Your Favorite Products Are Probably Destroying The Planet

It's in food, hair, and beauty products, and it's something you never thought would have as big as an impact as it does because this product goes unnoticed for the most part:

The product I am talking about is palm oil. 

                                                                  Photo Credit

It may not look like anything too bad, but the effects of it on our environment are shocking and dangerous. It's an ingredient that is overlooked and needs our attention immediately because if we continue to consume it, our planet and its inhabitants are in trouble. So, what is palm oil you may be asking? Palm oil is an additive in many different products that we all use daily, and I'm about to tell you just how problematic it is.

It's not the product in itself that is unhealthy or harmful, but what the process entails to get it. Palm oil grows in Indonesia and can take up to 30 years to grow very long branches and when that happens, many animals, specifically orangutans end up living in the trees. Eventually, when its time to cut them down, many of the animals lose their homes and are killed in the process. Because palm oil is such a popular additive, according to research, in the past 16 years, over 100,000 orangutans have been killed. Orangutans are already endangered, so at this rate, we are close to them going extinct. But this isn't something that only dangers orangutans, but also other animals who live in the area as well. 

                                                                  Rainforest Rescue

I didn't learn about palm oil until a few years when I read that it was in Oreos, and was deeply upset because that was something I loved. I loved Oreos not only because they're delicious, but because they're vegan, and I was happy I could continue to eat them. When I found out they contained palm oil, I knew I couldn't eat them any more because of the destruction it is doing to our wildlife and rainforests. A major problem in the food industry is that many of these things aren't regulated, and this is one of them. Rainforests are being cleared over and over again in order to grow palm oil, so more species are dying. In particular, where palm oil is mostly grown, it is filled with diverse wildlife. So when we are growing the oil, it is directly impacting the wildlife who lives there, "The rainforests of Indonesia are among the most biodiverse on the planet, containing 10% of the world's plants, 12% of mammals, and 17% of all known bird species. The threat from deforestation is huge,  as only half of the country's original forests remain, with an estimated 2 million acres lost every year" says EcoWatch. In the 1990s, there were over 300k orangutans, now there is an only an estimated 50,000.  Obviously, that is a huge drop, and this is all because our consumers and producers keep pushing the product out.

                                                        
Palm oil is the most consumed oil because it is very cheap among other oils, it is also a healthier alternative with no trans fat. Not only is this an environmental problem as I described above, but also a human rights issue. Most of the workers are children who are operating heavy machinery. There has also been evidence that one of the largest producers of palm oil also has the largest history of abuse of its workers, "Singapore based agribusiness Wilmar controls more than 43% of the global palm oil trade. However, workers on the Wilmar's and its suppliers' plantations struggle to earn enough for their families to live on, in extreme cases earning as little as the US $2.50 a day" says The Amnesty International Investigation. 
                                             

Photo Credit

There is some hope, though. Because of the awareness that is being spread over this issue, many companies are ditching palm oil or using sustainable palm oil. One video I found very helpful in understanding the issue in an easy way was an advertisement video that was made by Greenpeace. This advertisement was actually banned because it apparently it did not follow BBC guidelines; that did not stop the video from going viral though. The video shows an orangutan in a little girl's room, destroying everything in sight; the little girl is yelling at him to stop but he will not listen. She eventually asks him why he's there and he answers by saying, "There's a human in my forest and I don't know what to do. You destroyed all of our trees for your food and your shampoo", the video goes to show what's happening in the Orangutans home and what humans are doing to it. 

If there's one thing you can do to help the 25 Orangutans who die every day, it would be to stop consuming/using palm oil altogether.  Although it's in so many products, it can also be easily avoided. If you aren't ready to give it up entirely, go for the options that are more sustainable. 

                                                                   "Rang Tan"

Palm oil is a topic I am very passionate about and I hope I was able to inform some of you who weren't aware or sure about it. Remember, everything we do has an impact on something, we should try our best to do the least harm possible. 

A Letter To My Meat Eating Friends

To my closest friends who eat meat,

I know you aren't a bad person. I know you would never hurt an animal intentionally, but it upsets me when you say how much you love animals (dogs) and then continue to eat them.

I know we all grow up coming from different backgrounds and traditions, but it's 2019, and the verdict is in: eating animal products is not good for the environment, or the animals.

