Go Green is the most popular lifestyle attitude nowadays, and vegetarianism has become the new dietary habit of the younger generation. However, 30 years ago, this 30-year-old big boy Elvis had already started eating vegetarian since he was a baby, and has been doing so for 30 years. What is the reason that drives him to always “avoid meat” and perfectly steer clear of the meat temptations among his peers? At the same time, does it address the nutritional needs of his body during adolescence? Making vegetarianism a lifestyle habit, and even a lifestyle attitude!
// 母親與個人的選擇 //
During the BB era, Elvis did not have the dominant power to choose whether to be vegetarian or not. Based on his mother’s beliefs and dietary habits, he was already “vegetarian” from his mother’s womb. His vegetarian habits were cultivated from infancy, and even in kindergarten, he couldn’t swallow a bite of sausage, resisting the genes of meat seemed to have long been hidden inside him. However, temptations are everywhere in the world, and during his youth, Elvis was once ostracized by classmates for resisting meat, but peer pressure never shook him, and his dedication to vegetarianism slowly infected his friends. From teasing to acceptance, finally learning to respect, just as Elvis respects others’ meat choices, everything comes from understanding and tolerance.
// 「素膠」的誤解 //
For 30 years, Elvis has heard and encountered different voices from vegetarians, and the most repulsive thing is hearing others refer to vegetarians as “vegetarian glue.” Prejudice and misunderstanding arise from a lack of understanding. Why not get to know others’ choices before criticizing them? In addition to family dietary habits, Elvis insists on vegetarianism for various reasons, such as protecting animals, refusing to kill, and caring for the earth and cherishing resources. By practicing what he preaches to support sustainable development on Earth, can meat eaters who criticize others not appreciate the efforts and hard work of others? Must they always use an “us vs. them” mentality to deny different lifestyle choices?
// 由食素到煮素 //
I have heard too many prejudices and misunderstandings about vegetarianism, which has prompted Elvis to make more people understand the loveliness of vegetarianism. In addition to promoting and advocating, he chose to learn how to cook vegetarian dishes from various countries, creating delicious vegetarian dishes that are visually appealing, fragrant, and tasty, touching taste buds and hearts. At only 30 years old, he has managed vegetarian restaurants, published vegetarian recipe books, and now teaches cooking classes to share his vegetarian cooking tips. Elvis hopes that everyone will not only appreciate vegetarianism, but also understand its diversity. Starting from learning how to cook simple vegetarian dishes, he wants to integrate vegetarianism into people’s lives.
// 另類的滿足感 //
Eating vegetarian is both a habit and an inner cultivation and enjoyment. Healthy and gentle grains, vegetables, and fruits can keep the body, mind, and spirit in an excellent state of balance. Vegetarianism seems to have also softened Elvis’s youthful vigor. Describing himself as having a mild temper, he advocates for peace in life, work, and relationships. When faced with unfavorable circumstances, he holds a forgiving heart, contemplates the law of cause and effect, and approaches problem-solving with a calm and positive attitude, unaffected by negative situations. The inner peace and abundant positive energy are alternative satisfactions brought by vegetarianism.
後記：
茹素 30 年，Elvis 感受最深的是 6 、7 年先 Green Monday 開始在本地推廣，讓大家踏出接受素食的一步。多年後的今日，素食越來越普及，就連連鎖快餐店、街坊茶餐廳都加入素食餐單。當茹素已經變得如此簡單多選擇，你還有什麼借口抗拒食素？對自己、對環境，接受多一種飲食方式，將素食融入生活吧！
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Producer: Vicky Wai
Editor: Candy Chan
Videographer: @wootwootvisual
Photographer: @mxkan_
Video Edit: @mxkan_
Designer: Tanna Cheng
Special Thanks: @veggiexpert_elvisc
