151: From Germany to Tokyo: A Vegan Nutritionist's Path to Plant-Based Advocacy

Veganism in Japan is still confusing for many. Some link it to religion or see it as extreme, while nutrition teaching often equates protein with meat, calcium with cow's milk, and omega-3s with fish. In this episode, host Kathleen Gage talks with Leonore, a certified vegan nutritionist from Germany who moved to Tokyo in 2014. Leonore describes the moment a cheese pizza became the turning point in her journey, how she moved past being a "pudding vegan," and why she earned a vegan nutrition certification to support others. You will learn practical strategies for thriving in Japan, from spotting hidden animal ingredients to shopping smart for tofu, vegetables, and fruits. Leonore also shares a simple three-step starter plan: keep a one-week food journal, veganize one favorite meal, and add more vegetables for balance. Health and advocacy go together, and this conversation shows how to build both. Listen and share: www.veganvisibility.com/151-Leonore