Just putting it out there

I'm just putting the info out there. What you do with it is your choice.

I think a lot of people misunderstand what vegans and other people who are passionate about their causes are all about. I say that because of the phrase, “those pushy vegans” and a lot of other negative connotations people seem to have about us. It's OK. They haven't made the connection yet. Maybe they will. Maybe they won't.

But until then, I really wish they would connect with the fact that no matter who it is, a vegan or someone else promoting their cause, we're all really just putting it out there, spreading the word, stating the facts, citing studies and such. We mean no harm. We come in peace. We don't hate you.

And as for the vegan thing, no, we don't expect everyone in the world to go vegan. Oh sure, we would love it if they did, for a multitude of reasons, including the preservation of the earth, thereby humanity itself. But we would be absolute fools if we expected everyone on the planet to become vegan. And vegans are not fools.

There really is a stigma surrounding people who stand up for what they believe against the mainstream and shout it to the rooftops. Vegans are not excluded from that stigma. For some reason it bothers some people when they are made aware of facts that dispute their own beliefs and comfort zone.

But the thing is that just like religious people for instance, vegans are simply putting it out there. What you do with the information we give you is completely up to you. We know that. We even respect that you have a choice. But as I have said many times, I can't respect the choice itself if it does harm.

And that's the part people just don't connect with. There is a huge difference between respecting that someone HAS a choice and respecting the actual choice.

And when it comes to choices that do harm, I have no respect for those choices. But I still respect my friends and family who are not vegan. I respect that they have a choice. I respect their right to speak of their choice.

I just need for them to make the connection that denying me the right to speak of my choices, while telling me that I need to allow them to do the same is contradictory at best and discriminatory for sure.

I'm just putting it out there. What you do with it or how you see it or how it impacts you psychologically is completely up to you. Just like everything else in the universe.

But plants have feelings too!

Pulling up a head of lettuce is very different than killing a sentient being.

Recent research suggests that plants have feelings too. But, come on now. Do you really mean to suggest that pulling a carrot from the ground is the same or worse than killing a sentient being? Or are you grasping at straws to make yourself feel better about consuming meat and dairy? Or maybe, to make vegans and vegetarians look foolish just because they don't happen to agree with you?

Because let's be honest folks, we all know it's not the same thing, don't we?

• Sentient beings have a central nervous system.
• Sentient beings have families who grieve their loss.
• Farmed animals are held against their will.
• Farmed animals are subjected to painful procedures without anesthetic.
• Farmed animals are forced to have babies.
• Farmed animals have those babies taken away from them to be turned into products themselves.
• Farmed animals show obvious attachment to said babies.

It's slavery at it's worst.

Plus, I haven't even listed all of the atrocities humans commit against other animals here. Our actions in this area designate us as not the smartest race, but the stupidest.

Animal agriculture is killing the planet. It's killing us and it's taking down the entire animal and plant kingdom right along with us.

And if you don't believe any of that, think of this:

The majority of crops (plants) grown in the USA are grown and harvested to feed farmed animals. 

So, if you truly believe that plants have feelings, consuming meat and dairy is also the worst thing you can do to the plants.

Common sense. Get you some. LOL

Connecting with vegan cheese

Vegan cheese is pretty tasty these days!

I grew up in dairy country, you guys. In fact, we lived directly across from a dairy farm out in the country in upstate NY. My Grandpa worked in a cheese factory. My best childhood friend now lives in that factory, because it was her parents house after the factory closed. Many of my other friends grew up on dairy farms too. Even my first boyfriend did. Crazy history for someone who's going vegan, right? Yup, I have a lot of connections to conventional dairy alright. But now....

Well, now I'm making a connection with vegan dairy products so that I can go all the way vegan. In my fridge, there are a few dairy products because some of the people in my house are vegetarian, not vegan. But it's also because I'm not quite there yet. But guess what? I'm proud to say that as of last week, I am much closer. Diet wise, I am pretty much down to real butter and a little Parmesan on my spaghetti. There are some Chao vegan slices and some tofutti cream cheese in the fridge, just in case I get tempted to eat that conventional dairy that's in there for those other folks.

