World Vegetarian Day by Brent Simon

World Vegetarian Day is celebrated globally on the 1st October every year. Thanks to the availability of fresh produce, growing culinary interest and demand, more persons are turning to a plant-based diet worldwide. The idea carries with it a search for the principles of cosmic harmony.

In India, followers of Buddhism and Jainism refused on ethical grounds to kill animals for food. Human beings, they believed, should not inflict harm on any sentient creature. In our region the followers of the Rastafarian religion have been the pioneers of the vegetable-based diet. This sentiment is captured in a quote from Leo Tolstoy.

“A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite. And to act so is immoral.”

– Leo Tolstoy

By the early 20th century vegetarianism in the West was noticeably contributing to the drive to reduce traditional meat-based diets. In some places a fleshless diet was regarded as a treatment for certain disorders.

In recent years, studies are confirming the health benefits of meat-free eating. Scientific evidence indicates that wholesome vegetarian diets offer distinct advantages compared to diets containing meat and other foods of animal origin. These benefits arise from reduced of saturated fat, cholesterol and animal protein as well as increased intakes of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C and E, and other phytochemicals. Well-balanced vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly and competitive athletes.

In most cases, vegetarian diets are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, renal disease and dementia, as well as diverticular disease, gallstones and rheumatoid arthritis.

“People eat meat and think they will become strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass.” – Pino Caruso

The theme for this years World Vegetarian Day 2024 is “MIX IT UP”.   It’s easy to Mix It Up! Simply cut down on meat and swap to more veggie-based food from the ever-expanding range of fantastic plant-based dishes and recipes.

While we are encouraging people to eat more plant-based foods, bear in mind that, if you are not going to be eating meat, a nutritionally sound option is a necessity. Whatever the reason for choosing a meat substitute, it is vital to know which ones provide the nutrients a person needs. The thought of going a whole week without eating meat might not be palatable to you. You can however think about meatless dinners one or two days per week. You may find yourself wanting to add more days as you go along.

Plan meals that use your favourite recipes but instead of your regular choice of meats; beans, peas and lentils can be added to casseroles, soups and salads. Vegetarian refried beans can be used as a substitute for meat in burritos and tacos while Tofu can be added to stir-fry dishes.

Plant-based foods taste better because we feel better eating them and contemplating their origins. Eating slowly, we enjoy contemplating the organic orchards and gardens that supply the vegetables, fruits and grains we are eating. We are grateful for the connection we feel with the earth, clouds, gardeners, and the seasons. In contrast, eating animal foods is often done quickly, without feeling deeply into the source of the food; for who would want to contemplate the utter hells that produce our factory-farmed meat?”   – Dr. Will Tuttle

Food for thought and a quote we can ponder on.