2010 in Review

I thought this would be a good time to reflect on this last year and think about the year to come.  I mean why not?  Everyone's doing it!

2010 was SUCH a full year!  I haven't shared a lot about myself personally on this blog keeping it to food, but here's what happened in my life this year:

-I graduated with my Masters in Social Work (MSW) in May

-The Hubs and I packed what we could fit in our cars and sold or donated the rest, then drove across the country moving back to Los Angeles.  That was an adventure, let me tell you!  The Hubs has his own special way of carrying out moves and road trips.  I'm sure glad that's over!

-Ten days after arriving in sunny Southern California, we embarked on a ten week journey through South East Asia, mainly visiting Thailand and Indonesia.  I haven't blogged much about this because I'm still processing the trip, but I'm thinking about sharing with the blog world soon.  Thinking about it...procrastinating...same difference!

-Two weeks after returning to the country I started a new job.  Its been awesome but SO busy, much more than I anticipated!  Although I love what I'm doing I didn't anticipate working 24/7.  I've adjusted a little and things have calmed down, so hopefully I have the time and energy to blog.

-While trying to adjust to being back in So Cal, recovering from my trip, settling in to a new job, the holidays hit me.  I can't believe how fast the last few months have flown by!  Of course seeing family and having time off from work have been wonderful, but I also received several vegan cookbooks!  Many recipes and reviews to come.

Well that's me in a nutshell.  What's next?  I'm not so much a fan of the whole new year's resolution fails.  And that's just what they always seem to be, fails!  However, in the words of my dad, to fail to plan is to plan to fail, so I suppose I should set some goals for myself and the ol' blog.  Here I go:

-Revamp the look.  I've been wanting it to look differently since I set it up, but I lack the patience and the mental capacity for making it look amazing.  Several people have said they'd help but nothing has come together.  Can anyone help me with this?  Anyone...anyone...Bueller...Bueller...

-Blog at least once a week.  I did this at first and it doesn't seem unreasonable.

-Post about new recipes at least twice a month.  Also not unreasonable (double negative intended).  I'm cooking anyway, why not post about it?!  Especially with my plethora of cookbooks.

Any bets on how long I'll last with these goals?

Thanksgiving

I survived my first vegan Thanksgiving!!  I was pretty anxious about how it would go because I didn't have a lot of time to prepare.  We went to visit the Hubs family, and well, you know how it can be with the in-laws.  My mother-in-law is an amazing cook and enjoys a challenge.  We talked before hand and she had an idea of how to make some dishes vegan, and I brought a Tofurky and some vegan butter.  And I snuck in some chocolate chips, just in case.

Of course I didn't get any pictures because I thought I forgot my camera.  Turns out I had it the entire time.  What a bust!  That means I didn't get any pictures of my baby nephew either.  Idiot (said Napolean Dynamite style)!

On the menu:
Tofurky & Tofurky gravy
Valerie's amazing sour dough stuffing (I'll try to get the recipe to share!)
Garlic Mashed Potatoes, made with Earth Balance buttery spread
Sauteed Brussel Sprouts
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Dinner rolls
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin pie (purchased from an undisclosed bakery and it was really horrible)

Later during the weekend I made some chocolate chip cookies, which were a huge hit!  I was also impressed that my family was so supportive, asking me questions about veganism and trying my dishes.  This totally reinforced my decision, and even influenced the Hubs to try going vegan for 30 days!

Lime Guacamole

This recipe is adapted from Chef Chloe's recipe that go with her Cajun black bean burgers, or it can go with these black bean burgers.  I liked her original recipe, but I prefer more lime and cilantro.  Plus, when you add lime, it keeps it from going brown.  (By the way, save the avocado pit when you're making the guac.  Then put the pit in the bowl of guacamole when you need to store it.  This keeps it from going brown).

