A Muncie program educates citizens about the health benefits of a vegan diet, as well as offer recipes and tips.
Derek O’neal, a graduate student with applied gerontology, hosts the four-part cooking series at the Muncie Community Center for Vital Aging aimed at the 55 and older crowd.
O’neal said he abstains from both meat and animal byproducts because he feels it is immoral. But he said even if you aren’t moved by the ethics, a vegan diet offers a multitude of health benefits which is why he urges older community members to follow it.
“A vegan diet will help keep weight down, which is at epidemic proportions in America,” O’neal said, “as well as lower cholesterol which lowers the risk of diabetes.”
One woman attending the event said she catches flak from family and friends who did not understand her vegetarian lifestyle and felt self-conscious of her eating habits while eating with friends.
“You shouldn’t have to feel embarrassed because of your ethics and beliefs,” O’neal said, “bring something you can share with everyone, that way they feel included in your decision and may come to understand that decision.”
O’neal said some people are uncomfortable with the idea of a vegan diet because it goes against the mainstream, but it is slowly growing in popularity among young adults.
Al Lind of Anderson said he will attend all parts of the series because it allows him to get a better understanding of healthy eating and excluding meat from his diet, a choice he made 13 months ago.
“[I stopped eating meat] mainly because at my age I feel like the eating habits I used to have, especially with fast food, really hindered my ability to be healthy,” Lind said.
He said the biggest change with his new vegetarian diet is planning.
“You just have to plan every meal in advance, and know where you can get fresh vegetables and substitutes,” Lind said. “Needless to say we rarely eat out, because the only thing they are concerned with is profit, not health.”
Jean Gee of Muncie said she is attending the series because her granddaughter is vegan.
“I just want to make sure I can cook for her and with her,” Gee said.
Gee said she likes the CCVA because it is the only place in Muncie that offers a mix of programs for seniors, where she can meet a variety of people.
The CCVA offers a host of activities ranging from tai chi and yoga to brown bag lunches and movies.
Students looking to get involved can volunteer at the center, something O’neal encourages, say not only do you get to help the older generation but you can learn the personal and
environmental benefits of a vegan diet.
“You are saving the planet each time you make the decision to eat vegan,” O’neal said. “You will feel better physically, mentally and spiritually.”
[Marge]
Easy vegan recipes
Pudding
12 ounces of tofu
½ cup of soy milk
1 cup melted vegan chocolate chips
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
Melt chocolate chips. In a food processor, mix tofu, milk and vanilla extract. Add melted chips. Chill and serve.
More vegan classes
6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts
6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts
