My girlfriend and I visited my family for the weekend. The only food in the house was meat and potatoes. Not very impressive. Of course, my family being the uncaring douche bags that they are, constantly offered us chicken as if we found it humorous.
We decided to go get food.
We ended up going to Wal-Mart since I am live in a very small town. We picked up some tofu and orange juice. And maybe I got some oatmeal cookies... :)
We came back to the house and began frying the tofu. We mixed up some taco powder stuff and sat down to our delicious looking Tofu Tacos.... I would show pictures, but we eated it all before I thought to let you guys know.
No, really. If you are looking for a good recipe book full of wonderful seasonal 'clean food' then you may want to try Terry Walters' book, Clean Food. It provides more than 200 recipes (none of which contain meat, dairy, or and animal derived or tested ingredients). To make things even better, all of the recipes are categorized by seasons making it the perfect book to grab when you need to please the in-laws during the holidays!
Okay, so I stumbled across this book at the Barnes & Noble on my college campus, and, since it was one of only about two vegan cookbooks there, I bought it. I immediately flipped to the middle section of the book and found myself wishing I had the means to make some of these delicious sounding dishes.
Since I am not a professional chef, I was a bit puzzled when it came to a few of the ingredients called for in some of the recipes. Luckily, Terry Walters put this book together for people like me and there is a section titled What's That?. If you can't guess from the name, this section lays everything you would ever need to know about any ingredient found in any of the recipes thereafter (and even some ingredients that are not included (for good reasons i.e hijiki)). It provides information such as uses, derivatives, brands, where to find, etc. It is a go to resource when you have no idea what a parsnip is.
That is not all that is included in this book. NO WAY! Included you will find a section that discusses what tools to use and not use. What is best for steaming, sauteing,storing, stirring... You get it. ;)
My favorite part of the book is called Basic Cooking Methods. I like this because it tells me how I should go about cooking these ingredients that I have never heard of before. It breaks down all of the food groups and goes into detail about selection, storage, usage, etc. Overall, this is a vital resource if you are a stranger to a kitchen.
Clean Foods also helped me in being able to understand Organic vs. Conventional foods. With the market flooded with products claiming to be 'organic', it can be hard to tell what is actually good, clean food. This book breaks down pesticide levels in select groups of fruits and vegetables and stresses the importance of seasonal production.
Now, to the recipes. (I almost for got that this was a recipe book) The cover claims to have over 200 recipes. Now, I haven't counted, but I am not denying it! This book is LOADED with recipes that make me wish that the holidays came around more often. There is a recipe for EVERYTHING, and as much as I would love to go into great detail about what is included, there is just too much to even begin describing.
If you are new to a clean food diet, this is a must have tool for learning what is what and what is NOT. I believe you can get it on Amazon for around 15-20 dollars. It is 290 pages of pure clean love for your body, so why wouldn't you get it??
When Paul Cortez, a man sentenced to 25 years in prison, decided to become vegan in March 2008, he cited his reason as a moral and political commitment to end animal cruelty and the exploitation of humans who make animal products.
Without going into detail about the arguably unfair circumstances that ultimately led to Cortez’s incarceration, I’d like to talk about why it is wrong that he has been denied the right to a vegan diet. Law professor Sherry Colb has explained in depth about why vegan food is a legal option that Cortez should pursue. But taking it one step further, should it not be considered that veganism, which for Paul Cortez is founded on the value of nonviolence toward animals, is in perfect harmony with the entire point of sending people to jail in the first place. That’s why it called a correctional facility!
During his incarceration, Cortez’s experience in a “box” – a thick-walled cell with a chicken-wire gate – seemed to Cortez to have frightening similarities to the situation of imprisoned “food” animals. During his 60-day stay in the box, he was given three showers a week, ate three meals a day following an insufficient vegetarian menu that he opted to take, and had no regular heating.
These 60 days led him to question the cruelty of humans against humans… and then to animals.