Lime Guacamole

3 ripe avocados
Juice from 1 lime
1/4 cup fresh salsa like pico de gallo
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper

In a bowl, mash avocados with lime juice until thick and creamy.  Fold in salsa and cilantro.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Three inspiring websites

One of my top five on the Strengths Finder test is "connectedness", meaning that I see connections in the world and have an understanding of how my choices and relationships are connected.  At first I didn't understand this about myself, it seemed kind of out there.  But since becoming vegan, I totally get it.  I began this journey to impact my health, and in reading various literature, saw how food choices impact the environment and the global community.  Not to mention how my consumption of other things (clothing, cosmetics and personal care items, gasoline, water) impact the world, and in turn how these choices impact my health.  Its easy to feel overwhelmed with all the craziness in the world, but I'm learning to, in the words of Teddy Roosevelt, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are". Just because I can't do everything doesn't mean I shouldn't do something.

These three websites have inspired me as of late.  There are a TON of other amazing websites out there, but these are the three I've been visiting most.  Check them out and let me know what you think.

EcoStiletto All things green.  Great suggestions on green alternatives.

Crazy Sexy Life Kriss Carr started this project when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her honesty and sweetness in the midst of an incredibly difficult situation is (word of the day alert!) inspiring.

The Kind Life Alicia Silverstone's website based on her book "The Kind Diet".  I really enjoy the forum and virtual community.

Fridge staples

Lately I've been getting together with friends, reconnecting after so much time of being away.  One thing people ask me is what in the world to feed me?!  Its really not so hard people, anything veggie related is just fine!  I don't need meat as a main course!  But I do appreciate people trying to accommodate my "weird" diet.

Anyways, that got me thinking about what I try to keep stocked in my fridge and pantry to keep my own self fed.  Here's a list of some things that are my go-to things for lunches, snacks, and meals on the fly.  Veggie sandwiches, burritos, and stir-frys are easy, quick meals and I always try to have fixins for those.

Veggies:                                                                    Grains:
Tomatoes                                                                  Brown rice
Cucumbers                                                                Quinoa
Sprouts (like broccoli)                                                Oatmeal
Avocado                                                                  
Zucchini or another type of squash
Bell peppers (RED!!!! are my favorite)                       Other stuff:
Broccoli                                                                     Pasta & sauce
Cauliflower                                                                A variety of beans
Potatoes                                                                    Lentils
Sweet potatoes                                                         Canned soups
                                                                                 Tortillas
Fruit:                                                                         Salsa                                                    
Bananas                                                                    Nuts                                                                  
Apples                                                                      Cilantro
Grapes                                                                      Fresh basil
Anything else that strikes me!

These are just the basics, but if you keep these staples on hand you will guarantee a variety of healthy, vegan meals.  And you can feed me when I come over, too.  :)

Tsunami in Indo-I was just there!

I woke up this morning to news of a tsunami that hit southwestern Sumatra, an island in Indonesia.  I was particularly shocked because I WAS JUST THERE!!!  I was in Padang and the Mentawai islands (an island chain, surf destination off the coast of the city of Padang on Sumatra).  We went to the Mentawi islands and stayed in a homestay right on the beach!!  We visited friends in Padang!  There's a surf charter boat missing and a captain of another surf charter boat commented that they had to jump overboard, and I wondered if it was a captain we met.  I'm still waiting to hear from my friends there to see if they're okay.  Please join me in sending out prayers and thoughts to the people effected by this devastating event.

Indonesia Tsunami Death Toll Increases (from BBC)

I'm back!

Yep, finally!!  I'm back.  Ten weeks of travel through Southeast Asia felt like, well, 10 weeks!  Although I became very relaxed about being vegan towards the end of my travels, I learned a few things, mostly about myself.

1) I'm definitely a stress eater.  Trying to be vegan in the midst of trying to adjust to a new culture, learn Indonesian, do community development work, live out of a suitcase, and live with a national family, was just a little crazy making.  Especially since I'm a new vegan and not completely established in what to eat.  At times it was just too stressful to try to eat a certain way and I let myself eat things with butter and eggs simply to make it through.

