VEGAN RETREAT OFFERS CONSCIOUS COOKING MADE SIMPLE

Relaxing weekend of healthy cooking instruction and meditation

LYONS, Mich., MAY 00, 2010 — The Leaven Center announced its first Vegan Retreat today, Your Food, Your Power: Vegan Eats for the Conscious Cook with Nicole Matthews, to take place July 9^th through the 11^th. Located midway between Lansing and Grand Rapids, the Leaven Center is a peaceful retreat and study center for people engaged in movements for social change. The facility is nestled in the countryside, perched on the banks of the Grand River. 

The Center maintains meditative walking paths that wind through the grounds sprinkled with woods, meadows, a spring fed stream and a pond. It is a place of natural beauty where you can find rest and nourishment for your body and spirit.  “As host to more than 20 spiritual and socially responsible retreats each year, our center is an ideal site for this new Vegan experience” according to Karen Bota, Executive Director.  “ Nicole Matthews is an experienced Vegan herself and a creative and gifted cook, so I’m very excited she is leading the weekend.”

Choosing a vegan lifestyle is becoming a hot topic among celebrities and compassionate individuals in recent times.  The reason for this appeal is that it is an effective way to lessen one’s impact on our environment and demonstrates respect for humans and animals. Workshop leader Nicole Mathews says “Each of us can shift our food purchases to reflect what is deeply important to us and that makes food more than fuel for our bodies, it makes food fuel for positive change.”  Her approach to vegan cooking is one that includes making favorite comfort foods vegan-friendly and meals that leave you feeling satisfied.   Mathews, a Detroit native, has been featured on Fox News, Court TV, numerous radio and tv programs around the world and an appearance on the A&E Reality Show, “The Two Coreys” with Corey Feldman and Corey Haim.  

Workshop attendees will also learn how to shop responsibly for foods and how choices impact what is available to us in our shopping experiences.  Previous students of Matthews express their appreciation for opening their eyes to a vegan way of life.  Says Joe L. from Hastings, Mi “The vegan advantage is simply THAT. Focused on benefits and advantages, I can now see making these choices consciously and selfishly simultaneously.  Loved it.”

The weekend-long Your Food, Your Power: Vegan Eats for the Conscious Cook retreat is open to the public. It is $190 per person and includes interactive instruction, meals and lodging with leisure time for peaceful reflection.  Limited spaces available; please contact the Leaven Center for reservations.  www.Leaven.org or call 989-855-2606.