An informal and brief review of the year in veganism

As 2011 draws to a close, it's only natural for us to reflect on the happenings that impacted us, try to make sense of it all, and then move on into the new year.  While 2011 was a rough year for many people around the world, it was actually a great year for veganism.


We got some great celeb endorsers: Bill Clinton.  Need I say more?  There's also Ellen DeGeneres, Portia De Rossi, Russell Simmons, Mike Tyson, Woody Harrelson, Alanis Morissette, Alec Baldwin, Carl Lewis, John Salley, and so many others.  


Veganism got great press: This was the year that being vegan went from being fringe to a mainstream, healthy life choice.  I became vegan after happening to catch Kathy Freston on the Oprah show (and I never watch Oprah!) and buying her book, Veganist.  Martha Stewart also dedicated a show to vegan food.  The health benefits have been featured on major news channels and there were fantastic films like Forks Over Knives and Vegucated to help spread the word.


There was a cookbook and restaurant explosion: Try googling "vegan" on amazon and see how many results you get.  There are so many kinds of vegan cookbooks that I had already spent my Barnes & Noble gift card before I even received it (thank you to my inlaws!).  And all those new and delicious vegan restaurants are a dream come true.  And vegan cupcakes...the crowning glory.


There were also some wins for the animals: Though so many people are turning to veganism for the health and environmental benefits, please let's not forget about the animals.  Organizations like The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Farm Sanctuary are leading the way in legislation to reduce (and hopefully someday end) the suffering of farm animals.  HSUS struck a deal with the United Egg Producers to phase out those tiny battery cages in which 280 million egg-laying hens suffer each day.  And Smithfield, the world's largest pork producer, said it would phase out gestation crates in which pigs live but can't even turn around.  And since I know you're looking for a place to give your end-of-year charitable donation, please consider these game-changing organizations.


I read in one publication that the number of vegans in the U.S. doubled in 2011.  If that's the case, I know it will continue to grow as more people discover how easy it is and that the benefits are incontrovertible.  I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and vegan 2012.       

Farm animals say, "We are the 98%!"

Since there's so much attention to the Occupy Wall Street movement and the outcry that we are the 99%, I thought it would be appropriate to share another statistic.  This one has nothing to do with Wall Street - at least, not directly.  But it does have to do with the economy.  The economics of the agriculture industry.


According to the Humane Society of the United States, 98% of all animals with whom we interact directly (i.e. have as pets or eat) are farm animals.  And 10 billion of them per year in the U.S. are raised and then killed for their meat, eggs and milk.  We spend a lot of time worrying about the welfare of our dog and cat companions (and rightly so!) but our society turns a blind eye to the other 98%; the farm animals that are treated solely as commodities and whose welfare often runs counter to profits.


The Animal Welfare Act, which governs the humane care, handling, treatment and transportation of many animals, including dogs and cats, does not apply to farm animals.  Since they are considered livestock with an end use of food, they are excluded.  We don't think of them as sentient beings but they feel pain, fear, love and loss just like humans and our pet friends do.  Ask any dairy farmer the worst part of their job, and they'll often tell you it's when they have to separate a mother cow from her calf.  


It doesn't have to be this way.  We can refuse to support this inhumane system.  A vegan or vegetarian diet is the most compassionate thing you can do.  And it makes all the difference to the silent 98%.

Sustainable ways to pass your Thanksgiving weekend

Though we're in the throes of Thanksgiving day (and hopefully you're enjoying a vegan feast), most people have a full 4-day weekend to enjoy.  If you're in the Phoenix area, here are 2 great things to do that also celebrate sustainable living and the environment.


On Saturday at 7pm, the Museum of Science and Sustainability is having an Eco Fashion Show.  It will take place at Bragg's Pie Factory and will feature live music, a dance performance, live auction and fashion showcases.  There will also be vintage resellers for all your sustainable clothing needs.  MOSS is a great institution to support - they don't yet have a main center but are working on raising the needed funds.  Their mission is to bring a much-needed focus on sustainability to the Valley.  


If you haven't seen them yet, don't miss David Rogers' Big Bugs at Desert Botanical Gardens.  These giant sculptures of bugs made of fallen and found wood and other natural materials.  Some of the bugs are as tall as 25 feet.  A fascinating look at the bug world surrounded by the beauty of the desert.  Your kids or those you have visiting this weekend will be mesmerized.  


If you've eaten a vegan feast today and will be enjoying the leftovers this weekend, you won't have that nasty, "I feel sick because I ate too much" feeling, and you'll have the energy to go out and experience these events.  I wish you all a most enjoyable weekend.

Thanksgiving or ThanksLIVING?

Let's face it.  Thanksgiving is not the best holiday for vegans.  It seems like the day is almost as much about the dead turkey on the table as it is about being thankful and spending time with those you love.  And when you're a vegan in a family and social circle of omnivores, you can feel downright disenfranchised. 


But fear not, Phoenix vegans, because there's a wonderful celebration where you can give thanks, celebrate the joys of life and bond with others who share your values.  It's called ThanksLIVING and Green New American Vegetarian restaurant in Tempe is hosting its fourth annual event.   