What makes it especially hard is when I see you cuddling and taking care of your pets, and not realizing that the animals you consume are just like them, just look a little different. Just because we aren't taught that cows and pigs aren't affectionate doesn't mean they aren't.

I want you to think about this:

How would you feel if your beloved pup was taken from you, and put into a tiny crate?  If they were forced to constantly have babies, and live in their own feces. After doing this for years and years, they are no longer useful and are eventually sent off to become someone's dinner.

I know you wouldn't support that. I know that because every year the same people who consume pigs and cows protest the Yulin dog festival that happens in China. I see you saying how awful and wrong it is that they are consuming dogs and cats, but in our country, we kill 56 billion animals a year for food.

How is it any different?

It breaks my heart because I know we are all real animal lovers at heart, some of us are just disconnected. I wish you could see that the animals on your plate have feelings, and just want to be loved and live a life of freedom.

If they were born a dog, their life would be completely different. They are killed simply because of the species they were born into, something they have no control over.

I don't want to be a pushy vegan, I just want you to know where your food comes from, and it is not a happy place.

Although we are conditioned to eat meat, there is always room for improvement and change. Just because something is a tradition doesn't mean it is right.

I just ask you to think about your own pets. Think about how awful and sad you would be if they were in the same position.

Sincerely,
Your friend who just wants to help animals

Farm Sanctuaries to visit in NY/NJ

There are many farm sanctuaries in the New York area, and I recommend everyone going to visit at some point in their life. Just like you can make connections with dogs and cats, you can make beautiful connections with farm animals. They are in driving distance, but are a bit of a hike, but definitely worth visiting on the weekends!


1. Skylands Sanctuary & Animal Rescue 

This is the first farm sanctuary I have ever visited and truly changed my life. It is located in Wantage, NJ. The founder and owner of the farm, Mike Stura, is a popular animal rescuer in the Tristate area. He constantly drives all over in order to save animals from slaughter. At the farm, you get to interact with all the animals (as long as they want to as well!). My favorite is interacting with the cows because they are so gentle and loving just like big puppies. Not only do you get to see adorable animals, but after the tour, Mike has a huge vegan barbeque for all the visitors to eat.

Address: 50 Compton Road, Wantage NJ, 07461

2.  Woodstock Farm Sanctuary 

Woodstock is another magical place. Located near New Paltz, the farm is huge and you get a chance to feed some of the animals. The tours are guided, but in the end, you get the chance to walk around the farm yourself. They also offer lunch there. My favorite part of visiting Woodstock is that you get the chance to go into the pig's barn and give the pigs a belly rub!

Address: 2 Rescue Road, High Falls NY, 12440

3.  Farm Sanctuary- Watkins Glen 

I haven't been to this farm yet, but all I hear is positive experiences. It's a little farther than the other two, but Farm Sanctuary has done amazing things for animals. They also locations in California. They also have the option of staying for the weekend in one of their onsite cabins. 

Address: 3100 Aikens Road, Watkins Glen NY, 14891

      Photo Credit: Farm Sanctuary

Although this is a shortlist, these are some of the ones I've had great experiences with and heard wonderful things. I would highly suggest taking the time to go check these places out and connect with animals and the beautiful nature around them.

Narrative: My Vegan Story

Trigger Warning: Eating disorders 

Five years ago, I decided to go vegan. Going vegan was a huge life change for me; especially coming from a family where meat was in every meal we ate. I never thought I would make such a big lifestyle change. I vividly remember being in high school, talking to a girl who was a vegetarian. I said to her, "It's great what you're doing, but I could never do that. I love meat way too much."

Here I am, five years later, and I am a passionate vegan advocate. This is my story.

The summer going into my junior year of high school, I wanted to eat as healthy as possible. I struggled with an eating disorder all throughout high school and was on to my next way of staying thin, which was eating clean. 

I started watching all these vegan fitness YouTubers, and they were all so thin, and I wanted that. I saw them eating so much food, but still staying so skinny, and I was so surprised. 

I researched the vegan diet and found that because there were so much fewer calories in plant foods compared to meat, it was very easy to naturally stay thin. So that's where my journey started. 

I started eating so much fruit, beans, rice, and potatoes. I found that when I started eating these foods that I was so scared to eat before, I enjoyed them so much and didn't feel gross anymore. Once I stopped eating meat and animal products, everything changed for me. I had so much energy, I would go on runs every day (and I used to hate running!). The foods I was eating now truly fulfilled me and made me feel satisfied. 

