Upcoming EVENt
The Vegan Lifestyle --- It's For Real!
Dr. John Gobble,
DrPh, MPH, RD, LD, CHES
Monday, 6/2/08, 7p, McNail-Riley House, 601 W. 13th (at Jefferson), Eugene FREE - Map
Veg Wisdom
He is a heavy eater of beef. Me thinks it doth harm to his wit. - Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
Edu-Stat
In the classic research study conducted by Dean Ornish, M.D., 82% of individuals who switched to a low-fat, vegetarian diet, along with exercise and stress management, actually reversed their heart disease. This is especially important, given that most people in Western countries have the beginnings of artery blockages before they finish high school. (Breaking the Food Seduction, Dr. Neal Barnard)
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Veg Spotlight
Veg Spotlight
Nadine - EVEN Member, Long Term Volunteer, Supporter, and Presenter
Veg Wisdom
The person I love would never wear fur. Fur just makes me think of shallow women who have no conscience. The fur industry belongs to a time when people were selfish beyond belief. If you were some ancient tribal chieftain, and there was not a department store nearby 350 years ago, I'd understand. But now, we have synthetic fibers, and it's not necessary. The elitism of fur makes me wanna puke. - Gavin Rossdale
Frequently Asked Questions
~I've heard a lot over the years about a veg diet not giving you enough iron. Is this true?
No. It's just one of those myths that keeps on hangin' on. See what Viva USA has to say about it here: http://www.vivausa.org/health/iron.html
~Can I get adequate nutrition from a plant-based diet?
~Will I get enough protein if I don't eat animal foods?
I know these are the questions you are genuinely concerned with, but study after study show that you needn't be. A plant-based diet remains the most healthful one to choose if you want to live a vibrant, healthful life free of disease. Be reassured by Dr. John McDougall's page here: http://www.drmcdougall.com/free_2e.html
~I don't think there's a single good reason not to drink milk. I've been drinking my whole life!
Well, you're right on one count. There isn't a single good reason; there are many! What animal drinks the milk of another species? None. What mammal drinks milk past infancy? None. And here's Dr. Barnard with 8 more reasons: http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/dairy.html and if you still need more convincing, read Don't Drink Your Milk!: New Frightening Medical Facts About the World's Most Overrated Nutrient by Dr. Frank A. Oski
~I'm a senior on Social Security and everyone tells me I shouldn't be vegetarian at my age. I thought I knew what I was doing, but now they've instilled so much fear in me, I wonder if they could be right. Is it still ok to be veg at my age (69)? I got a clean bill of health from my doctor, but I definitely cannot afford to get sick. Should I put some meat back into my diet just to be on the safe side? What do you think?
The safe side?! I think if vegetarianism has kept you this fit for this long and your doctor says you're in good health, you must be doing something right. But I understand your concerns. However, before you throw animal flesh back into your otherwise healthful diet, see what the Vegetarian Resource Group has to say about Seniors and Veg Nutrition here: http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/seniors.htm
~ How important is water in a healthful diet?
No focus on nutrition would ever be complete without including the importance of water.
- Water regulates every function of the body.
- The human brain is roughly 1/50th of the total body weight. It is said to possess about nine trillion nerve cells (computer chips). Brain cells are said to be 85% water. 20% of blood circulation is allocated and made available to the brain. The brain is the only part of the body that is constantly active.
- Chronic dehydration is the root cause of most major degenerative diseases of the human body. (Chronic dehydration=disease producer)
- Water is the cheapest form of medicine to a dehydrated body.
- Your body needs an absolute minimum of six to eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. (Alcohol, coffee, tea, and caffeine-containing beverages don't count as water.) [Caffeine is a natural diuretic and makes the body eliminate water.]
- The greatest health discovery of all times is that water is a natural medication for a variety of health conditions. From Your Body's Many Cries for Water by F. Batmanghelidg, MD.
~ What's your definition of vegetarian?