ThanksLIVING features multiple courses of cruelty-free gourmet food, live music, guest speakers, crafts for the kids, and sparkling conversation with your fellow vegans.  And if you can't stay, they offer food to go too.  While the celebration is at the Tempe location only, you can purchase tickets at either location or on their website.  


Whether you're vegan, curious, or just love gourmet food, start a new tradition that gives thanks and celebrates compassion.  Hope to see you there!

Don't want to put on those holiday pounds? Eat like a vegan!

You can't miss it - fattening food is everywhere!  Candy, pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, candy apples.  It's clear that the season of eating has begun!  Yes it's difficult to resist all the holiday food in the office, at your child's school or at the grocery store.  Most people are tempted, and so many of us give in.  And the pounds start packing on and continue through the holidays until we all feel guilty in January.


You always say it's going to be different this year, right?  Well how about nipping it in the bud before it begins?  What if, this year, you decide to go through the holidays by eating like a vegan?


You can still enjoy many of the foods that you've always loved but you'll learn to make them healthier.  And you can still eat Halloween candy (you'll be surprised that many of your favorites are vegan), but you won't gorge yourself on it.  And you can have that pumpkin latte - just have it with soy/coconut/almond milk and skip the whipped cream.  And if you check out vegweb.com or Veg News' website, you can try new holiday recipes that you can feel good about eating, that taste delicious, and your friends will love.  And then, of course, there's the halo effect of reducing animal suffering and causing less harm to the environment.  Festive reasons to celebrate indeed!

Those cupcakes aren't really vegan, are they?

This wasn't one of my best weeks.  I had been going along just fine and then strep throat cut me down in my tracks and I could barely move from the bedroom to the kitchen table.  And eating was completely out of the question.  But my son's birthday was on Wednesday and I was determined that he have cupcakes in his classroom to celebrate.  And not just any cupcakes.  VEGAN cupcakes.


I thought that, in addition to giving my son a wonderful experience on his special day, it was a fantastic opportunity to dispel a myth about vegan food.  The myth that it doesn't taste good.  All vegans will tell you that vegan food can be just as delicious as food with animal products, but we are often met with doubting looks.  I've had some success cutting down this myth with some friends, but hadn't ventured into the sugary world of cupcakes.


Luckily, I had seen that there was a vegan bakery at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market.  Even though there was no way I was leaving the house, much less traveling to the market, I decided to put my trust in untasted cupcakes.  So I ordered 2 dozen - half vanilla and half red velvet.  And I even asked for soy milk instead of their usual almond milk just in case there were any nut allergies in the class.  


Two nights later, with me still sick as can be, there was a knock on my door.  We live in darkest north Phoenix but Treehouse Bakery delivered those cupcakes with a smile.  They looked so cute but I was in no shape to eat any, so I had my husband taste test them.  A look of pure bliss appeared on his face and he said it was one of the best cupcakes he'd ever had (he's not vegan).  


The cupcakes were equally well-received at school.  The e-mail from my son's teacher said, "The vegan cupcakes were amazing!  Thanks for sending them in!  You've opened a whole new world for me...".  Making my son's birthday happy and expanding vegan frontiers - all in a day's work!

Choose life with a plant-based diet

This weekend, I've confronted life and death.  A memorial service for a wonderful lady on Friday evening, and then a baby shower for a good friend on Saturday had me reflecting on the circle of life.  Then  I realized that we make choices every day to either support life or death with the foods that we eat and products we use.  


Eating foods with animal products is choosing death.  Maybe not for the person doing the eating, but at least for the animal that gave up its life for that meal.  While the food may taste delicious, it wasn't possible without death.  A plant-based diet, on the other hand, is about choosing life.  It's about choosing to live a healthier, more vibrant life based on the bounty of living things grown from the ground.  It's about celebrating the energy that flows through your body via these foods that don't clog your arteries or put free radicals into your cells (and that often do the opposite).  It's about saving the environment, one meal at a time, because you aren't participating in consumption of animals that produce methane and are responsible for half the greenhouse gasses.  And it's about saying no to the slaughter of innocent animals (198 fewer animals per year will die on average, when you switch to a vegan diet).  


The difference is stark, when you think about it.  And don't you want to side with healthy, life-affirming foods and personal products instead of those that come from death?  I know I do.

Where have all the heroes gone?

I've been thinking a lot about heroes lately.  In a time when behaving badly seems to be the norm, who do we have to look up to?  Who inspires us to be better?  Not celebrities or politicians, and certainly not captains of industry.


In past eras, we've looked to these sectors to find our heroes - people we admired and wanted to emulate.  Sadly, heroes seem to be sorely lacking in these times of greed, self-centeredness and shock value.  But they aren't really.  Our heroes aren't people who are in the news and tabloids every day.  If you dig a little deeper, you'll see quiet heroes on the front lines making a difference.


Kathy Freston was my first hero in the vegan world - in her positive, non-judgemental way, she showed me why my conscience would no longer allow me to eat fish or dairy (I was already a "pescatarian").  Drs. T. Colin Campbell and Caldwell Esselstyn are taking a scientific and medical approach to educating the public about the health benefits of a plant-based diet.  People like Kris Carr, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, the "Skinny Bitch" ladies and a host of others are writing and blogging about veganism.  


Then there are the heroes in the animal welfare world.  Gene Bauer of Farm Sanctuary is king among my heroes for all he does for exploited animals in the factory farming world, and the founders and volunteers at The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita, CA renew my belief in the goodness of people.  Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society and Jane Goodall, who is still fighting for the rights of chimps are also people to be emulated and admired.


It's true that the mainstream media carries almost nothing but stories of people behaving badly.  But if you look a little deeper and refocus your vision, you'll see the frontlines of everyday heroes making a difference for the animals and all of us.  

Become an urban farmer...everyone's doing it

Sometimes it just feels so good to exhaust yourself through sheer physical work.  That's how I've been feeling this week as we've been renovating our backyard.  We've laid pavers, spread dirt and rock, planted vines and shrubs (in 111 degrees, no less!).  But the best part of the backyard by far is the 8'x4' raised bed that we built to house our new organic backyard garden.


As a vegan, I care so much about the origins of my food that I eat and feed to my family.  And I know that concern isn't exclusive to vegans.  There's a growing movement of people who are disgusted by the chemicals and nasty elements in much of the food supply, and many of these people have decided to grow their own produce.  Backyard gardens or "urban farms" are popping up all over the country as a response to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, and other nasty chemicals that are, unfortunately, now the norm in the foods that we buy at the grocery store.  I've attended two lectures in the last two weeks here in Phoenix about urban farming and GMOs, and each event attracted 200+ people - all clamoring for advice on their farms.


There are a lot of resources to help you get started.  It's particularly challenging here in Phoenix's arid climate to grow produce, so we have resources like Urban Farm and the Valley Permaculture Alliance.  No matter where you live, you can find books and other resources to help you get started.  We made our raised bed out of sustainable redwood, and mixed our soil using fill dirt and organic compost.  I ordered seeds from nativeseeds.org, which guards against GMOs and preserves native seeds from the southwest.  Note: if you care about GMOs (and believe me, if you research them you will!), you don't want to buy ANY seeds from Monsanto, since they are the ones creating the GMO products.  That also includes the brand Miracle Gro.


Even if you only have an apartment balcony, if it gets sun, you can grow things. Consider growing some of your own veggies - you'll be amazed at how delicious they taste and how connected you will feel to the earth!

Connected through compassion

One of the many perks of going vegan is a community of people who are eager to make your acquaintance and support you.  Most of us have friends from work, school, and other places in our lives, but there is something special about a community of people connected through compassion.


When I went vegan, I didn't know anyone who had made the commitment I made.  Sure, I had read books, but those were one-way communications.  I felt alone and very alienated - especially among my own friends and family, many who thought I was becoming an extremist, an eccentric, or other equally perjorative word.  It was a hard transition socially, and I had no one with whom to share my experience who could understand.  I started this blog to document my experience - mostly to those who were still omnivores - and started to use Twitter to distribute my posts.  


Lo and behold I started getting large numbers of followers quickly.  And these people were extremely supportive!  I received messages from people all over the world who were so glad that I had gone vegan and was sharing my experience.  Encouraged, I started to join other vegan groups on LinkedIn, Facebook and also in-person through the Veg Phoenix meetup group.  Suddenly I had a network of people who understood me since they felt the same way.  I was shocked and amazed at how deeply vegans support other vegans.  I have given and received everything from restaurant and recipe advice to business consulting.  Vegan businesses are popping up all over the country (and the world!), and they are being supported by other vegans.


I encourage you to consider a vegan lifestyle.  Initially you may feel that you're giving up something, but you will receive so much more than you ever thought possible.  And I promise to be your biggest supporter of all!

If we can make a difference, why don't we?

Upton Sinclair had it right when he wrote, "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it."


Have you ever had to do something in your job that you felt was morally wrong?  What did you do?  Did you do it anyway, believing (often rightly so) that your career or paycheck could suffer if you didn't?  Unfortunately, that's the plight of so many workers in today's society.  At the end of the day, our mighty corporations and organizations are made up simply of people.  The people in the top leadership positions create the strategy and the "rules", and everyone else below them on the food chain needs to execute.  Even those brave souls who protest are often silenced by the system.


This is how the animal agriculture industry thrives.  They hire workers who, for many reasons, are often not empowered to speak up.  And, in concert with government agencies like the USDA (whose mission is to protect the business of agriculture, NOT protect the American consumer - don't be fooled) and self-interested, powerful politicians, they make money hand-over-fist.  This money is on the backs of the exploited animals and workers.  And they spend billions of dollars communicating with you - the consumer - to assure you that their food is healthy, safe, and as American as apple pie.


But guess what?  Every time we choose not to consume meat or dairy, WE are making the rules.  And the more people vote with their food choices, the more pressure comes to bear on factory farms.  I believe people are ultimately compassionate, but they have been brainwashed into believing animal products are healthy and that eating animals is a normal part of a normal American life.


I believe in a future where animals once again graze in pastures, eating the foods nature intended.  Where they can feel the rain, sun and snow on their bodies and play with their animal friends.  But this won't happen unless we all stand up to what we know is wrong.  You don't need to become an animal activist.  Changing your diet is the most powerful thing you can do.  Please join me in voting for the animals!

