Your Daily Vegan

Periodically I get thick envelopes from my mom filled with newspaper clippings: cartoons, coupons and articles that she knows will interest me.  It’s a little packet of love.  Recently she sent me just such an envelope and among the offerings was a long article by The Plain Dealer’s Food & Restaurants Editor, Joe Crea, titled “Picking Veganism.”

Cleveland isn’t known for embracing the consumption of fresh produce, soy products and whole grains, so I was both thrilled and surprised to see that my hometown paper had devoted a lot of space to plant-based eating.  But as I read the article, I felt twinges of disappointment.  While I do my best not to be a preachy, whiner of a vegan, I couldn’t help wish that Mr. Crea had included some things in his article and nixed others.

What Mr. Crea did right: There’s a good definition of the nuts and bolts of veganism – what we eat, what we don’t eat – the ins and outs of which can confound carnivores.  There’s an interesting discussion of how area restaurants are slowly modifying their menus to accommodate folks who shun animal products – how it’s not enough now to just serve up pasta primavera or a plate of roasted vegetables and call it a meal.  Vegans are demanding tasty creativity on their plates.  The article helpfully includes links for vegan resources and nutritional information and even has several easy plant-based recipes for readers to try at home.  And finally, Mr. Crea discusses the various reasons why people choose veganism, from economics, to health, to animal ethics.  Overall, it’s a worthy primer.

Despite these positives, the negatives nagged at me.  The most glaring omission, to me, was the lack of real vegans interviewed or profiled in the article.  By real I mean folks who have completely forsaken the consumption of meat, fish and dairy products.  Instead, he includes several people who let’s say, dabble in veganism.  He states that health issues (excessive bruising, digestion issues) forced his article’s subjects to resume eating small quantities of dairy products or occasionally eating fish.  These people are vegetarians, flexitarians or pescetarians, but they are definitely not vegans.  Go ahead, write an article about these various diets, but why include them in an article about veganism?  Why not profile people (surely Mr. Crea could have found some, even in Cleveland) who are thriving on a plant-based diet?

Another shortcoming was that there was minimal mention of the effect that veganism has on lowering cholesterol and clearing away deadly plaque from arteries.  The article states that cancer is the number one killer in America.  Did I miss something?  What about heart disease?  You know, that pesky disease caused by consuming red meat?  According to the Centers for Disease Control, the leading cause of death for American men and women is heart disease.  Moving to a plant-based diet is a virtual guarantee of controlling or completely wiping out this killer.  It could be the single most compelling reason to turn to veganism.

Finally, protein.  That red-flag of a word.  Mr. Crea could’ve mentioned Vitamin B12 or how some vegans make the mistake of consuming too many processed and pre-packaged foods – bigger problems surely than getting enough protein.  The protein myth has dogged vegans for decades and the fact is that Americans by and large consume more protein than needed by the body.  Vegans who get a full complement of whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables, along with legumes and soy are assured of getting adequate amounts.  This article could have helped lay to rest the protein myth; instead it perpetuates it.

I get that for most people the thought of becoming vegan is daunting.  It’s a major commitment.  Mr. Crea suggests “baby steps” and transitioning into the diet and that’s fine.  Whatever path gets you there.  But the challenges are what make it so important for the mainstream media to accentuate the positive.  Talk about how one’s eating horizon expands once meat myopia is overcome – I’m a firm believer in converting people through their stomachs.  Talk about the increase in energy, the improved blood tests and the desire to care for and nurture one’s body.  Talk about the respect for the “lesser” beings – cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, fish, birds, etc. – that comes when one stops consuming them.

There are plenty of vegan sites and publications extolling the ethical and health reasons to eat animal-free.  That is preaching to the enthusiastically converted.  We need to see mainstream media picking up and running with positive, informed articles about veganism.  That is why The Plain Dealer article is so maddening.  An opportunity was lost.  The failure of this article and similar articles is that there is a seeming hesitation to just come out and write: a plant-based diet is the healthiest diet for the human body.  While they include information about plant-based diets improving cardiovascular health and lowering cancer rates, they soften the message by adding the nonsensical such as: veganism might be a good move for some people.  Couldn’t everyone stand to improve their health and increase longevity?  It’s as if the USDA and FDA are looking over reporters’ keyboards.  Isn’t the media supposed to be the watchdog for the American people – to question these governmental agencies (lobbied heavily by the meat and dairy industries) that are still espousing the consumption of unhealthy meat and dairy?

