Researching how we eat and Book Review of “The Vegan Diet”
Yesterday I ate:
– Big bowl of homemade granola and puffed wheat mixed together and topped with a few healthy glugs of unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze, 1/2 apple, and 1/2 banana
– 1/2 banana with 1/2 tbsp almond butter
– 1 very thick slice gingerbread from Get It Ripe. This recipe was fantastic!
– Leftover vegetable curry and brown rice, 1 almond butter ball, 2 figs dipped in almond butter, and 1 apple (class makes me hungry!)
– Snow peas with hummus and some cantaloupe
– Several wedges of tomato/basil focaccia bread from the Farmer’s Market, dipped in a mixture of olive oil and balsamic. This was a last-minute purchase and the sister-roommate and I devoured it.
There really was no reason for me to eat this much today. I was in an “eating mood”, which I believe usually happens because I’m not getting adequate amounts of a certain nutrient/food group. After eating the focaccia bread, I felt very satisfied- it was exactly what I wanted. So I wonder if, as a vegan, it’s good to be including more grains? Normally, because of my huge love of grains, I try very hard to not overeat on them. But maybe my body really does need that many grains. And that leads me to my next point.
Understanding Veganism
In the week or so leading up to the Vegan Challenge, I took myself to the library to do a little research. I think it’s appropriate to both research and experience this way of eating to have a more complete understanding of how it all works.*
One book I found, The Vegan Diet by Kerrie K. Saunders, PhD, is full of interesting historical information and statistics to compare various diets. The couple of biblical references that she makes turned me off somewhat, I must admit (not that I have anything against religion- I’m just not religious myself so I shy away from things resembling preaching), but she also makes some valid statements.
Saunders identifies several groups of people from around the world- the Tarahumaras in the Occidental Mountains and those living in Pakistan’s Hunza Valley, for example- who live extremely healthy lives on a plant-based diet:
On their diet, “the Tarahumaras can perform a 500-mile run in five days and carry a 100-pound pack for 110 miles in 70 hours… [they] eat animal protein perhaps once a month; their main diet consists of corn, peas, beans, squash, and other native plants and fruits.” (Saunders 11). Physical examinations show them to be in excellent condition.
Similarly, “The Hunza people eat animal protein very infrequently… Not only do they have no chronic disease and no need for hospitals or doctors, but they also seem to have no need for police, army, prisons, and mental health institutions. Individuals over 100 years old still have smooth skin, clear eyes, and all of their teeth” (12).
This is wonderful, it really is. But I feel that Saunders is neglectful in her role as an investigative journalist. I have no doubts of the truth in the above quotes, but what about the health of the Inuit, who eat primarily animal products yet do not have the health issues of the Standard American (/Canadian ;)) Diet? Paleolithic man of thousands of years ago had very good health from an animal product-based diet.
This reinforces that how we are affected by our diet depends on two things:
1. How it fits into our lifestyle, and
2. If it is real food.
Perhaps if it were all-natural animal products that we were eating, we could eat the traditional diets I’ve mentioned above and not develop diseases. But the hidden animal ingredients are not healthy for us the way pure food is.
A lot depends upon what we’re used to- and what our ancestors have been used to for hundreds of years. The development of processed food is incredibly recent and we have been unable to adapt to the diet. Because of this, it is causing tons of health problems for us.
Although I’m enjoying veganism, I think that the main issue that I have with it is that we are not from the Tarahumara or Hunza cultures. They can be mostly vegan because that’s the way that they have been for centuries. For those of us who come from a line of farmers, our bodies aren’t able to adapt so quickly to eating vegan. Eating animal products is a way of life, and we can’t ignore that.
I think it’s also worth noting that Saunders says both of these peoples eat animal products rarely. That doesn’t mean they eliminate them completely from their diet.
From what I’ve read and experienced so far- which, admittedly, is not very much at less than two weeks- it seems as though a mostly vegan diet could be very healthy if done right, but that the occasional animal product would be very beneficial for extra nutrients (such as vitamin B12). Unless you are watching your diet very carefully, you’re likely going to miss out on some essential nutrients as a vegan.