If you're going vegan and the people around you are not, it really, really helps to connect with some vegan cheese alternatives and have them on hand. And honestly, they're not as bad as you think, if you stick to the better ones. The vegan cream cheese tastes pretty much the same as dairy cream cheese. The vegan cheese slices resemble processed cheese slices, which I have admittedly never really cared for. Still, they are close enough to the real thing that they stave off my dairy cravings. And if I don't mind paying a little more, which I don't, there are vegan cheeses that taste exactly like dairy cheese. And to be honest, they cost about the same as the higher quality dairy cheeses anyway.

Next week when I buy groceries, I'm taking things a step closer. I'm getting some more coconut oil based “butter” and some vegan parmesan and sour cream. I already make whipped cream with fatty coconut milk. I also need to get some vegan egg roll wraps because I love egg rolls. In fact, I will be buying all vegan dairy products and nothing else very soon. I am lucky because my life partner, Gary is not opposed to them and actually prefers some of them. So, the rest of my transition will be smooth as silken tofu.

And the next time we visit NY on vacation, I'll bring my vegan cheeses and the like with me, so I won't be tempted by “dairy country” traditions. I'll have to stay away from NY cheese curd. I may have to get my NY subs and pizza without cheese and add my own vegan cheese. Traditions are wonderful, you guys, but sometimes we need to make changes and sacrifices. It's super hard for me to let the old comforts and ways go, but I have to consider the quality of life for future generations. It's just not in me to live with blinders on, oblivious to anyone's needs but my own.

I'm excited, you guys! In less than a month, my diet will be all the way vegan. With a bit of good fortune and a lot of willpower, I'm hoping it stays that way. No, it WILL stay that way! And then, it's on to vegan shoes and belts and other products. Now, I know that it's completely impossible in today's world to know that all the products you buy are vegan and in some cases, it's just not happening. But I intend to vote vegan with as many of my purchases and as much of my lifestyle as is humanly possible.

Wish me luck!

Why vegans don't have to respect your choice

What's there to respect?

Yes, that's what I said. Vegans don't have to respect your choice. We should and do respect you as a human being. But we do not have to respect your choice or make allowances for it. Why? Because, to be blunt, we know that being an omnivore is a cruel and inconsiderate choice, that's why. It causes pain, suffering, world hunger, environmental devastation, depleted resources and more. Plain and simple.

Why would anyone respect that as a choice? 

What's more?

Why would we laugh at or tolerate your disrespectful jokes aimed at other beings or our fellow vegans and designed to make us feel bad?

Why would we allow you to tell us that we do not have the same right to speak about our convictions as anyone else on the planet?

In other words, it's not vegans who are being disrespectful. And yet, we still respect you as a person. Which is way more than we get from some people in return.

Now, you may feel that because we are excited about our way of life and talk about how good it is and how harmful an omnivorous diet is, we are being disrespectful to you somehow. 

On the contrary, being vegan is about making the connection and respecting everyone, that is all animals, humans included, as well as respecting the planet we call home. That's why we respect you too, whether you think we do or not. We just don't respect your choice.

Now, you may not realize what your choice to be omnivorous entails. In fact, if you're still consuming meat and dairy products, whether you wear them, use them or eat them, I'll wager that you don't know everything about the meat and dairy industry. 

That's because I always assume that most people are kind and want to do the right thing. It's because I can't fathom anyone knowing the facts and not taking action. So, if you're still consuming animal products in any way, I figure you just don't know.

In other words, it's actually because I do respect you and have faith in your ability to discern right from wrong that I share my lifestyle with you. And of course, it's totally up to you whether you choose to be a part of the solution or a part of the problem. But if you choose to be part of the problem after reviewing all the facts (not just those that support your lifestyle) well then, don't blame me if I can't get behind that.

I've done the research on both “sides” of the argument. I've weighed the options, reviewed the facts and seen the light. And the hard evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of going vegan.

You see, it's been proven over and over that going vegan is far healthier than being omnivorous, good for the environment and absolutely essential for the future of humanity.

Collectively and statistically, we humans over-breed and use other animals without thought of the consequences, either for us or for them. It's disconcerting, ugly, selfish and wasteful behavior. It's not at all sustainable. In fact, if we don't change our ways soon, we will have no future at all. There are already people starving and going without water due to people's voracious appetite for animal products. In fact, there are so many negative consequences to omnivorous behavior that I can't even cram them all into one article.