Vegan inspiration

As committed as I am to life as a vegan, sometimes it's hard to stay motivated.  I'll admit - I stole a bite of my son's pesto pasta the other day.  And I found myself fantasizing about pizza with cheese yesterday.  I'm not in danger of falling off the wagon, but sometimes, when presented with temptations, it can be hard to remember why a vegan lifestyle is so important.


Luckily, there are books like The Bond by Wayne Pacelle, CEO of Human Society United States (HSUS) and Farm Sanctuary by Gene Baur, founder of Farm Sanctuary in upstate New York.  After immersing myself in these books, I've gotten a full-scale reminder of what's at stake in the world of animal cruelty.  These books are both written by men who clearly cherish animals and have devoted their careers and lives to defending them.  There's a warmth and sense of clarity in both books.  As the most advanced species on earth, we have "dominion" over animals; a responsibility to protect and honor them.  Both books detail the best and worst of human behavior.  They share the depths of cruelty, but at the same time offer incredible hope and tell stories of love and redemption.


My blog will be on hiatus for a few weeks for a series of family roadtrips.  And I embark on these roadtrips strengthened by pride in the small role I play to protect innocent animals.

Being vegan: Always fulfilling but not always easy

Since going vegan earlier this year, I've found that the most difficult part of being vegan is travel.  I generally have few issues when I stick close to home, but travel can be tricky.


We went to L.A. for the holiday weekend, staying with family friends.  I came prepared with soy yogurt, Boca burger and a Clif bar.  All was well until we went to the 4th of July party.  I was hungry since I had been avoiding eating animal products (which is different than my approach at home - I cook delicious recipes with foods I haven't necessarily tried previously).  I spied bean dip and chips, and had a taste.  The dip was delicious.  I must have had at least 1/2 of the bowl when I ran into the woman who brought it.  "Your bean dip is delicious!  How do you make it?"  She responded with "Beans, salsa and lots of cheese.".   


Live and learn.  Next time, I will ask before I dive into anything homemade - no matter how good it looks.  And I will always bring a dish, so I know it's animal product free.


Happy 4th!  

Vegan pets...or not

A few months after adopting a vegan diet, I felt so good that I wanted to share the wealth.  With anyone who would listen.  And in my household, that included the pets.


Our household is overrun by an ecclectic collection of rescued four-legged beasts - 2 dogs and 3 cats.  My husband likes to say this is how hoarding starts.  So no additional pets in the near future.  


The dogs and cats are all healthy and have enjoyed the benefits of high-end dog and cat food.  The dogs inhaled their Blue Buffalo and the cats enjoyed Royal Canin.  I didn't want to mess with success, but I wanted to at least pursue the idea of a vegan diet for the pets.  So I did my research.  Turns out dogs don't need animal products in their diets but cats do.  An amino acid called taurine is essential for cats and they can only get it from seafood and meat.  So I decided to leave our cats on their current diet.


I turned my attention to the dogs.  I purchase everything for the pets at PetSmart, so I visited my local store and talked to the store manager.  He suggested Nature's Recipe vegetarian.  Though it contains a D3 supplement (of animal origin), all other ingredients looked vegan, so I tried it.  Over the period of a week, I mixed it with their Blue Buffalo until they were eating Nature's Recipe exclusively.


They've now been eating Nature's Recipe for almost 3 months and are just as healthy and active as ever.  They don't inhale the food anymore, they tend to graze during the day, which seems to balance their energy too.  So far, I'm very happy with the transition and even if the food isn't as tempting to them, they still get toys and treats so their lives are good.  And we're making a difference to the environment.  

The top 5 stereotypes about vegans: Are they true?

I wrote the below article this week for my examiner.com column, but wanted to post it here too since I thought it was important.  Enjoy!

When you hear the word “vegan”, what do you think?  Do you automatically think you know something about that person?  Do you categorize that person in your mind?  Are your associations positive or negative?  There are many stereotypes out there about vegans, but, as with most groups of people, it’s very difficult to categorize and often your assumptions are far from the truth.  Here are the top five stereotypes and the truth about each.