But my main point is this: why go to the trouble of writing an article about the benefits of a plant-based diet and not talk to the experts?  The men and women who are living and loving pure veganism – who are healthy, happy, full of energy and passion for their chosen diet?

Mr. Crea and The Plain Dealer got it right by publishing a lengthy, pro-vegan article.  But they got it wrong in so many disappointing ways.

When I made the choice to give up eating animal products, I suddenly realized that in my effort to protect animals from the harsh cruelties of factory farming (along with many other things), I was missing something very important!  My wardrobe had a spattering of wool and silk but more evidently, my shoe and handbag selection were primarily made of leather.  I was dismayed by the fact I had never thought about this and that my passion for fashion was unnecessarily counteracting my beliefs.

Right then and there, I decided that I would never purchase a garment made of any animal product.  The switch was not exactly what I call simple and easy.  Often it took hours scouring the internet for the perfect vegan shoe or handbag.  When I tried out some non-leather accessories, it became clear to me that while these products were cruelty-free, many were made of cheap, non-sustainable materials and would fall apart easily.  They were “vegan by default”; labeled as vegan solely because they were made of no leather.  I figured other women were having this same difficulty and set out on a mission to make these items more easily accessible!

In September 2011, my sister Tracey and I set out on a journey to bring together vegan and sustainable handbags, shoes and accessories that are high-quality and fashionable all in one place!  With the mission to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice your sense of style for your values, Compassion Couture was born!  All of the items on the site are handpicked by Tracey and I – We put our heart and soul into this site and we hope you absolutely love it!

With all of that said, we are extremely excited to showcase our newest items for spring!  There are three trends for this upcoming season that stand out to me most – all of the items shown below are either already up on the site or are will be very soon!

Wedges – In my opinion, wedges are not going out of style anytime soon!  Year after year, I rely on these to give me the height of heels without hurting my feet!   A couple of my favorites:

Who said wedges couldn’t be rocker chic?!  Cri de Coeur’s Clio is made of high quality PU, recycled linen with a recycled wood platform.

Bold Colors – Spring is all about playfulness and fun.  What better way to express this than by what you are wearing?!

Lara Miller’s Bret Multi Dyed Scarf can make a cruelty-free statement paired with any plain white “tee”. This scarf is made locally in Chicago out of hand-loomed bamboo.

Sophisticated and luscious, Matt & Nat’s Devo features clean symmetrical lines and the vivid color of Papaya; perfect for the spring season!  Large enough to fit all of your work essentials, yet whimsical enough to wear out for a day out on the town or a lazy-day BBQ.

Modern Embellishment – This is the “Vogue” term for fashions that are interesting as well as designs that are intricate and feature beautiful details.

Gunas’ Neon Hostess Purse is the perfect example of modern embellishment with its woven detailing throughout the body, a smooth patent leather top as well as silver-metal touches and a slight pop of red.

As with all Olsen Haus shoes, the Mars is high-quality, stylish, cruelty-free and fair trade!  Made of linen and microfiber suede, these pumps are ahead of the curve and fashion-forward with buckles galore!

Every time I put on a pair of shoes or an ethical fashion accessory, I’m delighted by the number of non-vegetarians/vegans that compliment me!  These items are sure to make a great impression and show all consumers that there are “ethical fashion” options are out there, and they look and feel just as great if not better than the fashions that they are used to!

Compassion Couture Shop Online

Compassion Couture is a one-stop boutique for high quality, fashion-forward handbags, shoes and accessories that are both cruelty-free and eco-friendly.  We solely offer products by companies that place a strong emphasis on producing their goods in a sustainable and ethical way.  From sexy pumps to casual boots to chic bags, this is the one place a girl can splurge guilt-free!

