As a new vegetarian, sometimes it’s hard to cook up healthy meals after a long day packed with classes and work. Often, it can be difficult to resist falling into the high-carb diet that gives us the quick fix to keep going. But living on a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be a daily struggle or cut into your study-time. Just like any major life change, it takes time to adjust, and often consists of developing new learned habits.
This weekend, if you are looking to go vegetarian or would like to improve upon your skills in the kitchen, Vegetarian Vision is hosting its 25th Anniversary Health and Wellness Expo. Founded in 1992 by 86-year old vegan Harshad K Shah, the non-profit organization has been inspiring people to embrace vegetarianism along with encouraging healthy living. The expo will provide educational information on the benefits of plant based food and cruelty-free living through demonstrations provided by leading chefs and medical experts.
Chef Tere Fox, owner of Rockin’ Raw, and Chef Ahki, seen on The Wendy William’s Show, are coming prepared with demos and tastings to teach how we can make radiant vegetarian and vegan dishes in our own kitchens. And if you aren’t totally convinced on the benefits of a plant-based diet, both traditional and alternative wellness practitioners will be speaking on the short and long-term benefits of going veg. This includes renowned cardiologists such as Dr. Kim Williams, Dr. Robert Ostfeld and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, who will share how they have helped to reverse their patient’s heart disease through dietary advice.
Top: Cuisine artist and owner of Rockin’ Raw Restaurant, Chef Tere Fox, states “My food philosophy is do what feels right. Food is very personal. It’s important to respect your body and the planet and make the best choices you can. It is vital to get food from the best sources possible.”
Bottom: Ancient Grain Salad created by CEO of Delicious Indigenous Foods,Chef Ahki. Ahki uses seasonal, organic, fresh (non-hybrid) fruits and vegetables to create living, healthy recipes designed to heal bodies and enhance lives.
After you fill up on tasty treats, be sure to check out the variety of entertainment that will be hosted. You can enjoy on-site yoga classes in Anusara, Hatha, Restorative and Vinyasa lead by respected practitioners who will share how yoga has helped aid and encouraged healthy living. There will be a Crystal Bowl Sound Healing Concert, a Cruelty-Free Fashion Show, and a Mr. & Miss Vegetarian Pageant! Vegetarian Vision hopes that people feel the celebration and the love for plant-based food that has helped to heal and reform people’s lives worldwide. As of today, there are over 375 million vegetarians worldwide; 7.3 million of which are living in the United States and 1 million who are vegans. Be sure to check out what all the hype is about, this weekend!
The fun begins on September 9th and ends on September 10th. The hours for both days will be from 10am-7pm at the Penn Plaza Pavillion (401 7th Avenue- 33rd Street). For more information go to: www.vegetarianvision.org.