Vegan 101: An Introduction to Plant-Based Diets

You probably have heard the word "vegan." Or maybe you know someone who says they are "plant-based."  The fast-growing number of people adopting a lifestyle free from animal products means that even if these terms are foreign to you now, chances are good you will run across them soon.

This lecture will describe what it means to be vegan and why this trend is projected to sharply grow.  We'll discuss the many reasons people give for moving away from the standard American diet -- health improvement, disease-fighting, environmental sustainability, kindness to animals, social ethics, etc.  Whether you are looking to support someone you know or are curious for yourself, this lecture is a great overview of the topic.

New vegan products are continually being launched and it is easier than ever to transition to veganism.  Food samples will be provided to showcase a few of the many vegan products available today.  Following the presentation, there will be ample opportunity to ask questions.

About Nerma Frieden
Nerma Frieden came to the US as a refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995.  She earned her Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois in 2000 and subsequently worked for General Motors and Caterpillar.  This Germantown Hills resident and mom of three girls became vegan in 2014 after watching Forks Over Knives and further researching the subject.  In 2015 she completed training by The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and became certified Food for Life instructor.