playing at an elite level as a professional athlete with a plant-based diet," she said. "Then I realized it wasnt detrimental at all."

2Tia Blanco

This World Surfing Games champion has been riding the vegan wave for the last seven years, after having maintained a vegetarian diet from birth. On her YouTube channel, she shared that she starts her day with refreshing lemon water and a vegan smoothie made with in-season, fruits, leafy greens, and sources of healthy fats like hemp seeds.

But its not always smooth sailing. She told Great Vegan Athletes that traveling makes it particularly difficult to stick to a raw vegan diet, so she ends up opting for lots of pasta, brown rice, and bread on the road. Hey, nothing wrong with a little carbo-loading before a major event.

3Meagan Duhamel

Meat wasnt behind the metals for this two-time figure skating world champion and Olympic gold medalist. After reading a book about veganism at an airport bookstore, Meagan told CBC she immediately cleaned out her fridge of meat products and made the switch to a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Since switching to veganism, she's noticed major boosts in her energy levels and athletic performance on the ice.

4Steph Davis

Its always been difficult for this world-class rock climber to reconcile her love of animals and simultaneously consume them. So in 2002, Steph shared on her blog that she cut out animal products to stop funding an industry that holds animals captive in wretched living conditions [while being] killed violently. The vegan athlete adds that while fighting animal cruelty is her main goal, if I climb better and feel better on top of it, all the better.

5Venus Williams

When the former Grand Slam and Olympic tennis champion was diagnosed with autoimmune disease Sjorgen syndrome in 2011, she looked to a raw vegan diet to help her get back on the court in full swing. But more recently, Venus told Insider that she's added a few non-raw items back into her diet, like rice, potatoes, and lentils to sustain her training.

6Molly Cameron

The only trans athlete to compete in the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup, Molly's success as a pro bike racer is due in part to her vegan diet. She told Viva La Vegan that she cut out meat accidentally in 1999 because she didnt like the taste. But what motivated her to adopt a stricter vegan diet were the positive effects on the environment and her improved athletic performance. Eating organic and whole food keeps my energy level and mental focus consistent," Molly told Organic Athlete. "It is the logical step when living a super active and conscious lifestyle.

7Hannah Teter

After watching the documentary Earthlings, this animal-loving Olympic-snowboarding gold champion became a vegan athlete. But after taking a closer look at how factory farms treat animals, she decided to cut out animal byproducts entirely. My plant-based diet has opened up more doors to being an athlete," Hannah said in an interview with HuffPost. "Its a whole other level that Im elevating to. I stopped eating animals about a year ago, and its a new life. I feel like a new person, a new athlete.

8Jahina Malik

Bodybuilder Jahina is known for a lot more than her impressive lineup of titles like NPC Eastern USA Bodybuiding Champion and IFBB Pro Physique Pro Card holder. As the first ever vegan bodybuilder since birth, she told Meat Free Athlete that she considers veganism a lifestyle, and not a diet. Plant-based foods like couscous, vegan chicken, and tofu help her recover from tough workouts. When asked about the advantages of being a vegan athlete, she told Plant Built: For me, its breaking all the stereotypes and barriers that vegans cant bodybuild.

9Morgan Mitchell

Runners are notoriously focused on upping their carb intake to promote strength and endurance on the road or track, but this Olympic sprinter takes pride in finding wholesome protein-rich, plant-based foods to fuel her incredible feats of athleticism. Perhaps its no coincidence that she won her first Olympic medal two years after swearing off meat and its byproducts. I recover a lot quicker than I used to, the vegan athlete told Live Kindly. Its easier to keep my weight down and I havent been sick at all.

10Pat Neshek

Baseball isnt all hot dogs and cheese fries. For free agent pitcher Pat, its about optimizing performance as a vegan athlete, he told the Star Tribune. While his teammates have teased him for his plant-based food choices, he takes solace in knowing his game has improved since first going vegan after reading The China Study. Hey, at least sunflower seeds are vegan-approved.

11Patrik Baboumian

You might equate a vegan diet with scrawny, sinewy muscles, but strongman Patrik is anything but that at five foot seven and 256 pounds. After earning the title of Germanys Strongest Man in 2011, he went vegan shortly thereafter, according to Barbend. On his YouTube channel, he shared what a typical day of eating looks like: vegan sausage, falafel, oven fries, tofu, and smoothies, clocking in at over 5,000 calories and 400 grams of protein.

