Vegan Cooking & Cookbooks discussion

Sounds good, Don. Great idea for a thread. If I participated fully though, I'd be posting multiple times every single day. There is so much out there. I am looking forward to what people will post.

Great idea, Don!

Love this idea for a thread. Good idea, Don!

My friend Alex recently posted on facebook about this article in Reader's Digest.

11 Convincing Reasons that Eating Vegan Isn't Crazy

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/convinci...

Nothing groundbreaking for vegans to read, but I do think it's amazing that such an article appeared in a stodgy old mainstream publication such as Readers Digest. I like that they mentioned one of my favorite movies: Vegucated!

I was watching some of these videos today and they're fantastic. I just LOVE Dr. Michael Gregor! Here's his top ten of the year.

http://nutritionfacts.org/2012/12/29/...

Those look like important and useful videos - thanks Lee!

Don wrote: "Vegan football players? You bet. Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/football-..."

Yay! I love the article about vegan football players. This is excellent timing because the San Francisco 49ers are playing the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl this Sunday. I think this very concise and well-written article is going to blow a lot of people's minds on facebook when I post it tonight.

Love the Care2 site. I started participating back in 2002 when I first got all excited about vegetarian meals for helping the environment; I used to use the e-mail with them as my main address! I didn't know they were still around, glad to see they are still thriving and writing such a good article!

I actually like this article about football players much better than the Reader's Digest one. It's more to the point and not as ... I'm not sure what the right word is ... but the RD.com annoyed me a little because it seemed too obviously written by Veg Folks. It wasn't neutral in tone at all. Oh, I know, I thought of a phrase to describe the RD.com article: "overly enthusiastic." I think this would turn some people off, if they were doubtful to begin with.

So I am very excited about posting Don's vegan football link tonight. Thanks Don !!!

Also Lee, YES, thanks for posting the "best of" videos from Dr. Greger. I subscribe to his weekly (or daily?) video feed, and when I watch the videos, I love them ... but usually I feel too overwhelmed and just delete the messages without reading. I like the idea of watching a "BEST OF" for the whole year. That's one-stop shopping, I can do that. :) Dr. Greger's videos are so worthwhile! I saw him give a presentation in person, here in S.F., several years ago. He was so funny and so informative. Love that man. I feel like he stopped writing his nutrition blog for awhile; I checked back a few times and saw there was nothing added (a few years back). But he's so funny and great as a live presenter ... even though I've been guiltily deleting his messages, I haven't unsubscribed because I do look at them sometimes, and also ... it makes me happy every time I get a message because I know he's still out there spreading the good word and doing these videos.

I get Dr. Gregor's daily updates in my inbox too. I don't read or watch them every day but when I do click and follow the link, I'm always glad I did. In the ten most popular videos of the year there are some real winners. I loved the one that showed the ingredients of his daily smoothie with the Amla powder (super-antioxidant power!), I thought that was an easy thing to implement. Also the videos about Hibiscus tea and beet juice were fascinating.

Don, Unfortunately, a lot of bad habits in the U.S./the west-first world countries bad habits are being picked up by other nations. Meat, processed foods, cars, cigarettes, etc. etc. Not great imports. Some are downright destructive, most, and yet they're coveted. It's too bad.

Thanks, Don. I know many think that Freston is the best ambassador out there for people considering veganism. I'll watch this youtube video when I get some time.

I watched it, actually. She's very good. I'm still reluctant to advise veganism for weight loss or for health reasons alone, so I'm glad she mentioned the animals as a motivating factor. She's very personable and an excellent speaker. Thanks again, Don.

Don, I'm very hesitant. I led and co-led chats on AOL for years and it's true that most people who went vegan lost any weight they needed to lose, and most without trying. That was in the days before all the vegan convenience foods, vegan bakeries, vegan candy bars, etc. etc. etc. And people who have compulsive overeating or other eating disorders can gain weight or keep excess weight on eating nothing but ultra healthy plant foods. When someone asks me why I'm vegan I say for the animals and I like that it helps the environment too. Only if I'm pressed do I say (also the truth) that I'd be less healthy if I were eating omnivorously or lacto-ovo vegetarian.

