This Dish Is Veg - Vegan, Animal Rights, Eco-friendly News

2012-05-23T11:30:00.001-05:00

Miranda Lambert is coming back home to Texas to headline the 5th Annual Cause for the Paws concert, accompanied by Wade Bowen and the Josh Abott Band. The concert will benefit the MuttNation Foundation and take place at Ford Park in Beaumont, Texas on June 22.

Last year the 4th Annual Cause for the Paws concert, also headlined by Miranda, was able to raise $300,000. The cause remains close to Miranda's heart, since she adopted her dog Delilah from the local shelter, who joins her many other rescued animals at home.

MuttNation Foundation's mission is to raise money for organizations that build animal shelters for better care; increase pet adoption and encourage responsible pet guardianship; rehabilitate sick or unsocialized animals; fund spay/neuter programs; reduce/eliminate euthanasia of healthy animals; and train shelter dogs for purposes of therapy programs, assistance for wounded military personnel and dogs-in-prisons programs.

Tickets can be purchased now at the Ford Park Box Office, as well as on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

BP oil spill pollutants found in eggs of pelicans nesting in Minnesota

2012-05-23T10:24:00.000-05:00

Researchers for the Department of Natural Resources have found evidence of petroleum compounds and the chemical used to clean up the 2010 BP oil spill in eggs of pelicans nesting in Minnesota.

Petroleum compounds were present in 90 percent of the first batch of eggs tested. Nearly 80 percent of collected samples contained Corexit, a chemical dispersant used to break up oil spills. Both the petroleum compounds and Corexit are dangerous in small doses, capable of causing cancer, endocrine disruption, and birth defects.

Pelicans generally spend winters in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, and Cuba, before returning a full year later to begin breeding.

Mark Clark, an ecologist and faculty member of North Dakota State University, explained on Minnesota Public Radio that any contaminant in the bird is bad, especially when the egg is tampered with, "because that's where the developing embryo and chick starts, and when things go wrong at that stage, there's usually no recovery."

The BP spill, similar to an atomic detonation, took its toll on the unfortunate victims in the immediate area, choking them to death on crude oil. Two years later, and for many more years to come, the chemical fallout is taking its toll, negatively impacting millions of innocent lives in drastic ways for generations to come.

Jonathan Reynolds
Jonathan is a freelance writer and blogger residing in upstate New York.

Photo credit:cc:flickr.com/photos/gcwest

PCRM petitions President Obama to say no to photo ops featuring 'hot dogs and other obesity- and cancer-causing foods'

2012-05-22T12:46:00.001-05:00

We look up to the president and tend to see the leader of the free world as a role model. So should our role models be featured in ads that promote decisions that are toxic to our health? It's probably not a good idea.

If the president were featured in photos smoking cigarettes, most people would be appalled. How should diet be any different, especially when the item being promoted is as toxic to one's health as smoking cigarettes?

Since taking office, President Obama has been photographed in many different situations where he has been seen chowing down on unhealthy foods such as hot dogs, hoagies, and cheeseburgers. Obama is not the first president to blame, however, considering George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have also been guilty of posing for photo ops with unhealthy food choices in hand while they were in office. (Thankfully, Clinton has taken the smart route to improve his health and he is now vegan!)

Vegetarian or not, I think it's safe to say that ads featuring our president eating hot dogs, hamburgers, or other processed meats are not the best choices for America. Wouldn't it be wiser if these photo ops featured Obama eating healthy and beneficial foods rather than those that are toxic?

To present America with a better message, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is asking everyone to sign a petition, which asks the White House to ban photo ops of the president and his following aids eating unhealthy junk foods that increase the risk of cancer, obesity and early mortaily rates.

What the president does behind closed doors is his own personal choice, but to promote better health and overall well-being for our country, better decisions should be made in front of the camera.

PCRM director of nutrition education, Susan Levin, M.S., R.D., explains this further. “The White House would never set up a photo op of a president with a cigarette, so why show him eating foods that cause cancer? Hot dogs, hamburgers, and other unhealthful foods kill more Americans each year than tobacco, and they cost taxpayers billions of dollars in health care," she said. "The president can eat what he likes in private, but at orchestrated public events, our leaders are role models."

Please sign the petition if you care about your health and also the health of others.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter
Minnesota Alexandra is a lover of all animals, but has a soft spot for especially dogs and rabbits. She believes that life is not complete without an animal to love. Alexandra is highly passionate about animals and animal rights, and wants to raise awareness of the cruelty that many animals suffer in the best way she knows how, and this is by written word. Alexandra is a recent graduate of Metropolitan State University in Minnesota, with a degree in Professional Writing and a minor in Creative Writing. She absolutely loves to write news and creative nonfiction, and obsesses over spelling and grammar.

Photo credit:cc:flickr.com/photos/intelphotos

Personal stories: Why I went vegan

2012-05-22T12:10:00.001-05:00

The first time I had ever heard of the term vegetarian was in high school. My senior year, I was on the dance team with a girl that explained she became a vegetarian after she had lived on a farm and her family made her favorite chicken into dinner. After listening to her story, my cousin said that she was going to try vegetarianism; I told myself "if she can then I definitely can," and that started my veggie journey.

I didn't do any research on a veggie lifestyle and I really didn't know anything about healthy eating. I wasn't even aware of factory farming. I just knew that if it had meat on it I wouldn't eat it. My diet soon became filled with fries, cheese pizza and cheeseburgers (literally- I would order a cheeseburger without that patty). My cousin always joked that “We didn’t eat any animals, but we also didn’t eat any vegetables.”

