Discovering the Benefits of Veganism: An In-Depth Look at Tabay Atkins' Journey

If you ever find yourself hungry in Orange County, California, a visit to Tabay Atkin's gas station food truck is a must. What appears to be a typical roadside eatery from the outside offers a delightful surprise on the inside: all dishes are 100% plant-based. Tabay Atkins, a 17-year-old entrepreneur, doesn't explicitly market his offerings as vegan, but every item on the menu is free from meat, dairy, and animal products. This unassuming approach has garnered a loyal customer base who appreciate the delicious taste and health benefits of his vegan cuisine.

The Inspiring Journey of Tabay Atkins

Tabay Atkins decided to become vegan at the age of 12, but his story begins even earlier. His mother, Sahel, battled cancer and underwent intensive chemotherapy with severe side effects. Following her treatment, she joined a yoga teacher training program, which significantly aided her recovery. Tabay, just six years old at the time, witnessed his mother's transformation and was inspired to pursue yoga himself.

"I got into yoga after my mom beat cancer," says Atkins. "After practicing yoga, she was able to recover from the effects of chemotherapy and cancer, and that inspired me to start teaching yoga."

Over the years, Tabay completed numerous yoga teacher trainings and healing certifications, immersing himself in the yoga community. Six years later, adopting a vegan lifestyle felt like a natural progression.

Embracing Veganism

Encouraged by their community and commitment to health, Tabay and his mother explored veganism. A turning point came during a flight from New York to California when a heavy chicken pasta and cheese platter left Tabay feeling ill. This experience, coupled with watching the documentary "What the Health," solidified their decision to switch to a whole food, plant-based diet (WFPB).

"You still don’t eat animal products," Atkins explains. "You don’t eat meat, dairy, and eggs, but you also take out processed sugar and refined oils, so you don’t have any processed foods of any kind."

Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen Food Truck

While Tabay personally adheres to a WFPB lifestyle, his food truck offers a range of options to cater to different preferences. Dubbed "undercover" vegan, his menu features creative names like "f’sh tacos," "buffalo chik’n wrap," and "beaf burger." This approach helps demystify plant-based eating and introduces customers to delicious vegan alternatives.

After years of planning, Tabay and his mother brought their dream of owning an eatery to life. Their 36-foot custom-designed food truck now resides at a Dana Point gas station, offering delectable plant-based dishes to the community.

The Intersection of Veganism, Yoga, and Non-Violence

As Tabay delved deeper into veganism, he saw connections between the lifestyle and his yoga practice. The principle of "ahimsa," or non-violence to all living beings, resonated with him and reinforced his commitment to a plant-based diet.

"I started learning more about the animals and became more of an advocate for stopping animal cruelty," he shares. "I thought, ‘Wow, this is good for not just my health. It’s also good for the animals, and also the environment. It helps reduce carbon emissions. It helps reduce deforestation and water use.’"

The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

Environmental Sustainability A 2016 review of 63 studies found that switching from a typical Western diet to a plant-based diet can lead to a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and land use, and a 50% reduction in water use. This shift significantly contributes to environmental sustainability.

Human Health Benefits A whole foods, plant-based diet offers numerous health benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of some cancers

• Reduced risk of heart disease

• Reduced risk of diabetes

• Reduced risk of cognitive decline

For instance, a 2017 study of over 200,000 people revealed that those following a plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and nuts had a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease. Other studies have linked vegetarian diets to lower risks of gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers.

Tabay’s Tips for Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet

1. Take It Step by Step: Ease into the diet gradually to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Cook at Home: This reduces the cost of dining out and helps avoid processed specialty items.

3. Use Apps: Apps like Happy Cow can help you find local vegan options.

4. Sweeten Naturally: Opt for healthier sweeteners like dates and jaggery instead of processed sugars.

Conclusion

Tabay Atkins' dedication to promoting plant-based eating reflects his belief in the power of positive intentions, as shared at the end of his yoga classes: “Think good thoughts, speak kind words, feel love, be love, and give love.” His journey from yoga enthusiast to vegan chef and advocate underscores the profound connection between personal health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. By embracing a plant-based diet, individuals can contribute to a healthier planet while reaping the numerous health benefits this lifestyle offers.