12Colin Kaepernick

Football fans know and love Colin for his boundless skill and agility as a quarterback and former San Francisco 49er, as well as his political activism advocating for racial equality in America. Its thus little surprise that Kaepernicks compassion extends towards animals as well, and he sticks to a vegan diet. [LET'S CITE WHERE THIS LINK IS GOING TO]

13Sarah Stewart

Superstar Sarah won three Australian championships, placed in the All-Star Five for five years, and won three Paralympic gamesand she credits her success to a vegan diet, which she adopted in her late teens. I think being vegan makes me healthier," she told Great Vegan Athletes. "I certainly believe that vegetable carbs and protein along with all their nutrients build better, cleaner bodies, including muscles, without all the bad-for-you animal fats. And trying to avoid causing pain and suffering along the way is a great thing too.

14Abel Trujillo

Having recently competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship as a mixed martial artist, Abel, also known as Killa, has a gentler side fans dont often see on camera. He told Raise Vegan that he wanted to make veganism a part of his life after taking up Kundalini yoga. Energetically, this type of yoga is a sacred science of becoming in your higher-self, so your diet must be pure and clean, he said in an interview. This is why all the holiest people on the planet [] dont eat meat. He looks to foods like fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts to heal and purify the body.

15Madi Serpico

Professional triathlete Madi Serpico is all about life as a vegan athlete. "I did some research and watched Forks [O]ver Knives and Earthlings and decided that I didnt want any part of animal cruelty, not to mention putting poison in my body, she told Viva.

16Ruth Heidrich

After being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in her forties, Ruth switched to a vegan diet, according to her website. Two years later, she became the first vegan athlete to run the Kona Ironman Triathlon. Now, at 83 years old, she's competed in over 900 races, including five more Ironman Triathlonsproving a vegan lifestyle can fuel incredible athletic feats, at any age.

17Rocky Luedeker

Sure, age is just a number, but 63-year-old Leudeker wouldnt have been able to break 14 powerlifting world records and 33 state and national records without the help of the vegan diet she adopted 16 years ago. I eat a variety of foods with various grains, beans, vegetables, tofu and a bowl of fruit for dessert, she told Vegan Health and Fitness magazine. "The morning of a competition, I eat a bowl of oatmeal with peanut butter mixed in, and a glass of grapefruit or orange juice. The only supplement that I take is turmeric. I do not use protein powder or take B12 or any other supplement.

18Dana Glowacka

Dana Glowacka holds the women's world record for the longest plank. (FYI: It's 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 55 seconds, according to Guinness World Records.) To make it even more impressive, Dana is a vegan athlete. "Vegan diets are the best to prepare for endurance and recoveryI am absolutely convinced!" she wrote on Instagram.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Excerpt from:
18 Vegan Athletes Who Swear By Their Plant-Based Diets - Women's Health

The guidance is needed tbh

Whether its for inspiration to try a plant-based diet this Veganuary, or just for some fresh ideas for you long-term vegans. These are the vegan Instagram accounts you should be following.

To start with the obvious, the Veganuary Instagram account has all you need. From recipes, to links to vegan blogs, to information about plant-based food on the high-street, to quotes from various vegan celebs, you will find it all here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ljCjagLfR

Worried that a vegan diet might affect your time at the gym? Patrik Baboumian, star of the 2018 documentary The Game Changers, proves that you can be vegan and strong af. Patriks insta consists of workout videos, vegan memes and posts dealing with misconceptions about supplements.

Cute pet pics can also be found here just for some extra motivation.

This account run by co-founders Roxy Pope and Ben Pook has a range of yummy vegan recipes linked in their bio to try out, including smoked salmon using carrots and baked chocolate doughnuts.

This is the king of vegan Instagram accounts. Not only does it let you know all the delicious food you can eat across various supermarkets, but it separates some of the shops into individual saved stories too! It makes it super easy to look through a collection of vegan foods available at your supermarket of choice! Trust me, youll be surprised at what you can eat.

Sometimes the hardest bit about switching to veganism is avoiding beauty products that aren't obvious by-products of animals.

You dont think about your make-up or toiletries not being vegan but Veganbeautygirl, an account run by 12-year vegan Nicole Whittle, is a super helpful insight into vegan health and beauty. The account shows suitable products that range from deodorant to hair dye. For those interested in the environmental side of veganism, plastic free and biodegradable products are also tested by Nicole.

