Male vegan athletes series: extreme athlete Dr Andrew Knight

19 Jan

This post is the first in a series of interviews with male vegan athletes from around the world. The aim of the series is to highlight the strength and fitness of the vegan diet. The first interview is with Dr Andrew Knight and is part of my recently released book Vegans Are Cool. Enjoy!

Interview with Andrew Knight BSc., BVMS, PhD, CertAW, MRCVS, DipECAWBM-AWSEL, FOCAE

 

Australian bioethicist Andrew Knight is a ridiculously busy bloke. He is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, which is dedicated to advancing the ethical status of animals through academic research, teaching and publication; the Director of Animal Consultants International, which provides multidisciplinary expertise for animal issues; and a Spokesperson for Animals Count, a British political party for people and animals. Andrew also practises veterinary medicine in London.

Not all Andrew’s ventures have been successful, however. Whilst attempting to relax he founded the Extreme Vegan Sporting Association to showcase vegan fitness. Unfortunately, this resulted in risks to life and limb from which he has yet to fully recover.

Andrew has produced over 50 scientific publications on animal issues. His key publications can be found at www.AndrewKnight.info and include a major series examining the contributions to human health-care of animal experiments. These have attracted several awards at international scientific conferences, and formed the basis for his 2010 PhD. They also provided the foundations for his 2011 book The Costs and Benefits of Animal Experiments.

Andrew’s other publications have examined the contributions of the livestock sector to climate change, vegan companion animal diets, the animal welfare standards of veterinarians, and the latest evidence about animal cognitive and related abilities and the resultant moral implications. His informational websites include www.AnimalExperiments.info, www.HumaneLearning.info and www.VegePets.info.

Andrew has also authored more than 30 popular publications. The most interesting concern the medicine and husbandry of supposedly mythical animals. As the world’s most published veterinarian in this esoteric field, he is well on the way to becoming the first registered specialist in Veterinary Cryptozoology (Dip. Crypt.), specialising in the medicine and surgery of animals considered extinct or otherwise non-existent by (regrettably closed-minded) mainstream biologists.

To date, Andrew’s studies have taken him to Loch Ness, remote alpine summits, Ireland and even London’s eminent College of Psychic Studies. The outstanding success of most of these trips has been only marginally diminished by the unfortunate absence to date of any of the creatures he has actually sought. Nevertheless, he remains determined to bring the benefits of modern medicine to the rarest and most wonderful of the world’s creatures, no matter how many mountains he must climb, snowfields he must ski or tropical islands he must search, and no matter how much time he must – with the deepest of regrets – take off work. Andrew’s travel adventures have been extensively chronicled in British veterinary journals, and his photos and stories are available via www.AndrewsAdventures.info.

Andrew why did you first become an animal advocate?

When I was eight, my parents gave me a book about baby animals. I looked at the pictures of baby deer and other animals, and announced I was going vegetarian. My parents smiled. It would only last a week, they thought.

A decade later, I was still vegetarian – but I didn’t trouble myself to learn or think too deeply about the issues until my early twenties. I was appalled at what was being done to people and animals around the world and rapidly became first a human-rights and then an animal-rights activist.

When I was 23, I started dating a veterinary nurse. We both went vegan in an attempt to impress each other with our ethics. Unfortunately, I also had to ditch the non-vegan sweet collection I’d been building up for years, which by then occupied a substantial portion of my kitchen. The demands of romance can be merciless.

Tell us about your pathway since.

For the next several years, I alternated between studying, working, travelling and campaigning about animal rights and other issues. I’d always thought it was who you were and what you did that were important, not what job you held. Nevertheless, it began to frustrate me when I was repeatedly asked in radio interviews what I did for a living. Once I realised that people judge the merits of your arguments by things such as your appearance and qualifications, I began to seriously wonder if I should try to get into a profession.

I considered a number of professions, but becoming a veterinarian seemed likely to enable me to advocate most effectively for animals. I was also attracted to a job that would enable me to do a great deal of good in my day to day work, and that would enable me to travel and to financially support myself and my campaigns.

And so I returned to school, studied hard and made it into Western Australia’s Murdoch University veterinary course. I had the vague idea that parts of my training might involve doing nasty things to animals, as well as a vague idea that humane alternatives probably existed elsewhere, but I was ignorant of the details of either.

Soon enough, I found myself drawn into a titanic struggle to win the right for students to ‘conscientiously object’ to harmful animal use and for implementation of humane teaching methods. By the end of my course, in 2001, Murdoch had become the first Australian university to formally allow student conscientious objection. Almost all of our invasive animal-physiology laboratories had been terminated and we’d established our first humane veterinary surgical training program.

I continued to support students across Australasia and abroad, and by 2005, several other universities had implemented humane teaching methods and conscientious-objection policies, and the first students had graduated from every Australian veterinary school without killing animals during their surgical training.

After graduation, I worked briefly for several US animal-protection organisations. Some commissioned me to conduct studies to examine the human clinical or toxicological efficacy of invasive animal research. I continued that research for about a decade, until the present time. It has resulted in a large number of published scientific studies and conference presentations, my 2010 PhD, and my book on animal experiments.

Tell us more about your book on animal experiments.

The Costs and Benefits of Animal Experiments was published in 2011 by Palgrave Macmillan as part of an advanced series of at least 15 texts on animal ethics being produced by the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. It combines more than a decade of research, analysis and experience in order to provide evidence-based answers to the key question: is animal experimentation ethically justifiable?

The book expands on my PhD, which critically assessed the human clinical and toxicological utility of animal experimentation. It includes over 500 scientific references, and relies on large-scale systematic reviews as its primary form of evidence. Within the medical and scientific worlds these are considered to provide ‘gold-standard’ evidence about clinical or research questions, because they pool a large amount of data and aim to minimise sources of bias. The book also comprehensively reviews alternative research, testing and educational strategies.

When considering costs and benefits overall, and particularly, the published studies examining the human clinical or toxicological utility of animal research, one cannot reasonably conclude that the benefits accruing to human patients or consumers, or to those motivated by scientific curiosity or profit, exceed the costs incurred by animals subjected to scientific procedures. On the contrary, the evidence indicates that actual human benefit is rarely — if ever — sufficient to justify such costs.

I very much hope my book will be widely consulted by students, scientists and policy-makers concerned with animal research and alternatives. One of my deepest hopes is it will be included in university libraries wherever life and health sciences or philosophy courses are offered. The book can be ordered via www.Palgrave.com.

You’re a Spokesperson for Animals Count, a UK political party for animals. What are the party’s aims?

Whilst broad concern for animals is certainly a mainstream priority, unfortunately this is poorly reflected in the policies of most political parties in the UK and elsewhere. Animal protection often ends up near the bottom of the political agenda. Meanwhile, millions of animals continue to suffer in unacceptable conditions.

Animals Count is a UK political party for people and animals, established in 2006. We branched off from the Dutch Party for the Animals, which was the world’s first party to achieve electoral success. As of 2011, they had 23 politicians elected at national, provincial and local levels. Animals Count has received thousands of votes in British elections but has not had any candidates elected yet, a fact that’s partly attributable to the UK political system, which discriminates against minor parties.

However, we aim to encourage or pressure other political parties – some of whom do have real power – to incorporate more animal-friendly policies within their own manifestos. We seek to engage them in dialogue, and we also contest seats, particularly in constituencies in which a small number of votes can determine the outcome. Losing votes to Animals Count helps other parties understand the need to better represent animal interests.

Similar parties for the animals exist in Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Canada, and Australia (the Animal Justice Party). Some other parties and leaders — particularly the Greens – also have good policies for animals. Unfortunately however, this is far from uniform. While inconsistencies remain, dedicated political parties such as Animals Count will continue to represent the interests of animals within the political realm.

Why do you advocate vegan diets for companion animals?

Many people have become vegan for the sake of the animals, the environment, or their health. This has done an enormous amount of good. However, most of these caring people still continue to feed their companion animals meat-based diets, which achieves opposite effects. They do this out of fear of adverse health consequences of vegan diets, and ignorance of how these might be avoided. Accordingly, I created www.VegePets.info, which reviews in detail the health and nutritional aspects of vegan and commercial meat-based diets for companion animals.

The health hazards for dogs and cats (and, of course, for ‘food’ animals) inherent within commercial meat-based companion animal diets are numerous and difficult to avoid. Such diets provide an industrial dumping ground for abattoir waste products, meat considered unfit for human consumption, such as that obtained from animals who arrive dead, dying, diseased or disabled (4-D animals) at the abattoir; old or spoiled supermarket meat; large numbers of rendered dogs and cats euthanized in animal shelters in countries such as the US; old restaurant grease, complete with high concentrations of dangerous free radicals and trans fatty acids; and damaged or spoiled fish, complete with dangerous levels of mercury, PCBs and other toxins.

These diets may contain pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses and even prions, and their associated endotoxins and mycotoxins – and particularly when manufactured in countries like the US, they may contain hormone and antibiotic residues and hazardous preservatives.

Diseases described in the scientific literature as more common following long-term maintenance of cats and dogs on meat-based diets include kidney, liver, heart, neurologic, visual, neuromuscular and skin diseases; bleeding disorders; birth defects; immuno-compromisation; and infectious diseases (e.g., DiBartola et al. 1993, Dow et al. 1989, Freytag et al. 2003 and Strieker et al. 1996 — see www.VegePets.info).

My veterinary experience over many years leads me to believe that so-called degenerative diseases such as cancer, kidney, liver and heart disease are probably much more common than would occur naturally – and I think some cases are probably exacerbated, if not directly caused by, the hazardous ingredients in many meat-based diets.

Vegan diets aim to meet all the nutritional needs of cats or dogs using only plant, mineral and synthetically-based ingredients. There is absolutely no scientific reason why such diets cannot be formulated to meet all of the palatability, nutritional and bioavailability (which primarily refers to digestibility) needs of cats, dogs, humans, or virtually any species. Crucially, vegan diets also avoid most of the hazards found in meat-based diets.

However, use of a complete and balanced nutritional supplement with a home-made diet, or a nutritionally complete commercial vegan diet, is essential to safeguard health. Supplements and diets may be obtained from the suppliers listed at www.VegePets.info.

Regular urine pH monitoring is also important in order to detect the urinary alkalinisation, with its consequent potential for urinary stones and life-threatening blockages, that may result from a vegan diet in a small minority of cases (most commonly among male cats). Advice on monitoring and correcting alkalinisation using dietary additives is available at www.VegePets.info.

Finally, some animals maintained on certain meat-based diets long-term may be very resistant to change. The most important factors for transitioning difficult pets are very gradual change and persistence. Additional guidance is available at www.vegepets.info.

What’s the purpose of the Extreme Vegan Sporting Association?

Veganism helps animals and the environment, and enables more efficient use of global food and water resources, thereby saving human lives too. However, many people resist these logical arguments for cultural reasons. Veganism is culturally alien to them. Some seem to imagine that vegans must endure grim and joyless lives of self-denial: no meat pies, leather jackets or animal-tested lipstick? Surely, we must dream of little more than our own untimely deaths, as we feebly stagger through our days, made pale and weak by lack of essential animal proteins? What kind of folk would subject themselves to such extremes?

I created the Extreme Vegan Sporting Association to demonstrate just how fun and fit vegans can really be. Growing numbers of athletes, as well as otherwise normal folk, have discovered some very important truths: by exercising basic consideration for the lives of those they would otherwise eat, and the people and animals who share our environment, vegans almost always become healthier and fitter! Karma, perhaps? Whatever the reason, being vegan can be seriously fun!

All who subscribe to our fun and life-affirming sporting ideals may consider themselves members of the Extreme Vegan Sporting Association. They can showcase their exploits on www.ExtremeVeganSports.org. We currently include pictures or videos of vegan body builders, bungy jumpers, cyclists, dune tumblers, hikers, mountaineers, martial artists, runners, sky divers and yodellers. I encourage your readers to send in pictures of their own exploits via the website. All sports will be considered, but participants must be vegan!

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What advice would you give to others interested in an animal advocacy career?

Large-scale advocacy – as distinct from hands-on animal welfare work – is aimed at achieving social change. To have any chance of success, it is essential that advocates present cases that will be seen by their target audiences as reasonable and rational. They should also present messages that are as close as possible to mainstream culture, rather than alienated from it, as sometimes occurs with more militant activism. If direct action tactics are used, then they should be ones that generate mainstream support for a campaign, rather than opposition. There are some outstanding examples from Australia and elsewhere that have very effectively used humour, for example.

It’s also fundamentally important that advocates are realistic. We need to be realistic about human psychology – particularly, the psychology of behavioural and social change, in order to determine the most effective strategy and tactics. We must also recognise that in many cases, relatively small, incremental changes are the best that may be achieved, and that inappropriate tactics can jeopardise even these. Advocates should focus on perhaps one or two issues likely to result in the greatest positive change, rather than picking too many issues, or those less winnable. Our time and resources are very limited. We must combine reason with a realistic world view to ensure we achieve the maximum impact possible, both for the sake of the animals, and perhaps, ourselves.

If the possibility exists, then it may also be worth pursing a career that will maximise one’s ability to advocate for animals. Excellent choices include medicine, veterinary medicine, law, dietetics and environmental science. The movement also needs support skills such as IT, graphic design, photography and videography, management, marketing and fundraising.

Andrew Knight – what an inspiration! More interviews with amazing vegan athletes to come soon!

For those wanting to spread the cool vegan word around (your) town, we are excited to announce the launch of the Vegans Are Cool online store. From Vegans Are Cool teddy bears to t-shirts, there is the perfect gift at our store for your vegan friends and family. This is the official Vegans Are Cool store and the place to get Vegans Are Cool branded clothing for infants, children, men and women. Check us out at:  www.cafepress.com/vegans_are_cool.

Until next time, have a vegantastic day!

Kathy x

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Vegans Are Cool – the free e-book and more!

11 Jan

Hi Cool Vegans,

Hope you had a vegantastic New Year and are ready to embark on an awesome 2012!

I have done a bit of reflecting lately and have decided to offer the e-book(PDF) version of Vegans Are Cool free of charge. Quite an unorthodox thing to do for a book that has just launched a month ago. Yes, true. But, after thinking about the countless numbers of animals slaughtered for food and the precarious state of the planet, I have decided this is the right thing to do. I am sure this is what the animals would want. We need to get the message out as quickly as possible for them and the planet.

Vegan businesses worldwide are giving the book to their customers. I have also offered the book to animals rights organisations, to give to their members.

If you would like to get your hands on the e-book version of Vegans Are Cool, send an email to: vegansarecool@gmail.com with the subject header: I want the Vegans Are Cool e-book!

If you feel inclined, you can  “Pay what you wish” via Paypal (vegansarecool@gmail.com). The money will be used for vegan promotional activities such as vegan billboards and also to support animal rescue organisations. This is totally optional as the book is available for free to everyone that requests it.

Now I would like to share an inspiring excerpt from Vegans Are Cool from the youngest contributors. Mitch and Imogen Dawes are young vegans from Australia who are passionate about the vegan lifestyle and keen to inspire people to follow their lead.

Meet Mitch and Imogen Dawes

 How old are you?

Imogen: 6      Mitchell: 10

How long have you been vegan? Were you vegetarian before that and if so, how long?

Imogen: since I was less than one.

Mitch: since I was 4½. Our family had been vegetarian before that. My mum went vegetarian when she was a teenager, and Dad became a vegetarian after he met Mum.

What are the benefits of being vegan for you?

Mitch and Imogen: We’re healthier than other kids we know, and we have lots more energy. We hardly ever get sick, and when we do, we get better much faster than the other kids in our classes. Neither of us have had to have a day off school because of sickness for a couple of years. We like it that because of the way we eat, we don’t harm animals and we’re not supporting factory farms that treat animals cruelly.

What do other kids at school think about your choice to be vegan?

Imogen: Some of my friends tell me they would like to be vegan but their parents make them eat meat because they think they need it to be healthy. One of my friends said if you don’t eat meat you can’t be strong and healthy, but I’m stronger and healthier than her!

Mitch: Some of my friends think what I bring to school for lunch is pretty weird, but they don’t give me a hard time about it. Sometimes kids ask why I don’t eat meat, and they try to tell me it tastes really nice – but I don’t think death could ever taste nice.

Why do you think it is important to be vegan?

Imogen: Because being vegan means you don’t think you’re better than animals and that you’re allowed to hurt them and kill them and eat them. We’re animals too!

Mitch: Because we’re saving animals’ lives and it’s better for our health and for the environment. If you eat plants rather than feed plants to animals and eat the animals, you don’t need as much land to grow food. Then trees don’t have to be cut down and endangered animals’ habitats can be saved so they won’t go extinct.

What are your favourite vegan foods?

Imogen: My mum makes yummy, healthy vegan cakes that have fruits and vegetables in them. I love strawberries, mango and broccoli.

Mitch: I love Lebanese and Thai food – anything spicy! I also like goji berries, Pink Lady apples, raspberries, mangoes, kale in cashew sauce, broccoli and Brussels sprouts – really! My mum makes chocolate pudding that has beetroot, spinach and blueberries in it. It’s really yummy!

Do you have a message for other kids your age about being vegan?

Mitch & Imogen: Being vegan is good for you because you live longer, you’re healthier and you don’t get sick very often. It’s good for the animals because you save farmed animals from being killed and eaten and you protect endangered animals from going extinct. And it’s good for the environment because it reduces forest clearing, toxic runoff from factory farms and greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide.

