What has it been like as a vegan here in Tanzania? In this video I share what is different, challenging, and wonderful about my vegan lifestyle here in Tanzania. Plus get a peak at what it’s like to shop in the supermarkets, the open air markets and more!
The difference between a struggling vegan and a thriving vegan is that a thriving vegan is always adapting to the situation they find themselves in. One day it’s a family gathering. Another day it’s a conference. Another day it’s moving to Tanzania!
The struggling vegan is thrown off by the situation and leaves their commitment behind. Maybe only for a moment. Or maybe for good.
The thriving vegan knows there is always a way. It may mean a sacrifice but it also is a way to honor themselves and what they know to be true.
Overall I have found that it’s been easy for me to live the vegan life here.
I have a lush garden that provides fresh produce all year round. I live in Northern Tanzania near Mt. Meru. The rich volcanic soil, ample rain (usually) and cooler temperatures make it a perfect environment for growing my own food.
The markets are stocked with very affordable fruits and veggies all year round too. What is available changes according to the seasons. Right now the tropical fruits are not as plentiful but the greens are abundant.
Finding organic options can be more challenging. Especially in the open-air markets. There are a few shops selling organic items and I do frequent them regularly. Ultimately growing your own is the best way to make sure you have organic produce.
There are a wide variety of beans, legumes and grains. Many of which are new to me. They are readily available in supermarkets and the markets.
Local traditional foods are largely vegan or easily made vegan. It’ generally easy to find options in many restaurants. With the large tourist industry here, there are many places that cater to tourists and I’m seeing more vegan options on menus.
What I don’t see a lot of here is vegan options for replacing the meat and dairy. I’ve only seen “fake meat” in one store, and not consistently. There are few vegan cheese, butter, yogurt, etc options. I can usually find plant-based milk, but not always the healthiest options. What I do see is generally pretty expensive. As a result I tend to avoid trying to “replace” the animal products. I just focus on creating tasty whole food plant based dishes. WHICH is actually better for me anyway.
I also can’t usually find some of the typical vegan pantry items such as nutritional yeast, coconut aminos, etc. Of if I do see them they are WILDLY expensive. So again I do without, find substitutes, or bring them from the states when I can.
It’s very affordable and common to have household help. I have a wonderful gardener who keeps my garden beautiful and productive. She is truly a garden artist. I also have a housekeeper who comes a couple times a week to clean and cook. She’s a great cook and has learned to make my recipes, has adapted local recipes to fit my needs, and taught me how to make new dishes.
I must say that overall I eat healthier here in Tanzania. I eat a lot of fruit, and eat greens either raw or cooked most days. Whenever I’m in the states I’m tempted by all the vegan junk food that is readily available. I feel the difference when I succumb!
On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is “I struggle everyday to eat healthy” and 10 is “I eat healthy vegan everyday,” where are you?
What difference would it make to you to be a 10 and know you stick to your commitment to eat health no matter what? Are you ready to make that happen? Take the Essential Wellness Quiz and find out where to focus to design a healthy lifestyle you can ACTUALLY stick to!