With thanks to, and permission from, our veg friends at the Toronto Veg Association, we offer this compact, commonly-accepted definition, and other information from their website:
"Vegetarians don't eat the flesh of any animals be they mammals, birds or fish. Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians include dairy products and eggs (free-range please!) as part of their diet. This is the diet most commonly thought of as vegetarian. In addition, Vegans don't eat any animal products such as milk, cheese and eggs. Vegan Lifestyle [as opposed to a vegan diet] is a full vegan lifestyle ethic endeavour to live lives which do not cause any suffering at all to animals, or exploit animals in any way. This normally involves ceasing to eat any eggs, dairy produce, or honey, and ceasing to wear or use leather, wool and similar animal products [silk and fur]. Entertainment that confines or exploits animals such as circuses, rodeos and zoos is avoided.
The word vegetarian, coined by the founders of the British Vegetarian Society in 1842, comes from the Latin word vegetus, meaning "whole, sound, fresh, or lively," as in homo vegetus---a mentally and physically vigorous person. The original meaning of the word implies a balanced philosophical and moral sense of life, a lot more than just a diet of vegetables and fruits."
~ How can you tell me what to eat?
We don't tell you what to eat. We tell you where your food comes from. Deciding what to eat is a decision only you can make. However, we think that making informed choices is as much a responsibility as it is a right and, as such, to make an informed choice that is good for all concerned is impossible without knowing what's really going on behind closed doors. Like Maya Angelou says, "When you know better, you do better."
~ If I go veg, what do I eat?
Your choices are virtually limitless!! A basic diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds are at the core of a healthful veg plan. A plant-based diet such as this means: whole wheat breads and pastas; healthful cereals; soy, rice, almond and oat milks; tofu, tvp, tempeh, seitan; soups and crackers; potatoes; eggplant, squash, scrumptious salads, veggie burgers, and an endless array of nutritious foods that originated by growing directly from the earth. One can only imagine the hundreds, no, thousands, of wholesome combinations.
It's best to eat foods whole (closest to their natural state), since each stage of processing depletes more vital nutrients and increases its chances of containing toxins (MSG and other artificial, chemical additives). In other words, it's better to eat an apple vs. canned apple sauce; better to eat potatoes vs. potato chips, etc. It's more important to eat a healthful veg diet than it is to just eat veg. If you think going veg means eating Twinkies and Diet Coke, it's time to relook all your available options. Good veg cuisine is cheap, simple, clean, nutritious, inviting, thoroughly delectable---and non-violent.
Excellent vegan recipes and vegan cookbooks abound---see Joanne at EVEN's lending library, check your local public library or used book stores, see online resources, and remember to visit Beverly Lynn Bennett's website for a myriad of A++ recipes and ideas.
~ Where can I shop in Eugene to find healthful veg foods?
In an effort to support the locally-owned Eugene businesses, we strongly favor patronizing:
Capella Market, 2489 Willamette, 345-1014 (more info)
Friendly Street Market, 2757 Friendly, 683-2079 (more info)
The Kiva, 125 W. 11th, 342-8666 (more info)
Market of Choice, 2858 Willamette, 338-8455 (more info)
1960 Franklin Blvd, 687-1188 (more info)
1060 Green Acres Rd., 344-1901 (more info)
New Frontier Market, 1101 W. 8th, 345-7401 (more info)
Red Barn Natural Grocery, 357 Van Buren, 342-7503 (more info)
Sundance Natural Foods, 24th & Hilyard, 343-9142 (more info)
~ Do I have to be veg to come to EVEN's monthly gatherings?
Nope. Just inquisitive and open-minded.
~ Do I have to be vegan or vegetarian to join EVEN?
No, again. Just wanting to help EVEN fulfill its Mission Statement to inform and educate those interested in the benefits of a plant-based diet is enough. We're not the "Food Police", nor do we aspire to be. We simply strive to help others make informed, compassionate choices.
~ Do I have to be a paying member to come to EVEN's monthly gatherings or other activities?
Definitely not. EVEN's EVENts are always free and open to all.
~ If I'm not new to veg'ism, what benefits are there to attending the monthly gatherings?
There are many benefits for seasoned vegans at our meetings. Some of the main ones include: 1. Using your knowledge to help new people who are unaccustomed to veg'ism. EVEN's emphasis on outreach brings many new people to the meetings who are searching for information on how to convert to a plant-based diet. Your experience would always be a valued addition. 2. Meeting other vegans and vegetarians who are also advancing their lives. Common values make for solid and lasting friendships. 3. Obtaining quality information from EVEN's veg speakers who apply those values to their personal craft or occupation. Not to mention, 4. Serving as a encouraging and positive example to all.