Last but certainly not least, my friends Dave and Mandy from Vegan Era have put together a great 21 Day Program to revitalize your life in 2012! It starts on the 15th January. Embark on this beautiful compassionate journey to a healthier, happier you. Check it out here: http://www.veganera.com/Program.htm

May this be the year that veganism takes hold worldwide!

Until next time,

Kathy :)

Vegans Are Cool is now available on amazon.com!

13 Dec

Hi Cool Vegans!

Great news just in – Vegans Are Cool is now available to buy on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Last Friday, over 130 attended the launch party in Sydney, Australia. It was vegantastic! Lots of pics to come! :)

Here is a video by our cover model, the gorgeous Noel Polanco from New York, talking about Vegans Are Cool:

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

The book has become available just in time for Christmas and is making a really lovely Christmas gift for those curious about the vegan lifestyle and not sure where to start, and for vegans who are keen to ‘fill in their knowledge gaps’.

Here is another sneak peak from the book:

“Climate scientists are very concerned about carbon dioxide emissions because this gas lasts for hundreds and thousands of years in the atmosphere – in fact some of the carbon dioxide released at the start of the industrial revolution is still up there, warming the world. There is a seldom-told but remarkable story of how we can draw down a large amount of this legacy gas by implementing steep cuts in animal agriculture.

 If all animal agriculture ceased:

  • 60 – 80 percent of global deforestation (responsible for over a quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions) would cease;
  • Fire for deforestation and pasture maintenance would cease (80 – 90 cent of open fires are deliberately lit);
  • 70 percent of all agricultural land could be returned to forest or natural grassland, drawing down at least 20 years of carbon dioxide emissions in above and below-ground carbon.21

This natural, low cost and large scale draw-down of carbon dioxide is the basis for a study by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, which reported that a global transition to a low-meat diet would reduce climate change mitigation costs by about 50 percent, a no-meat diet would reduce mitigation costs by 70 percent, while an animal free diet would reduce costs by 80 percent. This study found that up to 2700 million hectares of pasture and 100 million hectares of cropland could be abandoned, resulting in a large carbon uptake from regrowing vegetation, in addition to the substantial methane and nitrous oxide emission reductions.

Governments are increasingly faced with the stark reality of meeting these costs, more commonly in the form of extreme weather events such as the 2011 floods in Australia and the drought in China and the USA. Considering the cost of climate change mitigation alone, the diet change option offers a growing appeal when compared to high cost technological solutions such as carbon capture and storage from coal fired power stations. This argument alone is a compelling reason for diet change.”

Taken from Vegans Are Cool, Chapter 7, Livestock’s Environmental Impact by Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop and Lefkothea Pavlidis from World Preservation Foundation, pp 188-89.

 ”I grew up with a genuine love and affinity for animals, so it made perfect sense to my small-child logic that my family didn’t eat them, or products that were taken from them. I had more difficulty understanding why the rest of the world did.”

Taken from Vegans Are Cool, Chapter 4, Growing Up Vegan by Kamina Wüst, pg 128

I am heading to Melbourne this week for a launch party on Friday 16th December at 7pm at Kindness House – 288 Brunswick St Fitzroy. You are welcome to join us to celebrate! :)

Until next time!

Kathy Divine xx

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The Vegans Are Cool launch party details

3 Nov

Hi Cool Vegans!

I am thrilled to announce that the details of the Vegans Are Cool book launch have been finalised!

Join us to celebrate the launch of Vegans Are Cool - a collaborative book written by members of the global vegan community.

There will be a delicious collection of vegan yummies to sample – from cupcakes to savoury delights – you will be in vegan foodie heaven!

This is a no-alcohol, family friendly event. All ages are welcome to attend!

One of the aims of the event is to introduce non-vegans to the variety and tastiness of vegan cuisine. Please, please, please bring your non-vegan friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and significant others to enjoy the night with you and discover how cool the vegan lifestyle truly is.

The first 100 people to arrive receive a gift bag full of goodies that have been graciously provided by numerous vegan businesses.

There will also be lucky door prizes such as $100 worth of vegan cosmetics by Amina (amina.com.au). Little gifts will be on offer to take home to your canine friend courtesy of Vegepooch (www.vegepooch.com.au)and Vegan Pet (www.veganpet.com.au).

Vegans Are Cool was written by 63 vegans from around the world. Several of these beautiful people will be present at the party and available to sign copies of the book. Vegans Are Cool will be available to purchase on the night for $19.95.

To find out more about the book, please visit www.vegansarecool.com.

Please feel free to forward this invitation to your friends.

Where: Redfern Community Centre – 29 Hugo St Redfern NSW 2016 (Sydney, Australia). Redfern Community Centre is a 2 minute walk from Redfern train station. Free on-street parking is available near the venue.

When: Friday 9th December 2011, 6pm – 9pm

Please RSVP by emailing vegansarecool@gmail.com so we can ensure there is plenty of food for everyone.

The event is also on Facebook – you can RSVP there and check out who else is attending.

You don’t need to get there exactly at 6pm, it is a casual party, so please feel free to drop by at any time between 6pm and 9pm.

If you are a vegan business and would like to have a presence at the party (by contributing to the gift bags, contributing food samples or a lucky door prize) please contact me via vegansarecool@gmail.com.

Look forward to seeing you there!

All the very best,

Kathy Divine x

p.s The venue asks that you don’t wear stilettos. It’s a wooden floor.

p.p.s. If you live in Melbourne there will be a launch there on Friday 16th December 7pm-9:30pm at Kindness House – 288 Brunswick St Fitzroy. You can check out who has already rsvped on Facebook.

 

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Vegans Are Cool – a sneak peek look at the book

18 Oct

Vegansarecool.com HQ is buzzing as the launch of Vegans Are Cool: A delicious collection of essays, interviews and articles by cool vegans from around the planet is coming soon! This vegantastic book will be available to buy on amazon.com, bookdepository.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, barnesandnoble.com and other major online book stores.

What is it all about?

Vegans Are Cool is a collection of writings by members of the global vegan community. The aim of this collaborative project is to showcase the knowledge, creativity and heart of individuals from a diversity of races, cultures and backgrounds. All the contributors have one thing in common: they’re living the healthy, environmentally friendly vegan lifestyle.

There are contributions from Australia, Africa, Asia, America, Europe and New Zealand. Vegan professionals from all around the world including naturopaths, a nutritionist, scientists and veterinarians contributed, as well as vegan athletes, mothers, men, chefs and business owners. Vegan children and teenagers also wrote for the book as well as people that have been vegan their entire life. Issues such as where to get vegan sources of iron, protein and B12 are discussed as well as how to undergo a successful vegan pregnancy. Building muscle and strength via the vegan diet, how to raise your children vegan, and why the vegan diet is great for the environment are other issues discussed in Vegans Are Cool.

Vegans Are Cool is for people who are considering making the switch to the vegan lifestyle as well as for vegans who would like to fill in their knowledge gaps. It is also for people who are simply curious about what living the vegan way is all about and for those who have relatives and friends who are vegan and want to learn more.

The chapters

Chapter 1 – What does ‘being vegan’ actually mean?

Chapter 2 – Let’s chat about health: yes, the vegan diet is healthy!

Chapter 3 – Cruelty-free fashion – because animals don’t need to suffer for you to look chic

Chapter 4 – Raising children on a vegan diet: yes, it’s healthy! Vegan parents and kids have their say

Chapter 5 – Vegan teens: leading the charge towards a more compassionate planet

Chapter 6 –  Can athletes thrive on a vegan diet? Yes, they can!

Chapter 7 – A sustainable planet via the vegan diet: vegans are saving the planet!

Chapter 8 – The vegan diet is great for weight loss too!

Chapter 9 – Vegan compassion: being the voice for animals

Chapter 10 – Mouth-watering vegan recipes from around the globe

Cool vegan excerpts from Vegans Are Cool

Health

In your opinion as a naturopath, is it okay or even desirable to raise children as vegans? Is there anything special we need to be aware of?

The more we learn about the dangers of eating animal products at any age, the more it seems to me that it is unwise, not to mention unethical, not to raise children on a high-nutrient vegan diet. Junk vegan diets are just as bad as junk omnivorous diets, on the other hand, and no one should delude themselves into thinking that a diet of vegan hot dogs, marshmallows and chocolate bars will give children the start in life they deserve.

The same components of animal foods that cause disease in adults, either cause those diseases in children, or lay the groundwork for them in their adult lives. For example, a high intake of animal fats causes children’s arteries to develop early atherosclerotic lesions. During the long-running Bogalusa Heart Study, researchers found anatomical changes in the blood vessels of children as young as five, who were eating the typical American diet of animal products and refined carbohydrates. Consumption of naturally-occurring growth hormones in dairy products and meat is associated with rapid growth in childhood, early puberty, elevated blood pressure, and a heightened risk of breast and prostate cancer in later life.

Like vegan adults, children being raised on a vegan diet need a regular, reliable source of vitamin B12, either from supplements or fortified foods. Parents should also make sure their iodine intake is adequate, either by regularly including seaweeds such as nori, wakame and dulse in their diet or by giving them iodine supplements.

- Robyn Chuter, naturopath. Chapter 4, Vegans Are Cool.

Interviews with cool vegans

What are the benefits for you of following a vegan diet?

I strongly believe that eating animals and all their by-products isn’t good for us, isn’t natural and doesn’t provide the nutrients we need – and is completely gross. But besides all the health issues, I’d say that I live better now I act according to my values, as an animal lover. Since becoming vegan I’ve found it feels really good to look at an animal and not feel embarrassed about being human any more. Knowing that I don’t finance any type of mistreatment is simply the best feeling.

Also I’ve become much more aware of what I’m eating. I read food labels, and I always get to know exactly what’s in a specific product. As consumers, I believe we all shouldn’t be alienated, and that we should instead question what exactly we are buying and financing . . . Oh and I almost forgot: we all become good cooks, as we get creative! I don’t know even one, single vegan who doesn’t cook.

- Julia Harger, designer from Brazil, chapter 3, Vegans Are Cool. She designed the Vegans Are Cool book cover

Vegan Kids

What do other kids at school think about your choice to be vegan?

Imogen: Some of my friends tell me they would like to be vegan but their parents make them eat meat because they think they need it to be healthy. One of my friends said if you don’t eat meat you can’t be strong and healthy, but I’m stronger and healthier than her!

Mitch: Some of my friends think what I bring to school for lunch is pretty weird, but they don’t give me a hard time about it. Sometimes kids ask why I don’t eat meat, and they try to tell me it tastes really nice – but I don’t think death could ever taste nice.

Imogen and Mitch Dawes, 6 and 12 years old, Chapter 4, Vegans Are Cool.

Vegan teens

What advice would you give someone reading this who’s thinking about making the switch to a vegan diet?

Good on you for thinking about giving it a go. All I can say is that being vegan is much easier than it seems, and there’s nothing to worry about. If you think you’d find it hard to give something up, have a look at the food section of the Cruelty Free Shop website. There are so many delicious vegan alternatives to nearly everything, and whatever you order is delivered to your door.

In an article in Vegan Voice (the wonderful Australian vegan magazine that’s now unfortunately finished), I learnt that every vegan saves the lives of about 100 animals, at the very least, every year, so by becoming vegan, you’re not only being kind to animals; you’re being kind to yourself.

Genevieve Doyle, 13 years old, Chapter 5, Vegans Are Cool.

Vegan athletes

What do you say to people who think that vegans cannot be strong and fit?

Watch my videos, and check the size of the stones a vegan can catch, throw and carry. Just train and be disciplined. Focus on your goals, and know you want to change. Vegans can be fit and strong, but the important thing is to not only focus on this objective while you are doing some physical activity but to also focus on rehabilitation of natural movements. When you do these things, the consequence will be a fit body. Vegan animals such as rhinoceros, gorillas and elephants are considered the strongest in the world.

- Alex Souza, Chapter 6, Vegans Are Cool

The environment

Ecological impacts of a global shift to plant-based diets will be far reaching:

  • Deforestation will rapidly drop, and reverse when forests re-grow on grazed lands;
  • Grain production will reduce (current production would be 50 percent more than needed7);
  • Greenhouse emissions will reduce by as much as 51 percent;
  • Climate change mitigation costs will reduce by 80 percent;
  • Extinctions and biodiversity loss will drop by 60 percent;
  • Soil degradation, water pollution, air pollution and ocean pollution will quickly improve; and
  • Ecological balance will be restored to our fragile environment.

Further, adoption of an organic plant-based global diet would result in:

  • Rapid draw-down of greenhouse gases now in the atmosphere, to be stored in the soil;
  • Soil health improving dramatically, strengthening the web of life beginning in the soil, and resulting in healthier more nutritious crops; and
  • On-farm employment increasing, attracting people from cities back to rural communities.

- Gerrard Weddernburn Bisshop and Lefkothea Pavlidis, World Preservation Foundation, Chapter 7, Vegans Are Cool.

If you are in Australia, you can pre-order personally signed copies of the book directly from us. Please email your requests to vegansarecool@gmail.com. Books will be posted in time for Christmas. Personally signed copies are $26.95 which includes postage.

We are super keen to spread the message about Vegans Are Cool in order to save animals and reverse the stereotypes that exist about the vegan lifestyle. You can help by posting this link on your Facebook page, Twitter, blog and anywhere else you connect with others. Please also share with your vegan blogging friends and journalists who may be interested in writing a story about Vegans Are Cool. The most creative article written and published about Vegans Are Cool will win a personalised signed copy of Vegans Are Cool and a Vegans Are Cool eco-friendly bag. Please email the link for your chance to win!

There will be a launch party in early December in Sydney, Australia. If you would like an invitation, please email vegansarecool@gmail.com to be added to the invite list.

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks from Vegans Are Cool.

The Vegan Easy Challenge – helping people go vegan

16 Sep

There is an exciting challenge coming up in November called the Vegan Easy Challenge. It is a great opportunity to help those around you that are not yet vegan  give it a go for 30 days via a support network.

Below is all the info. courtesy of the founders of this cool vegan concept:

Sign Up NOW to the Vegan Easy Challenge!

November 1-30, 2011

 The 30 Day Vegan Easy Challenge hosted by Animal LiberationVictoria this November is a great way to help people move towards compassionate, healthy and eco-friendly living.

There are fantastic prizes to be won by participants including $500 worth of vegan gifts and vouchers for the First Prize. As well as fun and informative activities for participants to enjoy including cooking demonstrations, a vegan shopping bus tour in Melbourne, a film night and even a vegan market day at the Port Phillip Eco Centre in St. Kilda, Victoria.

All participants Australia-wide will receive a Welcome pack with plenty of helpful information and will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the great discounts many of our sponsors are offering for the month of November.

Like the last Challenge in March, the Vegan Easy Challenge Facebook page is an excellent way to interact with the Vegan Easy team as well as other participants, and at the same time discover new original recipes, ask questions and receive great tips on everything vegan.

ALV is also thrilled to release two new videos promoting the 30 Day Vegan Easy Challenge: one features November’s VEC ambassador Chris DeRose and the other ALV’s Vice president Noah Hannibal.

If you’re thinking of eating vegan now’s the time to sign up and tell your friends too! Sign up today at VeganEasy.org and begin changing your life for the better.

Meet Nami Gohil a young vegan on a mission for animals.

9 Aug

I met the vivacious and beautiful Nami recently at a vegan meet up in Sydney, Australia. This sixteen year old’s passion and enthusiasm for spreading the vegan message and leading the way for other young people is truly inspiring. I was dying to know more! Here it is….


1. When did you decide to go vegan? If you were vegetarian first, when did you start being vegetarian?

I have been a vegetarian since birth, but after learning about the shocking treatment of cows in the dairy industry, I decided to try the vegan diet around a year ago.

2. What are the benefits of the vegan diet for you?

The vegan diet is so beneficial, to our body, to the animals and to the environment. I can eat delicious food without feeling guilty about where it was derived from and I feel so much more healthy!

3. Would you recommend that people go vegan? If yes, why?

I think every person should at least go vegetarian, if not vegan. People need to be aware of how horrific animals in the meat and dairy industry are being treated. It’s not right that such barbaric practices even exist! There are so many options for a cruelty-free diet so there is no reason why people should be consuming animal products.

4. Do you think animals have intelligence and can feel pain?

How can they not feel pain and have intelligence! When you see a mother affectionately cradling her baby you can not doubt that they have emotions. Animals in slaughterhouses are always trying to escape and you see the pain in their eyes. As for intelligence, many animals have proven to have far greater logical reasoning than humans. Although they can’t reason like humans, that is no excuse for killing them by such unnecessary means.

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5. Are you involved in any animal advocacy groups? Please share with us any of your current activities in this area.

I am a member of PETA and Animals Australia and write articles to various organisations when needed. I am also the ambassador for native animals at ATAAC (Australian Teens Against Animal Cruelty) and youth spokesperson for The Vegan Society NSW. This mainly involves speaking out against various animal rights issues and helping out at events

6. Do you think vegans are cool? If yes, why?

Of course! Our bodies are healthier, we are saving lovely animals and keeping the environment natural :)

7. Anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to make people aware of the misconceptions they have of the vegan diet. There are plenty of healthy and delicious alternatives to meat and dairy. “Addiction Food” has the most amazing deserts I have ever tasted, they are based in Sydney (addictionfood.com.au) and “Peace Harmony”, an appetizing Thai restaurant in Sydney’s CBD attracts many people! Be sure to check it out! :)                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vegans Are Cool – the book! Your contributions wanted!

8 Aug

Based on the popularity of www.vegansarecool.com, we have decided to compile all that is awesome and cool about the vegan lifestyle into a book. The book will be available to purchase from all major online bookstores such as www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.bookdepository.com, barnesandnoble.com etc… It will be promoted through the usual media channels and through the veg community world wide.

