VEGETARIANISM THE LATEST FAD

Hectic lifestyles with a bombardment of health messages sure leave most of us confused. Most of us try diets, and the latest trend now is a Vegetarian food diet and there are posh only vegetarian restaurants opening by the dozen! Transition to vegetarianism is on the rise and more and more people are worried about what they are eating and soon enough Vegetarian food consumption will boom worldwide.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to research, vegetarians tend to live longer on an average than those who eat meat-based food regularly. This is the main reason why people all around the world are becoming vegetarians. After all, herbivores are generally healthier than carnivores. This is also the reason why doctors recommend following a vegetarian diet to patients with obesity, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, gout, ulcers, arthritis, hypertension, allergies, gallstones, piles, colitis, kidney stones, depression, and premenstrual syndrome.

Interestingly Vegetarianism dates back to a time before recorded history. Many anthropologists believe that most early humans ate primarily plant foods, being more gatherers than hunters. While being a vegetarian isn’t for everyone (including me), I meet lots of people every day who tell me they are vegetarians or would like to become one! According to many big name industry analysts and food companies, is that vegetarian dining and a reduced level of meat consumption is a rapid growing top food trend across the world. Proof of this can be found in the grocery store. Where Heinz used to be the only vegetarian baked beans available, now there are several varieties on the shelf, from Campbell’s to store brands. On most menus throughout the US, Canada and Europe I noticed vegetarian options for those who prefer the vegetarian diet. Vegetarians believe that this diet is much healthier than the average diet, which includes animal products. Last time when I flew by Emirates to Seattle, I noticed the vegetarian meal option seemed very creative for an airplane.

The Vegetarian Mezze Platter On Emirates Business Class

At a wedding dinner I again noticed a gamut of dishes for the vegetarians and while eating in a restaurant in India, l have noticed the growing trend toward vegetarianism. 

 Verdure Ripiene - at Artusi, a posh Italian Restaurant in Delhi

Interestingly on a recent trip to Mumbai I stayed at the Sofitel Luxury Hotel and I was mesmerized by the splendour of classical French Heritage and the magnificence, beauty and luxury of a world-class hotel. Interestingly with The Bharat Diamond Bourse aka the world’s largest Diamond Bourse having moved to Bandra Kurla Complex, Sofitel Luxury Hotel has been smart and opened ‘Tuskers’, a Vegetarian Dining Bar especially for the selective eaters.

True to its name the restaurant is inspired by the most regal of creatures, the merciful vegetarians i.e. the Elephants. I found Tuskers to be a delicious mix of contemporary ambience echoed in the rich warm leathers, walnut chesterfields, carpets, grill works, elephant motifs and plush wood. The restaurant had on offer the choicest vegetarian fare, simmered to perfection in the most exotic spices. To complement the food, the wine cellar houses a fine repertoire of wines and the bar offers a range of exclusive and rare single malts, as well as classic cocktails.

A VEGETARIAN SAGA BY MICHELIN STAR CHEF VIKAS KHANNA

Master chef Vikas Khanna recently launched his book alongside KitchenAid’s cordless hand blender with excellent Vegetarian recipes.

‘Hymns from the Soil’ is an exquisite amalgamation of gentle, pure, heart-warming tales from a vegetarian kitchen that overflows with nature’s harvest. The recipes in the book accentuate the purity and spirituality of vegetarian food while bringing in cultural and regional nuances. This food journey is interspersed with Vikas’s own personal journey – whether it is going back to his kitchen garden in Amritsar and waiting for the cardamom to grow as a curious child or to exploring the cardamom spice farms as an adult, with the same level of excitement and enthusiasm. Hymns from the Soil offers a heartening tribute as Chef Vikas Khanna bows to Mother Earth.

CELEBRITY BYTES

Gaurav Gera

Shahid Kapoor is the winner of the title of Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian Man for 2011 after a fierce battle on PETA Asia Pacific website. Singer Faye Wong had been crowned Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian Woman. 

Actor Director Deepak Tijori

Actor Director Deepak Tijori has been a vegetarian all his life, ‘I relish simple vegetarian spicy food. I love moong and masoor dal and any good dish made out of potatoes… and I make the most awesome masala rice and aloo pyaaz tamatar ki subzi’, shares Tijori. 

Gaurav Gera, who is now the famed “Jhumroo” at Kingdom of Dreams is a vegetarian too and loves salads, ‘Being a pure vegetarian sometimes I don’t have too many options if Iam travelling’, jokes Gera, ‘That said, My favourite cuisine is South Indian. I often come to ‘Chennai’ at culture gully at Kingdom of Dreams for the Dosas’, he further adds. 

Comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi gave up Non-vegetarian food as he thinks vegetarian food is healthier.

Comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi

 ORGANICALLY VEGETARIAN

Certified organic vegetarian products are generally more expensive than their conventional counterparts; this is because the organic food supply is limited as compared to demand. Production costs for organic foods are typically higher because of greater labour input and because farmers don't produce enough of a single product to lower the overall cost. In spite of that within the last year most supermarkets began setting up organic vegetarian food sections to sell mostly locally grown organic produce including fresh vegetables, fruits, rice and tea. The popularity of organic foods can also be attributed to promotional and educational efforts conducted by local academic and environmental groups.

All in all vegetarian practices meet the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs…so GO Green…what say?

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEING A VEGETARIAN

> Studies have shown that by following a well-balanced low-fat high-fibre vegetarian diet one would have lower incidence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity and a fewer varieties of cancer.

>This diet is lower in total fat, and one consumes proportionally a lot of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat compared with non-vegetarians.

> Look younger - The content of fibre and lycopene in fruits and vegetables can prevent wrinkles as it serves as an antioxidant that reduces the potential for skin damage caused by free radicals.

  > With a diet is full of nuts, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables; one is likely to maintain a stable blood sugar level more stable. The outcome of this stability is consistent energy levels, which eventually does not bring about any fatigue feeling, especially post meals.

    > Most of the diet is capable of detoxing your body naturally.