Run by Cardiff-based chef Gaz Oakley, this account is filled with incredible vegan recipes including chocolate milkshakes, a vegan brekkie and his iconic purple soup. Gaz even collaborated with Wagamamas in 2018 and create the dish avant-gardn (super delicious btw). This is definitely the account to visit when you're feeling like you've been eating the same chilli recipe for a month. We've all been there.

So sit back, take your B12, and let these vegan Instagram accounts do all the hard work for you.

Want to break stories like this? Join The Cardiff Tab now! Get in touch via DM @thetabcardiff or The Cardiff Tab on Facebook.

Is Fam Fish curry sauce vegan? We found out so you dont have to.

Here are the best places to eat and dine out as a vegan in Cardiff

Veganuary: Your guide to vegan beauty on a student budget

The rest is here:
These are the best vegan Instagrams that you NEED to be following - The Tab

Environment January 21, 2020 Benjamin Selwyn

Veganuary 2020 in the UK is set to be the biggest ever. Last year over 250,000 people pledged to go vegan in January; this year the numbers are greater still. In the backdrop, more than 800,000 people gave up eating animal products in the UK last year, and ever greater numbers of the population around 6 per cent or 3.5 million people identify themselves as vegan.

This dietary shift reflects an increasingly popular awareness of the need for food systems that enhance human health and animal welfare, without destroying the planet. It is particularly popular among young people who are more likely than their older counterparts to be politically active and concerned about the global climate crisis.

While veganism is often portrayed in the mainstream media as another dietary fad, the reality is that it embodies two distinct approaches to our place in the world.

On the one hand, it is big business as exemplified by Burger Kings vegan rebel whopper and the rapid expansion of plant-based products across the retail sector. Consumerist veganism appeals to individualism and a faith in the power of capitalist markets. From this perspective, if enough people switch from meat to plant-based diets, then market mechanisms will generate environmentally friendly outcomes.

On the other hand, more radical vegan politics are hitting the headlines. Witness the employment tribunal victory by Jordi Casamitjana, sacked from the League Against Cruel Sports after revealing that the company had investments in pension funds involving animal testing.

Casamitjana argued that he was discriminated against in the workplace because of his ethical vegan beliefs. Like dietary vegans he eats a plant-based diet. However, as an ethical vegan, he also tries to avoid contact with any products derived from, or causing, animal exploitation. The tribunal judged that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief protected by law against discrimination.

Witness too, the mass petition calling on the Vegan Society to list palm oil as a non-vegan product. According to Greenpeace palm oil production has destroyed an area of rainforest almost twice the size of Singapore over the last three years, pushing orangutans and other species toward extinction.

Palm oil production is perhaps the most visible aspect of how even non-meat production has a devastating effect on animals.

Agro-industrial farming monocrop production based upon the heavy use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers is wiping out insect populations on a historically unprecedented scale. This in turn impacts upon wider food webs, contributing to plummeting bird numbers.

What Casamitjanas court case and the anti-palm oil petition have in common is a political notion of veganism. The former points to the need to protect vegan ethics by limiting the power of firms to hire and fire. The latter implies that a vegan society requires regulating the market forces involved in the production and consumption of food and other products.

The Vegan Society, founded in 1944 in the UK, aimed to establish a philosophy and way of living which excluded as far as possible all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals. Early vegans promoted the philosophy as a way of life concerned with living without hurting others which avoids exploitation whether it be of our fellow men, the animal population, or the soil upon which we all rely for our very existence.

An ideological gulf separates mainstream consumer veganism, which has nothing to say about the exploitation of our fellow men, and ethical veganisms more political foundations. In many ways the former contradicts and potentially undermines the latter.

The impacts upon the global food system of increased consumer-driven veganism will be similar to earlier processes of market enlargement land grabbing, environmental depletion, and labour exploitation. Such dynamics are epitomised by the current avocado boom, where rising consumer demand for the trendy fruit is accelerating deforestation and soil contamination in Mexico and Chile.

While consumer-driven dietary veganism contributes to continued market expansion, ethical veganism highlights how the construction of a more just world necessitates restricting the operation of capitalist markets.

Labour exploitation through poverty wages underpin many agricultural systems. In the USA for example, around one-third of farmworkers, many of whom are migrant workers without full legal rights, earn incomes below the national poverty line. Forced labour is commonplace across the southern European fruit and vegetable sector, which supplies many UK supermarkets.