2) It is always in your best interest to pack a snack.  There were times I didn't eat anything, which certainly isn't healthy!  What would you do if you were in an isolated village and someone had bought lunch for everyone, "nasi bunku" (which means "rice packet"), consisting of rice and fish wrapped up in a banana leaf?  I chose not to eat because in this circumstance I wasn't being rude.  But I was starving!  There were other times where all I ate was rice and a little bit of a veggie dish, which was usually so spicy I was sweating and tears were pouring out of my eyes uncontrollably.  I should always have some nuts or a granola bar on hand to tide me over until I can get some real grub.  Just the other night, here in the States, a friend hosted a Vietnamese dinner.  It was catered from a local Vietnamese restaurant and included 5 dishes with beef, chicken, and pork (as well as white rice of course).  I went up to the people serving the food and asked if there was anything vegetarian.  They pointed to the spring rolls.  I politely said, "Those have pork in them".  Then they pointed to the rest of the dishes, filled with beef and chicken.  I smiled sweetly and took a helping of white rice, just to eat something, and they said, "Well aren't you going to have anything else?!"  (If you were behind the serving line that night, see this blog post to educated yourself on what it means to be vegetarian).

3) Vegetarianism and veganism can be something of a privilege.  I've had several people tell me that when they were in grad school or college, they mainly ate vegetarian because that's all the could afford.  Granted, it can be cheaper to skip the meat.  However, what about those in the inner city who have no access to fresh fruit or vegetables?  Or those who shop at Walmart and its cheaper to buy a case of soda or several bags of chips than it is to buy the same amount of tomatoes?  Or how about those out in the country who barely have enough to survive, who eat the chicken they have been raising since birth, simply to nourish themselves and live another day?  I haven't fully processed this thought, but it makes me wonder how vegetarianism can become accessible to everyone.  If the world were to eat vegetarian and put a stop to the animal factory industry, it seems like everyone would have more than enough to eat.  Its getting to that point that poses a challenge.

4) I REALLY missed eating pure and having access to healthy options.  I found a vegetarian restaurant in my city and within the course of two weeks ate there six times!  If I ever lived there long term, I think I'd be able to make it simply because of this restaurant.  They had a brochure on vegetarianism, and in the brochure was a picture of several animals with the caption, "Love us not eat us".  Common enough, right?  But the pictures of animals not to be eaten included not only a cow, pig, and chicken, but also a dog, cat, and tropical bird.  Cultural context is everything!

I'm still here!

This is just a quick note to let you all know I'm still alive and well.  I'm about half way through my trip through South East Asia, and will resume regular blogs when I get home in October.  I managed to snag some much coveted internet time and thought I'd post a quick update.  I'm finding it hard to remain vegan here, so I've allowed myself to be a little flexible.  But I've told all my friends and they take good care of me, always checking to see what I can eat.  I feel like I'm causing such a ruckus!  But people have been very understanding.  To Indonesians, however (at least where I am currently), vegetarianism is unheard of!  Just the other day a lady was adamantly stating that its absolutely impossible to have a meal without meat! 

Here's something I've been thinking of lately and am curious to hear a vegan warrior's take on it.  Why is it that food companies misunderstand vegetarianism?  For example, the Hubs and I ordered vegetarian meals on the plane.  What came was a delicious fried tofu, rice, and vegetable dish.  As I was happily munching away I saw the ingredient list, and was sad to find Oyster Sauce in the list.  I presume Oyster Sauce has been derived in some way through the cooking of actual oysters, and therefore not vegetarian.  What compels this airline or food production line to label this meal as vegetarian when it clearly includes animal derivatives?  I didn't worry about it too much, after all I was famished, culture-shocked, and 10,000 feet above the earth.  I've noticed this with other dishes and am wondering why this happens.

How to Train an Elephant or Can I take that baby elephant home with me?

I hate zoos, yet still I go.  I always feel so sad seeing the animals chained or penned up.  Today, in Chiang Mai, my husband and I went on a tour that included going on an elephant ride through the jungle.  I was a little hesitant when we got there because the elephants put on a show and then they give rides, and there were TONS of tourists.  There were also a few (babies and mommas) chained up in pens.  While super cute and cool to see close up, it was sad to see them penned up.  It reminded me of Dumbo (which I could never watch without going into hysterics). 

The place we visited was the Mae Tang elephant camp, and they rescue elephants from work camps around Thailand.  They come to this camp and do shows and rides during the day, get a bath and some food, then are released into the jungle in the late afternoons to be free, wild elephants.  The Mahouts (elephant trainers) call them in the morning, and all the elephants return!  The owners hope to open a medical care facility for the elephants, because currently the closest one is a three hour truck ride away (which is a pretty long trek if you're a sick elephant!).  Some of the elephants even paint!!  I was skeptical until I saw them do it, but then I had to buy the painting.   

