Are Humans Omnivores? Carnivores? or Herbavores?

Many people have come up to me and pointed to their "canine" teeth and said "See these? These were made to eat meat!" Well, is that exactly true? Find out for yourself. I mean, they're not exactly like cat teeth are they? Check out the site and chart below to see which one you are!

This site explains some of the key differences between Omnivores, Carnivores and Herbavores.


This chart shows the comparison between the physical aspects of each type of creature.

This is another site that explains some differences.
http://www.waoy.org/26.html

Also, if you watch the videos I posted earlier, you will get more insight into this.

Questions? Opinions? POST EM!

Another YouTube talker

This girl is fantastic with the way she displays information. Check out her videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxybtRNa_wc&NR=1&feature=endscreen

"Right to eat meat"
"Jesus ate Fish"
"Sick of Vegans opinions"

are some of the ones I really enjoy.

Clams, Muscles, oysters, scallops...Feelings?

I have a friend at work who questioned weather or not these particular invertibrates had enough of a nervous system or brain functionality to feel emotion or pain when humans choose to eat them.

I've been slowly starting to research this and am finding mixed results. This particular forum that i stumbled upon is pretty interesting though because it explores not only the particular animals and some science behind it,but also how some people choose to define themselves according to the diets they have chosen. Very interesting stuff.

Do you eat these invertibrates and how do you feel about it? Do you think they have feelings/emotion? Do you think they feel pain? Do you think they want to be eaten? DO you think they are on this earth for the purpose of human consumption? Let me know wha tyou think!

http://www.veganforum.com/forums/showthread.php?3493-Clams-oysters-scallops-and-mussels/page4

This is also a children's site to teach about the nervous systems of invertibrates:

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/invert.html

Food Combination Chart

This is a good chart to reference for food combinations, but also gives examples of the many choices vegetarians and vegans have in their diet.

We don't just eat salad!

*If you are having a hard time reading the image, visit this site instead to view the chart clearer:http://abcompany.com/abco/aw/nutrition/food_combining.htm

Gary Yourofsky

This professor gives his students something to think about...

Try it out for yourself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es6U00LMmC4

Here is the Q and A session video too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=iv&v=WIkC4OJEx3c&src_vid=es6U00LMmC4&annotation_id=annotation_166462

Earthlings Documentary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce4DJh-L7Ys&feature=share

If you havent watched this yet, I recommend you do. It will open your eyes and heart to ideas and truths you may have never considered before.

Knowledge and truth can be hard, but they are beautiful in the way that change is beautiful. You are in control of yourself and your contribution to the world.

Healthy Snackin!

January 1st is right around the corner and I know a lot of people who want to improve their lives in a dietary sense. One of the hardest hurdles to overcome is working in your cube from 8-5pm and avoiding those unhealthy snacks that are always all around!

So you try to avoid those snacks and end up starving! Well thats not good either. You need to keep your body moving!

Here are some tips to keep you full, keep your metabolism going, and get you on the right track!

1. Drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout each day. Right when you wake up, drink a glass. (Think about it, you're body has been without any water in 8 hours!)

2. Eat a healthy breakfast every morning! If you start the day out right, your body will feel nourished and your brain will feel more awake.
-A cup of Quick Oats, oatmeal with a bit of cinnamin and a handful of raisons is a great example!
-Granola with some Almond milk is healthy and hearty!
-A nice fruit smoothie is refreshing!
*A trick is to get that Fiber to keep you full!

3. Prepare some snacks to bring to work with your lunchtime meal. Plan on snacking 4 times in the day, with your main meal in the mid-day. If you plan your snacks you will save money, save time, feel more organized, control your snacking, and keep yourself away from that wrethced vending machine!
SNACKS:
-Bananas, apples, pears, oranges, clemintines, cut grapefruit, watermellon, honeydue
-Celery and peanutbutter sticks
-nuts: almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews
-raisons, grapes, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries
-crackers
-Hummus (homemade with chickpeas!)
-olives
-carrots,
-Kale chips
-smoothies/protein shakes

4. Make sure you have a well balanced lunch. You should have some lean protein ( I suggest beans or nuts) a good amount of veggies (esp green leafys! They keep you fuller longer) some fruit, and some carb.

5. Take a good MultiVitamin. (I take this one and its great,because it gives me all my nutrients and doesnt make me feel sick like other vitamins have in the past!)

Those 5 tips should be enough to get you started. If it helps you to write down what you eat, do it! If it helps you to talk about it with your friends, do that too! Remember that you are strong, beautiful, and that you are the only one who controls what you intake into your body.

Keep it going!