The adoption of meat-free product lines by fast food chains such as Burger King is driven by the quest to maximise profits, rather than animal welfare. Such strategies aim to attract new customers to purchase a mix of original and more established products. As Jos Cil, the CEO of Burger Kings parent company, noted, Were not seeing guests swap the original Whopper for the Impossible Whopper. Were seeing that its attracting new guests.

The overall impact is to strengthen, rather than fundamentally alter, the existing business model. In the case of the fast food sector, this means continuing sales of meat-based products.

Ethical veganism contains notable anti-market philosophical foundations. It points to a more holistic understanding of the world, rooted in an aversion to exploitation. In the current context, it has much in common with overt political protests, such as the youth climate strikes, and Extinction Rebellion.

The production and consumption of healthy, environmentally sustainable food free from animal and human exploitation, requires more than shifts in diet, however widespread. It necessitates nothing less than a fundamental transformation in the way humans relate to each other and interact with nature.

While consumer-driven dietary veganism contributes to continued market expansion, ethical veganism highlights how the construction of a more just world necessitates restricting the operation of capitalist markets. These two souls of veganism are antagonistic: veganisms consumer variant promises to undermine the objectives of ethical veganism.

As much of the excitement about Veganuary reflects big food corporations hopes of new profit opportunities, veganisms ethical, political potential, is becoming more visible. If it blossoms and begins to influence how we think about the policies necessary to enhance the welfare of humans, animals and the natural world, then big changes could be afoot.

This article first published on the Le Monde diplomatique website.

Benjamin Selwyn is Professor of International Relations and International Development, University of Sussex, UK. He is author of The Struggle for Development, and forthcoming Green Food, Green Planet.

Read the rest here:
The Two Souls of Veganism - The Bullet - Socialist Project

One of the biggest criticisms in the increasingly polarized vegans versus meat debate is the impact and provenance of some meat or dairy alternatives.

How can a lifestyle built on ethics and morals justify swapping locally-sourced sustainable meat for processed food that might contain soy from rainforest areas, palm oil, and other problematic ingredients? So the argument goes.

A lot of the hype has focused on the huge raft of new vegan products often processed food made to replicate meat using a variety of extracted ingredients. But not all vegans choose to base their diet on such products.

Maresa Bossano, a vegan of 27 years who runs the Love Food social platforms for ethical vegans, says: In terms of vegan food, I eat nearly 100 per cent organic and I buy local fruit and vegetables direct from farmers whenever possible. I also try to buy UK-grown produce for other foods like grains, pulses, nuts, etc. although this is harder, as we don't produce a lot in this country.

Of course, I eat imported foods, but I try to mainly get European-grown fruit when it's in season. I do eat things like pineapples and avocados but consider them a luxury not something I eat every day. What I would never do is buy blackberries grown in Mexico in a plastic punnet. I believe in eating seasonally and the rest of time doing without.

Many vegan foods imitate meat using a range of different ingredients.

Bossano says she isnt against meat alternatives per se but would never eat something that is ultra-processed and has lot of ingredients that I don't recognise.

In terms of its environmental impact, buying highly processed, over packaged foods using ingredients like palm oil or GM soya is causing a lot of damage to wildlife and wiping out species like orangutans, she says.

There is an assumption, leading to accusations of hypocrisy, that vegans should care about all aspects of sustainability, but that isnt actually part of the core veganism principles.

From a vegan perspective, the only ethics this lifestyle is concerned with is animal rights, says Dominika Piasecka of The Vegan Society.

While many vegans of course extend these to include planetary and human health, at its core veganism is simply about avoiding the use and abuse of non-human animals.

And while sustainability and veganism are closely related, they are separate issues, she says, adding that a plant based diet in itself has been shown time and time again to be the best off-the-shelf diet for our planet.

Its a point that inevitably does spark discussion, as many of the plant-based ingredients in a vegan diet, soya being the obvious example, arguably do have an impact on animal welfare via habitat loss in producer countries, as well as other environmental impacts.

Fruit, veg and pulses can be used as protein alternatives in nutritious meals.

Personally, I think all vegans (and non vegans) should be concerned about sustainability, as anything that harms the environment is inevitably harming wild animals, says Bossano.

Industrial agriculture is responsible for destroying the habitats that wild animals rely on to survive, both in tropical rainforests and in the UK.

