全球瘋素食 / The world's going crazy for vegetarianism

越來越多人開始重視健康飲食議題，也意識到飲食習慣對身體健康有極大的影響，於是紛紛投入素食行列。根據綠色和平組織的報告，吃素確實有助於減緩氣候變遷，據統計，生產一份牛排的過程會製造 330 公克的碳（相當於開車 4.8 公里所產生的碳），而一份份量相近的蔬菜，碳排放卻只有 14 公克，相差有將近 24 倍之多！另外，有許多因健康因素而選擇素食飲食的例子（如籃球名星戴維斯）表示，均衡攝取營養的素食飲食，其實有助於改善身體的老毛病，也讓身體獲得更多能量！

近年來國內外都相當流行「素食」，我前文提到的藍區飲食可能也是推波助瀾的原因之一，主要是現代人們越來越開始重視健康飲食議題，也意識到飲食習慣對身體健康有極大的影響，所以紛紛投入素食的行列，根據綠色和平組織的報告，吃素也有助於減緩氣候變遷，據統計，生產一份牛排的過程會製造 330 公克的碳（相當於開車 4.8 公里所產生的碳），而一份份量相近的蔬菜，碳排放卻只有 14 公克，相差有將近 24 倍之多，華人明星中也有不少位吃素的案例，如親切、戲演得好、歌唱得更好的劉德華及天籟之音超級靚聲的王菲，或許這也是讓他們在繁忙的工作之餘，能常保活力的祕方，很多一線女星也常年吃素，讓自己保持體態輕盈又健康。

身為饕客，應該都有聽過《米其林指南》，這份名單過一到三星級評鑑，以及以合理價格提供優質技藝的「必比登推介」對餐廳進行評級，涵蓋全球30多個目的地，為饕客提供美食推薦清單，等於說列在名單上的餐廳，就是色香味俱全的保證，近年來，人們越來越重視環境永續的議題，因此，在2020 年起開始導入米其林綠星，表彰在環境永續方面致力的餐廳，雖然「綠星不等於素食」，但是許多餐廳和頂尖主廚們正轉向精緻素食料理，不但符合環境永續，也讓素食者能有高雅精緻的用餐體驗。

最近幾年和朋友聚會時，我也突然發現，幾位好友已經改吃素食一段時間了，我的印象中，他們本來是無肉不歡的大饕客，怎麼會突然變心轉性，讓我有些大惑不解，在我幾次的盤敲側擊的打聽下，大概都是健康因素，幾年工作下來，每年的健康檢查，已經是紅字滿滿，不做些改變，可能就是「錢在銀行，人上天堂，家中妻小無人照料」，此外，一些有名的精緻素食料理，不但色香味俱全，價錢也是讓你目瞪口呆，我本來就知道，吃素會比吃肉，較貴一點，但素食多半較油膩，口感也比不上正常的料理，所以，很多人不是那麼喜歡吃素，直到我到這家位於台北的知名蔬食餐廳「小小樹食」用餐過後，才發現，時代在變了，原來素食也可以那麼好吃，此外，小小樹食也獲得米其林綠星肯定，是今年獲得米其林綠星的六家餐廳中的其中之一，素食也可以和美食劃上等號了。

PS: 圖片取自小小樹食的IG帳號

More and more people are beginning to prioritize health-conscious eating and are realizing the significant impact of dietary habits on their well-being. Consequently, they are enthusiastically embracing vegetarianism. According to a report from Greenpeace, adopting a vegetarian diet can indeed contribute to slowing down climate change. Statistics reveal that producing a serving of steak generates 330 grams of carbon emissions (equivalent to driving about 4.8 kilometers), whereas a comparable portion of vegetables emits only 14 grams of carbon, a staggering 24-fold difference! Additionally, numerous examples of individuals, driven by health considerations, have chosen vegetarianism. For instance, basketball star Anthony Davis advocates that a balanced vegetarian diet can help alleviate health issues and provide the body with increased energy.

In recent years, the trend of vegetarianism has gained popularity both nationally and internationally. As I mentioned earlier, the concept of the Blue Zones diet may be one of the contributing factors. Modern individuals are increasingly recognizing the importance of healthy eating and the profound impact it has on their health. Consequently, they are joining the ranks of vegetarians. According to Greenpeace's report, vegetarianism also contributes to slowing down climate change. To put it in perspective, producing a serving of steak generates 330 grams of carbon emissions, equivalent to driving 4.8 kilometers. In contrast, a similar portion of vegetables emits only 14 grams of carbon, nearly 24 times less! There are also many Chinese celebrities who have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, such as the amiable and talented Liu Dehua and the ethereal voice of Wang Fei. Perhaps this is the secret that keeps them energetic amidst their busy schedules. Many A-list actresses also maintain a vegetarian diet year-round to stay in shape and maintain their health.

As a food enthusiast, you must have heard of the "Michelin Guide," which rates restaurants from one to three stars and also provides recommendations for high-quality, reasonably priced establishments known as "Bib Gourmand." It covers over 30 destinations worldwide and serves as a culinary reference for food connoisseurs. Restaurants listed in this guide are guaranteed to offer a delightful dining experience in terms of taste, presentation, and aroma. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. Therefore, starting in 2020, the Michelin Green Star was introduced to recognize restaurants committed to environmental sustainability. Although a "Green Star" does not necessarily equate to vegetarianism, many restaurants and top chefs are turning to gourmet vegetarian cuisine. This shift not only aligns with environmental sustainability but also provides vegetarian diners with an elegant and refined dining experience.

In recent years, during gatherings with friends, I have noticed that several of them have embraced vegetarianism. It was surprising because they were known as avid meat lovers. I was curious about their sudden transformation, and after some discreet inquiries, I learned that health was the primary reason. After years of work and annual health check-ups resulting in concerning findings, they realized that making changes in their diet was essential. They recognized that prioritizing their health now could prevent future health complications. Additionally, they mentioned the availability of renowned gourmet vegetarian options that not only offer a delightful culinary experience but also come with a hefty price tag. I was aware that vegetarian dishes tend to be pricier, and the taste and texture often cannot compare to regular cuisine. However, it wasn't until I dined at the renowned vegetarian restaurant "Little Tree Food" in Taipei that I realized times have changed. Vegetarian food can be incredibly delicious. Furthermore, Little Tree Food has been recognized with a Michelin Green Star, making it one of the six restaurants to receive this honor this year. Vegetarianism has indeed become synonymous with fine dining.

PS: The pictures are sourced from the Instagram account of Little Tree Food.

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