What You Should Know About Going Vegan In Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto And GTA…Food To Avoid, Vegan-Friendly Restaurants And Food Options

have you tried Naanza Yet?

Veganism appears to be capturing the imagination of a whole generation. From Brad Pitt to Beyoncé, we have seen a number of celebrities endorse the vegan way of life. Shifting from yesteryear preferences such as a veggie burger or a veggie pizza, today’s food fans are experimenting with vegan variants. But most of us are a stumped lot when queried about veganism.

No wonder, myths and misconceptions abound about veganism. For some the term ‘vegan’ is nothing more than an abbreviated form of the term ‘vegetarian’. For others, veganism is all about subsisting on three green salads a day. All this can certainly confuse those who are genuinely interested in knowing about veganism and adapting a healthier and cleaner diet. So, let’s explore the fascinating world of veganism.

In a nutshell, veganism is a diet that goes a step beyond vegetarianism. Most of us know that vegetarianism involves totally shunning animal meats and adopting a predominantly vegetarian diet. But while vegetarians include some animal-based foods such as dairy and eggs, vegans go the extra mile and stay away from all such animal by-products too. Veganism eschews the consumption of all foods derived from animals – directly or indirectly.  The underlying principles of veganism revolve around the noble human spirit of kindness for all living beings. Welcome to the enchanting world of Veggie Planet kawa nuggets and kawa drumstick in Mississauga Ontario!

Vegan blacklist

Before you know what to eat when going vegan, it makes sense to know what foods to beware of. While everyone is sure to know that animal proteins such as seafood, poultry, pork and beef are an absolute no-no on the vegan’s dining table, remember that even eggs are on the barred list. Even dairy and allied products such as cheese and milk lattes are to be avoided at all costs.

Also remember that animal derived oils and fats are also not to be consumed if you’re a vegan in the making. Beware of fish oils and lard making a sneaky entry onto your menu.

Here’s some not so sweet news for those who love drizzling their snacks with wholesome, healthy honey – honey is derived from bees and so not destined for vegan palates. Going beyond honey, vegans will also avoid refined white sugar because animal bone char is used in its production.

Fortunately, Indian street food offers a variety of vegan options to evergreen vegetarian dishes that make the tongue drool in delight.

Vegan staples

Now, let’s see what foods you can consume with a clean conscience when you go vegan –

  • Vegetables or veggies: These are the mainstay of a vegan diet. You can eat any and all vegetables because they are all plant-harvested. You can consume them boiled, in salads and cooked in any which way you please – only make sure there is no meat, poultry or dairy added to the dish. Vegetables provide a number of vital nutrients that our bodies require.
  • Fruits: Especially for those who suffer the legendary ‘sweet tooth’, fruits are considered as the vegan’s candy. There is absolutely no limit on the amount of fruit you consume in raw form. Go on and satiate your sweet urges. Fruits are also a good source of nourishment.
  • Grains: Rice, wheat, barley, maize, corn…are all staple in any diet and as a vegan you are free to partake of these basic food grains that mankind has been using for its sustenance for thousands of years now. To throw in a bit of variety, you could always experiment with some of the more exotic grain types like faro and couscous!
  • Legumes: Brimming with proteins, legumes are plant foods that you can add to your diet every day.
  • Nuts and seed: Almonds, pistachios, peanuts, flax seeds…the list of nuts and seeds is endless. Strong on energy and nutrition, you can have your fill of nuts and even relish butter derived from peanuts and some of the other varieties of nuts.
  • Tofu and tempeh: Soya-based products such as tofu and tempeh are pure vegetarian in origin and can be used in a number of recipes. In many cases, these foods can replicate the meat-sensation for those who are fixated on non-vegetarian food tastes. Scrambled tofu can give scrambled eggs a run for their money any day!

 

In case you’re worried about losing out on crucial minerals and vitamin or even your gut’s health, you can always rely upon fermented but vegan alternatives such as seaweed, sauerkraut, kimchi. Incidentally, nutritional yeast is a great source of vitamin B12.

At Veggie Planet in Mississauga, patrons are pleasantly surprised to see a number of vegan options that are rich in taste and satisfying from the ethical point of view too. While there, you could check out the Naanza and Planet special poutine. You can either drop in or order over the phone if you are resident in Toronto or Greater Toronto Area – GTA.

 

Trojan horses in the vegan world:

Finally, a number of processed foods from bread to deep-fried snacks and colored drinks to sticky sweets such as the quintessential gummy candies are all non-vegan in nature. This is because animal-produce are directly or indirectly involved in their production. For instance, in the candy industry, gelatin is extensively used because it imparts a chewy texture to sweets. Gelatin is basically a protein that is harvested from the tendons of livestock such as cattle and pigs.

