Veganism allows us to experience improved health, void of the ill-effects of eating meat and meat by-products. Since we have made such an important commitment to improve our health and wellbeing, we must be vigilant to align ourselves with practices that will safeguard our health from serious illnesses that befall vegans and non vegans alike. One such practice is to eliminate refined foods from our diet; inclusive of refined sugars, grains and oils.

Refined Sugars are Dangerous

Because refined sugars have no nutrients, in the process of their digestion, they use up the minerals and vitamins in our bodies. One of the biggest problems this causes is calcium and magnesium deficiencies and their resultant bone problems. Also, the unnatural passage of refined sugars into our bloodstream is too quick, which throws off our insulin production and blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia and or diabetics can be the result. Refined sugars also suppress our immune systems, increase our cholesterol, and upset our digestive systems due to the acidic environment they proliferate.

“Because refined sugar is devoid of minerals, vitamins, fiber and has such a deteriorating effect on the endocrine system, major researchers and major health organizations (American Dietetic Association and American Diabetic Association) agree that sugar consumption in America is one of the three major causes of degenerative diseases.”Healing Daily

The fact that we are vegans is not going to change this reality.

We can, however, enhance our veganism and better secure our health by addressing our sugar cravings and our consumption of sweets. The blood sugar imbalance caused by refined sugars, is part of what causes our sugar cravings. Consuming unrefined sugars and more healthy alternative sweeteners will help in this regard. Inadequate protein in our diet also causes a desire for more sugary foods, because protein metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism directly regulate one another. So, likewise, eating too much refined sugar will cause a desire for more concentrated protein; such as meat. It is a vicious cycle. Complex carbohydrates such as fresh vegetables, whole grains and legumes are foods that provide balanced amounts of carbohydrate and protein nutrients.
(- Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford)

So many convenience items we purchase, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, salad dressing, cereals, fruit drinks, soft drinks and more, can have added sugar in them. It is important to avoid these additions by purchasing items without the added sugar (or harmful artificial sweeteners) or even by producing our own fresh versions of them. Some less harmful sweeteners are barley malt, brown rice syrup and maple syrup. The most nutritious sweeteners are Stevia and Xylitol.

“Even though Xylitol is derived from fruits and vegetables, it is not the same as fructose. Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar, which means that it is anti-microbial (prevents the growth of bacteria), whereas all the other forms of sugar (sucrose and fructose) are six-carbon sugars, which cause bacterial and fungi overgrowth.” Natural News

Stevia is a plant; a whole food. “…stevia actually suppresses dental bacteria growth rather than feeding it as sugars do. Other studies have shown a beneficial relationship between stevia and the regulation of blood sugar levels…Japanese and Latin American scientists have discovered other attributes of stevia including tonic, diuretic properties; stevia also treats mental and physical fatigue, harmonizes digestion, regulates blood pressure, and assists weight loss.” (Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford)

Stevia powder can sometimes have an herbal after taste, which can be remedied by using it along with xylitol.

Dangers of Refined Grains

The ill-effects of consuming refined grains are closely related to those of refined sugars. Refined grains have been stripped of the parts that provide their nutrients; namely their germ and bran. What is left is pure starch, which converts to simple sugar and enters the bloodstream like refined sugar and causes the same ill effects. The nutrition-less starch does not move through the intestines very easily either. Whole grains are complex carbohydrates with natural sweetness and they provide great nutrition; protein, B vitamins, Vitamin C, bioflavanoids, essential minerals and fiber. It is the fiber of foods; the grain’s bran, the fruit’s peeling and the fruit juice’s pulp, that slow down the sugar release into the bloodstream.

Beware of Refined Oils

Refined oils, such as commercial soybean, safflower and corn oils are so devastating to our health. They are over processed with heat and chemicals that remove their natural nutrients and cause oxidation, which makes them become rancid and full of free radicals. By becoming vegans, we want to distance ourselves from cancer and other degenerative diseases caused by free radicals. The refining process of oils also uses cancer causing materials such as the metal nickel, and petroleum-based solvents. The result of continued refined oil consumption is rampant inflammations throughout the body, cancer and heart disease. Heat processes from 320 degrees Fahrenheit and above, transform beneficial fatty acids in oils, into synthetic trans-fats that raise cholesterol levels in the arteries.