Web: www.CompassionCoutureShop.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CompassionCoutureShop
Twitter: @CompassionCtre

YDV Readers get a 15% discount on what’s new at Compassion Couture Shop! Simply use the code “yourdailyvegan” at the checkout!  Discount applies to new spring arrivals in the “What’s New” section only, good through 3/28/12.

Soy is nutritious, but its reputation has been tainted by the possible role in screwing up your hormones. Besides, it may be GMO and many are allergic or intolerant to it. Hemp is even more nutritious and more ecological, but sadly remains expensive. Enter the new contestant, lupin.

Photo Credit: Steven Downes

Many people know lupin as a beautiful wild flower – or a pesky weed, depending on your perspective. Its seeds are poisonous, but a variant called sweet lupin is grown as a legume. It is mostly used as an addition to bread flour, but lupin beans are also as a snack in the mediterranean.

Lupin has a fairly neutral taste. The nutritional content is similar to soy: plenty of protein, but fairly low on fat and carbs.  It requires little fertilizer and pesticides and thrives in countries where soy doesn’t do well. As a bonus it also appears to lower cholesterol.

Organic lupin is the mainstay of many of the “vegetarian meats” produced by the Dutch company De Vegetarische Slager or “The Vegetarian Butcher”. A Dutch company called Fraunhofer makes a lupin ice cream called Lupinesse. The next years will likely see a much larger selection of lupin-based products, aimed at vegans, low-carbers and ordinary consumers alike.

Lupin is not entirely without problems. It appears to be a significant food allergen, especially for many of those allergic to peanuts.  Currently lupin flour for consumer use is difficult to find in most countries. Mediterranean stores often stock lupin beans, but they require 10 days (!) of soaking prior to use.

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Hooked on large pots of soup lately. This particular one I found to be very “winter comforting”.

 Ingredients: 

• Barley
• Green lentils
• Colored potatoes
• Celery
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Onion
• Lime
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Instructions: 

1. Add extra virgin olive oil to hot pot and proceed to adding soaked grains.
2. Sauté and fill pot with water; half full.
3. Add one onion and cut celery. Cover and bring up to a boil. Depending on amount of grains that you add, cooking time will vary from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I usually add around 1 1/2 cups combined. 
4. Let it do it’s thing for about half hour and then add cut veggies. Add cabbage until half hour before it’s done since it cooks pretty fast. 
5. Before serving add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and add pepper flakes and lime for a little extra flavor.

Stay Warm!

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“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” –Theodore Roosevelt

Less than a year I go, I moved to a country whose culture, language, and customs were foreign to me. If I am honest, I will admit that I still haven’t fully grasped the language (learning French as an adult is difficult!), I find it hard to reach out to the locals (that darn language again), and as for the culture, I’m still learning about it (kind of difficult without the language part). When I first went vegan years ago, I was very active on behalf of non-human animals, but then I found myself in a place where plain communication was an issue. Fortunately, a few months after my move to this new foreign country, I discovered knitting. Not only has knitting taught me patience and provided me with a mind-space to meditate and calm my mind, it has also allowed me to get involved for the non-human animals I am so passionate about helping.

The very first thing I ever knitted was a square for KAS, which, along with other squares sent in from across the world, would be made into blankets for orphaned children in South Africa).  I realized quickly that I enjoyed making things for others. Thinking back, what brought me to knitting was not a want to make things for myself; it was actually a want to make sweaters for chickens after I had read an article on the need for sweaters for rescued hens. A few months after my debut as a knitter, I was able to finish that hen sweater (one of my proudest knitting moments yet!), and I eventually realized that knitting (and crafting) could be much more than what it is stereotyped as.

Blankets for homeless cats and dogs, pouches for rescued marsupials in Australia, sweaters for penguins caught in oil spills, artificial nests for rescued wildlife are but a few of my next planned projects.  I can’t explain the satisfaction that I feel once I complete a project and the knowledge of knowing that my creation will help individuals out there that I may not otherwise ever know or be able to help because of my location. Charity knitting is a form of craftivism, and one of my favourite ways to get involved from across the globe.

I don’t plan to stop there. I recently got a mini-protest banner kit from the UK-based Craftivist Collective and am currently deciding on the Animal Rights quote with most impact that I will cross-stitch on it. The Craftivist Collective’s aim is to inspire thought and discussion among their community through the placement of these banners and other crafts throughout cities and towns. When you use your crafts to “speak up” for a cause, it’s called craftivism (coined by B. Greer). This is just one example of another way to speak up for non-humans.