In roasted peanuts too gelatin is used to bind the salt to the peanuts. Now for the last straw – you would be horrified to know that the attractive red hues of various foods and drinks in the marketplace are actually derived by crushing and boiling beetles.

While alcoholic drinks such as liquors are known to be a safe option in general, it always pays to know what goes into your favorite tipple. Especially since many an imported beer and wine are known to contain substances such as fish oils and gelatins. Talking of fish, omega-3 is also not consumed by vegans.

 

Ways to stay glued to the vegan track:

Before you rush out to the nearest Veggie Planet Vegetarian Restaurant in Mississauga,  Brampton to indulge your taste buds with Indian street food and down a couple of Indian drinks, let’s take into consideration the following:

Carefully read packaged food labels, especially the small print: Look out for ingredients that are potentially non-vegan. Should such labels list ingredients like lactose, whey, shellac, casein, rennet and castoreum, alarm bells must clang in your mind.

Carefully read packaged food labels, especially the small print: Look out for ingredients that are potentially non-vegan. Should such labels list ingredients like lactose, whey, shellac, casein, rennet and castoreum, alarm bells must clang in your mind.

Considering the dietary restrictions and limitations, many people think that taking the vegan road and sticking to it is a tough proposition. While it’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, with a bit of foresight and planning, you can be a successful vegan.

 

To Conclude

Fortunately for those who are fascinated by the concept of veganism and wish to enjoy its benefits, there are a variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Mississauga and GTA, with some of them specializing in Indian dishes. These restaurants are tweaking traditional Indian recipes to fit a global palate. The result is a mouth-watering array of Indian street foods that drip with the trademark Indian tastes yet brimming with the health associated with a clean diet.

Veggie Planet has pioneered the concept of Indian vegan street foods to the level of an art.

If you’re in Etobicoke, Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto and rest of Greater Toronto Area, walk into Veggie Planet outlet near you and savor mind-boggling combinations ranging from naanza to kawa nuggets and drumsticks. Relax with traditional Indian drinks like jal-jeera after enjoying your meal.

Veggie Planet offers convenient online ordering via website (https://veggieplanet.ca ) and flexible delivery options, including delivery within a 15-kilometer radius available in Mississauga and GTA.

For in restaurant pickups, Veggie Planet is located at 6985 Davand Dr Unit #1, Mississauga, ON L5T 1Y7 and can be reached at (905) 795-7950 for all vegetarian and vegan restaurant menu items.

 

Happy veganism!

Benefits Of Raising Kids The Vegetarian/Vegan Way In The Greater Toronto Area

Vegetarianism is fast becoming an option for many families across Toronto, Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada and the world. While going vegetarian or vegan is a healthy proposition, many parents have concerns on the health implications over the physical and mental implications of a non-meat diet composed of vegetables,  veggie burger or veggie pizza for growing children. If you too are one such doubting Thomas, here’s the low-down on the benefits of introducing your children to the pleasures and benefits of Indian street food whose mainstay are vegetarian foods and vegan diets.

To begin this month’s article, it has been seen that consuming a vegetarian or vegan diet gives substantial health advantages to kids in comparison to those raised on a typical meat-rich diet. Exposing your growing children to these benefits will give them a head start in the healthy lifestyle stakes. Vegetarian diets are rich in fiber, short on saturated fat, brimming with essential minerals and vitamins. They are also bursting with plant protein and thus absolutely cholesterol-free.

Thanks to the abundance of processed meat-based foods, teenage obesity has become a fact of life today. Adolescents brought up as vegetarians, are seen to be effortlessly maintaining their BMIs. They also suffer less from typical teenage problems such as acne and gastro problems associated with meat-based foods. Coming to the specifics, lower incidence of life-threatening disease such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, is seen in vegetarians than in meat-eaters.

Advantages of growing up vegetarian and vegan

By switching over to a vegetarian diet, your children automatically get the benefits associated with high-fiber foods. Expect your children to have better digestion and a higher metabolic rate. Their bodies are also better positioned to expel toxins and wastes produced during the metabolic processes. On a vegetarian diet, your kids will also maintain healthy fluid levels in their bodies. With a vegetarian diet, you can also expect your children’s eyes to be healthier and their eyesight sharper.  The net result is a healthy body that excels in getting the best out of life.