Cortez’s experience made him reflect on the fact that factory farmed animals are incarcerated from birth, made to live in poor housing conditions, injected with fertility drugs and hormones, then slaughtered before the eyes of their families.
He has channeled the feelings of injustice for his personal situation to bring attention to the injustices done everyday to animals. And this is the heart of the larger issue: the very reason why prisoners should be allowed – and encouraged – to eat vegan food. Veganism is a passion that in a sense works like the religious beliefs of a person, with the ultimate goal of pursuing and acting upon moral choices. In prison – indeed in free society – the goal of pursuing and acting upon moral choices can only be a good thing.
Obviously, it’s a time for a wake-up call. Adding vegan food options to prison menus is something that should be a no-brainer. And it should certainly be done without risking the security and health of the prisoners who ask for them. It’s a win-win situation for the government after all—not only are vegan foods inexpensive, they also lessen the likelihood of health problems in otherwise healthy prisoners.
Original article: http://bit.ly/cqooqg
Question: What facilities should receive vegan menus first? prisons or schools?
Without going into detail about the arguably unfair circumstances that ultimately led to Cortez’s incarceration, I’d like to talk about why it is wrong that he has been denied the right to a vegan diet. Law professor Sherry Colb has explained in depth about why vegan food is a legal option that Cortez should pursue. But taking it one step further, should it not be considered that veganism, which for Paul Cortez is founded on the value of nonviolence toward animals, is in perfect harmony with the entire point of sending people to jail in the first place. That’s why it called a correctional facility!
During his incarceration, Cortez’s experience in a “box” – a thick-walled cell with a chicken-wire gate – seemed to Cortez to have frightening similarities to the situation of imprisoned “food” animals. During his 60-day stay in the box, he was given three showers a week, ate three meals a day following an insufficient vegetarian menu that he opted to take, and had no regular heating.
These 60 days led him to question the cruelty of humans against humans… and then to animals.
Cortez’s experience made him reflect on the fact that factory farmed animals are incarcerated from birth, made to live in poor housing conditions, injected with fertility drugs and hormones, then slaughtered before the eyes of their families.
He has channeled the feelings of injustice for his personal situation to bring attention to the injustices done everyday to animals. And this is the heart of the larger issue: the very reason why prisoners should be allowed – and encouraged – to eat vegan food. Veganism is a passion that in a sense works like the religious beliefs of a person, with the ultimate goal of pursuing and acting upon moral choices. In prison – indeed in free society – the goal of pursuing and acting upon moral choices can only be a good thing.
Obviously, it’s a time for a wake-up call. Adding vegan food options to prison menus is something that should be a no-brainer. And it should certainly be done without risking the security and health of the prisoners who ask for them. It’s a win-win situation for the government after all—not only are vegan foods inexpensive, they also lessen the likelihood of health problems in otherwise healthy prisoners.
Original article: http://bit.ly/cqooqg
Question: What facilities should receive vegan menus first? prisons or schools?
Ok, so I have decided to host a little contest. There is no 'prize' for winning, but I thought it would be a great way to meet new people and possibly learn more about animals and animal rights!
The guidelines are simple! Just post a link of you and your pet(s) in the comment section below! You can even link me to it on Twitter @talkingvegan! Also, be sure to tell your friends about this so we can get a good collection of fuzz balls going!
Question: What is something about veganism that you would like to know more about?
The guidelines are simple! Just post a link of you and your pet(s) in the comment section below! You can even link me to it on Twitter @talkingvegan! Also, be sure to tell your friends about this so we can get a good collection of fuzz balls going!
Question: What is something about veganism that you would like to know more about?
Poor guy who works in the diner at my school ALWAYS asks me
if I want an omelet. I nicely decline, moving along to my usual hash
brown and toast. I wonder if he could make a vegan omelet...
Just in case, I found this recipe today. You may enjoy it yourself.