Being active and young I didn’t feel the effects of such an incomplete diet. My family warned me that my diet was not healthy, but I just thought that they were not being supportive of my vegetarianism, and I ignored their warnings.

I continue my vegetarianism throughout my first year of college. My university was not veg-friendly at the time, so I survived on waffles, fries, and cheese pizza. Needless to say, after my freshman year and many hungry nights I fell off the veggie wagon and went back to an omnivore diet.

Fast forward eight years. I had just gotten married and I had been discussing with my husband the possibility of going vegetarian again. I had met many vegetarians and was volunteering at an animal shelter. I had always known that I wanted to give it a try again, it was just a matter of when.

The "when" came one day at work. I was bored and filling my time with web searching. I went to the PETA website and clicked on a video called “Meet your Meat" -- a video that shows behind the scene footage of factory farming. This was the first time I saw what happened to the animals in factory farms and needless to say I was not happy.

After watching the video, I immediately called my husband on the phone and through tears I said “I will never eat animals again." I bought a few vegetarian cookbooks and how-to-guides and instantly made the switch.

Fast forward another two years. I had been a vegetarian for this entire period of time and this time I did it the healthy way. I educated myself about nutrition and began using my vegetarian cookbooks to try new recipes. I had also started educating myself on other areas of animal use in foods, such as the egg and milk production industries, and knew that becoming a vegan was the next logical step for me.

My husband was kind of nervous about my vegan path. When I first became a vegetarian I had attempted to force him to follow my path and when he didn't, it caused conflict. By now though I accepted that everyone has to come to the veg lifestyle at their own pace and as long as he accepted my choice and at least tried to eat veg food, I would accept his choice as well.

Around my two year vegetarian anniversary, I began a two month long internship at Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen NY. I was going to be working with farm animals that were destined for someone’s plate. Living a vegan lifestyle is a requirement when working at the farm, and I knew that this would be the perfect time for me to make the switch from vegetarian to vegan.

June, 2009, I made the switch and have never looked back. I cannot say that it has always been easy. There have been times where I wondered if I was making the right choice, or when going back to eating animals would have been the easier thing to do.

I became pregnant after my 1 month vegan anniversary and that also added another challenge to my vegan lifestyle. Dealing with negative things that your friends or family may say, negative portrayals of vegan/vegetarians in the media, and uneducated opinions from your doctor to your spouse to sometimes even yourself can get tough.

Three years later (5 years as a vegetarian) I am so glad that I made the choice to go vegan. I feel better, I lost a lot of unhealthy weight, and I can actually cook and bake tons of vegan goodies. Also my son is now 2 and is being raised vegetarian and my husband finally decided to see the light and become vegetarian as well.

Being a vegan is such a huge part of who I am today. I now have my vegan support system and I continue to educate myself on this lifestyle. I have never once regretted my decision and I know that this will be a lifelong journey that I plan to continue to travel for myself, my CrunchyandHappy followers, and ultimately with my son.

Leolin López | Blog
Illinois Leolin is a vegan, mother, wife, writer, vloger, and a cupcake connoisseur. Leolin became vegetarian in 2007 after watching MeetyourMeat.com and then vegan in 2009 after spending the summer at the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York, caring for rescued farm animals. Leolin started her blog CrunchyandHappy in January 2011. In her blog she discusses and explores the vegan lifestyle through stories of parenting, beauty, animals, nutrition, and food. She also vlogs on YouTube sharing reviews, hauls, and tutorials of vegan beauty products as well as sharing her experiences as a vegan.

Photo credit: Leolin

No Meat Zone Video Edition: Chia Seed Pudding with Fresh Berries

2012-05-22T08:52:00.000-05:00

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia! Yes, that's right, these seeds are the same seeds used to sprout on the porous clay figurines called "Chia Pets." Lately, Chia seeds have been all the buzz. An, ancient seed that has regained popularity as the newest health food because of its nutritional value.

I was first introduced to Chia seeds about 6 months ago, and I have since been using them in my green smoothies. I also put some in my water bottle that I tote around with me all day. And, most recently, as a pudding.

This recipe is delicious, satisfying, sweet and easy to prepare. I love eating it for breakfast!

Enjoy!

Patty Malcolm | Website |Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Los Angeles, CA Patty is an actress, artist, vegan, and raw foodist. She became a vegetarian at the age of 14, then eventually a vegan and raw foodist. Patty’s passion for healing and the prevention of disease through a plant-based diet are not only evident in her lifestyle, but is what inspired her to launch Lalaraw.com – her “place” to share her ideas, recipes, and un-cooking videos with the world. Currently, Patty is studying to become a nutritionist, as well as a certified raw food chef. She also practices yoga, rides horses, and enjoys time with her boyfriend and fur babies, Rooster & Junior.

Photo credit: Patty Malcolm

Meat supplier for Tyson Foods charged with abuse

2012-05-22T08:42:00.000-05:00

Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat suppliers on the planet, was forced to cut ties with a Denver-based pork provider after undercover footage taken by the Humane Society revealed deplorable levels of barbaric cruelty.

Tyson misleadingly claimed to have no connection with Wyoming Premium Farms. However, evidence collected by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) eventually pushed Tyson to take accountability, resulting in an announcement from the company that it will temporarily suspend shipments from the pig farm while conducting an investigation.