For 500 baht (about $17) you can sponser an elephant for a year!  Find out more info at http://www.chiangmaielephants.asia/.  Very cool!

Did you know?:
-Elephants are highly intelligent, and considered one of the smartest animals on the planet because they have been observed using tools in the wild and can follow human commands in captivity.  They also are highly empathetic to each other as well as other species.
-There are two species of elephant: the African elephant and the Indian (or Asian) elephant
-The Asian elephant is smaller than the African elephant, has smaller ears, and has one point on the tip of his truck (instead of two like the African elephant)
-The Asian elephant is an endangered species
-An elephant's trunk contains about 1000 different muscles
-Elephants eat about 300lbs of food (grasses and roots) a day!
-The gestation period for an elephant is about 22 months, and they only have one at a time.
Find out more about the Asian elephant here and here

The Protein Myth

Myth: Humans must eat animal products to take in the needed amount of protein.
Truth: Humans can get all necessary protein from plant sources.  Americans generally eat WAY more protein than actually required.

I've been working on this post about protein for days now, and just can't seem to finish it.  I found this great article on the Vegetarian Resource Group's website, and thought I'd share it.  Read it and let me know what you think.

How to Survive a 24 trip to Asia

1) Pre-order a vegetarian meal
2) When said veg meal arrives, attempt to eat portions not been doused in butter.
3) Proceed to drink lots of Chinese tea in an attempt to fill up stomach due to lack of edible food.
4) Break out Dr. McDougall's vegan Miso Ramen soup.
5) Follow up meal with vegan granola bar.
6) Take travel break in coffee shop in airport.  Contemplate single-serving portion of high-fructose corn syrup provided for adding to coffee.  Decide to forgo the diabetic-coma-induction-in-a-cup.
7) Maintain sense of humor and flexible attitude.  Keep in mind that individual serving size packs of almonds, instant oatmeal, fruit strips, and granola bars are life savers!

What the hello does being "vegan" mean anyways?

After several conversations this weekend, it has come to my attention that the term "vegan" is not completely understood by the general public.  Also brought to the forefront of my frontal temporal lobe was the sad truth that many restaurants misunderstand the term "vegetarian".  Always one to create drama out of a perfectly impotent situation, I ranted and raved to my friends about the lack of vegetarian cuisine and the lack of understanding of food service workers.  I mean, hello?!  If I go to the trouble of ordering a side of steamed vegetables, a baked sweet potato (hold the cinnamon butter), a side of green beans, and a salad (asking the chef to remove the cheese and egg), you would think they would alert me to the fact the green beans are cooked with ham and the steamed veggies are doused in butter!!  I'm just sayin'!

But that was in the south, where I've been living for the last few years.  Upon return to my native Los Angeles I was expecting a plethora of vegetarian and vegan fare, as well as informed food servers.  And while I have to admit I've already eaten at three vegan places (one of them twice!) in the week I've been home, I'm disappointed to find as ill equipped food service workers as in Kentucky.

As my friends and family at home have found out about my new healthy eating habits they always ask the titular question.  Here are the big three: What does "vegan" mean?  Why in the world would I do such a thing!  And how do I get my protein (see an upcoming post for the answer to this question).

I've already talked about my personal answer to the "why" question (see the "Reasons to Go Veg" label and my "About Me" page); let me explain exactly what I mean when I shock you with the statement, "I've gone vegan!".

Vegetarian means that the individual in question does not eat meat (this includes beef, poultry, pork, and fish) but may still eat dairy and eggs; this person is referred to as a lacto-ovo vegetarian.     Some vegetarians still eat fish and seafood (called pescatarians).  Others refrain from all types of meat and seafood as well as eggs, but still eat dairy (lacto vegetarian).

Being vegan means that someone refrains from eating all types of animal products, including beef, poultry, pork, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, and honey.  So when I say I'm vegan, it means I avoid animal products as much as I possibly can.  Hard core vegans who choose to eat this way out of compassion for animals may also avoid purchasing or using any product produced using animal testing or animal products (like leather for example).

