Review of *Vegan for Life*

I have found Ginny Messina's site to be a really helpful resource in learning about vegan nutrition, so when I heard she was co-writing a book with fellow nutritionist Jack Norris, I knew that it would be one I would want to check out. I'm so glad I did!

Vegan for Life has the same honest, fact-based approach to vegan nutrition that I have come to appreciate from the authors' respective sites. There is a focus on making vegan diets healthy and nutritionally balanced, but they also seek to present veganism as something that is doable. I appreciate that they don't resort to extravagant claims or anecdotal evidence. At the beginning of the book there is a section on the different types of research, and every fact they state is backed up with scientific studies (all of which are cited at the end of the book).

The first third to half of the book covers all of the nutrition needs of humans, and how those can be best met on a plant-based diet. There are chapters on calcium, fats, protein, and more. I will admit that some of this information was confusing to me, but there is a really helpful section called "The Vegan Food Guide," which quickly summarizes and condenses the main things to remember from the more detailed previous chapters. The rest of the book deals with putting it all into practice: raising vegan children, sample menus, tips for transitioning to veganism, veganism for special diets (like food allergies, pregnancy, athletes, etc.), a chapter on soy foods, health benefits of a vegan diet, how to prevent and manage disease, and a final chapter on the reasons for being vegan. So while there is some heavy nutritional stuff, the rest of the book provides tips for practical application for all of that information.

There is a big focus on making vegan seem easy, and I appreciate that. With so many conflicting voices in the health community it is nice to read a book like this that lays things out so simply. That said, I sometimes felt like there was a bit too much focus on convenience products and shortcuts that maybe aren't the healthiest. I understand where they are coming from in trying to make veganism convenient (and it's not like I think packaged food is evil; I enjoy Daiya cheese as much as the next person!), but I've heard a lot of different information about things like isolated soy protein (for example). Another example: there was also no mention of trying to get BPA-free canned goods (many recommendations were made for using canned products). Like I said, I can see where they are coming from in trying to keep things simple, but I can't help wishing that some of those things would have been addressed. Perhaps that would have made the book too long, though?

The authors provide some really great answers to commonly asked questions. For example, in response to the question, “Is a vegan diet natural?” they write:

“We agree that it just doesn’t matter whether a vegan diet is our historical way of eating or not. The fact is, it makes sense now to choose a vegan diet. And whose diet is really natural, anyway? The assumption that there is one natural prehistoric diet, which can be approximated today and would be optimal for modern humans, is dubious at best.” (35)

They also debunk the “Top Ten Myths About Vegan Diets,” which I thought was really interesting. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and this does a good job of making sense of everything. For example, I just came across a site the other day where a popular cookbook author wrote that she doesn't take any supplements and gets everything she needs from food (they counter this kind of thinking more in the book). In some cases, like regarding vitamin B12, that can be a dangerous position to take. B12 in particular is one that the book outlines as being essential to supplement:

“Based on our current knowledge of vitamin B12 requirements and sources, supplementation is not a subject for debate. Vitamin B12 supplements or fortified foods are an essential part of a well-balanced vegan diet at all stages of the life cycle.” (36)

Lest you think that veganism is endlessly fussy, remember that omnivores have to monitor a lot of this stuff, too (including things that vegans don't have to worry about over-consuming--like cholesterol). There are unique needs and challenges in any diet, and this book just specifically addresses those of vegans.

I’m also glad they included the “Why Vegan” chapter. It’s always good to remember why we do all of this, even though it's really sad to read about the horrible abuse that goes on. This excerpt in particular stuck out to me as a reminder of why veganism is such a powerful choice:

“By far the most effective way to end factory farming is to eliminate demand. And the only way to do that is to adopt a vegan lifestyle. While it’s sad to think about the plight of animals on factory farms, it’s empowering to know that we can choose not to contribute to their torture—and that this choice can prevent animal suffering and threaten the very existence of animal agriculture.” (234)

Further on in the chapter they briefly outline some animal rights philosophies. Some of this was new to me and it definitely made me think about where I stand. I’m not sure that I completely agree with the “argument from marginal cases." I do believe that causing another creature to suffer is wrong and brutal in the deepest sense, but I also believe that as humans we have a soul and this makes us different from animals (animals don’t have souls, right?). However, I think the very fact that we are superior creatures to them gives us a greater responsibility to treat them with kindness. They have no voice and are completely helpless. It is an exercise of the best part of our strength as humans when we defend the helpless. In this way, I think caring for animals is really just an extension of my pro-life beliefs. People are first, yes, but all life is sacred. Even that of a nameless, suffering animal.

I think this book is a must read for any vegan--new or old--or anyone thinking about going vegan. It is as transparent about both the joys and challenges of veganism as it is passionate about the underlying convictions for this lifestyle. It provides the information one needs to thrive on a vegan diet and reminds us why, ultimately, being vegan is so completely worth it. Over all, I feel like this book provides a really balanced, sane, and common-sense approach to vegan nutrition. I highly recommend checking it out!

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Da Capo Press in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way and all thoughts expressed are my own.

P.S. If you follow me on Goodreads, I posted this review on there as well. 

My Thoughts on *Anne of Green Gables*

I just finished Anne of Green Gables (as part of the L.M. Montgomery Reading Challenge going on this month) and I loved it!

It was fun to get a better insight into the characters and to soak up all the things that the movie omitted or changed. I greatly enjoy L.M. Montgomery's writing here--the touches of humor (some parts were VERY funny!), descriptions of nature, and her ability to understand and express the facets of people and emotions. She just captures it all beautifully. There are so many little insights that really resonated with me.

I also found the book Anne to be different than the movie one. In fact, I find her more likeable in the original source than on screen. I really do love the movie, but sometimes in that she comes off more haughty. In the book she seemed more earnest and endearing. 