The next time I went to the doctor, I had actually gained back all the weight I had lost when I was restricting, but I didn't feel bad because my body felt so good.

All the beautiful, colorful, foods I was eating were nourishing my body and giving me the energy to go and run, hike, bike, and more. 

I gained the weight back, but I also gained back so much happiness that my eating disorder robbed me of for so many years. Going vegan opened me up to so much more food than I wouldn't let myself eat before because society deemed carbs as the "enemy".

Initially, I did go vegan for the wrong reasons. But once I became vegan, I started educating myself more on the effects of animal products on our environment, and all the terrible things the animals go through. I watched the documentary Earthlings and my heart broke into pieces. 

I saw the way these beautiful animals were treated, and I knew I could never consume them again. I became an ethical vegan, and animals became the most important thing to me.

Becoming an ethical vegan gave me my life purpose. It might sound strange, but before animals, I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life. Once I realized all the horrible things that happened to them, I dedicated my life to saving them and advocating for them. 

Now, I want to be an investigative journalist and go undercover to expose the conditions they face. I also want to go to law school to become an animal rights lawyer.

As you can see, going vegan has done so much amazing things for me, and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Interview With A Plant Based Dietitian!

As the plant-based diet trend continues to grow, so do the number of dietitians who promote this lifestyle. When I became vegan, I turned to Youtube to find other vegans to get ideas and inspiration for my own vegan life. One of the Youtubers I watched was a girl named Amanda Sevilla, also know as Applesandamandas on Youtube. 

1. How long have you been vegan?
I have been vegan for 4.5 years.

2. As a dietitian, what have you learned most about a plant-based diet and the way it affects the body?

A plant-based diet has a profound impact on the arteries, kidneys, blood circulation, brain health, and most importantly, digestion. It is naturally lower in fat, void of exogenous cholesterol, low in saturated fat, and high in antioxidants, water, and fiber. Of the 10 leading causes of death, 7 of them (heart disease, cancer, lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, kidney disease, and diabetes) are diet-related and a plant-based diet has been shown to remarkably improve the state of health with those who suffer from these illnesses.

3.  Since becoming a dietitian, have you found more evidence that a vegan diet is the healthiest diet to be on?

Absolutely. I am exposed to HUNDREDS of people at the hospital who all come for- what I have learned-problems related to their current condition which is usually preventable such as heart disease, diabetes type 2, and kidney disease. Being a dietitian has also primed my brain for reading studies and articles, and I've only found good things about a plant-based diet whereas there are good and bad things about other ways of eating i.e. keto, low carb high protein, etc.

4. What would you recommend to people who want to become vegan but are having doubts about the health aspects?

Do your research! Read The China Study, Whole, Proteinaholic, How Not To Die, and more. But don't just stop there. Research the claims made in these books and your own oppositions. Find out how to read studies and see which studies/information is funded and by who. It might blow your mind how much-biased information is out there. Pretty much all studies I've found that support plant-based eating is not funded by The Vegetable Industry or The Fiber Department. Make sure you use your own judgment to come to your own conclusions.

5. Would you recommend veganism to all your patients?

I definitely would. However, it is not appropriate at the hospital/acute care level to suggest to someone to change their whole diet at home while they are laying in bed. I offer information and let them know that they can speak with me if they want information. Usually, the plant-based print outs I leave are from the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

6. How has becoming a vegan changed your life personally?

It has taught me so much about patience when talking to people, about how to navigate social situations, how to be friendly but not a pushover when it comes to my beliefs. It has given me a reason to stand up for something, to spread something. Being vegan solidified my childhood dreams of becoming a physician and now I'm actually working my way to achieving them. Before I wanted to save people but I didn't know how to. Now I do know how to, and it starts on the plate.

If you want to follow Amanda on social media, you can find her on Instagram or subscribe to her on Youtube. 

Favorite Vegan Spots In NYC

I am incredibly lucky to have attended school in New York City. Being a vegan in New York is so easy, and so fun. There are so many options, and below I will give you a list of some of my favorite places to eat out in New York as a vegan/vegetarian (in no particular order).

1. Juice Generation
This really isn't a restaurant, but it is my favorite place to get an acai bowl in New York. I have tried countless places, but none of them come close to Juice Generation. They have locations all over the city and do not disappoint. My go-to order is the PB Acai. All of their ingredients are natural and healthy. Especially in the summer, it is a great treat to cool off too.

