‘Vegan food is hot, too, not just salad’

More and more South Africans are making the switch to a plant-based diet.

More and more South Africans are making the switch to a plant-based diet.

Published Feb 10, 2016

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Johannesburg - The vegan lifestyle is no longer just for Hollywood celebrities. More and more South Africans are making the switch to a plant-based diet. Omeshnie Naidoo spoke to two.

 

Jay d’Engle

A model, originally from eManzimtoti in KwaZulu-Natal and now living in China, D’Engle has many strings to his bow.

He is also a dance, sailing and fitness instructor and recently became a partner in a vegan restaurant in Cape Town. He has been vegan since a baby because of an allergy to animal products.

 

What is the strangest comment you've received?

I get so many stupid ones, but the other day we invited friends to dinner and they said: 'No thanks, it's cold so it's not for me.' I had to explain vegan food is hot, too, not just salad.

Also: “Where do you get your protein from?” Either really skinny or really fat people ask me that.

 

What are the pros of being a vegan?

High energy levels, fast metabolism, healthy skin, vibrant energy, and a positive state of mind because you always feel good. Friends have joked that I take banned substances.

 

Do you recommend it to others?

Yes, and no. It is extremely healthy, but I need to stress that if you don't do it correctly, it can be very bad for you.

I always tell people to first just add vegetables and take out all unhealthy substances such as salt, sugar, wheat, white rice and additives. From there it is an easier transition.

 

Favourite recipe?

Definitely my fruit salad. I like to mix all veggies and fruit and it just explodes in the mouth, so fresh.

 

Where is your favourite spot to eat in South Africa?

Definitely Plant in Cape Town - they make good vegan food - and Goundens in Durban for a good bean bunny. But my number one spot is my own kitchen.

 

Mduduzi Xakaza

Xakaza is director of the Durban Art Gallery and a respected artist in his own right. He has been a vegetarian since the 80s.

 

Strangest comment you've received?

Consistently over the years I've been asked if I am a proper Zulu. The stereotypical thought is because I am Zulu, I must eat meat because traditionally we slaughter animals for our ancestors. These days I just find these comments humorous.

 

What is the advantage of being a vegetarian?

Every meal I eat is guilt free. I feel at peace with not inflicting harm or pain on any animal. Also, your food is fresh and it doesn't sit on the shelf for weeks the way many meats do.

 

Why did you become a vegetarian?

I was convinced that humans were not meant to eat meat. I believed there was something wrong with it, and that our stomachs became the animal's graves. Eating farmed meat is unhealthy - the meat industry pumps antibiotics and hormones into their products to force them to grow faster. In my mind, this means it isn't good for humans and could result in diseases. Ideally I would say we should all live and walk around happily together.

 

Favourite recipe?

Anything with mushrooms. Mushrooms with melted cheese even better, but my favourite would have to be a rainbow meal consisting of every colour of vegetable you can find. It looks fun, appetising and attractive.

 

Where is your favourite spot to eat in South Africa?

I don't eat out a lot and I am not too extravagant in my taste. Mugg & Bean offers fresh ve dishes that I enjoy. It is good quantity, quality and value for money.

The Star

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