NUTRISPEAK by Vesanto Melina

Do you aspire to a lifestyle that will transport you to a new level of health and vitality? Knowing that vegetarians weigh in at 10 to 20 pounds less than non-vegetarians, do you hope to eat that way, at least part of the time? (Qualify this: you would if you could find decent tasting veggie choices.) Do you want to shift your kids’ diets from fast food to items they’ll like and that deliver good nutrition? Do you have a health concern, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension or obesity, which you know diet may play a major role in preventing and healing?
For a lifestyle change to become a permanent part of your life, a few key elements need to be in place. First, you must set your sights on your goal. You could add some new recipes to your repertoire and include more health-oriented people in your network of friends. You might also check out restaurant fare that is delicious, healthful and handy to your workplace or home.
Second, to take off and fly with lifestyle changes, you’ll need the sustained support of like-minded others – the wind beneath your wings – to help you reach your goal. You may wish to collaborate with a friend in assembling a new recipe every month, shopping for ingredients, trying out a good knife, or sharing a great meal. You could take a few cooking classes and sign up with your spouse or family member or that neighbour you’d like to get to know.
For one excellent source of support, mark your calendar to attend EarthSave Canada’s Taste of Health food festival, which runs September 30 and October 1. (See sidebar.) Throughout the year, this volunteer organization offers a continuous stream of support for positive lifestyle change, including dine-outs, potlucks, speaker events, an environmentally focused Toastmasters group, discussion groups, get-togethers for people under the age of 25, cooking classes, evenings for volunteers and sometimes even speed dating. For more information, call 604-731-5885 or visit www.earthsave.bc.ca/. The website also posts a directory of vegetarian restaurants and vegetarian-friendly businesses and services.
Here are a few other ideas to support your new vision:
•Ask your best friend to switch from latté and pastry get-togethers to regular strolls or brisk walks along the seawall.
•Join the North Shore Hikers (www.northshorehikers.org) or a local cycling group. For a list of cycling routes, visit the City of Vancouver website at (http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/index.htm). The Fraser Valley also has many excellent cycling destinations (www.britishcolumbia.com/recreation/?id=49). Don’t worry if you’re the oldest, or the youngest, in the group.
• Check out the new offerings at your local community centre: tai chi, yoga, or perhaps a stress-reducing comedy workshop.
• Adopt a dog: contact the SPCA at 604-879-7721 or visit(www.spca.bc.ca) for a list of locations in BC. You’ll not only be giving a good home to a deserving canine, but you’ll also have a companion who will gaze at you with adoring eyes – even when your hair is a mess – and who’ll motivate you to get outdoors for exercise several times a day. My 93-year-old aunt Edna credits her good health to her faithful pooch and their walks by the ocean.
• Sign up for a regular delivery of organic produce. For evening delivery in Vancouver and for information about delivery in the Fraser Valley through to Hope, visit (www.ladybugorganics.com) or call 604-513-8971. Also check out FarmFolk/CityFolk at (www.ffcf.bc.ca) or call 604-730-0450.
• Ask your local librarian for a collection of vegetarian cookbooks or books on outdoor recreation.
A whole new world of delicious food choices, opportunities for recreational activities and good friends awaits.

Vesanto Melina MS, registered dietitian, is co-author of seven food and nutrition classics, such as Becoming Vegetarian (available in 12 countries and three languages), Raising Vegetarian Children, Becoming Vegan and The Food Allergy Survival Guide. Call 604-882-6782 or email (vesanto@nutrispeak.com).
(www.nutrispeak.com)