The aim of the book is to reach people who are considering making the switch to a plant based diet and are seeking more information and tips about how to make the transition. We also want to help vegan businesses, organisations, bloggers and vegan experts reach a wider audience and get their message “out there”!

We are looking for contributions from vegans from all walks of life, ages, industries, professions from all around the world in order to showcase the diversity of the vegan community. Vegans Are Cool – the book is a global vegan community project. We welcome your input and contribution.

If you are interested in contributing, please contact me to express an interest and to secure your spot in the book.

The following is what we are looking for in terms of contributions:

1. Essays on your area of knowledge: ie. 1500-2000 words by vegan doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists, environmental scientists, veterinarians, activists, bloggers, heads/spokespersons of organisations, athletes etc…. If you know someone who fits this category but they are not tagged in this note, please either forward it to them or pass on their details to me. All contributors must be strict vegans (diet, clothing, etc… –  basically they never use or consume anything that has been tested on animals or contains animal ingredients). They must have a life-long commitment to a vegan lifestyle and have been following this lifestyle for several years.

The tone of the book will be light and positive yet informative and grounded in well-researched content. References at the end of essays are essential for credibility and to enable people to follow up for further reading purposes. We may also include a couple of opinion pieces by bloggers and others if they fit in with the feel of the book. Please contact if you think this would suit your writing style/message. Please reply with your suggested topic and a short summary.

2. Interviews – If you feel it would be better for you to respond in an interview format, the people that fit into the above category are also welcome to contribute this way. Interviews can be done via email (preferred) or via telephone/in person.

3. Top 10 tips – if you don’t have time to do an interview or essay and still want to contribute/promote yourself and/or your business, you can submit a “Top 10 Tips” page. Tips can be on any subject related to the vegan lifestyle. For example, tips for health, fashion, environment, baking, cooking, raw lifestyle, socialising as a vegan etc…

At the bottom of all contributions, a detailed blurb about your business including your website and contact details can be attached. The aim is to connect you with the book audience so they can follow up with you if they so desire.

4. Recipes – Have a favourite recipe that you have created? Original recipes are welcome showcasing how easy and delicious vegan cooking (or uncooking) can be. Both raw and cooked recipes welcome! One or two recipes are fine. At the bottom of your recipe we will include your website/blog/twitter/fb page etc… This category is open to all vegans worldwide. A diverse range of recipes from as many cultures as possible is desired.

5. If you have an idea or novel concept that you feel would be cool that hasn’t been addressed, please contact me to discuss.

We are planning to also do an interview chapter with vegan teens and vegan children.

The deadline for all submissions is strictly 10th September 2011 to ensure the book is available for pre-Christmas sales. Submissions during August would be ideal, to give more time for editing and the overall pre-publishing process.

For all inquiries please email vegansarecool@gmail.com.

Please pass on this note to anyone you think might be interested in contributing.

Thank you so much for your time. :)

All the Best,

Kathy Divine

www.vegansarecool.com

www.kathydivine.com

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Beautiful vegan actress Mariana Tosca shares with us her love for animals.

11 Jun

Mariana Tosca is an award-winning actress with a huge heart. Her tireless efforts to speak on behalf of animals makes her an inspiration to many. We caught up with Mariana recently to find out more about her work for animals and her passion for veganism.

1. What inspired you to go vegan? Was there a particular moment where you made the connection or was it a gradual process?

I had been a vegetarian for the majority of my life, but when I was asked to host a gala for a farm sanctuary fundraiser, I found out how mistaken I was in my belief system. That night I learned the truth about “free-range” farming. I’d always been under the assumption that the animals being used for egg and milk production were leading comfortable, distress-free lives, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

There are no government laws or standards regulating the use of terms such as “free-range” and “free-roaming” on egg cartons. Those labels generally mean that hens are uncaged but confined indoors in overcrowded sheds. For animals raised for meat, the USDA mandates that free-range chickens must have “access to the outdoors” and free-range cows/sheep must be “grass fed and live on a range.” No other criteria is stipulated, like the size of the “range,” the amount of space required for each animal, or any guidelines for animal care and handling.

On dairy farms, calves are taken away within 2 days after birth. The males are destined for veal production and are confined to small crates that are 22″ wide and 58″ long, making it impossible for them to move. That’s done deliberately to keep their muscles from developing so their flesh remains tender. They’re fed a diet of milk powder and water, that lacks adequate iron, to deliberately cause anemia in order to keep their flesh pale. Then after four to six months of this, they are killed.

This, coupled with the knowledge that dairy cows are kept in a state of perpetual pregnancy only to be robbed of the milk that their bodies are naturally producing to nourish their own offspring, was enough for me to say, “No more.”

2. There seems to be a lot more media coverage about veganism lately. Are we possibly making some progress? Do you see more people going vegan around you?

I live in a city and country where vegetarianism and veganism are more mainstream than they were even as little as a decade ago. I think we are living at a very exciting time, in terms of how society is becoming more and more open to what was always labeled and judged a “fringe” lifestyle. To be able to fly on an airplane and order a vegan meal and then land in an airport for a connecting flight and be able to find vegan options in a strip of what was once just a long stretch of carnivorous kiosks shows remarkable progress. Veganism has gone from being the shunned, ostracized nerd on the playground to being the coolest, most popular kid in school.

3. Are you involved with any particular animal advocacy or animal rights groups?

I am very proud to be associated with a number of non-profit groups who are doing extraordinary things to lessen the suffering of other earthlings. I serve on the Advisory Boards of these organizations:

Save The Chimps – http://www.savethechimps.org/ – the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary founded by the late Dr. Carol Noon. Save The Chimps is a 12 island sanctuary located on 200 acres in Florida, that is home to hundreds of chimpanzees retired from the NASA space program, bio-medical research and the entertainment & pet trades.

Born Free USA – http://www.bornfreeusa.org/ – the US off-shoot of the UK based Born Free, Born Free USA is a conservation and animal welfare charity that is run by Virginia McKenna. The organisation was founded by Virginia and her late husband, Bill Travers, who starred together in the 1964 film “Born Free”.

DreamCatcher Wild Horse & Burro Sanctuary – http://www.dreamcatcherhorsesanctuary.org/ – a 1300 acre sanctuary in Northern California which was founded and is run by Barbara Clarke, an intrepid and soulful woman whose tireless advocacy for the animals humbles me. DreamCatcher takes in previously rounded up or adopted wild horses and returns them to a life similar to what they experienced in the wild. DreamCatcher also takes in aged or retired domestic horses. Many of the horses at the sanctuary were headed to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico, to be killed for human consumption in Europe and Japan.

ElephantVoices – http://www.elephantvoices.org – a non-profit founded and run by two of the world’s most respected authorities on elephants, husband and wife team, Petter Granli and Dr. Joyce Poole. Their goals are to advance the study of elephant cognition, communication and social behavior, and to promote the scientifically sound and ethical management and care of elephants. They accomplish these through research, conservation, education and advocacy.

National Equine Resource Network – http://www.nationalequine.org/ – a charity founded and run by Shirley Puga, a woman who has been at the forefront of equine rescue work for the last several years. Shirley facilitated the rescue of over 800 horses from situations where they were abandoned, abused, or scheduled to be slaughtered. A key objective of NERN is to fill a critical role of providing resources to new and existing rescues or sanctuaries. Currently many are struggling with high expenses, low donations, and a never-ending supply of horses. NERN wants to help them stabilize their business, and provide tools so they may become more self sufficient. 

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4. Can you share with us your favourite recipe?

Ohhhhhhh my favorite vegan recipe…….Sticky Fingers Bakery in Washington, D.C. has downright addicting “Cowvin” Cookies which are oatmeal cookie sandwiches filled with vanilla cream. I only wish I could share the recipe with you, but I don’t know what it is. A recipe I do have that is unparalleled is for the Cauliflower Frito Misto from Sublime Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, FL – the BEST vegan restaurant in the world, owned by the glorious Nanci Alexander.

Recipe: Sublime’s Cauliflower Frito Misto

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

• 1/3 cup water

• 4 teaspoons minced garlic

• 2 teaspoons crushed red chili flakes

• 1/3 cup white wine vinegar

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the tempura batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup rice flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 to 3 cups ice-cold soda water

• 2 heads cauliflower (about 4 pounds total), florets only

• 4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying

For the garnish:

• 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds

• 2 tablespoons chopped thinly sliced scallions

To make the chili sauce: Combine water, garlic and chili flakes in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the vinegar, sugar and paprika. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and is the consistency of syrup.

To make the batter: Combine all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of the soda water and mix just until it is incorporated. Do not over mix; batter may be lumpy. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add the remaining soda water until the batter is the consistency of syrup.

Separate the cauliflower florets by breaking them apart by hand; a small stem portion is OK. (Save the core and stem portions of the cauliflower for soup.) Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter until they are evenly coated. Heat oil to 350 degrees in heavy-bottomed saucepan. Deep-fry them in batches so as not to crowd pan, until brown and crispy. Drain well on paper towels.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the sesame seeds on a baking sheet and heat in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, just until golden brown.

Toss the cauliflower with the sweet chili sauce, and garnish with the sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve at once.

Makes 8 appetizer servings.

Per serving: 217 calories, 36 percent calories from fat, 9 grams total fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 milligram cholesterol, 32 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams total fiber, 10 grams total sugars, 30 grams net carbs, 3 grams protein, 121 milligrams sodium.

5. Has the vegan diet provided you with any health benefits?

Animal by-products are really an improper delivery device for the nutrients that our body needs. It’s like using a middle man, instead of going directly to the source. Since going vegan, my mental acuity has definitely become sharper. That has to be my favorite effect of this type of diet. But there have been so many other benefits, as well, like a decrease in my cholesterol levels, a decrease in the mucus my sinuses were producing, and of course, weight loss! Yay!

6. In the entertainment industry, there seems to be several actors and other artists that are going vegetarian or vegan. What do you think it is about these diets that is making them so popular amongst artists?

They photograph better on camera!! Their skin is clearer, their eyes are brighter, the bodies are leaner. What’s not to love?

7. Any final thoughts you would like to share with us?

I think we need to share our food with others who haven’t yet experienced life in a cruelty-free way. That’s how we effectively change the world. And with food, you don’t have to do a lot of talking. There’s never a need to get into all these lengthy arguments, you just give somebody something that tastes great and then they start asking questions. ‘Wow, that’s really meat free? That was amazing.’ And that’s how you start to shift perception. Food is the almighty persuader. 

Peace begins on your plate. 

…….

Thank you so much Mariana for sharing your inspirational words with us and for all you do to improve the lives of animals world wide.

 For more information about Mariana and her work to help animals please see www.mtosca.com and www.helpbilly.org.

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Personal trainer Petero Atkinson shares his thoughts on the vegan lifestyle.

30 May
Petero Atkinson is a vegan personal trainer. An inspiration to many, Petero is passionate about spreading the word about the health benefits of the vegan lifestyle.
1. Why did you become vegan? 

I was driving trucks while listening to audiobooks, the first one was called Living Health by Tony Robbins. I was already a huge fan of his and I learnt a great many things over the course of a few hours. I went from mass meat eater to vegan literally overnight. Since then I have bolstered my knowledge on all the aspects of this great lifestyle. Listening to this audiobook changed my life as I quit my job (and the transport industry) after 15 years and acquired my cert III and IV in health and fitness and now work as a personal trainer with a great team of staff.

2. How has your vegan diet affected your health and fitness?

At first I dropped a few kilos, though my strength stayed the same, I believe it was fluid retention and it was there because of the toxicity of my lifestyle, since then I have put more muscle on.
Also I have not needed my mouth ulcer or sinus medications (SM-33 and Rhinacort or equivalent all my life!), there is no coincidence here, this is 100% related to my elimination of meat, dairy and eggs. All my life I knew something I was doing wasn’t quite right… since going vegan I dont feel like that anymore.

3. What do you think are the main misconceptions of veganism?

One of my “favourite” misconceptions is when I hear someone say, “Well my doctor says you can’t get enough B12 or Iron etc on the vegan diet” along with other misled “dietary” beliefs. Last time I checked doctors weren’t nutritionists and have little or no education in this field, and sadly many nutritionists had been totally misled during their education too. How do I know this? Well myself and every other healthy vegans out there are testament to this.

The negative publicity relating to our health is financed by multi-billion dollar businesses hell bent on maintaining financial control of those who, as of yet cannot see the truth, but rest assured I will be working hard against them (meat and dairy industry) for the rest of my life.                                                                                                          

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4. What sort of training do you do to keep in shape?

Running on grass/dirt tracks (not big on treadmills), all sorts of resistance training and functional training. If I don’t do enough cardio I step it up on the weights, get the heart pumping and create a cardio style effect, along with big compound exercises like deadlifts and barbell squats – not overly heavy though – I want my body to last :)

5. Could you give us a glimpse of what your average daily food ‘menu’ might look like?

Wake up: Banana, date and flaxseed oil smoothie.. a few handfuls of almonds a little later on.

Lunch: Wholemeal wholegrain bread with advocado spread on top, or red kidney beans, or natural cashew or almond spread.
Salad with lettuce, tomato, carrots, cucumber etc

Afternoon dinner: fruit with muesli and soy yoghurt.

Dinner: Tofu, Vegetables and pasta.

Later on: If it’s not too late I love vegetable soups… with plenty of good herbs and spices.

6. What’s your response when someone asks “where do you get your protein?”

It’s in most fruits and vegetables, and high levels in some, then you have nuts, kidney beans, lentils, tofu and soy products and much more :)

7. What do you think is the most important aspect of fitness?

Well I believe you need to listen to your body and not force yourself to train on days you don’t feel like it, you’re meant to be having fun and if you’re not then its your body’s way of telling you to take some time out or at least detrain, of course one needs to make the distinction between this and laziness though. :)

8. Do you have any advice and/or recommendations on useful books or websites for people looking at making the transition to a vegan diet?

I have watched many documentaries during my evolution as a vegan. Eating Third Edition is excellent and focuses more on the health aspect of the two diets, animal and plant.
Food Matters is much the same, Australian produced I believe so even better for that reason :)
Earthlings is very graphic and deals with pretty much all of mans impact on animals.

The greatest speech I have ever seen was by Gary Yourofsky, this is that speech  and this is his website – he is a true inspiration and vegan legend. http://www.adaptt.org/.

The China Study is absolutely epic too.
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Thanks to Fawn Porter from Mean Green Personal Training for allowing us to re-blog this interview. www.meangreenpt.com

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Vegan veterinarian Randall Cannon shares his knowledge about how to truly care for animals.

31 Jan

Randall Cannon is a veterinarian from Orlando, Florida. We caught up with Randall to find out his perspective on animals.

1. What inspired you to become a vegan?

My inspiration for becoming vegan was, without a doubt, the animals.  Any health and environmental benefits are a bonus.  I was raised in a family that hunted and hunted myself until I was 20.   Like most people, I looked at animals as a source of personal enjoyment whether it be for taste or sport. When I entered veterinary school, I cared for animals, but in a very selfish way looking at them more as a possession than a soul-I loved animals more for what joy they brought ME.

I was trained in the livestock industry and had full knowledge of the horrors involved in bringing animal products to the dinner table.  I was able to keep my blinders on and continued to eat meat and dairy for about 10-12 years into my career.  Somewhere along the way, my patients showed me time and time again that they were as special, if not more special, than humans.  They certainly have purer souls.  I began to look at animals as true beings deserving of all the dignity and rights afforded to humans.  I enjoyed steak immensely—filet mignon was my favorite.  After a good meal, I would be haunted by the vision of a cow’s eye, a beautiful trusting innocent cow’s eye.  The hypocrisy of working all day to save a dog or cat and crying when I couldn’t, but then coming home and eating a steak began to gnaw at me.  I gave up meats about 8-9 years ago, but continued to eat dairy and fish until about a year ago when I finally admitted to the horrors of those industries as well.  I now realize that I have no right to use animals for taste, fashion, convenience, and entertainment, nor can I sit idly by while animals are abused by us humans.

2. In your opinion, as a doctor, do you regard the vegan diet as healthy?

As someone with a medical education, albeit veterinary, I whole heartedly believe that a vegan diet is the healthiest choice for humans.  I did not make the switch to being vegan for health, but rather for ethical reasons.  The bonus for me has been much improved health.  I am 46 years old and I no longer require any cholesterol medications, am at my college weight and am in good shape.  When I consumed animal products, I suffered from severe indigestion and frequently would wake in the middle of the night to take an antacid, but since being vegan, that problem has resolved as well.  I encourage people to read The China Study to get an understanding of how bad animal products are for us.  I look at my vegan friends and I am always amazed at how young they look compared to the general population.

3. I find it very strange that there are not more vegan veterinarians around. Is my assumption incorrect that vets love animals and would therefore not want to see them suffer through the animals agriculture process?

I find this strange too.  As with most people, veterinarians are able to wear blinders and ignore what they know goes on in the livestock industry.  I have a continuing education meeting every month which is held at a steak restaurant.  I am the only veterinarian who orders a vegan meal.  I sit at the table with rapidly aging, overweight veterinarians who ask for their steaks rare…one even said that he wanted it mooing when it hit his plate.  I don’t mince words when I am at the table.  I don’t accuse them of being bad people, but I do point out the hypocrisy of specieism…that we work all day to treat dogs and cats, but could care less about the livestock, whales and dolphins in Sea World, circus animals, etc.  I almost always get asked the same stupid questions of protein, plant feelings, etc., but I bite my tongue and try to appeal to their hearts.  I hope there will be a day when veterinarians take the lead on animal rights instead of defending the very institutions that indoctrinated us into the notion that is our right to use animals.

