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Friday, December 2, 2016 9 Brooklin Town Crier Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson Breakfast anyone? There's little doubt Brooklin Moms and Dads lead hectic lives, what with work, children's activities, date nights, and finding time for personal fitness. As a long time plant-based eater, I'm asked lot of questions. Other than "How do you get your protein?", the most common one is, "What do you eat?" A major obstacle busy parents share with me is that they want to eat more plant-based foods but don't have time. For them, making changes just seems like a lot of stress, so they keep eating the same old things day after day. My goal for this column is to unravel the mystery of plant-based eating, share some great recipes and plant-based life hacks, and help you make small but powerful changes to your family's eating habits. Breakfast has to be the easiest meal in the world to eat 100% plant-based because you can buy almond, cashew or coconut milks (purchase the sugar-free ones) that taste great and are healthy alternatives to dairy. A high protein plant based breakfast can meet up to ⅓ of your daily protein requirements. We need about 20% of our daily calories from pro- tein. Here's a high protein, high energy plant-based breakfast: Overnight Oats Recipe ½ cup steel cut or quick cooking oats ½ cup liquid (unsweetened nut or coconut milk) 1 tbsp chia seeds (use white chia seeds to blend better with the oatmeal) Mix together in a mason jar and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, top the oatmeal with some of your favourite toppings, such as hemp seeds, chopped fruit, unsweetened coconut shreds, crushed nuts, maple syrup, coconut sugar, etc. This breakfast is super easy and contains more than 8 grams of protein (toppings can increase it). Double this recipe for longer lasting meals. Sheree's Hack - Make a bunch of these the night before as a family. We welcome Sheree Nicholson to our team of columnists. She has a certificate in plant-based eating from eCornell University and is owner of the Brooklin Run Club. She can be reached at sheree@livewithspirit.ca. Seasonal Yard Waste Collection Ends Yard waste collection has ended for 2016 in the Town of Whitby and will resume in the spring. Residents should check their collection calendars, download the Durham Region Waste App or visit http://www.whitby.ca/en/residents/leafandyard- wastecollection.asp to see their specific collection schedule. Christmas tree collection will take place in January.. You can check the exact date for your area by inputting your address on this page: http://www. whitby.ca/en/residents/garbageandrecycling- schedule.asp Lane restrictions on Winchester and Thickson The Regional Municipality of Durham, Works Department, would like to advise residents of lane restrictions on Winchester Road, from Anderson Street to Garrard Road; and on Thickson Road, 300 meters north and south of Winchester Road, in Whitby. Work began Nov. 28. The entire project is expected to be complete by April, 2017. Un- favourable weather conditions may influence the work schedule. The work to be done includes removal of existing street lighting and traffic signals, and installation of new street lighting and tem- porary traffic signals in prepa- ration for the widening of Winchester and Thickson Roads. The Region realizes that the work may be disruptive and will make every effort to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Drivers are asked to exercise caution for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and construction workers.