apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Don't forget chalupas! (w/o meat of course... just put some frijoles refritos and pile on the veggies)

Veganism isn't as difficult or disgusting as everyone seems to think it is. I've been vegan for 8 years and it was a natural way of life after maybe 2. There's a learning curve, as there is with every new thing, that makes it seem daunting. But it is harmless & fun & healthy & yummy & when you eat junk food like hamburgers & ice cream & cookies, you don't feel disgusting!

I went mostly vegetarian last November. I do sometimes eat meet when I get the desire to (maybe once or twice a month). Although it initially takes a bit more thought, it really isn't difficult. Now it is strange for me to think that I used to eat meat several times a day. I feel better and am happy that I am helping the environment (I also try to buy local when possible to help even more).

As a foodie and omnivore, I've been delighted to discover that adopting a vegan diet isn't as difficult as one would expect. It does require an open mind and a willingness to adopt new seasonings, widen your selection of produce, and also be aware of what ingredients are included in some very common foods. I personally don't believe in having to become an every day vegan as a lifestyle (though I've become the most regular non-vegan, vegan diner in my neighborhood), but by eating 75-90% vegan, you're almost sure to live a healthier and happier life.

My own lifestyle change began as a New Year's resolution to eat vegan (no refined sugar either) for one month on a quarterly basis. I've now completed this goal twice and it's been a lot of fun learning about vegan foods (I approach it as another cuisine rather than a whole lifestyle). I am noticeably healthier, more fit. And the days I do choose to eat sugar, butter or meat, I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate. There's a satisfaction and joy in moderation...an appreciation that we relearn when we do without for awhile. Of course, it's easy for an Angeleno with all the vegan-vegetarian ethnic restaurants and market selections, so I do feel like that's been both a big help and incentive to change my diet to primarily a non-meat eating one.

That all being said: VIVA LA BACON y SUSHI!

um I meant meat (not meet)...I really wish we could get a spell checker and/or edit option on our posts...

hey, can anyone cite any scientific sources to the statement that eating less meat impacts the environment positively? i totally agree, but my scientist boyfriend always wants substantial proof.

The idea that anyone could possibly think that eating meat on a daily basis is healthy is ridiculous.

I don't know any "scientific sources" to support this, but if you read a book on the topic such as Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, it will quickly seem like common sense.

Evamae - check out this link. It goes into some scientific facts your BF would be interested in.

http://www.goveg.com/environment.asp

Went quasi vegetarian last year. (I say quasi, because I still eat fish - no more than twice a week - as well as eggs and cheese). As a former rib eye steak addict, I thought my "vegetarian" lifestyle would be hard to stick with. But it hasn't. I have absolutely no craving for chicken, fish, beef, or pork.

Now, if I could only resolve my white wine and vodka martini cravings . . . .

i'm vegan and loving it!

I'm not a vegetarian, but I eat chicken or fish only about twice a week. I think vegetable dishes have more flavor, cost less, and are better for you. Except fried okra. :-) YUM!

was vegetarian for 2 years -my family is from india - its the land of vegetables and vegetarians - if the food is tasty - its not too hard - though i'm now back to fish and chicken a few times a week...

I'm mostly veg but I do eat a little tuna here and there because I think I need the protein.

Forget the bamboo placemats, fluorescent bulbs, Priuses and burlap shopping bags. If you are TRULY sincere about doing something for the environment, you would stop eating meat. Today. It's the single most important (and healthy) thing you could do for yourself and for the world.

Yes, eat less meat, but do not eat a vegan diet endlessly, for it will be detrimental to your health in the long run--I know, for it ruined mine.

Eat the meat of animals that have not been raised in confinement, that have not been fed grains. Ruminants are grass eaters. Chickens and pigs are omnivores. Also, eat food from the sea--not farm-raised seafood. Eat full fat foods, so that you will eat less of any food. Eat animal products: eggs from chickens that have been pastured; raw milk dairy products. Do not eat processed foods. Do not eat white foods such as sugar and things made with white flour, this includes pasta. If you eat a traditional diet and eat in moderation, you will do a helluva lot more for the planet and you will have good health.

Grass-fed cows do very little damage to the environment in comparison to the millions of acres that are used to grow [the poisonous] soybeans and corn.

For more information: www.westonaprice.org

Do not believe the vegan hype!

This is a great idea. Removing meat from your diet one day a week can't hurt, and it's only beneficial for the environment at large.

Paul McCartney recently asked this of the British public and it inspired me to take this on with a campaign: https://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/meatless-mc-cartney-mondays

We want 150 people to commit to be vegetarian on Mondays, and hopefully it'll encourage others to join and push vegetarianism into the mainstream in American diets.

Everyone should check it out and tell your friends!