21-Day Healthy Diet Challenge Singapore Edition is now on
The “Healthier me 21-Day Challenge” which originated from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is now officially launched in Singapore. This initiative is led by Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) and supported by local community volunteers. After many rounds of discussions and negotiations, the partnering plant-based restaurant vendors finally agreed to prepare the bento according to specific dietary requirements for the challengers. Everyone is important in this process because promoting a plant-based diet is a shared responsibility.
Is this colourful bento balanced in nutrition? Let's do some analysis.
Volunteer：One piece of beancurd, there's wild yam (Huaishan), not enough protein. There's too much of carb and not enough protein and vegetables. What about the level of saltiness? Okay. But the beancurd is a bit salty.
There are specific standards to meet in terms of the nutritional ratio and cooking methods. The unique menu for this "Healthier me 21 day challenge" was designed after several rounds of discussions between the volunteers and vegetarian restaurant vendors.
Owner of New Green Pasture, Sophia Teh：Maintaining the original taste is the requirement, but it is difficult to handle original taste. People who have never tried raw diet might resist such food. So, we must find a way to make it delicious.
Owner of Eco Harmony Café, Joyce Lye：Nowadays, people talk about science and statistics. Promoting plant-based diet is not only good for ourselves but also good for earth. It is a very meaningful thing to do because everyone has to eat every day.
Tzu Chi Singapore resident doctor：A plant-based diet can reduce the risk of contracting heart diseases by 40%, this is a great lifestyle adjustment.
This challenge plan is led by TIMA and supported by community volunteers. The first batch of challengers will begin their challenge in early August. Besides eating what is provided, the challengers will have to undergo blood tests to measure their health improvement.
“Healthier me 21-Day Challenge” Coordinator, Dr Ho Xin Qin：Most of the time we use drugs and surgery to treat diseases. We often overlook that diet is very crucial.
Host：Can we drink coffee and tea during these 21 days?
Any doubts arising during the process will be answered by medical staff and nutritionists. According to psychology, 21 days is the time required to form a habit. A healthy diet starts with this 21-day!