It also relies on chemical pesticides and fertilisers which are damaging to insects, birds and other wildlife and which can pollute aquatic habitats. Whereas small scale organic farming enhances wildlife by providing food and homes for butterflies, birds and bees, and building soil fertility.

While leading scientists behind the IPCC report on climate recommended reducing intake of intensively-produced meat as part of a balanced, sustainable diet, the picture about simply switching to plants regardless of impact is more nuanced.

Food miles, fairly traded food, GM ingredients, pesticide use and transparency are all relevant and vital in a wider discussion about food sustainability: the difference being, according to The Vegan Society, veganism is not aiming to solve the whole picture.

Veganism isnt concerned with these issues. While they are of course very important, they are the extra step people can take after becoming vegan, says Piasecka. Our first priority when working with new vegans is that they understand the ethical reasons behind this lifestyle choice and that they are aware how to balance their diet properly.

For Bob Andrew, development chef at organic veg box company Riverford, the mainstream interest in veganism risks continuing the trend for convenience food, to the detriment of scratch cooking with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Black garlic works as a vegan stock cube.

The rush to fill the shelves with new vegan products is in danger of repeating the worst aspects of the wider convenience food market, by touting an equally unbalanced diet replacing one high protein, high fat, and high salt product with another, often with a lack of transparency over ingredients and potentially higher air miles, he says.

It is all about balance. Use it as a chance to bring a wider variety of veg into your diet and try cooking with more legumes, pulses and nuts to provide protein. If you do buy processed foods, remember, the fewer and more recognisable ingredients the better.

Andrew sees Veganuary as a perfect opportunity to discard old vegetable prejudices and learn new techniques, such as fermenting, roasting or slow-cooking, instead of the age-old boiling or steaming.

While the official stance sees veganism and sustainability as separate issues, when it comes to food, nuance and complexity are more representative of everyday lives and values.

With that in mind, provenance, recognising ingredients and conscious shopping decisions can all help create a sustainable Veganuary.

Chef Bobs sustainable Veganuary shopping list:

Mushrooms. Texturally, mushrooms are an easy way to ape a meat-like bite, without resorting to soya or seitan, a meat substitute made of hydrated gluten.

Sweet potatoes. They sit somewhere between a potato and squash, so use them as a proxy for both with abandon. Bake in their jackets, slice in a gratin or cleave into wedges and roast. They make for a smooth velvety mash, silken soups or an ideal backbone for any number of curries or stews.

Brassicas. Learn to eat your greens! And do it without boiling everything into slimy submission. Your sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and even kale can be oven roasted to great effect the florets catch at the edge, making for a deeper flavour and texture.

Chickpeas. Think beyond hummus you can blitz them into falafels, braise into stews or cook down into a mash as a simple side to a veg-heavy dish. You can even use the water from the tin (resplendently named aquafaba) to use as an egg substitute in baking. As an alternative, try British-grown fava beans or carlin peas to support British farmers and cut food miles.

Black garlic. Think of them as the ultimate vegan stock cube but without all the emulsifiers and maltodextrin. Simply pop a few cloves into soups or stews to add complexity and depth.

More here:

How to be a 'sustainable' vegan - Wicked Leeks

Jack Black has praised veganism more than once (Photo: Eva Rinaldi)

Jack Black says veganism is the best diet for the planet - and that a host of animal-free foods are 'straight up delish'.

The actor and comedian made the comments during an interview with the Associated Press last month.

"It's said that it's the best for the environment if you have a vegan lifestyle and vegan diet, mainly because of cow farts. It's the methane. It's bad for the ozone, and the rest," he told the interviewer.

"But also, it just tastes good. Lately, they've been getting the technology right. The Impossible Burg[er]* bro. Delish. I don't even know if it's good for you, it's just straight-up delish."

It is not known whether Black is actually vegan now, though he revealed in an interview around the same time as this one (December 2019), that he was not.

He made the comments during a WIRED Autocomplete Interview, where celebrities answer the internet's most searched questions about themselves. One asked whether he was vegan.

He answered: "No, but I would like to be. I am in spirit, and really, it's time for everyone to consider that lifestyle for the environment. I found out it turns out vegans are better for the environment. Why? Cow farts."

He added that everyone should consider going vegan because of the environmental benefits.

*Impossible Foods states that its burger is plant-based rather than vegan, as a key ingredient - heme - was tested on rats in order to obtain FDA approval.

Read more here:
Jack Black Says Vegan Is Best For The Planet And 'Straight Up Delish' - Plant Based News