November is national vegan month

  www.freshrestaurants.ca

November is National Vegan Month.

This is a month for celebrating choice. Whether you are a carnivore, flexitarian, vegetarian or full-fledged vegan, take the opportunity this month to learn more about this animal-friendly lifestyle and what it means for your own health and for the health of our planet.

The Food

While vegetarians abstain from eating animal flesh, vegans also avoid consuming eggs and dairy. They refuse to wear leather, animal fur, wool, down and any product tested on animals. Vegans pride themselves on living a cruelty-free lifestyle.

The Health

While many people choose a vegan diet for ethical reasons, more and more people are making the switch for their health. Eating animal fats has been linked to heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes and obesity. And modern farming practices aren’t what they used to be. Animals are often pumped full of additives and growth hormones, designed to make your meat bigger and on your plate sooner. A balanced vegan diet includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and protein from nuts, soy foods, sprouted seeds, quinoa, lentils, beans and legumes.

The Environment

Animal breeding for food production uses vast amounts of water, gas, grains and pesticides, all of which contributes to global warming and the extinction of countless species. Eating just one meatless dinner each week will reduce your carbon footprint, minimize water usage for livestock production and help reduce fossil fuel dependence.

You might be at a loss when it comes to preparing vegan and vegetarian entrees at home. Make it easy on yourself and visit one of Toronto’s many vegetarian or vegan restaurants to sample a healthy, and more importantly, delicious vegetable-based meal.

Check out the meatless menus at the following restaurants:

Annapurna: Annapurna opened in 1974, making it Ontario’s oldest vegetarian eatery. It specializes in South Indian and macrobiotic dishes including soy, yogurt, fruit shakes, chai and desserts. 1085 Bathurst St. 416-537-8513

Fresh: There is always a wait at Fresh’s three trendy downtown locations, which is a strong indication of its popularity. They serve signature rice bowls, veggies burgers, sweet potato fries, exotic juices, smoothies and much more. 326 Bloor St. W., 416-531-2635, 894 Queen St. W., 416-913-2720, 147 Spadina Ave., 416-599-4442

Sadie’s Diner and Juice Bar: Sadie’s retro style eatery has an all-day brunch menu which offers free-range eggs, tofu scramble, Yves sausages, waffles and burritos. Dinner selection includes quesadillas and lasagna. 504 Adelaide St. W., 416-777-2343

For a more extensive listing of Toronto's vegetarian and vegan restaurants, visit Veg.ca.