12 Tips For Leaning Into a Plant-Based Diet Successfully!

1. Start by making vegan version of you favorite meals (tacos, spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, burgers, wraps, sandwiches etc)

2. Shop for a few staples to have around the house such as a few cans of black beans, garbanzo beans, canned tomato, rice or almond milk, seasonings, etc.

3. Try new recipes that you feel comfortable with

4. Lean into trying new foods and taking food out.

5. "Crowd out" bad habbits with healthy new habits. (ex. if you love ice cream and want to eat it every day, get lots of fresh fruits and juices and make homemade popcicles from 100% fruit) 

6. Dont throw in the towel if you struggle or dont so things perfectly.  This is your own journey.

7. Do your research!  The more research you get your hands on, the more committed you will be to your decision.  

8.  Don't tell yourself that you "can't" have certain things, but rather that you "choose not to" for your own personal health, for animal rights, for the environment, or for the world's poor (whichever fits you best).

9. Pay attention to how you feel and the health benefits you are encountering.

10.  Eat balanced meals and be nutrient concious!  When making meals, make sure you have good sources of calcium (green veggies have it too) and protein, and fat etc.... Vegan diets CAN be completely unhealthy if you limit yourself to only eating cheap vegan junk food<-- that type of eating will not reap the amazing health benefits that a true balanced plant-based diet will.  

11.  Plan meals ahead of time.  If you are in a crunch, thats when it becomes difficult to avoid animal products because you are rushed and hungry.  Not planning ahead it also a sure tell way of assuring that you dont eat healthy.

12.  Keep veggies and fruits readily available and pre-cut in the fridge so that they are just within an arms reach when you are snacking.  

The Pledge

The Pledge 

I promise to protect you,

and save you from harm,

to help you escape,

from the factory farm.

Though I may not move mountains,

I can move my hand,

to choose compassion,

instead of farm land.

I'm sorry its taken,

 so many years,

for me to awake,

 to all of your tears.

I'm now here to help you,

to save what i can,

from the evil farmer,

and the mistreating hand.

My choices reflect,

your life in my heart,

while i shop i will place,

plant based foods in my cart.  

I pray my example,

will start an effect,

so that many more people, 

will pledge to protect.

If not for your safety,

how about for their health,

or the health of the plant,

or the child without.

In so many ways,

plant based reigns supreme,

in saving the earthings,

and human beings.  

Whats The Difference?

Be Not Afraid

Sometimes it can be difficult to be vegan in a non-vegan world.  Some people may not know what being vegan is, some may have misconceptions about veganism, and some may blatantly insult your personal choice to be vegan.  It can be difficult not to feel embarrased or ashamed of your decision to be vegan.  Over the course of the last few months, there have been moments when I have felt like a complete inconvenience to those who are serving me because of my "special diet".  I have received ill looks and judgmental stares from family, friends, and restaurant staff for making special requests in the preparation of my food.  These are the moments when it can be difficult not to just "throw in the towel" and conform to societies wishes.  

I've had a lot of time to think about this issue over the last couple weeks and have come to one realization: Compassion is nothing to be ashamed of.  I am fully convinced that being vegan is the right choice for myself, the planet, my fellow humans, and for animals. Often times, the right choice is not the easiest.  Being an anti-conformist isn't necessarily a bad thing either. If you look in history at some of our greatest heroes, they were all anti-conformist who valued what was right over what was easy.  Take, for instance, Jesus, or Martin Luther King Jr., or Rosa Parks, or Mother Theresa... each of these individuals believed passionately in their own intentions and did not conform to what society urged they conform to.  Those individuals were frowned up, hated, and imprisoned for their commitment to follow their moral codes.  

