Life Health Foods AU (LHF) has teamed up with former Olympian Stephanie Rice to increase awareness of the benefits of following a plant-based diet and to encourage Australians to eat more plant-based foods.
Since partnering with Ms Rice in 2018, LHF brand Vegie Delights has launched a number of marketing campaigns and activities that promote a plant-based diet as being not only good for health, but also for animal welfare and the environment.
Ms Rice, who won three gold medals for swimming at the 2008 Olympics, became a vegan after suffering bouts of bloating, skin outbreaks and stomach aches. “However, since cutting out meat I’ve never felt better,” she said. “First, I cut out red meat, then dairy milk, cheese and then chicken. Making changes doesn’t have to be hard; if you have a little knowledge you’ll get there.”
Ms Rice, 30, and Vegie Delights want people to know that by adopting a plant-based diet they’re also making a contribution towards the welfare of animals and the environment. [pullquote]
“I think it’s sometimes hard for people to feel they can make a difference as one person. However, anything proactive is worthwhile and we need to keep the conversation going,” Ms Rice said.
Plant-based diets are increasing in popularity—it’s estimated one-and-a half billion people around the world and 2.1 million people in Australia are vegan or vegetarian. Australia is now the third-fastest growing vegan market in the world.
Dean Epps, general manager of LHF (an Adventist Church-owned company), said, “We are delighted to be working with Ms Rice. She’s just as passionate about the vegan lifestyle as we are.”
Ms Rice has created a range of nutritious vegan recipes in collaboration with Vegie Delights to produce a free eCookbook. It’s available to download at vegiedelights.com.au.
