The path to creating a more compassionate world isn’t always clear-cut, but Tobias Leenaert has dedicated his life to finding practical and impactful ways to make it a reality. A thought leader in the vegan movement, Tobias brings a pragmatic lens to one of the most pressing ethical and environmental challenges of our time. In a recent conversation with Dr. Frank Sabatino on the NHA Health Science Podcast, he shared his strategies for making plant-based living accessible, achievable, and appealing for people around the globe.

As the co-founder of Ethical Vegetarian Alternatives (now ProVeg Belgium) and author of How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach, Tobias emphasizes a results-driven methodology that prioritizes empathy, inclusion, and systemic change. His journey, which began with a simple yet profound moral question at the age of 10, has evolved into a lifelong commitment to reducing suffering and building a sustainable future.

A Lifelong Commitment to Compassion

Tobias’ journey began in Belgium when, as a child, he asked himself a simple question: “Why do we pet dogs but eat cows?” Growing up surrounded by both pets and farm animals, Tobias was struck by the lack of a morally relevant difference between the two. This realization planted the seeds of his activism. However, it wasn’t until his university years that he fully embraced veganism, inspired by his academic exploration of human-animal relationships and the consequences of meat consumption.

Internships with leading U.S. animal advocacy organizations like PETA and FARM gave Tobias firsthand experience in global activism. Upon returning to Belgium, he recognized a gap in advocacy efforts and founded Belgium’s first vegan organization to address it. Over the years, this organization evolved into ProVeg Belgium, a global leader in plant-based advocacy.

The Pragmatic Path to Veganism

Tobias is renowned for his pragmatic approach to vegan advocacy, which emphasizes effectiveness over ideology. While some activists focus exclusively on animal rights messaging, Tobias advocates for using a broader range of arguments—including environmental sustainability, personal health, and food accessibility—to reach a wider audience.

“Whatever works to reduce animal suffering is what we should focus on,” Tobias says, noting that moral arguments can often trigger defensiveness. Instead, he sees incremental change, such as initiatives like Meatless Mondays or Veganuary, as powerful tools for long-term transformation. “Small steps pave the way for big transformations,” he explains, highlighting that behavior change often precedes attitude shifts.

Creating a Supportive Food Environment

Central to Tobias’ vision is the belief that compassion must be easy. This principle drives ProVeg’s efforts to make plant-based living accessible, enjoyable, and practical. From training chefs to integrating plant-based options into school cafeterias and public institutions, Tobias works to create an environment where choosing compassion feels natural.

One of ProVeg’s standout initiatives, Veggie Thursdays, encouraged restaurants, schools, and local businesses to promote vegetarian options on a designated day each week. Programs like this not only normalize plant-based eating but also demonstrate how small, systemic changes can create a ripple effect across communities.

Tackling Challenges with Innovation

Belgium’s rich but meat-heavy culinary traditions, rooted in French cuisine, present unique challenges. Yet Tobias sees this as an opportunity to innovate, bridging traditional food cultures with modern plant-based alternatives. He champions chef training programs and collaborations with food industry leaders to create dishes that are as delicious as they are compassionate.

Tobias also emphasizes the importance of making plant-based options affordable and available, particularly in rural areas where access can be limited. By working with governments and major food providers, ProVeg has secured funding and support to expand plant-based offerings and address systemic barriers.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Advocates

Tobias is passionate about empowering others to join the movement. Through initiatives like ProVeg’s nonprofit incubator, he mentors aspiring vegan entrepreneurs and helps them develop innovative solutions to reach underserved audiences. “The house is on fire,” he says. “Find your role in creating solutions, whether through your career, studies, or personal actions.”

This hands-on approach reflects Tobias’ belief that everyone has a part to play in building a compassionate future. His message resonates with young activists, established professionals, and organizations alike, inspiring them to think creatively and act boldly.

A Vision of Hope and Pragmatism

Tobias Leenaert’s work exemplifies how thoughtful, results-driven activism can drive meaningful progress. By prioritizing accessibility and systemic change over rigid ideologies, he offers a blueprint for a more compassionate, sustainable world. His pragmatic approach challenges us to think beyond individual choices and consider the broader systems that shape behavior.

To learn more about Tobias’ work, visit The Vegan Strategist and ProVeg International. For a deeper dive into his insights, pick up his book, How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just beginning your journey, Tobias’ message is a powerful reminder that small, thoughtful steps can lead to transformative change.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Introduction. 

[02:00] The human/animal relationship thesis was the start. 

[05:15] Stopping the consumption of animals is a moral imperative. 

[09:00] Actions out of compassion… acting like a zen master. 

[12:45] The house is on fire… we must act now. 

[14:45] Using a reductionist approach. 

[18:30] Inspiring change on many levels. 

[22:45] Success resides in getting the government involved in the change.  

[30:00] Tobias’ position on meat alternatives may surprise you. 

[36:30] Incentivizing chefs to move towards plant-based meals.[42:00] What’s next for Tobias.

About Tobias Leenaert 

Tobias Leenaert is a visionary leader, author, and global advocate for the vegan movement. Known for his thoughtful and pragmatic approach to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world, Tobias is the author of the widely acclaimed book How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach, which has been translated into 12 languages. His thought-provoking insights and strategic guidance have made him a sought-after speaker and trainer, delivering impactful talks and workshops on veganism and effective advocacy across the globe.

As the co-founder of ProVeg International, Tobias has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission to reduce global animal consumption and promote plant-based lifestyles. Before stepping onto the international stage, he served as the director of ProVeg Belgium for fifteen years, during which he played a key role in advancing vegan initiatives within the region.

Tobias is celebrated for his ability to think outside the box and build bridges across diverse communities. Through his blog, Vegan Strategist, he challenges conventional perspectives, encouraging advocates to embrace what he calls “slow opinion”—a reflective and open-minded approach to forming views. With a commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation, Tobias continues to inspire individuals and organizations alike to create a kinder, healthier, and more sustainable future.

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  whuberman@healthscience.org

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/