Replacing these oils with cold-pressed unrefined oils adds years onto our lives. They are excellent sources of essential fatty acids. (Oils from Olive, Sesame, Sunflower, Safflower, Almond, Avocado, Flax, Chia seed, Pumpkin seed) Fatty acids, (Omega 3 and Omega 6) influence so many aspects of the body’s functions. We need them for healthy skin and hair, for a strong immune system; specifically the thyroid and adrenal functions, for healthy blood, nerves and arteries and to break down cholesterol in the body. Including high quality fatty acids into our diets is one of the best things we can do to boost our health. For those who are suffering from the ill effects of too much saturated fat in the diet, and the resultant high levels of cholesterol, Omega 3 fatty acids actually work to eliminate these fats and cholesterol from your body.

Replacing refined sugars, grains and oils with more nutritious, unrefined versions, truly enhances our vegan quest for improved health and longevity. They not only increase our nutrient intake, but they also help to correct the damage done during our meat-eating years. Let us be encouraged to begin now to implement these healthy practices into our happy, vegan existence.

“If it were not so blindly accepted as a part of our customs and traditions, how could any sensitive person accept the thought that in order to feed ourselves we should kill such a huge number of animals, in spite of the fact that our earth gives us so many different treasures from plants” — unknown

a picture of my brother eating raw vegan pizza -- Raw Soul Restaurant, New York City

I’ve been a vegan since August 2004 and still going strong. Over the years, I’ve gotten into arguments, heated debates, fights, disputes, you name it, over my right to be a vegan. However, I have since calmed down the fighting and have chosen to respond very simply as to why I don’t eat animals:

“Because the same life force that I feel within me, I also feel in animals. The same energy of love and power that’s in me, I also acknowledge in animals. Animals are my friends and I love them. I don’t want to eat my friends.”

Sure, like in my past, I could go on and on and on… about the myriad health reasons that undeniably state why eating flesh is horrible for your health — and from time to time, given the appropriate situation — I still do. But over the years as my mind, body, and spirit has evolved and elevated by living this sort of Way, I’ve become more peaceful about speaking of my decision to become a vegan.

But detractors still abound and are on the hunt for a good argument or joke to refute or embarrass any vegan they spot. It’s something that we vegans will have to deal with for a lifetime. And you know what? That’s okay. It’s okay for people to wonder, question, and dig deep into the reasoning of why someone chooses not to eat animals. But it’s NOT okay for someone to tell someone else that they have no right to be a vegan, and that meat is the ONLY way to go.

These sort of attacks have scared would-be vegans into scarfing down hamburgers to “fit in” — people going against their inner voice. They have tricked people into thinking that if they don’t eat meat then they’ll become sick and die. They have made many a people feel embarrassed and uncertain of their choice to become a vegan.

But let me tell you something, my fellow vegans: You have all the right in the world not to eat animals. This is your Way of living and eating. You made this decision because your spirit spoke to you and let you know that it was the right course for you. You NEVER have to feel embarrassed about not eating animals no matter how much heat you get from your “friends,” family, teachers, preachers, etc.. Whoever. What you are doing is right for YOU and only YOU know what’s right for you — nobody else.

So be proud of your decision. Speak peacefully to those who truly want to learn about your decision. Remain in silence to those who attack you, make fun of you, and try to defeat your character. Those people are only reflecting their inadequacies within and their attack really has NOTHING to do with you at all. Remain steadfast and strong in your decision to preserve life and respect your body.

The time will come when we as a generation realize the wrong we have committed by taking life. In the meanwhile, those that need guidance will look to you. Teach, don’t preach. Tell them your story. Talk about your transformation. Speak of the power and energy and clarity you received when you started to live this Way.

The STORY — your story — is the greatest work of activism you can practice. The story of person who made the decision not to eat animals, live in harmony with all living creatures, and continues to spread love throughout the world.

What’s your story?

