Over the past months, I've become much more familiar with the vegan lifestyle. Though I have always respected that choice, knowing someone who chooses vegan-ism and understanding more of his reasons why made it a lot more real to me. Also, by cooking a lot of vegan dinners and baked good (yes, vegans and non-vegans alike commented that the cookies, cobblers, and breads were all quite good!), it broke down the misconception that there is nothing good to eat as a vegan.
So, I decided to be vegan for a month and see for myself. I choose February, not because it is a short month contrary to popular belief, but because January and March both involve multiple weeks abroad and I wanted to be able to fully commit, and that is a little easier when I can buy my own groceries.
While last night's meal was by no means my first vegan cooking experience, I was very pleased with the result....especially since I did not get home until 8:30 and was able to still make a great meal within 30min. I made whole wheat pasta with grilled zucchini, red onions, garbanzo beans, and diced tomatoes along with a salad of spring greens, red cabbage, garbanzos, green onions, and radishes. YUM!
**don't worry, I won't be posting pics of all my meals! however...Meredith, who just discovered that she has a lot of food allergies, and I are making cupcakes from her new vegan cupcake book on Saturday, so there will for sure be pictures from that adventure!**Now..for the reasons...in Paulo's order of importance:
1. Environmental
Did you know: A 2006 United Nations report summarized the devastation caused by the meat industry by calling it "one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global."
2. Cruelty to Animals
I don't think this really needs an explanation. Though we (and I am definitely included in this "we") try to look beyond the conditions that animals are kept in, it is a sad fact.
3. Health
Of course I agree with the benefits of a diet low in red meat, cheese, etc., but one of my reasons against vegan-ism was that we also know that there are a lot of vitamins/minerals that come from meat and dairy that are better to get from non-supplement sources. Interestingly, Paulo explained to me that while yes, it is important that vegans ensure they eat enough beans, nuts, etc., our bodies actually do produce a lot of the minerals/vitamins that they need it is just that when we eat meat/dairy our body stops producing them - like the ducks we feed at the park who can't "hunt" for themselves after getting all that bread :-)
Plus, though I haven't read it myself, Kelly and Liz have given me the run-down on Skinny Bitch which makes eating meat a lot less appealing - all the hormones and such.
I've done research as well, and have found the Vegan Health Org helpful, especially regarding ensuring proper nutrition. And heck, I figure if Paulo can still compete successfully in long distance and sprint road biking, it can't be all that bad for athletes, right?!
I'll keep you posted on progress and thoughts, but for now "go vegan!"
2 comments:
I think this is great. Instead of making assumptions about a lifestyle you are choosing to learn about it by doing it. A coworker of mine told me about her friend who is going to be homeless for a month. She just wants to understand what it is like for someone. She'll go back to her normal life greater understanding of the challenges and be able to help people more effectively. You're going to be vegan for a month to better understand the lifestyle that some people choose. I love it when people are open minded rather than just judging something without trying it themselves!
Hey Christy,
I wish you well on your eating adventure! :) While I'm not ready to become a vegan, the doc suggested I go dairy-free since I'm breastfeeding and Norah has had a continually bad diaper rash, some fussiness and lots of spit up. We'll see if this helps her. So, if you find any great dairy-free recipies, you'll have to send those along to me :)
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