2. Champs Diner
Possibly one of my favorite restaurants in New York. Champs Diner is located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It is almost always jam-packed on weekends, but the food is worth the wait. All the food you loved before you went vegan, you will find at Champs Diner. It is known to be vegan comfort food, and it is just that. My favorite dish at Champs is the cookie dough pancakes.

3. Screamers Pizza 
Another amazing spot in Brooklyn. They have a huge selection of pizza, and the cheese is incredible. Definitely check this out if you are ever in Brooklyn.

4. The Cinnamon Snail
The Cinnamon Snail not only has great food but amazing desserts. They have endless amounts of pastries to pick from, that not only look delicious but taste amazing.

5. by Chloe
by Chloe is pretty well known in the city, and also has many locations. They have great healthy food, and my go-to is the Quinoa Taco Salad. 

Are Humans Carnivores or Herbivores? part 2.

In a previous post, (https://alixbehar.blogspot.com/2019/07/are-humans-carnivores-or-herbivores.html) I discussed how I changed part of a  Wikipedia post due to misleading information. The previous information said that humans are natural-born omnivores, but after doing my own research, and finding the science to back up that we are actually herbivores, I put the correct information in there. Unfortunately, somebody changed what I put in to what it was before,

"Humans are omnivorous, capable of consuming diverse plant and animal foods. Fossil evidence from wear patterns on teeth indicates the possibility that early hominids like robust australopitthecines and Homo habilis were opportunistic omnivores, generally subsisting on plant based diet but supplementing with meat when possible"

I still think this information is not correct, especially since it says that humans are capable of eating meat, which doesn't mean that it is not natural. I also would like to highlight the fact that it says that early humans were herbivores, only eating meat when it was available, meaning that we could survive fine on a plant-based diet.

Get To Know The Animals You Eat: Esther The Wonder Pig

In one of my previous posts, I discussed my day where I got to hang out with Esther The Wonder Pig and her friends! (You can read that here)

In this post, I am going to tell you all about Esther and her story, and how she changed my life. I touched on her story a little bit in the previous post but will go into more depth about her here. 

Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter were living in Canada when Steve got a call from an old college friend. The friend knew that Steve loved animals, and she had a "mini-pig" she was trying to rehome. 

Steve knew that was a big commitment, but when she reached out again saying if he didn't answer soon, she had someone else who would take the little pig, he jumped on the opportunity and little did he know his life would never be the same. 

He went to pick up the little pig he would call Esther:

                                     Photo Credit: EstherTheWonderPig.com

Steve was under the impression that Esther would grow to be the size of a large dog, but boy was he in for a surprise. 

After telling his partner Derek, Derek was not pleased and did not want to keep her because they already had two other dogs and two cats. But eventually, as Derek saw Esther's personality and how intelligent she was, he couldn't help but fall in love with her.

When they took Esther to the vet, they were in for the news of a lifetime: Esther was not a mini pig (fun fact: mini pigs do not actually exist!) but a full-sized, commercial pig who was born on a farm that would eventually turn her into food. The vet said she could grow up to 600 pounds, and she did just that (Esther currently weighs somewhere around 500-600 lbs).

When they found out she would keep growing, they knew they could not stay in their house in the city where there was no room for a pig. Steve started posted pictures of Esther on her own Facebook page and saw that she was gaining many supporters. He would eventually start a fundraiser to raise money to buy a farm where they could live, and take in other abandoned animals who needed a home.

They reached this goal and ended up raising almost half a million dollars, and bought a farm in Campbellville, Ontario. Now, Happily Ever Esther is home to so many different animals who get to live the rest of their lives with no worries of pain or sorrow.

Esther, because she is the queen of the farm, lives inside the home with Steve and Derek, and her dog and turkey brother, Phil and Cornelius. Esther actually has two beds, one in the living room, and one in her own room. Esther has millions of Facebook fans who come to see her over the tour season. 

                         Esther, Phil, and Cornelius: Photo Credit: Esther The Wonder Pig Facebook Page

I, myself, travel up to Canada every summer to go see Esther because she has impacted my life greatly. During a time where I was struggling with severe anxiety and depression, I would watch Esther all day and smile. I loved watching her get into trouble and seeing how smart she was. She would open the door with her snout, knock things over to get food to fall on the floor, and more. She also loved going swimming in her pool and getting belly rubs.