Cooking of the Future!

http://blog.ted.com/2011/12/15/cooking-as-alchemy-homaro-cantu-ben-roche-on-ted-com/

This TED video really amazed me.

The tuna part is extremely interesting!

Lecture on how Humans eat and Veganism.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xWD1Zze5Qo4


Seriously check this out. It is about 45 mins long, but worth every second. Some of the things this woman speaks about taught me more than I could ever imagine. Some of the things she says, I simply never considered before. I consider myself much less ignorant about the food I eat, after watching this video.

(If you dont have 45 min straight to watch it, listen to it in bits and pieces.)

Vegetarianism and the Bible

I'm not the most religious person. That is to say, I don't practice one specific religion, but rather try to focus my energy in positive ways throughout the world. In my opinion, most religions seem to hold the same views: be a good person and good things will follow.

But to all you practicing Bible lovers, I found this really interesting site that shows exerts from the bible that display some insight into how vegetarianism played a role throughout those times.

Check it out!

Let me know what you think about it.

Vegan Beer/Wine/Liquor

Something you might not think about: Is my beer/wine/liquor vegan friendly?

Some alcoholic beverages actually do contain animal products or animal bi-products, so nope, not all of them are.

I found this nifty website that lists your favorite beverages in Alphabetical order to make it easy to see if your beer/wine/liquor is indeed vegan friendly!

Check it out!

Comment your favorite drinks and weather you were surprised to find them vegan friendly/ non vegan friendly.

Researching the Master Cleanse Diet

I plan on purchasing the book for The Master Cleanse, but in the meantime, this website is pretty nifty: http://themastercleanse.org/

I decided that Beginning January 1st, I will begin my Master Cleanse (or "The Lemonade Diet" ) program. The website recommends you "ease" into the diet by allowing your body to adjust to natural, non processed foods, and then liquid foods, to juice, and finally into the "Lemonade" mixture.

This easing takes about 4 to 5 days, and then you can officially begin your ten day cleanse. Some have been known to carry out the cleanse to 40 days! This may seem extreme since the cleanse itself involves drinking 6 to 12 glasses of a "Lemonade" mixture of Water, organic lemon juice, organic maple syrup, and a dash of cayenne pepper, however, this mixture has been known to provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to energize and nurish your body, while allowing your body to rid itself of toxins and impurities. The diet also involves drinking a salt-water mixture in the morning, to cleanse your entire digestive track, and a detox tea at night.

This video is just one example of a woman who did the Master Cleanse for 15 days. She is a little wordy, but she has a great accent, and she explains what she felt like, and shows a before and after of results. Big Difference! Check it out and let me know what you think!

30 day Vegan Challenge

It is almost Christmas, and the holiday season has brought many exciting moments into my life, as well as many exciting cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, chocolate... you get the idea. It is difficult to control your cravings for junk food around this time of year, but prior to this week I had been going to the gym Monday through Friday, and had been very conscious of what I was putting in my body.

I have accepted that the last two weeks of December can be my "lazy" weeks, and that although I want to be conscious of what I eat, I am not going to freak out about being super strict.

This is because starting January 1st, 2012, I am going to be beginning a challenge I have always wanted to do: The 30 Day Vegan Challenge.

I have been a Vegetarian since before the Thanksgiving of 2008, but have always been interested in seeing what it would feel like to try a diet without any animal products or animal bi-products. Due to recent deep discussions on the health factors as well as environmental and moral benefits of Veganism, I have decided to try a 30 day trial of Vegan living.

Just as before I began my Vegetarian lifestyle, I have been doing a TON of research on the Vegan lifestyle. This includes learning about studies such as The China Study, listening to lectures by nutritionists, finding recipes that are well balanced, and discussing benefits and disadvantages to the diet itself. I want to be well informed and prepared before I jump into this.

My goal here is to feel healthier, lose some excess weight, and to blog/write about this journey daily.

My plan is to begin the first ten days of January with a full body cleanse. I am currently debating about either doing a fruit cleanse, which I have done in the past, or committing to the Master Cleanse- which is known to be an effective, yet challenging way to begin a lifestyle change and completely cleanse your body of toxins.

I will not be consuming alcohol, caffeine, or any substances during this cleanse, as it would thwart the cleansing process.

If you have any tips for Cleansing or beginning a Vegan diet, feel free to comment and help me out! Videos, tutorials and studies are all welcome!

Thank you and I hope you will follow me on my journey!

Weddings/Catered Events

One of the more challenging areas of being a vegetarian comes with large catered events. Whether it is a Formal Dinner, Prom, Weddings, or Family Get-Togethers, it seems that us Vegetarians are always getting the short end of the stick.

