The world of Tzu Chi Augusts 2021 (Vol.136)

TZU CHI 136 09 Restaurants that are involved in the 21-day challenge are also challenging themselves to whip up delicious and nutritious WFPB diet. Picture shows staff of Fujidang Vegetarian Cuisine, delighted with their hard work. [Photo by Lim Chew Ling] it anymore, a variety of chronic diseases starts to appear.” A strong advocate of the plant-based diet, the paediatrician is actively involved in research on the science of nutritional health, and is known as a nutritional, lifestyle and anti-aging medicine consultant. Through his review of patients who have started on this diet, Dr. Chan discovered that by adjusting to a plant-based diet, one is able to control and even reverse chronic diseases. “No medicine can bring down blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and uric acid all at the same time; it is only through a WFPB diet that this can be achieved.” Positive research developments in this field gives him confidence to pursue this pathway to better health. Promoting a purposeful diet amidst a deadly pandemic At the peak of the Covid-19 lockdown in Malaysia last year, Dr. Chan initiated the WFPB diet drive by pooling together some TIMAKL & Selangor and Tzu Chi volunteers. One hurdle he faced was the availability of food delivery services which encouraged many to order food rather than prepare their own meals. He pioneered the trial run over three weeks and hence the name “Healthier Me” 21-Day Challenge was conceived. The aim of the project was to challenge