As for human causes, last December I organized a charity drive collection of warm items for the homeless in my community. This year, I already hope to take part in a handkerchief embroidery project hosted by artist Hanne Bang that will be displayed in a museum. The instillation “In war, someone has to die” will be a way to speak up against war and show solidarity with those whose loved ones find themselves in the middle of battle. These are other forms of craftivism.

Craftivism has certainly taken off on behalf of social, environmental, and human rights issues. As for charity knitting, I can easily find patterns for preemie hats, scarves for the homeless, even clothing for those in war ridden areas.  There are many groups dedicated to helping humans, but I still find that craftivism lacks in activism for non-humans. Can you imagine crafting circles coming together regularly in the name of helping non-humans? Or a museum exhibiting an installation made up through the efforts of countless activists across the world joining together to speak up for those without a voice? These are just a few examples of the potentials to use craftivism for vegan and AR causes.

You may find yourself isolated as I am or perhaps you live in an area with a large community of like-minded people; regardless, I am writing this in hopes that you will be inspired to join this new movement and get involved through your craft. Whether new or experienced in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross-stitching, sewing, etc., I hope that you will get creative and continue to speak up for non-human animals through a novel way – through the act of creating.

If you’d like to get involved or have questions, suggestions, or ideas, you can contact me and/or follow my vegan craftivist blog via http://www.projectcraftivism.tumblr.com  I hope to see you there!

Also for fun,  Sh*t Vegan Knitters Say!

Julia F. is a native Puerto Rican that now finds herself somewhere in Europe with her husband and adopted rabbit daughters. With a background in biology, Julia has had unforgettable experiences in the natural world, which inspire her work as an artist. Over the years, Julia has been fortunate to work as an illustrator for several public and non-public entities, including newspapers and a state park. She has also found an interest in writing and has published in the Irish Vegetarian Society, the UK’s Vegan Society “Vegan” Magazine, and several internet sites and groups focusing on promoting compassionate living and veganism. Julia awoke to veganism about 3.5 years ago and has been enjoying her compassionate life (and loving all the amazing food) ever since. She’s never looking back.

You can get in touch with her through www.jfillustrations.com.

[line]Julia has been previously featured on Your Daily Vegan! Check out her other posts (and more) by visiting the YDV Contributors Hall of Fame.

Compassion for All: It doesn’t just stop with the animals

As I enter my third year as a vegan, I am ridiculously pleased to be part of such a movement and to see animals in a light I never did through most of my life. Many of you might be able to relate to the question, “How could I have ever been so blind?”

I’m not the most social of creatures, and for that reason I sometimes wonder how I can be more active in my activism. This year at Vegetarian Summerfest, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau talked about the need to be ambassadors of compassion. I think I’ve got the compassion part down – at least when it comes to non-human animals – but the ambassador part? I’m in need of a little (ok, a lot of) improvement.

I wear my vegan t-shirts and necklaces. I will talk to people who are interested. I will bring my non-vegan friends to veg-friendly restaurants. I keep a vegan blog (though I have not given it the attention I could and should). I adopt a turkey from Farm Sanctuary every year. But is any of this making a difference?

We’ve all heard the quote attributed to Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Some vegans take that to mean that if we project an attitude of joy, of abundance, people will be drawn to it. They will ask the questions they want answers to. It doesn’t have to involve forcing your views down someone else’s throat (though it’s often tempting).

I have had people tell me they’ve noticed my skin looks great since going vegan, or that I look like I’ve lost weight. Sure, that may be a positive way to “promote” a lifestyle, but it’s not very magnanimous.

I have made simple, vegan dishes – a bean salad, a barley-vegetable soup, or pasta with lentil bolognese – that have gone over well with non-vegans who have asked for the recipes. Will one dish turn them vegan? Maybe not, but it’s one more non-animal-based meal they might add to their repertoire…

But still, I keep coming back to the idea of being an “ambassador for compassion”… And that is where I have a problem. While I can show compassion for animals – they make it fairly easy – I have a much harder time showing compassion for other people… and for myself!