1. Vegans are all skinny.  I, for one, fervently wish this were true, but unfortunately taking animal products out of your diet doesn’t automatically make you drop weight.  There are many “junk food vegans” out there who love their processed foods and sweet treats.  Oreos and potato chips are vegan.  And while I certainly wouldn’t recommend eating these items exclusively, it can be difficult to turn down all the yummy vegan goodies like cupcake recipes all over the web.  Whole Foods in north Scottsdale carries Fabe’s Bakery mini double chocolate chip cookies that are vegan and don’t even contain sugar.  Need I say more?
2. Vegan diets are based on deprivation.  Vegans don’t eat animal products, but that doesn’t mean that a plant-based diet is about exclusion.  New vegans often discover foods that they had never tried or maybe never even heard about in the past, and these foods become new favorites.  American diets are very much focused around meat and dairy, with plant-based foods considered secondary or “sides”.  When these foods become the centerpiece, however, there’s a lot more energy put into making them unique and delicious.  My vegan mac and cheese (based on the VegNews recipe) has become a favorite among vegans and omnivores alike.
3. Vegans are difficult to please and demanding.  It’s true that vegans often need to ask for slight dietary changes at most restaurants, but savvy vegans know that friendliness and appreciation go a long way toward changing this stereotype.  In fact, many vegans offer to bring homemade dishes to dinner parties so that the host doesn’t need to do anything.  Restaurants increasingly have plant-based options which makes it even easier for vegans to dine out.  If you’re still not convinced, attend one of the next VEG Phoenix meet-up events and judge for yourself.  Omnivores are always welcome.
4. All vegans are animal activists.  This is a controversial topic among vegans.  While some believe that you can’t be a “true” vegan unless you are motivated by the welfare of agricultural animals, an increasing number of vegans have adopted a plant-based diet for dietary benefits or environmental reasons.  In fact, a large number of vegans don’t like the word “vegan” and don’t refer to themselves this way at all.  It’s true, however, that a great many vegans are committed to animal welfare issues and seek to end cruel factory farming practices. 
5. Vegans don’t get enough energy and can’t be hard-core athletes.  Tell this to Carl Lewis, the Olympic sprinter and long-jumper.  Or Ruth Heidrich, a 6-time Ironman Triathlon finisher who has won more than 900 medals and is now in her 70s.  And there are countless athletes from various sports around the world who achieve greatness on a vegan diet.  The fact is that a plant-based diet provides all nutrients needed to succeed at any level of fitness.

Vegans are as diverse as the plant-based ingredients they consume every day.  Ask vegan friends and family about their experiences.  You may be surprised by their answers.

Operation Buff Bonnie

Since I've gone vegan, I've actually GAINED weight.  This is an experience that seems to be unusual among new vegans who usually lose weight, so I've been asking myself how this could be.  And I have an answer.  There are so many new, processed foods at places like Whole Foods that label themselves "vegan" and I have to try them.  Vegan cookies.  Vegan chips.  Even some of my own recipes that I've fallen in love with contain lots of fats.  I tell myself they're good fats - I pile on the avocado and nuts.  With everything I've read, I know how healthy they are for me.  For the first time in my life, I can eat as much as I want of everything as long as it's vegan, right?


Um, apparently that's wrong.  I know I'm in an evolution.  I went vegan, I generally know which foods contain animal products and which don't.  I know what ingredients are good for my body and which aren't.  But I haven't gotten portioning down at all.  So that's my next project.  If I want to be the picture of health and an inspiration to those who might want to consider dipping a toe into veganism, than I need to make my outside match what I feel on the inside.


So today starts Operation Buff Bonnie.  Lots of exercise and calorie counting.  I know it's not fun or sexy, but I will be, once I feel good in a bikini.  Wish me luck.   

These documentaries could save your life... and maybe even your soul

This week, I saw two documentaries that, though seemingly unrelated to each other, impacted me in a combined way.  They are each in limited distribution (well, in Phoenix anyway) and just happened to release during the same time period.  


Forks Over Knives is a research and clinical trials-driven film that retraces the steps of Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn as they independently realize through their research that a plant-based diet can save lives.  Yes, I did say "save lives".  Dr. Campbell's The China Study, the largest nutrition research project ever undertaken, proves that a plant-based diet can not only prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and other ailments, but it can actually reverse them.  Dr. Esselstyn comes to the same conclusion through his clinical trials and also learns that casein, an ingredient in animal products (most notably in cheese and milk) can actually turn on cancers.  So why isn't everyone eating this way?  Unfortunately, corporations, factory farmers, government agencies and even the scientific community benefits when consumers continue to eat meat and dairy.  And if this thought makes you angry, I felt the same way!  


I Am is a documentary by Tom Shadyac who directed Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar, Liar and other side-splitters.  After a bike accident where he suffered debilitating symptoms that weren't getting better, he thought more about his life and what he'd learned.  And he realized that money wasn't making him happy.  Like most of us, he'd been taught that competition and "winning" was the route to happiness.  Here he was, at the top of his game, and he felt nothing.  He met with top scientists and thought leaders and found something profound.  Not only are humans not hard-wired for competition, compassion and cooperation are in our DNA.  Moreover, we are all connected.  I know this sounds like new-age stuff (I thought so too, at the beginning of the film), but he proves his point in a very compelling way.  And it's our responsibility to help others on this planet, not run over them on our quest for the top.


Together, these films made me think about what my best life looks like.  Do I want to continue killing myself, animals and the environment by eating animal products?  (We know the answer since I am vegan).  And how do I live my best life - is all the "stuff" really important?  Do I need to work for that big corporation so that I can have nicer clothes or a bigger TV?  Both films put into perspective what a best life might look like and helped me to refocus my energies.  Take a few hours out of your day and see both of these films before they leave theaters.  I would bet that you will take something profound away from each.   

Vegan Perks

I'm sure you've heard that going vegan is difficult.  Maybe you've considered it, but like so many people, decided you just can't live without your cheese.  It's understandable since cheese has casein in it which is an addictive substance (casomorphine, actually!).  And you're right, being vegan outside of a major hub like New York or Portland CAN be tough.  But I'm here to tell you that, in addition to the most promoted benefits of veganism (preventing cruelty, saving the earth, becoming truly healthy) there are other, side benefits that might just change your mind!


