10 Friday, May 27, 2022brooklintowncrier.com After a recent two-hour trail run with friends, we stopped at a new bakery/cafe just north of Brooklni. I asked the server if they had anything vegan. No, he replied, but they carried gluten- free products, a response I often get. So, I thought, maybe it's time I explain the difference and share what vegans eat. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerances need to avoid gluten, a protein in wheat. And, since gluten comes from wheat, it is vegan. Seitan which is made from gluten is a common plant-based source of protein. Vegans eat everything except animal products or foods containing animal products, i.e. we exclude meat, fish and other seafood, dairy, eggs and honey. However, we do eat burgers, lasagna, sushi, pasta, pizza, baked goods, pancakes, veggie bowls, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, as well as Indian, Italian, Thai, Chinese and Japanese foods. This list is endless. The only difference is we substitute plant-based ingredients for meat or dairy-based ones. Healthy and complete? Is a vegan diet healthy and complete, nutritionally speaking? No plant-based nor, for that matter, meat-based diet is nutritionally healthy and whole by accident; you need to eat healthy either way. Eating meat does not make you healthy, but nor does being vegan. No matter which diet we follow, everyone should pay attention to what goes on our plates. The key to healthy eating is to eat consciously. Know what you are eating and why. Eat for energy and health most of the time. It's okay to indulge in junk or fast food but don't make it a big part of your diet. I own a yoga and fitness studio and am a long-distance trail runner. Over the years, I've discovered the best way for me to eat and to maintain this active lifestyle. If I eat crappy food and then go for a run, I generally have a lower energy run. Eating plant-based whole foods takes less digestive energy and I feel better. Some days, I run, work out and teach classes, so I pay close attention to my food. On days I don't have a heavy schedule, I might indulge in fast or convenience foods. I have a new cookbook called "Plantyou" by Carleigh Bodrug, a Barrie native. Her cookbook promises "ridiculously easy, amazingly delicious, plant-based, oil-free recipes." I like simple recipes so I am excited about this and plan to share recipes with you. Yummy taco bowl Last week I made one of her recipes and, though I didn't love the dressing, the taco bowl was great. Visit: https://plantyou.com/ vegan-taco-bowl. In the future, I will substitute the dressing with taco sauce or the following hemp seed dressing.. Hemp seed dressing • 1/2 cup hulled hemp seeds • 1/2 cup water • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 clove of garlic, peeled • ¼ teaspoon fine grain sea salt, to taste Blend until creamy. Sheree's Hack: Nutritional yeast may be sprinkled on salads and pasta as a cheese replacement. What do Vegans eat Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson Brooklin Spring Fair Theme - "Together Again" Brooklin Spring Fair Parade - Saturday, May 28th, 10am Brooklin Spring Fair Thursday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 5th