While Mr. Filet Mignon, over there is getting his $50.00 worth of food per pound, we are stuck with 5 mushroom raviolis, and a small side salad. Great!

At one event, while everyone received there food in a prompt and delicious fashion, I had to wait for an extra 20 minutes while they boiled a cup of pasta with marinara sauce. The pasta came out Cold and Not Completely Cooked!

But, hey, this post isn't about complaining- it's about preparing. Go in with a plan!

When I have an event like one of these coming up, I make sure to talk to whoever is planning it. I make sure they know that I am vegetarian and ask if they could please ask the chefs at the venue to be prepared for that fact. Tell them that just because you are vegetarian doesn't mean you Don't Eat. In fact, you love food and can't wait to try their delicious vegetarian meals! ( :) )

Now, if you don't have a fancy little card at your seat that says your name and "Vegetarian" when you get there, and they are serving snacks, pull a server aside and give them a little reminder. This will save you the trouble of being the last one being served at your table and everyone looking at you like... "Well? We're trying to be polite, but our food is getting cold! Can we eat???" (A-W-K-W-A-R-D)

This way, you're food should come out with everyone elses, nice and hot! Enjoy!

Festivals: Veggie Style

Have you ever been to a music festival?

I just got back from Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee, and let me tell you, not only was the music amazing- but the food?! Scrumptious.

Here are some of the food choices us Veggie-People had in store:

1.)Veggie Corn Dogs. That's right! You don't have to give up corn dogs! They are amazing!

2.)Garlic Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

3.) Falafel Salad or Sandwich

4.)Pad Thai

5.)Indian Vegetable Samosas

6.) Vegetable Fried Rice

7.)Stir Fry

8.) Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

9.) Quesadillas

10.)Burritos

That was just Some of the choices. Yeah, i had a blast. Who says being Vegetarian on Vacation is hard?

We also went to a few restaurants on the way down and back up. We stopped at this tiny Vegan restaurant in Chatanooga. I had myself a "Sloppy Joe," while my other 3 friends ( two of them non-veg) had vegan burgers and chicken patties. All were delicious.

On the way back home, we stopped in Knoxville at a restaurant called the Copper Cellar. I had myself a Portobello "steak" and cheese with grilled onions and peppers and a side of homemade, red mashed potatoes. Of course, we had an appetizer of spinach and artichoke dip and chips and the waitress was the sweetest thing down south. Lots of delicious veg. options!

The Restaurant World

When first venturing into the Vegetarian world, ordering from a restaurant menu might seem intimidating, but here are a few tricks to help you through your first few restaurant experiences:

First of all, do your research. If you have some time to plan where you are going to eat, go online to the restaurant's website and take a peek at their menu. Do they have a good amount of Veg options?

*Think smart- if you're friends want to go to a Steak House, there isn't going to be too much for you to choose from- maybe a different style of restaurant would be a better choice?

If you don't have time and it is a spur of the moment kind of restaurant adventure, there are a few tricks that will help make the experience more enjoyable.

1.) Think about modifications- don't just settle on what is on the food description of the menu. Think: If a salad you think you'd like has chicken on it, they probably don't need to add the chicken! Same goes for pasta dishes, and many other options.

2.) Look for veg items. Many restaurants have added delicious veggie options such as Portobello Burgers, Veggie Burgers, Black Bean Burgers, and Tofu dishes to give us something yummy to munch on.

3.) Consider Appitizers: Many apps are veg. friendly. Think: Mozz Sticks, Cheese Quesidillas, Fried Zucchini, Mac n' cheese, Tomato Soup, Broccoli Soup, Salads, and many more!

4.) Research the Vegetarian Restaurants in your area! I'm sure there are a few. Also consider that Indian Food, Chinese Food, Thai Food, and Italian Food Restaurants offer a Great Deal of Veg friendly food!

Also, many Fast Food joints around the US have been thinking Veg too!

Burger King offers a Veggie Burger on their menu- get it without cheese and its Vegan!

Taco Bell has many Veg options, such as bean burritos, tacos, enchilatas etc.

For a complete list of Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants around you, visit this link and start diving in tonight!

PS: If you're in the New Haven area and haven't tried Claires Corner Copia--- do it!

Eating Insects???

I saw this link today and thought it was really interesting! Now, I don't eat insects, nor do I know anyone who does- but I live in Connecticut, and I don't think it's one of the most popular things to do in my "culture."

I also don't feel entirely like eating insects is vegetarian- because insects -are- living things.

However, this video was interesting, nevertheless. He has a lot of good points about the benefits of eating insects instead of meat, and therefore, there is a lot of information about why eating meat might not be the best choice too. Plus, it's kind of funny, and he has a wonderful accent.