Nutrition apart, fatty acids are low in vegetarian food making it easier to absorb. This in turn contributes to maintaining a stable flow of blood sugar in the body – keeping diabetes at arms-length. Consumers of non-vegetarian fast foods are observed to have blood sugar levels that fluctuate erratically the moment they finish eating any meat-based fast food. It goes without saying that vegetarian fast foods that your friendly neighborhood Veggie Planet Indian street food restaurant in Mississauga, Brampton and the GTA dishes up, are a good option to head out to whenever your kids crave a quick bite.

It’s not just the body but also your child’s mind that benefits from going vegetarian early in life. Studies have shown that people who are vegetarians or vegans perform better on mood profile and depression tests. Further, the organic cultivation of vegetables is further adding to the health benefits that your children will enjoy when they adopt a vegetarian diet. All these factors are responsible for developing a positive outlook in your child towards life in general.

Summing up, since they are a storehouse of plant and grain-based ingredients, vegetarian fast foods are good for growing children because they get their supply of essential vitamins like C, E, and folic acid. And then, since vegetarian fast foods are high on magnesium, phytochemicals and unsaturated fats, your children will have lower cholesterol levels of cholesterol and consequently their blood pressure levels are also at the proper levels.

Introducing your kids to vegetarian In Mississauga, Brampton and the GTA

The first problem that parents face while introducing their kids to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is the taste factor. It’s best to understand that taste is an acquired sensibility and with time and constant exposure, our taste buds learn to like the food they come across. But kids being kids, you will have to put on your innovative cap to come up with attractive recipes that are vegetarian but high on taste factor.

For example, oat waffles topped with maple syrup or fruit are a good breakfast option for budding vegan kids. Similarly, a lentil loaf lunch would have your kids literally begging you for seconds. What’s more, it is dripping with proteins and fiber, which are very essential for health and wellness. Similarly, hummus is a great option to introduce your kids to the benefits of vegetarian food. Kawa Nuggets and Kawa Drumstick serve at Veggie Planet are a tasty yet healthy option that you can explore along with your children. As you will see moving forward that your kids will gradually get used to vegetarian dishes and actually begin to prefer them when the health benefits begin to show up.

 

As a parent bringing up your kids the vegan way, you must expect and prepare your children to face many a social challenge too. This is because meat-eating families are still the norm rather than the exception. Especially when they are attending birthday parties and get-togethers where non-vegetarian food is on the menu, it makes sense to call up the hosts in advance and appraise them of your child’s preferences. It will give the hosts sufficient time to include veggie options such as veggie burgers, tofu crackers, vegan cakes, Naanza and Indian drinks such as jal-jeera. Better still, there are specialty vegetarian fast food outlets such as Veggie Planet in Mississauga where your kids can tuck into the Planet Special Poutine, to their hearts’ content.

Another area where your kids are likely to face challenges are during the lunch break at the school cafeteria. Get together with other parents in the locality, who share similar concerns, and try to persuade the school authorities on including a couple of vegetarian and vegan options in the menu.

Talking about Indian vegetarian fast food restaurants, the good thing about them is that they have successfully reinvented themselves for a global clientele. Your kids don’t have to forego taste for the sake of a healthy lifestyle. If you live in Mississauga, Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area, or passing through with your kids, step in for a quick bite of heavenly Naanza at Veggie Planet!

Veggie Planet offers convenient online ordering via website (https://veggieplanet.ca) and flexible delivery options, including delivery within a 15-kilometer radius available in Mississauga and Greater Toronto Area.

For in-restaurant pickups, Veggie Planet is located at 6985 Davand Dr Unit #1, Mississauga, ON L5T 1Y7 and can be reached at (905) 795-7950 for all vegetarian and vegan restaurant menu items.

Myths And Truths About Vegetarian Fast Foods, And Then Some More..

Veggie Planet Indian Street Food Mississauga and Brampton 6

The debate over food choices is an old one. With the growing interest and curiosity about vegetarian food, especially Indian food in recent times, votaries of non-vegetarian foods are coming up with theories that show vegetarian food in bad light. For example, it is commonly believed that vegetarian food is adequate for physically active people. How much truth do such assumptions hold? Let’s do a reality check on some of the most common allegations tossed at vegetarian food. Later on, we’ll also find out how to enjoy Indian street food in Brampton, Mississauga, Etobicoke and Greater Toronto Area even as we beat the health concerns associated with them.

 

Myth 1: Vegetarian Food Is Low On Protein.

Truth 1: Gone are the days when animal-protein was considered superior and essential for our health and physical development. Research has proved that plant-based food has sufficient protein for human requirements. Instead of eggs, you can try out protein-rich vegetarian food sources such as beans, lentils, tofu, cereals and whole-grain breads. What’s more, all these foods are ideal accompaniments in a variety of Indian vegetarian fast food recipes such as Kawa Nuggets and Kawa Drumstick that are tasty and exciting to try out.

