Technical Vegan

Point of View

2009-11-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving dinner's sad and thankless
Christmas dinner's dark and blue
When you stop and try to see it
From the turkey's point of view

Sunday dinner isn't sunny
Easter feasts are just bad luck
When you see it from the viewpoint
Of a chicken or a duck

Oh, how I once loved tuna salad
Pork and lobsters, lamb chops too

'Til I stopped and looked at dinner
From the dinner's point of view.

"Point of View" by Shel Silverstein.
Photos © 2009 Erin C. Dale

I haven't blogged here in a while (you can find me most days at my style blog, Ip & Audrey), and I apologize for being so absent. Hopefully I can devote more time to this blog, as vegetarian issues are near and dear to my heart... this time of year, especially.

Here's hoping you all have a wonderful, compassionate and truly thankful holiday season.

I'm a vegan! Technically...

2009-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

New Year. New leaf.

I started this blog (formerly titled "Veggie Kiss") shortly after becoming a vegetarian-- that was last year's New Year's resolution. And I succeeded! I've been meat-free for a little over a year now (after a solid fourteen years as a "flexitarian," natch).

This year's goal? Ascend to "True Veganism." Yes. I'm trying to live my life according to "ahimsa," eschewing all animal products. But remember, nobody's perfect! I still own a beat-up pair of leather Skechers I've had since high school. My mom got me a cashmere sweater for Christmas, and continues to make every vegetarian entree she prepares for me revolve around cheese. Only recently did I learn that many vegans use only raw sugar, since it skips some nasty-sounding "bone char" process that apparently most sugars go through. Ick! And for me, the jury is still out on honey. I have yet to try agave nectar, but plan to give it a whirl.

So there's still a lot for me to learn as I begin my vegan journey. And I'm hesitant to even label myself "vegan," because I don't want someone to "catch" me with a leather belt or non-dairy creamer that still has casein in it and scream, "HA!" -_- Labels are just something we give ourselves, or other people ascribe to us. We shouldn't be defined by them. Generally, I'm just trying to live with compassion-- I think we should applaud anyone who tries to do so.

And when you think about it, there are no absolute, perfect vegans out there. There are no "levels" of Veganism (Or are there?!? Anyone a Level 99?). The only perfect vegan to ever walk the earth was probably Ghandi. Or Jesus. Then again, Jesus likely wore leather sandals and ate fish. And I wouldn't want to suggest Jesus was immoral in any way! That would be ludicrous. See why labels are so dangerous, folks?

My plea for like-minded herbivores: let's not bicker and argue about who's a better vegan (I've known vegan friends to sneak a non-vegan cookie or two! Tsk!) and just focus on living thoughtfully, healthfully, and doing the things we love. :)

As I learn more, I plan to post some recipes here-- I'm constantly experimenting in the kitchen, and loooove watching the Food Network and veganizing what I see! I also post my thoughts on random veggie topics and any interesting news or health breakthroughs. So this blog is a bit of a smorgasbord, and now that I'm making a deeper commitment to my vegetarian lifestyle, I plan to post more frequently.

Bon appetit!

The Twilight Diet

2008-11-26T20:10:00.001-08:00

I'm going to eat this apple! Not my classmates.

Teen vampire flick Twilight opened last weekend to great success (yours truly was at a midnight showing!). As you can see, the squeaky-clean Cullen teens depicted above don't look like your typical horror-movie vampires: these ones actually have a conscience. And it shows, in their neutral, non-threatening Nordstrom clothes!

Twilight is unique in that it introduces a few new notions to the world of vampire mythology. These vamps are pale and cold, yes, but they don't shrink away or burn up in sunlight-- they sparkle! Mirrors and photography aren't a concern-- they have reflections and are highly photogenic! And, oh yes, they don't kill people. That's right-- the Cullens are reknowned for being vampire "vegetarians." And by "vegetarian," it means they imbibe animal, not human, blood.

Now some "Twilighters" who also happen to be vegetarian (ahem!) may take offense to this -- do we really need our dietary and lifestyle choices further mocked by the masses? But I actually dig author Stephenie Meyer's decision to have her characters abstain from murdering people (how else could they be "the good guys," right?) and think the "vegetarian" thing is pretty cool.

Mmm, Bella. You look good enough to eat! Too bad I'm a vegetarian...

Besides, as I watched the movie, I couldn't help but notice that Kristin Stewart's character Bella (the human girl unwittingly introduced to the secret vampire world) never ate meat. Not once. There were kitchen, cafeteria and restaurant scenes, and every time I noticed that Bella was eating salad or pasta. She even urges her father to "maybe cut back on the steak" and looks a little disgustedly at his plate.