When I dove head first into the wondrous world of veganism (on June 13th, 2005 – I’ll never forget it!), I thought I’d never eat anything palatable again. I climbed the volcanic mountain of morality and tossed my taste buds into the bubbling lava, considering this ultimate sacrifice as a necessary right of passage in my journey to becoming Completely Vegan Ashley. After having seen the horrors of the meat, egg and dairy industry, I didn’t care if I died clasping a half–eaten carrot in one hand and an iceberg lettuce leaf in the other – at least I’d die knowing none of what I saw in those videos was my fault. Oh, new little vegan me!

Whenever someone tells me that they have decided to go vegan, the second thing I share after congratulating them on making such a selfless lifestyle decision is that going vegan doesn’t mean giving up all the foods that you loved PV (“pre-vegan”, of course)! If there’s one thing I wish I could tell my wide-eyed self on that first day of my life in the vegan light it would be that I could eat whatever I wanted, not that I was giving up taste all together by adopting a compassionate lifestyle.

tempeh bacon, lettuce & tomato

This week I felt like an apple pie, so I looked up the best recipe online, subbed the non-vegan ingredients for vegan ones (veggie shortening and Earth Balance vegan butter) and the result? Ahhhhhh-mazing! I also had fun veganizing a completely and utterly not vegan recipe I found while perusing blogs about frugal living.

Vegan apple pie

The result, which I’ve named the Marlboro Man’ Vegan Brothers’ Favorite Sandwich (a play on the not vegan version’s title), is a sandwich that would fool any self appointed carni. I can see it now: donning a florescent orange trucker hat, sandwich sauce dripping all over his camo shirt, in true caveman fashion exclaiming, “Me man! Me eat meat!” It should be noted though that said sandwich should come with a disclaimer – vegan doesn’t necessarily mean healthy! While free of hormones, trans fats, poly saturated fats and cholesterol, my MMVBFS isn’t for those who are afraid to cook with a little, no, a lot of vegan butter! Think “Two Fat Ladies… Go Vegan!”

marlboro man's vegan brother's favorite sandwich

The key to tapping into the limitless vegan menu is tossing out any preconceived misconceptions about vegan “rabbit” food and just following your heart and hunger! Want a Whooper? Find a bangin’ vegan burger recipe and flame broiler away, friend. Don’t forget the Tofutti cheese slice and Veganiase. And for the love of all things holy, do not let the nastiness of a Boca Burger find it’s way to your plate. They taste like cardboard – get you some Life Lite Vegan Ground “beef”, garlic powder and vegan Worchestshire sauce and your in business! Want some Popeye’s Red Beans and butter biscuits? Find a copycat recipe online and switch things up a bit. When I sped past a Popeye’s on my moped one day after class, my nostrils filled with that nasty yet familiar fast food smell, I went home, busted out the beans and a bottle of Liquid Smoke and voila. Vegan Popeye’s. The possibilities are endless!

So next time, when a none-the-wiser omni inquired about your daily menu, just remember that you most likely wondered the same thing and tell them the flat out truth: “I eat whatever you do. I just do it a little different!”

hearts of processed meat - yum...

I recently read a woman’s magazine article about “mixed relationships” and ways for a couple to stay together even if they have seemingly irreconcilable differences. The writer interviewed a vegetarian woman and her meat-eating husband and asked them how they managed to get along even though they had different fundamental beliefs. The couple gave some simple tips about not nagging one another, preaching, making demands, or flaunting your food choices in your partner’s face.

They found “common ground” on certain foods and mostly ate vegetarian meals together at home. Their suggestions were reasonable enough and may work well for many couples, but I wasn’t quite convinced. It may be a bit easier for someone who’s vegan for health reasons to overlook a partner’s “indiscretions,” but how can an ethical vegan stay with someone if they don’t condone or respect their choices?

Imagine the introductions: “Mom, this is Rob. He’s a kind, compassionate man—oh, except that he ate a chicken’s leg for lunch and he really doesn’t care if his food has a face or not.”

“Within A Week With Me You’ll Be Eating Chicken”…Not

I met a seemingly nice guy in the book buyback line at my college once. A few nights later, we were sitting in a movie theater making small talk when out of the blue he said, matter-of-factly, “Within a week with me, you’ll be eating chicken.” He said it without malice or even outright arrogance, so it didn’t really dawn on me what he had said until later. In retrospect, I wish I had walked out of the theater, but I was nervous, and a relatively new vegan, so I suppose that’s why it didn’t infuriate me immediately. (We weren’t going to have a second date regardless of his comment, so I suppose there’s no point dwelling on it anyway.)

