For some people, changing directions in life happens quickly. For Kayla Board, owner of the Hustle Brussel, it happened in 2017 when she watched a documentary. The 2014 film, Cowspiracy explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment. It had a huge impact on Kayla who then transitioned to a plant based diet. It also began her research into vegetarian foods and ideas around them became a passion. She started out eating frozen meals but soon came to realize that while convenient they were still heavily processed.

She chose to learn more about planning, prepping and cooking vegetarian foods and during Covid she thought she might be able to make it a business. She founded The Hustle Brussel in a trial run. Over time she found the process was something to look forward to and a satisfying way to bring community together. 

"There are some common misconceptions when it comes to a plant based diet," Kayla said, "One being that it's always healthy and two that it has to be bland, both of those are very untrue. I started my journey as a "junk food vegan", and ate primarily Impossible burgers or frozen vegan pizzas. These are not exactly a food choice I would call healthy. These frozen products and faux meats are filled with chemicals and have a high fat and sodium content. These most likely aren’t being chosen for health benefits but for the convenience and possibly the person consuming chooses to be vegan for animal rights. Folks have various reasons for choosing to eat a vegan diet, some may be doing it for the environmental benefits, some for the health benefits, cultural or religious beliefs and a large majority for animal rights and at times a combination of multiple reasons." The film had sparked her empathy and animal rights are still deeply important to her.

At THB we choose to use organic whole food ingredients instead of using processed faux products, for a well balanced meal that is healthy, high quality and nourishing. Food is medicine. Choosing organic has a higher cost in the short term but the health benefits of less chemicals and nutrient dense produce that comes along with it is worth both short term and for longevity. Conventionally grown food is often GMO (genetically modified organism) and has been grown with synthetic pesticides, fungicides, herbicides,  and insecticides that are not the best for our health. These chemicals and processes deplete the minerals out of the soil, more specifically there is a decrease in the amount of fulvic and humic acid from the soil which is how the plant absorbs minerals, leaving us with a similar product visually but lacking what our bodies crave and thrive on.

Kayla explained, "Consuming less animal products does have its benefits on our own personal health and that of our environment. Meat and dairy can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol so swapping for more plant based options will help support heart health and overall body function. Personally before cutting dairy out of my diet I had frequent headaches and now being dairy free it is a rare occasion. I believe what we put into our body and the food choices we make impact all areas of our lives. Mind, body and spirit. "

The way the meals she makes work is that first the best, freshest organic ingredients are brought in and prepared. Much of the work is done less by strict recipe and more by what flavors and textures work together. The result is highly personal always flavorful and satisfying. Customers can opt for single meals ala carte or weekly or monthly meal plans. That's where the hustle part happens. Kayla does the deliveries herself (sometimes with a little help) to West Seattle, White Center and Burien. Each meal is hearty and depending on portion sizes can be split or shared. They each last two to three days if kept refrigerated, hence the twice weekly delivery option.

See this link for meal pricing and delivery information.

You may find that eating vegetarian meals is something you want to include as just part of what you eat, or you might choose after enjoying them that not only do you feel better but you are doing good for the earth.

Kayla explained another aspect of her reasoning, "The population of this planet continues to rise, and as it does so does the demand for food. If we as a collective started eating less meat there would be a decrease in the demand from factory farms. A large portion of farm land is allocated to raise livestock for human consumption or corn to feed those animals. The difference in the amount of energy and resources that it takes to raise crops vs an animal is significant. If a portion of that land could be used to farm crops for human consumption instead of livestock we would be using a lot less water, space and energy which over time is going to impact the environment in a positive way."

Kayla is clear about why she has chosen this business and what she hopes she can accomplish. It's about far more than just choosing a plant based diet. She cares about the impacts that what we eat can have plus the lives of those less fortunate. 

"We have started a monthly community outreach project to make food and pass it out to folks who are experiencing hardship. It’s important to us and the vision of The Hustle Brussel to be of service and extend our hands to our community."

So in the end, it's about good. Eating, and doing good.

That's a pretty tasty way to live.

Check out the Hustle Brussel online at www.thehustlebrussel.com or on Facebook here. You can even subscribe to the YouTube Channel here.