Comments on: Vegetarianism – Just around the Corner

By: Cindy L.

Cindy L. — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:38:10 +0000

Luckily, I’ve been “into” this movement for years, back when it was a hippie thing and no one was paying close attention. (And I was not even a hippie — just always a health nut and interested in environmental issues.) My husband and I eat fish and a strong plant-based diet — no meat or poultry. Eating fish gives us the protein and EFAs we need. We’ve lost weight, feel better, and our medical “test scores” are very good. We’re in our mid-fifties and don’t need any prescription drugs.

Because I’ve been a reporter/writer for years, I’ve had many opportunities to research this issue on deeper levels. And so, when my son was a baby and I had read about all those hormones and weird antibiotics that were in most commercial dairy products, I immediately started buying certified organic. I haven’t looked back since.

There are tons of good plant-based cookbooks out there, and stores like Trader Joe’s make it easy if you don’t cook much. I love how this way of eating makes us more creative, too.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:47:21 +0000

Readers should remember that it is not an all or nothing proposition. Americans, as a whole, eat far too much meat. Start by eliminating meat from your diet one or two days a week.

Huge agribusiness farming is not sustainable and is polluting our lands and waters. Patronize farmers markets and get seasonal, local produce in your supermarket.

If you must eat fast food, go to Chipotle. They are moving toward going 100% organic with their meat purchases. I believe all their pork is organic, most of their beef and 60% of their chicken. They cook everything on site, so it is fresh and they use local produce whenever possible.

A favorite vegetarian meal at our house is ravioli (frozen) with butternut squash in browned butter. I put a little cinnamon and either fresh sage or thyme in the pan with the squash. If you have mushrooms or spinach, you can add them to the mix and eliminate the cinnamon and use your favorite herbs or spices.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:53:35 +0000

I’ve started asking where my meat comes from and paying more attention to what foods I buy. Those sweet potatoes are a must-try for my family.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Anne,
I started watching Food Inc. last night and was also horrified by what I saw. My nine and 12 year old daughters soon joined me and were also sucked in. (My 12 year old says she’s going to run for president when she grows up so she can stop all these practices of big corporations that are so bad for the animals and the poor people). I’ve never been an organic proponent (my father has an ag business that sells fertilizer, pesticides, etc., and I never saw anything wrong with using pesticides). But I have to say, I think it’s time to start looking for grass-fed beef and quit driving through McDonalds for a quick dinner for my kids on those nights we’re running from one activity to the next. And the farmers market — well, I can’t wait until that opens. I’m only halfway through the show, but I expect to be fully shocked by the rest of it as well.