Many people might see Esther and think she is different, and one of a kind of a pig, but she is not. All pigs have feelings and want to live. Getting to visit many farm sanctuaries, pigs are incredibly affectionate and have many traits similar to dogs. 

If there is any reason why you would leave pigs off your plate, do it for all the pigs who never got the chance to experience a life like Esther. If you want to follow Esther's daily happenings, follow her on Instagram at Esther The Wonder Pig, or visit her facebook page.

"8 Proven Reasons Why Vegan and Vegetarian Diets Ruin Your Body" Response

As I searched for blogs relating to veganism and health, I came across one that really angered me, with the blog post titled, "8 Proven Reasons Why Vegan and Vegetarian Diets Ruin Your Body" You can read here Blogpost.

The creator of this blog is a man named Alex Fergus, whose bio says he's passionate about health and wellness. While it's great that he's running a blog to share his advice, there's a difference between not wanting to follow a diet as a personal choice rather than saying the diet is not healthy as a whole.

In his blog posts, the first thing he says is that it is not possible to get the needed amount of protein on a vegan diet. It's 2019 Alex, and this is simply not the case.

It is more than possible to get enough protein as long as you are consuming enough food as a whole. When I went vegan, I tracked my nutrients on a great website called "cronometer" where it breaks down all the food you're eating, and I never had a problem getting enough protein. There are so many plant-based foods that are protein-rich like nuts, legumes, plant-based meats, and more. Also, some of the biggest and strongest animals on our planet are actually plant-based, such as elephants, gorillas, and rhinos. Would you ask them if they're getting enough protein? Probably not.

Another thing he mentions is that it's hard to consume enough healthy fats. Also wrong. 

I myself, and my vegan friends have never had a problem getting enough fats. As mentioned, it's 2019 and there are so many options to choose from: flax, chia, hemp seeds are a great source of healthy fats. There's also almonds, cashews, and other nuts. There are also so many vegan cheeses and "plant-based dairy" items to pick from that contain all the nutrients and are free from all the added hormones in real dairy products. 

The last thing Alex mentions is that being vegan only feels good in the beginning, but fades as your journey continues.

I have been vegan for over five years, and have felt great in the beginning, and to this very day. If you do it right, you shouldn't have a problem eating a vegan diet, unless you have an underlying health problem. It is also very unfair of him to make such a large generalization because I can guarantee there are so many people who have been vegan for a long time who still feel great. 

Overall, I felt his post was really just a way to get people to not go vegan. He's provided outdated information that can easily be solved now due to the demand of veganism. He, of course, can choose not to be vegan, but it is not right of him to put down the diet as a whole.

How To Go Vegan

I promise going vegan isn't as hard as it seems, but hopefully, I can give you some tips/ instructions if you're looking to transition to living a plant-based lifestyle. 

1. Do your research

This is a very important step. Many people who go vegan on a whim and don't do their research end up falling back into their previous diets. It is important to learn about all the foods that are out there, and how to do it right. I know many people who have tried to go vegan, but then complained about how about lethargic they felt, and when I asked what they were eating, it was clear they were not eating enough. Eating enough on a vegan diet is so important because you're cutting a big amount of calories out of your daily calories. One thing that I felt has helped me eat enough is eating every couple of hours. I also will eat more calorie-dense foods like peanut butter, pasta, and rice.

2. Eat what makes YOU feel good, not what you see other vegans eating.

A common mistake I made when going vegan was following what the Instagram famous vegans ate. Many of them only ate fruit and other "healthy" food. I even made the mistake of cutting peanut butter of my diet because a popular vegan YouTuber said fats would make you fat, even the healthy ones. I ended up losing my period and felt miserable. As soon I introduced it back into my diet, it was a huge difference and I felt much better. I can't stress enough to eat what makes you feel good. If eating pasta and potatoes makes you feel great, do it. Don't try to emulate other vegan diets. You will thrive off of what makes you feel good, and it will help you stay vegan. 


3. Watch documentaries.

There are so many educational and informative documentaries about planted based lifestyles on Netflix that could help you go vegan. Some of the ones I watched were Forks Over Knives and What The Health. Both of these gave me a lot of food ideas and also break down more of the facts of why a vegan diet is healthier than the standard American diet.