Now, why on earth would I respect a choice like that? 

I don't. I won't and I shouldn't. So please stop asking me to.

Vegan nutritional deficits oh my!

With a diet this varied and this full of nutrients, vegan have the upper hand on nutrition!

Look at you sitting there with your super-sized mega meal, oozing with fat-laden cheese, riddled with death, telling me about nutrition. Aren't you just special? 

That's how I feel when some people speak to me of vegan nutritional deficits. Of course, that's not what I say. I can't help what comes into my brain but I can certainly filter it before it comes out of my mouth. And filter it I do, because my brain can be a real ass-hat sometimes. I'm guessing that comes from many years of being forced to defend my choices.

But that's a blog for another day.

Back to the subject at hand. You see, the thing is that no matter what diet or lifestyle you choose, you have to be careful to get all your nutrients. Vegan or not, nutrition is important. And vegan or not, you need to take your B-12. Did you know that? You also need to be sure you get enough (but not too much) protein, vitamins, minerals and more.

About that B-12.... There isn't enough in our soil any more. Animal agriculture has depleted it. So, even non-vegans, who used to get B-12 (from the meat they eat grazing and pooping on the grass that USED to contain plenty of B-12) need to be taking a B-12 supplement. It's not just a vegan thing. It's a world wide nutritional deficit.

But of course, it's so much easier to point the finger at vegans and claim that their diet is inferior. That way, being an omnivore looks better. And of course, it's all about who's better these days, right?

Working together on solving problems and not following the “let's bash the other "side" all day just for fun” crowd is just too difficult. 

For omnivores, admitting that vegans are healthier would also mean giving up “their” meat and dairy, right? You know, the meat and dairy that actually belonged to someone else before they killed them (or caused them to be killed through supply and demand) and took it from them? 

Oops, forgot my filter there for a minute. Ah, well, it may be blunt but that IS the truth.

Yes, vegans have some nutritional deficits. So do omnivores. What's more, they're usually the same deficits. And sometimes, omnivore nutritional issues are worse. Because guess what? Along with being nutritionally deficient, omnivores are continually eating meat and dairy. In fact, many of them make meat and dairy a larger part of their diet than it needs to be. Therefore, they put themselves at a much higher risk for, well, everything.

And about that protein. It should only be about 10-15% of our total dietary intake. Most non-vegans consume way more than that. Doing so puts a strain on all our vital organs. Excess protein in your diet can cause kidney failure, cancer and much more. But you don't have to believe me. Look it up. Here's a link to get you started.

So, yes, as a vegan, I have to be careful about my nutritional needs. However, not any more so than anyone else, including omnivores. We ALL have to be sure we eat right, vegan or not. An omnivorous diet is not a magic bullet. Neither is a vegan diet. However a nutritionally sound diet is much easier to achieve with a vegan diet. Because not only is it chock full of nutrients, it's missing all the bad stuff.

But you know what the funny thing is? When you load up on the good stuff, you feel so great that the bad stuff starts to show it's true colors. You don't really want it any more. Ya, it's about as appealing as, well, let's not go there. Just picture eating the grossest thing ever. Garbage? Sewage? Something worse? That's what eating meat feels like to a vegan. Because that's what it is. Garbage.

Garbage in – garbage out. So think about that, next time you speak of vegans wasting away or missing their protein. We're not missing anything that an omnivore diet could better provide us with. Except maybe lies, half-truths, brainwashing and nutritional delusion.

My friend Sally went vegan and got sick.

Veganism doesn't make you sick. It's a myth.

Your friend, Sally went vegan and got sick? So what? Maybe Sally was an unhealthy eater to begin with. Maybe she relied on processed foods for the majority of her diet. You can be a total junk food junkie and still be vegan. You can do the same as an omnivore. Point is that no matter what diet you follow, you will get sick if you don't consume sufficient calories, vitamins, nutrients and minerals.

Maybe Sally was already sick. Maybe that's why she went vegan and it was too late for it to do any good. 

So many factors here.

Maybe Sally was just hungry. When switching from a SAD (Standard American Diet) to a vegan diet, many people simply don't consume enough calories to live on. It's a simple mistake that's easily remedied. Vegan foods are nutrient dense, but not as calorie dense as non-vegan foods. So, in order to get enough calories on a vegan diet, you have to eat larger quantities of food.