Don, I'm hesitant because a vegan diet, even a very healthy one, doesn't work for me for weight loss and hasn't for many vegans I've known. And any diet (including ones with plenty of animal products) can work for some for weight loss. So, in my view, the only reason to go 100% vegan, especially if you include non-food items, is the ethical reasons (animals and environment.) Now, if someone is interested in health and that's the primary reason they're interested in adopting a vegan diet, or in eating more plant foods and fewer animal foods, yes, then I'm quick to point out the health benefits, and I do believe there are significant ones. But that's not my natural approach. If people ask questions or come form a particular place, then of course I meet them where they are. But I make no false promises. I'm scrupulously honest because when vegans exaggerate stats and someone notices something said that turns out not to be 100% true, then they'll dismiss everything else the person said about veganism.

As far as the people who lost weight without trying, most of them were in the old days or live in places with no vegan convenience or prepared foods or junk foods. Or people who make a point of eating really healthfully. And definitely not anyone with an eating disorder. So I say honestly what I've noticed: that a vegan diet *might* help with weight loss and *might* be healthier depending on what they're eating and how much they're eating. I never on my own lead with the health argument though.

Don and Lisa--I watched the Kathy Freston video, and agree that she is very personable and motivating. I really liked what she said about her decision to stop eating animals, and also liked how she talked about finding ways to enjoy plant-based versions of foods she had always loved. I wish she had stuck with those things so I could share the video with people--but her discussion of health issues is really simplistic, and the focus on weight control is just plain irresponsible to me. Would love for us vegans to move away from over-promising the benefits of veganism!

Ginny wrote: "Would love for us vegans to move away from over-promising the benefits of veganism!"

I agree, Ginny. I do it for the benefit of the animals, and there is benefit to them, and I know you agree with that.

Don wrote: "What do you think about a thread where we post articles about various topics that are vegan-centric?....(food, health, environment, animal rights) out there that we come across."

I think this is a great idea, Don!

Don wrote: "I disagree Ginny. Maybe I look at it different as a nurse. I allow her choice to focus on weight control because there is a crisis of obesity. As a nurse, I'm seeing some dreadful consequences e..."

I agree with Don on this also. I lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks when I switched from an omnivore diet to vegan on 10/10/10. My energy level increased dramatically, and as a result of that, I was able to start a running program that I had never been able to motivate myself to stick with in the past. I no longer suffer from the mood swings that accompanied PMDD (severe PMS), and had continued past menopause, and at 58 I feel better than I ever have! I became vegan for environmental reasons, (how can I be a carnivore when people outnumber the tiger three million to one?) but I am able to remain one because of the crazy great health benefits.

Don wrote: "Ibecause there is a crisis of obesity. As a nurse, I'm seeing some dreadful consequences especially as the boomer generation ages."

Don, You're a nurse, and Ginny is an R.D., so you both have credentials.

Thanks, Don. I posted this link to my Facebook with the comment, 'No duh."

Don, I can see at least the one page, even when I'm not signed into Facebook. As I'm usually promoting veganism for the animals and sometimes the environment, and the people who are asking me questions have as their main concern missing "their foods" and wondering what they're going to eat, I figure some of these foods are often a good way for people to start out. I'm really, really glad they're out there. They weren't when I was first vegan.

Nor particularly healthy.

Even though I find myself eating simpler meals, I'm also glad these products are out there. I think it can be so helpful for people transitioning and I know my daughter is happy I can make her a sandwich with Tofurkey slices.

Hey, wanted to just show you the existence of this book The Vegan Revolution... With Zombies

I read it recently and got a kick out of it! My review is here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/542873537

Thanks, Melissa. I'll take a look at your review. I HATE zombies but many love them and I'm happy to have anything vegan out there.

Gross.

PCRM reported on chickens and found a similar result. They bought samples from 15 grocery store chains in 10 US cities and found that half of the chicken products were tainted by feces. Both convential and and organic were tainted. The USDA requires producers to sample only 1 in 22,000 carcasses, so consumers don't know what they are eating. cooking doe skill bacteria but eating cooked poop is still gross.

I remember reading about that, Nettie. So awful. I used to get sick/food poisoning all the time before I went vegan.

Don wrote: "A little bit of sanity on the animal rights front......http://www.progressivekitch.com/2013/..."

Don, The link is funky, or at least it's not working for me???

Didn't work for me either.

Nettie wrote: "Didn't work for me either."

me neither

I think everything before the http should be removed. Thanks, Don.

Don wrote: "Fixed it by moving it away from the "......." Thanks for pointing that out."

Thanks, Don. All of these ag-gag bills have got to go!