Vegan Omelette for One
It’s essential to use a truly non-stick skillet to make the omelet come out of the pan intact. Be sure to oil it and have it hot before you pour the batter into the pan. If the unfortunate happens and your omelet sticks, open-faced omelettes taste good, too!
Also: You may double this recipe but you must divide the batter in half and cook it as two separate omelets. If you try to cook too much at one time, your omelet will not cook properly.
6 ounces (1/2 package) Mori-nu lite silken tofu (or regular extra-firm silken tofu)
1 tablespoon soymilk
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon potato starch or cornstarch
1 teaspoon tahini
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 pinch chipotle pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
Also needed:
Omelette filling of choice (have filling warm or at room temperature)
Blend together all ingredients until smooth. (I use a Magic Bullet blender, but you may use any small blender or hand blender. To use a larger blender, you may have to make a double batch.)
Spray a large non-stick skillet with olive oil and heat on medium-high until very hot. Pour the batter into the center of the skillet in a circular pattern about 6-8 inches across, and use a spoon or spatula to smooth over the top. Place your filling ingredients over the batter, and reduce the heat to low.
Cover and cook for about 2-4 minutes, checking often to see if it’s done. When the edges have dried out, lift a small section with a spatula and check to see that the omelette is set. It will be golden in color, but not browned. When it’s ready, loosen the omelette by sliding the spatula under it from each direction, and then fold one side over the other.
Cook for about one more minute. Carefully lift or slide it onto a plate and serve hot.
Makes one serving. Without filling, this provides 157 Calories (kcal); 4g Total Fat; (22% calories from fat); 15g Protein; 16g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 687mg Sodium; 2g Fiber.
Recipe from: www.fatfreevegan.com
Question: What's your favorite vegan meal?
Peace, Love, and Tofurkey!
if I want an omelet. I nicely decline, moving along to my usual hash
brown and toast. I wonder if he could make a vegan omelet...
Just in case, I found this recipe today. You may enjoy it yourself.
Vegan Omelette for One
It’s essential to use a truly non-stick skillet to make the omelet come out of the pan intact. Be sure to oil it and have it hot before you pour the batter into the pan. If the unfortunate happens and your omelet sticks, open-faced omelettes taste good, too!
Also: You may double this recipe but you must divide the batter in half and cook it as two separate omelets. If you try to cook too much at one time, your omelet will not cook properly.
6 ounces (1/2 package) Mori-nu lite silken tofu (or regular extra-firm silken tofu)
1 tablespoon soymilk
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon potato starch or cornstarch
1 teaspoon tahini
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 pinch chipotle pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
Also needed:
Omelette filling of choice (have filling warm or at room temperature)
Blend together all ingredients until smooth. (I use a Magic Bullet blender, but you may use any small blender or hand blender. To use a larger blender, you may have to make a double batch.)
Spray a large non-stick skillet with olive oil and heat on medium-high until very hot. Pour the batter into the center of the skillet in a circular pattern about 6-8 inches across, and use a spoon or spatula to smooth over the top. Place your filling ingredients over the batter, and reduce the heat to low.
Cover and cook for about 2-4 minutes, checking often to see if it’s done. When the edges have dried out, lift a small section with a spatula and check to see that the omelette is set. It will be golden in color, but not browned. When it’s ready, loosen the omelette by sliding the spatula under it from each direction, and then fold one side over the other.
Cook for about one more minute. Carefully lift or slide it onto a plate and serve hot.
Makes one serving. Without filling, this provides 157 Calories (kcal); 4g Total Fat; (22% calories from fat); 15g Protein; 16g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 687mg Sodium; 2g Fiber.
Recipe from: www.fatfreevegan.com
Question: What's your favorite vegan meal?
Peace, Love, and Tofurkey!
Do you want to do something that will make you feel good inside?
