On July 20 and 21, Veggie Fest took place in Quinta da Conceição in Leça da Palmeira, Portugal. This festival celebrated vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, sustainability, and wellness, aligning perfectly with our blog’s themes of sustainable living, intentional lifestyle, and wellness. The event was the perfect place to learn more about eco-friendly practices, enjoy delicious plant-based food, and connect with like-minded people. Here’s a recap of our experience at the festival on July 20, along with some useful takeaways for mindful living enthusiasts.
Highlights from Veggie Fest
Eco-Friendly Shopping Experience
One of my first stops at Veggie Fest was the Eco-Friendly Shop stand. Here, I purchased several sustainable items, including:
- A reusable bottle to replace my broken one
- Interchangeable heads for my toothbrush
- Kitchen products that promote low-waste living
I also got to know another sustainable shop for eco-friendly products: Bio Bazaar. Both stores sell their products online but can often be found in markets like Veggie Fest.
If you want to know other online eco-friendly stores, check our blog post about the Top 13 Eco-Friendly Online Stores in Portugal for Sustainable Shopping.
Showcooking with Ana Sofia Rosado
A major highlight, and my main reason to attend the festival, was the showcooking by Ana Sofia Rosado, which focused on tofu. I’ve been following Ana’s work for a while and really wanted to attend the showcooking. Her demonstration was both informative and inspiring, and I can’t wait to try out the recipes she shared. Ana’s approach to cooking highlighted how delicious and versatile tofu can be, making it a staple in any kitchen. I got to try the starter, and it was delicious.
Vegan Treats
There were so many stands to choose from that it was pretty hard to decide what to get. Being obsessed with cake, I couldn’t resist The Vegan Cake stand, where I bought the tastiest piece of vegan chocolate cake. The stand showcased the creativity and deliciousness of vegan baking, proving that plant-based desserts can be just as satisfying. They also had cookies and other delicious food.
Then I got to try focaccia from NOT SO VEGAN – just delicious. They have a delivery service but no physical store. However, you can find them in markets often.
There were so many stands that grabbed my attention, and I am hoping I will get to try them all at some point. Vegamaki Sushi Bar stood out. They have takeaway and delivery service in Porto, and I cannot wait to order delicious vegan sushi.
Conversations with the Associação Vegetariana Portuguesa
I had the pleasure of speaking with members of the Portuguese Vegetarian Association, where I asked numerous questions about the transition to a vegetarian diet. Their insights were invaluable and deepened my understanding of vegetarianism’s benefits for health and the environment. The association’s presence at Veggie Fest was a great opportunity to learn from experts. I also got my booklet Veggiekit that includes some tasty recipes and valuable information.
Nutrition and Muscle Building with Dr. Lucas Oliveira
Another notable session was a talk by Dr. Lucas Oliveira, who specializes in vegan nutrition for athletes. The session was packed with practical advice on how to maintain a balanced diet while focusing on muscle gain. This information is particularly useful for anyone looking to combine fitness with a vegetarian lifestyle.
Reflecting on the Veggie Fest Experience
Veggie Fest is more than just a celebration of vegetarian and vegan food. The festival’s diverse range of activities, from yoga sessions to educational talks, offers something for everyone interested in leading a more intentional and eco-friendly life. Events like Veggie Fest are crucial in spreading awareness about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and encouraging more people to make environmentally conscious choices. The festival was also pet-friendly and had plenty of activities for children.
Attending Veggie Fest was a fulfilling experience that reinforced my commitment to sustainable living and wellness. I look forward to incorporating the knowledge and products I gained into my daily life and sharing more about my journey towards a mindful and sustainable lifestyle.
For more information about Veggie Fest and to stay updated on future events, visit their official website and Instagram.
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