Food&Blogger: Sabrina Gatti of Lasusinablog (part I)

2017-05-08 She’s not yet thirty, but she knows exactly what she believes in. Sabrina Gatti, the name behind the year-old Lasusinablog, wants to introduce as many people as possible to wholefood, plant-based eating. It’s a diet based on unrefined cereals, pulses and vegetables, with absolutely no animal products.
The pharmacist and foodblogger is one of the driving forces behind the Parma Etica association. She lives with her two rescue cats, Neela and Shanti, and spends most of her free time in the kitchen. Her commitment is total, from home-made bread to the croissants she bakes every morning.
When did you decide to become a vegan, Sabrina?
“A couple of years ago, after I read “The China Study”. It’s based on scientific fact, and I really identified with the health aspects of the diet described by the author, Colin Campbell. I began to read more and more, and I realised that as well as our health there are ethical and ecological reasons for choosing to go vegan. The Parma Etica association also helped me see what every one of us can do for ourselves, for animals and for the planet. It’s a silent but very powerful revolution.”
Did you have trouble giving up any particular foods?
“No, probably because I’m so passionate about cooking, so I always found a delicious alternative. People who aren’t so keen on cooking and rely on ready-made meals might miss certain foods though...”
Might you turn your passion into a full-time job one day?
“Hopefully, because it would be a real challenge. But there’s a lot more work to do before I launch a business, as I want to reach as many people as possible. One idea is a deli, delivering tasty and above all healthy food to people’s homes.”
What impact can a wholefood, plant-based diet have on our lives?
“Greater physical and psychological wellbeing.”
What physical and psychological benefits have you experienced?
“Personally I’ve benefited from the diet in different ways. First and foremost, physically: my energy is great, some of my health issues have improved, and my weight is under control. Secondly, psychologically: my mental health is better, perhaps because I’ve combined a wholefood, plant-based diet with hatha yoga. I’m calmer and my aggressive side is much less noticeable.”
Which question have you been asked most since you changed your diet, and how do you answer it?
“The classic one has to be: where do you get your protein? It’s a prime example, as it reflects our whole food culture. All foods contain protein! Including cereals, pulses, dried fruit and even fresh fruit and vegetables, albeit in smaller amounts. The other question: what on earth do you eat?! The answer is I eat a lot more things than before, because I’ve discovered loads of new foods. My diet is much more varied than it used to be.”

Mariagrazia Villa