There are many reasons why one may choose to go vegan.  Many, like myself, choose to eat this way for health reasons (see the "Reasons to Go Veg" label).  The evidence is overwhelming, well documented and researched, time tested, and compelling.  Others choose to become veg for environmental reasons (Did you know that factory farms account for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions?  We are literally causing global warming by what we choose to feed ourselves).  Yet others choose veganism in protest of the way animals are treated, slaughtered, and prepared before it gets to their plate (Who wants crap in their food?  Have you SEEN Food Inc.?  Come on!).

So now you know.  Why will you choose to become vegan?

Veg resources

I'll be travelling through October and don't know how often I'll be able to update the ol' blog.  I didn't want to leave you stranded on the vegan info, so I've provided a list of websites that I've found helpful over the last year or so.  In the meantime, you should really read The China Study and Mad Cowboy to educate yourself on the issues.  I promise you won't be the same!


Peta's starter kit for going veg http://www.goveg.com/
The Kind Life-for all things vegan http://www.thekindlife.com/
Vegan Yum Yum http://veganyumyum.com/
Vegan Coach http://www.vegancoach.com/
VegWeb http://vegweb.com/
VegNews Magazine http://www.vegnews.com/web/home.do

Vegan Body Building http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/

Thrive by Brendan Brazier-a vegan triathalete http://www.brendanbrazier.com/

Environmental Working Group-http://www.ewg.org/

Direct link to cosmetics data base http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

No Meat Athlete-being veg and being an athlete http://www.nomeatathlete.com/

Are you a runner and vegan? http://www.veganrunning.com/

The Vegan Running Mom http://www.veganrunningmom.com/

I think thats enough for now!

Taste test: Black bean burgers

I found this recipe online on and they are SO GOOD!  I ate more than my fair share.  The recipe calls for egg, but you can replace it using a vegan egg replacer or something else.  I also substituted old fashioned oats for bread crumbs.  These also freeze really well.


Try it loaded with fresh avocado, cilantro, green lettuce, and tomatoes and serve with baked potato wedges and your family will be begging for more!  Okay, maybe it was just me begging, but still, its really yummy!


Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers from allrecipes.com


Ingredients: 

• 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1/2 onion, cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.

2. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.

3. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.

4. In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.

5. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.

6. If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

Headed to Lexington, KY?

Then you gotta try these places.  While there are no specifically vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Lexington, there are some veg friendly places.  Here are my top three.

1) Stella's Deli

Based on the name, vegetarians may shy away from Stella's, but they'd be missing out on good food and friendly service.  Although Stella's is a deli they also have a selection of veg food and are happy to accommodate vegans.  The folks that work there are good eggs and appear to enjoy their jobs.  All their food is produced by local farmers, and other products (such as their cool t-shirts) are fair trade.  I'm pretty sad I discovered this place towards the end of my stay in this town, but am glad I got to experience it and recommend it to others.  Its my current favorite hang out.

2) Good Foods Co-op and Cafe

One part market, one part cafe, and completely customer owned, Good Foods is a local favorite.  Much of their produce is produced by farmers in the area, and they have a large selection of organic and fair trade items.  Their cafe boasts a hot buffet, salad bar, and sandwich shop, with ingredients listed on the item name tags.  Many of the buffet items are vegan, and sandwiches are made to order.  I enjoy eating here because I know I'm getting something healthy, fresh, locally produced (in season), and am supporting a local business.  It feels as if the people who work and shop there are like minded in their quest to live a healthy and compassionate life.

3) Alfalfa's

This place boasts the most vegetarian fare of the three restaurants I've mentioned, and they've been at it a long time.  The food is interesting, and they often have seasonal offerings.  I enjoy eating here because it tastes really healthy, and I love the live music on weekends (usually its just one guy playing a guitar singing CCR and The Eagles).  They also make fresh juices, like carrot-apple juice.  To me, Alfalfa's feels the most "crunchy granola" (read: hippy health nut), but its nice to know a healthy restaurant is a popular place to go when dining out.

Honorable Mention: This list is incomplete without mentioning Doodles, a brunch place that serves as much locally produced food as possible.  Its not really veg friendly (which is why it didn't make the top three), but if you're still a carnivore or a lacto-ovo veg, this place is not a bad choice.  Plus, the name is just fun!  I ate there on Sunday and ended up ordering a meal of side dishes including fried potatoes, a fruit cup, toast, and veggie sausage.  Don't forget to try the beignets, a New Orleans favorite!