4. Can animals such as our pet cats and dogs be vegan? What is the best diet for our pets?

As for vegan veterinary diets, I think it is safe to feed dogs a good vegan diet.  For cats, being true carnivores who require animal proteins, it is a different story.  I have no personal experience with vegan cat foods, but I will be looking into it.

5. In addition to your vet work, you are also involved in the animal right’s movement. Can you tell us a bit about what kinds of projects you get involved with and what you are doing currently.

Once I was able to remove the blinders and acknowledge the horrors of the livestock industry, eating a vegan diet just wasn’t enough.  I can not sit idly by while animals are born into a life of hell and then slaughtered for our tastes, convenience, fashion and entertainment.  I actively try to show people the reality of their choices and show them the hypocrisy of loving a pet while participating in cruel industries.  I am sure I offend many, but I always think to myself that I would rather offend them than to not stand up for the animals who have no voice.  I really do not care if I offend someone who really doesn’t care if he/she offends helpless innocent animals in the worst of ways.  Get over it and face reality.

I am also actively involved with the local animal rights group ARFF and frequently participate in protests at puppy stores, circuses, Sea World and the greyhound track.  I actively adopt out animals from my clinic and hand out vegan literature.  I believe that it is just not enough to care, you have to act!

6. Do you have any tips for us about how we can better protect our pet’s health?

Seek out a vegan veterinarian…they will always have the animal’s best interest at heart.  Give your pet plenty of love, exercise and fresh foods.  Learn about their diseases and problems.  Well-educated pet owners have healthier pets.

7. If you had a message for the world on behalf of animals, what would it be?

That is hard because I have so many messages.  I think the animals would want us to know that they are much more intelligent and aware than we give them credit for…that they feel emotional pain at the same guttural level as we do.  Stripping a calf away from her mother hurts her as deeply as it would for a baby to be stripped from a human.  Herding cattle down the slaughter chute evokes the same trembling and fear as humans felt in concentration camps being led to the ‘showers.’  It is not about superiority and who is more intelligent; it is about a sentient being experiencing suffering and pain.  I have witnessed first hand the suffering that goes on in the livestock industry…it is real and it is horrific.  Any veterinarian who tells you otherwise is either a liar or has a distorted view of suffering and killing.

8. Anything else you would like to add?

I have not met a vegan yet who went vegan because he/she did not like the taste of meat and dairy.  It really boils down to if you value your tastes, convenience, fashion and enjoyment more than the suffering and lives of those animals.  It really is that simple.  As hard as I work as a veterinarian to save animals’ lives every day, the truth is that you can save more lives than I ever can by just going vegan….no degree required!  The irony in all of this, humans killing animals, is that ultimately, our consumption of them is what is killing us. Karma.

Thank you so much Randall – you are an inspiration to us! :)

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Spreading vegan cheer from US to Australia – Sharon from vegaroo.com

27 Jan

1. What inspired you to go vegan?

I had already been vegetarian for five years, and I’d been reading a lot of books about diet and the planet like Mad Cowboy. Even though I knew going vegan was the right thing to do I was afraid it would be too hard. Then I moved to San Francisco and met a vegan, so having a “buddy” to show me the ropes a little made it much easier.

2. What benefits (health or otherwise) have you derived from adopting a vegan diet?

The benefits for me have been more personal than health-related. It’s changed the way I look at the world in a lot of ways; I question things more. It’s broadened my interests in the environment, animal rights, nutrition, and lots of social issues. More practically speaking, it’s made me more creative in my cooking, more adventurous in eating out. And socially, I’ve gotten to know some awesome vegans in the community here, made some great friends, and met my partner through vegan events.

3. Your Vegaroo event is so much fun and a great way for vegans and like-minded people to meet and connect. Please tell us about Vegaroo and what inspired you to create a monthly vegan drinks event in Sydney.

I started my website vegaroo.com in March 2010, shortly after I’d moved to Sydney. I was looking for a way to connect with vegans in Australia and have a place online where we could share resources. The blogging community isn’t as big here as it was in San Francisco, so I also wanted ways I could connect with people socially. A lot of the social events I went to were dinners, which can be nice, but often you only end up talking to the two people next to you. A lot of cities in the U.S. have vegan drinks nights, and I thought it would be a cool thing to bring to Sydney. Our first night had about 25 people, and we’ve grown each time, to 60 at the last event, so it seems other people were looking for these kinds of casual social events.

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4. Can you share with us your favourite vegan recipe?

I came up with this recipe on the fly a few months ago and it makes a great side dish for pasta with tomato sauce because it’s high in protein, but still nice and light.

1 can cannellini (white) beans
1 bunch asparagus
6 artichoke hearts marinated in oil
A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Juice from half a lemon
Half cup veggie stock
Salt and pepper to taste

Chop the thick ends off the asparagus and chop the rest into thirds. Steam them in the veggie stock for just a few minutes so that they’re tender but not mushy – still a nice bright green colour. Chop up the artichoke hearts and basil and place in bowl. Rinse the white beans and add them, along with the asparagus once it’s cooled. Add in the lemon juice and a good amount of salt and pepper. You can also add dried herbs like thyme and oregano. Serve chilled.

5. Is it easy being vegan in the 21st century?

It’s all relative I suppose. I won’t lie – it was much easier in San Francisco than it is in Sydney. But I’m sure it’s much easier now in Sydney than it was 5 years ago. It’s easy if you enjoy cooking, but if you expect to eat all your meals out, you’re not going to find as much variety. But with a little bit of research and experimentation, it’s probably much easier than people think.

6. Please share your vision for the world.

Oh boy, that’s a big question! I suppose my grand hippie vision is that people start living in harmony with animals, the planet, and each other. I think I’d settle for just a world where people are more empathetic, and question the status quo.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

I’ve been really inspired that veganism seems to be catching on in mainstream America, with people like Ellen DeGeneres making it accessible for anyone and not just some weird fringe lifestyle. One of my goals is to make veganism easier and more appealing here in Australia too, but it’s a movement we all need to be a part of together. With the internet to connect us, there’s a lot we can do, and I invite anyone to contact me through my website about collaboration ideas.

Or if you’re in Sydney, stop by our next Vegan Drinks night this Friday Jan 28 at The Hive Bar in Erskineville.

For more info about Vegaroo see http://vegaroo.com/


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Vegan artist Amy Guidry talks about her expression of compassion through art.

23 Jan
1. What inspired you to become vegan?

I started out as a vegetarian first- I was in college and doing research for a biology/ethics class in the library.  I came across some books regarding animal cruelty in laboratories (I don’t remember the titles, but they were older books).  This piqued my interest, so I went through a ton of books about slaughterhouses and what really happens to the animals there.  I became a vegetarian immediately.  Over time, I realized that my consumption of dairy and eggs were still supporting slaughterhouses and cruelty, so I became a vegan.  I bought a few vegan guidebooks and cookbooks and was well on my way then.  I’ve been a vegan 12 years now.

2. What benefits have you derived from following a vegan diet?

Aside from not having a guilty conscience anymore, I certainly am healthier.  I’ve always been into healthy eating and exercise, but being a vegan has upped the ante for me.  I’m much more aware of what I’m eating, so I make sure I get my daily allowance of fruits and vegetables, protein, vitamins, etc.  I also feel much better after eating- not as tired and -though this sounds weird- “lighter.”  Also, I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the agonizing migraines I would get ever since I was born, stopped after becoming a vegan.  I still get headaches of course, but not as frequently and they are not nearly as painful as my migraines were.

3. Please tell us something about your series of works “In Our Veins”. Do the paintings have a special meaning or message behind them?

As an artist, one of the more influential genres for me has been Surrealism.  With my “In Our Veins” series, my style was becoming progressively more surreal, and I was looking to challenge myself technically and conceptually.  One of the themes explored with this series is animal welfare.  It’s an important issue for me on a personal level, but I also feel that it is a significant part of the future of our environment.  They go hand-in-hand.  “In Our Veins” explores the connections between all life forms and the process of the life cycle.  This includes the interdependence of the human race to each other and to the rest of the animal kingdom, as well as the planet itself.  One cannot exist without the other, therefore it is of the utmost importance that we care for each and every living thing.  Of course I believe this is important not just for the survival of the planet, but also out of a moral and ethical obligation as well.

One of the ”trademarks” seen throughout the series is my depiction of animals.  I wanted to emphasize their importance and do away with the notion that animals are “less” than humans.  So each animal- be it mammal, bird, etc.- has been endowed with something we consider a “human” quality.  For example, some animals such as wolves, have more “human-looking” eyes or the animals are posed in a strong, maybe domineering, manner, or they have a facial expression that could be considered “human.”  Above all, even if they are depicted in a state of distress, the animals featured have a strong presence.

4. I am meeting a lot of vegans these days that work in creative fields. Is there something about being vegan that brings out creativity or are creative people naturally more sensitive souls that are therefore more inclined to have compassion towards animals?

I like to think it’s the latter. :)   I do believe that as a creative individual, it’s part of your process to not only come up with a new concept or new way of thinking, but to also look at every aspect of that.  That type of thinking will certainly influence your everyday life and how you approach things, so I think it’s only natural to become more aware of your own actions.

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5. What is coming up for you in 2011? (exhibitions, new works etc..)

I have several exhibitions for 2011- some of which are going on right now.  This month I am showing at Brandeis University as part of their “Insatiable: Our Rapacious Appetite for More” exhibition (which runs Jan. 25- March 15, 2011).  I’m also showing at the Sheppard Fine Arts Gallery in Reno, Nevada as part of their “MYSELF” exhibition (which opened Jan. 18 and is up through Feb. 18).  In addition, I was selected for a juried exhibition at the University of Texas at Tyler for their 26th Annual International Exhibition (also opened Jan. 18 and is up through March 4, 2011).  Then later this summer I will be showing at Barrister’s Gallery in New Orleans for a group exhibition.

As for new work, I am continuing with the “In Our Veins” series and currently working on new additions.  I will be showing the current works (as well as future additions) at Barrister’s Gallery in New Orleans for a 3-person exhibition in May, 2012.  In the meantime, I will be posting these on my website.

6. What is your wish/vision for the world?

I’d love for everyone to become more aware of their actions and realize how they affect others, the rest of the animal kingdom, and the planet.  I’d love for everyone to adopt a stray animal (and get them spayed/neutered!) so that there are no more homeless animals wandering our streets and filling the animal shelters.  I’d love for everyone to get along despite any differences in beliefs or culture.  I’d like to see a peaceful planet.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

I’m not a great writer nor orator, but my artwork is my preferred form of communication and a way to reach the world.  Each of my paintings has a personal meaning, but I also hope that it speaks to its viewer as well.  I use my technique (and constantly strive to improve upon it) to catch someone’s attention, but it’s my content that I hope keeps them there, allowing the viewer to essentially have a “conversation” through the painting.

To view more of Amy’s paintings, please see www.amyguidry.com.

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Liz Dealey shares with us the keys to eternal youth via the vegan lifestyle.

23 Jan

Long-time vegan Liz Dealey gives us the run-down on the benefits of being vegan for health and how it keeps her looking and feeling young.

1. Please share with us the benefits you have derived from living the vegan lifestyle. How long have you been vegan for?

I went vegetarian in 1984 and then vegan in late 1986. So 24 years a vegan. Living as a vegan is much easier now than ever.

There’s no excuse for buying into cruelty, as there is an alternative to everything you ever ate or used ‘before’. I don’t get tired quickly, sleep well and don’t get struck down with the flu or multiple colds. The health benefits of a vegan lifestyle are a bonus, but the main benefits for me are living without harm and showing others how easy it is to live a meaningful life making kind choices.

2. Do you think following a vegan diet helps you to stay youthful both inside and out? Does a meat and dairy diet, in your opinion, appear to age people faster?

Yes, I believe that consuming a plant based diet helps our bodies to slow the ageing process. We are not constantly overworking our bodies like we are when we ask them to digest flesh, milk and eggs. Also, all the hormones added to animal products these days can only have a detrimental effect on the human body. I look at a lot of meat eaters and their skin looks grey and I find many of them to be unhappy, or cranky, always complaining about some ailment or other.

Also, I think that I have been spared any chronic menopause symptoms, as while I do get hot flushes occasionally, that’s the only symptom I have. This is probably because I have been eating soy products for so long.

And in the midst of all the sadness I feel for all the atrocities committed against animals. I always try to stay upbeat and happy, as I don’t want to portray being a vegan as doom and gloom.

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3. Compared to your meat-eating contemporaries, is your health in better shape than them?

I have to say a definite yes to this! Many of the meat eaters I am surrounded by are overweight with a multitude of health issues. Some of them have diseases such as diabetes and yet I still see them guzzling sugary drinks and shoving awful food into their mouths. I often wonder if they have some weird death wish!!!

I’m often asked how come I’m always eating, but don’t put on weight. I say look at what I’m eating and look at what you eat! I’ll be eating a handful of sunflower seeds as opposed to chips or chocolate.

However, there is a lot of vegan junk food out there these days, so it can be hard to stay totally healthy. I’m trying to add more raw food into my diet now, such as having a raw green smoothie for breakfast, but I have a really sweet tooth and there is so much vegan sweet stuff available, it can be tempting.

4. Can you please share with us your favourite recipe.

Okay, this is my ‘secret 7 herbs and spices’, oven baked ‘chicken’ tofu recipe. This will win over even those non believers who dislike tofu.

Slab organic Tofu

Nice’n’Tasty Chicken Yeeros shake (it’s completely vegan and even says so on the container)

Braggs Amino Liquid (it’s like soy sauce, only better)

Savoury Yeast Flakes

Olive Oil

Pour some olive oil into a metal oven roasting tray.

Cut the tofu into 1cm thick slices and place in the tray. Cover each slice with a thin layer of oil.

Pour the braggs over the slices, so that it pools in the oil.

Sprinkle all over with the Yeeros shake.

Cover the whole lot with a good layer of savoury yeast flakes and drizzle more oil over each slice.

Bake for 20 mins in a preheated oven at 180c.

Turn over and repeat the process, go lightly on the shake and Braggs on this side, or they will be too salty and bake for another 15 mins.

Drain the oil from the pan straight away and don’t let them sit in the oil. You can then leave them in the pan to cool a bit before eating.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days. It’s just as good cold. My dogs love this too.


5. Besides diet, are there any other factors that you think you can attribute to your youthful appearance?

Firstly, I’m not sure about actually looking ‘youthful’! Maybe I do from a distance. Ha ha. That’s a hard thing to achieve at 54. I just hope that I look a few years younger than I actually am. I think attitude has a lot to do with it too. I’ve got a young outlook on life and I’m not your average 54 year old. We never had skinkids, (as opposed to furkids) so haven’t had the stress of that! I love a good joke. I think also that being surrounded by people who are younger than me really helps. Some of my closest friends are 16 or 20 years younger than me. And living a cruelty free life helps me to feel positive that my life is meaningful, making a difference to those less fortunate than me, all the animals suffering in the world.

6. Any last inspirations you would like to share with us?

Try and be a healthy vegan. Drink lots of water.

I’m not perfect by any means, I sometimes eat junk food, don’t get enough exercise, drink alcohol, swear a lot and I’m getting a bit thick around the middle, but I am happy in the fact that my life is not causing suffering and misery to any animals.

I think that once you find out the truth behind the awful way animals are treated in the food industry, you have to start making kind choices in what you eat. Ignorance is not bliss.

People who are just starting on this journey are lucky that they coming in at a time when things are slowly starting to change for animals. Hopefully for future generations, eating animals will be a horrible, distant barbaric practice that they can only read about in history books.

And remember, you will never find peace in this world, while your body remains a graveyard. Try and live a meaningful life, be proud of what you achieve for animals, no matter how small a victory it may be. Speak out, make your voice heard. A voice for the animals.

I recently spent my 54th birthday at the Edgar’s Mission World Animal Day extravaganza, and I felt so lucky to be able to spend the day surrounded by such happy animals and all the wonderful people who are working so hard to make this world a better place for animals.

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Introducing Forever 21 – a book by Kathy Divine

15 Jan

Hi there!

Apart from interviews on www.vegansarecool.com, this is actually my first post on this site. I am the creator of www.vegansarecool.com and have the great pleasure of conducting all the interviews and am enjoying every minute of it! It is so nice to meet and chat with cool and talented vegans from around the planet that are so passionate about the vegan lifestyle.

During 2010 I wrote a book called Forever 21. It is all about being positive and living a cruelty free lifestyle. The book is officially launching in Sydney, Australia on 19th March 2011. The book will be available a bit before that date on amazon.com and many other websites and book stores.

Your Launch Party Invite!

Below are the details of the book launch party which you and your friends are invited to:

When: Saturday 19th March 2011

Time: 6pm-8pm

Where: Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts. Mitchell Theatre.

Level 1  280 Pitt St Sydney NSW 2000

Please join us for the official book launch of Forever 21. The night will feature guest speakers addressing the benefits of the vegan diet. Personalised signed copies of Forever 21 will be available to purchase for $19.95. Please feel free to invite your family and friends who are interested in achieving their full potential on all levels. Also extend the invitation to any friends in the media who may be interested in publishing news stories about the healthy, life-saving, planet-saving virtues of eating a plant-based diet.

About Forever 21

Forever 21 is the empowering guide to reclaiming your youth, beauty, health, happiness and spirituality. The eight “Forever 21″ principles give you the tools you need to create a happier and healthier you!