1. Say goodbye to your allergies: I live with 2 dogs and 3 cats, and have always been horribly allergic to them.  I'm an animal person, however, and they are part of my family so I've dealt with it.  I was on 3 allergy medications - a nasal spray, Singulair and an inhaler.  And sometimes even that wasn't enough.  Since I've been vegan, however, I've given ALL of them up.  And I still sneeze occasionally but for the most part the allergies are gone.  And the pets are still here - by my feet as I write this.


2. Your skin will glow: I've never had terrible skin - I thank my mother's genes that I don't yet have wrinkles and rarely have major breakouts.  But since going vegan, my skin positively glows.  I've even gotten comments from friends about it.  I'm not using any new products or even drinking more water.  My diet has made all the difference.  And keep in mind that I was vegetarian for 3 years before becoming vegan, so these changes are just from giving up dairy and fish.


3. Your energy levels will even out: Unlike many vegans, I haven't given up sugar - I still love vegan chocolate chips, which is why you won't see me adding "weight loss" to this list!  However, I've found that my energy has much fewer ebbs and flows during the day.  I rarely feel like I need a nap in the afternoon anymore.  I have more energy to walk/run with the dogs farther in the mornings and have stepped up my exercise routine as a result.  Can't claim weight loss yet but working on it!


These 3 changes underscore that I'm doing something wonderful for my body (and the animals, and the earth) and make me feel great every day - even on days that aren't so great.  Try it for a week and see how you feel!  

Vegan Poem

Point of View


Thanksgiving dinner's sad and thankless
Christmas dinner's dark and blue
When you stop and try to see it
From the turkey's point of view


Sunday dinner isn't sunny
Easter feasts are just bad luck
When you see it from the viewpoint
Of a chicken or a duck


Oh how I once loved tuna salad
Pork and lobsters, lamb chops too
Till I stopped and looked at dinner
From the dinner's point of view


- from the beautiful mind of Shel Silverstein

Early Observations on the Vegan Community

I've only been vegan for a few months, but I've already noticed some dynamics that seem to be at work in the vegan community.  


The most wonderful, overarching observation about the community is that vegans care.  They care deeply about the environment and about their health and that of others.  But the issue that creates the most passion in the vegans that I've met and those that I've observed is the welfare of animals.  Most vegans are driven by their desire to end the needless suffering of agriculture animals and, as a result, so many conversations surround the desire to bring about this change.  


Unfortunately, this passion can lead to division within the community itself.  Some vegans don't believe someone can truly be considered "vegan" unless they share a passion for helping end suffering of exploited factory farmed animals.  Avoiding animal products doesn't make someone "vegan", per this line of reasoning.  Others don't like to be called "vegan" because they feel the word has a negative connotation.  Then there's the degree of "veganism" that those who eat a plant-based diet display.  Do you still wear leather?  Buy personal care products made with animal ingredients?  When one becomes vegan, should they get rid of all animal products-based items such as belts, shoes and purses?  The answers to these questions are as diverse as the vegans themselves, and they lead to interesting and often passionate conversations.


So while the word "vegan" may refer to someone who eats a plant-based diet and avoids meat and dairy, the categories of vegans (or those who don't like that word) are as diverse as the many wonderful foods vegans eat.   


So when you learn that someone eats a plant-based diet, finding out why they are vegan and how they have chosen to live could be a great way to help you get to know that person better.

Being vegan is hard, right?

Being vegan is really not that difficult!  


Contrary to popular belief, there are so many foods out there that are vegan.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are vegan.  Pasta with tomato and basil sauce is vegan.  Twizzlers are vegan.  Are there really any more important foods out there?!


And you can easily make your favorite foods with a little variation.  For example, you can buy vegan chocolate chips at Whole Foods, get an egg replacer, and make any of your favorite baked goods.  


One of my favorite, very easy dinners is stir fry.  On nights where I don't want to cook anything, I just throw some frozen stir fry veggies into a pan with some canola oil, cut up some extra firm tofu and throw that in too.  Then add soy sauce and cook for about 5 minutes.  Dish it up with rice or soba noodles and put some peanut sauce on top for some spice, and you've got an extremely easy and healthy dinner that the whole family will love.  Even my 7 year-old loves tofu when it tastes like soy sauce.


So if you're afraid to go vegan because you'll be cooking your fingers to the bone every day, take heart!  While you'll want to develop a repertoire of favorite recipes for balanced nutrition, many of them can be quick and easy.


Try some stir fry tonight!

Getting Started as a Vegan

Sometimes jumping in with both feet isn't the best way to start something.


Fortunately or unfortunately, that's usually how I approach things, and becoming vegan was no exception.  There are downsides to going full force, and if I could do it again, I would have done some research first and started slowly.


Living Vegan for Dummies by Alexandra Jamieson lays out the pros and cons to quitting animal products cold Tofurkey, and also explains everything someone considering going vegan needs to know.  Jamieson, a vegan chef and holistic nutrition expert who was also seen in the film Super Size Me, presents the case for veganism and offers practical tips on shopping, cooking, managing restaurants, talking to friends about veganism, and so much more.  As a new vegan who hadn't done much research, I appreciated her explanations and tips, and I even made her recipe for chocolate chip banana bread (delish!).


Anyone who wants to learn more about a vegan lifestyle would do well to read this book.  Follow this link for more information.