Whether Tyson's investigation will uncover and correct the horrors documented by the HSUS is yet to be determined. For those unwilling/unable to watch the HSUS video, such horrors include:

Farm workers riding on top of pigs
Farm workers beating pigs with clubs
Farm workers stomping/kicking pigs
Farm workers lifting piglets by the ear, tossing them
Farm workers slamming pigs with metal doors
Neglected pigs with blisters, sores, and broken limbs
Pregnant pigs (sows) confined/immobilized for life (gestation crates)

These types of incidents are unfortunately very common in the world of industrial agriculture. For example, in June 2011, Mercy for Animals uncovered hellish conditions at Iowa Select Farms, the largest farm in the state. The investigation found not only gestation crates in use, but piglets being carelessly thrown around, many of which were laying on the ground with untreated, open sores. One year prior, in 2010, the Humane Society released a video depicting cruelty at a farm owned by Smithfield, a major pork supplier. That investigation also found sows in gestation crates, along with injured/sick pigs left to die without treatment.

Many states are considering laws -- or have already passed them -- which make it a crime to take an entry-level job at a farm with the intent of documenting animal welfare abuses. Such legislation has (perhaps unsurprisingly) been heavily backed by the meat industry. In the age of internet, where information travels like a swift fire on brush, keeping a lid on animal welfare issues has apparently become a priority worth investment to the meat industry, which seems to find cruelty more profitable than exposure and correction. When animals are viewed as trivial products -- mere cogs in a giant machine -- is it really so surprising that this kind of blatant abuse is so widespread?

Jonathan Reynolds
Jonathan is a freelance writer and blogger residing in upstate New York.

Photo credit:cc:flickr.com/photos/austinfoodbank

Get scruffy for a cause: Animals Asia joins forces with Hendrick Boards to promote 'Beards for Bears' initiative

2012-05-21T09:18:00.000-05:00

Gentlemen, ever needed an excuse to get a little hairy? Look no further: Beards for Bears, a collaborative initiative between animal welfare nonprofit Animals Asia and skateboarding company Hendrick Boards, encourages men to get scruffy for a cause.

Moon bears, also known as Asian black bears, are an endangered species that are prized for the purported medicinal properties of their bile. These docile and intelligent animals are trapped and kept in small cages for up to 30 years, so that their bile can be harvested through needles, catheters and other painful procedures. Although several herbal and synthetic alternatives to the bile exist, this cruel practice continues to exist across multiple Asian countries.

Animals Asia rescues these bears and relocates them to reserves, where they are able to live out the rest of their lives in safe, spacious refuges. However, awareness of this practice remains low and Animals Asia has devised a way for people to take action. At BeardsForBears.org, participants can register pictures of their beard growth and chart their progress through to the end of June, as well as garner support and donations through their success. Girls can participate as ambassadors, calling their boyfriends, brothers, and friends to action.

Hendrick Boards, an eco-friendly US-based skateboard company, has partnered with Animals Asia to produce t-shirts to advertise the campaign. “I’m hairy because I care” is emblazoned across the front, and $5 from each purchase contributes directly to charity efforts. So throw your razors in the trash for the month, and bear your beard with pride!

Danielle Snow | Facebook | blog
Chicago, IL Danielle is an avid eater who, after switching to vegetarianism, discovered a renewed passion for food in all its fascinating varieties. Currently living and studying in Chicago, she hopes to devote her life to travel, learning, and having haphazard adventures that she can write about afterward.

Photo credit: Animals Asia

Carrie Underwood to discuss vegan lifestyle on 'Oprah's Next Chapter'

2012-05-20T09:35:00.000-05:00

Country superstar Carrie Underwood will be Oprah's guest on "Oprah's Next Chapter" today where she discusses her vegan diet and how it has improved her life. The show will air on Sunday, May 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Watch the sneak peek:

Carrie Underwood on Being Vegan

Country singer and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood is a vegan. Watch as she talks to Oprah about her diet, who handles the cooking in her house and why she might give in to a little cornbread now and then.

Watch Oprah's full interview with Carrie Underwood and her husband, Mike Fisher, on Oprah's Next Chapter Sunday, May 20, at 9/8c.

Daelyn Fortney | Facebook |@daelyn | email
Greenville, SC Daelyn is the co-founder and managing director of This Dish Is Veg. She handles the daily operations of the site including advertising, story idea generation, and website promotion as well as managing the volunteer contributors. Along with her work at TDIV, Daelyn is an editor for a gift-giving website and mother of three daughters.

Photo credit: Oprah Winfrey with Carrie Underwood and husband Mike Fisher in Nashville, Tennessee 2012 Harpo Inc./George Burns

Organix brand body products forgot to actually add organic ingredients

2012-05-18T13:16:00.001-05:00

You have probably seen the fetching, minimalist bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion products by the name “Organix” (http://www.organixhair.com/) at your local CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target or Duane Reade. This affordable hair care brand looks chic, smells nice, and is apparently all-natural… but what does that really mean?

Natural isn’t the same as organic. In fact, it’s been reported that Organix brand uses hardly any organic ingredients at all.

In their blog “Generation Green”, the Center for Environmental Health (http://www.ceh.org/) recently exposed Organix’s supposed follies: lying about using organic ingredients, duping the public into thinking they are supporting the organic movement by purchasing their products, and even using potentially harmful additives instead of real organic ingredients.

Read Generation Green’s full article on Organix fraud (http://generationgreen.org/2012/05/organic-by-any-other-name-smells/) to learn more about this company’s apparent misuse of organic marketing. If you have purchased Organix products and want to learn more about a class action lawsuit by CEH attorneys, you can contact CEH at Charles@ceh.org.

