Plant-Based Diets, Functional Food, and more—How Singapore Combines Fitness and Nutrition
Beyond hitting the gym, fitness enthusiasts in Singapore are tweaking their diets and nutritional intake to improve their energy and performance
Eating for fitness
In Singapore, there’s more to a post-workout meal than the usual protein shake, dozens of eggs, and the trusty chicken breast.
From plant-based cafés to curated recipes that offer health benefits, more options now exist for the Singaporean man who understands that food and nutrition are just as crucial to feel energized, recover properly, and stay at peak health.
Cafés for the body, mind, and soul
Cultivate Café at the Maxwell Reserve Hotel utilizes a variety of vegetables and animal product alternatives to serve ‘pure food [that cultivates] the soul.’
Highlights include their vegan sandwiches, such as the avocado smoked plant-based mozzarella cheese with sumac, red onion, and mango chutney; soups such as pear and leek; roasted heirloom tomatoes, and basil; and a hearty portobello mushroom burger with smoky roasted peppers, sweet Spanish onions, and a zingy tomato chili jam.
Beyond plant-based dishes, The Living Cafe also specializes in raw food: vegan dishes that are free from animal products, are uncooked and unprocessed, and are not heated beyond approximately 118 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the ingredients retain most of their vitamins and minerals; scientists have observed that such dishes aid in the treatment of certain health concerns, such chronic fatigue syndrome, heart conditions, and more.
But this doesn’t mean that their whole menu is just a mix of salads and bowls—The Living Café has found ways to whip up desserts, even without animal-based products and the additional cooking steps.
Functional food for fitness and the planet
There are businesses in Singapore that offer functional food: nutrient-dense meals that also have additional benefits, such as preventing diseases or addressing various health concerns. Some even go beyond human fitness, addressing the health of the planet at large.
WhatIF is a Singapore-based food and tech startup anchored on regenerative agriculture: nurturing plants that can be converted into sustainable and nutritious food while keeping the land healthy for the next round of crops.
This is embodied by their milk and noodle products made with the bambara groundnut, a plant hailing from West Africa. WhatIF notes that the nut is a healthier and more sustainable alternative to other crops like soy and oat, and it has the ability to restore soil health wherever it’s planted. It’s a win-win situation for people and the planet.
There’s also Rejuven, which combines the principles of functional food and traditional Chinese medicine to create a variety of meals for health and vitality. More than herb, fiber, and antioxidant-rich soups and stews for overall energy and wellness, they also curate menus for people with existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and cancer.
Photos courtesy Cultivate Café, Fernando Hung (Pexels)