Am I imagining things, or is Bella veg?!?

Veggie Kiss will report back with any further developments!

*Photos of the Cullens and Edward with Bella are from mtv.com

Veggie Fast Food is Coming to Bean Town!

2008-11-13T22:17:00.000-08:00

This past March, my lovely friend Jess and I spent a crisp day traipsing around Philadelphia. I was re-starting my latest attempt at a vegetarian diet after battling bronchitis, when I suffered a meat-eater's relapse and reluctantly ate chicken. Newly healthy, this trip to Philly was my test-- could I stick to my new veg diet when traveling? Lucky for me and other veggie devotees, Philly has at least one amazing vegetarian option...

I happened upon Maoz (sounds like "cows") by mistake - I was just looking for a warm place to perch on a chilly night and was lured in by the wafting scent of fries - but it sure felt like divine intervention. There I found mouth-watering falafel burgers, loaded inside whole wheat pitas with salad bar toppings and paired with the best Belgian-style fries I have ever had. Ever!

Turns out that Philly fast food place is part of a European chain and was the first to open stateside. New York City has three locations (luckies!), with stores opening in D.C. and Florida in the near future. I've been hoping to relocate to New York (my home state) or Philly-- not because of my mind-blowing experience at Maoz (though I've been sorely tempted!). But with a new Maoz opening in Boston by 2010, I no longer have to! I can eat the world's best falafel and pommes frites right friggin' here! Wicked pissah!

Can't wait? Bostonians can get their falafel fix at any of the Greek food stands in Faneuil Hall-- they're not as good as Maoz, but they're great if you don't have time to make your own. I've gotten lazy and bought pre-packaged falafel at Whole Foods, but it tasted weird heated up. The best falafel I've had locally is at a Syrian/Lebanese restaurant on uber-hip Thayer Street in Providence: East Side Pocket. The falafel is served in huge wraps that you can choose toppings for, and there are plenty of yummy sauces and veggies to pick. Do keep in mind that this eatery is not strictly vegetarian. But good falafel is hard to find, and ESP (Haha!) is a nice little slice of veggie heaven in the meantime. Mmm...

*Photo of Boston: blog.e-democracy.org

Happy Vegetarian Month!

2008-10-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

I love everything about October; it's finally starting to feel like Autumn, Halloween is just around the corner and, best of all, it's Vegetarian Awareness Month! It's the perfect time to test out this pumpkin soup recipe I've been dying to try. :) So celebrate this fabulous occasion with scrumptious fall recipes! And don't forget to give your favorite vegetarian a hug.

Why not celebrate in style? One of my favorite famous vegetarians, Stella McCartney, showed her Spring '09 line yesterday at Paris Fashion Week. Her collection is, as expected, tres magnifique!

Accessory or Fashion Star?

2008-09-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

9/25/08, Milan:
In what appeared to be an ode to Hollywood starlets that carry their micro-doggies wherever they go, Dolce & Gabbana sent a unique look down their Milan Fashion Week runway: a fluffy, adorable, perfectly tote-able pup. Whether this was simply making a spring fashion statement (puppies are IN!), exhibiting animal cruelty, or just using a cute gimmick is debatable. But one thing is clear: this little cutie stole the show!

Love like Leona

2008-09-25T16:49:00.001-07:00

Vegetarian girls are in good company-- we have so many talented and chic celebrities in our corner! Alicia Silverstone, Natalie Portman, Hayden Panettiere... lucky for us, the list goes on. These girls are great examples of successful, healthy young women who eschew animal products on a daily basis. Pop sensation Leona Lewis is no different-- this British beauty uses her fame to speak up for animals.

This month's Glamour magazine featured an article called "Look Like Leona," in which the singer spilled her beauty secrets. But she was also quick to point out a major fashion faux pas: using leather for shoes and handbags.

"I'm a vegetarian," said Lewis. "I don't eat animals, so I won't wear them."

Simple as that!

Lewis also discussed her views during an April interview on New York's Z100. After being asked if she was "really" a vegetarian and if that meant she was high maintenance, Lewis replied, "No... I don't wear animal products either... so I don't buy leather. So all my accessories and stuff is really cheap!"