But what if your potential partner doesn’t try to convert you? How could you not try to convert him or her? There’s a big difference between shoving a steak in someone’s face and just wanting your boyfriend or girlfriend to eat ethically. It’s not about being judgmental, but it is a judgment call. If your partner’s values conflict with your own, can you ever truly get along? You may not fight, but wouldn’t it cause you heartache every time he or she bit into a cheeseburger or an egg McMuffin?

You can “separate” the kitchen so you have your own “veggie shelves” but maybe that just makes your differences more glaringly obvious? You can avoid the issue and focus on his or her good qualities, but eventually you may notice the elephant in the room.

Finding Mr. or Ms. Right Vegan

The thing is though, unless you’re at a vegan gathering or a popular vegan hangout, there’s a good chance that the cute, smart, and funny guy or gal you’ve got your eye on is not a vegan. Does that mean that he or she is not really worth pursuing? Upon meeting someone for the first time, should we inquire if they’re vegan or not, and reject the possibility of a relationship if not? Or should we just cross our fingers and hope that our love interests will pick up kinder, healthier habits because of our influence? That’s a good possibility, of course, but it’s never wise to enter into a relationship thinking you can change your partner.

What if “the one” for you is not a vegan? Does that mean that he or she is not really “the one” for you? Than where does that leave you? Maybe joining a local vegetarian group and going to vegetarian meetings and conferences, or possibly on VegConnect, Vegetarian Passions, or one of the many other vegetarian personal ad sites. (Whether they’re safe or worthwhile or not is up to you decide.) But that’s still no guarantee that you will you meet “the one” for you.

The point is that I don’t think co-existing with a meat-eating partner is as cut and dry as the article made it seem, and I also don’t think it’s so simple to reject all non-vegans. Compromise and tolerance are part of any relationship, but ethical principles are a major part of many vegans’ lives. The trick is getting them all to mesh.

New to this story? — Catch up with part 1 | part 2

The school semester of Winter 2004 was officially over and it was now nearing the end of the summer. Up to that point, I was a full-blown vegetarian consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereal, and only one dairy product – cheese.

Since becoming a vegetarian that February, I had been deeply studying the art and way of life of vegetarianism. What started out as a health improvement began to grow into some more – a bigger idea.

I started visiting peta.com and learn how animals were being savagely slaughtered and abused. I saw videos of men slicing the throats of hanging pigs, men using baseball bats to smash the skulls of animals while having “fun” and listening to rock and roll music, and I saw baby chickens having their beaks severed without any anesthesia.

It made me sick to my stomach to see how cruelly these animals were being treated when all they wanted to do was live a full and happy life just like what we humans strive to do.

I began to think about my decision to become a vegetarian and started to see that I was not only still polluting my body by eating dairy, but contributing to the pain and torture of the animals that were being manufactured for their milk.

So in August of 2004 I had my last slice of pizza and became a vegan. There was absolutely no dairy in my diet after that point (besides the times when consumed inadvertently…but that’ll make for another future a post).

I felt so much better from that point on and that is when I really began to feel the physiological and mental changes occur throughout my body. That was the tipping point that my body needed to reach a new level of health.

• I had more energy. I was no longer taking several naps per day. I was able to sleep less and still have more energy.
• I began to think clearer. My creativity levels shot through the roof and I began working harder, more efficient, and more organized.
• My memory noticeably increased. I always had a great memory, but since becoming vegetarian/vegan, it began to expand and become stronger.
• The loss of fat and unnecessary bulky muscle made me more flexible, feel more energetic in my muscles, and actually increased my stamina and endurance. Now that my blood vessels weren’t clogged with fat, I naturally felt better.
• My skin became very clear and shinny. I noticed that – as weird as this sounds – there was a certain glow to my skin, as if I took a special shower or something.
• My immune system vastly improved. I was getting sick about 2-3 times per year (which isn’t bad) before I became vegan. But after becoming vegan, I got sick only once every 18 months, max. And it was usually in the form of a bad cold that cleared up in a few days.