If you are ready to reclaim your power and reach your full potential on every level, this is the book for you!

After being repeatedly told for many years that she looks younger than her age, the author of Forever 21, decided to document her lifestyle tips for maintaining a youthful look.

Part one of the book elaborates on these secrets of youth, with an explanation of the eight Forever 21 Principles.

Part two is a collection of interviews she did with health experts and elite athletes who are focused on empowering people to reach their full potential in all aspects of life. All the people interviewed are vegan and amazing, talented individuals.

For more information about the book, see www.kathydivine.com.

Hope to see you there! :)

Please RSVP to vegansarecool@gmail.com

Last bits and pieces….

Bulk orders are now being taken as well as inquiries from book stores and other stores interested in stocking the book. Please email sales@ kathydivine.com with your inquiry.

I write an occasional blog post on www.kathydivine.com and all the info about the book is there.

Until next time…..may the vegan force be with you! ;)

Kathy x


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Mandi Hoffman from Chic Vegan talks to us about being vegan and fabulous

23 Dec
1. When and why did you decide to go vegan?

I went vegan almost exactly 5 years ago. I went from being an omnivorous junk food eater to a strict vegan overnight after finally caving in and watching some factory farm footage. It was quite a shock to those around me, but to me it was like I was finally the person I always wanted to be. As lame as it sounds, it is like I was meant to be vegan.

2. What have been the health benefits you have derived from following  a vegan diet?

Where do I start? First of all, my skin looks AMAZING. I have more energy, I lost weight, my severe allergies disappeared, my migraines lessened, I think clearer, and I developed this wonderful sense of well-being.  I also noticed that I have a better connection with my body now. I can feel when something is off or how I react to certain types of foods. I also feel I have a stronger connection with animals since I have no guilt about eating them.

3. Your blog is really awesome! Please share with us some tips on how to become a chic vegan.

Well, the whole idea is to just be the best you that you can be. To live a conscious life in every aspect. I think respecting all life, supporting small businesses and eating healthy food pretty much sums it up. As long as you are confident with yourself, and make the best ethical choices you can on a regular basis, you are a chic, chic lady in my book. Oh, and be nice to people. Always be nice.


4. Do you have a favourite recipe you can share with us?

I have lots! My favorite recipe of all time is Chocolate Chili from VegNews.  It is so easy and cheap to make – those are my two deciding factors when cooking.

Chocolate Chili

Serves 4 to 6
What You Need:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, grated
  • 4 cups cooked or 3 (15.5-ounce) cans beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup strong coffee
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
What You Do: 

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cover and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add tomatoes, chipotles, and chocolate, and stir until well blended.
  3. Add beans, water, and coffee, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors have time to develop, about 45 minutes. Add a little more liquid if chili becomes too thick. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds before serving.

Enjoy!

*photo and recipe courtesy of VegNews.com

5. “The Ethical Girl’s Guide to Being Vegan and Fabulous!” Sounds cool! Tell us about it!

The Ethical Girl’s Guide to Being Vegan and Fabulous! is my totally FREE ebook that I released 2 months ago. It is essentially a beginner’s guide to going vegan and helps answer common questions like “where do I get my protein?” and “what do I do with my non-vegan clothes and accessories?”. It is 40+ pages packed with anything you could possibly want to know about living a vegan lifestyle. I am very proud of it and happy I could offer it for free to my beloved readers.

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6. Who is your favourite ethical designer? Do you think fashion is becoming more eco-friendly and cruelty free or do we still have a way to go?

Vegan fashion has come a loooong way since I first went vegan 5 years ago. I remember it was impossible to find a pair of nice looking shoes clearly labeled as “vegan”.  A warm, fashionable vegan coat was completely non-existent. I remember almost in tears looking at these horrendously ugly, boxy pea-coat things, wondering how I was going to keep warm during a harsh Northeastern winter.

Now we have wonderful companies like Vaute Couture, Cri De Coeur,Olsen Haus, GG2G, Matt and Nat, and so many others, making high quality, socially responsible products that are ultra fashionable. So, yes, I think that fashion is definitely becoming more conscious if you know where to look. However, fur and leather are still proudly gracing the runways and most people still have trouble connecting these things with the furry creatures they know and love. In that sense I think we still have a while to go, but we are making strides to get there.

7. Any last final thoughts or inspirations….

Live your life by your own terms. When in doubt, smile and nod. Stop trying to figure out what other people are thinking. Be polite. Above all things, always do what you think is right. And always, always wear clean underwear.

For more info about Mandi and her blog, please see the following:

Mandi Hoffman
chicvegan.com
Tweet with us! twitter.com/chic_vegan
Join our FB Community: facebook.com/chic_vegan

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Amazing weight loss results with the vegan diet. Simone tells us how.

22 Dec

My name is Simone and I’m a 21 year old single, stay-at-home mum of a 1 year old boy, Connor. I’m currently studying to become a breastfeeding counsellor and plan on becoming a lactation consultant in the future. Soon I will be starting a vegetarian/vegan nutrition course so I can become a vegetarian/vegan nutrition consultant and help people with their diets and health.

I’ve been vegan since March 2010. I am 174cm and used to be overweight but I now weigh a healthy 60kg. I used to always struggle with my weight and I didn’t have a good relationship with food; I saw it as my enemy and something I should avoid. I tried everything to lose weight even drugs and before I became pregnant I did lose weight, but it was a hard and unhealthy journey. While pregnant I gained the weight again. When I had my son, something shifted within me, I didn’t see meat as food, but I saw it as someone’s mother, daughter, son, brother. I saw dairy as a mother’s stolen breastmilk, which really upset me. I lost the baby weight following a vegan lifestyle. I have a better relationship with food now and see it very differently because everything I eat is cruelty free, and I feel like with every meal I am making a difference in the world.

1. Please share with us your journey towards a healthy weight. How did you achieve it? Any special tips you would like to share with us?

I had a lot of weight which I gained during my pregnancy to lose, and never thought I’d be able to. I didn’t go vegan to lose the weight, I went vegan because I could no longer be a part of or support industries which torture animals. The weight loss was a bonus! I ate when I was hungry and never deprived myself if I felt like a treat. I have a lot of different foods now in my diet, whereas before I ate the same things every week. It was boring. Now I try new foods every few days! I invested in a couple of vegan cookbooks including a raw vegan one and found a couple of good recipe websites. I suggest that anyone going vegan do that, because it can be very scary at the thought of cutting out meat, dairy and eggs if that’s all you ate previously. You may think there is nothing to eat, but you will be very surprised at what you find!

2. Does a vegan diet help to maintain a healthy weight?

I believe it does. Since becoming vegan I have become more health conscious and I’ve learnt a lot about nutrition. I felt like I needed to learn about sources of vitamins and minerals so if anybody asked me, “How do you get your iron?” I could answer with confidence.  I previously had no idea when it came to nutrition, I just ate whatever and hoped I was getting what I needed. Now I know I get all of the required vitamins, minerals, etc as I had a blood test to see how I was going, and my doctor was speechless! It was nice to prove that a vegan diet can be healthy!

Also, just because I am vegan doesn’t mean I don’t have junk food, so if your goal is to lose weight you can’t go crazy on those foods, but it’s ok once in a while. I found that if I was craving something sweet, there are healthy raw vegan desserts that taste so good such as chocolate mousse!

3. Are there any other benefits besides weight loss that you have derived from following a vegan lifestyle?

I have a sense of happiness and that my life has purpose.

I no longer suffer from anxiety, depression and agoraphobia. I have been on medication for several years and for the last couple of years a very high dosage. Since becoming vegan I felt that I didn’t need it anymore, and with the approval of my doctor, I weaned and have never been happier. I believe that when consuming animal products, you are consuming their fear, pain and anxiety which they felt their entire life and at death.

I used to have bad breakouts and no skin products would ever clear them. It made me very self-conscious and I now have clear skin.

I am now part of the vegan community which gives me a sense of belonging and its fun to meet new people at different vegan events.

I am part of a positive change in the world and that is very exciting.

I am now passionate about cooking and trying new foods.

I love educating others and showing them that vegans aren’t always pale, stick-thin, hippies who eat lettuce and lentils all day. Its awesome teaching them about the vegan lifestyle!

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4. How important do you think exercise is as part of a weight loss plan? Anything else that you think should be mentioned in addition to diet and exercise that you found can assist with weight loss?

I don’t have an exercise routine, but running around after my son keeps me active. I take him for walks and we play at the park, but I don’t have time as a mum to work out at the gym so I just do what I can.

I think that drinking water is beneficial. Previously I lived on a diet soft drinks. I occasionally have one but now I’ve substituted them for water or mineral water with fresh lemon juice if I feel like something fizzy.

5. Can you share with us your favourite recipe.

I’m constantly discovering new foods and trying a new recipe every few days but at the moment my favourite recipe would have to be:

Coriander Lemon-Lime Tofu over Black Beans


Ingredients:

  • 1 block of firm tofu
  • 1 can of black beans
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 bunch of coriander chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Himalayan salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Slice the tofu into bite size chunks.
  2. Add the tofu, the lime juice and zest, lemon zest and juice, coriander, oil, sugar, salt and pepper to a container and marinate for an hour.
  3. Put mixture in frypan and fry for about 10 minutes, or until cooked.
  4. Fry up beans in a separate pan for about 5 minutes, or until cooked.
  5. Serve the tofu on top of the beans.

6. If you could give some advice to people who are struggling with their weight, what would you say?

That it may seem hard and you may feel that you have so much weight to lose, you just won’t be able to get there but don’t give up. Make it a fun experience where you try new and exciting foods. There are so many recipes that you could eat something new every meal if you wanted to. Don’t make it like you are depriving yourself but just substituting for something a little different. Find yourself a support network with others who are trying to lose weight with a vegan diet, it will help talking about how you feel with others going through the same thing. You can also share ideas and learn from each other. Just realise that you are on the right track now, and you can only improve your health now.

7. Any last inspirational thoughts for us?

Veganism has improved my life more than words can say. It’s not just a diet, but a positive and kind way to live. It’s not only my physical health that has improved but also mentally and spiritually. I recommend it to everyone because I feel awesome!

Thank you so much Simone! You are truly an inspiration! :)

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Detoxing the organic vegan way with Matthew Sirpis

11 Dec

Matthew Sirpis is a vegan with a special interest in cleansing for optimal health. We caught up with Matthew recently to find out all about it.

1.What are the benefits you have derived from the vegan diet?

The benefits are countless really – better health, better digestion, more energy, more mental clarity, a more positive outlook on life, better physical endurance, zero sickness. These kind of things are priceless.

2. How important is the vegan diet for someone aiming to live a healthy and happy life?

Well, if someone wants to be happy and healthy, the only way to lastingly achieve both of these is via the vegan diet. Of course people when they are young can seem okay, but the meat and dairy diet eventually catches up with the body and brings sickness and disease. Diabetes, obesity, heart disease and arthritis have all become common place. These diseases bring constant suffering and pain to the person afflicted with them. We really need to ask ourselves, is this normal? What is society doing to create these problems. There is an interesting book called The China Study, by Dr Collin Campbell who actually went to parts of China where the people are purely vegan. He went there to do a study to debunk the claims that vegans are healthy, he thought the high animal protein diet was the best. But after performing his study on these vegans he realized that they have far less sickness than the meat eaters, and now he promotes vegetarianism, and is one himself.

3. Can you tell us a bit about intestinal cleansing and why you regard this as important for health?

The problem with the western world’s current eating habits, is that it is very toxic, and leaves toxic residues in the body. These toxic residues are what creates disease and sickness. The bowel and digestive system becomes clogged up with hardened mucous, old food, parasites, unfriendly bacteria and fungus, this is why sickness comes. The organs cannot keep processing the toxic bombardment from all of this. Intestinal cleansing rapidly cleanse these toxins from the body, as the colon is the bodie’s waste elimination system, it must be clean, but after years of wrong eating habits, it gets overloaded and needs some help. This is the best way to help it.

4.What kind of health conditions can be helped by undertaking the process of cleansing?

Every sickness can be helped by colon cleansing, because once the bodie’s waste disposal unit is working, nutrients can be absorbed again, toxins can be eliminated, parasites won’t want to be there, and the body’s natural healing processes can gain the upper hand. I have witnessed countless people perform colon cleansing, and I would say 100% of them report that many of their sickness and disease are either gone, or greatly improved after even just one 9 day cleanse. Almost anyone can do it actually. About 80% of the people who did it had digestive problems before the cleanse, and everyone reported either complete recovery, or at least a major improvement.

5. Please tell us a little bit about the cleanse you have just developed?

Well I started colon cleansing about 8 years ago after a good friend gave me a book to read about it, and guided me towards a good method. Since then I tried many cleanses, and friends started asking me to provide them with information, so I started a website called http://Detox.net.au to answer peoples questions and help them. Since then the website has become Australia’s leading resource on colon cleansing and detox.

As time went on I began experimenting with different recipes and started mixing up my own cleanses for family and friends, and after 3 years of testing I finally released a cleanse called the Bio Colon Cleanse, that as far as I know, is the most effective recipe on the market. It is 100% organic, which is very important, because I only know of a few other colon cleanse kits that are organic, and of course this is crucial, you must use pure herbs while the body is cleansing, and they must also be strong and good quality.

The cleanse consists of 2 main formulas – one which is a herbal formula to assist the body in eliminating the toxins and nourishing itself, and the other is a formula to absorb the toxins and safely remove them from the colon; it also binds to the mucous in the bowel and pulls it from the walls of the colon. We have a website where it can be purchased and we ship worldwide. http://www.BioColonCleanse.co.uk/

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6. If you were granted one wish for the world, what would it be?

I hope that the whole world stops killing other living beings for food, and switches to the delicious and nutritious vegan option. I hope peace and serenity can become known to all of the earth inhabitants.

Thank you Matthew for sharing your knowledge with us.

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Muscle building the vegan way with Noel Polanco.

27 Oct

Noel Polanco is a passionate vegan on a mission to spread the word that you don’t need to eat meat to build muscle. We spoke to Noel recently to find out more about his cruelty-free approach to fitness.

1. What prompted you to become vegan?


When I was little I saw a video clip about how animals are abused and killed. The images from that video clip have never left my head. So I became vegan because I love animals and didn’t want to eat them. If you look at a human, we were designed to eat fruits and veggies. Our teeth are not like a lion’s teeth. We are not built to eat meat.

2. Does the vegan diet provide enough nutrition for building muscle?


The vegan diet provides enough nutrition for building muscles. As you can see I prove everyone wrong. Most say vegans are skinny and aren’t strong. But if you take a look at my workout videos you can see how strong I am. I prove them wrong, I build muscles on a vegan diet. You can check out my workout videos at - http://www.youtube.com/da1sinister1

3. What is your typical daily food intake including any supplements you might be taking?


I dont take any supplements. I like to keep things simple and natural. As you can see supplements are expensive and I perform great without them. Typical meals would be, a banana smoothie with raw oats, peanut butter, or almonds, and water. A lot of salads – romaine lettuce, cabbage, with cucumbers, tomatoes, avocodo/raddish. I keep the meals simple – a lot of fruits and salads and nuts for protein.

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4. Have you inspired others to try the vegan lifestyle? What has been the feedback from your videos and your blog?


Yes, I have inspired many friends and people from Facebook and You Tube. They are shocked when they find out I am vegan and I am able to perform all these bodyweight exercises.

5. Who is your greatest inspiration and why?


Greatest inspiration is myself. Seeing the change and things I am able to do keeps me inspired. Like one of my favorite quote says – “To dream of the person you wish to be is to waste the person you are”.  So I dont try to be like someone else, I just be myself.

6. How did you learn about vegan fitness? Can you recommend any books or websites that have been particularly helpful to you?


I learned about being vegan with other people in person, and me being a vegan. I like a challenge so I decided to prove people wrong. No meat is needed to build muscles.

7. Any final thoughts?

Final thoughts I would leave you with is a quote and my links where you can check me out:

“Don’t go where the path may lead, Go where there is no path and leave a trail.” Anonymous.

http://www.youtube.com/da1sinister1

http://getfitordietrying1.blogspot.com/

http://www.modelmayhem.com/da1sinister

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Fruit is the key for raw vegan cyclist Harley Johnstone.

29 Sep

From fatigue to vitality the raw vegan way….

My health journey started in 2000 when my chronic fatigue and asthma got the better of me. My energy levels would yo yo. One month I would be running/cycling to work, one month I would be catching the bus to work. It was only 8km. I used to catch a bus 1 mile to school and back as I would often be too tired to ride my bicycle. So as my energy and health went up and down, my frustration grew and grew. I started reading health books and talking with many people.


Eventually I met a man that advised I should try a vegetarian diet. So I cut out all dead animals and felt better literally overnight. A week later I cut out dairy and have been vegan ever since. That was in April 2001 and I can honestly say my chronic fatigue and asthma has gone for good. Within months I finished my first marathon in 3hr:13min and moved up into Division 1 on the road bike.

1. What do you consider the most optimum lifestyle for great health and happiness? Is it more than just diet?


For me and many others its a fruit based raw vegan lifestyle rich
in calories and sweet fruits with the addition of tender greens and minimal fats from avocado, nuts and seeds. For me I can’t perform as good by any other way of eating. To be objective, I would get 95% of my calories from sweet fruits and the remainder from leafy greens, nuts, seeds and non sweet fruits such as cucumber/tomato/avocado.

2. As an athlete, you have achieved some amazing things! Please share with us some of your achievements such as the length of races you have completed and the type of diet you were on prior to and during the race.