When shopping for animal-free, cruelty-free, natural beauty products, we want to feel good about purchasing something that really is what it says it is. Organix does not claim to be vegan, but it does present itself as an organic brand that makes it stand out on the shelves as the more environmentally-friendly option. If this is simply a marketing strategy, and not the truth, consumers need to be aware of what they are buying and supporting.

Check out TDIV’s guide to purchasing animal and earth-friendly beauty products on a budget (http://www.thisdishisvegetarian.com/2012/04/how-to-avoid-vegan-guilt-guide-to.html) to make sure you are supporting the right companies.

Rachel Fryer | Email
Maryland A lifelong vegetarian and animal lover, Rachel Fryer enjoys writing, traveling, eating spicy food, drinking coconut water, reading historical fiction and sweating (she is also a Bikram yoga teacher). Rachel is excited to attend grad school for her Masters in English in Fall 2012 and to adopt a shelter dog in the near future.

Photo credit: USDA/TDIV

No Meat Zone Video Edition: 'Cheezy' Cashew Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles

2012-05-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

I recently posted a photo of what I made for dinner on my personal Facebook page. I was surprised by how many responses I received from people asking for the recipe. So I made a "how-to" video in response.

This is an amazing delicious and filling vegan, raw dish.

Enjoy!

Photo credit: TDIV

Vegan 'Lost' star Jorge Garcia now on Twitter

2012-05-18T08:54:00.000-05:00

Best known as Hurley from the hit T.V. show Lost, Jorge Garcia made the decision to go vegan almost a year ago.

Up until now, if you tried to find Garcia online, you would get, well...lost. Jorge hasn't had any social media outlets up until now.

As of May 15, Garcia has been on twitter starting out with a tweet of "Let the experiment begin...", followed up the next day with a tweet that said, "I'm already nervous about this."

Garcia has a blog in which he wrote a post on how he made his own almond milk! Cleverly titled "Further Dispatches," Garcia publishes photos and writes about his career happenings, travels, and the vegan foods he loves.

Follow Jorge on Twitter.

Laeticia Butler | @Vegwritingmomma | Facebook | Blog Baltimore, MD After suffering with health issues for two years, Laeticia became a vegan and was able to go from barely walking to running half marathons. She became well aware of the cruelty to animals through research during her life change. In doing so, Laeticia discovered a newfound love and respect for animals and works hard to teach her son why we don't eat them. She is currently training for her first marathon. One of Laeticia's goals as a writer and blogger is to help motivate others to living a healthier lifestyle through a healthy diet and fitness.

Photo credit: Twitter Screen Capture

Vegetarian dog food included in Diamond's latest recall

2012-05-17T14:16:00.000-05:00

Consumers concerns continue to grow as more brands of pet food produced by Diamond Pet Foods are linked to possible Salmonella contamination.

Many pet food purchasers may not have been aware that Diamond Pet Foods, who issued a recall for dry dog foods under the “Diamond” name, serves as a co-distributor for other natural and vegetarian pet foods. Last week, the recall expanded to a total of 14 brands for possible contamination sourced from a Diamond owned plant in South Carolina.

In early April, Diamond Pet Foods issued its initial “voluntary recall” as a “precaution” to its consumers and their pets. The pet food company with the CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration began an investigation, linking illnesses to multiple brands of pet foods produced by Diamond Pet Foods.
Typically, foods associated with Salmonella are eggs, milk and meat.

News of the expanded recall may be concerning to pet owners who feed their dogs vegetarian brands.

On May 4, Natural Balance Pet Foods was contacted by their co-manufacturer Diamond Pet Foods to recall certain products, including its vegetarian dog food. Although none of the products tested positive for Salmonella, products were pulled from the shelves as a “precautionary measure,” according to Natural Balance.

Currently, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a total of 15 people in nine states and one person in Canada have been infected with Salmonella Infantis. People may have been infected after handling contaminated dry, pet food. These cases of Salmonella linked to the Diamond pet food brands were reported between October 8, 2011 and April 16, 2012. More illnesses may have yet to be reported.

Through clinical signs of illness, four cases of Salmonella in dogs have been linked to the outbreak, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

“Consumer complaints for animal cases are continually being evaluated for follow-up pet food testing and animal testing. However, in many cases, Salmonella infection cannot be confirmed by laboratory testing," said Gloria Sanchez, Bilingual Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Gastrointestinal signs and exposure to recalled pet foods provides supportive evidence of infection."

Our calls to Diamond Pet Foods for a response were not returned.

DogFoodAdvisor reports a total of 14 brands are affected by the recall, which include: 4Health, Apex, Canidae, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Country Value, Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Kirkland Signature, Natural Balance, Premium Edge, Profession, Solid Gold, Taste of the Wild and Wellness.

Consumers are encouraged to check their pet food bags and discard the remaining product.

Symptoms of Salmonella exposure in pets include low energy, decreased appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting. Infected pets can pass the illness onto humans and other animals. If you believe your pet has suffered any of these symptoms have consuming a brand listed on the recall, please contact your veterinarian.

If you believe you became ill after handling contaminated pet food or come in contact with an infected animal, please consult your health care provider.

A complete, up-to-date list of a recalled products can be found on DogFoodAdvisor.com. http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/diamond-dog-food-recall-summary/

Kaitlyn Munro | Tumblr |Facebook | @kaitmunro
Buffalo, New York Kaitlyn is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and minor in Women’s Studies. She worked as a barista at a vegan café before landing a job as assignment editor for a TV news station in Buffalo, New York. She's trying to be a “runner" and just signed up to run her first half-marathon in May. Also, she loves food - especially vegan cupcakes.

