Louise Parker is a wellbeing expert and author of The Louise Parker Method: Lean For Life. We caught up with her to ask her about vegan health on holiday.
Louise Parker
What are the most common foods vegans eat that could cause digestive issues?
All diets need to be carefully calibrated with a balance of good fats, ample protein and carbohydrate ideally from low GI and highly nutritious sources. Vegan diets need that extra bit of attention as so many food groups are eliminated - but will so many sources and alternatives these days, vegans have so much choice. We have clients who train intensively and live on vegan diets. Our method is not plant based - we include meat, fish and dairy - but our method is routinely adapted to suit each individual.
The main issue for vegans is they must get in their protein - and pulses, legumes are a great and obvious source. They can create gas, bloating and in some people diarrhea or constipation.
How can vegans ensure that they don't get sick on holiday?
Vegans really do need to very carefully plan their diets to ensure adequate micronutrient intake, but it is very likely they will have to supplement their diets. We encourage our vegan clients to supplement their diet with vitamins B12, Omegas 3, Zinc, Selenium, Iron and calcium, just as an insurance policy. A multivitamin can keep everything covered and keep vegans healthy preventing disease - it's much easier with one pill to swallow and you're more likely to remember it. Not everyone is going to hit their perfect daily balance of seasonal vegetables and fruit and a good range of wholegrains, pulses, legumes, nuts, seeds and vegetables oils - and so supplementation is important.
No one can ensure you don't get sick on holiday - but preparation is key. Wash your hands regularly, especially when travelling and I always travel with Enterosgel (an oral gel that helps to remove bacterial toxins from the gut) which will nip any nasties in the bud before they take hold. It's natural, safe and on holiday I just make sure the whole family have a little dose each evening.
Which vegan foods on holiday are the most common culprits for causing stomach issues?
Restaurants in general tend to rely on a lot of fat and excess sugars in vegan meals - to add flavour and taste - which can cause a lot of discomfort on the gastrointestinal tract, not to mention weight gain. But it's the excess in fat, alcohol and sugars that can really cause discomfort and play havoc with the skin.
What are your top tips for staying generally healthy as a vegan?
Education and information - from a medical source is key. Make sure that you are getting fad free information. Instagram is awash with 'experts' and trends and I'd say that it was very important to steer clear of anything faddy. Ask yourself, 'Would I allow my teenage daughter to do this?' and use your common sense. Seek expert advice from a Dietician and ensure that longevity is the basis of any plan you follow. We employ medically registered Dieticians as their expertise and education is second to none.
Have you seen a rise in veganism from your clients?
Not necessarily veganism, but there has been a steady increase in the interest of a more plant based approach. We've seen a rise in what we have had to give a term of 'organically overweight' to - many clients baffled by all the information out there and assuming that as long as it is raw, natural and gluten free, that it's good for you. This isn't always the case. We've seen a huge rise in obesity of clients following many raw, paleo, gluten free, you name it, diets - and our job is to bust the myths from the fads.
What are the dangers to your body if you're an unhealthy vegan?
There are risks to any type of diet - but the most common issues we see with vegans are obesity or being underweight, poor muscle mass from lack of protein, which can lead to inadequate bone density, malnutrition, TATT (tired all the time) and digestive and skin issues - often presenting with acne around the mouth area.
What are the best plant based sources to aid health?
This is the most common thing we are asked. There's not one single food (and in fact I don't believe in 'superfoods' per se, they are all super in the right balance) that will give you health. It is the combination of all macronutrients in the right ratios that give you optimum health. Eating 2kg of kale with a sprinkle of goji berries and spirulina is not going to ensure you are healthy. Balance is key.
How can plants help the body to heal?
They contain antioxidants and phytonutrients, essential for healing.
What is your favorite plant based meal to make at home?
I eat a broad diet of meat and fish but also have meat free days, and only some days are vegan - mainly by accident rather than intention. I'd make black beans with chickpeas, tomato, onion, coriander, chili and lime juice. Or some concoction of baked aubergine with Tahini. Everything tastes amazing with chili, herbs and lime in my book.
What is next for you?
We've so many new projects on the horizon. Our London Clinic is booming - and having just moved to larger premises on Walton Street we are still struggling to keep up with our waiting list - so we're expanding. I've a follow up to my Sunday Times bestseller 'Louise Parker Method; Lean for Life' hitting the shelves in December, called 'Louise Parker Method; The Cookbook' and a few secret projects that I'm not allowed to tweet about just yet.
Louise Parker was speaking on behalf of Enterosgel, a clinically proven, drug-free oral gel which offers effective adjuvant treatment for gastroenteritis and IBS. Enterosgel is available at Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy or Holland & Barrett stores nationwide. http://enteromed.co.uk/
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