4. Go at your own pace.

If you're a meat-eater, or a vegetarian and are trying to transition to a plant-based diet, I would recommend going at your own pace. If you do things too fast, it may be harder to sustain the vegan diet. A lot of people go vegan overnight and end up returning back to eating meat because they found they craved so many things. If you transition slower, it will help with those cravings and also get your body accustomed to the lifestyle easier.

5. Figure out why you want to go vegan.

If you figure out why you want to go vegan, you can take the following steps that will help you stay vegan. For example, if you are going vegan for the ethical reasons involving animals, I would suggest watching the documentary Earthlings. Although this documentary is heartbreaking, if this won't keep you vegan, I don't know what will. It goes deep into the animal agriculture business and everything you don't see as a consumer. It's very graphic, but as mentioned, will remind you why you want to go vegan and help you stay vegan.

6. Don't become a judgy vegan.

A lot of new vegans go through the phase of judging other vegans and meat-eaters. They give their input when no one asked, and it becomes hard to be around them. If someone is trying to go vegan and isn't as far along as you, don't judge them. Everyone is trying their best given the situation they are in. It also does not help the movement to be judgemental of other people's diets because it's not exactly the same as yours. 

I hope these tips helped on your journey to becoming vegetarian or vegan. If you have any other questions or tips, leave me a comment and I'll be sure to discuss with anyone who is interested!

Are Humans Carnivores or Herbivores?

After browsing on Wikipedia in the "Plant-based diet" section, I noticed some things that I felt needed to be changed. After doing much research on the topic, it's clear to me by science that humans are natural-born herbivores, not omnivores or carnivores like Wikipedia suggest, 

"Humans are omnivorous, capable of consuming diverse plant and animal foods. Fossil evidence from wear patterns on teeth indicates the possibility that early hominids like robust australopithecines and Homo habilis were opportunistic omnivores, generally subsisting on a plant based diet, but supplementing with meat when possible." source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant-based_diet#Humans

 I went in myself after researching and changed the short paragraph to this:

"Humans were not always omnivores. Back in prehistoric times, there were no hunting tools for humans to hunt, so they were gatherers. Another fact that proves that humans are meant to consume plant foods only is by looking at their digestion compared to real carnivores. Human intestines are much longer in length than carnivores. Carnivores, such as lions, intestines are much shorter because they're meant to process meat quickly and pass through fast. Humans, on the other hand, having their intestines much longer, can lead to clogged arteries when digesting meat because it takes much longer to pass through. Another major fact that shows humans are herbivores is by looking at our teeth compared to carnivores. Human teeth are short and flat. Humans also chew side to side (which is a herbivore specific trait) whereas carnivores chew up and down to tear through raw meat. Yes, humans are capable of eating meat, but they are not natural born carnivores or omnivores according to human physiology. " source: http://www.adaptt.org/veganism/humans-are-herbivores.html   

 I feel as though it is important for people to be correctly informed on this topic, and I believe the post before was misleading as it could make people believe that they are in fact, natural carnivores, like other animals like lions when we are not. It only takes some little research to spot the major differences between humans and real carnivores based on our physiology.

Wikipedia is one of the most popular websites that people go to for information, so it is important that the information is true and accurate, which is why I felt it was so important to change to correct information that is backed by facts. 

My Response to "10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went Vegan"

Matt Frazier, a writer for HuffPost, wrote an article titled, "10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went Vegan" which you can read here. 

In this article, Frazier talks about all the things he wishes he could go back and tell his former self what would happen when he went vegan. Reading his advice for his pre-vegan self, I can relate to much of what he said.

1. "The Jokes Will Never Stop"

This is true. No matter how much people respect you for being vegan, there will always be the time you get people saying, "But bacon though!" or "So all you eat is lettuce, huh?", and more. My family has come a long way, but to this day, I still get called "extreme" for not eating certain foods. For example,  this past weekend, I was at my grandma's house and my dad ordered pizza for dinner. He got me a Margherita pizza with no cheese. When he picked it up, and my grandparents saw it, the first thing they said was, "How can you eat that with no cheese? That's not pizza," Those kinds of comments hurt a lot more when I was younger, but now I'm just used to the fact that not everyone will understand your reasoning for going vegan, and that's okay.

