body

The Once a Week Cheat: my take on a ‘vegan’ & ‘gluten free’ life

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 09:38:37 +0100

Recently, many friends and family members have taken a keener interest in what I eat, which is why I am writing this post. I have never asked others to change what they eat at my request, but simply allow me to choose what I ingest. If they have questions, I answer them. Sometimes it feels like the answer is long, boring, and even annoying. Maybe it is also because I don’t always like to talk about why I initially made the switch, even if it has made me happier in the end. So here I am posting a longer answer for those who are interested.

What started as the realization that I had food intolerances contributing to major health problems turned into a closer look at everything that went on my plate. If I am a brave blogger like my good friend Maria, I may share the entire, scary “sicko” story a bit later. In brief, my problem foods, scientifically proven, are: gluten, egg, dairy, eggplant, peaches, pineapples, yeast, brazil nuts, and sugar (true for everyone). Yikes, you may say, what does she eat? Homemade vegan-g/f bread and baked goods, salads, vegetarian Indian or Thai dishes, nuts, hummus, kipper, wild salmon, sardines, oatmeal, baked pumpkin, corn taco shells with veggies or fish, salsa, avocadoes, dairy-free chocolate, seaweed, hot sauce, tempeh, French fries, soy or coconut ‘yogurt’, almond milk, falafel, buckwheat crepes, ratatouille, vegan soups, honey, sweet potatoes, rice, Lara bars, fresh fruit, fruit pies, Romanian tapas, stuffed peppers, dahl, and much more. You get the idea; I can still eat a lot.

Although initially for health reasons, my diet of mainly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans/lentils and tea with a little fish and lots of herbs and spices has other benefits in brief:

1. Health: as stated for my food intolerances that gave me a now-ancient-history “chronic disease.” But now also to avoid many other chronic diseases and cancers or heart disease. (see China Study or recent articles about a studies on cancer and heart disease; yes, I have read the rebuttals as well and I still think it makes sense)

2. Environmental Ethics: most of us have been told by now that if the world ate less meat, we would have more trees, less carbon dioxide. It’s true! And in fact, much of our deforestation is still due space for livestock or space for the grains that feed the livestock we eat. See Eating Animals, Meatless Monday groups, etc.

3. World Hunger: growing or harvesting vegan nourishment is more economical. If we were to reduce our intake of meat, we could feed more of the world’s poor.

4. Animal Ethics: or the treatment of animals; I’m not against killing animals for food. Most of us know about the cruelty animals face, such as chickens not being able to move their entire lives or the way pigs are slaughtered, etc. Derrida went as far to say that the animal spirit is connected with ours, in a Buddhist way, and that we are grotesque to eat them. See Eating Animals or many documentary films including Food, Inc..

5. Feeling Better: although a ‘side effect’, this is the best one! I have more energy, better skin, clearer mind, less anxiety…the closer I eat to the above mentioned food items. When I allow myself to slip a little, I am reminded of the better feeling I have normally. I still don’t mind the slip, though, as will be discussed. See, for example, Thoreau’s Walden where he describes this impact on his mind when he eats only the above items (which he tried to always do).

6. The World Economy and my Own Economy: money is always an interesting topic. People talk about the cost of ‘special foods’ (especially since I also can’t eat gluten)…vegan treats, coconut butter, organic stuff…I try to eat organic when prices are reasonable and always if I am eating meat, eggs, or dairy as a ‘treat’. Hormones/antibiotics/pesticides/genetic mutation (I’m less concerned about this last one)…they have no place in our bodies and at the least have less nutrition, causing us to eat more, and at worst can make us sick or stupid. So my point is that in the end, this diet is cheaper than eating meat and much cheaper than eating organic meat. Meat should be much more expensive than it is. Government subsidies of ‘bad farming’ makes it cheaper, and less healthy. It would be more economical for our government to feed its people by education them about eating less meat, which will inevitably happen if it takes its natural economic course. Farmers don’t often have a choice; it’s sink or swim. Family farms are at a constant threat of being bought out or reaching bottom where they have to change their practices. See Food Inc, Eating Animals, The China Project, etc.

7. YUM: this last reason is that I enjoy my diet. Actually I had always been one to eat more of the veg and grain and less of the meat, although I did eat a lot more dairy and eggs. However, this diet has allowed me to explore new types of foods that I love: buckwheat, tempeh, quinoa, coconut butter, rainbow chard, and kale to name a few. Don’t knock it until you try it.

(The fishing industry is also something I am currently struggling with. This is a helpful website: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx)

All these reasons said, it can be difficult sometimes to eat out or eat at a friend’s place for dinner. I can usually find something I like that won’t harm me, but sometimes it is the reactions that are more difficult. Some people think I don’t like them if I don’t eat their food. Some people think I don’t appreciate the work they have done to prepare a meal or choose a restaurant. Some people think I am just being picky and annoying. Sometimes, it’s also just that I would really like to eat the thing that’s being served or the thing on the menu, but I can’t. This is where the “Once a Week Cheat” comes in. None of the factors above are harmed if I can do this once a week. Like this week, I went out and had some wonderful unpasteurized cheese and organic wine with the girls. There was no peer pressure, the choice was from within, and I don’t regret it.