Don, Thanks for the link. Too bad about your doctor. Maybe he'll eventually change his advice. Hopefully. What I've been reading says early humans never really did follow the paleo diet. Anyway, since I do vegan for the animals (and not just what I eat!) and I know lifelong vegans who are extraordinarily healthy, including some older than me, I have no worries. My worries re health are exercise, and the kinds of vegan foods I eat, and how much I eat. Etc. I'm so many years away from considering anything other than vegan food only. But this is very helpful for those curious about vegansim or who aren't committed vegans.

I mentioned in the welcome thread that I read a news story on the Globe and Mail website about a public food forest in Seattle.

Here is the link to that story:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/b...

Thanks, so much, Gundula!

Don wrote: "Article in the mainstream news about feeding the planet and finding a middle ground.

http://www.nbcnews.com/science/feed-4..."

Thanks for posting, Don. I actually posted this on Facebook, but didn't think to post it here.

Don, Ginny Messina's latest book, I think coming out next year, is about going vegan after age 50. I went vegan much earlier (though not as early as I'd have liked now that I know what I know) but I'll still find it interesting. I wonder if more over 50s go vegan just in diet and for health only vs. ethical vegans who go vegan in every area of their lives.

Here it is: Never Too Late to Go Vegan: The Over-50 Guide to Adopting and Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet. I love Carol J. Adams too, and Patti Breitman as well.

Steph wrote: "Well I just read the China Study not too long ago after being introduced to the Forks Over Knives world and now reading Whole - I became vegan for health reasons. Due to what I was inevitably learn..."

Since this is Goodreads, i.e. books, the book in question is The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health

I have been trending toward becoming vegan for a month now, and I now realize this is going to increase my health in so many ways.

Steph wrote: "Well I just read the China Study not too long ago after being introduced to the Forks Over Knives world and now reading Whole - I became vegan for health reasons. Due to what I was inevitably learn..."

Since this is Goodreads, i.e. books, the book in question is The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health

I have been trending toward becoming vegan for a month now, and I now realize this is going to increase my health in so many ways.

Don wrote: "In the United States "what are you doing for the Superbowl" is a question often heard. It's practically now a national holiday. People have taken to watching it in groups in "Superbowl Parties". ..."

I've never understood the attraction of football, and the name really makes no sense whatsoever (the only time feet are used are for field goals and punting).

But I will check out some of the vegan party recipes on the link you provided.

I loathe American football. (The only sports I enjoy watching are baseball and the Olympics) so I won't be going but look what is local in my area:

https://www.facebook.com/events/31470...

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/vegan-sup...

Don wrote: "Thin Mints are now vegan...just sayin'

http://cok.net/blog/2015/01/thin-mint..."

Oh, thank you, Don! I should have posted this. I was going to buy one box of thin mints and one box of lemonades just to support that they're vegan, but no lemonades are being sold anywhere around me, nor in Indiana where a friend could have mailed me a box. So I bought 2 boxes of thin mints from a girl in my neighborhood. They're still good! I hadn't had any GS cookies since the 70s/my twenties. They're definitely not healthy and most flavors still have palm oil but it's a good step.

Don wrote: "Vegan of the Year Awards
http://vegansarecool.com/2015/09/28/t..."

Thanks, Don. Great list.

Love Lisa!

Saw that article, haven't read it. Don, Is there anything to it or is it same old same old can't be vegan. I know one person who can't eat ANY beans, grains, spice, etc. etc yet can eat flesh and dairy and egg, even though she's been told to give up dairy and gluten, and there are plenty of grains that are gluten free, and she doesn't cut back on dairy.

It's not that at all. Read it and smile

Thanks, Susan, and Don! That was great.

Great post. Love it.

Lisa wrote: "Ginny wrote: "Would love for us vegans to move away from over-promising the benefits of veganism!"

I agree, Ginny. I do it for the benefit of the animals, and there is benefit to them, and I know ..."

I too started for the benefit of animals and the environment. And now, I am completely accustomed to the vegan lifestyle. No regrets and no turning back!

Hi Friends,

I found something new about veganism so I felt like sharing it with you all. Did you know many of our daily usage products aren't vegan and I was shocked to check the truth about Vaseline. I found it on this website: https://vegansfirst.com/is-vaseline-c....

Sarah wrote: "Hi Friends, I found something new about veganism so I felt like sharing it with you all. Did you know many of our daily usage products aren't vegan and I was shocked to check the truth about Vasel..."

Interesting read, thanks Sarah! Even though Vaseline doesn't contain animal products it is made from a fossil fuel so... to me it seems weird to put it on your face/skin.