Vegetarian for Life Charity - Birmingham ‘Roving Chef’ Marks 65th Cookery Demonstration
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Midlands-Based Chef Inspires Older Adults with Plant-Based Cuisine and Culinary Expertise
Justina Kesterton, Vegetarian for Life’s (VfL) Roving Chef for the Midlands, has achieved a significant milestone by delivering her 65th community cookery demonstration. Based in Birmingham, Justina has dedicated her career to sharing the joys of plant-based cooking with older adults, emphasising both nutrition and flavour.
A Lifelong Passion for Cooking
For Justina, cooking has been a lifelong passion. “As a child, I loved experimenting in the kitchen, baking apple cakes for my classmates and making breakfast for my parents before school,” she reminisces. Encouraged by her family, she pursued her culinary dreams, earning a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Management from University College Birmingham.
Justina’s journey into plant-based cooking was fuelled by her desire to share her knowledge and skills in a meaningful way. “Working in restaurants, I felt my self-taught plant-based expertise wasn’t fully appreciated,” she explains. “Joining VfL was a turning point. Here, I’ve been able to share my passion and make a real difference.”
Embracing Variety and Innovation
Justina’s cooking philosophy is centred on variety. “I don’t have a signature dish,” she says. “My cuisine evolves as I learn new recipes and experiment with flavours.”
She emphasises the importance of tailoring meals to individual preferences, especially for older adults. “A dish can’t be nutritious if it’s left uneaten,” she notes. “Understanding someone’s tastes and needs is key to making a positive impact on their day-to-day life.”
Nutritional Considerations for Older Adults
Justina’s approach to cooking is informed by the unique needs of older vegetarians and vegans. She highlights the importance of protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients, while ensuring meals remain appealing and enjoyable.
“Personalisation is crucial,” she explains. “Catering to individual preferences ensures that every bite is both nutritious and satisfying.”
Memorable Meals and Culinary Adventures
Reflecting on her most memorable meal, Justina recounts a cycling trip in New Zealand. “After a long day on the Alps 2 Ocean trail, we found a tiny village with one eatery. The pizza we had was extraordinary – packed with toppings and bursting with flavour. Finishing it felt like a victory,” she laughs.
Challenges in the Kitchen
Working in professional kitchens taught Justina the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment. “Chefs should never feel afraid to ask questions,” she says. “Providing training and fostering open communication are vital for building confidence and knowledge.”
For aspiring chefs, her advice is clear: embrace creativity and explore unconventional flavour combinations. “Herbs, spices, and condiments can elevate any dish,” she says. “Think outside the box – miso paste in desserts or soy sauce on vanilla ice cream can work wonders!”
Engaging Older Adults Through Cooking
One of the challenges Justina often encounters is building trust with older adults unfamiliar with plant-based alternatives. “Cooking demonstrations and taste sessions are invaluable for introducing new ingredients and showing how delicious vegan dishes can be,” she says.
Looking to the Future
As the demand for plant-based meals continues to grow, Justina sees an urgent need for greater awareness and education in care establishments. “More older vegetarians and vegans will enter retirement in the coming years,” she explains. “Understanding their needs and preferences is essential for providing the right care and nutrition.”
Through her work with VfL, Justina aims to drive this change, offering training and resources to ensure older adults can enjoy flavourful, nutritious meals.
Get Involved
Justina’s cookery demonstrations are open to groups supporting individuals over 50 years old. To book a session or learn more, contact Justina via Vegetarian for Life at info@vegetarianforlife.org.uk.
Ends
Editors notes
VfL is the world’s only charity working on behalf of older vegans and vegetarians.
It publishes a popular lifestyle magazine for older veg*ns, and a range of glossy guides, from nutrition, through to seasonal recipes, cooking for one, and information on meal-delivery services.
It runs its own veggie pen- and phone-pals scheme; provides information on the veggie-friendly care homes that it works with; and offers grants to support independent living.
And if you’ve ever wondered how your dietary beliefs would be protected should you lose capacity, VfL has the answers.
Website: https://vforlife.org.uk
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/vfluk
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/VfLUK
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vfl_uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vfluk/
Issuu: https://issuu.com/VfL_UK
Vegetarian for Life is a charity registered in England and Wales, number 1120687 | Company number 6294709.
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