Photo credit: TDIV

Whale Wars returns for a 5th season on Animal Planet

2012-05-17T10:13:00.000-05:00

Friday, June 1, Whale Wars returns for a 5th season from the Southern Ocean documenting their Operation Divine Wind mission.

After Japanese whalers appeared to be defeated the previous year, this year’s campaign will present two major challenges for Paul Watson and Sea Shepherd. The first is understanding that the Japanese will be better prepared and more aggressive than ever in their quest to kill whales and protect their fleet. The second is that the crew of the Sea Shepherd organization is comprised of more rookies than ever before.

This season brings a new helicopter pilot to replace Chris Altman, and a new captain to the Brigitte Bardot. It also marks the return of Peter Brown who has seen many campaigns, but his personality has caused it's share of tension with fellow crew members.

Currently as the 5th season is about to air, Paul Watson sits in a German jail, awaiting word if he will be extradited to Costa Rica for an incident in 2002. During conservation efforts in the Cocos Islands, Captain Watson came across a Guatemalan vessel slicing the fins off sharks.

The Sea Shepherds contend they took control of vessel with urging from Guatemalan authorities. But officials later changed their stance and sent a gunboat to detain Paul Watson. The Sea Shepherds fled before any confrontation was able to occur.

More info on Paul Watson and his current status can be found here.

The first episode of Operation Divine Wind airs 9 pm June 1 on Animal Planet.

John Himmelberger | Blog | Facebook| @johnhimm
Maryland John lives in Maryland where he works as a sales manager. John and his wife Eileen’s pursuit to achieve optimum health combined with a desire to send a strong message to factory farming, inspired them to examine what they put into their bodies. Now a vegan, John has great admiration for groups like Farm Sanctuary and hopes to influence others by sharing his positive experiences.

Photo credit: Animal Planet/Sea Shepherd

SOL sunflower milk is a delicious new addition to the non-dairy milk market

2012-05-17T09:02:00.001-05:00

It seems that every day, a new non-dairy milk shows up on the market. We have hemp milk, coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk, and soy milk. Now, thanks to Sol, we have sunflower milk! It truly is a great time to be vegan. The choices are plenty and each milk is different to accommodate different tastes.

Sol’s sunflower milk has easily become one of my favorites. It is kind of thick, mimicking the consistency of dairy milk. It does not strictly taste like sunflower seeds, but it does have a nut or seed-like flavor that is non-threatening and complements the smooth texture. I tried the milk in mashed potatoes, brownies, and straight from a glass. I was pleased with each result. Sunrich Naturals suggests trying Sol in smoothies and cereal as well. I am positive it would excel in these tasks, too.

Sunrich Naturals promotes healthy people and a healthy planet by using organic farming and processing, producing non-GMO foods, and considering sustainability in each step of their business development.

Kristen McFarland | @KinoFou
Kristen, a vegan from Cincinnati, Ohio, is passionate about animal rights and film. She has a degree in electronic media and spends her time working as a sideshow performer and a photographer. Follow Kristen on Facebook.

Photo credit: Sunrich Naturals | Disclosure: Review product provided

Farm Sanctuary's 'Country Hoe Down' to feature wellness expert and author Kathy Freston

2012-05-16T12:11:00.000-05:00

You know her as the New York Time's best selling author who could win over the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Dr. Oz with her innovative concept of "leaning into" change, but on May 19, Kathy Freston will also inspire attendees at Farm Sanctuary's Country Hoe Down with her successful approach to conscious, healthy living.

Her newest book, THE LEAN: A Revolutionary (and Simple!) 30-Day Plan for Healthy, Lasting Weight Loss, Freston emphasizes that we take time to "consider connections" when it comes to our food, its source, and its impact on our quality of life.

Connections is certainly a theme of this annual summertime hoe down, which attracts hundreds of people from coast to coast to Farm Sanctuary's Orland, California shelter. The weekend will include dancing, live music and fabulous vegan food, plus expert workshops, networking events, and time with the lovable animal residents of Farm Sanctuary.

Freston says connecting with farm animals leaves the biggest impact. "We all live such busy lives that disconnect us from these sweet, emotional beings and the space between us makes it easy to unwittingly make choices that harm them," says Freston. "Farm Sanctuary's Hoe Down provides and opportunity for people to lean into a relationship with farm animals, and when they do I think they will be surprised by how much these friendly animals love to lean right back."

This year's Hoe Down features many exciting speakers, including Sierra Club CAFO Water Sentinel Lynn Henning; Caryn Ginsberg, author of Animal Impact: Secrets Proven to Achieve Results and Move the World; plus Farm Sanctuary favorites such as Susie Coston, national shelter director; Gene Baur, president and co-founder; and Bruce Friedrich, senior director for strategic initiatives.

Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, promotes legislative, policy, and individual lifestyle changes to help farm animals. Farm Sanctuary's shelters in New York and California provide lifelong care for nearly 1,000 rescued farm animals. For more information, please visit farmsanctuary.org.

Madeline Heising | Blog
Boston, MA Madeline is studying Communications and Public Advocacy at Northeastern University. Going vegan on a whim in 2011 changed her entire lifestyle for the better. Her course of study, health and career intentions now revolve around plant-based living. All it took was one question ‘Why would you care more about what goes on your body than what goes in it?’ When she’s not in classes she works at Teavana and keeps up her own recipe blog. The only thing that makes her happier than talking about food is traveling, but it’s a pretty close tie.