2. "Giving Up The Cheese Isn't Nearly As Hard As It Seems"

This is one of the reasons why people don't want to go vegan, believe or not. When I went vegan, I found there were more alternatives to cheese than ever. Giving up real cheese was not at all as hard as people made it out to be. I found when I stopped eating cheese, my skin cleared up and I felt a lot better. It was not the life-changing crisis people made it out to be.

3. "You Will Impact More People Than You Realize"

This is true, and one of the most fulfilling things that could happen as a vegan. Over the course of me being vegan, I have seen my mom stop eating turkey because when we visited a farm sanctuary, she met a turkey who changed her life. She saw that he had so much personality, and she realized she couldn't eat it anymore. My dad as well has stopped eating all meat except fish. Seeing my family realize that this lifestyle is so beneficial has been amazing to watch. I even have had friends told me they went vegan because of me, and nothing feels better than that.

4. "Be prepared for a feeling of responsibility, and the compulsion to hold yourself to a higher standard than before."

This is especially true. When people find out you're vegan, they begin to think you're also up to date on all the important social justice movements, and that your lifestyle is pure in all aspects. In some ways, this can be true, but in others, it can be really difficult. For example, because I'm vegan, people also think I'm 100% plastic-free. Although I'm trying really hard to get there, I'm not right now, and because of the vegan title, I have been judged for that. Also, because I don't eat many veggies, but mainly carbs, I'm also told I'm a "fake vegan" (whatever that means). That is also hurtful because I'm vegan for the animals. Not to be a healthy eater.

These are just some of the things Frazier listed, and I relate to them all. It will always be hard being vegan (not because of the food, but dealing with the people who do not approve of your lifestyle) but the positives have always outweighed the negatives for me. Going vegan will always be one of the best things I decided to do, and I'm proud of that.

Are vegan stereotypes real?

As a vegan, people are always associating you with certain stereotypes. When I first went vegan, many of these were real. Years later, I've learned how to advocate for veganism more effectively, and laugh at the stereotypes. In this post, I am going to comment on a video about vegan stereotypes, and tell you if they're true or not. 

In the first part of the video, much like the thumbnail, the vegan is portrayed as a food shamer. She goes around yelling at people who are eating meat, saying "Meat is murder!" As much as I wish I could say I didn't relate to this at one point, I definitely did. When I first went vegan, after finding out all the horrible things done to animals, I was heartbroken. Every chance I got to tell someone what they were eating caused an animal their very life, I told them. 

I would tell my grandparents they were eating dead animals who wanted to live. I didn't care if I came across as an "angry vegan". Now, almost 5 years later, my approach on this has changed drastically. I still don't care if people think I'm an angry vegan, but I definitely don't go around telling people that their food is murder. I realized over the years that that actually hurts the animals more then helps them because it makes vegans look bad.

The second stereotype was the vegan food is tasteless and boring. This for sure is not true. It's 2019, and the world is filled with so much flavorful, delicious, vegan food. I can eat anything I want: pancakes, burgers, mac n cheese, and more. Especially living in New York, the opportunities are endless. When I first went vegan, it was a little harder because the world was not as open to a vegan diet. I also didn't know what I could eat and what I couldn't, so most of the time, I did eat fruit and vegetables which weren't the most exciting. But as I learned more, it became so incredibly easy and fun to be a vegan in 2019! My diet consists of everything I love and more.

The third stereotype was a vegan shoving vegan food down a non-vegan's throat. Although I never did this exactly, I did push family members to try different vegan foods to expose them. I still do this today but in a different way. I just make my food look yummy and a lot of people want to try it. The second part of the stereotype was the girl not letting anyone eat her food - this I can relate to because most of the time my food is so good I don't want to share with anyone else!

The next stereotype was the vegan-only eating lettuce most meals, but the actual vegan eating a huge burrito. This is very true because people always think vegans are super healthy and just eat lettuce. As someone who hates lettuce, I can assure you this isn't true. As mentioned above, I can eat anything I ate before, just made vegan. One of my favorite foods is chipotle because the burritos are so big and can be made completely vegan!

The next stereotype was the typical vegan working out intensely, verse what a lot of vegans do which sit on the couch eating chips because it's her "rest day. I can relate to this 100%. Although I do love working out, most days I just want to lay down and eat vegan cookie dough.

The last stereotype was "vegans are hippies" vs what actual vegans are, and then the video listed a bunch of celebrities, politicians, actors, and authors who are vegan.  This was my favorite part because it showed that so many people are vegan and that it really is not difficult. Some of the people the video mentioned that were vegan were Miley Cyrus, Cory Booker, Ariana Grande, and more. Even today, more and more celebrities are showing just how easy it is to be vegan.