 

Myth 2: Vegetarians Suffer From Iron Deficiency.

Truth 2: Yet another myth perpetuated about vegetarian foods, which has been shattered in recent times. Iron deficiency is a condition that is caused by a number of factors and can afflict vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. In fact, some vegetarian foods like beans, tofu and spinach are super-rich sources of iron. So, bite into your veggie burger in Brampton or Mississauga and stop worrying about iron deficiency.

 

Myth 3: Vegetarian Food Is Low On Energy.

Truth 3: A doubt that plays on the minds of athletes, sports persons and bodybuilders. Many famous sports personalities are endorsing the benefits of vegetarian foods today. In fact, they prefer vegan / vegetarian food because it is clean and does not pollute the internal workings of our body. A vegetarian diet is rich in protein, vitamins and vital minerals, and more than adequate for most high-energy sporting activities. So, don’t worry unduly if someone tells you that your vegetarian diet is insufficient to meet your energy requirements.

 

Myth 4: Vegetarian Food Is Not Pocket-Friendly.

Truth 4: Well, sorry to disappoint you but vegetarian food is actually more wallet-friendly than non-vegetarian dishes in Greater Toronto Area. Just check the menu at your local fast food joint and the truth will hit you in the face. In fact, you can buy and eat more veggie pizza for the price that you would normally pay for a meat or chicken dish. The best part is that while you can buy more of vegetarian fare for the amount that you pay for meat-dishes, you will not end up heavier!

 

Myth 5: Vegetarian Food Keeps You Hungry.

Truth 5: Research shows that vegetarian food stays comparatively longer in the human gut and also keeps it fuller. Vegetarian food also helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body, which in turn keeps hunger cravings at bay for longer. Actually, many of us confuse a lighter tummy with hunger. Vegetarian food is actually filling and stays longer in the food canal but since it is lighter than non-vegetarian food, some people tend to interpret it is hunger pangs. And there lies the truth behind this myth.

 

Myth 6: Vegetarian Food Offers Less Options.

Truth 6: Vegetarian foods are suitable for all kinds of cuisines. So whether it’s Mediterranean or Indian, you’ll discover that every country has a delectable range of vegetarian dishes that are tasty, filling, nutritious and pocket-friendly. Check out the planet special poutine and Naanza whenever you’re in Mississauga area.


Talking of health benefits that vegetarian foods bring to the table, let’s look at the unique features of Indian vegetarian fast foods:

The raita is a yogurt-based dip that is a common accompaniment to most Indian fast foods. Comprising basically of cucumber and mint, raita is a rich in calcium. It takes on the role of mayonnaise in western cuisine. Raita is available in different combinations and can give a unique taste to the food you relish in your favorite Indian vegetarian fast food restaurant.

Similarly, the sauces and chutneys used in Indian cuisine are mostly vegetarian in nature. Coupled with this are a variety of Indian drinks to choose from. You can choose form chaas, a flavored buttermilk that comforts the stomach after a delicious and heavy meal. You can also sip a cool glass of kaalajamoon juice that doubles up as a tonic for the digestive system.

Moreover, Indian street foods are low on saturated fats and high on fiber content, making them very health-friendly. If you’re fat-conscious, tandoori-based dishes are a good option as they are baked and not fried. All these qualities make Indian vegetarian foods a great idea to spend time over.

Finally, let us examine the precautions you may need to keep in mind when ordering Indian food. Play safe and stick to tomato-based curries or other vegetables. If you’re a bit too health-conscious, you can always ask the chef to go easy on the ghee or substitute vegetable oil.Brampton or Mississauga, you know that you can enjoy the best of Indian street food without worrying about hygiene and price.

We can clearly see that vegan / vegetarian food is in no way inferior to meat-based foods. In fact, Indian restaurants like Veggie Planet have taken Indian street foods to the next level. The next time you step out for a good time, remember the host of options and experiences that await you in the form of vegetarian food, especially Indian fast foods. Especially for folks staying in and around Brampton and Mississauga, the choices are many and you can either book a place for intimate get-together with family and friends. You could even schedule business lunch or a brunch comprising Indian vegetarian foods.

Veggie Planet offers convenient online ordering via website https://veggieplanet.ca and flexible delivery options, including delivery within a 15-kilometer radius available in Mississauga and Greater Toronto Area.

For in-restaurant pickups, Veggie Planet is located at 6985 DavandDr Unit #1, Mississauga, ON L5T 1Y7 and can be reached at (905) 795-7950 for all vegetarian and vegan restaurant menu items.