Speaker 1: 0:01

Hey sister, welcome to the Power on Plants podcast. Are you tired of staring into the fridge wondering what to eat so you can just feel better? Do you want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen making complicated meals in the name of health? Would you love to leave fatigue behind and finally have the energy to do all the things you want to do? Hi, we're Jared and Anita Roussel, christ followers, health care professionals, parents of four and big fans of great tasting food. We, too, tried exercising more, eating natural and clean foods, but we still found ourselves struggling with what we thought were changes that come with age or bad genes, and we weren't finding answers the traditional route. So we dug into the research and created our secret nutritional weapon sustainable plant-based living. The truth is, you can eat more whole plant foods and it's not hard. You just need the way. That's realistic and delicious, so you never feel deprived. If you're ready to enjoy your meals, no longer be held back by your health struggles and actively live your life, then you're in the right place. So grab your favorite plant-based cup of happy pop in those earbuds and let's get started.

Speaker 1: 1:12

Hello sunshine, welcome to another episode of Power on Plants, where we help you to finally feel good so you're able to actively live your dreams through the incredible power of healthy, plant-based eating. We're so excited about today's episode because we're tackling one of the biggest challenges many of you face dining out while staying true to your plant-based lifestyle. Have you ever stood virtually frozen in front of a restaurant wondering is there anything that I can actually eat inside there? Or sat at a table watching everyone else enjoy their meals while you picked at your little side salad? Well, those days are over. Today we're exploring the top five most vegan friendly cuisines around, complete with exactly what to order and why. These food traditions are natural havens for eating whole food plant-based. So if you're ready, let's dive into the delicious world of global plant-based dining. Jared, you want to start us off with the first restaurant?

Speaker 2: 2:11

I would love to. First up is Ethiopian cuisine, which might be the best-kept secret in the plant-based world. Ethiopian cuisine is naturally plant-friendly due to the traditional fasting periods, during which Ethiopians avoid animal products for a significant portion of the year. This cultural practice has led to the development of numerous delicious plant-based dishes. Say that five times delicious plant-based dishes that are central to their cuisine, making Ethiopian restaurants particularly accommodating for plant-based diners.

Speaker 1: 2:43

But one thing makes Ethiopian food so special, and that is the foundation of injera, a fermented sourdough flatbread made of teff grain. This nutrient-dense, naturally gluten-free bread serves as both your plate and your utensil, so you tear off pieces to scoop up the various stews or vegetables that are served on top of it. So not only can Ethiopian dining be nutritionally beneficial, but it can also be really fun. Sadly, we don't have any Ethiopian restaurants in our area and right now, finding all this out about Ethiopian food, I'm actually a little bit envious because I did some research into this because I know Ethiopian food is great for. Actually a little bit envious because I did some research into this because I know Ethiopian food is great for eating whole food, plant-based. But of course we've missed out because we don't live in a big city. But if you live somewhere even like Nashville, I looked it up and there's something like five to 10 Ethiopian restaurants just in Nashville alone. So if you live anywhere near a larger city, do not miss out on this cuisine.

Speaker 2: 3:44

When you visit an Ethiopian restaurant, look for these three powerhouse dishes. First is mesir wat, a rich, spiced red lentil stew that's hearty and protein-packed. Second is gomen collard greens sauteed with aromatic spices and garlic. And the third option, shiro, a smooth sp spice stew made from ground chickpeas or split peas. Just be sure to ask for no nider kibbeh, that is, clarified butter in your dishes and get this. Most Ethiopian restaurants are very accommodating and can prepare oil-free versions upon request.

Speaker 1: 4:20

I'm just impressed to hear you pronounce all of those. That's all I have to say about that.

Speaker 2: 4:25

I dabble in the languages.

Speaker 1: 4:28

I love it. Next, let's travel to India, where filling your plate with vegetables has deep cultural roots that go back thousands of years. Indian cuisine offers an incredible variety of legume-based dishes, vegetable curries and whole grain options. So when dining at an Indian restaurant, these three dishes are great options to consider. First is hana masala. This is chickpeas simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce with warming spices. And then there's dal, which is various lentil stews that are a protein-rich and deeply satisfying dish. And third, aloo gobi. I love this one. This is a comforting potato and cauliflower dish with turmeric and cumin. I like it so much that I even included a recipe for this inside our cookbook. You can check that out at poweronplantscom forward slash cookbook. But here is the key to request no ghee, which is clarified butter or cream, when you're visiting an Indian restaurant. Many restaurants are happy to prepare dishes with less oil, or even oil-free, if you ask politely. So pair these dishes with some brown rice instead of naan bread for a more whole food, plant-based approach when you visit.

Speaker 2: 5:46

Now our next option. Mexican food sometimes gets a bad reputation in the health world because of how it's often prepared in American restaurants, swimming in cheese and sour cream. But authentic Mexican cuisine is built around corn, beans, rice, tomatoes and avocados all plant foods. Here are three fantastic options at Mexican restaurants. First, veggie fajitas. We love veggie fajitas.