Thanks, yeah its amazing to me coming from a background of
chronic fatigue and impaired lung function. As a vegan I’ve won solo 24hr mountain bike races, ran marathons/ultra marathons and currently race A grade on the road bike. I’ve cycled over 170 000km as a vegan now and my fitness grows a little bit each year. I used to fill up on starches and that was good but I find sweet fruit being the ultimate high energy fuel source for humans. I just ran the fastest 10km of my life last weekend. Ive cycle over 30 000km in a year, 515km solo in a day and over 1530km in a week and all as a vegan.

3. What is your typical daily food intake (what do u eat and how many calories) and your typical daily exercise routine.

I like to eat a high calorie, high carb, low fat raw vegan lifestyle. I average over 3500 calories a day and anywhere up to 10000 calories a day. Sweet fruit making up over 95% of those calories. Bananas and dates being year round staples with hundreds of other fruits taking up the slack. I start the day with 1 litre of water before breakfast which is usually nice and early. Breakfast is typically around 2000 calories aka 20 large RIPE bananas. Lunch is more bananas or 1000 calories of dates blended with water and then more sweet fruit for dinner followed by some lettuce blended with tomato and celery. I eat before I’m hungry and drink before I’m thirsty. Ive been eating massive amounts of fruit since 2002 and my blood tests and vitality speak for themselves.

4. Can a raw vegan diet provide us with enough nutrition and energy to meet our daily demands?

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Many people on a raw vegan diet eat most of their calories from fat. They eventually start hating life and question the whole raw and/or vegan lifestyle. Its a bit like driving a car on the wrong side of the road and wondering why we end up with a head on. I’ve seen people die, go insane, lose all their looks and fitness whilst trying to maintain a low fruit, high fat, raw vegan lifestyle. High fat diets for adults always prove disastrous in the end. I’ve travelled the world and we currently run the most popular raw food website, so we quickly see what works long term and what doesn’t. Calorie rich, fruit carb rich, low fat raw vegan diets provide any body with enough fuel to go the distance. Combine that with sufficient sun, water, sleep, rest, fun and life purpose and amazing transformations occur 100% of the time and 100% for the better.

5. Do you think the raw vegan diet could be the key to staying youthful? Does a positive attitude also play a role? If so, how important do you think it is?

Yes & no. Ive met many raw fooders that buy into calorie restriction which in my humble opinion is just another form of anorexia. They become emaciated, fatigued, binge prone and depressed and age pretty quickly due to elevated cortisol levels as the body tries to stabilise the constant blood sugar problems that a high fat, low carb diet creates.

However when one eats a sweet and juicy diet rich in calories, sleep, water, sport etc…then yeah, we literally become more ‘sweet and juicy!’ ;) Attitude is vital and it’s a lot easier to be happy in the moment if we are meeting our hydration, glucose and sleep requirements. The people I know that eat the least, they freak out the most due to daily glucose exhaustion from eating a low calorie and low carb raw foods diet. Also I’ve learnt from cycling all over the world in jungles, tropical humidity, blazing outback Australian sun, bitter cold and over endless mountains that happiness is only ever experienced in the present moment and that happiness is best shared with those around us.

Regarding vitamin B12, I find that a lot of people do better after taking a few courses of b12 injections/sublinguals. Why? Well I see most people switch over to a fruit based raw vegan lifestyle due to digestion issues like gastric atrophy/celiacs/Crohns etc and all these conditions can affect b12 levels in the body. I regularly train with Olympic, Tour de France and world class cyclists and they all take a b12 supplement. The cut off for b12 in Japan is 500 but in Australia its only around 120. I have many raw meat eater friends that have very low serum b12 levels as they do not supplement.
One would theorise that a flesh rich diet would provide sufficient b12 but I like to judge by results vs theory and science shows us that over 39% of the US has a b12 deficiency according to a study done by Tufts University. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2000/000802.htm

Given that we live in such a polluted world with way more stress than we would have in nature, I feel a b12 supplement is a great idea considering there is no real health negatives from taking one. There is a myth that b12 issues are just for vegans but ask any doctor or nurse and they will tell you that they test and prescribe b12 to patients of all eating/demographic backgrounds. You can even get your rat, cat and/or dog tested for b12 serum status.

6. Are you publishing your own book soon? Please tell us about it.

Well, Dr Doug Graham has written the best health book ever written in my humble opinion and Ive read literally hundreds and hundreds over the last 8 years. His book “80/10/10” is a masterpiece and has made raw life amazing for many people. I’m currently writing a book that I feel complements “80/10/10” by talking more about social, emotional and physical issues that many experience when they shift to a more healthful way of eating/living. It’s definitely not a politically correct book. Its anything but PC! ;) I refuse to be silent of the dangers I see when people follow a low carb vegan/raw vegan lifestyle. I only advise a 100% raw foods approach if the person is willing to eat a stack of sweet fruits. A low fat, high carb, high raw vegan eating plan is a zillion times healthier than a low carb, high fat raw vegan recipe for disaster. Bottom line a healthy diet is one that gets at least 80% of its calories from carbs and less than 10% of its calories from protein and less than 10% from fat. This is the long term goal. Many studies including the China Study have confirmed these caloric % figures. Raw or cooked, its gotta be high carb, low fat if we want good blood sugar profiles, healthy minds, high vitality, good digestion and spades of stamina to handle whatever life hands us each day.

Anything else you would like to add?

We must be so grateful that we live in the age that we do. Anyone
of us can wake up and choose how we want to live each day. 99.9% of the population that ever lived on earth couldn’t comprehend the abundance we have on offer each day. Its insane. I mean, people in Africa, they want to be able to have enough plant foods to thrive on. They want to sleep safe at night, they want to be able to have a shower or have a job they enjoy. Yet we walk around half asleep each day thinking we have the rest of eternity to go and get our crap together and make a difference on the planet.

I’ve travelled all over the globe with my bicycle and as a vegan and have learnt we need to take massive action, today, right now and that starts with going vegan overnight. There are no more excuses and zero reasons why an individual living in the western world can’t be a vegan. All the science, human performance, health, environmental, ethical, economical and heartfelt evidence is out there that a vegan diet best serves human health and that fruits and vegetables are the most nutritious foods for humans. So my advice to anyone reading this is increase the peace, GO VEGAN!

For more info see www.30bananasaday.com

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Personal training the vegan way with the beautiful Fawn Porter.

16 Sep

1. Why did you decide to become vegan? What influenced you?

I don’t think I ever really ‘decided’ to become vegan. I had made the transition from eating meat to no more red meat, to no mammals, to no meat at all. It was a very natural and quick progression. I kept researching and finding out new horror stories which I countered by finding new faux meat, cheese, chocolate etc until eventually one day I sort of stopped and thought..well I guess I’m vegan now – that was easier than I thought!

Admittedly I was quite apprehensive about veganism. Even when I started cutting back on meat I still remember thinking being a vegan was so extreme and that I’d never be one of those ‘crazies’. I’d always been an ‘animal’ person. I grew up on a quarter horse stud and small farm and was so intrigued by all the animals. I would spend as much time as I could playing with my four legged pals. Needless to say I was quite oblivious to what lie ahead for many of them. What initially sparked my first light bulb moment was when I met a pig named Chester. He was a great kune kune pig who resided at the Auckland SPCA where I worked casually at the time in 2007. When I’d have breaks I would go down to the farm section and call out to him and feed him apples. He would always come when you called him, sit, lie down, roll over just as the dogs I’d trained would do. It didn’t take me long to connect the dots on that one. How on earth could I justify eating Chester when I would never dream of eating a dog or cat?

Shortly after this I was handed a pamphlet on the street about the factory farming of pigs – that was it. No more pork on my fork! Following this I stumbled across a link to the documentary Earthlings (THE BEST DOCUMENTARY EVER..if I might say) and my world turned upside down. I had never been so horrified in all my life. The way I looked at animals and what was on my plate would change forever.

Not only did it show the grim reality of what happens to farm animals, animals used in experiments, animals in entertainment, the pet industry and so forth but it made some highly logical and simple points about the way we think about animals and justify their ‘use’ for our supposed benefit. I finally made the connection and realised that farm animals are individual, sentient beings – that each calf or piglet experiences pain and joy just as vividly as any puppy or kitten.

2. There are many health benefits we can derive from the vegan diet. Has going vegan improved your health and well being and in what ways?

Definitely! I was a bit of a lard ball in my early high school days followed by patches of becoming extremely slim (though I’ve come to terms with the fact genetics have endowed me with chicken legs for life!) Even though I was always generally quite active during those years I by no means ever reached my true potential. I would always feel quite heavy and weighed down. Now, as a vegan, I am without a doubt fitter than I’ve ever been before. It has put a new bounce in my step. I feel as though I now know what it is to be living a truly healthy lifestyle. I truly feel lighter, fitter and healthier for it – both mentally and physically.

3. What is your current fitness regime and your favourite sports?

Currently I train at the gym on average 3-4 times a week, occasionally 5 times. This usually consists of a heavy split weight training program and/or rock climbing (I go to a rock climbing gym). I aim to climb at least twice a week. I also play in a touch football competition usually once a week which is heaps of fun! Hoping to pick up playing tennis socially again and I’m also learning to salsa!

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4. Do you have a favourite recipe that replenishes your body after a workout?

My chocolate banana peanut butter protein smoothie always hits the spot!

1 cup soy milk (sometimes use rice or oat milk or the choc bliss soy milk for an extra chocolate hit)

1 banana

1 tbs natural peanut butter

1 scoop chocolate NitroFusion protein powder (made from brown rice, pea and artichoke protein)

Blend all the ingredients.

Or if I’m not feeling as glutinous I might go for a super greens drink such as Vital Greens with a scoop of protein powder in water with a small serve of fresh fruit or goji berries.

5. If animals could talk, what do you think they would say to people that think it is acceptable to eat meat and consume dairy products?

Simply “Put yourself in my shoes” or maybe that should be “put yourself in my hooves” either way I believe they would say something along the lines of comparison, “I am you only different. See yourself in others then who can you harm?” or perhaps even more bluntly,  “leave me the hell alone you brainwashed, unweaned hairless gorilla” or “For the sake of some little mouthful of flesh or udder secretion would you cut short my life after denying me the sun on my back, the ground beneath my feet, the freedom to move and the right to motherhood?”

6. Do you have any goals in terms of helping animals and spreading the vegan message? Are you involved in any projects currently?

Absolutely! As a qualified personal trainer I’m planning to start working on creating an Australian based website that delivers online personal training programs (as well as one-on-one training in the Sydney area) and nutritional tips to help create and inspire people to adopt a vegan lifestyle and to dispel the vegan = string bean wimp myth. I’m hoping to create a sense of drive and passion into other vegans to be the best that they can be physically. We are all walking billboards for veganism and for animals everywhere. By being a fit, strong and healthy vegan you instantly pacify many of the misconceptions people have about veganism and people will often be even more intrigued by your diet.

The aim is to also create an online store which delivers nation wide which will stock a range of different vegan health and fitness products all in the one spot for the health and fitness conscious vegan. It’s not all up and running just yet but if anyone’s interested in learning more, starting their own program or interested in training with me they can contact me via meangreenpt@gmail.com

7. Who inspires you and why?

I’m inspired by the mistreated and abused animals I’ve cared for, that after all their grief and turmoil they still looked up at me with hope and loyalty, clucking, oinking or wagging their tails with joy. This sort of unconditional love, gratitude and forgiveness I believe to be the most admirable characteristic of all. A trait we as a species have failed to grasp. As for the people who inspire me I must say I’m a big Anthony Robbins fan. I love the work he does and the passion, drive and commitment he has for it. He is an inspiration. He also has some great health information in what he teaches as a vegetarian himself.

A vegan idol and inspiration of mine I think would have to be Robert Cheeke. Someone who has transformed himself and dedicated so much of his life to being the best he can be, ultimately becoming one of the most well known vegan athletes/body builders there is. I’m also incredibly inspired by the numerous men and women I see who continue to work tirelessly for the animal rights cause in so many various ways. Those tireless campaigners, organizers, care takers and volunteers are truly dedicated people. And last but certainly not least, what keeps me motivated on spreading the word about animal rights and veganism is when I’m leafleting and I hear all the “get a life”, “who cares” and/or “you’re a moron” etc comments and then I have someone who comes back and says “Wow, I never knew this was happening. Thank you” or “What you’re doing makes a difference”. That sticks with me.

8. What is upcoming for you for the rest of this year and in 2011?

My main focus for the rest of this year is getting Mean Green Personal Training off the ground and out to the masses to help other vegans transform themselves into mean green fighting machines! I’m also dedicated to further educating myself in the field of fitness and nutrition as a result. A personal goal for myself before the year is out is to start rock climbing competitively. Into 2011 I expect to see myself further developing the business and as a result enabling to dedicate more time and money to animal rights charities. I’m also likely to be hitting the shore of the US late this year or early next year to visit my mum and also explore the realms of vegan fare in places such as Portland, LA and New York. I’m hoping that will give me some inspiration and ideas as I would also love to start my own vegan café one day.

9. Please share any inspiring thoughts with us about your vegan lifestyle.

Going vegan has to be one of the simplest and easiest things anyone can do to better your health, the environment and literally save lives. You need not be a rocket scientist. I honestly have felt much more at peace with myself since going vegan. Once being of the tone “I like animals, but I love meat” – which was clearly hypocritical – to cutting out all animal products has given me a real sense of one with myself. A true sense of purpose, a clear conscious and made me a more vibrant and healthy person.

Thank you Fawn!

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Earth loving graphic designer Steven Nicolaides- a vegan with creativity and heart.

31 Aug

Steven Nicolaides in a graphic designer from the UK with a difference. Steven’s work is reflective of his eco-conscious  values and love for animals. We spoke to Steven recently to find out more.

1. What is the best thing about being vegan?

The connection to nature that comes from living a cruelty free life.

2. Do you have a fav. vegan recipe you would like to share with us?

‘Tangy Aduki Beans’ is a nice simple one:

For 2 servings-
 Soak about 2 cups of Aduki beans in water overnight.
 Drain beans, transfer to saucepan and cover with water. Boil them until very soft.
 (I eat half and save the rest for the day after)

Finely chop 1 handful of fresh parsley and 1 handful of fresh Coriander (Cilantro).
 Chop some tomato and salad onions or red onions. If you dont want to add onion you can use rocket leaves.
 Dress in olive oil and lemon juice. I usually add the juice of half a lemon per serving.
 They are  great with Pitta bread or raw crackers.


3. You have described yourself as an “eco friendly graphic and web designer”. That sounds cool! Can you tell us a bit about that?

I used to be a full time designer working for a printing company and inevitably jobs like junk food take away menus would come up. I used to wonder if there was not a better job for me with clients who were like minded that I could get excited about. So when I left there in 2008, I created my New Gaia Designs website. Most design agencies and design companies are a bit pretentious and have pages like ‘our beliefs’ where they philosophize about the importance of the design process and how amazing they think they are. So instead I made my website with real philosophy and real amazing stuff on it. I knew some businesses might not want to work with me but I didn’t care because I wanted clients to resonate with New Gaia and want to work with me. That’s the main way New Gaia is eco friendly – because I am an eco friendly person, as the design and printing industries are quite green anyway.

4. Who inspires you?

Everyone and Nobody. I can go from one extreme where I inspire myself to other times when I take inspiration from others. If someone creates something that impresses me I want to do the same but aim to beat it. I take a lot of inspiration from heroes in stories and movies, like Superman, Luke Skywalker etc

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5. Is there any particular reason why you chose the plant based diet? Have you found it beneficial for your health? If so, in what ways?

In the late 1990s I was becoming more sensitive to spiritual energies.  I read that meat was not a good food as it had a lower vibration and that it wasn’t healthy. I had always hated the idea of eating animal products anyway and it always sickened me, so it wasn’t a big deal for me to give it up. The final straw came when in early 2001 there was a breakout of  ’foot and mouth’ disease in UK cattle. Millions of cows were ‘culled’ to stop the spread of the disease. I saw on the news a mountain of thousands of dead cows being burned – it looked like a vision from hell. As I learned more about the cruelty of factory farming I eventually cut out dairy and eggs too.

The thing which improved my health the most was eating fresh organic produce. They are not available in a supermarket as nothing sold there is truly fresh. Im talking about finding a blackberry bush and picking as many ripe, fresh, organic berries as I want – for free! That food is the best one can eat, for it carries an energy with it beyond the life force of the fruit itself. It has the energy of freedom in it. Its like unplugging from the zombie illusion of the capitalist society and plugging into our true source – our home. You don’t get that feeling pushing a trolly around a shop buying food laced with poison. Also small measures like cooking with filtered water (which I only started recently) helped me be healthier.

6. As a photographer, what are your favourite subjects to shoot? Can you share with us one of your favourite photos?

I like capturing anything that makes me feel something. So usually its something from nature like flowers or animals. The ‘Purple Crocus Flowers’ is a good one because it was taken in a patch of grass beside a busy road. Crocus flowers remind me of  myself and other eco warriors because Crocus are the first flowers to emerge, signalling the start of spring. The things I am into like veganism, raw food, alternative healing and even the eco friendly lifestyle can still seem very new and definitely lonely. Sometimes when I go to an event or try a product which is brand new I feel excited at the prospects of a glorious spring and summer coming soon. But a summer like no other, a summer that never ends.


For more information about Steven and his design  work, see the following sites:

http://www.newgaiadesigns.com

http://www.redbubble.com/people/FizzyImages

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Film Director/Producer Aaron Scheibner shares his vision for a kinder world.