If you do, then you make want to visit the following link:
PetSmartCruelty
PetSmart may be smart about making money, but it's clueless when it
comes to taking proper care of the animals it buys and sells by the millions.
The company's trade in live animals supports a mass-breeding industry just
as cruel as—and less regulated than—the puppy mill industry; results in abysmal
treatment of tiny, vulnerable beings; and ultimately leads to their overpopulation,
homelessness, neglect, and suffering
Please, if you want to take a stand and see that animals are treated properly,
please ask PetSmart to stop selling animals. Also, please do your part by not
making purchases from PetSmart until they stop selling animals.
Peace, Love, and Faux Chicken
Question: What have you done for animal rights?
If you do, then you make want to visit the following link:
PetSmartCruelty
PetSmart may be smart about making money, but it's clueless when it
comes to taking proper care of the animals it buys and sells by the millions.
This chick was bought from a PetSmart in Illinois. It suffers from psittacosis. I disease which can be transferred to humans.
The company's trade in live animals supports a mass-breeding industry just
as cruel as—and less regulated than—the puppy mill industry; results in abysmal
treatment of tiny, vulnerable beings; and ultimately leads to their overpopulation,
homelessness, neglect, and suffering
This snake escaped his cage and got stuck to a glue trap that the PetSmart employees didn't know was in the store.
please ask PetSmart to stop selling animals. Also, please do your part by not
making purchases from PetSmart until they stop selling animals.
Peace, Love, and Faux Chicken
Question: What have you done for animal rights?
So the first question I had when I decided to pursue the vegan lifestyle was
What do I do first?
Finding out what to do first can be very difficult because what I was going
to eat had never been a big deal. Now, I had to actually find out what was
in the food before me. With the amount of information out there about diets
based on the consumption of dead animals, I had a lot to learn.
I live on campus at the college I attend (University of Mississippi) and the
on campus dining options are not spectacular from a vegan standpoint.
(For more information, visit Ole Miss Dining yourself.) Not much doing here.
Anyway, so my girlfriend and I decided to 'go veg' together, and immediately
started to do research. Bri eventually found what would become our favorite
resource for the following weeks. She stumbled upon and article cleverly titled
'So You Wanna Be A Vegan' . Naturally, the answer we had to this was "YES!"
This article was very helpful to us as newly declared vegans.
The article contains five topics that are sure to make the transition to the vegan
lifestyle much easier.
The topics available are:
1. Stop eating animal products.
As simple as this sounds, there is a lot that goes into this major factor of being vegan.
The first thing that I did was go to my refrigerator. I began looking at the labels and
actually figuring out what I was really eating in my favorite foods. As it turns out, most
of what I considered 'good' food, was about as far from vegan as food can get.
I gave up Jello (contains glycerin), Milk, and even Butterfingers! I did this sometime
between lunch and supper one day, and I tell you it has been an adventure. I have felt
a lot better and even felt good when my friends found out. (I was the last person that
would have ever decided to be vegan).
The bottom line is to just decide how fast you want to take the transition. Many people
do it instantly, while others take the transition slowly. (i.e. eliminating beef and pork one
week and then poultry and fish the next, dairy the third, etc.) I may do a post about making
the transition soon.
2. Learn about special foods for vegans.
There are several alternatives to animal products. Many retail chains provide a large
variety of 'vegan' foods. Whole Foods, Rainbow, and even Kroger offer many meatless
meats and dairy alternatives. A very helpful resource for finding vegan foods is PETA's
article 'I Can't Believe It's Vegan!'. This makes for an easy shopping trip for new vegans.
I used this one my first food run and found myself putting many yummy things in my basket.
Many foods that I already loved were free of animal products (Ritz Cracker, Apple Jacks,
Red Bull) I was so glad when my girlfriend found this list. I hope that you can find some
benefits in using it!
3.Eat vegan food.
Easier said than done. Finding the foods when you live on a college campus (like I do)
as well as in some small towns can be a bit of a challenge. By using the lists mentioned above,
finding good foods can become a lot easier. I was surprised to learn what foods were vegan.