Let’s start with other people. As I mentioned above, I’m not very social. Experience has shown me that people often disappoint. But is the problem them, or me?

Let me give you an example. One November day, while walking in a park, I watched three kids chasing and otherwise heckling a flock of geese. One of them appeared to throw his cup at one of birds. As I watched them, and watched the birds finally fly away, I was annoyed that those “bratty kids” were terrorizing birds who were minding their own business. My friend reminded me that they were young and had no idea they were doing anything wrong, and also that we were young once and did equally ignorant things. An ambassador of compassion might have shown understanding and hoped for change. In that moment, I wasn’t there yet.

And then there is me. I’m a bit of an over thinker; a monologue seems to constantly run in my head. I could be doing more, I should be doing this or that, I shouldn’t be sitting here watching television and I should be out walking or eating better or fighting the good fight on behalf of the animals.

The truth is, veganism is a journey, not a destination. Last weekend, I happened to be in a bookstore, reading, when someone asked me about my “Friend Not Food” turkey pendant. I had an opportunity to explain why I wore it, and why veganism works for me, and I did just fine. I soon realized that I was talking to two born-again Christians who wanted to know if I knew Jesus, and, while that’s a question for another time and place, I wound up having a lengthy discussion with them – an opportunity had presented itself because of my necklace, and I wound up talking to two people who certainly consider themselves ambassadors of compassion, even if their message is different than mine!

I take this stop on the journey as a sign that just because things have always been a certain way doesn’t mean they have to stay that way. After all, I once was a meat and cheese eater, and now I’m not. Vocal activist or not, time will tell. It’s heartening to know that the possibilities are endless!

Daria Zeoli was a self-described burger queen for much of her teens and twenties, but, three and a half years after her own “a ha” moment and two years after finally kicking the cheese habit, she hardly recognizes that person.  She learns something new about this vegan journey every day and is thankful for the changes it continues to bring to her life.

She blogs at Vegan Cynic and hopes to one day rescue a beagle that she’ll name Carlin.

[line]Daria has been previously featured on Your Daily Vegan! Check out her other posts (and more) by visiting the YDV Contributors Hall of Fame.

My vegan journey is full of adventure. One such adventure led me into the heart of New York City to work at a vegan restaurant. It was sheer joy interacting with 300 to 400 customers we served in a buffet style from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. I cherished my lunch breaks so I could sit down and spend time with them. I lived for those moments!

Not only did I work in Manhattan, but I would travel to Maine to work at my company’s bakery operation. They also had a vegan restaurant in Portland, and a doctor frequented it. In addition to running his practice, he taught at a university in Maine and asked my company to put his medical students on a 21 or 30 day (I forgot) vegan meal plan program. He actually asked Dr. Colin Campbell to help sell this concept to them, so I was able to see Dr. Campbell in person. I’m sorry that the picture is blurry.

Sadly, I had to leave the restaurant, but I will always remember the many great experiences I had with the wonderful people of New York City and Maine. I miss them so much that I helped make OpenSourceVegan.com to at least artificially create the mingling restaurant experience that I relished.

I now work in Arkansas at a health center called Wellness Secrets that helps people combat chronic diseases by promoting a plant based diet and healthy lifestyle through our five day live-in and traveling health education programs.

Miraculously, two of my friends that used to work at Wellness Secrets just started a vegan restaurant in Fayetteville, Arkansas called Something Better Foods. They asked me to help them with their project when I can. When I actually went inside their restaurant before it opened, I couldn’t help but think about the positive influence this restaurant is now bringing the city of Fayetteville. Honestly, I have to help because I remember all my interactions with customers in the past, and I also love this plant based diet.

On Sunday, I went to the grand opening of Something Better Foods.

I already knew that Chef Chew’s vegan food was going to be exceptional. I’ve tasted it many times before. However, like old times, I had to mingle with the customers, and this is what they had to say:

Wow. There seems to be never a dull moment in my vegan journey. I’m now helping a vegan restaurant in Fayetteville, which will truly offer the city “Something Better”, and who knows where the influence will go from there?

