I am a vegan. (Is it “a vegan” or “vegan”? Not sure but I’m going with “a vegan.”) When I tell people that - and it seems I have to tell a lot of people that because – I don’t know, maybe because everyone eats - I always get the same questions, the same! It’s like someone hands them a script. I thought I would write the answers down here so no one has to ask me anymore.
Before I get started though, I have a question for you. Why does this topic engender such strong feelings in people? When I say that I am a vegan, many give me a patronizing smile that looks like they are either making fun of me or they pity me for not being able to eat a rack of ribs, with a dash of, I’ll humor you because I know your irrational, faddish behavior won’t last for long.” Maybe I’m just paranoid.
Anyway, back to my questions/answers:
1. Why are you a vegan?
For the Planet: a meat-based diet consumes 10 times more energy per calorie than a plant-based one.
For Me: I am type I diabetic. When I became a vegan my insulin needs dropped by half. I was able to quit taking cholesterol medication and cut my blood pressure medication in half. My inflammation factor is zero. (My doctor can verify.) I look better. I feel better. But don’t take my word for it there are loads of studies on the nutritional benefits of a plant-based diet. I recommend the “China Study,” by T. Colin Campbell.
For Animals: not so much. Growing up on a farm I can attest to the fact that cows have about as much intelligence as lettuce. Sorry all you animal lovers out there, that's my truth.
2. How long have you been a vegan? About a year and a half. Before that I was a pescetarian for about 5 years. Before that I was a total carnivore. I also eat a lot of raw food.
3. How do you get your protein? Soy-based meat substitutes and tofu. Protein powders without whey. Rice and beans served together make a complete protein. Nuts contain a lot of protein as well as quinoa, humus, and seeds – even vegetables have protein. And really, unless you’re a body builder, you don’t need a lot of protein - probably far less than nutritionists originally thought.
4. Isn’t it hard? Sometimes. Especially when I travel or if I am invited to a dinner party. Usually if I’m invited somewhere I’ll bring my own dish instead of asking my host to provide something special for me. Living in L.A. helps because there is a plethora of good dining options for vegans. Also, Indian and Chinese restaurants usually offer great tofu or vegetable dishes and I can always get pasta with marinara sauce in Italian restaurants.
5. How do you live without cheese? I got used to life without cheese. There’s also Daiya, which isn’t too bad.
6. What food do you miss the most? Pizza.
It’s funny because I didn’t like vegetables that much when I was a kid. (My mom can verify.) I got sick on a tomato when I was little and didn’t eat another one for 40 years. How did I overcome my loathing of tomatoes? When I was starting Bloomers!, I grew tomatoes. I just felt like if I was going to go to all the work of growing them, then I was going to eat them. I wanted to enjoy the tomatoes of my labor. Now I love them. I eat tomatoes almost every day.
Here is an important truism: when you grow your own vegetables they just taste better. If you have time or space constraints, buying produce at a farmers’ market is a close alternative. This is one of the things we see with Bloomers! Schoolyard every semester. When children grow vegetables they will eat them. It is so simple. It is such a simple way to get kids to eat healthier.
All that being said, last weekend I ate a meatball - my first bit of meat in over a year. It was delicious! And it’s okay. I tell people all the time – just eat a plant-based diet two or three days a week. It’s still better for the planet and better for you. That is my challenge for you. Try a plant-based diet for you and your family for two days a week. Let me know how it goes.
P.S. if you Google “I am a vegan,” over 58 million results will come up. I’m sure you can find some great recipes and tips for your two days a week challenge.