VeggiePorția: the method proposed by Nestlé to avoid nutritional deficiencies during fasting

For many Romanians, the Great Lent of Easter is an opportunity for spiritual reconnection that also involves abstinence from certain foods. Without careful planning, eliminating animal products from the diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies in protein, iron, calcium or B vitamins. VeggiePorția, the guide developed by Nestlé and the Foundation for Healthy Eating, is a simple method with which balanced meals can be planned during the fasting period that will provide all the necessary nutrients and energy to cope with the intense daily schedule specific to the modern lifestyle.

Reducing the consumption of animal-based foods has become a major trend in nutrition. According to GlobalData, Diet tracking Europe, 2019-2024, 30% of Europeans declare themselves vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian. 80% say they want to consume more plant-based foods and products that replace animal-based foods (GlobalData, Consumer survey, 2024). This trend is even more pronounced among Gen Z, where the percentage of declared flexitarians, vegans and vegetarians reaches 37% (Smart Protein Project, Evolving appetites: an in-depth look at European attitudes towards plant-based eating, November 2023).

In Romania, religious reasons play an important role in supporting this trend. Those who fast must reconcile the tradition with the intense daily schedule, with the need to be focused on work or to have enough energy for physical activities and sports. VeggiePorția is part of Nestlé’s effort and mission to contribute to improving the quality of life in general, offering an effective method of planning nutritionally balanced meals for those who temporarily give up plant-based foods, as happens during fasting.

“From a nutritional point of view, fasting is a period in which a predominantly vegan diet is adopted. The vegan eating style can be healthy if it respects the principles of a balanced diet that involves the inclusion of all food groups. During the fasting period, special attention should be paid to the consumption of proteins from plant sources (beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, nuts and other oilseeds), the intake of iron, calcium and vitamin B12 which can be ensured through a wide variety of plant-based foods combined appropriately, but also by including fortified products, such as breakfast cereals or by taking food supplements, upon the recommendation of a doctor or dietitian”, says Nicoleta Tupiță, licensed dietitian and Nutrition Manager Nestlé South-Eastern Europe.

The concern for the harmonious combination of tradition with the possibility of adopting a more balanced lifestyle also comes from the fact that more than a quarter of Romanians (27%) do not consume vegetables daily, and 52% consume only one portion per day, while only 21% consume 2-3 portions of vegetables daily at the main meals of the day, according to a Masmi survey commissioned by Nestlé in 2023. Only 2 out of 10 Romanians say they serve balanced meals most of the time.

It is recommended to consume at least 5 portions (or 400 g) of fruits and vegetables per day. In general, a portion (for an adult) of fruits or vegetables is 80 g. Vegetables can be cooked with taste and the preparation time is much shorter than in the case of meat dishes and you can find a lot of useful information for a healthy and varied diet, recipes and recommendations here.

To make it easier to adopt a balanced diet during fasting, Nestlé offers the Garden Gourmet range for catering, which include Garden Gourmet Vegan Sensational Burger, Garden Gourmet Vegan Schnitzel, Garden Gourmet Vegan Nuggets, Garden Gourmet Fillet Pieces. Nestlé breakfast cereals can also be consumed with vegetable drinks, most of the products in this range being fortified with iron, calcium and B vitamins. For those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth during this more restrictive period, Nestlé Dessert Noir dark chocolate is the right ingredient for fasting desserts, and Joe Zi Bună wafers with cocoa cream are also available in a fasting version.