The World Of Tzu Chi December 2019 (Vol.117)

18 eature 2019 • 12 have vegetarian options,” she recounted. Her friends gradually became more considerate of her dietary limitations as a vegetarian and would consult her for recommendations on vegetarian-friendly restaurants, but were still hesitant to patronize restaurants with a full vegetarian menu. However, she is pleased to observe the growing trend towards a vegetarian lifestyle. She recalled an instance where a non-vegetarian friend suggested dining at a vegetarian restaurant and returned several times thereafter for the delectable food. “I think people are now more open to the concept of vegetarianism than before. There are also many restaurants that cater to vegetarians,” noted Dr Jasmine, who also hopes to see an increasing number of people embracing vegetarianism and adopting an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. A healthier lifestyle The sports enthusiast, who has been following a vegetarian diet for six years and stays in shape by cycling and jogging, noted that the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle are manifold, including enhanced fitness. She also reported feeling more energetic and attributed her improved well-being to an increased intake of vegetables and fruits. Embracing vegetarianism has also influenced her on a spiritual level. “I feel my conscience is clear because I’m not contributing to the killing of animals and the consumer demand for meat. I’ve become more environmentally-conscious as well,” she professed. She is also an avid diver with a soft spot for marine life, hence adopting a vegetarian diet was a natural progression for her. Moreover, she has developed an interest in gardening, taking a hands-on approach to the preparation of her plant-based meals by cultivating her own fresh produce. “Vegetables are easier to grow. I have a small plot of land where I grow chillies, garlic, potatoes and tomatoes,” she shared. Equipped with her own supply of greens in her backyard, she now prepares her own salads and brings them to work for lunch. She also finds satisfaction in harvesting the crops herself and using them in her cooking. Her family members have yet to fully embrace vegetarianism, but she believes in imparting to them the potential hazards of meat consumption by drawing on her expertise. “I usually talk to them about the research I’ve done on the diseases chickens carry that could be transmitted to humans to make them understand the danger of eating meat,” she divulged, adding that her family has been taking “baby steps” towards lesser meat consumption by observing Meatless Mondays or excluding meat from their meals from time to time. She currently lives with her husband, for whom poultry and eggs are considered diet staples to keep up with the physical demands of his active involvement in sports. “I would usually prepare vegetarian meals, but he’s open to them. If he wants to eat meat, he would cook some for himself. I’m very lucky that he understands my way of life. Sometimes, I would be cooking mushrooms and eggs the whole week, but he doesn’t mind,” she enthused. She is content with a household of two, but when asked about the possibility of her future children becoming vegetarians, she foresees herself