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.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, May 2, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, April 4, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, March 28, 2011
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.
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.
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