Vegetarians throughout history

Some of history's most noted writers, artists and thinkers were vegetarians and vegans.
Leonardo Da Vinci was among them and once said: "I have from an early age adjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men"

Here is just a short list of some that I found interesting:




Siddhartha Gautama(better known as the BUDDHA)
Lord Byron
Mary Shelley (Author of Frankenstein)
Albert Einstein
Gandhi
Susan B. Anthony
Henry David Thoreau
Vincent van Gogh
Thomas Edison
Sir Isaac Newton
Charlotte Bronte
H.G. Wells

BINGO!

I called BINGO way too many times! HA! Amazing.

Found on the Animal Suffering.com forum

Website Find

New website find

Chooseveg.com

Found this link on vegvine.com Looks like lot's of great info for new vegetarians/vegans.

Good investigative videos too (not that I can stomach watching them), but it's always good to be reminded why we don't eat animal products!

Don't think I'll ever get sick of this video...

Christian the Lion still brings the tears!

Eating Animals author on Ellen

Jonathan Safran Foer author of Eating Animals...on Ellen a few months ago.
His book is being credited with shedding light on Animal Rights in a way hardcore Vegan activists have been trying to do for many years. As an outsider to the Animal Rights community, many people feel that he will be listened to and accepted more by the public, than an earthy crunchy tree-hugger throwing fake blood on models.

Here he is on Ellen. Just a normal, all american guy...who discovered the truth about factory farming.

"If slaughterhouses had glass walls the whole world would be vegetarian"

Thank you Sir Paul for giving voice to the BILLIONS of animals tortured and killed in this country every year.


Find out more at Meat.org.

Hopefully someone so respected all over the world will help spread the message: EVERY human being should care about the plight of animals.

Restaurant Review: Home on 8th

I ordered lunch today from Home On 8th. The have an entire (large) Vegetarian section to their menu. Non-vegan items are labeled with an asterisk.

According to various reviews on Menupages - the people who run the place are Buddhist and they have separate kitchens for meat and vegetarian cooking! Why can't all restaurants have that??

I ordered the Hawaiian Rice and Crispy BBQ Pork Belly (horrid name). When I opened up the rice I got a whiff of what smelled like bacon (my childhood favorite meat). I immediately asked one of my co-workers if she wanted it instead. I was disappointed that they had inaccurately put HAM in the vegetarian section of the menu! Also I had specifically asked if it was vegan (they can make all rice dishes without egg)!

My cube neighbor tried a piece of the "ham" to make sure it wasn't faux meat. She determine that it was "definitely" real pig and that I should call and ask for something else.

But when I called...turns out, they "don't use any real ham"!!! Yup! Imitation meat so legit a meat-eater couldn't even tell the difference!

Unfortunately the rice actually wasn't that flavorful (Ginger House is better). Could have used more pineapple and veggies.

The BBQ "pork" was quite good, needed a bit of salt though.


Overall a very good lunch. I will definitely order there again. They have many other "faux meat" options that I couldn't choose between. And the Ginger & Tofu soup sounds SO good on a cold day!

FINDING FOOD (LINKS!)

There is a ton of info out there for new Vegans. It can be overwhelming.
These are some of the most helpful websites I've found in the past couple of months.

Listed in no paticular oder:


1)Vegweb.com is one of my ultimate must visit sites! So many recipes as well as lots of helpful comments from users who have actually MADE the recipes before.
I suggest scrolling through all the comments, because the recipes tend to change by the end of a thread, once more people have attempted making it)

2) In Search of Vegan Food is a thread on VegWeb that is very helpful. A list of foods you would never suspect might contain animal products. Print this and take it to the grocery store!

3) Another helpful list for a newbie Veeg is on PETAs site It's a tad overwhelming, but if you feel unsure of what some of the ingredients on labels are...having this list in your bag will come in very handy!

4) Vegan NYC is (as it sounds) a NY centric site. Very simple search by neighborhood for vegan restaurants/stores

5)Super Vegan is another NY site (that every city needs!) with an extensive search/google map list of "100% Vegan,100 Vegetarian, Non Vegan (but with decent vegan options". They also review lot's of different Veeg friendly products

Alanis goes VEGAN and loses 20lbs!

Not gonne lie, my girl Alanis was getting chubby (and with weird orange hair) for a while. She's adopted a new vegan lifestyle and has lost 20 lbs.

Less than a year ago, Alanis Morissette found herself in a heavy situation: the once-svelte rock star had packed on weight, and the processed food she’d been eating left her feeling unhealthy.

Determined to get back on track, Alanis turned to Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s book Eat to Live, a plan that recommends consuming fruit, vegetables, beans and nuts, and avoiding meat and dairy products.

Alanis’ vegan diet — one of the more popular in Hollywood these days — has helped her shed 20 pounds since she began the new regime in September.

