I eat natural, organic and raw as much as I could, within the environment I’m in. After being in Hong Kong for 6 months, I started to get my bearings and slowly finding the stores that carry the products I need. Some people find it strange for me to say it’s been a tough transition for me moving from the United States to Hong Kong because I was born and raised here. Mind you, I wasn’t a vegan until early 2009. Eating a natural plant-based diet in Hong Kong isn’t easy. Plus, I moved away since I was a teenager and started living in different countries with only occasional visits and jobs in Hong Kong. I’ve pretty much been Americanized. In fact, my primary residence is still the United States, not Hong Kong.
One of the greatest discoveries I’ve had recently was Health Essential in Central, Hong Kong. Most people knew it as Health Gate and they changed the name just a few months ago. It’s located in an obscure commercial building called Hung Tak Building on 106-108 Des Voeux Road. Once you go up to 8/F, you’ll see a pleasant little store with skincare, cleaning products, natural food including organic and gluten-free options. I found Twinlab Genuine Brewers Yeast there for HK$185 (US$23.70). It’s much more expensive than what I can get in the U.S., but it’s worth the investment because it has been recognized as a storehouse of 100% pure natural ingredients without added vitamins or minerals. One tablespoon provides all the essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, including vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese and chromium. You can sprinkle it on food, use it as a seasoning or mix it with milk, juices, soups, gravies and casseroles.
For people who work out like me, the 8g of natural protein is attractive, considering that some of the nutrition bars contain 8g or less protein for more money. If you use one tablespoon each time, it will cost you roughly HK$6 (US$0.70). If you only use a teaspoon like I do, it will cost even less. A so-called protein bar or nutrition bar costs you an average of HK$20 (US$2.50) in Hong Kong. Last but not least, it’s vegan, of course. It contains no preservatives, fructose, honey, sugar or any additives.
I use it once a day in my energy fruit smoothie. I previously published a recipe for this smoothie without the Brewers Yeast as I couldn’t find it in Hong Kong. Now that I have found it and have updated that post accordingly.