Would you eat insects???

Overcoming Negativity

When entering the veg-world four years ago, I was met with a lot of questions, put-downs, and even anger. My family and friends didn't understand my choice to not eat meat. They wanted reasons, facts, and sometimes, no amount of my knowledge would suffice to make them happy and understand.

Heres the big thing you need to realize from the start: Some People Just Won't Ever Get It.

...and that's okay. It's their choice to learn to understand or not.

You already know how to answer some of the questions they might throw at you.

Q: Why don't you eat meat?

A: Refer to one of my first posts. Environment, Animal Cruelty, World Hunger, or "Because I just don't like the taste of it."

Another good answer is: Why do YOU eat meat?

Q: "How will you ever get enough protein? Vegetarians are always sick because they don't get enough."

A: Beans, Legumes, Peanut butter, Tofu, Tempeh, TVP, Quorn, Boca, or Morningstar products (Research will give you even more options.)

Q: "Arn't you always hungry?"

A: No...

Q: "Do you just eat Salads???"

A: No- do you just eat DUCK?

Q: "What do you order when you go out to eat?"

A: "Lots of things..."

These are just some questions you will encounter. Many times, your grandparents at holidays will be your worst enemies. You know- the one who makes the famous meatballs, and needs you to take just ONE bite! Don't let them win- it's your choice and they need to respect that.

Types of Vegetarians

When transitioning into your new lifestyle it is good to know that not everything is so black and white. You may not be just Vegetarian or Not Vegetarian. There are varying levels to the lifestyle depending on how you choose to nourish your body. In this post I am going to touch on a few of the more popular routes.

Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian: If you are lacto-ovo that means you eat Eggs, Milk, and Dairy along with Vegetables. These vegetarians don't eat Red Meat, White Meat, or Fish. Most vegetarians are Lacto-Ovo.

Pescatarian: A Pescatarian is a Vegetarian who does not eat any Red Meat or White Meat, but will consume Fish. They may be a Lacto-ovo Pescatarian, or they may not consume dairy or eggs at all depending on what they prefer.

Vegan: Vegans are Vegetarians who do not eat White Meat, Red Meat, Fish, or any Animal Bi-Products. Animal bi-products means anything that comes from or is produced by an animal, such as milk, cheese, eggs, honey, etc.

Raw-Foodist: A raw-foodist is someone who does exactly what is says: eats raw food. Although there are a few raw-foodists who consume meat (raw meat), it is more typical for raw foodists to also be Vegan. Raw Foodists only eat food in the raw. If it is processed or cooked in some way, they usually will not consume it. Many raw foodists do not use Stoves, Microwaves etc, but some use Dehydraters to "cook" their food.

So now you know the difference between Vegetarians and Vegans, right? You'll get that question a lot. One thing that a lot of Vegetarians have to deal with, during this transition, are the questions from people around you. Your families and friends will certainly be interested in your lifestyle change; some will be opposed. Don't let their questioning bring you down- if you are well-informed, you might be able to teach them something new. So go out there and find those answers!

Mmmmmm! Food!

There are tons of easy and fun food options for beginning vegetarians that make the transition a lot easier to handle. Think simple. We don't JUST eat SALADS (although there are a lot of fun salads to make!)

Today, I am going to give you some tips for easy, on the go, out to eat, or day to day foods for the veggie-lover inside of you.

On-the-go (Quick meals/snacks)

-Grilled Cheese Sandwich: That's right, just grill a few pieces of bread with some cheese on a skillet and stick 'em together. Heat up a bowl of Tomato Soup on the side, and you're set!

*Wanna spruce up that grilled cheese? Slice a few tomato slices and add some baby spinach, a sprinkle of garlic powder and basil, and you have yourself an italian, melt-in-your-mouth grilled cheese!

-Mac n' cheese: Whether its from the box, or home made with fresh pasta and melted cheeses, its one of my favorites!

*Wanna spice it up? Add some bac'n bits (YES! They are vegetarian!) and black pepper, or get some Smartdogs, or Tofu Pups (vegetarian hot-dogs) slice them up and add them in for some extra protein!

Also think about:

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Cereal, Protein Bars/drinks, French Toast, Eggs, Toast, Pancakes, Morningstar veggie sausage links or patties, Tofu-scramble or Tofu-quiche, and Smoothies.

Lunch: Veggie Burgers and Veggie-dogs, Pizza, BLT sandwich with Morningstar 'Facon", and Salads ( spruce them up with your favorite cheeses, crutons, dressings and veggies or fruit!

