My Uncensored Opinion On Eating Plant-Based Diet In South Africa
It’s the land of the rainbow nation and sunshine. Their braais (barbecues) will leave you licking your fingers for days.
For years, my wife has been nuts about braai.
You haven’t done anything if you’ve not given her a braai, so this is personal.
Yes
South Africa is a land of the braai (BBQ).
It also has bunny chow (hollowed bread filled with curry) and a million other meaty treats.
Is a plant-based lifestyle even possible here?
Buckle up because this isn’t your average kale smoothie kind of post.
Remember, it’s uncensored!
The plant-based movement has been a new sizzling sound on the scene lately.
Here’s my uncensored take on this whole “going green” thing.
So
This article is about eating a plant-based diet in South Africa.
Is the sizzling sound getting traction, or is it a passing trend?
The Good Stuff: Sunshine and Superfoods
South Africa is a goldmine for plant-based foods.
Sunshine?
We got it.
Fresh produce?
From juicy mangoes to earthy beetroot, our farmers’ markets are bursting.
Source. https://www.alamy.com
We even have indigenous superfoods like rooibos tea and moringa.
Forget boring salads.
Think of colourful plates.
Braai-grilled veggies, curried lentils, and pap (maize porridge) pile high on them, and a fragrant herb sauce drizzles over them.
But why should I brag?
Although South Africa has the highest per capita meat consumption in Africa, we’ve plenty of whole-plant foods.
Does My Uncensored Opinion of Eating Plant-Based Diet Matter
You’ll agree with me on one thing.
If there are such plentious whole plant foods and meat, do South Africans have a choice for healthier food?
Yes
There is a choice.
A choice for optimal health, sustainable environment, and ethical treatment of animals.
But there are challenges.
The Challenges: Boerewors and Beyond
South Africa has a severe braai culture.
Boerewors rolls (sausage), and juicy steaks are national treasures.
Unsplash/Nico Smith
How can you enjoy a Springbok Rugby match without a glass of beer, braai, and potjiekos?
Plus, affordable protein can be scarce.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
Affordable staples, like beans, lentils, and mieliepap, are perfect for hearty and cheap meals.
The trick is getting creative!
Don’t Forget the Social Side: Navigating the “Bring a Plate”
South African social gatherings often involve a potluck-style “bring a plate.”
Here’s where things get interesting.
Being the “plant-based one” can feel awkward.
The key?
Offer to bring a killer plant-based dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Think smoky jackfruit tacos or creamy chickpea curry. You might inspire others to try plant-based foods.
I have been through these potholes of life for over thirty years. I’ve been on a whole-food, plant-based diet.
You feel Like a square peg in a round hole at social gatherings. (Is a whole for a bunny chow or oatmeal?)
The Health Advantages of Eating Plant-Based Diet in South Africa
Health is Wealth
Braai-ing every weekend isn’t exactly a health kick.
A plant-based diet offers many vitamins, minerals, and fibre. These can keep you feeling great.
Two extensive cohort studies did the research. The Adventist Health Study and the EPIC-Oxford study.
They included 96,000 and 65,000 participants, respectively.
They show that eating a plant-based diet prevents and reverses many chronic diseases.
What does that have to do with a plant-based diet in South Africa?
South Africa’s health trajectory could be better.
What is the reason?
The catastrophic effect of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the population is very high.
You hardly meet a 60-plus-year-old in the country who is not on medication for chronic disease.
Is it worth it to live to a ripe old age when you are weak, sick, and rarely enjoy a day of living in your life?
Going Green by Eating a Plant-Based Diet
South Africa boasts incredible biodiversity.
Eating plants reduces your impact. This transition is a win for proteas and penguins.
The country’s environment is serene.
Full of rare species of vegetation and a variety of wildlife to enjoy.
Can these survive in an unsustainable environment?
A Rainbow on Your Plate: Eating Plant-Based Diet
Think plant-based food is bland?
Think again!
Eating a plant-based diet is an excellent choice.
It has the ingredients for a plant-powered adventure.
They range from spicy stews to lentils, sweet potatoes, and vibrant salads bursting with local goodness.
Did you say that even the Good Book allows people to eat various types of meat?
Indeed!
But remember, all these things happened after the Fall.
Before that, plant-based food was the norm; that was the commandment for the first people in the universe.
(Would you say divorce and enmity is good? Those were the Good Book instructions after the Fall!)
So
What’s the kicker here
Eating a plant-based diet reduces heart disease by 25%. It cuts type 2 diabetes by up to 50% and high blood pressure by 60%.
I prefer to go for whole food that is plant-based.
The Bottom Line
Going plant-based in South Africa isn’t a walk in the park (unless that park has a fabulous farmers market!).
It takes creativity and planning. Maybe even a bit of boerewors braai love for your non-vegan mates.
But, the benefits for your health, the environment, and taste buds could be significant.
So, is plant-based a fad or the future of South African cuisine?
It’s up to you.
Give it a try. Explore the lively plant-based scene. See if it becomes your next braai-worthy obsession.
Let’s keep the conversation sizzling!
In the comments below, share your thoughts on a plant-based diet in South Africa.
In case you forget
This take on eating a plant-based diet in South Africa is just my uncensored opinion; what’s yours?
Let’s chat in the comments, and please share the article.