OUTSIDE of reducing your intake of saturated fat, the obvious improvement in your skin, and being able to sleep better, going vegan literally allows you to reset your body’s chemistry to the level at which it should be functioning. This is according to sport nutritionist and wellness coach Kamila McDonald-Alcock, who is also the face of Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa’s Vegan Mondays.

McDonald-Alcock, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer Friday, issued a call for Jamaicans to be more mindful of what they consume.

“Becoming vegan and vegetarian forces you to become conscious about what you are putting into your body,” said McDonald-Alcock. “Vegan goes beyond just giving up meat, it is about all animal products… Do your own experimenting and remove dairy from your diet for even three or four weeks and then add it back, you will realise (the changes).”

“Even if you are not becoming a full-blown vegan or vegetarian, at least try it to see how your body processes vegetarian food,” the sport nutritionist urged.

According to information garnered from Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa, it understands that vegan is a lifestyle choice that is worth every penny in moderation. It has therefore shaped its products and services to meet the expectations of customers with healthy alternatives, thereby promoting positive lifestyle and balance.

A release from the resort and spa said its Vegan Mondays has been heightening the enjoyment of healthy meals, making Mondays “kind and meatless”.

As the face of Vegan Mondays, McDonald-Alcock enjoys vegan meals that are packed with proteins, complex carbohydrates, vegetable, natural herbs and spices, no additives, no preservatives, and little to no sodium.

“In the past, Eden Gardens was known as the place to host sophisticated and elegantly designed weddings and functions but this new, added attraction has been diversifying the brand and creating quite a buzz,” the release said. “Our extraordinary culinary team effortlessly prepare artistically designed, healthy vegan meals that are pleasing not only to the eyes but also to taste buds daily.”

Vegan Mondays is being touted as ideal for true vegans, vegetarians, healthy eaters, and individuals who want to eliminate meat from their diet at least once per week. Officially started in July of this year, the release said Vegan Mondays has been steadily growing with customers dining in and taking out.

“This concept further positions Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa as the first premiere luxury and wellness inclusive boutique in Kingston, Jamaica,” the release read. “Eden Gardens prides itself as the getaway oasis where locals and foreigners alike can escape the mundane and experience overall wellness – mind, body and soul.”

So, next Monday, dare yourself to go meatless and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases caused from animal fat consumption and have a meatless lunch or dinner.

“We don’t realise that a lot of what we are consuming are contributing to the factors that are leading to one of our more severe and growing problems in Jamaica, and that’s obesity,” insisted McDonald-Alcock, who added that what we eat also contributes to other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

– Anika Richards