Speaker 1: 6:13

This is what we order at our local restaurant when we go out to eat. We love theirs and we ask for oil-free or no butter added as well. It's just so satisfying, those sizzling fajitas that come out and they pile ours high with some type of mushroom I think they use oyster mushrooms on ours and then sweet potatoes at this one. It's amazing With the standard things as well, like your side of guacamole, and then it has the all the different sides that you get with it, like the lettuce and the tomato, pico, things like that, and then ours with ours. They include a side of rice or beans, something like that. And then, of course, you get your grilled veggies the other ones that I haven't mentioned, like the bell peppers and the onions. Yes, it's always such a treat. And then there are the tortillas. The homemade tortillas are amazing, so don't miss out on ordering the veggie fajitas when you visit your local Mexican restaurant.

Speaker 2: 7:09

It never disappoints. Second, bean-based soups, like black bean soup. Number three bean burritos loaded with brown rice, beans, veggies of your choice, and salsa or pico de gallo. We do recommend asking if the beans are cooked with meat or meat fat. Many times they can contain things like pork fat and then simply request no cheese, no sour cream, butter or oil. We also recommend corn tortillas over flour ones, as butter is often used in the flour variety. And there you have it Several options for the perfectly delicious whole food plant-based Mexican meal.

Speaker 1: 7:45

You are making me hungry.

Speaker 2: 7:46

I know, me too, it's one of my favorites.

Speaker 1: 7:48

I love, love, love Mexican. But you don't have to stop at Mexican, indian or Ethiopian cuisine, because next up we have Mediterranean food, which has gained worldwide recognition for its health benefits, and for a good reason. This cuisine emphasizes loads of vegetables, legumes, whole grains and herbs. When dining Mediterranean style, look for these tasty options. Falafel is a great option, which is a chickpea patty that can be enjoyed with a whole wheat pita or on top of a salad, if you want to omit the bread. And then there's lentil soup. This dish is especially hearty, it's comforting and it's typically made with very simple ingredients. Also, consider trying stuffed grape leaves. These are made with rice and herbs on the inside that are wrapped in tender grape leaves. Simply request no oil in your hummus or on your salad and ask if dishes can be prepared without added oils, because many Mediterranean restaurants now offer oil-free options, as this cuisine has become very popular among health-conscious diners.

Speaker 2: 8:54

And finally consider enjoying some delicious Thai cuisine, which offers an explosion of flavors through their herbs, spices and vegetables, rather than relying heavily on animal products. These three dishes are typically easy to make plant-based. First, vegetable pad thai. This is made with rice noodles, vegetables and tofu. Just ask for no egg or fish sauce. Then there are vegetable spring rolls, a simple dish of vegetables that are wrapped in rice paper. And, last but certainly not least, vegetable curry, which is a coconut-based meal that's filled with vegetables. You can ask that it be prepared with light coconut milk. The key with Thai food is to request no fish sauce, oyster sauce or eggs.

Speaker 1: 9:35

I would say, also ask if they use MSG Thai or Asian restaurants. That's another thing you might want to ask as well.

Speaker 2: 9:42

That's actually a great point, because sometimes they don't advertise that on menus and then we've had times when we've enjoyed that but then maybe didn't feel the best afterwards and later learned that they did utilize MSG yes. So you want to ask about that or just simply say, hey, no MSG please, because I'm a little sensitive to it. I think most restaurants are accommodating. Yes, Most Thai restaurants are very familiar with vegan modifications and can accommodate requests easily.

Speaker 1: 10:07

So there you have it Five global cuisines that make plant-based dining not just possible but absolutely delicious and enjoyable. Remember, the key to successful dining out is clear communication, so don't be afraid to ask questions and make special requests. Most chefs are happy to accommodate dietary preferences, especially when you approach them with kindness and appreciation. And now that you're armed with these global plant-based dining secrets, imagine transforming not just your restaurant experiences but your entire life. Inside our one-of-a-kind Accelerator course and coaching program that is opening soon In accelerator, we'll lead you step by step through our signature five step framework for the simple and enjoyable way to heal your body naturally with whole plant foods.

Speaker 1: 10:56

And the bonuses we're offering this time around are exceptional. We're including our entire brand new weight loss revolution video course, as well as our cholesterol course, absolutely free, to secure your spot on the wait list and ensure you don't miss out. Head to poweronplantscom forward slash accelerator today, friend, we cannot wait to show you exactly how to make whole food, plant-based eating quick, enjoyable and delicious, so that it works for you and you can finally feel great, to fully enjoy living your best years. Yet We've enjoyed spending time with you today. Know that you're loved, you are prayed for and we look forward to seeing you very soon. Thank you.