Dana Cervantes
Published: June 20, 2006
Veganism is a growing eating lifestyle in our area. Several PJC students have changed to this animal-friendly diet.
“I chose this lifestyle to promote a more humane and caring world,” freshman Diana Doyle said. Many, like Doyle, believe that they have become healthier individuals since switching to a vegan lifestyle. Doyle added, “I have had various health problems since I was a very young girl. My doctor has recently told me that in the year I have been a vegan, I have never been healthier!”
Many people believe that the food industry does everything in its power to make products safe. Many think that just because there is an FDA approved sticker attached to the product’s label it means the product has been tested and that it is safe. This is not necessarily true. Shockingly, only one out of every 180,000 cows is directly tested by scientists, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Vegans avoid eating anything made from animals or animal by-products. These include foods such as beef, chicken, eggs, regular dairy foods, cow’s milk, pork, and much more. Trying vegan doesn’t mean you have to opt for a tossed salad or a piece of fruit. Eating better is as easy as substituting marinara for meat sauce, opting for bean burritos instead of beef tacos, enjoying creamy soy or rice milk in place of cow’s milk, and exploring all of the wonderful animal-free, earth-friendly, and healthy products in our grocery stores.
Today, more than ever, vegans have a vast assortment of foods to choose from. Shoppers can generally find vegan foods at natural food stores and co-ops, while nearly all major supermarkets feature delicious, earth-friendly fare.
“I like to shop at Evermann’s for most of my food. They have a great selection and the prices are reasonable,” sophomore Tayler Sanders said.
Natural food stores, such as Evermann’s, are also great places to explore vegetarian options. Besides all the ready-made products, shoppers may discover unusual grains, beans, or other ingredients. There’s a whole host of meat and dairy alternatives on the market which are quite different from their non-vegetarian counterparts, some surprisingly similar. Mock meats, made with plant protein, come in a wide range of textures, shapes, and styles: burgers, hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ground meat, meatballs, breaded cutlets, deli slices, and more.
Vegans avoid all dairy products since they are made from cow’s milk. Dairy alternatives are made from soy, rice, or nuts. It’s possible to buy or make vegan milk, cheese, butter, mayonnaise, sour cream, and even frozen desserts.
It’s best to experiment with as many products as possible, in order to find those you like the most. With the right substitute ingredients and a little experience, you’ll discover that you can still enjoy your favorite meals. Vegan twists on familiar recipes, often made with seitan (or “wheat meat”) and other meat substitutes, can be found in many cookbooks (such as Vegan Vittles) and on a large variety of Internet web sites.
Going out can also be easy. Vegan selections are usually offered at Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Thai, and other ethnic restaurants, as well as many chains, such as Little Caesar’s, Papa John’s, Subway, and Taco Bell. If the menu doesn’t feature any vegan dishes other than a house salad or steamed vegetable plate, don’t panic! Many restaurant chefs are excited for the opportunity to show off their culinary skills to whip up an animal-friendly entr‚e. Many dishes can be “veganized” with minimal effort, so don’t be afraid to ask.
“Some of my favorite snacks include soy yogurt, pretzels, and fruit,” said Sanders. “Eating this way has changed my life. I have lost weight and have felt genuinely healthier.” Although this way of life may not be for everyone, it certainly can mean a healthier lifestyle. Vegan diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, foliate, and antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E and phytochemicals. According toWebMD.com, vegans have been reported to have lower body mass indices than non-vegans, as well as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease. Vegans also show lower blood cholesterol levels; lower blood pressure; and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer.
Simply avoiding animal products will not ensure optimal health. Like everyone, vegans should eat a balanced diet. Protein, Vitamins B12 and D, omega-3 fats, calcium, and iodine are important. “I really believe everyone should try this Vegan lifestyle,” said Doyle.