Following a plant-based diet

For foodies like me, following a plant-based diet seems an unexpected choice. What led me down this path? It’s running. Since I started running, I have been inspired by many ultra-marathon runners whom maintain a strict plant-based diet because of the multiple benefits that it offers. This green choice also echoes my love and respect for nature and the animal kingdom. When this majestic creature stopped me in my path, as it rested in its natural environment, on stage four of the MacLehose trail in Ma On Shan, I felt like I didn’t want to support the food industry in its slaughter of animals for human consumption.

Plant-based diets are not only fantastic for everyone’s health and fitness but advisable for the sake of the planet. In the US, for instance, the livestock industry accounts for 9% of US greenhouse gas emissions (actually 14.5% of global carbon emissions). The beef and dairy markets are responsible for a large amount of the methane gases released throughout the world. Meat farming basically requires vast amounts of land, water, and food to raise livestock. Cattle are themselves a source of huge quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide and cattle-raising is a major contributor to deforestation, another cause of increases in carbon emissions. This is truly worrying.

With 28% of the world’s meat intake in China (that’s double that of the US), I think it’s an area of concern for our country and climate change throughout the world, therefore traditional plant-based diets should be encouraged. If you’re not convinced, there are so many physical as well as the above environmental benefits. My cardiovascular health has improved greatly because of the abundant antioxidants in the diet that help reduce inflammation. I also recover from long runs and workouts faster as the diet is rich in foods with nitric oxide, which helps improve blood flow. In general, plant-based diet boost one's immune system, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Veganism can also decrease the risk of cancers such as bowel cancer and plant-based diets are also rich in vitamins and high in fibres so the risk of developing obesity is much lower. Going vegan is a win-win situation for the environment and it reduces cruelty in terms of animals suffering.