Now, the 34-year-old singer who redefined “ironic” is proud to show off her new shape and share her dieting tips with OK! readers.

OK!: How does it feel to have lost 20 pounds?

I feel like a 12-year-old! I’m back to what I was born to be, at my best. I used to get out of bed in the morning and things were aching, and I just thought, this is what happens when you get into your 30s. But now I jump out of bed and have so much energy; I feel very alive. Even after a workout, I feel like if I rest a little bit I could go out dancing all night, so that’s exciting. I have no more aches and pains, and my allergies are gone, too.


OK!: What were you eating that made you gain weight?

A lot of salt and processed grains like bread. I was a sandwich person, and if I had rice, I would pack the salt on.

OK!: Why did you overeat?

All the restrictions and limitations I’d placed upon myself for many years were let loose. I think it was a rite of passage for me. At 21, I was touring with Jagged Little Pill, so I didn’t experience the footloose and fancy-free passage that most people do in their teens and early 20s. My whole life I’ve been overly responsible. So I was fantastically indulgent for a good nine months. I knew it would be a temporary thing, and it was fun. There was a sexiness to my curvier self that I loved.

OK!: Why did you want to find a new eating plan?

Longevity. I realized I want to live till I’m 120. There’s a lifestyle that I am how happily creating that can, as best as is possible, prevent most forms of cancer and other diseases.

OK!: How did you come to choose Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s program?

I went to my favorite bookstore, Banyen Books and Sound, in Vancouver. I saw this book, Eat to Live, and I thought, that’s exactly what I want to do. I wasn’t interested in some fad diet that was unsustainable, like “lose 10 pounds in two weeks.” I don’t believe in diets; I think they’re short-term and a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. So I opened it and flipped through and thought the weight loss is incidental. The primary focus is disease prevention.


OK!: What is your workout routine?

When I’m out on tour, my shows are so physical that that really takes care of it. When I’m not on tour, I do between a half hour to an hour of light weights, running, biking, swimming, probably five times a week. I also love to kickbox and dance.
OK!: What does your boyfriend (attorney Tom Ballanco) think of your weight loss?

He just cares about my well-being. He thought I was sexy at whatever weight that I’ve been. I’ve never felt loved in that way before.

OK!: Will your next big project be to plan a wedding?

I could see in the not too distant future being married with children, absolutely, but I’m in no crazy rush. I wildly respect him. How he views the world, the lens through which he looks at life is very similar to mine. To have that in common makes me sleep well at night.

European Union Gives Animals Legal Standing

From VegWebNews.com:
Author:Sara Constantineau

Europe has legally recognized animals as sentient beings according to the Lisbon Treaty, which went into effect December 1. Article 13 of the treaty states, "...the Union and the Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals..." Compassion in World Farming, an animal-welfare organization, says this is a positive precedent that will help activists negotiate for improved animal-welfare legislation. The treaty, originally signed in 2007 by all 27 EU members, addresses modern social, economic, and political changes, and is designed to "[take] Europe into the 21st century."

Cutest.Video.Ever.

Brace yourselves...

ABC, 123, baby, you and me girl!

Last night I was discussing with my mom the need to buy lot's of vitamins to make up for the nutriants we were no longer getting from animal products(just milk and egg for me!). To which she responded that she didn't need vitamins because she eats enough "good stuff" to make up for it.

As usual...mother knows best:
The ABCs of Vitamins

Glad I saw this post on Crazy Sexy Life before I went and spent a bunch of money on pills that I can barely swallow!

Veg News 2009 Veggie Awards

So, apprently 35,000 vegans voted in this contest on Vegnews.com. Here is what we learn:

Fave Musician: Jason Mraz
Favorite Online Vegan Store: Vegan Essentials
Favorite Vegan Cookies: Newman's Own Organics
Favorite Hair Care: Aveda

Interesting.

To view the entire list (which includes links to the many winners) click HERE.

Website Find

Vegvine.com calls itself "the vegan google". It has lot's of great links on the top bar, but I think the coolest and most helpful aspect of the site is the "Local Veggie Links" tool.

You simply type in your zip code and get a breakdown of categories for your area:
Vegan Restaurants
Veg*n Singles (by State)
Singles (by city although not all are Veeg)
Animal Rights Meet ups in your area

Very cool resource for people who don't live in typically Vegan friendly areas.

Test run: I did a search of my Momma's zip code in Florida. Check out the results HERE.

Fun Fact: Coretta Scott King was a Vegan!

"Coretta Scott King called her adoption of a vegan diet in 1995 a blessing. Her son, Dexter, had been vegan since 1988, saying that an appreciation for animal rights is the "logical extension" of his father's philosophy of non-violence."
Source

Pirogies (need I say more?)

I just discovered this great site: vegancampus.com. I'll look more into it and post more info later on, but right off that bat I spotted a recipe for one of my favorite foods: PIROGIES!!!