We all have to think about what’s appropriate for our bodies. Some of us can handle not eating animal products; some of us can’t. But it’s good to know what does and does not work for you!
Starting University
Classes have started again this week. I’ve also got three part-time jobs going in addition to writing my two blogs (all of which I completely adore and refuse to give up- classes, jobs, and the blogging), so bear with me if my blog-reading seems a little sporadic! I might not actually get around to reading blogs until the weekend rolls around, but I assure you I’m still checking them out, even if it’s more of a weekly thing than a daily one.
*I truly did not originally intend on talking about veganism in every single post for the month of September, so I sincerely apologize for the veganism overload. I’m just completely fascinated by it all. I’ll try to resist and write about health-related items in the next couple weeks which are not solely about veganism!
Yeah…whenever I hear about uberhealthy “vegan cultures,” I always reply with “So you mean a seal is actually a PLANT?!”
I believe we are designed to eat meat, due to our physical attributes. I just think that humans can also adapt to a vegan-ish diet and be healthy for it. But humans can adapt to anything–it’s what has allowed us to survive while physically faster, stronger animals have died off.
In the modern world, when it’s easy to be vegan, I say go for it if it makes you happy…but I’m holding onto my drumsticks.
Wow, 3 jobs? Super girl! I just do freelance and school newspaper work and I’m sweating under my courseload. Rock on!
I think I lasted less than 24 hours when I tried to go vegan.
Being a healthy vegan is extremely hard. In fact, I think it’s much healthier to eat meat just because of the lack of complete proteins in a vegan diet. There are also the vitamins that you have to take supplements in order to get, like the b12 one you described. All in all, it’s much safer to say that being vegan is less healthy, unless you are VERY educated about what you are doing.
I have been vegan pretty consistently for 2.5 years now, and have had my ups and downs. I’ve learned an enormous amount about how to keep my diet balanced and full of nutrients. I also had EXTREMELY good blood analysis results, nutrients were beyond amazing (I was surprised to be honest, so I’m not just tooting my own horn). I’ve never had problems with B12 or iron, or Omegas. I also went raw for a period, and felt AMAZING, by DOING IT RIGHT. So, now, looking back, I’m starting to consider going back to an omnivorous diet. I’m not exactly sure why, but it feels right right now, and I think the reason I want to is because I feel so much more equipped to keep myself healthy than 2.5 years ago. I’ve recently found myself missing things that I treasured as an omnivore. Food has been a passion of mine since I was young, and I think I am rediscovering that love after holding obsessively onto the need to understand food’s effect on me, people, and society. Reading your post and your experiences here were things that influenced my thoughts. They more or less gave support to ideas that had been growing for a while in my mind. This comment went on longer than necessary, and I think I’m gonna put it as a post on my blog. Thanks again!
Ive adored the “vegan overload” 100% because I probaby will never decide to eat this way.
SO informative and insightful—so thank you.
Your insights are always interesting, so keep ’em coming!
I’m becoming increasingly irritated with the number of authors who are picking and choosing their research. Good for you for calling this author on it.
I think you’ve hit the nail on its proverbial head with the ‘real food’ issue. Sticking with that as much as possible in today’s swirly-whirly world is the best way to go.
I am reading “Healthy at 100” which sounds alot like the book you read. It studies 4 groups of people…all who eat very little meat. It’s an interesting read.
My 30 day vegan challenge is up tomorrow. But, I cheated last night with chicken enchiladas. While it tasted great…. it also tasted too rich. Less was more for me. I think my tastebuds have just gotten use to other foods.
My husband and I plan to continue eating vegan 75% of the time. Thats the goal anyway. I did drop a clothing size this month. But the loss of energy was the big downfall.
Enjoying your posts!
BEST of luck with university, girl!!
this was an excellent post!