Recently my husband and I purchased a house.  It’s a great home, lots of room, on an acre of land, on wonderful Long Island. Unfortunately, our commute changed. My husband works in Queens, which is about a 45 mile commute one way.  I work a bit closer, taking in a 27 mile commute one way.

Photo: Jennifer Baldock

It’s funny though, every morning I see the same cars, the same vanity license plates, and the same people breaking the HOV lane rules.  But one thing that sticks out that I see often – livestock transporters.  One morning, I won’t ever forget, I saw a 4 slant horse trailer with 8… yes, EIGHT horses in it.  They were most likely destined for the horse sale in New Jersey.  My horse I saved from “the sale”.  These horses can get lucky and get good homes… or the unlucky ones get sent across country lines for slaughter.  As the owner of a wonderful horse named Skooter, heart wrenching is being NICE when I try and describe how it feels for me to see that. I started crying, then I called my husband, “What can I do? Nothing. I can’t call and have the truck pulled over for breaking the weight limit rules in the trailer.. that won’t save them. I can’t run them off the road that could hurt them.” So instead I cry in what is the worst case of helplessness I’ve felt in a long time. Ugh, that feeling is with me now as I’m writing this.

One day on my way to work I passed a poultry transport truck filled with crates of chickens. Not closed with a tarp so the children on the school bus don’t see the horrible things on there (on second thought, maybe they should see that). Packed so tight that there was at least TWO crates with a chicken’s head sticking out, into wide open road, and they were dead. I was horrified, but due to traffic flow I couldn’t get close to the truck and I lost it.

That all changed this morning when I saw the same exact company doing the same exact thing.  Now I was close enough to see the number, so I took the opportunity and called the company and complained, explaining how it was making me feel, and I know I’m not the only one.  I was told, “We do our best to transport our livestock so that they survive. If they are covered, they suffocate and die, and then they have to be discarded.”  I replied, “So you keep them alive just to kill them when they get to you. Wouldn’t it make sense if they’re going to be killed to at least make them calm instead of scaring them into these tight crates so that they can’t move? They don’t know where they are, why the crates are moving and shaking?” He replied, “I understand your concern, and we do our best to ensure the livestock have the highest quality of treatment.” I said “Please think about what I’ve said, thank you for your time.”

So, I called a company, had no influence whatsoever in what I tried to convey.  But it won’t stop me. If anything, that has fueled me to fight harder. It made me realize how easily humans disregard these animals they exploit for profit. I will make my voice heard… FOR them. Won’t you help me??

Onto my next venture!!

Dozens of newspapers have picked up the story of the parents whose convictions for killing their six-week-old son were recently upheld. The parents fed the baby only soymilk and apple juice, and when he died, he was extremely underweight at just over four pounds. The parents also happened to be vegan.

The media is having a field day. Headlines blare, “Court upholds vegan parents’ conviction” and “Life in prison for vegan couple who gave their baby only soy milk” (I won’t provide links to avoid giving these articles the added viewership).

But imagine a slightly different set of facts: The parents fed the baby only cow’s milk and apple juice, and when he died, he was extremely underweight at just over four pounds. The parents also happened to not be vegans.

This hypothetical set of facts is entirely plausible. Babies need breastmilk or formula when they are too young to consume solid foods. In fact, the vast majority of new parents know that infants under six months old should not even be given beverages, aside from breastmilk and formula. Moreover, a four-pound baby would be visibly ill and in need of medical attention. If parents were to feed their infant cow’s milk and apple juice, and not take the infant for obviously necessary medical treatment, they, too, would be prosecuted for the negligent death of their baby.

I wonder: would the headlines proclaim, “Court upholds omnivore parents’ conviction” and “Life in prison for omnivore couple who gave their baby only cow’s milk”?

No way.

The media gives their readership what they want to read, and that typically means reinforcing their already-formed opinions and ganging up on outgroups. Non-vegans want to hear that veganism is unsafe and practiced by crazy people. It shields them from having to examine their own eating habits, about which I am certain most people feel conflict at some level.

The unfortunate baby died from irresponsible parenting. But that’s okay, media, you can blame veganism instead. We know you’re just being defensive because, deep down, you’re vegan too.