Is conforming to societies standards staying true to my morals about animal cruelty? no.  Is conforming to society educating others on the harmful effects of factory farming and animal protein on our health? no.  Is conforming to society benefiting the helpless victims of slaughterhouse cruelty? no.  Is conforming to society helping solve global hunger and climate change? no.  While conforming to society may alleviate a  moment of discomfort, its effects can be disastrous and harmful in a variety of different ways.  The truth about the benefits of being vegan are being shut out of society because of the blinders that have been placed on our eyes since the day we were born.  The government's insistence that milk and animal protein is necessary for human development and health is a long standing myth that will take many many years to tear down. Conforming to society means dropping my health, my ethics, and my morals only to continue hurting our planet and its earthlings... is that something I'm willing to accept? no.  

Holding the key to wellness, health, compassion, and environmentalism in my hands can be a bit overwhelming at times... especially as I stand alone in hope that others will see the benefits being vegan has brought upon my life.  I feel that this knowledge is an absolute gift that I wish to share with the world.  As vegans, it is our duty to share the knowledge we have been given about the benefits of being vegan.  If we selfishly keep this knowledge to ourselves, we are making our efforts in vain and allowing a corrupt system to continue destroying our planet and its beings.  I am by no means suggesting that vegans go about preaching and judging people, but that we open ourselves up to fruitful conversations with people about our lifestyle choices and that we take a position of compassion and education rather than judgement and criticism.  Being vegan isn't about being perfect or making perfect choices, its about conscious living and living compassionately and avoiding harm to the earth or its beings.  

THIS JUST IN: Gary Yourofsky

Looking back a few months, I remember the kick in the butt I got when I learned about the conditions of the animals we raised for our consumption in slaughter houses, milk production companies, animal skin productions, and all methods that affect the well being of animals.  I was absolutely and utterly shocked and disgusted at how we treat our fellow beings. I was also shocked by the inconsistencies in what we "claim" is the reason why we NEED animal protein and animal milk.  What is going on in slaughter houses in NOT ok and it's certainly NOT normal.  I dont believe that many animals would die if we were forced to slaughter our own meat. Unfortunately, our society has allowed up to be totally separated from the origin of the food we eat and the items we own.  This has set up the perfect condition under which to utilize more "effective" and efficient methods of slaughter to make more profit, most of which harm both us (humans) and the animals alike.  The animals are artificially inseminated, injected with antibiotics and growth hormones, diseased from the small living spaces they are forced to inhabit, fed food that is not familiar to their digestive system such as animal protein and corn, and much more.  If the lack of anesthetics and medical care for our cattle during the process of slaughter  isnt enough to make you vegan, consider the health benefits.  1 in 3 meat eaters in our society dies of heart disease such as heart attack or stroke due to clogged arteries because of the high level of trans fatty acids found in animal protein.  A vegan will not have to worry about trans fatty acids because trans fatty acids are not found in plant based foods, only animal protein.  And why is it that there are more incidents of osteoporosis in developed nations that consume the most milk, cheese, and other dairy products?  Doesn't our government tell us that we need milk to have strong bones? We do NEED calcium, but we DONT need milk.  On the contrary, the calcium in milk is actually more harmful to us than anything because consuming animal protein, which is present in milk (8g per glass) makes the blood more acidic. The good news is that the body can return the blood pH to its original state, the bad news is that our bones must sacrifice the phosphate in our bones to do so.  Hence, making them frail, brittle, and easy to crack (osteoporosis).  The 5 countries with the highest levels of dairy consumption also have the highest level of incidence of osteoporosis. Does anyone else find this odd?  Got milk? 