18 Aug

Aaron Scheibner is the creative force behind Phoenix Philms. His latest feature length documentary “A Delicate Balance- The Truth” is a film about how food affects our health and the environment. We spoke to Aaron recently to find out more about the film and the man behind the film.

1. Why did you decide to go vegan and how has it improved your health and well being?

I had never imagined that I would ever become a vegetarian let alone a vegan. It was around 2001 that I started to look at my diet, and began to make some small changes to it. That opened my eyes to what I was really eating or consuming. It was during the time of researching “A Delicate Balance”  that I saw how devastating the landscape was being affected by animal based agriculture. It was while travelling in country NSW and around that same time watching an animated film called ‘Chicken Run’ that I made a connection. It clicked with me (at least where chickens were concerned) and I decided to never eat chicken again.

I looked into a vegetarian diet more and more as I always did love animals. I went on a blood group diet at one point and  took my cherished dairy products out of my diet.  I didn’t like this prospect as I loved my dairy- I loved my Brie, European style yoghurt, buttermilk ice cream, Cheddar cheese and so on. Interestingly enough I never did like butter. I was off dairy for about 6 to 8 weeks and I felt fantastic. I lost weight and felt better over all. I did go back to the dairy after I stopped the Blood Group Diet.

It was in 2003 when I became a vegetarian. I was learning all I could about the subject. I started to connect with various animal rights organisations. I watched the film ‘Meet your Meat’. It was during this time that I learnt what a vegan was. I knew for sure I did not want to become one of them! I told myself I would never become a vegan! And yet I eat my words everyday. I was a happy little vegetarian until I met Scarlett a cow who lived in the same town as me- Jamberoo.

The town is the birthplace of co-operative dairy production in Australia. Its a very picturesque town with rolling hills and black and white cows all over the place but it’s not a very happy place for these poor souls. Scarlett had just given birth to a calf. Unfortunately the calf died during birth. She couldn’t get up, she had calving paralysis. I came to visit her everyday. The local farmer gave her various different supplements to try to get her back up but nothing seemed to work. I even filmed her while all this was happening, it was so sad. I could see her body just wasting away. I could see her bone structure more and more. She was getting bed like sores and seemed like she was not very happy being in that state. It looked and felt as if she so desperately wanted to get up. The farmer tried to lift her frail body with a small tracker. It was very sad to see. After observing all this I decided I would never consume dairy products or eggs for that matter ever again. Everyday I pass a number of dairy farms and remember her but not only that, I see how unhappy the calves and cows are when I drive by.

I really wish I could help them. They can’t really do much except do what the farmers make them do. Just a note on Scarlett. The farmer was not intentionally cruel. He was doing only what he knew. That is his life and he doesn’t know any other way. I really feel that the farmers (at least the small time farmers) would be open to change, be open to maybe switching or reducing their dependence on the cows and other animals on their farms. They just need the support and I don’t think it can or would come from government.

2. Your film “A Delicate Balance-The Truth” has inspired many people to go vegan and others to go vegetarian and others to reduce their meat and dairy consumption, which makes you a super cool vegan indeed! What inspired you to make such a powerful documentary?

I do hope it has made a difference and encouraged people to look into what they eat and how it affects everyone around them. I don’t know about that though. All I want to do is share this information. I am just doing what I feel would best help the animals and the planet and her resources. I just want to make a small difference.

I was first inspired to make this film while I was travelling in country NSW. I saw how dry the landscape and bush was. Australia was in one of its perpetual droughts. It was around the time that wool sheep were being culled because there wasn’t enough food and water to keep them to raise them for their wool. Things are pretty bad when it comes to that. This is what prompted me to begin to create the story board for the film. I had all these great ideas in my head for the film. I had no idea how to turn them into a ‘reality’ but somehow I managed to make it happen!

I also made this film for the animals, I wanted to help them in some way, to stop them from being used for their bodies.  I thought that if people educated themselves about the foods they eat that they would steer towards the non animals foods- the healthy and plentiful plant foods that nature intended us all to eat.

3. “A Delicate Balance-The Truth” has been nominated for several awards and you were the recipient of the Green Apple Award at the Green Lifestyle Film Festival in 2009. Your website is full of quotes of endorsement by many well known people such as Dr Will Tuttle (author of the World Peace Diet), Imogen Bailey (Australian actress and model), a couple of politicians, members of the media and many others. Do you think that more people are awakening to the Truth and are making the necessary lifestyle changes that will ensure better health for themselves and the planet?

I really don’t think so. I do hope this is the case but I don’t think it’s really happening.  Humans can either be caring, kind and altruistic but there are some that are truly selfish and care about no one but themselves and what they desire. I do live in hope however that there are people out there that truly care for the well being of the animals, the planet and (oh this is such a cliché) but to take care of the planet for future generations.

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4. What is the coolest thing about being vegan?

Close your eyes and cover your ears kids. Vegans are pretty tasty themselves! (Aaron gives us a cheeky wink). Kiddies open your eyes again. Hmmm. The coolest thing about being a vegan- well I always saw myself as being an environmentalist.When I was nine years old I wanted to go to Brazil and tie myself up to a tree to help save the Amazon. That didn’t happen but I did learn about recycling, I became a massive recycling junkie. Conserving, reducing and recycling, taking care of Mother Earth wherever I could. I guess that is pretty cool, to be aware that each thing we do can make a difference, even if it is picking up a six pack plastic ring and breaking it up and throwing it in the rubbish. Each act we do makes a huge difference and we may never see the ‘what if’ we never did that. If we never took the leap and made that small difference.

5. What is your favourite recipe?

I love potato mash!

Here is one variation on a old time favourite:

Peel a bunch of Kipfler, Desiree Heirloom, Purple Majesty Heirloom potatoes  or any similar potatoes that you can get your hands on. AVOID buying supermarket potatoes. Grow your own if you can ( I grow some herbs and spices, potatoes, artichokes  and tomatoes in my garden).  Don’t peel the skin. Cover with water. Cook until soft, drain well & mash the potatoes. Add a little vegan margarine such as Nutellex or olive oil but this is optional. Add a bit of soy, rice, oat or any other ‘milk’ you fancy. Add some chilli flakes and some fresh parsley and voilà!

I know potatoes aren’t the best carbohydrate but I enjoy a good mash every now and then.

6. What’s next for Phoenix Philms?

I am working on a number of ideas especially about civil liberties, banking and money and one about how social welfare programmes are downright ignorant of the needs of the people who need the most help. I am currently researching a short film about the banks- how money and credit is created (virtually out of thin air) and how through these means most of the world’s population become debt slaves. I have come to the conclusion that most people do not know how to give change properly so I will be making a short film showing how it is done and adding an air of comedy to this pretty common occurrence of giving back change. I hope to bring some comedy into this one.  All the other ones are way too serious but all too necessary.

7. If you could send a message to people all around the globe, what would you say?

Think, think, think! Think for yourself. Don’t let anyone give you information and blindly believe it. Don’t listen to the media (in any form). Question what is being said. Question everything. Search for answers. Live through different eyes every day and experience what each day has to bring you but remember think, think, think and question everything you see!


A Delicate Balance is available for a short time until the end of this month (August 2010) from http://adelicatebalance.vividas.com/ for only $4.95 per view!

Aaron is offering a free “A Delicate Balance – The Truth: The Book” (e-book) valued at $8 USD for anyone who emails 5 of their friends about the film. Send your email to freeebook@adelicatebalance.tv and he will send you the e-book!

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For more information about Aaron Scheibner and his film “A Delicate Balance- The Truth” please see the following websites:

www.aaronscheibner.com

http://adelicatebalance.com.au

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Delicate-Balance-The-Truth/8897276188?ref=ts

http://www.myspace.com/adelicatebalancemovie

http://twitter.com/delicatebalance

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phoenix-Philms/6485654299?ref=ts

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Bellydancer Crystal Silmi explains how a vegan diet is in step with her dancing career.

9 Aug

Crystal Silmi is a belly dancer from USA.  She teaches and performs a unique fusion style of belly dance. We spoke to Crystal recently to get her perspective on the vegan lifestyle to see how well it supports her very energetic lifestyle and career.

1. What or who inspired you to become a vegan?

I became a vegetarian when I was 14 years old. There was a profound moment for me at that time when I made the connection between the food on my plate and where it had come from. I love animals very much and realized that my omnivorous diet was causing suffering to these precious beings. Not only that but I felt that I had somehow been cheated by society for “disguising” the truths about the factory farming industry. I switched to a full vegan diet about 3 years ago when I came in contact with some very alarming reports about the horrifying treatment of cattle and the stats on how methane from livestock is the key contributor to climate change. We have a slogan here in California for milk- “Happy Cows Come From California.” Wow. The truth about dairy cows paints a very different picture. Not only is the dairy industry torturous to the animals, but it is totally unnatural for humans to be drinking cow’s milk to begin with. The switch from vegetarian to vegan was very easy for me with this information in hand.

2. Can you please share with us the benefits you have found from following a vegan diet?

Switching to a vegan diet from a lacto-vegetarian diet has brought some suprising benefits. I feel lighter, both mentally and physically. I also feel more content ethically speaking. My diet has a super low carbon foot print and I know that animals are not suffering on my account. Not only that – but I have discovered the limitless joys of vegan cuisine. In California we are so blessed to have a multitude of restaurants and goods catered towards vegans. I have recently fallen in love with Purely Decadent Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream. To Die For.

3. Does the vegan diet provide enough energy for a dancer such as yourself?

I am EXTREMELY active. I teach multiple classes every week. I direct a troupe of dancers and we have performances all the time. Not only do I have “enough” energy as a dancer but the constant feedback comment I get after my performances is “You have so much energy! I love your energy!” The dancing that I do tends to be super fast paced and requires a lot of stamina. I dare to say that I am more fit and have more energy than many of my non vegan dance counterparts.

4. Please tell us a bit about your style of belly dancing.

I do “belly dance fusion” which encompasses a broad range of styles under the technical umbrella of belly dance. That means using the foundation of belly dance, I often incorporate movement and music from other dance genres such as hip hop, jazz, flamenco, north african dance, etc. As an Arab American living in a very “fusion” society comprised of people from all parts of the world, my influences in dance and culture have known no borders. Dance for me is a vehicle of self expression and the range of my being is widely variable. I appreciate dance and music of all varieties and find that I am more free to express myself when I embrace the world of dance at large, not just a singular genre.

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5. Do you have a favourite recipe that you can share with us?

Practically every day I eat toasted 100% rye bread with avocado and a little salt and pepper on top. Tastes even better with a few slices of Vegan Gourmet Mozarella Cheese. I know that’s not really a recipe, but it’s a staple meal of mine.

6. Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

I am inspired by so many people in so many different ways. Artistically of course my main teacher, Suhaila Salimpour paved the way for me to find my voice as a dancer. I have since found inspiration through all artisitic mediums from poetry to painting and beyond. The women in my dance troupe RaksArabi inspire me with their commitment to my artistic vision and their ability to make it come alive. Every day I am moved and inspired in some way. When I hear about the work people are doing for the greater good of humanity and the selfless sacrifices that are made daily by people to help one another, I am moved and inspired.

When I remember the words of great people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mohandas Gandhi or Mother Theresa I feel a wave of love and inspiration to do good deeds and to be the change I want to see in the world. I cannot deny though that the main source of my inspiration comes from my beloved spiritual teacher Supreme Master Ching Hai. Without her compassionate love and guidance, I cannot say that I would have found dance at all. Her noble way of living and teachings on the nature of our true essence has really shaped me as a wise, loving and compassionate human being. I find eternal inspiration in her words and deeds.

7. If you could send a message out to the world, what would it be?

Please – our time here is very short. Not only as individuals but as a collective. Our mother needs our help to reverse the damage we have caused to her. We are in a time where extreme change is needed – and that starts with what’s on our plate. It is so easy to be vegan. The health benefits are limitless and you will feel uplifted to know that you are a cog in the wheel of REAL change. This is beyond politics and opinions about whether we are the cause of global warming or not – the only thing that matters is that we have the ability to do something to save our beautiful home. The animals will thank you, the Amazon will thank you, I will thank you but most importantly your own inner consciousness will thank you. Be Vegan to Save the Planet!

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For more information about Crystal Silmi,  see www.crystalsilmi.com and http://www.youtube.com/user/crystalsilmi.

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Male model Ezequiel Ferrari shares his passion for the vegan lifestyle.

6 Aug

Ezequiel Ferrari is a male model and an aerobics teacher from Argentina. He  spoke to us recently about his passion for being vegan and why being vegan is the healthiest way to live.

1. Why did you decide to become vegan?

I decided to be a vegan because I couldn’t stand the idea of being part of cruelty to animals. Firstly I became a vegetarian, but by the next week I was already a complete vegan!! I live in a very carnivorous country, so imagine how difficult it was for me at the beginning to deal with people. I thought I was the only vegan in Argentina. Today, I’m the proudest vegan!!!

2. What benefits have you derived from the vegan diet?

Well,  since I’m a vegan I have more energy. My skin used to be a mess! Now it looks clean and it has a nice color. I’m currently in the fitness world and as a vegan I couldn’t be more happy (My body looks STUNNING!) + Veganism is PURE HEALTH! I have been teaching high impact aerobics the last few months at the gym.  Most of the students are omnivores and a few are vegetarian or vegan. The veggie ones are the only ones who can take that pace (I’m talking about a very powerful class), while omnivores get tired very quickly. I’m sure that veganism plus an exercise routine are the best combination for having a happy, healthy body including your blood, your lungs, your muscles and your arteries.

There are no industrial chemicals or animal substances in a vegan diet and there is nothing more healthful than that, and that’s the reason why vegans or vegetarians are better and healthier athletes!!

3. What has been the highlight of your modelling career? Are many models vegan or vegetarian?

I’m always adding new experiences to my life as a model, and they’re all great, can’t complain about it. When it comes to the highlight of my modelling career I would say being shot by Susana Mutti, she’s a very important photographer here in Argentina, she’s such a great woman. When she called me to work together I was like ‘YES!!!!’ and when we finally did it I was like ”I’M IN HEAVEN!” She’s great!

Vegetarian or vegan models? I’M ONE! Many models decide to have a ”vegan” or vegetarian diet to be in shape. But, they are still not vegan because they still wear fur or leather or do campaigns for products that have been tested on animals. There are no many well known vegan or vegetarian models here. I can mention Nicole Neumann, she loves animals and she’s vegetarian.

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4. Do you have any tips for our readers about how to maintain good fitness?

Yes, first, if you’re about to start an exercise routine, don’t forget to find out how many calories you should consume daily, your daily calorie intake. It is very important!!

It is very important to consume carbohydrates- they are the ”Body’s Fuel”. Eat cereals, bread, fruits, vegetables, legumes, any of these you like. Vegetables are low in fat and they don’t have cholesterol!!

Don’t over exert yourself!! Just go with your own pace!!

5. What sports or exercise do you do to maintain your fitness level?

Aerobics. I’m doing two hours of high impact aerobics each day and Saturdays I’m doing almost five (NO, I’m not an addict!) I’m about to become a fitness instructor, so I need to be prepared for the big test and of course I need to be physically prepared to teach without getting tired at all!

6. What is your favourite vegan recipe?

BANANA CAKE!!! I made this  with my sister a month ago and it was  AMAZING! You just need:

*Flour (3 cups) *Baking soda ( a little spoon) *Organic sugar (1-1/2 cups) *Five bananas  *Water (just if you need it) *And a little bit of salt!

You just mix up the ingredients and then put the mixture  in the oven, not too hot and not too cold, cook for 40 minutes and then lick your own fingers at the end of it!!

7. Do you think it is harder for men to go vegan than women? What do you think prevents men from adopting a plant based diet?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! It isn’t harder for a man than a woman. It all depends on each one! It depends of your own willpower!! If you really love animals and if you really love yourself, then, you’ll have no doubt about it. Maybe people around you will tell you ”oh, it’s not sane to be a vegan”, they’ll try to convince you it is the worst thing, but hell no!!!

Being vegan is not being weak, it’s not eating lettuce only. You’ll find a lot more than you expected, you’ll feel greater than ever before!!

8. Anything else you would like to share with us?

Life is a karma. GO VEG!!

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Thank you Ezequiel for your information about the health benefits of the vegan diet and your encouraging words about how easy it is to go vegan! :)

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Chatting with Vegan Rock Goddess Rosa

29 Jul

Rosa and the Ultratight are an all-girl  pop/rock band.  Rosa Gudmundsdottir spoke to us recently about her journey to great health through the vegan diet.

1. What inspired you to be vegan?

I embarked on my journey of healthier living in 2003 by becoming vegetarian, knowing that I was on route to become vegan. I read a pamphlet about veganism and there was a story about a woman who held a little chick, a cute little furry yellow chick sharing how she connected with that little life, feeling its little heartbeat. That story touched me as I read it and I also connected with its heartbeat and I started to cry! That was it for me. I never looked back since and now it’s been over 5 years.  :)

2. Can you name for us the top benefits you have found after you became vegan?

OH Lord! WOW.  I have never been stronger, faster, I am virtually free of the pollen allergy I’ve suffered from since I was twelve years old and I have noticed how my “soul” is light and that I am living my path as I’m meant to! I feel so aware and clear and my compassion is at a high level to name a FEW!

3. Tell us about your band “Rosa and The Ultratight”.

YAY! I LOVE my band – they’re all girls and we play TIGHT that’s why we’re UltraTight. My guitarist is the only one who has been with me from the start (2005) and the rest came later.  I’ve switched those players too over the years, but I think the current set up is here to stay.