Pirogies can be filled with almost anything! I'm thinking potato and Daiya Cheese sounds preeeetty gooodd! Have you tried Daiya Vegan Cheese? It's new and supposed to be the best tasting and best MELTING vegan cheese out there!

Somebody make this recipe and send me a review & pics! (I'll also take a free sample!)

A quote that basically sums it all up

"Just how destructive does a culinary preference have to be before we decide to eat something else? If contributing to the suffering of billions of animals that live miserable lives and (quite often) die in horrific ways isn't motivating, what would be? If being the number one contributor to the most serious threat facing the planet (global warming) isn't enough, what is? And if you are tempted to put off these questions of conscience, to say not now, then when?" ~Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

Tofu....for breakfast???

I busted out my first vegan cookbook on Saturday; Peta's Vegan College Cookbook. These recipes are crazy simple! In fact most are meant to be made in the microwave (kinda gross, I know), but most can be cooked in the oven or stove top.

Today I tried making the "Morning in Mexico Scramble"

Ingredients:
1 package Firm Tofu (drained and rinsed)
2 cups corn tortilla chips
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups Salsa


This recipe makes 3 servings. I only wanted 1 serving, so I used about a quarter of the tofu, a handful of chips, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder and 1 cup of salsa.

I had bought (at Trader Joes) FRESH salsa. I really think this made the whole dish! Fresh tomatoes, onions and basil added lots of flavor! Check your grocery store in the refrigerator section.


I'd seen a lot of "fake meat" recipes that used soy sauce for flavor, so I added a couple of splashes of Low Sodium Soy sauce for an extra kick.

Directions:
Mash tofu and microwave for approx 4 minutes
Mix in Tortilla Chips and Onion Powder (and soy sauce?)
Microwave for approx 2 minutes
Add salsa (The recipe said to heat for another minute, but of course I didn't see that part! But I thought the cold salsa was nice and help cool the dish)

Total cooking time: Approx 8 minutes
Add a toasted slice of pita w/ vegan butter and this is a great easy (and tasty!) breakfast!




Note: I made this for breakfast for the last three days(!) I added a sprinkle of Mexican Blend/Shredded Soy Cheese from Trader Joes...totally delish!!

*Full credit for this recipe goes to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Starza Kolman/Marta Holmber

The Vegan Cowboy!

This is a great clip from The Dr. Oz show about an overweight, diebetic, meat loving cowboy who went vegan for 28 days.

If he can go Veeg - anyone can! This video could be a great conversation starter (esecially with men!).

Check it out:

FIRST POST!

Welcome to my new blog A Simple Vegan!


As a vegetarian for over 13 years I thought I knew why I didn't eat meat. But in fact it wasn't until very recently that I became informed of the horrors of Factory Farming (more factory than farm). I also never understood what the big deal with eating eggs and dairy products was. I mean...all female cows make milk, right? "Contrary to popular belief, cows don't just produce milk for kicks. They are mammals, just like human ladies -- they need to get knocked up before their bodies produce milk. In factory farms they are artificialy inseminated to keep them constantly pregnant"

Oh well, chickens lay eggs, like..everyday! Right? "True,but in nature "layer" hens would not be crammed 8 to a cage with a floor the size of a file drawer, unable to spread their wings or do anything chicken-like. Hens are run through a food-and-light deprivation process for over a week, which forces another laying cycle and increases profits. And like the male dairy calves, male chicken offspring are so useless to the egg industry they are routinely killed at few days old."


Now that I know the truth of the horrible treatment (torture would be a better word) of animals raised for food, it is a moral issue for me. It is - for me - simply wrong to participate in this. I can't turn a blind eye to it and no matter how badly I might want to eat cheesy pizza, or yummy creeeamy feta cheese, or perfectly crispy bacon...I simply would not like myself for giving money to the people who knowingly abuse animals.

If you give money to something quite simply: you are supporting it.
If every time you bought a bottle of water - 100% of proceeds went to Al Qaeda - would you just shrug and say "I know its wrong. I don't agree with what they do! But I really need my bottled water!"

I'm guessing most people would answer No. For me it is the same thing.
If you buy milk, eggs or meat that comes from a factory "farm" (99% of whats in stores is from a factory farm) you ARE condoing the systematic abuse and torture of thinking, feeling, intelligent creatures.

I'm certainly no expert - and would never claim to be one. But when you see blatent cruelty in the world it's hard to just pretend it isn't there.

*exhales* OK end rant.

In the past month or so I've found so many helpful websites, articles and books on vegan living. I wanted a way to compile and share them with friends, family (mommy!) and anyone else venturing into the Vegan lifestyle. I am a newbie and would greatly appreciate any "oldie" vegans sharing there wisdom with me. If you have info to share or would like to guest blog, please email asimplevegan@gmail.com

Stay tuned for lot's of great links, "simple" recipes and fun animal postings!

Thanks for reading!!
~Ashley