Design help

Can anybody help me out with design?!!!

Still processing Food Inc

It's been a few days, but I can't stop thinking about Food, Inc.  Connecting the hamburger to its unhappy, factory-farm source is easier when seeing it with my own eyes.  Although I didn't walk through these particular farms with my own two feet, directors Robert Kenner and Eric Schlosser have brought the horrific reality of life on the factory straight to my home.  And it was enough to convince me to jump the vegan fence into green fields of blissful vegetarianism. 
 
If you have ever driven north on I-5 from LA to San Francisco, you've probably noticed the stench of several factory farms that hug the freeway.  I've often thought, as I've passed those baying cows wallowing in mud and their own excrement, that these must not be the happy cows portrayed in certain ads selling cheese from a certain state.  I've wondered where indeed the cows in those commercials come from, as the moo-ers I've seen in my home state certainly aren't meandering across green fields.  The cow living in Kentucky seems to be a little more content, although she may have to contend with January ice storms.  At least she has green fields most of the year!

One thing in particular that stands out from the film is the farmer towards the end of the movie who discusses farming practices.  The camera follows him as he walks through his herd of pigs, saying, "Hey pig!  Hey piggles!" (Saturday Night Live flashback anyone?), fully knowing that they'll soon be ready for slaughter.  The farmer appears in another scene in which he discusses something else; in the background one of his employees is slaughtering chickens.  The chickens are squawking away, fully aware of whats about to happen them, while the farmer was oblivious to the chicken's terror.  While watching this scene I compulsively yelled out, "Nooo!  That chicken DOESN'T WANT to go into that slaughtering cone!".  Good thing it was at home and not in public. 

Sheesh, I sound like a full on vegan now!  But seriously, why eat living, breathing creatures when other options are available?  Doesn't this pig look so happy to be alive?

Food Inc.

I finally watched Food Inc. and I have to admit, I’m a little traumatized.  It gave me flashbacks to my early days of living next door to a pig slaughter house.  The pig pen was literally in my back yard, although my family was not affiliated with it in any way.  My grandpa even built me a little clubhouse that my mom painted with happy, mud-wallowing pigs.  I think I liked having those pigs back there; I enjoyed hearing them snort and root around.  Once in a while one would escape and go tearing around our house, ruining my mom’s flower gardens.  However, several times a year the farmers would slaughter my piggy friends. 

I remember one incident as if it was yesterday.  I was innocently playing in my playhouse when all of a sudden I heard the pigs screaming in terror.  I don’t remember if I knew what exactly was happening, but I sure knew those pigs were suffering.  I sprinted from the back yard to my bedroom, crying hysterically.  My mom was obviously concerned with my level of upset, but I wouldn’t calm down.  I was so disturbed about those pigs, and I can still hear their screams.

From that point on I never liked to eat pork.  I did occasionally, but I especially did not care for ham or pork chops; for some reason, they seemed particularly connected to the pig.  I also could not eat veal (knowing it was baby cow), deer (thanks to Bambi) or lamb (because of that old cartoon “Lambert, The Sheepish Lion”).  Aside from that, I’ve always been a picky eater and squeamish.  Looking back on it, its kind of amazing that its taken me this long to become veg.     

Forks Over Knives

I just heard about the new documentary, based on The China Study by T. Colin Campbell (which I talk about quite a bit on my blog), called Forks Over Knives.  Its due out this summer!  Check it out at http://forksoverknives.com/.

Reasons to go vegan

When I began this journey I initially set out to cut down on the amount of meat I ate.  Growing up, my family didn't eat very much red meat because it was so expensive.  Red meat was reserved for eating at my tri-tip consuming relatives houses and cheeseburgers when we ate out.  I initially thought that I would not really be able to completely cut out meat, but I've surprised myself by working towards being vegan. Here's why:

87% of the protein in milk is made up of casein, a chemical found to be a potent carcinogen in humans.  The China Study details how Dr. T. Colin Campbell conducted several research studies in lab rats that showed how damaging animal protein can be.  His team of researchers injected groups of rats with aflatoxin (one of the most dangerous carcinogens, found in a mold on peanuts).  One group of rats was then fed a diet that included 20% animal protein, and another group was fed a diet that included 5% animal protein.  The group fed the 5% diet showed no signs of tumors caused by aflatoxin, while the group that received 20% showed signs of cancerous growth caused by the carcinigen.