Dinner: Veggie Stir-fry with tofu, snap peas, baby corn, carrots, broccoli, and rice or noodles, Tofu-loaf ( like meat loaf, but better!), Tacos, burritos, enchiladas or fajitas with rice and beans, and guacamole, Quorn chik'n patties or grilled chicken in any dish you please, and Pasta dishes galore!

Soon, I will be posting fun recipes that I enjoy making and, of course, eating! But for now, have fun and start experimenting with food!

First Steps ( Baby Steps!)

*As with Any Lifestyle Change, it is good to Research Research Research! There are many helpful sites on the web, books in the library, and friends on local forums who can help you become informed and knowledgeable in becoming a vegetarian.

The first steps to becoming vegetarian may depend on where you are in your life right now, and what kinds of food your body is used to. The key thing to remember is- Baby Steps. Don't feel like you have to go completely "Cold Turkey," because it may not be the most healthy way to go.

For instance, I was never a big "Red Meat" eater. (Cow, Pork products such as burgers, steaks, hams etc.) I would eat the occasional burger, hot dog, or ham during holidays, but would never cook them for myself. White meat was an easy source of protein for me. I ate Chicken, Turkey, and Fish pretty frequently, fish being the most common protein of my diet. I was also a High Sugar eater- which means, I like sweets! This is something to seriousssly consider before just jumping off to Veggie Land.

TIP--> You Must be Super Careful Balancing your Sugars and Proteins. Too much sugar Vs. Too little protein, and you're gonna feel dizzy, woozy, fainty and snoozy.

My best advice is to Take Things Slow. First, start eliminating Red Meats from your diet. These are the most Fatty of the meats anyway, so you'll also probably start shedding calories and pounds. Instead of a hamburger at the local restaurant, grab a veggie burger with sweet potatoe fries!

Once you've given yourself a few weeks to become comfortable with giving up Red Meats, start concentrating on giving up White Meats. This is one of the most difficult things for people switching to vegetarianism, simply because Chicken is so convenient and versatile to cook and eat.

But Guess what?? There are substitute Chicken products out there that look and taste like chicken, contain the same or more proteins and vitamins, are the same price or cheaper than the meat you buy, and are healthier for you! You can start transitioning these foods into your favorite chicken dishes, and also try Firm Tofu, TVP (textured vegetable protein) and Tempeh to add new proteins to your life!

This whole process of eliminating Red and White meats might take a month, considering how motivated you are. Its important to let your body get used to your new lifestyle, but its even more important to let your Mind get used to your new lifestyle. You have to start Thinking like a vegetarian to become a successful vegetarian. You'll have to start making choices, some of them not easy, and develop new mental and emotional strengths to overcome challenges. It might not be the easiest route, but after that first month, baby you've made it! Once you realize , Hey, I've gone a month without eating meat! You'll feel good about it, and soon, you'll hardly even think about it.

Why become vegetarian?

There are many reasons to say YES to a Vegetarian Lifestyle. Here is a small list to start you off:

1. You can lose weight! Have you been through every diet on the block? Becoming vegetarian might be the lifestyle change you need! Eating fresh vegetables, vegetable and soy protein, and including eggs and dairy, if you wish, can help boost immune system levels, provide your body with the nutrients it needs, and eliminate the extra fats and sugars your body can do without! Plus, it's super heart-healthy!

2.It is Environmentally Friendly! Thousands of miles of rainforrest are cut down each year because of cattle-raising for beef. Cattle farms produce so much waste, as in excrement, that it permanently damages the ground and runs into the water systems, polluting the land and water alike. Once the land is destroyed, more rainforrest needs to be cut to supply more land for the cattle. Land provided for vegetable growth can be used over and over, and does not pollute the air, land, and water.

3. Because of #2, we could End World Hunger.

4. Animals have feelings too! Maybe you have a pet cat, dog, fish, or reptile. Do you love them? Do you think they love you? Of course they do. Animals have feelings, and if you really think about it, so do Cows, Chickens, Pigs, and all animals. Sure, they might not have the same mental capacities that humans do, but no one wants to die. You can help animals live happy and healthy lives, and eat veggies instead!

5. It's fun! You will be opened up to a new and exciting lifestyle. Cooking will be more fun, you can try foods you never thought about before, and share your knowledge with others!

So how do you get started? Well, that's the next step. For now, just think about these five reasons, and really consider how awesome your life can be , helping yourself and others!

Welcome!

Have you ever thought about becoming a vegetarian? Do you think it might be hard? In this blog I will give you daily tips to help you learn about a vegetarian lifestyle that you might want to incorporate into your life. Here you will find delicious recipes, tips for transitioning to a veg. lifestyle, and reasons why being veg can help you and others!