Photo credit:cc: Bridget Laudien

Celebrities including Hayden Panettiere, Jared Leto and Bo Derek support WildAid at annual gala

2012-05-16T11:46:00.000-05:00

What do Larry King, Hayden Panettiere, Jared Leto, Maggie Q., John Corbett, Kate Flannery and Bo Derek have in common? They all love animals and proved it by attending the Annual WildAid Gala in San Francisco on Friday.

WildAid is a wildlife conservation organization dedicated to ending the illegal trade of wildlife by reducing trade demand with public awareness campaigns and comprehensive marine protection. WildAid is unique in that it is the only organization focused on reducing the demand for endangered species products through the specific targeting of consumers using public service announcements and education initiatives.

Celebrities and athletes remain at the forefront of WildAid’s campaign. Some of WildAid’s most prominent ambassadors include Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Yao Ming, Kate Hudson, Jackie Chan, Carmelo Anthony, Ralph Fiennes and Sir Richard Branson.

WildAid features programs for sharks, tigers, elephants, rhinos, marine protection and climate. Because 25 percent of global emissions come from the United States, 90 percent of the world’s rhinos have been lost in the last 40 years and only 3,200 tigers remain in the wild, it is even more reason to get involved and sign the WildAid’s Global Petition for Wildlife.

In their most recent venture, WildAid teamed up with the African Wildlife Foundation to create a multimedia public awareness campaign in China, which is one of the countries with the largest rhino horn demand. The videos will educate people on the process of killing rhinos illegally and using their horns.

The public service announcements will feature prominent Asians in sports, business and entertainment. The animals affected by such horrible actions deserve the same freedom as the humans who hunt them. By joining forces with WildAid and other organizations of its kind, compassionate humans can stop the unfair treatment of their animal friends.

Samantha Wood | @bostonu14 | Blog
Boston, MA Samantha is a journalism student at Boston University who hopes to pursue a career in the health magazine field. She is interested in both nutrition and cooking, especially vegan cooking. She became a vegan while in college and has remained that way ever since. She created a blog to document her efforts and it has become a collection of vegan recipes, restaurants and nutrition information. Samantha hopes to develop her photography skills as well so she can take appetizing photos of all her recipes. She loves chocolate (the vegan kind of course) and dogs, as well as California, where she hopes to live someday.

Photo credit: Courtesy of WildAid and www.kevinmeynell.com

Going out Guide asks readers to submit favorite picks for Washington D.C.'s best veg dishes

2012-05-16T11:04:00.003-05:00

Vegan Crepes

The Washington Post’s Going out Guide is asking readers to submit their favorite picks for D.C.’s best vegetarian dishes- as in, which vegetarian dishes will “make you happy to forgo the steak for a night.”

The call for submissions follows a similar contest from last year, which rounded up the area’s essential eats. Several of these “essentialeats” were already without meat, including such dishes as Amsterdam Falafel Shop’s Falafel and Frites, Sticky Rice’s Tater tots, and Popcorn of the Day from Founding Farmers.

Recent submissions include the Vegetable Stack at Ray’s Hell Burger, Smoke and Barrel’s Vegan Wings, and anything from Sticky Fingers.

I personally will continue to champion vegetarian dishes from restaurants that promote not only a delicious taste of vegetarianism, but also that further the intent of making conscious food choices.

Dishes like the vegan nachos from Busboys and Poets (their restaurants are powered by clean energy and their meat and dairy come from organic and local sources, among many other green initiatives), or the brunch Crab Cake from Great Sage (where all their food comes from organic, plant-based sources) are prime examples of restaurants that strive to create appetizing vegetarian dishes for a purpose, instead of simply adding a section of the menu in order to satisfy the non-meat-eating folks.

To submit your votes email goingoutguide@washpost.com, tweet @goingoutguide #veggieeats or write on the Going out Guide’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/goingoutguide.

May the best veggie dish win!

Monica Harwood | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Blog
Rockville, MD Monica has always been a passionate animal lover. She blogs for No Credentials Podcast Network (nocredentialspn.com), where she is also a personality on the show The Vegan and the Cannibal. Monica is an opera singer, accompanist and music teacher, and would one day like to travel the world as a performer, while promoting the cause of animal welfare. Outside of music and animals, she enjoys all types of yoga, tending to her organic garden, and cooking. She currently resides just outside of Washington, D.C. with her boston terrier, Luke.

Photo credit: Ashley Paige

TDIV Q&A: I am vegan and meeting my finance's non-vegan parents for the first time, how do I handle the situation?

2012-05-16T08:49:00.000-05:00

Q: I am vegan and meeting my finance's non-vegan parents for the first time. How do I handle the situation?

A: Meeting your fiancé's family for the first time can be stressful in and of itself, without bringing ethical food choices into the mix. You don't say whether your fiancé is vegetarian I would suggest a neutral environment--say a veg-friendly restaurant. This way everyone can feel comfortable about ordering what suits them. No one feels deprived or offended. You can even call ahead and ask the restaurant if they accommodate vegan diets.

I was in a restaurant the other night that I had been to countless times. I usually just order from the regular menu and make the item vegan by asking for no cheese. I try not to be too much trouble. However, during my last visit I discovered they have a vegetarian menu! Most of it was on the regular menu but it was listed all together.

Once I was in a restaurant and there was nothing remotely vegetarian on the menu. I asked if they had a vegetable burger in the back -- or something else that would be suitable. The waitress informed me they had a veggie BLT that wasn't even on the menu.

My point is, just ask the restaurant and let them know your preferences and needs. Most are incredibly accommodating. You can call ahead or ask the server when you arrive.

However, if you are worried about making a huge deal out of your personal food preferences with your beloved's parents present, I would suggest simply calling ahead.

