I’m a Vegan Chef Begging You to Put Down the Protein Soda and Just Eat Fiber

Vegan celebrity chef Leslie Durso highlights the excessive focus on protein in the natural food industry, pointing out that Americans actually have a fiber deficiency rather than a protein deficiency. She emphasizes the importance of consuming real, plant-based foods rich in fiber, minerals, and phytonutrients instead of relying on highly processed protein-infused products. Durso also critiques the trend of beef tallow making a comeback as a supposed ancestral fat, noting the potential health risks associated with consuming saturated animal fats.

Durso praises brands that prioritize simplicity, whole ingredients, and thoughtful sourcing, such as Edward & Sons, That’s It, Seven Sundays, and Zico. She encourages a shift towards foods that naturally contain fiber, such as beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and seeds, as a more sustainable and health-conscious approach to nutrition. While the natural food industry continues to produce ultra-processed products, Durso remains optimistic about a future focused on real, plant-based ingredients prepared with care and integrity.