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8 Friday, December 16, 2016 brooklintowncrier.com Yes Woman By Marissa Campbell How I Learned to Love Plant-Based Food I once went to a hypnotherapist to try to convince myself I liked vegetables. Didn't work. I spent years avoiding the colourful section of my plate, filling up instead on starches, meat, and dessert. Despite this stubborn aversion, I knew the health benefits of eating more fruit and vegetables and was curious when I heard about Copper Branch, a new plant-based restaurant in Brooklin. My dad lost half his stomach to ulcer surgery when he was a young man and so, growing up, we couldn't have any spic- es in the house. Not even pepper. Now, I love my mother, but cooking wasn't her forte. My limited palette developed on appetizing selections such as gobbledygook: big chunks of unchewable stewing beef, white potatoes, and frozen peas in a tomato soup broth, or pork chops covered in an appealing mixture of brown sugar and tomato paste, with a side of frozen peas, or processed chicken cutlets topped with - you guessed it - a mound of frozen peas. As soon as I figured out how to work the gas burners on the stove, I vowed never to eat frozen peas again and switched to Chef Boyardee and Kraft Dinner, in comparison a smorgasbord of gourmet flavours. Add to that fascinating backstory my current intolerance to gluten, nuts, and seeds, and my dining options are limited. I took a chance and popped into Copper Branch to check out the menu. Smoothies, burgers, and power bowls all piqued my interest, but their chocolate gluten-free waffle cinched the deal. Suddenly, plant-based eating didn't seem so unattainable. When I learned about their transition program, I decided to give it a try. I met with Trish Paterson, owner of Copper Branch, and Adrienne Mcdonald, health-food aficionado. Their goal is to make a plant-based lifestyle accessible to anyone. Together, they are the masterminds behind Copper Branch's detox and transition programs. I'm going to be upfront and honest. I didn't join the program to do a full 180 degree spin to a vegan lifestyle. I wanted to find ways to incorporate healthier foods and habits into my diet, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Week One: Participants toddled into Copper Branch in the mornings to pick up breakfast, all the while receiving advice, encouragement, and yummy recipes from Adrienne. Week Two: With a slew of information at our fingertips, we made our own breakfasts and wandered into Copper Branch to grab lunch. We continued to receive daily advice and recipes. Week Three: We could now whip up breakfasts and lunches, and popped into Copper Branch to enjoy one of their delicious dinners. By the end of the third week, we had enough resources to confidently make three plant-based meals a day, all on our own. The food at Copper Branch is unbelievable. I was eating vegetables every day - and enjoying it. I've tried almost everything on their menu. My favourite is The General Copper Bowl - which has broccoli in it. Seriously, I was eating broccoli. Starting in January, they are running a new transition program, perfect for making healthy resolutions and adding more plant-based goodness to your life. Whether you're ready to take the plunge and make a full switch to a vegan lifestyle, or are just considering healthier options for you and your family, Copper Branch is an incredible resource in the community. Best of all, there are no frozen peas on the menu! (Yes Woman is a paid advertisement)