Overall, the video was pretty accurate and funny to watch. It was funny to see how I was years ago, and where I am now. 

A Weekly Grocery List For A Successful Vegan Lifestyle

Grocery shopping doesn't have to be dreadful, and as a vegan, I've found it is actually more exciting looking for new foods to try. Below I will share with you some of the things I buy weekly, and other foods you can incorporate into your grocery list whether you're already vegan, or trying to eat more sustainably.

• Veggies 
• Whole grains
• Fruit
• Proteins
• Snacks

That is a general list of what anyone would probably look for when grocery shopping, and now I am going to go into specifics.

I am not a fan of most vegetables, but do find the favorites that I can eat daily/weekly. So if you don't see lots of veggies on this list, that is why. But I'm working on it!

• Potatoes. I love potatoes. Possibly more than any other food. The great thing about potatoes is that you can do SO much with them. I usually just bake them with olive oil and garlic and it is so delicious, and when bought in bulk, it will last you a while. The great thing about potatoes is that they are so affordable and also full of healthy carbs and nutrients.
• Romaine. As I mentioned, I am not a fan of vegetables or salad, but do find that I can enjoy some romaine lettuce. I definitely do not eat it in a salad, but sometimes just stick in a bowl with some rice or veggie burgers.
• Rice. Rice is another great affordable food that you can buy in bulk and it should last you for a long time! I love rice because it is so filling and I can also just put it in a container and take it to go. When I first started college and wanted to eat as healthy as possible, I was always eating brown rice. I also find that brown rice gives me so much energy, especially if I eat it a few hours before I work out.
• Hummus. Another one of my favorite foods. I love eating hummus with carrots, chips, and obviously pita bread. Hummus is a great healthy snack full of lots of healthy fats! I do find it hard to find a hummus that is as good as real authentic Mediterranean restaurant hummus, but there is always a huge selection at grocery stores!
• Healthy chips. I love getting healthy chips made out of beans or just good ole regular corn chips. 
• Granola. Another fave. I love love love granola. My favorite granola right now is the Kashi Toasted Berry Crumble. It is so good and has 9 grams of protein per serving (and we all know no one ever eats one serving of anything). 
• Beans. Beans are yummy and super healthy. Nothing else to say about that!
• Oatmeal. Another food that is super filling and you can do so much with. Add your berries, nut butter and granola!
• Peanut butter
• Skinny Pop
• Larabars
• Fruit (my favorites are strawberries, oranges, and apples)
• Veggie Burgers (Gardein and Beyond Burger are great!)

This is just an example of a weekly grocery list for me. It changes weekly, but you get the gist. 

What snacks do you like? And how do you make your veggies more exciting/ enjoyable? Comment below!

What People Think You Eat On A Vegan Diet vs. What You Actually Eat

A lot of people think when you go vegan, that your diet will be very restrictive. But it's 2019, and more vegan options than ever.

When people ask me what I eat, they usually assume it's this:

Here is what I actually eat:

and this.....






As you can see, veganism is anything but restrictive. Yes, you can eat lots of veggies and salads, but you can also eat donuts, pancakes, cakes, and so much more. Many grocery stores and restaurants are now carrying vegan options (that isn't just salad or french fries) and they are just as yummy as the real thing!

In my over four years of being vegan, I have never felt restricted or upset because I couldn't eat something. I am also very lucky that I live in New York where there are so many vegan restaurants where I can eat wherever I want, and not have to worry about any animal products.

I eat all my favorite foods that I ate before I went vegan, and so much more. Many people worry that you won't be able to find something that tastes similar, but there are so many options. For meat eaters, there have been two amazing plant-based burgers that have come out in our time that taste and look like the real thing.



The Beyond Burger is made out of all plants, contains the same amount of protein, and tastes just like a real burger. You can find these at Whole Foods.

Another burger, that is now being served at many fast food places like Burger King, is called the Impossible Burger.



Both of these burgers are great choices for meat eaters who want to try to eat more compassionately. Almost everyone loves them, even non- vegans!

What's your favorite vegan food? Mine is definitely vegan pancakes from a restaurant called Champs Diner in Brooklyn.

Comment below your favorite vegan thing you're eating right now!