The next show is at KENNY’S CASTAWAYS this Thursday (July 29th) at 11pm. PLEASE come support – we were asked to play at a record label gig (sorry had to promote hee hee.  :) ) You will be pop/rocked into your soul.  :)

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4. Who are your musical inspirations?

SO many- Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Madonna, Carpenters, Skid Row ALLLL KIIIIINDS-  LIFE IS MUSIC, can’t choose.  :)

5. What do you feel is your purpose in life?

To inspire and help this world to the better, to the best of my ability and to be at service to the higher power I believe in, to my understanding! To deepen my understanding and compassion and to learn my lessons until they’re learned.

6. Do you have a favourite vegan recipe you could share with us?

I frequently make food. To me it’s important not only to be vegan but to eat healthy too, so one of my favorite dishes to make is to sautee seitan or tempeh out of grapeseed oil with Braggs veg. protein and some good quality soy sauce, some yummie veggies and herbs, served under light coconut milk sauce with thai curry pastes (red, yellow, green) sweetened with a little agave and boiled wild rice blend -  SO GOOOOOOOD! :)

7. If you could share your message with the world, what would you say?

PLEASE hence that we need to wake up NOW and adhere to spiritual principals of CHANGE, making a CONSCIOUS decision to change our ways and become a responsible citizen of the WORLD our PLANET. Acknowledge that we are a part of a creation and be humble to that fact.  Make a spiritual connection with whatever you believe in and become the change you want to see! It ALL starts within!
We can all become what we want to be! LOVE ~Rósa

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Thanks Rosa for your inspirational words!

Check out Rosa and the Ultratight -

http://www.youtube.com/ROSAICELAND

For more information about the multi-talented Rosa, please see her website www.rosa.ws

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7 year old vegan shares her thoughts on her compassionate lifestyle.

29 Jun

Marlie Adams is a young vegan with compassion and a sincere love for animals. Marlie recently shared with us her thoughts and feelings about the vegan lifestyle.

1. What is the best thing about being vegan? How long have you been a vegan for?

That you don’t kill animals and eat the inside of them. I’ve been vegan all my life. I love being vegan because I know you don’t hurt animals. Food is yummier when you’re vegan, it tastes good.

2. What is your favourite vegan food?

Vegan ice cream. An American one by Good Karma called Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (http://www.goodkarmafoods.com/chocolate-peanut-butter/organic-rice-divine-chocolate-peanut-butter-fudge) I know it’s not food, it’s junk food… hahahahaha

My favorite vegan book is “Benjy Beansprouts Doesn’t Eat Meat”. Benjy is vegan and the other kids aren’t and the other kids are mean to him and think he’s weird so Benjy goes to a sanctuary, takes pictures of the animals and Benjy shows them how it’s better to be vegan than to eat meat.

3. Are you involved in any activities to help other people learn about veganism?

At my old school I made a poster for Thanksgiving called “Animals I Saved”. On one side I showed animals in factory farms and on the other side I showed what they should look like- living free. I showed all my friends at school and told them about how badly animals are treated for food.  One of my friends said that’s just the way it goes, they die and another, Ana was on my side! I told him that’s NOT the way it goes, they hang them from one leg and slit their throat open with a knife, alive. From seeing my poster Rebecca, Ana and Evin said they will be vegan when they are older. Evin didn’t want to eat his chicken nuggets at lunch but Miss Sarah said he will be hungry so he did. Every day they saw me bring yummy vegan, delicious food and want to know more about being vegan so I always told them.

I went to like a million protests- animal and circuses. I held up signs and I was screaming “they hurt animals, don’t go in and the animals are very very sick, you should not support them”!

Now I’m in the Dharma school where everyone has to eat vegan food at school.

I wear vegan tshirts- I want people to go vegan so they don’t kill animals.

4. Which animal is your favourite and is there any special reason why they are your favourite?

I have many favorite animals- kittens, puppies, piglets, guinea pigs, rabbits, lambs, calves, fowl, baby swans and joeys. I love them because they are so cute and I love to snuggle them. I still love them when they get older and still think they are cute. I can’t name every single animal that I like.

5. Do you think animals have feeling like humans do? Do you think the baby animals miss their mothers when they are seperated?

Yes, animals have feelings like humans. Because we are animals as well, just a different type of animal. Yes, I think they miss their mothers a lot.

6. If you could send a message out to the people of the world about animals and about going vegan, what would you say?

I would say can you please stop killing animals and go vegan. Animals have feelings as well as humans, there is no difference. I would like it if everyone in the world could go vegan because then we could have a healthier life. Being vegan is about being nice to animals and not hurting them!

7. Have you inspired other kids to go vegan? What do the kids at school think about your lifestyle?

Yes, I have in my old school: Evin, Ana and Rebecca, they said they will go vegan when they grow up. Also, at my school now most of my friends are vegan and the other kids are not vegan but we are trying to get them to be vegan, so if they want to be our friend they will have to go vegan. I want all my friends to be vegan. I wonder if my tooth fairy is vegan? I bet because I’m vegan they gave me a vegan tooth fairy. Yes!

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Marlie Adams will be 8 in July and lives in Australia.

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Raw vegan athlete Freelee reveals her beauty, fitness and health tips.

24 Jun

Freelee is a raw vegan athlete who hosts several websites which aim to inspire and educate people about the raw food lifestyle. Freelee recently shared with us some of that knowledge and inspiration.

1. What are the health benefits of following a low fat raw vegan diet?   What are the beauty benefits?

* Clear skin, great digestion, increased energy and endurance, quick recovery from exercise, brings candida back to balance,
weight controlled easily,heightened mental clarity and enhanced spiritual presence.

Beauty benefits…
* Clear skin, strong nails, clear eyes, attractive skin tone, smooth skin, silky hair

2. What advice would you give someone who wanted to go raw vegan but had doubts about the protein level?

I actually make sure I don’t get TOO much protein, why? Because too much protein in our bodies, especially from animal sources results in an over acidic environment forcing the body to leach calcium from the bones & teeth to ‘buffer’ the acidity. The resulting conditions are arthritis, osteoporosis, tooth-decay & cancer to name a few. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 10% and under is more than sufficient to meet our daily protein requirements. There isn’t even a medical terminology for “protein deficiency”! (marasmus and kwashiorkor refer to caloric deficiency).

There is absolutely no need for animal products in one’s diet, plant foods contain all 8 essential amino acids required for optimal health.
Plants are the only foods eaten by elephants, horses, and hippos – do you see them having a problem growing all the muscle, bone, and tissue they need?

3. Do you have a daily fitness routine? How important do you think exercise is for optimum health?

Yes I do have a daily exercise routine, which varies depending on where I am living. Generally I run 4-5 mornings a week, ride a few times a week and maybe dance or do yoga once a week. Since being low fat raw vegan (LFRV) I have set personal bests in my running. I once rode across Australia solo on my bicycle, over 3000kms.  That taught me a thing or two!

Having a fitness routine is an absolutely vital component in achieving optimal health. When I’m having a challenge finding my personality I go out for a run. Exercise increases endorphins/enkephalins and serotonin (feel good and anti-depressant), increases immunity, oxygenates the blood/brain/whole body, improves sleep…this list goes on..

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4. Can you give our readers some tips on how to get your body! You are in top shape! :)

Thanks a lot. It’s pretty simple really, I eat a low fat raw vegan diet – which means my diet is 97% fruit, about 2% greens and 1% nuts/seeds. Eating this way always keeps me trim. Exercise of course plays a vital role.

I make sure I always keep my body guessing to avoid fitness plateaus. My runs are always different, sometimes I do hill sprints, other times I do runs of 15kms or more. I recommend people find a sport they love and do it regularly.

5. What is your favourite recipe?

Jaffa DateOrade . Take 15 medjool dates, soak for half hour then blend with around a litre of water and the juice of 1 orange. That’s about a 1000 calorie breakfast i have most mornings.
Mmm always hits the spot!

6. Tell us about your “30 bananas a day” concept. Do you really eat that many bananas in one day?

Yes I have regularly eaten 30 bananas in one day, I have actually even eaten up to 50 bananas a day! Here is a video about it…

The concept behind “30 bananas a day” is that this amount equals 3000 calories, which we feel is a good amount of fruit to aim to eat for success on this lifestyle. It doesn’t mean you have to eat ONLY bananas but people regularly do so for short periods of healing. Once I only ate bananas for 10 days, it’s the best I’ve ever felt in my whole life. I talk about it in detail more here…


http://sweetjuicyfreelee.com/2009/11/14/my-trip-to-banana-island/

7. Part of your work seems to be about empowering women to reclaim their health, beauty and strength. What do you see as the first step in this process?

In my experience ditching the make up has been one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done and I recommend this highly as a first step for womyn wanting to find their personal power. It may seem like a small insignificant step but it clearly isn’t when we see how difficult it is for most womyn to release attachment to their face paint. We shouldn’t cover up our beauty with corporate lies.

8. Do you think with obesity such an epidemic in the western world, that emotional eating is playing a big part in that? How do people break this cycle and free themselves?

Personally I don’t believe in “emotional eating”. If we are attracted to food in any way then our cells are hungry for nutrients.
We just need to be discerning, ditch the meat and dairy and feed our bodies a high calorie, high carb, low fat, plant-based diet then the obesity epidemic would disappear. Not only would the obesity epidemic be cured but so would the plight of our animal friends and the health of the planet.

9. Any last words of inspiration for people seeking optimum health and beauty?

Yes- meat and dairy will make you fat, slow and unattractive so this needs to go from the diet first.


Quit being a victim and take control of your life.


Each of us has the power to bring meaning to our lives, life is only meaningless if we choose it to be.


We can mould our bodies and minds into instruments of love and success but we need to be in drivers seat. Don’t let the government and corporations decide what you should wear, how you should think and what you should say.


Don’t rest until you are living your life purpose.

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Thank you Freelee for your inspirational words! :)

For more information about Freelee please see the following websites:

www.30bananasaday.com
www.sweetjuicyfreelee.com
www.girlgoneraw.ning.com
www.fruitapeel.ning.com

Vegan 101 with Joanne Rose

12 May

Joanne Rose is an Australian born actress based in LA, USA. She is the founder of Vegan Vision. We caught up with Joanne recently to find out more about her journey to veganism and her work.

How long have you been vegan and what prompted you to make the switch to an animal-free diet?

I became vegan in 1994 back when there weren’t alot of products available or as accessible as they are today. I was vegetarian for a short while prior to becoming vegan. I was always a huge animal lover. It wasn’t until my teens that I learned the realities of the meat and dairy industry. I vowed there and then to go vegan.

2.What words of encouragement would you give to people who are thinking about becoming vegetarian or vegan but are a bit unsure?

I would encourage them to act from the heart. If you want to live a cruelty free existence, veganism is the way. To truly value life and strive for a healthier planet to benefit all living kind, you are doing so much by going vegan.

3.We hear in the media and from many sources that we are facing a critical moment in history. Climate change and food and water shortages are just some of the issues facing humanity as a whole. Is it possible that if people switch to a vegan diet they could help solve these problems?

Making the choice to go vegan would certainly help solve alot of the problems we are facing today.

4.What is your favourite vegan recipe?

I love big tasty colorful salads topped with avacado, walnuts and tahini dressing, followed by a Thai coconut (aka young coconut) for dessert.

5.What is the vision of Vegan Vision and your series Vegan 101? Anything exciting coming up in 2010?

Vegan Vision is a Film/TV production company I founded to write and produce positive media projects. We certainly need more inspirational entertainment out there. Vegan 101 is a comedic web series offering witty and some times screw ball humor. I wanted to play with real life encounters many of us vegans have faced and highly exaggerate them in a comical sense. Laughter is so important. We need to keep strong and hopeful. Too often we become so focused on the doom and gloom of the world. I have some very exciting projects coming up in 2010. I am shooting new episodes of Vegan 101 in Los Angeles, there will be the official release of my vegan children’s book, Tommy Tofu Saves The Day. I am hosting an event in March for the Green Lifestyle Film Festival in Los Angeles, as their official spokesperson.

6.Who inspires you and why?

River Phoenix is my greatest vegan inspiration. Through my admiration of his work, I learned more about what a vegan was in interviews he did. I am also inspired by comedic genius, Ricky Gervais. I love his hilarious take on serious things in life.

7.What is your favourite vegan beauty product? Any beauty tips you would like to share with us?

My favorite vegan beauty product would be the vegan items at Lush. I love their Baby Face Cleansing Bar, Love Lettuce Mask and irresistable Karma perfume. As for beauty tips, I swear by 8 – 10 glasses of water a day, vegan lifestyle, yoga, pilates, sunblock, laughter, adopting a rescue animal (I adopted a rescue cat – a Chinchilla Persian a couple of years ago in Los Angeles – she is my world).

…..

For more information about Joanne’s projects see:

www.veganvision.net

www.koldcast.tv- Vegan 101 can be viewed here!

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Vegan beauty Amanda Rootsey talks all things vegan.

10 May

Amanda Rootsey is a vegan model and one of the founders of Vegan Era. We were lucky enough to catch up with Amanda recently who shared with us some of her beauty and health tips.

1. What do you feel are the main benefits for people who make the switch to a plant based diet?

There are so many benefits- on a personal level you just feel so so good! You feel great physically, your head feels clearer and you feel good because you know you are doing the most important thing for the planet and saving the beautiful animals.

2. What is your favourite vegan recipe?

Shepherd’s Pie! :
4 Large potatoes, diced
1 Cup rice milk
½ Cup vegetable stock
2 Onions chopped
1 Large chilli
2 Carrots, sliced
2 Celery stalks, sliced
½ Teaspoon Paprika
1 Can chopped tomatoes
Salt & Pepper
1 Can kidney beans
2 Tablespoons Tamari

Directions:


Dice potatoes and steam until tender . Mash, adding enough soymilk so
it is smooth and spreadable. Add salt to taste, and leave to side.
In a large pot, heat vegetable stock and cook the onions f or 3 minutes.
Add the chilli , carrot, and celery and cook for 5 minutes over medium
heat. Cover, and simmer for a further 7 minutes, stirring occasional l y.
Preheat oven at around 200 degree Celsius.
Place the vegetables into a 9” x 13” baking dish and spread the mashed
potato evenly over the top. Sprinkle with paprika, bake for 25 minutes.

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Recipe from Compassionate Cooking for a Vegan Era. www.veganera.com

3. Do you have a favourite vegan restaurant or cafe?

Loving Hut in Brisbane

4. What has been the highlight of your modelling career so far?

Working in Italy and Germany at the beginning of this year. It was such a great experience to live and work in another culture and explore a bit of the world at the same time.

5. Do you have any beauty tips you would like to share with our readers?

A balanced vegan diet without too many processed foods or sugar. For your skin and hair, make sure you include some Flaxseed Oil in your diet as well. I will have a book online soon called A Modern Girl’s Guide to Healthy Eating. It will be available at www.veganera.com. I also recommend using all natural, vegan products in your skin care routine, as your pores can absorb a lot of the chemicals found in many skin care products. There are many options available now that are inexpensive, such as Natural Instinct, Sukin, Pure Earth Noosa, etc.

6. What is your must-have beauty product that you do not leave the house without? Paw Paw Ointment

7.  Please tell us a bit about Vegan Era?

Vegan Era was established in 2009 to bring the earth and animal – saving message to the world. Vegan era offers free starter kits and cook books, informative videos and nutritional information about leading this compassionate lifestyle. My partner, David Rafter and myself felt there was a need to lighten up the world with the latest news and opinions on transitioning to this beautiful life. We also love bringing like minded people together and watching the Vegan community grow. One of our main goals was to keep it pretty light and fun.

8. What kind of response have you had?

We’ve had an overwhelming response and it has continued to grow. We now have a large community who receive our regular e-newsletters and knowledgable contributors to the site from all over the world. We also have an online store selling fair-trade and hand made organic clothes and jewelry, all designed by us and created in the most earth-loving, people-friendly and, of course, animal-loving manner.

9. What’s coming up for Vegan Era?

Adopting the ‘think global, act local’ attitude by bringing our friends around the world together to share one common goal in issuing in a vegan era!

Thanks Amanda!

You can check out Amanda’s vegan website at www.veganera.com

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Supreme Master TV- leading the way into an exciting era of constructive media.

21 Aug

There seems to be plenty of media that focuses on the negative news that seems to be unfortunately never ending. Many commentators are almost obsessed with the current financial crisis and the worldwide government attempts to fix the problem.

One media outlet- Supreme Master TV, stands out from the crowd, providing an alternative for people who are searching for real and lasting solutions for a better world. Supreme Master TV presents constructive news programs, focused on the most urgent issue facing our planet- climate change.

Climate change is real and is happening at a frightening pace and the fastest way to halt this growing problem is to stop all meat and dairy consumption.  The huge amounts of methane in the atmosphere, which is derived from animal agriculture is destroying the planet and endangering life as we know it.

Supreme Master Television is a 24 hour,  7 day per week, free-to-air television station available via satellite and also streams online. The programs give people the tools to firstly become informed about the facts on global warming and then how to take positive and constructive action to help solve the problem.

The vegan solution solves the climate change problem in the fastest possible way. Livestock is the single largest source of methane emissions. Methane can be quickly removed from the atmosphere, much faster than CO2. It has been estimated that more than 50% of global warming comes from animal agriculture, but it is probably much higher.

There are many other constructive medias such as James Bean’s Spiritual Awakening Radio and Veggie Vision who are providing people with a real alternative to the mainstream media.

To watch Supreme Master TV, go to www.suprememastertv.com.

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