Interesting read, but there’s a lot of things going on. I mean who’s to say that these people wouldn’t be in better condition if they ate more animal products (say 3 times a month), and the Inuit are a great example. Or the fact that these people are only in good condition BECAUSE of these 500-mile runs, and not that they can perform these feats BECAUSE of their diet. Their diet could just be a product of their environment and what’s available to them. It does, however, show that a mostly-vegan diet can be just as healthy as any other, but I don’t think it’s proof that any diet is worse than another nor does it give causation for switching in my opinion. Good read. How ya doin by the way?
Mimi- yes, we can adapt to anything- it just takes a while!
Tony- exactly. We need to educate ourselves BEFORE we go to an extreme.
Lia- I’m so glad! Things do change- what was right a year ago might not be right anymore 🙂
MizFit- I can’t imagine you without your tuna and jerky!
Cammy- Anything can be twisted so that we get our personal views across (myself included ;)).
Jennifer- Interesting about how it tastes almost too rich! For a while I stopped eating butter and when I started eating it again it tasted SO decadent. It’s kind of worth doing things like that for short periods of time just to appreciate them that much more.
VeggieGirl & Annabel- thanks!
Nick- EXACTLY! I completely agree. And I am doing quite well. Want to come up with a tasty vegan peanut butter recipe for me? 😀
Great post; you’ve raised some really good points about veganism that we don’t always hear about by news coverage. In my own research, it seems like a lot of the hardcore veganism activists don’t always consider the lifestyle of the people they hope to convert. Using historical and geographical examples only works for people who can sustainably live a vegan lifestyle without it causing undo stress.
I’ve never been tempted to go the vegan route, though I think if done carefully it can be a very healthy diet.
I’m omnivorous by nature and seem to do well with eating a wide variety of healthy foods, including meat and dairy. But I think it’s important for everyone to find what works best for themselves, as I don’t think there’s any one right way to eat!
really fantastic post. i eat vegan most of the time, but i don’t want to be absolutist about the whole thing. i think the greater point is in the middle of your post: “eat real food.” your point about culture (and us not living in a vegan one) is also spot on. i’m happy to vegan at home, but if someone brings me homemade cookies made with butter, i’m not going to turn them away. (of course, if they brought me a slab of ribs, i might react differently… i’m not vegan, but i am vegetarian… there i go labeling myself like i said i woudn’t!)
I love your explanation of veganism. It’s been really great for me to learn so much from your blog.
I’ve never tried snow peas with humus. That sounds good!
I used to make a dip for snow peas out of plain yogurt with a little bit of crumbled feta mixed in…. yum!
Good luck with classes starting! So fun! Like any way of eating, there are healthy ways of eating vegan and not-so-healthy ways. I have one vegan friend who eats 100% boxed food and literally didn’t recognize a piece of spinach when I put it in a salad. I’m glad you are enjoying your experiment!
I, too, love hearing about veganism! It is definitely not for me, but I am fascinated by this way of eating and what health benefits it can provide.
Good luck with university! Sounds like you have a full plate, Sagan!!
Gena- thinking about our lifestyle is key to finding a way that works. Too often we don’t really think so much about how a diet/exercise program/career etc fits into the way we actually WANT to live our lives, unfortunately.
Crabby- hear hear! There definitely is no one right way. Except my way (hehe kidding, obviously ;))
Monica- but we can choose what that label *means* for each of us 🙂
Diane & Holly- I am very glad that I’m not boring either of you!
RickyRae- I adore snow peas. The yogurt/cheese dip idea sounds great! I bet adding in some garlic and herbs would be a nice way to jazz it up too… now I know what I’m doing when this month of veganism is over…
Charlotte- that’s so funny about the spinach! Oh dear.
For a scientific discussion on the issue I recommend “The China Study”. That is not based on someone’s interpretation or opinion, but on the most intensive study ever done on the link between diet and disease.
damm girl you are BUSY! thank God you love all your busyness things 🙂 have a relaxing weekend!
good for you for researching before giving it a try. it will help appreciate it more as a lifestyle, too.
I really enjoy reading what you eat during this challenge, and I especially enjoyed this post. I think there are many ways to eat a healthy diet. In my opinion, the key is that we have to give what we eat some thought (how it is grown, produced, processed; environmental impact, etc.). It’s easy to do things “wrong” on any diet. I also think that not every diet is for everyone. It’s so important to truly listen to our bodies and what they need and want. I have found that I easily get “caught up” in something, but in the end it may not work for me at this point in my life.