But I had a bit of a headache the next day…was it the wine (not much) or the cheese? Or both? My writing was not very good; I felt a bit sluggish; I thought about how I would have also enjoyed a vegetarian Indian meal or even some wild salmon instead. The cheese and wine were remarkable though, and the conversation divine. The atmosphere of this little wine bar was also quite Bohemian, in all the right ways. There are no regrets about this evening.

As long as I can be brave most of the time, it’s ok to indulge a little now and then. Maybe I should make it once a fortnight, though. In any case, if I do it more often than that one meal a week, I risk getting sick again – that is the biggest issue for me - and I also contribute to a world problem that I feel really strongly about. Most people may be able to healthily live their lives and also help the world problems by having meat a few times a week, and that’s fine. Good luck whatever your choice may be. I have no judgment on others choices, which is why I don’t run around with vegan t-shirts or make grotesque faces at meat on plates and menus. All I ask in return is to let me choose my meals peacefully and check out the information if you’re interested.

For more information, check out: The China Study, Eating Animals, Food Inc., Eat and Run, Thoreau’s Walden and these links –

On Ikaria: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/magazine/the-island-where-people-forget-to-die.html?pagewanted=all

Longevity: http://www.eco-friendly-africa-travel.com/longevity-diet.html

On cancer: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/vegan-diet-cancer_b_2250052.html

http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/cancer.aspx

On eating only organic meat: http://www.bulletproofexec.com/steve-jobs-dr-dean-ornish-and-vegetarian-cancer/

Or just look within for YOUR answer. Bon courage et merci a mon mari pour son aide et confiance toujours.

Dinner idea: Sweet Potato purée with avocado-cabbage salad

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:15:27 +0100

A couple of GF travel options:

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 02:23:34 +0100

Buckwheat crepes (if traditional) should only contain buckwheat flour! Often they will have milk and eggs, but French grocery stores sell (huge) galletes au sarrasin with only buckwheat flour, salt, and water. Perfect for any meal, just add rattatouille, jam, or hummus to make it vegan.

Soca/Farinata are like chickpea pizzas made in some parts of Italy and the south of France: http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.hk/2011/02/socca-farinata-blue-monday.html

I have never made these, but they seem to be the same concept of some of the Indian chickpea or lentil breads and pakoras. Yum!

Scot Jurek's Eat and Run

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 02:24:07 +0100

Eat and Run is a book about Scot Jurek's life, but more about ultramarathon running and eating vegan and natural. I did not spend too long on the parts about his races, although they are interesting for long distance runners. Usually, I don't like to read about running, just to do it. But some of the way he describes being able to deal with the pain of a race, or go 'with' the elements of nature rather than fight them is something that resonated with me. There are also many truths about running that are echoed from Christopher MacDougal's Born to Run. My husband loved the whole package; although he usually lingers with a book for a month or so, he devoured this in a few days.

The "Eat" part of the book focuses Jurek's transition to veganism and on avoiding processed foods, which he learned in part from his mother's wholesome cooking. A lot of this part of the book echoes Jonathan Safron Foer's Eating Animals. HOwever, it is Jurek's combination of the 'eating' and 'running' that is unique. His performance and his arguments compel skeptics to realize that being vegan and being a professional athlete are not mutually exclusive, and even greatly beneficial. You can also look at Steve Nash's regime, where he claims this style of eating (also gluten free in his case) has allowed him to stay on the basketball court into what the NBA considers 'old age'.

Some websites to check out that include recipes:

http://scottjurek.com/eatandrun/recipes/

http://pcrm.org/kickstartHome/celebrity/jurek/index.cfm

http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/2012/06/eat-and-run.html

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/one-on-one-with-scott-jurek/

Asian & GF in Boston

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 10:43:20 +0100

My bro is feelin' it in Beantown! Here's something he sent me today. He promises to make it for me when I am in Boston for Christmas. Here's what he says:

It's [his] own Thai lettuce wraps creation (no recipe!!).

Boston lettuce (it's better if you use hydroponic boston lettuce) (My comment: WHAT?! When did bro get all special with his lettuce?! I am impressed.)

Teriyaki chicken w/yellow peppers (or tofu/tempeh for vegan)

Bean threads (boiled)

Cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts, basil and apple on the plate

Peanut sauce (gluten free), sweet&sour sauce, fresh grated ginger and blended honey roasted peanuts (for some crunch)

Caffeine update

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 01:04:51 +0100

I am starting to think that the 'hit' of morning caffeine is worth it on days when I want to get a lot of writing/research done. I think it may make me more tired the rest of the day--almost like a borrowed energy. There are studies that say it doesn't really help you concentrate, but I think there is something about philosophers/writers & sharp little espressos coming in pairs that is real.