As far as college campus' go, just be sure to let the dining directors know that you would like
more vegan options in the menu. You may try joining the Campus Vegetarian Organization
and see what they have planned regarding this issue and find out what you can do to help.
4. Get all your nutrients.
Most people question vegans about nutrients without doing proper research.
Many believe in the all too popular 'Protein Myth'. Now, I am no protein expert,
but I know enough to stay healthy while following my vegan diet. The main thing
that vegans should concern themselves with is getting enough Vitamin B-12. It
is very easy to get a supplement for this vitamin that will provide you more than
enough to survive ;)
You may try converting your regular diet a little bit and see if you can begin to
incorporate the Vegan Food Pyramid into your new meals.
Incorporation of this chain of foods will make your vegan expedition all the more
successful, and you won't find yourself tempted to stray because you will be full,
healthy, and HAPPY!
5. Be Strong and Stick With It.
This is as important as all of the following four. Eating meat is all too convenient.
Soon after adopting the vegan lifestyle, it is very tempting to want a Baconator when
driving past Wendy's, or crave a Root Beer Float on your way by Sonic. I know all
too well the feeling of having to orient myself. I tell myself that I am doing the right thing,
no matter how hard it becomes.
Now, this article on soyouwanna.com is only a START to get you pointed in the right
direction. There are MANY, MANY, MANY other helpful articles online that have
made life MUCH easier for me in my vegan adventure.
I will be posting a question at the bottom of all my posts.
Please feel free to answer in a comment below. I would love to read what you have to say!
Also, since this is a new blog, if you have ANY questions regarding vegetarianism or veganism,
please post a comment, hit me up on Twitter or you can always email me at veganrant@gmail.com!
My question is: Why did you become vegetarian/vegan?
Peace, Love, and Faux Chicken!
What do I do first?
Finding out what to do first can be very difficult because what I was going
to eat had never been a big deal. Now, I had to actually find out what was
in the food before me. With the amount of information out there about diets
based on the consumption of dead animals, I had a lot to learn.
I live on campus at the college I attend (University of Mississippi) and the
on campus dining options are not spectacular from a vegan standpoint.
(For more information, visit Ole Miss Dining yourself.) Not much doing here.
Anyway, so my girlfriend and I decided to 'go veg' together, and immediately
started to do research. Bri eventually found what would become our favorite
resource for the following weeks. She stumbled upon and article cleverly titled
'So You Wanna Be A Vegan' . Naturally, the answer we had to this was "YES!"
This article was very helpful to us as newly declared vegans.
The article contains five topics that are sure to make the transition to the vegan
lifestyle much easier.
The topics available are:
1. Stop eating animal products.
As simple as this sounds, there is a lot that goes into this major factor of being vegan.
The first thing that I did was go to my refrigerator. I began looking at the labels and
actually figuring out what I was really eating in my favorite foods. As it turns out, most
of what I considered 'good' food, was about as far from vegan as food can get.
I gave up Jello (contains glycerin), Milk, and even Butterfingers! I did this sometime
between lunch and supper one day, and I tell you it has been an adventure. I have felt
a lot better and even felt good when my friends found out. (I was the last person that
would have ever decided to be vegan).
The bottom line is to just decide how fast you want to take the transition. Many people
do it instantly, while others take the transition slowly. (i.e. eliminating beef and pork one
week and then poultry and fish the next, dairy the third, etc.) I may do a post about making
the transition soon.
2. Learn about special foods for vegans.
There are several alternatives to animal products. Many retail chains provide a large
variety of 'vegan' foods. Whole Foods, Rainbow, and even Kroger offer many meatless
meats and dairy alternatives. A very helpful resource for finding vegan foods is PETA's
article 'I Can't Believe It's Vegan!'. This makes for an easy shopping trip for new vegans.