When we consume animal protein we are consuming everything that is injected into that animal including antibiotics and growth hormones.  Don't for a second believe that the animal you are consuming doesn't contain any growth hormones or antibiotics.  In a field that is so highly driven by profit, the meat industry cannot afford to have slow growing chickens (beef, pork,etc) or even average growing animals... no, no, no it must inject them with growth hormones that will make the animal grow considerably larger and faster than it would have originally done, and in less time.  Every time we consume meat, we are, in turn, consuming those hormones as well.  And how about the antibiotics.  Imagine that there was a natural disaster and we were all forced to live inside of our local elementary school without the option to leave.  Lets pretend that the city population is 8,000.  When the disaster struck, all 8,000 people needed to cram into the local school and live there until all was clear.  If one person of those 8,000 was sick, just imagine how quickly that illness would spread.  People are shoulder to shoulder.  In order to stop the spread of the disease, all people needed to be vaccinated for that disease.  The same would go for every possible of spreading from there on out.  Animal living conditions are absolutely horrendous as they are crammed into tiny living spaces with no room to spread out.  Infection and disease spread like wildfire.  Animals are vaccinated for all sorts of diseases, not for their own well being, but for the well being of the profitability of the company.  The vaccinations are necessary because of the living conditions of the animals, not because animals are inherently sick.  Chickens are debeaked so that they cannot peck at eat other in the small living spaces.  The growth hormones injected into their bodies make them gain weight at a rate faster than their bones can hold and their legs will collapse beneath their own weight.  

None of this is natural.  Its not humane. And its not acceptable.  

In the midst of my frustration, I looked up a video by Gary Yourkfsky.  This is such a compelling video from a passionate vegan.  He emphasizes the importance of both compassion and action.  If you only listen to one vegan speaker in your life, listen to him.  It will move you and change your perspective.  

Some Compelling Statistics

1) It takes 2,500 gallons of water, 12 pounds of grain, 35 pounds of topsoil and the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline to produce one pound of feedlot beef.

2) 70% of US grain production is fed to livestock.

3) 5 million acres of rain-forest are felled every year in South and Central America alone to create cattle pasture.

4) Roughly 20% of all currently threatened and endangered species in the US are harmed by livestock grazing.

5) Animal agriculture is a chief contributor to water pollution.

6) America's farm animals produce 10 times the waste produced by the human population.

7) One half of the Earth's land mass is grazed by livestock.

8) Overgrazing is by far the most pervasive cause of desertification.

9) 35 pounds of topsoil are lost in the production of one pound of grain-fed beef.

10) 64% of US cropland produces livestock feed.

11) Only 2% of US cropland produces fruits and vegetables.

12) Pounds of edible product that can be produced on an acre of prime land: 
Apples........20,000
Carrots.......30,000
Potatoes......40,000
Tomatoes.....50,000
Beef...........250

13) The number of gallons of water needed to produce one pound pf edible product:
Apples........49
Carrots.......33
Potatoes......24
Tomatoes.....23
Beef...........2,500

14) 5 million acres of rain-forest are felled every year in South and Central America to create cattle pasture.

15) Cattle ranching has destroyed more Central American rain-forest than any other activity.

16) Factory farms are the biggest contributors to polluted rivers and streams in the U.S.

17) More soot is emitted from the grills in Los Angeles fast food restaurants than all the city buses.

18) Nearly half of all the fish sampled by Consumers Union was contaminated with bacteria from human or animal feces.

Some Quality Vegan Eats!

I wanted to take a minute today to post some good vegan treats! It can be difficult to try new things sometimes for fear that they may not compare to your childhood comfort foods and  they they may taste "fake".  Quite frankly, vegan alternatives are often a hit or miss type thing.... either you love em' or you hate em' .  I have included a list of vegan comfort food and imitations that I seriously enjoy.  Let it be known, I am very difficult to please when it comes to vegan substitutions of comfort foods because I ate meat for so long and became highly acclimated to the taste of "meat" .  So here it goes, a list of highly recommended vegan comfort food products for the new and the cultured vegan.  These foods are perfect for cookouts, desserts, and comfort food meals!  They are products that vegans and non-vegans, alike, will enjoy.  These products are not put in any specific order. 

1. Smart Dogs: These "hot dogs" taste just like regular hot dogs!  I thought nothing would replace my love for Morning Star hot dogs when I became vegan and could no longer eat them, but I was terribly wrong and knew it very clearly the SECOND I tasted these delicious dogs! So anyway, I highly recommend  these amazing lil' links! 