So much for that eating like a rabbit theory, right? Vegans eat a lot of food! Piles of it! And yummy food besides! It's full of flavor and good nutrition.

Luckily, nutrients are a non-issue with a vegan diet. I know. Everyone has told you that vegans don't get enough protein. Actually, the opposite is true. Non-vegans get too much protein. Processing it all is a burden on internal organs. It can lead to kidney stones, gallstones, bladder issues, heart problems, cancer and much more.

A good vegan diet contains everything you need for optimal health without the protein OD. It's not difficult to balance your diet, either. Just make sure you eat all the colors, include plenty of nuts, beans, seeds and other legumes, take your B-12, which, incidentally is something non-vegans need too. And that's about it. As long as you weren't sick before, you'll be just as healthy as you ever were. Possibly healthier.

So your friend Sally got sick on a vegan diet? I suppose she could have because a person can become ill on any diet, vegan or otherwise. That doesn't mean the diet is at fault. What it means is that Sally wasn't paying attention to her nutritional needs. Or, like I said, maybe Sally was already sick. Never assume.Some of the connections you make are false. And connecting illness with veganism is one of the most common false connections you can make.

Connecting with vegan hypocrites – Or not

Not all vegans are perfect. Does that make them hypocrites?

Some of my best friends are vegan hypocrites. Or at least that's how others look at them. I have a different viewpoint because I'm still transitioning myself. Here it is.

So, you have a friend who constantly preaches about veganism but wears leather shoes because that's all they can afford or eats cheese once in a while or just has no willpower at all. Does that make them a hypocrite? I don't think so. It just makes them fallible, like everyone else on the planet.

I don't believe that a transitioning vegan having a lack of willpower proves that veganism is ineffective, wrong, unnatural or unhealthy. I'm one of those people who's not a perfect vegan. I'm not afraid to admit it. But I am determined to fight the good fight against my lack of willpower until I am 100% vegan or as close to it as I can possibly get.

And I'm not about to stop extolling the virtues of veganism, simply because of my own weaknesses.

Practice what you preach?

Is that what you said? Do you mean like how some omnivores claim to love animals but eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a daily basis? That's pretty hypocritical, isn't it? There is a huge difference between being a transitioning vegan and not caring or not trying at all. At least the person who spreads the word about being more compassionate is trying. At least they're speaking the truth. At least they're aware there is a problem and not blindly bowing to cruel traditions.

Change does not happen overnight.

You know, it's like those people who expect every U.S. citizen to speak English instantly. Like, as soon as they attain citizenship, the sparkly fairy sprinkles language dust over them. She says the magic word and voila! The entire English language is imprinted on their brain right then and there. Have you ever tried to learn another language? It's not easy, you know? Have you ever tried to change a 30 plus year habit? That's not easy either. It takes time, courage and perseverance.

Sure, going vegan is an overnight process for some.

We should all admire their strong will. But let's get real. Some people need a little more time. And just because someone is one of those people, well, that doesn't mean they're a hypocrite. Many of us stumble on the path to greatness. Some of us get started late. Some lose their way. Some are not as adaptable as others. Sometimes family members or friends or traditions or something else altogether gets in the way of our ultimate goal. That's true, no matter what we're working toward. Going vegan is no exception.

The point is to get your feet on the path to compassion.

While it's not ideal to consume animal products of any kind in any way or quantity, it's certainly better to do something than nothing. And guess what? Spreading the word is vitally important, even if you're not a perfect vegan. Because maybe someone is listening who does have the willpower to go all the way right away. Maybe a lot of someones are.

So put one foot on the path, take another step and another and another. Pretty soon, you'll be there. And if on the way someone calls you a hypocrite, who cares? Just keep stepping! Hold your head high! You are working your way toward being part of the solution. That's something to be proud of.

Every day I try my best to be kind, compassionate, caring and considerate.

Some days I fail miserably. Does that make me a hypocrite?

Some days I triumph against all odds. Does that make me a complete success?

The answer to both questions is no, of course. No one is all evil. No one is all good. No one is capable of living up to every expectation they have for themselves. Because everyone is human. Even transitioning vegans. That doesn't make them hypocrites.