Happy reading!   

How much water went into that steak?

In the spring, with the green hills and abundance of flowers, it might not seem like there's a shortage of water on our planet.  Unfortunately, this is the reality for much of the world, and we are moving into an era where control and distribution of water is becoming more and more important.  We know we can't live without water.


If we are to be proactive and head off a world water crisis, we need to consider how we eat.  According to the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization, 70% of all water usage is dedicated to factory farms and industrial agriculture.    It takes an estimated 1,799 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef.  And 880 gallons of water for one gallon of milk (Source: Water Footprint Network).


I know it's unrealistic to think that everyone will go vegan.  But if people are educated about the amount of water that goes into the food they are eating and how this impacts the environment, hopefully they will make more conscious choices.     

Vegan Oasis in the Northwest

Could there really be such a thing as a vegan mini mall? I wondered as we drove through Portland, Oregon in the rain last week.  Living in the suburbs of Phoenix, I'm very familiar with the concept of mini (strip) malls, but the idea of several vegan establishments in a row was an exciting thought.


This vegan mall does exist, and it's a row of four vegan businesses at the northeast corner of Southeast 12th Avenue and Stark Street.  The businesses consist of:

• Herbivore Clothing Company - they sell clothing and accessories made from materials of non-animal origin.  They also have a good selection of books loosely centered around veganism.  Note to those with small kids: some of the words on the clothing are of the four-letter variety, which my son promptly noticed and vocalized.
• Scapegoat Tattoo - the ink used for the tattoos does not contain animal products.  We didn't enter the store, but peeked in the window.
• Sweet Pea Bakery - they offer vegan sandwiches, soups, brownies and more baked items.  In honor of our visit on St. Patrick's Day, my son purchased a shamrock cookie that he quickly devoured.
• Food Fight Grocery - This is a vegan grocery, and I was in heaven.  It's a small space, but offers many items I've had trouble finding such as vegan cheese, snacks, and more.  I purchased a few books and an egg substitute with which I can't wait to experiment.

If you're ever in the Portland area, I recommend a quick stop to these stores.  The mall was easy to find, parking was simple, and the employees were knowledgeable and friendly.  Each business has their own website, so you can visit them in cyberspace too.

Happy shopping!

A cautionary tale

Cold turkey is always a challenging way to change anything.  Even when becoming vegan.  


I'm often a person of extremes, and when I decide something, I jump with both feet.  I hadn't eaten any meat except fish for 3 years, and didn't think giving up fish and dairy would be that big of a deal for me.  I didn't realize that there's a period of detox - even from dairy - when you give it up all at once.


I spent the last week in Oregon visiting my mom, and was feeling exhausted and headachy.  I since found out that this was likely due to the period of detox that vegans often experience.  Though it's so good for your body, anytime you give up poisons (think how you feel when giving up caffeine), your body needs time to cleanse and it can temporarily weaken you.


So, I hate to admit it, but I did have some dairy while I was there.  It's also very difficult to be a guest in a meat-eating home without being prepared.  And I wasn't.  I learned a lot, however, and will arrive more prepared next time (think snacks).  In the meantime, I'm feeling much better and am more committed than ever to the vegan lifestyle!

Mac & Cheese(ish)

So you think Mac & Cheese has to actually have cheese to be good?  Au contraire!  


A friend sent me the link to the VegNews mac & cheese recipe a few days ago, and since I adore mac & cheese and thought I wouldn't be able to have it anymore, I thought I'd give this recipe a shot.  I'm SO glad I did!  This is truly delicious and met with my husband's omnivore stamp of approval too.  


I'm not much of a cook and it took me about an hour to make, but I'm not complaining and will happily spend the time to do it again often.  Check out the link and if you make it, please let me know your thoughts!


http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=40&catId=10


Happy cooking!

The Loving What?

As much as I love fresh veggies and fruits, I am usually loathe to visit a strictly vegetarian (much less vegan) restaurant.  Like many of you, I'm sure, I have a pre-conceived notion of an unfulfilling meal that tastes like cardboard.  I don't want to "get through it" just because it's good for me.  I enjoy eating, and I want my food to truly taste good.


But, in the spirit of trying new things and embracing veganism, I decided to check out The Loving Hut.  This is a chain of restaurants throughout the US (most of them in California) that only offers vegan food.  Their motto is "Be veg, go green 2 save the planet".  


The restaurant was in the corner of a strip mall.  I recruited my husband to try it with me and we were impressed with how clean it was.  It's spotless. Very minimalist decor with white tables and chairs.  You take a menu at the front, choose a table, and then walk up to the counter to order and pay when you're ready.  The waitress was very friendly and explained the menu options.  When we returned to our table, there was soup waiting for us in white bowls with the Loving Hut logo.


I ordered the Sweet and Sour Divine which used soy protein instead of chicken.  It was absolutely delicious - didn't taste anything like cardboard!  My husband had the Blissful Fried Rice and I kept stealing bites from his plate.  Truly tasty.  We also had Perrier and our orders came with rice.  Total cost of lunch for both of us was $19.


I've read about the TVs in the restaurant that show the founder, Supreme Master Ching Hai, in a loop on the screens.  We saw the weather in Africa, a few words from the Supreme Master, but the TVs were turned down and I couldn't hear what she was saying.  I didn't find it at all distracting or off-putting.


