Why Vegan?

Former Prez Bill Clinton goes VEGAN

So I found this article from the website NEWSER.  I knew President Clinton was vegetarian for a while but found out from this article that he took the big dive.  The full length article was on the Stir written by Julie Ryan Evans.

Who would have thought the president most famous for his penchant for fast food burgers would ever be hailed by PETA? But in some most unexpected news, Bill Clinton has been named as “Person of the Year” by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

And just when we thought Lady Gaga had it in the bag.  

Forget the fact that Clinton once dined on a double burger, fries, onion rings, and a milkshake on the eve of an obesity conference. Or the fact that he was so well known for his regular trips to a certain fast food joint that Saturday Night Live did a hilarious skit about it. Bubba has seen the light, embraced a vegan diet, and impressed PETA along the way.

“Thanks to his new plant-based diet, he’s shed some pounds, decreased his risk of future heart problems, and spared the lives of many animals,” PETA said in a statement.

His change of habits was prompted by his previous heart problems as well as daughter Chelsea’s wedding. His says the difference he’s seen since making the switch has been remarkable.

“I live on beans, legumes, vegetables, fruit. I drink a protein supplement every morning. No dairy,” he recently told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “It changed my whole metabolism and I lost 24 pounds, and I got back to basically what I weighed in high school.”

He went on to cite research that found 82 of people who follow a vegan diet have “begun to heal themselves.” Pretty amazing, and PETA notes a few other benefits as well:

“By choosing a plant-based diet, President Clinton has spared the lives of nearly 200 animals a year and reduced his risk of cancer, strokes, and other diseases. Of course, the reasons for going vegan don’t end there. The meat industry also contributes to world hunger, exploits workers, and devastates the environment.”

Definitely food — or lack thereof — for thought. It’s hard to believe that someone like Bill Clinton could make such a drastic lifestyle change, but I guess it’s pretty motivating when you see such drastic improvements in your health as well.

Congrats, Bill.

One Year!

I have been busy with work and school and didn’t get a chance to post, that December 1st was my birthday, which marked my first year as a VEGAN.  The adventure has been such a exploratory, learning, and teaching experience.  Being a vegan always seems to be an ice-breaker and topic of interest around people, and I love informing and teaching others about it.

 Originally, I thought Veganism was going to be a weight-loss diet but as I mentioned in one of my first posts it really started to turn into a new way of living.  Over the year, I have become more and more passionate for wanting to do this not as much for dietary purposes, but more for the rights of animals, preserving the environment, and it should go without saying, a healthier lifestyle.  Now, I can’t go without saying the progression hasn’t been without troubles.  Yes, I have had my share of non-vegan food a few times throughout the year as well as committing carbocide.  I don’t want to be condemned or criticized (I am writing this as a general reflection) but, I will admit; here and there I ate a few of my favorite missed edibles that cannot be replaced.  These foods include: McDonald’s Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel, Wendy’s Spicy Chicken, Jimmy John’s Turkey Tom, and the Hobe Sound Deli in my hometown.  Yes, I do understand that eating these items wouldn’t consider me to be a vegan.  However, I will assert that most vegans know it isn’t the easiest of adaptions or alterations, especially if you were raised omnivorously.  The fact of the matter is that it has been a transitional phase and that I have been predominantly been vegan, with regards to my isolated breaches.

I definitely perceive and appreciate the new person I have become, and know that I have made a difference physically, mentally, morally, and inspirationally.  Physically, I have really noticed that I feel so much healthier when I eat or see others eating.  I have lost in total, a maximum of 30 pounds.  In regards to physical fitness, exercise is all that is needed now.  My mentality also seems much clearer.  Morally, as stated before I have a dominant respect for animals and the environment.  The inspiration I have given has been to those around me.  My girlfriend and I lived apart for sometime at the beginning of our relationship, but a couple months after living in the same town again she decided she would try out the Vegan Lifestyle after being around me so much.  Her transition began on June 1st.  She has done so well thus far.  Her attempt has been an effort to start and maintain a healthier lifestyle and figure.  I am not one to purposely make others feel guilty and force information down their throat.  However, if they inquire I fill them in.  I would say my process is delicate and subtle, I plant the “seed” in other’s thoughts and return to it over and again maintaining where I left off in hopes that they rethink their ideals at their own pace.  A few of my co-workers have turned vegetarian since I have known them.  I won’t take full credit, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I had some kind of influence.  Like I stated before, my sweetheart started this for health concerns.  I am more and more inclined to trigger another response from her, and that is the morality of animal rights.

Aside from just feeling like a different person in general.  I have really noticed that I feel so much healthier when I eat or see others eating.  I have lost in total, a maximum of 30 pounds.  In regards to physical fitness, exercise is all that is needed now.

In order for me to be enlightening others, I was obliged to become more cultured myself.  That I have.  I have learned about so many more fruits, vegetables, and legumes that I like.  I have also found a plethora of recipes that are indulgent.  When it comes to eating out, it has become easier, beginning with looking online and then talking to my waiter as needed.  Fortunately, I have also found a couple completely vegan eateries and shops.  Some of the best discoveries have been alternatives for chicken tenders, bacon, and cheese, especially Mac and Cheese.  I also switched from Silk to Almond Breeze.  I find additional substitutes more and more.

Although I have had this blog since January I didn’t start using it regularly until August.  And typically I am posting on my main blog.  But, last week I posted a list of famous vegans and got more of a response than I typically do i.e., reposts and follows.  Right then, it occurred to me that there are probably quite a few vegan Tumblrs out there and sure enough I found so much more information, recipes, and people to get to know no about.

As a final thought, I am so proud of my decision, and I look forward to pressing on with it and inspiring others to do the same.  I will carefully plant my seeds and sow them with patience.  The biggest trees did not grow overnight, and neither can the minds of individuals.

Tofurkey Day!

I know this is 4 days post-Thanksgiving, but I still wanted to share my Vegan Thanksgiving.  Everything turned out well.  Unfortunately, this was my first thanksgiving not going home due to my two work schedules working on both Tofurkey day and Black Friday.  My roommates weren’t here either, and since almost everyone goes home I spent it by myself.  I will not be doing that ever again.  Luckily I was able to Skype with my girlfriend while I enjoyed my animal-free holiday.  I am thankful for saving animals’ lives on an annual holiday which sacrifices over 45 million turkeys.