Caffeine

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:20:56 +0100

How do you feel about caffeine?

My husband enjoying a cappuccino in Taipei.

There is a lot of information out there about caffeine and weight loss, attention, anxiety, sleep, etc. There's also a lot of information about the antioxidants in green tea and coffee, but that we should be able to get in the decaf variety. Then some people say the decaf variety contains other toxins. The information can be confusing...

There are also a lot of cultural reactions to how you enjoy your caffeine. What kind of beverage and experience? I had a conversation with some French friends this summer and found they had complete disgust for takeaway coffee. 'But that's just not in our culture. That's not what we do. A coffee is also time to sit and talk with someone or think and watch the world.' Therefor Starbucks was seen as evil. In terms of monopolies, there may be some truth to this 'evil' business, but as long as the French cafe terrace can last with a little Starbucks competition for those American-types who want to hold a big cup of something hot (especially on a cold day!), then I say keep our options open! And while I'm in Hong Kong, the cheap option is also the discount Starbucks at our university campus, where (listen carefully French friends) I can order an espresso or a SHORT cappuccino if that's really what I want. (Ok, yes, I would rather be on a French terrace! But that option is just not available!) Further, they are one of a few places in HK and very few in France that allow you to order soy milk--gluten free soy milk--with your beverage. I still don't love it, but it's convenient sometimes.

I think I am one of those people who is pretty sensitive to caffeine, so I have done some thinking and experimenting with it. For a while I was in NEED of my one cup of coffee in the morning, but it stopped there. Still, it was a NEED. I felt a headache coming on if I did not get it; I felt myself getting anxious if I was at the whim of others for breakfast. I could not function properly without the one cup/shot.

It was by mistake that I first went completely off caffeine. I had another illness that made me feel adverse to tea/coffee of any sort and the recommendation from my doctor that it would be bad for my digestive system. The first couple of days were very difficult, but then I felt so fresh and awake as soon as I woke up in the morning...often before my 5:30 alarm (which is thankfully no more). I was sleeping through the night; I was less hungry for a morning snack two hours after breakfast; I was less hot on my commute to work (in the heat of the Hong Kong summer).

But another summer came, and I found myself back in Paris where the café life is just so intoxicating. I felt crazy not to get the 'real stuff'--a hit of caffeine that would wake up my senses--better than alcohol in my book: the hyperreal vs. the not-so-real.

Actually, I was addicted to two or sometimes three tiny shots of espresso...and I woke up at night sometimes; I got tired sometimes; but when I took that coffee, it was amazing.

So I am trying the fully QUIT again. For me it's hard to be in between because I am so sensitive that I am basically hooked after two or three days 'on' it. I'm going to see how I feel--three days in and I feel quite good besides a four o'clock fatigue before my workout. Maybe if I can go OFF it then have an occasional espresso when I really want to attune myself to whatever it is in front of me, that's the best option. It's true that I enjoy the coffee experience: the smell, aroma, hot cup in my hand. There's no need to completely cut this out of my life.

What has been your experience? Let me know if you have some good ideas or articles.

Here are a few I found interesting:

http://www.bestuniversities.com/blog/2011/10-caffeine-substitutes-every-student-should-know-about/
http://purehealthguide.com/2012/01/how-to-stay-alert-without-caffeine/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/101/move-more-drink-less.aspx
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2010/08/surviving-college-without-caffeine/

Easy, healthy 'ice cream' (vegan & GF)

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 05:25:49 +0100

Thanks, Emilie (Lyon, France) for the very easy dessert idea that is healthy enough to eat for breakfast!

What she did:

In a blender, mix equal parts (soy) yogurt & frozen fruit (ie melon, banana, strawberry). That's it!

You can also add honey to sweeten or do some of the following combinations (in which I have included many 'Super Foods'):

Almond milk, banana, spirulina, walnuts, dark chocolate. Freeze after blending. (Healthy 'Chunky Monkey')

Coconut milk, decaf instant coffee, dark chocolate, honey. Freeze after blending.

(Soy) yogurt, frozen cherries, dark chocolate, honey or agave. Freeze after blending. ('Cherry Garcia')

Rice milk, oatmeal, cinnamon, cardamon, nutmeg, banana, raisins. Freeze after blending. (Oatmeal cookie)

(Soy) yogurt, matcha green tea powder, dark chocolate chunks. Freeze after blending. Add the chocolate after if you want bigger chunks.

Try your own combos and attempt to include Super Foods: http://www.feelingfabulous.se/gallery_27.html, http://www.radiantrawsuperfoods.com/

Courageous Olympian

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:59:52 +0100

As a former gymnast, this story really touched me. There are so many great stories at the Olympic Games that I don't feel the need to be reading as much while they are on.

Kieran Behan of Ireland

Marché Raspail, Paris

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:21:58 +0100

Violet Radish Sprouts

Fromage!