Sarah Green
Sarah is an RN and yoga teacher residing in Seattle, WA. She is interested in all things related to preventative health and wellness.

Photo credit: cc: flickr.com/photos/mikecogh

My experience at PCRM's 'Food for Life' teacher training

2012-05-15T13:35:00.000-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to enter the hallowed halls of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in Washington, D.C., and left three days later, a new, improved and definitely FIRED UP human being. As a relatively new vegan (2 years and counting), PCRM and Dr. Neal Barnard, have been two of the most influential gurus in my health world. When I was recently chosen as one of 20 Food for Life instructors slated for May training, it was difficult to contain my enthusiasm.

My educational co-workers (I’m a high school counselor by day) were annoyed, I’m sure, by my obvious glee and intermittent Scooby Doo bursts of energy as my trip to D.C. got closer. They are all omnivores and have learned to tolerate my plant based diet deep in the heart of barbeque land (Texas). I’ve used my powers of positive persuasion on them in the form of faux deviled eggs, black bean brownies and yummy casseroles with good success so far and have been looking forward to learning new, easier concoctions they might be interested in.

The other teachers at the training and I were an eclectic mix and it was interesting to see which humans had made the cut from an extensive questionnaire, resume with photo and video clip of us teaching a cooking class, phone interview, recommendations from employers and finally a criminal background check. PCRM was as thorough and thoughtful in choosing us as they are in the daily legal battles they wage with Obama and his junk food propensities, the controversial billboards that dot the landscape of the northeast (“Hotdogs can give you butt cancer”) and the recipes they create for the books they publish. I went in the front door already impressed and just got more and more so as the three days wound down.

We started our training with a medical lecture by Dr. Barnard (collective sighs echoing throughout the room as he walked in.) The man is a walking picture of plant based uber health and vitality with sparkling eyes, a snappy wit and reams of his own research information. His lean frame darted around the room throughout his power point and I just soaked in all of the fascinating information he shared from years of medical research. Fat levels in our bodies are directly connected to the risk of getting cancer? Makes sense to me. Since my own bout with breast cancer two years ago (pre-vegan diet) was a mild and non-lymph node invasive event, I silently thanked my historically low cholesterol numbers and began to get a very firm visual of why a whole foods vegan diet works so well to fight chronic disease.

In fact, as a succession of registered dietitians, nurses, doctors and expert plant based teachers were introduced, I became more and more convinced and thankful that I was eating plants and taking my health into my own hands after being diagnosed with the “Big C.” Just like the trainees, PCRM’s staff is a mixture of ages, gender and background stories. All are confirmed vegans, everyone is lean and no one wears animal derived clothing of any kind in the office. They fed us their own recipes (amazing raw steel cut oats for breakfast), catered in Whole Foods and local Ethiopian fare and left us feeling confident, catered to and fully armed to teach others about the healing properties of plants. They “walked their talk” and encouraged us all to do the same. It’s difficult enough to encourage omnivore friends and family to consider a plant based diet. We all left wanting to be better physical manifestations of veganism.

Meanwhile, I am happy to wade through the three textbooks and four curriculums we were given to teach and cannot wait to schedule my first class of 30 students. Since PCRM is sponsored by Vitamix and Salad Master, I am one of the 100 plus Food for Life teachers throughout the country who have state of the art culinary tools at our disposal. We don’t even need a kitchen to demonstrate the recipes. There has NEVER been an easier time to go plant based and with PCRM’s evidence based recipes and research backing me, I am ready to spread the good word to the traditional meat eating Texans all around me. Bring it, cowboy!! I got your Smokey Seitan Roll Up right here!!

(Go to www.pcrm.org for more information and where you can find a Food for Life class in your local area or apply to become a certified teacher.)

Kathryn Lorusso | O'Neill 365 | Twitter | Blog | Bio
Dallas, TX Kathryn is a former journalist and English teacher who now counsels and mediates teenage drama on a daily basis in the Dallas, Ft. Worth metroplex. Time away from school is spent cooking up new macrobiotic/vegan specialties, writing various blogs and newsletters and taking as many bikram yoga classes as possible. She gives vegan cooking classes at the Arlington Bikram Yoga studio, mentors a vegetarian/vegan student group and has just been chosen as one of six fitness icons for O’Neill Clothing Company.

Photo credit: flickr.com/photos/cleopold73

Michael Clarke Duncan appears in new PETA campaign: Actor credits veg lifestyle for improved health and clearer conscience

2012-05-15T09:10:00.001-05:00

The Green Mile star Michael Clarke Duncan made a decision that so people have done before; he decided to change his health through diet.

The former meat eater was suffering from health issues like many other Americans are facing now. He went veg and now, 3 years into his vegetarian lifestyle, Michael wants to share his experience with others.

Duncan had this to say, "The best thing about being a vegetarian for me, number one is I know I'm not harming any animals. The number two thing is increased strength. I'm a lot stronger than I was when I was eating meat."

He goes on to say, "Don't think that you have to have these gigantic steaks to get your protein. The protein you put in from the beans, legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables will last way longer, and you'll get more out of it than you will in that 12 ounces of meat."

Have a look at Michael's interview with PETA:

Photo credit: Screen capture

'The Raised' will have you questioning human roles in the lives of other sentient beings

2012-05-14T09:11:00.001-05:00

A harbinger is defined as, “One who initiates major change,” and change is exactly what MacCoinneach has called to order in book one of her Harbinger series, The Raised.

