Exploring the Plant-Based, Protein & Performance Connection

According to a 2020 trend survey by The National Restaurant Association, Plant-Based Proteins is the hottest topic on the list.

From startups to mutlinational food-based companies to conventional meat manufacturers, they are all racing towards grabbing a piece of the plant-forward alternatives movement. The trend is here to stay, and not expected to go away any time soon.

Event Overview

No matter which part of the world we are in, to the average consumer, when the topic of plant-based food is discussed, the first question that gets asked is:

"so where do you get your protein from?"

Despite numerous scientific articles, peer-review papers, dozens of books, to hundreds of talks and videos, this conventional misconception exists partly because of cultural practices, and partly because this information is not taught at the grassroots level, not advocated and promoted by governments, and definitely not discussed enough in our society.

The 2nd event of the ‘Own What You Eat’ event series, a collaboration between Z-Rou, David Laris, Own What You Eat and Green Initiatives, is focused on bringing awareness to the the topic of plant-based protein, including:

• sharing trends and data from the most popular research
• busting common misconceptions
• comparison of plant-based vs animal protein
• how to get your protein for high-performance activities
• providing an overview of some of the most trusted startups and products in this space, and
• sharing easy practices and ideas for daily use

Presentations will be in 8x8 format (8 slides, 8 minutes max.) followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

Event Itinerary

18:30-19:15 Registrations & networking; light snacks and drinks may be served
19:15-19:30 Event introduction by GI & David Laris
19:30-20:10 Presentation by the Speakers
20:10-20:40 Open Q&A session with the audience
20:40-21:30 Food, drinks & networking / Event ends

Speakers & Panelists

Matilda Ho, Founder & Managing Director, BitsxBites and Founder & CEO, Yimishiji
Subject: What does the future of plant-based protein look like in China and globally? What are the opportunities for investors and startups? What are the challenges?
Background: Bits x Bites is China's first agri-food tech VC fund that invests in startups tackling global food system challenges, while Yimishiji is an online farmers market that tackles food transparency and production integrity issues in China. Matilda holds an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and has previous worked with BCG and IDEO.

Zhuangchen “JJ” Zhou 周庄忱, Rowing Coach & Cyclist
Subject: How plant-based protein helped me perform better and become more resilient.
Background: JJ is a plant-based coach, athlete, entrepreneur, and a rower-turned-cyclist. After finishing his last coaching stint for the Chinese Olympic Rowing team, he began running his cycling coaching program that combines dietary changes with scientific approaches to training. JJ has completed three "Everestings", the hardest cycling challenges around. His claim to fame is "Everesting" the Mt Everest - that made him the first Chinese cyclist to do so. He also holds the Chinese speed record for Everesting. His achievements on the bike have been covered by Men’s Health and BBC, among other media.
JJ is passionate about creating a plant-based world and believes creating attractive and delicious alternatives is the ultimate way.

Dr. Francisca Soto-Aguilar, Medical Doctor & Masters in Nutrition
Subject: Plant-based nutrients - anti-inflammatory power for recovery times, energy loaders, better endurance and oxygenation.
Background: Dr. Soto-Aguilar is a Medical Doctor, holds a Masters in Nutrition, and has been following a plant-based diet herself for 5 years now, including both of her pregnancies and the raising of 2 vegan babies. She has followed, learnt and worked with Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diets from the health point of view, treating her patients and improving their eating habits through this healthy lifestyle. She is an experienced medical doctor, specialized in nutrition with patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, gastrointestinal diseases, plant-based diet planning, and improvement of dietary habits towards a more plant-based eating pattern.

Jay d'Engle, Health Business Coach, SBody Fit
Subject: What is the right protein your body needs and what is the best way to get it?
Background: Jay is a lifetime vegan, celebrity fitness coach and nutritionist. He is a multiple national professional sailing champion and ISAF high-performance sailing coach. He is also an ITDA Associate of Latin dance and former South African dance champion, apart from being an actor and model. If that was not enough, he is also a national ice hockey champion and the author of "The Sexy Body Recipe Book".