What if you discovered that a change in what you eat could feed your potential and make a real difference in your life? That’s what happened to Aramark Chef, George Drakulich. What started as a recipe development project for fans at PNC Ball Park in Pittsburgh, PA ended up changing his life. We interviewed Chef George to learn about his Feed Your Potential discovery experience.
How did your Feed Your Potential discovery experience start?
During our off season, I was asked to add some new vegetarian and vegan menu options for our fans here at the PNC Ball Park. I decided to take a different approach for this project and instead of simply developing and testing recipes, I wanted to do some real research to gain a better understanding of the plant-based lifestyle.
I took inspiration from one of my favorite chefs, Heston Blumenthal. Although he’s not a vegetarian or vegan by any means, he always goes above and beyond the norm to learn everything he can to properly plan and develop a new recipe, or to create an experience. So, I decided to take the same approach by jumping in and following a vegetarian and then vegan diet.
How did you start to make changes to your diet?
I divided my month exploration into two weeks following vegetarian diet and then two weeks on a vegan diet. My diet prior to this normally consisted of beef, chicken, turkey, and seafood for at least two meals a day, if not all three.
Although the first week was exciting and challenging, it was easier than I expected. With dairy and eggs still being in the realm of possibilities, my breakfast, lunch, and dinner really revolved around those items with the addition of some salads. The second week of the study brought more of the same but a different feeling altogether. I started to feel very tired and sluggish, I felt like I was missing something from my diet. I started reading more and educating myself on the protein, carbohydrate, and good fats we all need. I adjusted my diet again to include more beans, nuts, grains, and legumes. I ended up finishing the second week strong, and decided to finish off the last of my Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream that I had been saving, before I had to give up the dairy.
I really struggled the first few days of cutting out all animal products. I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. I found I really relied on dairy and eggs those first two weeks and now they were no longer part of my diet. After the first few days, that feeling that I was still missing something returned and I began to doubt what I was doing.
I continued reading and went back to the small tweaks I had made the week prior and increased the amount of beans, rice, and lentils I was eating.
Then, after the first week, I realized that I no longer craved the foods I had been used to eating before. Food began to taste different, almost better to me. I could taste more of what I was eating. I felt like my palate was improving. I wasn’t using as much salt as before and I didn’t miss butter which is shocking, as I grew up watching Julia Child and butter had been my go-to for everything. Most importantly I didn’t miss meat, cheese, or eggs.
The wildest part of it all, in the middle of my last vegan week, I woke up one morning feeling like I never had before. I had an energy I can’t explain. I felt like a different person and this feeling has continued for the last nine months. At this point in time, I have no plans of going back.
Do you think eating a plant-based diet feeds your potential?
“Our potential is what or who we are capable of being or becoming.” I wholeheartedly believe making this decision has affected my life for the better. Since doing the all plant based diet, I have dropped about 38 pounds and counting.
Have the changes you made in your diet impacted anyone else around you?
Initially, the changes in my diet and lifestyle weren’t well received. Since then, everyone around me has embraced it for the better. My wife is now enjoying a plant based diet as well and whenever we go to a family function, I either bring a vegan dish or they have made something for me.
What are some of your favorite plant-based snacks or meals?
My snack of choice is almond butter and fresh raspberries on wheat bread, sort of a PB&J. Also, I really enjoy buffalo cauliflower with a vegan ranch dip, which has made its way onto the menu, and is a fan favorite in our club at PNC Park. I also “cheat” every once in a while, and by cheat, I mean I’ll eat some frozen vegan items, soy sausages, frozen veggie pizza, etc. I generally try to just eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.
I had a burger craving hit some time ago, after my initial four week exploration. I tried seven different vegan burgers, yes seven, ranging from burgers made with nuts, to the standard black bean burger. The one I loved, I ended up making our Ultimate Vegan Burger here at the ball park. It’s Gardein’s Ultimate Vegan Burger, served on a classic sesame seed bun, with lettuce, tomatoes, dill pickles, and of course a “secret sauce” made from Hampton Creek’s Just Mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and some other spices such as cayenne, garlic, and onion powder. This is just one of the newer items that came from my lifestyle change, and we have seen a bigger demand than we initially thought.
Any tips or advice for anyone that is considering going vegetarian or vegan?
My advice to anyone considering a plant based lifestyle is to do their own research and make the decision for themselves. I never thought I would be a vegan, but what a happy accident it was.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.