Although not defined as Science Fiction, I found that MacCoinneach’s story flirts with what to some, might be considered an otherworldly story-telling approach. Marrying the not-so-far-off the mark unrest of modern politics, with what could be compared to an alien nation’s much needed revolt for liberation, she has crafted, through vivid imagination and fantasy, a world in which the labels we (and by we, I mean humans) hide behind cease to have meaning or power of any kind.

Overall, I found the book to be smart, well crafted, and full of intrigue. If you haven’t done so already, The Raised will definitely have you questioning the forced roles of humans in the lives of the other sentient beings with whom we share this earth.

Erica Settino | Twitter | Facebook | Website
New York Erica is the founder and executive director of the non-profit organization, Karuna For Animals: Compassion In Action, Inc. A long time vegetarian turned passionate vegan, she works tirelessly to educate others on the countless benefits of adopting a vegan diet. She currently holds a BS in Psychology with a concentration in Animal Behavior and an MFA in Creative Writing. Along with her work in animal advocacy, Erica works as an editorial assistant, freelance writer, certified and registered yoga instructor, nutritional counselor and health coach. She lives with her veg husband and their four rescued animal companions.

Photo credit: 'The Harbinger: Book 1 - The Raised' | Disclosure: Review copy provided

Although not completely vegan, 'The Meat Free Monday Cookbook' provides an empowering foundation

2012-05-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

On the heels of the rising popularity and positive, global impact of the Meat Free Monday Campaign, from editor Annie Rigg, with phenomenal photography by Tara Fisher, comes an equally impactful and artfully impressive new, meat free cookbook.

Equipped with a full menu for every Monday of the year, with coordinating seasonal menu themes and options, The Meat Free Monday Cookbook provides an empowering foundation for anyone wishing to begin living with a heightened awareness of the consequences of their food choices, and with sustainability for the lives of animals, their personal health, and the collective health of the planet in mind.

As a side note, I must relay that most of the recipes, chock full of deliciousness though they seem (and look), are not vegan. So, for those of us already living the good vegan life, it probably isn’t a book you would look to for new recipe ideas or inspiration. Although if you’re anything like me, you’ve become a whiz at converting veg-friendly recipes to pure vegan, and that is most certainly attainable—and probably well worth it—here.

Photo credit: The Meat Free Monday Cookbook | Disclosure: Review copy provided

Video: Baby rabbits rescued from California farmer

2012-05-10T10:16:00.000-05:00

Ready for some cuteness overload? One of our readers submitted the video below of adorable baby bunnies.

These tiny rabbits were rescued first from an animal farmer in Oakland, Calif., who was raising rabbits in squalid conditions for meat, and were rescued yet again from animal control by the animal rescue community.

All of these rabbits, including the mother, now have good, loving homes or are in foster care at an animal rescue group.

Kelly Beth | @veganbotanicals | Facebook | website
Colorado Kelly Beth is a clinical herbalist and vegan foodie. She lives deep in the mountains of Colorado with her fiancé, cat, and plants. She loves living as close to the land as possible and practicing self-sustainability, from growing her own food to wild crafting herbal medicine. Kelly Beth is the owner of twig & leaf botanicals, a vegan & organic botanical business that is also certified cruelty-free.

Photo credit: Screen capture

Photos from Farm Sanctuary's animal hospital ribbon-cutting cermony

2012-05-10T08:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we posted an article about Farm Sanctuary's new animal hospital in Watkin's Glen, New York. The Melrose Small Animal Hospital will allow the farm animal protection organization to treat sick and injured rescue animals on site.

“For the lucky animals who make it to Farm Sanctuary, the Melrose Small Animal Hospital will be the first place they ever receive love, respect and individual veterinary care,” says Farm Sanctuary National Shelter Director Susie Coston. “Anyone who thinks factory farming isn’t a problem should come visit our shelters and tour our new hospital. Rescued animals typically arrive here in dreadful condition: starving, wounded, dehydrated, anemic, teeming with parasites, and always horribly frightened. It’s hard to see animals who are just a few months old suffering from heart disease and other ailments because they’ve been genetically engineered by the meat industry to grow bigger and faster than is natural.”

Special thanks to Farm Sanctuary for sharing pictures of the ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as rescued piglet, Franklin, and Susie Coston with rescued calf, Sonny.

photo credit: Lesley Marino

photo credit: Jo-Anne McArthur

photo credit: Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary cuts the ribbon for new animal hospital

2012-05-09T13:13:00.001-05:00

Recently, Farm Sanctuary cut the ribbon to their brand-new animal hospital in Watkins Glen, New York.

This state-of-the-art hospital will allow the organization to treat sick and injured farm animals on-site rather than being transported to veterinary hospitals, which can cause even more stress to the innocent creatures.

The animal hospital, Melrose Small Animal Hospital, was named in honor of a leadership gift from the Melrose family of Minnesota.

“We are a nation of animal lovers who pride ourselves in taking care of the most vulnerable among us, yet we unwittingly allow farm animals, who are every bit as intelligent and emotional as dogs and cats, to be abused by the billions. Our food system is out of synch with our national values,” says Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur.

For the lucky animals (and the few, comparatively) who do make it out of the factory farm and food system alive, the Melrose Small Animal Hospital will be the first time they know love, let alone individual care and respect.

The hospital will treat starving, diseased, wounded and frightened chickens, turkeys, piglets, calves and goats who have been subject to genetic engineering and left in squalid conditions before they become America's food.

For more information on Farm Sanctuary and the new Melrose Small Animal Hospital, visit farmsanctuary.org.

Photo credit: Jason Morrison