I also feel like the book lays a better foundation for understanding Marilla's personality. Mainly this is because we are privy to her thoughts here in a way that the movie couldn't convey. (I also thought it was interesting how several of Anne’s “mistakes” are actually Marilla’s—the raspberry cordial and liniment episodes were both just Anne following Marilla’s directions!)

I'm not extremely fond of the Gilbert of the movie, but I LOVE him as portrayed in the books. I am looking forward to reading the next book!

This book is really quite timeless. (Well, despite a few passing maybe-racist remarks. Apparently the residents of Avonlea did not think well of foreigners. I also didn't like the part about that gruesome haunted wood. But, really, those things were so minor they're almost not worth mentioning. Over all, there was very little I didn't like.) The story still feels very fresh, even though it was written over a hundred years ago. I'm so glad that I finally read this and discovered that Anne and I are perhaps more "kindred spirits" than I previously thought.

I am looking forward to re-watching the movie now and comparing it to the book!

I'm so glad this challenge motivated me to finally read this! Thanks, Carrie, for hosting it. 

P.S. This review was also posted on Goodreads, although I changed a few things.  

L.M. Montgomery Reading Challenge 2012

For the month of January I will be participating in the reading challenge hosted by Carrie of Reading to Know. This challenge focuses on the work of author Lucy Maud Montgomery, who wrote the Anne of Green Gables series, The Story Girl, and many other well-loved books. When I was younger I read her Emily series and all of the Anne books except the first two. Having watched the two movies starring Megan Follows countless times, I thought that reading Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea would just be boring and repetitive. It wasn't until last year that I actually realized how different the movies (especially the second one) are from the book. Plus, the books are classics, and it was really quite silly of me to skip over them.

So, all that to say that this month I plan on reading Anne of Green Gables for the first time! I originally thought that I would not participate because of the inopportune timing with all of the other books I have lined up to read first. But then I remembered that I could listen to it on audio book. So we'll see how that goes!

I also plan on watching some of the TV series Road to Avonlea. I've seen a few of these episodes before, but I have never started at the beginning of the show, which is what I plan on doing this month.

If you would like to participate in this reading challenge, head over to Carrie's blog to find out more.

More Reviews: Farmhouse Culture Kraut, Pure Bars, and Beanfields Chips

I'm back again with some more reviews!

Pure Bars - These are one of my very favorite brands of energy bars (in fact, they might be #1). The ingredients are wholesome, the nutrition is great, the flavors are delicious, and the packaging is cute (because that matters, right?). My favorite flavor is the Orange-Cranberry. This tastes just like a cranberry-orange muffin in bar form. It is delicious! I also really like the Apple Cinnamon; it's sweet and chewy with the perfect amount of cinnamon. I would never turn down the other flavors, but these two are my top picks.  If you are a fan of Pure Bar, be sure to check out their Twitter, Facebook, and newsletter. They often do giveaways on the first two, and the newsletter is a great source of information for all kinds of things relating to natural living. During the holiday season they also have a special fundraiser going on for the Lunchbox Fund. For every Facebook "like" or Twitter follow (see links above) that the Pure Bar gets, they will donate a lunch to a child in need. So head on over to their pages!

Farmhouse Culture Kraut - If the only kind of sauerkraut you've ever had is the soggy kind that comes out of a can, you are in for a treat. This stuff is crunchy, tangy, and delicious!  Since this kraut is raw (and it's also organic!), it contains the beneficial natural probiotics that the pasteurized varieties lack. Farmhouse Culture has created an array of innovative flavors, but the three I got to sample were the Classic Caraway (perfect for vegan reubens!), Horseradish Leek, and Smoked Jalapeño. All of them were delicious! I was originally afraid that the jalapeño would be too spicy (I like a little heat, but not a lot), but it was perfect. I also have to mention the great packaging: they come in glass jars with a screw-on lid, and the label is biodegradable. I enjoyed this kraut on sandwiches, salads, in wraps, and by the forkful.  The kraut will keep for several months in the refrigerator--great to know if you plan on stocking up.

Beanfields Chips - I really like these! They are made from beans and rice (complete protein!) and have a delightful crunch to them. I think they are good on their own, but they would also complement a variety of dips or spreads (hummus, guacamole, salsa, cashew cheese…the options are endless). I sampled four different flavors: Naturally Unsalted, Sea Salt, Pico De Gallo, and Sea Salt & Pepper. The Pico De Gallo and Sea Salt were my favorites. The Sea Salt variety might benefit from a little more salt, in my opinion, but they are still really good (and my favorite flavor for multi-purpose use). The Pico De Gallo has a strong cumin/taco-y flavor profile and this makes them delicious to snack on alone or with Mexican food. The Sea Salt & Pepper was my least favorite--they were just a bit too peppery and salty. But if you love other brands of salt and pepper chips, you will probably enjoy these. The Naturally Unsalted would be great for dipping, or any use when you don't want saltiness to overwhelm the other flavors. I actually don't mind eating them on their own, though, as they still have a good deal of flavor. It's also worth mentioning what the representative I emailed said about their chips, when I double-checked to be sure they were vegan: "All our products are all Vegan, by design, not by coincidence!" They are also corn free, gluten free...and delicious! I further contacted them about a question I had regarding the "yeast extract" ingredient in the Pico De Gallo chips (none of the other flavors have this). They were very prompt and nice about answering my query, which I really appreciate. I won't bore you with the details of our exchange, but it is always nice to know that there are companies that care about quality ingredients and satisfying their customers. I think all three companies that I highlighted today do that, and I am delighted that I was able to share these products with you all!

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this post were sent to me free of charge for the purpose of reviewing on this blog. I received no monetary compensation.