I used this one my first food run and found myself putting many yummy things in my basket.
Many foods that I already loved were free of animal products (Ritz Cracker, Apple Jacks,
Red Bull) I was so glad when my girlfriend found this list. I hope that you can find some
benefits in using it!
3.Eat vegan food.
Easier said than done. Finding the foods when you live on a college campus (like I do)
as well as in some small towns can be a bit of a challenge. By using the lists mentioned above,
finding good foods can become a lot easier. I was surprised to learn what foods were vegan.
As far as college campus' go, just be sure to let the dining directors know that you would like
more vegan options in the menu. You may try joining the Campus Vegetarian Organization
and see what they have planned regarding this issue and find out what you can do to help.
4. Get all your nutrients.
Most people question vegans about nutrients without doing proper research.
Many believe in the all too popular 'Protein Myth'. Now, I am no protein expert,
but I know enough to stay healthy while following my vegan diet. The main thing
that vegans should concern themselves with is getting enough Vitamin B-12. It
is very easy to get a supplement for this vitamin that will provide you more than
enough to survive ;)
You may try converting your regular diet a little bit and see if you can begin to
incorporate the Vegan Food Pyramid into your new meals.
Incorporation of this chain of foods will make your vegan expedition all the more
successful, and you won't find yourself tempted to stray because you will be full,
healthy, and HAPPY!
5. Be Strong and Stick With It.
This is as important as all of the following four. Eating meat is all too convenient.
Soon after adopting the vegan lifestyle, it is very tempting to want a Baconator when
driving past Wendy's, or crave a Root Beer Float on your way by Sonic. I know all
too well the feeling of having to orient myself. I tell myself that I am doing the right thing,
no matter how hard it becomes.
Now, this article on soyouwanna.com is only a START to get you pointed in the right
direction. There are MANY, MANY, MANY other helpful articles online that have
made life MUCH easier for me in my vegan adventure.
I will be posting a question at the bottom of all my posts.
Please feel free to answer in a comment below. I would love to read what you have to say!
Also, since this is a new blog, if you have ANY questions regarding vegetarianism or veganism,
please post a comment, hit me up on Twitter or you can always email me at veganrant@gmail.com!
My question is: Why did you become vegetarian/vegan?
Peace, Love, and Faux Chicken!
HI!
This is my first post on my new blog. I suppose the best thing to do is an introduction.
My name is Andrew Stewart.
I have been vegan ohh about 3 months. How did this happen?
That is a long story and I hope to be able to explain that as time progresses.
Now, this is not my first blog. I have had many personal blogs, and that is just
not my style. I am no good at 'updating' blogs and talking about myself.
My intention for this blog is to provide information to others.
I hope to be able to help out people that have recently decide to go veg, and
possibly even help those that have been doing so for a while.
I hope that you can gain some knowledge about animals, animal rights, and
what it means to be vegetarian and vegan.
If you have any questions please leave me a comment on here or on Twitter.
If you would prefer a more personal talk, please email me at veganrant@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: I intend this to be an informative blog, but I will use it to display my opinions.
You have been warned. ;)
This is my first post on my new blog. I suppose the best thing to do is an introduction.
My name is Andrew Stewart.
I have been vegan ohh about 3 months. How did this happen?
That is a long story and I hope to be able to explain that as time progresses.
Now, this is not my first blog. I have had many personal blogs, and that is just
not my style. I am no good at 'updating' blogs and talking about myself.
My intention for this blog is to provide information to others.
I hope to be able to help out people that have recently decide to go veg, and
possibly even help those that have been doing so for a while.
I hope that you can gain some knowledge about animals, animal rights, and
what it means to be vegetarian and vegan.
If you have any questions please leave me a comment on here or on Twitter.
If you would prefer a more personal talk, please email me at veganrant@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: I intend this to be an informative blog, but I will use it to display my opinions.
You have been warned. ;)
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