Furthermore, one group of rats was injected with a higher dose of aflatoxin then fed a diet that included 5% animal protein, while another group of rats was injected with a low dose of aflatoxin but fed a diet with 20% animal protein.  The group that received the higher dose of the carcinogen but had a diet with lower animal protein did not develop any cancerous tumors, while the group with the lower dose of the carcinogen but diet higher in animal protein developed tumors.

He did numerous other studies regarding this and found that in all studies, by him and others, the animals fed a diet high in animal protein developed cancerous tumors while the animals fed a diet lower in animal protein did not develop cancerous tumors.

Of course, Dr. Campbell explains it so much better.  I was floored by this info; the evidence is compelling!  Even with the introduction of a carcinogen into the animal's body, diet made a huge difference!  Evidently animal protein was not meant for human consumption in such gigantic quantities.  This also shows that we humans can have some control over our health!  Family members who have heart trouble, diabetes, or cancer seem so hopeless.  In my own family the idea is that we have a propensity for colon cancer, so what difference does lifestyle and diet make if we're going to get it no matter what?  But Dr. Campbell's studies show that we CAN change it!  Our health isn't left up to our ancestors and fate, its in our power to life strong, healthy, and long lives!

Now who doesn't want that?!

(Note on animal studies: To be honest, I don’t feel totally comfortable with animal studies, but I’m grateful for the information that has come by them.  I’m not advocating for animal studies, but am using the evidence produced by these studies nonetheless.)

Road Trip = Being Hungry

So the hubs and I spontaneously decided to take a road trip down to Charleston for the long weekend.  Normally we enjoy the freedom that comes from not yet having kids and being able to take off at the drop of the hat.  The trip, however, ended up somewhat of a bust.  One ghetto-chateaus hotel, 6 sad vegetarian meals, and 2 sweaty days later I am happy to be home in my air-conditioned apartment with a refrigerator full of choice food.  From this trip I have learned:

1) Always check out a hotel room before checking in, lest it contain a bed spread with cigarette burns, gunk stuck in the carpet, and splashes of God-knows-what on the bathroom walls.

2) Always pack a cooler full of veg snacks to improve roadside options, of which the best is the unfortunate Veggie Burger at Burger King or the boring Bean Burrito at Taco Bell.  We did manage to stop at a Souper Salad! on our way down there, where I loaded up on, what else, soup and salad!

On our way back to town, somewhere near the Biltmore Estate, I was encouraged to find a Bruegger's Bagel shop that listed several veg sandwiches on the menu.  Pure bliss after a weekend of salads and baked potatoes!  Plus, all their coffee is fair trade!  I did splurge and purchase a rice crispy treat that the hubs and I split.  Definitely not vegan, but, well, better than a Coke.

3) Don't let yourself get hungry.  You will be much more likely to consider carnivorous options and make unhealthy choices.  Being out of my normal routine and unable to control my food situation, I was tempted with kettle corn, french fries, ice cold cokes, and wonderfully smelling hamburgers.  On our drive home I was beginning to feel very deprived and very sorry for my self, a victim of circumstance, as if being a vegetarian was something forced upon me and an unfortunate fate.  I had to remind myself why I'm doing this, of the choice I am making to lead a healthier and more full lifestyle.  Breaking out The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell helped to beef up (pun intended) my veg convictions.

4) It is important to surround myself with others who are choosing to eat veg for support and camaraderie.  As with most things in life, its harder to do things on your own.  The hubs has been convinced by the evidence in The China Study and is on his own journey to veg-ism, but currently is still eating chicken.  It would have been SO easy to snag a piece of bacon off the plate I was passing around the table at the hub's uncle's house on Saturday morning.  It just smelled SO good!  Now, if these peeps were all veg, wouldn't it have been easier, and felt better, to make a great, healthy breakfast together?

Feeling deprived, I completely relapsed today with a coke and a reduced-fat-cinnamon-swirl coffee cake from Starbys.  Not healthy and not vegan...But!  In other news, I have lost 9 pounds!  To be honest, I don't know when this weight loss started.  It could very well be because I stopped hanging around the vending machine to get myself through grad school.  Whatever the reason, I'll take it!

