As snooker players Ronnie O'Sullivan and Neil Robertson extol the virtues of the plant-based diet at the Masters, we explain the pros and cons of the leafy regime

You might not know that it is in fact 'Veganuary' this month. You might however have cottoned on if you had been watching the Masters, because the plant-based diet has two new poster boys by way of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Neil Robertson.

Yes, that's right; snooker is turning its back on burgers and beer, because veganism is in for 2015, thanks to snooker champions O'Sullivan and Robertson, who by the way join fellow player Peter Edbon in the meat-free corner, himself already a long-standing vegan.

READ - What To Eat Now: a vegan diet

O'Sullivan thanked his plant-based diet during this week's Masters for his new-found focus, health and energy, but if you didn't listen in, then allow us to redirect to you the Veganuary website. Not only will you find a list of reasons why you too should go plant-based, you'll also see a list of like-minded athletes and sports stars who swear by their meat-free diets for their sporting prowess. "Muscles I didn't even know I had popped out. I was eating more, losing weight, and gaining muscle - all on a vegan diet," reveals American ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek. We're reminded too that track and field athlete, and nine times Olympic medallist, Carl Lewis also recorded his best ever race time after going vegan.

"There's plenty of research into how a vegan diet can improve overall performance and function, particularly your neurotransmitter functions which would help boost mental focus and concentration, both of course essential for snooker players. Plus, there are studies around those extra dietary omegas, found in seeds and dark leafy veg, that also aid with enzymatic conversions, i.e. food conversion in the body," says nutritionist Eve Kalinik, who herself works regularly with companies to improve their employees health and performance through diet.

READ - Beyonce and Jay-Z jump on the vegan bandwagon

"On the flipside too, what a vegan might actively cut out from their diet could help with performance, particularly if you have a slight sensitivity to dairy say," explains Kalinik. "Though you do have to keep in mind that nutrition is so individual - what works for one person may not be true for another."

Which brings us on the big caveat with veganism - in cutting out meat and dairy, you are at risk of cutting out large food groups, essential for good healthy. As Lewis explained, "keep in mind that eating vegan does require a commitment to being good to your body." "Quite right," adds Kalinik. "Veganism is probably one of the most healthy diets you can eat - provided you do it properly." O'Sullivan, as well as Edbon and Lewis, no doubt had expert guidance in getting meat and dairy-free health right, because essentially you will need a nutritionist.

READ - What To Eat Now: good fats, not bad

Original post:
Why the snooker world has gone vegan-loopy

Organic ingredients were the key element at a lunch organised by Ecolife; from the house of Daawat, at a hotel in the capital recently.

Guests were seen enjoying healthy and yummy Indian dishes, beverages and desserts made by the in-house chef using the Ecolife's organic groceries, fruits, vegetables, and special rice, after people from the brand gave them a brief about the options they had. Vijay Kumar Arora, chairman, LT Group Of Companies, said, "Indian consumers looking for a trusted organic food brand can now choose Ecolife, which offers a range of pure, safe, healthy and tasty organic products for Indian kitchens."

Tapan Ray, CEO and MD, Nature Bio - foods, added, "With its increasing organic product range, the brand will play a key role in meeting the growing demand of organic products from India's health-conscious consumers. Farmers are basically our partners - we provide the land, technology and information to them." Wouter Verhey, counsellor for agriculture, nature and food quality, Dutch embassy and Vivek Chandra, CEO, global branded business, LT Foods Limited, were also spotted at the do.

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

More:
Lunch organised by Ecolife at a hotel in Gurgaon

Swami Shankarananda. Photo: Gary Sissons/Mornington Peninsula News Group

A sex scandal has shattered the zen-like calm of an ashram in Mount Eliza, with revelations its "guru" and director, Swami Shankarananda, allegedly had sexual relations with dozens of women attending the ashram.

Distressed former members of the Shiva School of Meditation and Yoga claim Swami Shankarananda, 72, had sexual relationships with up to 40 women, and say a number have since sought counselling.

At a prayer meeting in December, a board member of the residential ashram - which has about 500 members and up to 40 "seekers", or residents - announced the ashram was aware of sexual allegations against American-born Swami Shankarananda, also known as Russell Kruckman, and he would be standing down as director.

The ashram then released a statement to members saying it was aware the swami had had "secret sexual relations" with a number of women over time but he had never claimed to be a sexual renunciant or demanded celibacy from his disciples.

Advertisement

"It is well known that our lineage is a tantric path, involving worship of the Goddess with strict disciplines," the letter says. "...until now Swamiji has kept aspects of the teaching and his personal activities secret in line with age-old Hindi tantric scriptures."

"Swamiji now accepts that this is not appropriate, and he must be transparent both personally and in the teachings."

The letter goes on to say that while the board has been advised there is no basis for criminal complaint, the activities in question raise a number ethical questions, and free counselling is available.

"Swamiji has asked us on his behalf to reiterate his message for the year of holding the feeling - that is, stay away from enmity, and keep returning to love."

Link:
Guru sex scandal at Mount Eliza yoga retreat