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!