Mobile Bupa Green Café distributes 7,000 vegetarian dishes for free

People in Hong Kong consume a lot more meat than their counterparts in other parts of the world.  According to the US Department of Agriculture, the average amount of meat consumption per person in Hong Kong is two times higher than in European countries and 40% higher than in US!  Red meat such as beef and pork contains high amounts of protein and fat, which are difficult to be digested by humans. This increases the toxins that are stored in the body, leading to higher risk of colorectum cancer.  

To promote the benefits of green diets for one’s health and the environment, Bupa has partnered with Green Monday to launch the mobile Bupa Green Café, which will serve up for free vegetarian dishes designed by Jacky Yu, the renowned chef and founder of Xi Yan restaurant.   We aim to encourage people to take actions to improve their health by having meat-free meals one day every week.  

The opening ceremony for the mobile Bupa Green Café was held on 27 October 2013. Bupa Green Ambassadors: Ms Ann Coughlan, Managing Director of Bupa (Asia) Limited, Mr David Yeung and Mr Francis Ngai, the founders of Green Monday, Mr Alan Siu, registered nutritionist at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Mr Jacky Yu, celebrity chef and the founder of Xi Yan restaurant attended the ceremony and launched the event. 

Ann Coughlan, Managing Director of Bupa (Asia) Limited, says, “Bupa’s purpose is longer, healthier, happier lives.  Through the Bupa Green Café event, we will distribute healthy green dishes for free to encourage people to have a meat-free day every week. We hope that this will set in motion a gradual change in people’s diets, helping them to consume less meat and in turn minimise their risk of chronic diseases.”

Adopting a green diet not only benefits  one’s health but also the environment.  If every Hong Kong citizen goes meatless one day a week, the total annual carbon emissions reduced will be equivalent to the carbon uptake of over 65 million trees for one year. 

David Yeung, the founder of Green Monday, says, “Meat-free Monday has already become a global trend. For the sake of your health, the environment and protection of lives, we have no reason to say no!  We’re happy that Bupa has supported Green Monday to encourage people to have meat-free meals one day every week. Your support will make Hong Kong a much better place to live.”

From 27 October to 5 November 2013, the mobile Bupa Green Café will distribute 7,000 vegetarian dishes around Hong Kong.  Simply LIKE Bupa’s Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/BupaHongKong ) to redeem the healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes designed by Jacky Yu for FREE!

Our healthy vegetarian dishes:

Apple and pineapple soaked in plum juice with apple vinegar jelly
Recommendation by Alan Siu, registered nutritionist at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital:  Apples and pineapples are rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, anthoryanins and antioxidant compounds that help to prevent chronic diseases.  

Dan dan buckwheat noodles
Recommendation by Alan Siu, registered nutritionist at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital: Cucumbers and carrots are rich in vitamin A and fibre.  Buckwheat noodles contain vitamin B and minerals that are essential for the human body. 

Make a green pledge

From now to 15 November, join us on Facebook to make a green pledge or share a photo of your favourite green dish! Bupa will make a donation to Food Angel to sponsor a healthy food box for the underprivileged elderly in Hong Kong for every photo shared or pledge made.

Bupa Green Café webpage:  www.bupahealth.com.hk/bupagreencafe  
Make a green pledge webpage (Chinese only): https://apps.facebook.com/bupagreendonate/?src=campaignsite