photo by Deb Durant
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balances, regardless of the presence or absence of those nasty chemicals. Long before modern chemicals were introduced into our food, people still began to experience more cancer and more heart disease when they started to eat more animal-based foods,� says Campbell. One of the biggest barriers to adopting a plant-based diet is the misconception that a vegan diet lacks essential nutrients or adequate protein levels. According to the American Dietetic Association, and many leading world health organizations, a properly planned vegan diet can provide all nutritional needs at all stages of life from infancy, through pregnancy, and into old age. Even in the most demanding physical conditions, a vegan diet is sufficient, as demonstrated by vegan athletes such as Houston Texans running back Arian Foster, mixed martial arts champion Mac Danzig, Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez and two-time Badwater Ultramarathon winner Scott Jurek. Is it a coincidence that the diet that can prevent suffering of animals is the same diet that can reverse the process of global warming and keep humans healthy into old age? What is good for the animals is good for the planet and good for our own health.
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he inaugural Vegas VegFest will take center stage from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 9, at the Clark County Ampitheater. As the vegetarian food scene in the U.S. has continued to gain strength, so has the plant-based movement in Las Vegas, with the opening of some popular restaurants around the Valley in the past year. Organized by CompassionWorks International, a Nevada-based international animal advocacy nonprofit organization, and its founder, Carrie LeBlanc, the time has never been more ripe for an event like this in the Valley. "Over the past couple of years, the plant-based, veg lifestyle has become more mainstream," she says. “As more and more restaurants begin to offer veg-friendly menus, and more businesses in town begin to cater to requests from customers to offer cruelty-free products, we decided now is the right time to bring an important event like this to Las Vegas." The Vegas Veg Fest will feature about 60 vendors, including local, regional and national brands that offer food and products that do not use animals or animal byproducts. This first-of-its-kind event also brings together local leaders of the plant-based lifestyle movement in Las Vegas, including Violette's Vegan, Panevino, Vegenation, GrassRoots and more. Speakers include Paul Shapiro, vice president of Farm Animal Protection at the Humane Society of the United States. The Vegan Bros will take the stage to educate attendees about the benefits of going cruelty-free, and there will be free entertainment and activities for children. "The event is open to everyone," says LeBlanc. "It's not only for people who identify as plant-based, but is welcoming to those who simply want to learn more about what having a plant-based lifestyle means. We want to show that by eating delicious food, anyone can make a positive impact for people, animals and the planet." Admission is free. For more information or for sponsorship/vendor information, visit VegasVegFest.com.
Tracey Narayani Glover, JD, E-RYT 200, is an animal advocate, writer, chef/ owner of The Pure Vegan and a yoga and meditation teacher in Mobile, AL. Connect at ThePureVegan.com and ARCForAllBeings.org. natural awakenings
March 2016
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