Dr. Will Tuttle is a vegan, which means he doesn’t consume any food products that originate from animals, including meat, dairy, and eggs. Moab’s Helene Rohr is also committed to this lifestyle and is a big advocate of plant-based nutrition; she started the Moab Food Kitchen as a vegan food truck in 2017.
When she read Tuttle’s book “The World Peace Diet,” Rohr said she simply reached out and connected to bring him to Moab.
On Tuesday, November 7, he will discuss veganism and animal liberation with a lecture titled, “When Compassion Meets Freedom: A Deeper Look at Food, Health, and Animals.” The event, hosted by Hearthspace Moab, will begin at 6 p.m.
Rohr said that she was impressed by Tuttle’s book because it not only explored animal liberation philosophy but also questioned the concept of eating meat and the “societal denial” present, she said.
While a poll organized by Gallup in August of this year found that just 4% of Americans said they followed a vegetarian diet and 1% are vegan, Rohr reflected that in her native Berlin almost every restaurant offers at least one vegan option.
Both Rohr and Tuttle are positive about their own personal experiences with a plant-based diet, so they are encouraging others to try it out for themselves. For that reason, the event will offer a buffet from Moab Kitchen chef Christina Sunshine.
Rohr said the event would welcome others that are considering a transition, recognizing that the choice is not like “pushing a button on or off,” but hoping people can “get an idea of what’s possible.”
“The concept of observing oneself can be scary,” commented Rohr, who said she is motivated to host events because she knows it can be difficult to look in the mirror and, potentially, not like what you see.
Tuttle said he has been on this quest to share information about veganism for over four decades since making the change himself. He stressed, “the more we understand the ramifications of food, the more empowered we will be to experience joy, freedom, and abundance.”
Rohr said that she is looking forward to the lecture and is “excited to see how [Tuttle] brings in the concept of freedom and peace.”
The event is on Tuesday, November 7 at 6 p.m. at the Helipad (239 West Center St.) and is sponsored by Hearthspace Moab. It is donation-based. Event information can be found at the HearthSpace Moab’s Facebook page.