There are many more changes that took place in my body, so many that I could go on and on, but I’ll save them for another post.

So there you have it – my story of how I became a vegan from being a 220-pound body builder who was eating 8 servings of meat per day for years. I never thought that I could do it, but in a matter of months I made the transition to a better way of eating and living. A new way of life that will have an everlasting impact not only on my health, but the world. You can do it, too. When you’re ready.

He’s a video of me and my younger brother discussing our food choices and way of living:

I found the road to Vegetarianism through the guidance of two good friends. It all began on one profound night. Winter break of 2004, I invited my good friend David over to my family’s house to hang out. We were both in college and only occasionally had the chance to see each other. When he arrived at the door, I was a little surprised to see his brother, Danny accompanied with him. Danny and I, at the time had lost touch for a while. I greeted them both and was excited to catch up with both of them.

We sat down on the couches and shared what was new in our lives. As it turned out, a lot was. I was astonished to hear that Danny was now a vegan and David was on the brink of becoming a vegetarian. To be honest, I had no idea what a vegan was at the time. This couldn’t be true, I thought to myself. It had to be a joke they were pulling on me. I remember vividly in the past pulling pranks like this with one and other. They assured me that this was real and no funny business.

My immediate response to this was, “why?!” All three of us were avid McDonald’s eaters as children. What had possessed them to change their way of thinking?

I found out that knowledge was the key to this riddle. As they explained their reasoning, I was bombarded with information, or in other words TRUTH. I didn’t know how to feel. My emotions seemed to have been confused. I was feeling disbelief, foolish, anger, but overall gratitude. I was so happy to have these two as friends. Before the night ended, David and Danny recommended informational resources to me. They wanted me to see for myself.

I was still a little skeptical on becoming a vegetarian. I never thought that I could give up meat. I took their advice and did my own research. The Food Revolution, by John Robbins was an incredible book. It presented numerous benefits of a vegetarian and vegan diet. I also remember visiting the PETA website and watching the “Free Me” video. This video exposes the truth on many slaughter houses. After experiencing all of this, it was only a matter of time.

The transition from an avid meat eater to a compassionate vegetarian was not long. After building with David and Danny it was easy for me to give up red meat. As I gained more and more knowledge, I quickly abstained from any animal flesh in my diet.

The results have been amazing. The benefits you gain are life changing. I feel better about myself. I think clearer. I gained more energy. But there is one thing I did lose….WEIGHT! I was never morbidly obese, though I was a little chubby.

People were confused about my whole change of lifestyle. A few of my friends thought that I was crazy. I don’t see myself as crazy though. I’m sure they won’t either later in life, when the consequences for their diet become more prevalent. Some people are so conditioned to a way of life; it’s unfathomable to comprehend why someone would change their lifestyle. I say to them now, Do the Knowledge and Seek the Truth!

-Peace-
Stephan

If you just started this series, catch-up with part 1

So as I stated in part one of the series, my fraternity brothers were quite confused as to why I weighed only 180 pounds that weekend while visiting University of Hartford. They said things like: “dude, you look a bit smaller. What’s going on, man?”

At the time, I brushed it off and said something like “I was trimming down.” But in reality, I really wasn’t. That weekend, I remember taking a piece of calamari (fried squid) from my brother’s food basket – while at the bar — and that was the last time that I would eat a piece of flesh.

I remember telling myself: “This is the last time I’ll eat meat. Wow.” And it was the last time that I ever ate meat. From that point on, I would begin my journey as a vegetarian; but more than just a “vegetarian,” someone who would forever be health conscious and thoughtful of my body and what I consume. My entire thought process changed.

After the weekend was up and I returned home to my school, Pace University, NY; I, again, faced the firing squad as my local fraternity brothers continued to question my sudden wait loss.

Most of them thought that I was on cocaine or speed pills. Little did they know. I was losing weight rapidly. I not only cut out meat (now that I was a full vegetarian), but I had cut out coffee, sugar (adding sugar), and junk foods such as candy, fatty chips, milk (swapped dairy for soy), and most types of cookies.

