ABOUT US
Animal Welfare and Environment Network for Tanzania (AWENET) is a non-profit, non-
government organization working in the whole of Tanzania Mainland in collaboration with
member organizations ,the government and related stakeholders to sensitize on Welfare of
biodiversity, humanity and Healthy lifestyle (One welfare),and to promote One health related
practices and conservation of nature.
PLANT-BASED DIET AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
You love animals or environment? And not yet a vegan? Go vegan today!!!
Vegans eat exclusively plant-based food. In other words, they do not eat animals or animal-based products.
But there is much more to a vegan way of life than diet. Whether it’s caring for animals, the environment,
or one’s own health, there is a multitude of reasons to choose a vegan lifestyle.
10 Dec, 2021
It is becoming increasingly clear that the consumption of animals is a major contributor to
numerous global problems. Since a plant-based diet addresses all of these problems simultaneously
and can help to resolve them, the move towards a diet and lifestyle free from animal products is
rapidly gaining momentum. A plant-based diet saves many animals from a life of suffering, reduces
one’s personal ecological footprint, and can contribute to a fairer world. At the same time, plant-based
eating can also offer a healthier and more varied diet.
10 Dec, 2021
Throughout history, plant-based diets have played a role, whether for religious, political,
or social reasons. The concept of vegetarianism first gained cultural prominence in the 8th century BC,
originating from a religious predecessor of Hinduism in Indian cultures. But even in Europe, during the 6th century BC,
certain schools of Greek philosophy rejected the consumption of meat for ethical and, later on, for economic, ecological,
or health reasons. In African traditions ,major dishes are plant based since then, considering conventional routine diets
of porridge/tea and chapatti ,yams, rice and beans, mukimo/mokimo etc .
The term ‘vegan’, however, only emerged in 1944 and is a contraction of the first and last syllables of the word ‘vegetarian’.
10 Dec, 2021
The high consumption of animal-based products is one of the main causes of widespread lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes,
and cardiovascular disease. A varied and balanced plant-based diet can help to minimize the risk of developing these diseases.
A well-planned vegan (or vegetarian) diet is suitable for all phases of life, including pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Furthermore, a plant-based diet reduces the risks of foodborne illnesses from salmonella and other bacteria, as well as exposure to
environmental toxins.
What to eat on a vegan diet
A diet free from animal products is extremely versatile, while the transition towards more plant-based
eating opens up a world of new and exciting culinary possibilities.
Animal products can easily be replaced with:
•Vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, cabbage, beetroot, pumpkin, garlic, olives, broccoli, apples, nectarines,
berries, bananas, melons, and oranges. These kinds of food are an important source of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients,
and fibre
•Pulses such as lentils, peas, beans, soya beans, and lupins, which are a key source of protein
•Whole grains and cereals such as oats, rye, spelt, wheat, barley, millet, and rice, along with pseudocereals
such as quinoa, amaranth, or buckwheat. These provide complex carbohydrates, fibre, and phytochemicals
•Nuts and seeds such as flax seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds, which provide healthy fats as well as a range of other valuable nutrients.5
•Plant-based meat alternatives such as tofu, vegan burgers, schnitzels, and sausages. These are available in many
variants – for example, based on soya, seitan, or lupins. There are also numerous plant-based alternatives to milk, yoghurt,
and cheese. These are often based on soya, nuts, or cereals.
What to avoid on a vegetarian diet
Vegans avoid consuming animal flesh, animal byproducts, and foods containing ingredients of animal origin. These include:
• Meat that comes from animals such as cattle ,sheep, goats, pigs, horses, chickens, and turkeys etc.
• Fish and other marine animals,including all fish species, squid, mussels, crabs, and lobsters.
• Dairy, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, and butter.
• Eggs, such as chicken eggs and caviar.
• Honey and other products from bees.
• Animal-based ingredients such as gelatine, lactose, whey, shellac, carmine, and fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids.
•Animal-based processing agents such as gelatine, isinglass (a substance obtained from the dried swim bladders of fish),
and egg whites, all of which are used for the clarification of beverages such as fruit juices, beers, and wines.
It has never been easier to cook delicious vegetable dishes
People who prefer to experiment in their own kitchen instead of buying animal-free ready meals are finding an increasing selection
of great recipes in cookbooks and on blogs. Whether it’s gourmet-food lovers, fast-food fans, or chefs who like to experiment,
the colourful variety of plant-based cuisine has something for everyone. And while people are often reluctant to give up their
favorite dishes, many traditional meals can easily be veganised with a few tweaks. As countless vegan cookbooks attest,
a plant-based diet promises pure enjoyment and satisfaction for the taste buds.
Plant-based alternatives are growing in popularity
More and more consumers are questioning the consumption of animal-based products. This is also reflected in the increasing demand
for plant-based alternatives. Plant milks, for example, have been consumed for centuries in various cultures, but their popularity
has skyrocketed over the past decade. Additionally, animal-free substitutes (such as veggie sausages or burgers) are improving all
the time and it is increasingly difficult to tell them apart from their animal-based counterparts.
AWENET supports the availability of tasty plant-based alternatives
AWENET is particularly committed to the theme of taste. On an individual level, we constantly show people new ways to enjoy plant-based
food, point out healthy, alternatives to animal-based products, and provide support for their implementation.
Apart from raising awareness, we invest numerous resources into creating a facilitating environment. On an institutional level,
AWENET vigorously promotes the development of great-tasting plant-based food by supporting and advising innovative companies that
want to enrich the plant-based sector with their product. We work with caterers, chefs, businesses, and producers to improve the
availability of quality plant-based alternatives.