The Arugula...I mean the Red Chard was not so bad!

Correction on my last post.  What I thought was arugula was actually red chard.  Yeah, big difference.  I thought it looked intriguing in its wicker basket at the organic farm's stand at the farmer's market, so I picked some up...with absolutely no idea what I was gettng into.  I googled some ideas for preparation and found several sites that mentioned sauteeing it in a little oil and salt and pepper.  Now, I'm not clear on whether or not chard must be cooked in order to be consumed healthily, but it sounded better than predictable green salad.

After heating the skillet on medium high with a little veggie oil, I threw in some garlic and white onion and let that cook for a few minutes.  Right before throwing in the chard, which I chopped into fourths, I added lemon juice to the skillet.  Then I cooked the veggies for a few minutes, until they were soft.  The result was hot, chewy, tasteful greens!!  I'm SO proud of myself!  I've had a few vegan experiments (vegan mac & cheese to be specific) that did not turn out so tasty (even my garbage-disposable type husband wouldn't eat it!  But lets be honest, some things are just not meant to be vegan).  Next time I'll cook the chard a minute or two longer, and perhaps had the lemon juice to the final result.

Add to the meal fresh corm on the cob, quinoa, left over salad and beans, and you have a complete week night meal!  Those of you experienced cooks out there may have even better suggestions.

Farmer's Market=Love!

With the evolution of my vegan self came the understanding that buying local, whenever possible, is the best practice. Not only is it healthier because the produce is fresher, but also more sustainable because it supports the local economy as well as reduces transportation costs (and fuel consumption). My area is surrounded by farms and during the spring, summer, and fall, there is the best farmers market. I don't know why I waited so long to go! I think I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of making friends with vegetables. But since I'm going vegan it was inevitable that at some point in my meat and dairy free life I would need to gain exposure to fresh veggies.




My first experience was success! Local musicians playing bluegrass music were there, easing me into the up-close-and-personal-with-veggies experience, and now I have a happy association with the smell of fresh produce. I was glad to see farmers, dressed in their best over-alls (I'm not exaggerating, some of them really WERE wearing over-alls!) talking with their customers, discussing farming practices.



This is how food should be sold, I thought. To know where its coming from and who is producing it, not to mention how its produced (Is it organic? Do they exploit their workers?) is something that used to be the norm. When did we become so disconnected from what we eat? Buying veggies, albeit slightly overwhelming, was, dare I say it, a pleasurable experience! I actually had FUN!! I even enjoyed the smell of fresh corn harvested THAT morning!! What a treat to have FRESH vegetables!



Growing up on a pacific island, our food choices were sometimes limited and we most often ate frozen or canned veggies. Once, when we were visiting some folks in the States, they picked green beans from their garden and had them that night for dinner. I remember being hesitant to try them, so my experience with the stuff consisted of mushy, overcooked, tasteless, canned beans. I was shocked at how good the fresh legumes were and I even ate a third helping. Perhaps this is how eating really should be.



Today I discovered that, up close and personal, veggies really aren't so bad. I feel healthier already. Now I just have to figure out how to perpare arugula...

The World's Most Unhealthy Vegetarian

Recently I started my journey as a vegetarian. I decided to become veg primarily because of health reasons, but as I've researched, I've found a plethora of motivation. However, its hard to be veg when you don't like vegetables! This is why I've dubbed myself "The World's Most Unhealthy Vegetarian". As it turns out, vegetables are the primary ingredient of a veg's diet. Wish I'd known this back in Janurary! Not only have I had to start actually eating vegetables, but I've decided to try to go vegan (for reasons that I'll someday, maybe in another 3 months, post on the blog) and so that eliminates the tasty food that helps veggies not taste like veggies: Cheese! And to top it all off, I recently discovered that the veggies I actually like (tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants) are of the nightshade family, which are full of alkalines and not great for you in large quantities. So long, eggplant stiry fry recipes, tomatoes on everything, and french fries.




So what HAVE I been eating, you may ask? Still lots of TV dinners, of the veggie orientation, ramen noodles, and PB & J sandwhiches. Maybe I should eat some broccoli or two, there's not a lot of fiber in that diet.