We will definitely be back.  I'm thrilled to have found a restaurant where I can happily eat anything on the menu!  

Can you be vegan and still eat out?

Yes you can, but how easy or difficult it will be depends a lot on where you live.  In large, urban areas, there are generally more vegan options than in rural areas.


I live in suburban Phoenix, but I'm on a side of town where there aren't many vegan options.  I also have friends who aren't interested in eating at vegan restaurants.  So I try to stick with more ethnic restaurants - Mexican and Asian are usually good bets.  If there's nothing vegan on the menu that appeals to you, my recommendation is to ask whether they would be willing to create something simple for you (i.e. a bean burrito with veggies at a Mexican restaurant).  If not, have a back-up plan (something you can order without the cheese, for example).  If your request is something easy that's within their area of specialty, my experience has been that most of the time they will be willing to accommodate.  Be sure to be very friendly when you ask!


Hopefully, as more people make these requests, more restaurants will add vegan options to the menu.  In the meantime, stay resourceful!   

Is theater popcorn vegan?

If you go vegan, do you need to give up popcorn?  What's in that yummy and addictive theater popcorn?  We know it's a guilty pleasure, but is it vegan?


I am a rabid movie fan and hadn't yet seen The King's Speech, so I ventured to my local Harkin's theater for a showing last week.  I had a free coupon for popcorn and wanted to use it, but hesitated.  Why is the popcorn yellow even without the topping?


I contacted Harkins to find out, and their Guest Services Coordinator called me back quickly.  Turns out they pop their corn in canola oil that has beta carotene, and that's what gives it the yellow color.  They also include salt, of course.  The buttery topping is also animal product-free.  It's made from soybean oil with beta carotene for color.


I love popcorn and was thrilled to know that I could occasionally indulge.  I will also be a fan of Harkins from now on for their wonderful customer service.  I suggest you contact your local theater chain if you'd like to know what's in your popcorn.


Happy viewing!   

Black bean soup with avocado, orange and cucumber

I thought you might appreciate this delicious recipe for a cold, rainy day, like it is here in Phoenix.  This recipe was from Sunset magazine's February issue and I've already made it 3 times.  It's a favorite of my husband (he says it tastes like chili) and my son doesn't hate it, so that's progress!


Serves 4, 30 minutes


2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
2 cans (15 oz. each) black beans, rinsed
2 jars (4 oz. each) pimientos, drained
1 tsp. each ground cumin and dried oregano
1/2 tsp. kosher salt (I use sea salt)
2 tsp. hot sauce, sach as Tapatio
1 avocado, cubed
Juice of 1 lime
1 orange, peeled and chopped
1/2 English cucumber, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (note: I substitute Daiya non-dairy cheese)


1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add broth, beans, pimientos, seasonings, and hot sauce and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
2. Mix avocado, lime juice, orange, and cucumber in a medium bowl.  Divide soup among bowls; top with avocado mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.


Per 2-cup serving: 336 calories, 45% from fat; 9.7g protein; 17g fat (3.4g sat); 37g carbo (12g fiber); 1350 mg sodium; 7.5mg chol.


Enjoy!

The genesis of Vegan Flash

I love eggs.  I love cheese.  And I especially love milk chocolate.  I never thought there would be anything that would ever make me give these things up.  Yet there are things that I actually love more.  Animals.  The environment.  My health and ability to be the best I can be for myself and my family.


By nature, I am not preachy and am a big believer in "live and let live", so this blog will never be a long-winded diatribe but rather a learning process as I try to make vegan eating choices whenever I can.  I've been trying for the last 3 weeks, and I've realized that I have so many questions that others must have too.  I know I won't be a pure vegan - I'm certainly not perfect and neither is my knowledge of what's vegan and what's not, but like any change in eating habits, it's a constant evolution.  


3 years ago, I gave up meat with the exception of fish.  It wasn't hard for me since I've never really liked meat but always believed that it was a necessary evil to stay healthy.  When I learned I didn't need to eat it, I was all too glad to give it up.  I've had no problems with that.  One month ago, I happened to catch an episode of Oprah where her staff was going vegan for 1 week.  I bought the book, "The Veganist" by Kathy Freston, and it literally changed my life.  For me, it was clear that I needed to pursue a vegan lifestyle in order for me to be consistent with my own animal welfare and environmental beliefs.  I spent hours at Whole Foods trying to understand my vegan options, and I'm just at the beginning of the learning curve.  I've found some things that are just so easy, and others that are harder for me.  But mostly, I've found questions.  


As this blog develops a life of its own, I'll share my experiences and those of my husband (a meat lover) and 7 year old son (he says, "Mom if you don't have to eat meat, I don't have to eat vegetables"), as we try to pursue varying levels of a vegan lifestyle.  My husband and son are not vegans.  But when I cook, they at least sample and I'll share their feedback.


The "flash" part of Vegan Flash supports the idea that as more people start to think about what they are eating and learn about it, the more we can change our health and our planet.  Hopefully elements of this blog will flash something in you and maybe you'll share what you've learned with others.    


Thank you for following this blog!


Bonnie