Lewis went on to suggest buying vinyl, plastic or PVC products. While that is certainly a vegan option, it's not exactly an eco-friendly one. Leona might like to try Matt & Nat-- they offer super-trendy handbags made from recycled materials that have the look of real leather. And unlike faux-leather, they're completely eco-chic-- a win-win for the vegan fashionista and the environmentalist!But thanks for the suggestion, Leona. We still love you!

Leona is also in talks to start her own vegan fashion line. Let's hope she opts for eco-friendly materials, too!

Veggies are for Lovers

2008-09-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Maybe you're here because you love animals. Maybe you really, really like vegetables. Or maybe you're here not because you love animals, but because you really hate plants.

Whatever your reason, I'm happy to have you! Welcome to my new space, this one entirely dedicated to the vegetarian way of life (because, hey, as much as vegetarians love eating our veggies, we know it's about more than just our diets).

If you follow my other blog, Ip & Aud (which I hope you do! I love you!), then you already know that I'm a freelance writer and cover eco-friendly fashion. To me, that includes clothing and accessories that are cruelty-free; my vegetarianism informs not only what I put into my body, but what I put on it! (Yes, I know my faux leather handbags and ballet flats are eco-sins, but helping save the planet by NOT eating meat is my repentance!)

I'm still in my first year as a full-fledged vegetarian, which is hard for me to believe at times-- I feel like, in my heart, I've always been one. As a little girl, I always craved fresh fruits and vegetables; I never cared for meat, or even eggs or milk. When I was ten, I declared at the dinner table that I would not eat anything with a face. Sadly, I was too young to sustain a vegetarian diet (though I did pretty darn well for half of fourth grade!). Throughout my teens and college years, I'd go months at a time without eating any meat. The transition was easy at first, especially when I found out that avoiding red meat and dairy products helps combat asthma symptoms, a health issue I've had since childhood. I'd cut everything out overnight, but inevitably the same thing happened over and over: I'd become anemic, pass out somewhere, and have doctors insist that I simply had to eat meat. Vegetarianism wasn't for me.

It was frustrating, because going back to eating meat made me feel worse every time I did so. I felt so helpless, like my diet wasn't even something that I could control. Doctors were telling me vegetarianism was some faulty, ineffective diet that doesn't work for everyone, but now I've learned that isn't true. The problem wasn't the diet; I was simply lacking the proper tools.

So this January, I did what millions do around the world and made a New Year's resolution-- mine was No more meat. Ever. But this time was different than my past pledges. This time I would do it right.

I bought a few beginner vegetarian books, including cookbooks, and, most importantly, met with a nutritionist. For two weeks I kept a food journal so that, together, the nutritionist and I could formulate a diet that would best meet my needs. She helped me make a more gradual transition than I had in the past. That meant, during a bout with bronchitis in March, I slurped some chicken broth and even ate chicken once or twice, though I was loathe to do it. My body was just so weak, and a few years ago my bronchitis turned into pneumonia-- I didn't want history to repeat itself. Now that I've been a vegetarian all these months, I feel equipped enough to tackle sickness like that without turning to meat for protein the next time around. Thankfully, I haven't been that sick since!

Eventually, I plan to go vegan, but for now I'm still on the gradual plan. So I avoid all flesh: red meat, poultry and, yes, fish. I also steer clear of meat-derived broths and products containing gelatin. I don't eat eggs often but am trying to cut out dairy products first. That's pretty easy for me since milk makes me sooo sick anyway. Blech. I've completely embraced soy, rice and almond milks, but my vice is non-dairy creamer in my coffee! So I'm not worried about cutting out dairy and eggs in my transition to veganism. I know it's hard to avoid these items in baked goods and processed food, but I don't like to eat much of that stuff, anyway. I'm blessed to have been born without a sweet tooth, and salivate over sautéed veggies in olive oil than chocolate cake any day! Go ahead, say it: I'm a freak.

As a vegan, however, I know I will miss honey. It's a simple thing, but such a lovely way to perk up a cup of tea or peanut butter sandwich. And eating local honey is a good way to build up immunities to pollen and other allergens in your area. I still need to research and find out what makes honey such a no-no to hardcore vegans. If anyone has some insight, please share!

In sum, this is a blog for veggie lovers everywhere. My high school boyfriend once teased me for my frequent use of the term "veggies," saying, "People who actually like to eat vegetables don't refer to them with a cutsey term like 'veggies.'" But I say "veggies" isn't diminishing to these wonderful plants-- it's more like a loving nickname! It goes without saying, but the world would be at quite a loss without vegetables; we all depend on them! So let's lavish them with all the love they deserve.

And plenty of hot sauce. Mmm...

;)