While some still chomp their biltong sticks, becoming vegan is on a roll in certain circles. This group proposes awareness of what we eat and how it impacts the environment.
Dean Luyt, Health Reformer and Animal Rights Activist of Healthy Lifestyle Choices, believes it is a change that will “have a direct influence on how we live and do business in the future”.
Vegans do not merely give up meat, but abstain from using animal products. In 1944, Donald Watson coined the term, which is not just a way of healthy eating, but includes the philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.
Locally, various restaurants and Milkwood Market have made provision for vegans and now offer menu options.
Alistair Smith, owner of Nina’s Real Food in Jeffreys Bay, says they are at the forefront of creating awareness in this respect.
“This is not merely about broadening menu options, but being passionate about the impact on our environment”, says Alistair whose daughters are the golden surfing ‘Smithsters’ of JBay, Emma, Gina and Zoe.
“In offering vegan and vegetarian options, we do not simply cater for a particular or younger community, but inform patrons on how to lessen their environmental footprint.”
While the surfing community is concerned about the impact on the ocean, we also aim to educate people about health. We consider the effects of salt, soy and other preservatives as well as how to develop great dishes for all, says he.
Ninas has free informative dvd’s for all interested in veganism and environmental footprint.
InFood in the JBay Surf Village, a popular hot spot, has funky food, which caters for those craving fresh and natural. Owner Jayne Davies has made inroads with her InFood restaurant’s offerings of organic and fresh fare.
Youngsters, like Fifth Wave Coffee’s Amadeo Bisogno, are opening coffee worlds and awareness on environmentally friendly habits, like the no-plastic move among the mentioned restaurants and others.
Dean refers to the website Challenge 22+ (www.challenge22.com), which hosts a 22 day challenge for those who wish to change their diets. An international effort to engage people, Challenge 22+ has trained dietitians and mentors to assist those who wish to rise to the change.
He will chat on Kouga FM soon, and advises those interested to join a JBay Whatsapp group and Facebook group for Vegans and Vegetarians.
Dean recommends a documentary, released on a few days ago, “What you eat matters”, on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDg7tlEJD64&t=1505s, as well as the Dominion trailer on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2dDaCp_JxU.
Surfers riding the vegan wave
Now the wave is sweeping surfers. Raw talent is not enough to make it big. It takes grit, hard work and being in tune with nature.
Earlier this year, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) posted a line-up of surfers getting on board to “ride the compassionate wave”.
Even surfing star Kelly Slater agreed to participate in a two-week vegan challenge with PETA to kick off the New Year. Four weeks later, he was still going strong. “Been vegan nearly a month now. Feeling good. Much better digestion and variety of healthy foods eating this way,” he recently wrote on Instagram.
In a video made last year, the 11-time world champion revealed, “I haven’t had milk for probably 20 years now.”
John John Florence believes his plant-based diet gives him the competitive edge. In 2016, he clinched his first World Surf League (WSL) world title in Portugal and went on to become the 2016 world champion. Recently, he did it again—winning back-to-back world titles.
During a post-heat interview, he said, “I’ve become increasingly aware of food and its effects on the human body. All signs point to the idea that a plant-based diet is far superior to that of high animal-product intake.” He starts his day with a smoothie containing “plant-based protein powder, hemp seeds, chia seeds, frozen mixed berries, celery, kale, half a banana, and maca powder.”
Four years ago, pro surfer Tia Blanco—a vegetarian since birth—decided to go vegan, and she’s never looked back. Last year, she told the WSL, “I went vegan for the animals. I love them all and I don’t want to eat my friends.”
Alana Blanchard is a proud vegan. This popular surfer lives a compassionate lifestyle. Her pregnancy went without a hitch. Her longtime partner, Jack Freestone, is another proud vegan.
Add to the list Nikki van Dijk, Dave Rastovich (who refuses to “eat anything with a mother or a face”), Rob Machado and Anna Ehrgott and they push to make a strong point.