As the weeks passed, I finally began to accept the fact that I was a vegetarian and no longer ate meat. There was a period of a few months when I felt ashamed and almost scared – to a degree – to share that with people. But as I continued to study health, I began to grow bold and confident in my decision.

A little history before that semester…

My brother Danny and I visited a close friend on mine one night, Stephan. Stephan has been close to the family since we were all little boys, he’s been nothing short of a brother to me and the rest of my brothers.

It was during Christmas break of 2004 and we were all sitting in his living room. Danny (vegan) and I began talking to Stephan about health and the ways that we had been eating.

I shared with Stephan how I was on the verge of becoming vegetarian and how I had cut out almost all meat from my diet. Danny followed up with his sharp insight on health, since he was vegetarian/vegan for 2-3 years before us.

Stephan began to ask questions and Danny and I taught Stephan what we knew about eating right and how vegetarianism changed our lives: the way we thought, our energy levels, and our overall moods. Stephan seemed intrigued, but his doubt and skepticism was obvious and he wasn’t yet convinced that not eating meat was healthy for you.

For the next 3 months, during my winter semester (2004) at college, Stephan and I would correspond via AIM messenger almost everyday as we spoke about health. Stephan was becoming more and more curious about vegetarianism.

We discussed essential fatty acids (Omega 3-6-9), the chemicals and steroids in meat, flax seed, “enriched” white flour, tofu, vegetables burgers, etc… I was sharing everything I knew with Stephan and he was quickly amassing his own knowledgebase of information on health.

Our chat sessions were very important to both of us. As I was cementing my vegetarian attitude, Stephan was slowly cutting out meat and heading in the direction of me. In a few months, Stephan, too, would become a vegetarian.

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

Stay tuned for part 3 when I’ll discuss how my mind and body changed and when I made the plunge to become vegan.

In this series I’ll take you through my journey of being a person who — lovingly — ate 8 servings of meat per day, took body building supplements, and weighed 220 pounds to becoming a vegan. The journey was long, beginning in February 2004 ‘til this day. It’s my hope to inspire, educate, and motivate anyone interested in reaching the pinnacle of health — I hope that my story can help get you there. I’m with you.

I, like everyone else, am still on a journey. Currently, I just began experimenting with the “raw food” diet and transitioning myself to become 50 – 100% raw in time. I’ll share my struggles and feats with you on that front as well.

Here we go:

I’ll never forget the day. It was February 22, 2004 and I was visiting my brother at college at the University of Hartford, CT. My friend Brian and I went up there to hang with my brother and his fraternity — Tau Kappa Epsilon. Bryan and I were also in the fraternity.

I remember people staring at me and saying how much weight I had lost. You see, all of my fraternity brothers up there knew me as a 220-pound muscle-head. Little did they know that for the past few months prior that I had cut out red meat altogether.

So, naturally, I lost weight. About 30 pounds since they last saw me. During those few months I began reading books about health. My younger brother, Danny, introduced me to John Robbins’ book “The Food Revolution.”

When he first told me about the book, I laughed in his face and told him that I would never — ever, ever, ever, — become a vegetarian, let alone a vegan.

But, being the curious person that I am coupled with my voracious appetite to learn, I gave the book a chance and that’s when my entire life changed.

As the days pasted and I got deeper into the book, I began to see and understand the deleterious affects that meat had on the body. I began to see how the government and food agencies had hidden agendas to push certain foods in our faces in order to slyly coax us to purchase milk, bread, and meat. I began to see how scare tactics such as “daily protein and calcium amounts” were used by the milk and meat producers via commercials and print to “force” us to purchase these items. And not only purchase, but to “make sure to consume a certain amount per day.”

While reading this book, my eyes began to open and I knew from that point on that my outlook on health and the things I’ve been putting in my body would forever be changed.

After the completion of the book, I immediately knocked out all red meat. I was still consuming chicken and fish, though.

I remember going home after a break from college and my mom asking me why I wasn’t eating any of the meat. At the time, I felt bad and almost ashamed that I no longer had the desire for her beef platters. So I stated: “I’m just in the mood for chicken, thanks mom.” I’ll always remember how she looked at me quizzically while hesitantly I picked away at the chicken. I guess she was so used to me eating pounds of beef until I my stomach was stuffed.

part 1 | part 2