2. Field Roast Sausages: I absolutely love these sausages when I am craving a brat with sauerkraut, versus a hot dog with ketchup and mustard.  They are full of flavor and are very similar to the taste and texture of sausages and brats.   

 3. Dominex Eggplant Cutlets: Sweet precious Mary these puppies are good!  I cook them in the oven for about 17 minutes and they are baked to crispy perfection!  They are simply amazing and great in a sandwich or eaten plain.  They have a wonderful flavor!  I ate them plain with marinara dipping sauce served with whole wheat noodles and veggies!  They are delicious!  

 4. Yves Deli Bologna: I never really liked regular bologna, but I have always been a HUGE sandwich fan.  Turkey sandwiches were my favorite lunchtime meal.  Lucky for me, it still can be! I pair Yves Deli bologna with whole wheat toast, nasoya mayonnaise, lettuce, onions, mustard, and tomato. Ahhh yes! This is delicious!  Praise the Lord, I am not stuck eating peanut butter and jelly all the time after all!  YAY!

5. Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers: These things should be famous! They are so absolutely breathtakingly delicious!  The company motto is "Made with ingredients you know".  All of the ingredients in these delicious burgers can be found in your local grocery store.  They are amazing either broiled or grilled!  2 thumbs up for these lovely burgers!

6. Rice Dream Chocolate Nut Bar: Never crave another DQ buster bar again with these delicious little nutty ice cream bars!  They are fabulous!  Wonderful chocolate coating with nutty goodness filled with vanilla rice ice cream.  Yep. Wonderfulness! 

 7. Rice Dream Mink Pie: Craving mint chocolate chip ice cream? This is a nice treat to crave that little craving!  The best part is that its portable and covered in chocolate! Could you get any better than that?!?!

 8. Coconut Bliss: The use of the term "bliss" in the title of this product is absolutely accurate. Every bite of this delicious ice cream is better than the last.  This is BY FAR my favorite began ice cream to date.  I also enjoy the cookie dough coconut bliss.  I'm sure the other flavors are wonderful as well, I just haven't had the pleasure of trying them yet.  Yep, if you are looking for an ice cream that tastes remarkably similar to regular ice cream and has a ton of delicious flavor, look no further than the nearest coconut bliss.  They also have chocolate bars (frozen) that I've heard wonderful things about but haven't tried myself.  

 9. Daiya Cheese: Ah yes, Daiya Cheese... I could sing songs about this product.  I love the mozzarella shreds!  They make a wonderful pizza and an even BETTER mac and cheese.  (look up macaroni and cheese by the Vegan Zombie) fajkfgjksdkgjsk<--- words cannot describe the level of deliciousness of the use of Daiya in macaroni and cheese.  I need to try more recipes with Daiya cheese shreds, but I've been altogether pleased with it thus far.  If you try any recipes using Daiya that you would like to share or that worked out well, feel free to comment or post the recipe!  Another good product made by Daiya is the Daiya cheese wedges!  I LOVE the havarti style wedges on my Yves Deli Style Bologna sandwiches!  yum yum yum!

10. Nasoya Mayonnaise: This stuff is GREAT! wonderful absolutely wonderful! Amazing invention! Nasoya tastes similar to Miracle Whip. I've made a wonderful potato salad (which no one knew was vegan) and put this wonderfulness on my sandwiches.  Yep! 5 stars here! 

I am by no means suggesting that one sustain a vegan lifestyle by eating all sorts of "mock" meats, cheeses, desserts, and other comfort foods... It is essential that a healthful vegan diet consist of a majority of whole foods, but the occasional comfort food to subside cravings for childhood comfort foods is totally okay!  I think its extremely important to show that there are plenty of vegan "non-meat" and cruelty free alternatives out there that are delicious and even comparable to our family favorites.  These foods can help to bridge the gap that makes people believe that vegan food is tasteless, bland, and disgusting (because its not!).  There are plenty of vegan alternatives of our favorite foods without sacrificing the dignity of creation.  Hope you found this post helpful!