Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Interested in becoming part of something so awesome it may ultimately change your life forever? Come visit Corpus Christi VegFest 2021, Saturday, October 9th from 10-4 at Heritage Park.
Taste “free food” samples! See cooking demonstrations! Hear the latest information on health and nutrition! Join the community and be part of the impact of this growing movement!
No matter where you are on your journey, take the next step to enlighten, empower and stimulate your will! Whether you are a veteran vegan, transitioning to a plant-based diet or just curious to see what the hype is all about, you will find support and camaraderie at Corpus Christi Vegfest.
Corpus Christi Vegfest is Free to the public and is presented by a non-profit organization made up entirely of volunteers.
VegFest is a festival that was started by the national Vegan Society in the early 1960’s. It is hosted in multiple states all across the U.S and internationally. Join the movement to celebrate and promote plant-based foods, animal rights, and environmental sustainability.
Corpus Christi VegFest was classified as a non-profit organization in 2017. The first VegFest celebration in Corpus Christi was held in 2018. followed by the 2nd annual in 2019 . With the rise of the pandemic preventing the organizers from gathering for VegFest in 2020, the message to understand and take control of our health and the health of the global community is more urgent then ever. VegFest is back once again, inspiring our community to celebrate healthy living and eating by way of a plant-based lifestyle.
To learn more about this local festival, Tish Betancourt, one of the original organizers of Corpus Christi VegFest, answers our questions.
It is a joy to see the enthusiasm and interest in a plant-based lifestyle grow in the Coastal Bend each year.
Tish Betancourt
Ms. Betancourt holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice on North Padre Island. She is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional as well as a Certified Mindfulness Clinician.
You are one of the organizers of Corpus Christi VegFest, which is scheduled at Heritage park, October 9, 2021. Please tell us how you became involved in this event.
The original group of organizers met and began discussing hosting a local VegFest through a Vegan Meetup Group in Corpus Christi. We then formed as a dynamic and diverse group of plant-based individuals who were passionate about sharing the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle with our community.
How and when did you discover a plant based lifestyle?
Approximately seven years ago I discovered a local Vegan Meetup Group and transitioned to a completely plant-based lifestyle. My interest in the group came from living much of my life unable to successfully digest many animal products and byproducts. I initially attended my first Meetup to learn if others experienced the same reactions I did and to learn why. It’s been a whole new world since then.
How has eating plant based affected your health?
I have experienced greater stamina and energy (I walk briskly approximately 5 miles, 6 days a week), clearer thoughts (no brain fog), improved sleep, brighter skin and hair, and an increased overwhelming feeling of calm, compassion and peace.
What is most challenging about a plant based lifestyle?
Trying to decide which delicious recipe to prepare next!
What do you like best about this lifestyle?
I appreciate choosing to eat compassionately and mindfully. I believe when compassion is the choice, peace inevitably follows.
Please share your top tips for someone wanting to transition to a plant based diet.
Take recipes you already love and make substitutions to make them plant-based. It’s easier than you may think. Be gentle with yourself as you learn. Ask questions, be open, and celebrate each day you make dietary choices that lead you one step closer to your destination of improved health.
What would you like the Coastal Bend Community to take away from the VegFest experience?
Information and tools to gravitate towards making healthier choices that will ultimately lead to a healthier lifestyle.
PBnJ of Corpus Christi 