I am in the middle of rethinking a lot of my food choices again… But with everything else going on, I know that I have to take things slowly…
Looking forward to more of your thoughts during this challenge… 🙂
Hanlie- thanks! The China Study does look really interesting. And I forgot to mention- The Vegan Diet is full of references to studies of reputable researchers. It’s very well sourced. But she DOES still put her own interpretive spin on the info.
Julie- The problem with enjoying it all is that I enjoy it all TOO MUCH. I don’t want to give up anything. Hoping I won’t be running myself into the ground in a few months 😀
Kelly- I think so too.
Andrea- Thanks so much for the comment! You nailed it. And I think that going slow ensures that the changes are longer-lasting.
i’m enjoying reading the veganism posts because i could never do it. i like eggs and chicken and fish waaaaaay too much.
the tarahumaras are an interesting people also for their incredible running ability. a local magazine around here (5280) as well as i believe “runner’s world” have had articles on them and (in a teeny tiny nutshell) how they can run incredible distances and ENJOY it.
I am not a vegan, I still eat some dairy, but I really enjoyed this post. I have been trying to add quinoa to my diet for the complete protein, which is, for me, the biggest challenge for vegetarians: finding enough good vegetable protein. My advice: BEANS!
peace,
mike
livelife365
Hmmm, great post. Keep the vegan posts coming. We want to know if you found a great vegan cheesecake recipe. 😀
I’m reminded of the diet of the Okinawans – grains, vegetables, ALMOST no meat/dairy/eggs, small amounts of fish. They have the longest life expectancy rate not only due to their diet but also their lifestyle and activities.
I think that if there’s one right way to eat, it would be just as you said – Eat real food.
Golly! Three part-time jobs! ARe you trying to go on a sleep-deprivation! Oh, Sagan! Take care of yourself, please!
Another reason why you should eat well 🙂
I admit I have some stereotypes against the vegan diet, but this post cleared some of them. Thanks!
T- enjoying it is key!
Mike- I’m slooooowly starting to enjoy beans. Am getting there!
Mia- real food is tasty indeed. I’m still searching for a cheesecake recipe 😀
Burpexcuzme- no worries, I’m taking care of myself 🙂 Before I starting really looking into veganism I wasn’t keen on it either. But I must admit that I’m starting to realize there’s a lot more to it than I initially thought.
HI,
a great post, i enjoyed reading it and specially going through the comments, i dropped in to say a few words as i m a resident of HUNZA but living abroad, and YES i agree to Sagan, and the writer of the book about the HUNZA diet and the people of hunza for their long lives; and lots books are written and researches have been made, but a few came to my view and best one i appreciate is about HUNZA WATER(this water sample was decades old) & (the name later turned to be a different meaning for other people), as this pure mineral water is coming from glaciers and is full of minerals, and it is filled with particles of all sorts inside it, and a research has discovered it as key point to the diet of Hunza as this water has low surface tension and helps greatly in digestion and then the pure natural climate without any extra factor of pollution (which is now a concern of this area).
so i completely agree with the commenter(s) about the suitability of food according to the environment as Hunza is a place of extreme conditions of weather with extremely cold seasons and mild summers, and mountainous valley with lots of body work is included, but this has drastically changed during last few decades (specially after the completion of Karakorum Highway). i wish the people of Hunza get back to their centuries old routines and be healthy as the change of diet in this region has now called upon major diseases of Heart, Diabetes, cholesterol rise, blood pressure and many more as even after decades of change of food and less working factors have adversely affected the area (still this adverse effect is not that of great effect; as you can easily notice the old people in ages of 60 – 80s can be easily found working in fields and carrying a load of 50 – 80 pounds for hours). But surely change of this diet has changed ALOT that used to be a well known fact of HUNZA (like growing your teeth third time, after age the age of 100 – 120)
thanks for bearing me.
Saleem
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