Can Your Eating Habits Affect Your Performance?
This is the question we posed to Ms. Lola, of Lola’s Vegan Kitchen. 
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Lola in person. Her stunning beauty is complimented by her positive energy, warm spirit and her flawless skin. Of course, we had to ask “What are her secrets?”
DR. GIA: Hi Lola, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. We are very grateful. Let me start by asking, what is Lola’s Vegan Kitchen?
MS. LOLA:
It’s a vegan cookbook filled with healthy, fun, and exciting recipes that can be prepared by vegans and non-vegans alike.
DR. GIA: What motivated you to write this book?
MS. LOLA:
I was motivated to write this book because I want to promote a healthy lifestyle. By living as a vegan, you can prevent many diseases, manage your weight, increase your energy and improve your quality of life. These were all really important reasons for me to write this book.
DR. GIA: What are the benefits of adopting the lifestyle you recommend?
MS. LOLA:
It can improve physical fitness, lift your mood, reduce diabetes, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol and satisfy nutrient requirements.
What if I told you a change in your fuel could add up to 10 years to your life? Would you consider changing your lifestyle? A Harvard School of Public Health Study found that people who eat red and process eats are more likely die from heart disease, diabetes, or cancer (Pan, Willett & Hu, 2012). Conversely, researchers at Loma Linda University in California found that on average, vegan men live 9.5 year longer and vegan women live 6.1 year longer than their non-vegan counterparts (Gray, 2012).
DR. GIA: Wow that is significant, but does this lifestyle affect daily performance?
MS. LOLA:
Yes. You will be fitter, healthier, and feel better emotionally.
DR. GIA: What if you are managing a very busy lifestyle? Is it possible to incorporate your meals into a busy daily plan?
MS. LOLA:
Yes it is! I encourage my readers to develop a daily meal plan. Prepare your meals in advance. Do what works for YOU!!
DR. GIA: What advice would you give to people who are trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle?
MS. LOLA:
My advice would be: 1. Think positive, 2. Be a picky eater, 3. Exercise daily, 4. Give yourself a break.
DR. GIA: Is it difficult to maintain this lifestyle over time?
MS. LOLA:
No not at all. In due time, it will become a habit if you stick with it. It will take about 6 weeks or so for the body to get accustomed to this lifestyle.
DR. GIA: What makes your book different than other vegan cookbooks?
MS. LOLA:
My cookbook is filled with amazing and flavorful recipes using natural, organic ingredients and seasonings that can be easily found at your local grocery store or market. The recipes were created to be quick and easy to prepare, so whether you have a busy schedule or are new to the vegan lifestyle, you will be able to make something nutritious and tasty. In addition, this e-book is an easy read.
DR. GIA: Is there anything else we should know about Lola’s Vegan Kitchen?
MS. LOLA:
My e-book cookbook is currently available for purchase online at sites such as Lulu.com, Kindle and I-Tunes.
Thank you so much for your time and the opportunity to have a conversation with you about Lola’s Vegan Kitchen.
DR. GIA: Thank you Lola, this has been a very enlightening conversation!
Lola has generously shared one of her recipes with us.
Recipe for Lola’s Energy Shake
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated
- 1 Lime
- 1 Banana, peeled
- 3 slices Beets
- 3 slices Watermelon Radish
- 5 slices Cucumber
- 1 stalk Swiss Chard
- 2 stalks Kale
- 1 cup Soy Milk
Step 1: Combine all of the fruits and vegetables in a blender container.
Step 2: Add the soy milk.
Step 3: Blend all of the ingredients until smooth. Add more soy milk if the mixture is too thick.
Step 4: Drink up and be energized. Remember to SMILE, it is your logo! – Lola
If you are interested in great food, a healthy lifestyle, and a fun experience I highly recommend Lola’s Vegan Kitchen!!
Lolita (Lola) Dawson-Acker was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She attended Alabama A&M University, and today, she and her husband reside in the Indianapolis area. Lola volunteers her time to organizations that help children and animals as well as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
When she is not doting on her granddaughter, Lola enjoys spending her time reading, traveling, attending the theater and opera and practicing yoga. You can visit Lola online at www.lolasvegankitchen.com.
References
- Gray, N. (2012). Vegetarians have longer life expectancy than meat eaters, finds study. Online. Retrieved from www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vegetarians-have-longer-life-expectancy-than-meat-eaters.
- Pan, A., Willett, WC, & Hu, FB. (2012). Additional ways to diminish the deleterious effects of red meat. Arch Intern Med. Oct. 8. 172(8):1424-5
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