That is an excellent question. This is a very personal choice. From what I understand it is that when the companies change from some of the items that you mentioned they wash the equipment as good as possible. The problem is that they may just spray down the equipment so traces may stay on the equipment and thus get into the vegan food. So much of our food is made on shared equipment. So some of us will purchase vegan food made on this equipment and others will not. It is a personal choice. You are still a vegan if you eat vegan food made on shared equipment. Thanks for becoming a vegan. If we can help you please ask.
Hi, I am new to all of this. My 12 year old son and I have been vegans for exactly one week today.
We also are gluten free and use no added oils in our diet.
So, I just have a few questions and they may sound silly to you but please bear with me.
After yo-yo dieting and never feeling "quite right" the last 15 years, I have lost 8 pounds this week and my son has lost 10. Is that normal? Are we eating enough?
We eat 3 meals a day and snack when we want and we are always full (Bonus) but I am just curios.
My son has Asperger's Syndrome and an insensitivity to wheat, he could never gain weight until about 2 years ago but has went from 85 pounds as a 10 year old to 194 at 12. Very scary and every doctor I have taken him too keeps saying he's very tall for his age and getting ready for a growth spurt but I think something is not right.
He has never slept throug the night until the last 3 days and now he is going to be at 8:30 on his own and getting up at 7 the next morning and sleeping straight through. This has never happened? Is this directly related to being vegan now?
And all of his zits have completely cleared up, especially in the last day or two, its amazing.
So, what do I do for recipes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
I would just like to preface all this by saying I am a vegan. I am just very ravenous for some satisfying herbivorous answer snacks!
Not all calves are destined for slaughter. What are the lucky ones fed if their mommas’ milk is being slurped up by humans?
The PETA website mentioned that many cruel practices “…also take place at MANY free “range farms”.” But by that I understand that you we cannot condemn all free-range farms as cruel right? Someone must follow the rules and not be posting false claims, isn’t that so? Doesn’t this mean that if all free-range farms did follow the rules and treat their animals fairly, this could not be considered inhumane treatment? Is not the answer then more so an increased tightening of genuine free-range regulations?
Oh I see… yes now I remember the artificial insemination aspect. Yes, that is undoubtedly cruel. But what would become if cows just permitted to be cows? By this I mean it is a horribly sad fact that cows exist as generally defenseless milk-producing, gentle, sweet tubs. What is the alternative? Set them wild? I don’t have to tell you that they’d be doomed. Who can afford to keep cows on acres of fields where they can romp and play, if they are not turning a profit? Would not freeing cows, honestly forsaking them, be cruel too as they would just not have any of the vital survival instincts? Is not keeping cows on genuine free-range, non-cruelty farms, unfortunately robbing them of their milk, keeping their calves alive in whatever method is used to keep alive the calves not destined for slaughter – the lesser of two evils? I do not think there is a preciously obvious solution, but are not just free-range farms the somewhat muddied quartz resolution? I realize it is a sad dilemma – damn domestication, so many years past.
Actually they are not the lucky ones. They are fed on their mothers milk until they are old enough to eat solid foods. When they are raised to provide milk they are kept pregnant and kept in very small pens where they can not turn around in most cases. When their milk production goes down they are slaughtered. So they are not the lucky ones.
Free range eggs are still part of the horror. Male chicks are slaughtered because they only want females. Males can not lay eggs. Like the cows, the hens also have very small cages. Even the free range chickens are slaughtered when their egg production drops.
It would be nice to have all cows freed but that is not going to happen. For that reason there would be no need to have the cows kept until death. As people stop consuming dairy the demand goes down and thus the number of cows decrease. They just keep slaughtering those cows that are not needed.
I recently went vegan a few months ago and instantly went to work to find out everything I could about veganism so I could defend myself. I have almost all of my bases covered so I can answer all my omni family's well meaning concerns for my health, but one issue has recently come up that has me baffled. I just had to have some fillings put in for some cavities in my teeth. I don't think this had to do with my diet, but it has my family all in a tizzy. They did some research about a vegan diet in relation to teeth health and found that healthy teeth has become a big problem with vegans. I have been researching this diligently and found all kinds of opinions from "just eat more greens and calcium enriched soy products" to "a vegan diet ruined my child's teeth". I am torn over this and worried about the future health of my teeth! Help!
(By: Emily) 2010.08.13 - 06:40 Category: Health Questions [ Reply - Print ]
Are vegans known to have calcium problems?
Emily, thanks for making the decision to become a vegan. Those answering questions on VEGAN Q & A would love to answering any of your questions. As for this question I will say this: vegans that have a good vegan diet do not have more problems than flesh eaters. A junk vegan diet COULD cause you problems with your teeth plus many other health problems. A junk vegan diet is probably the worse diet that anyone can eat. It is even worse than a junk flesh eaters diet. On the other hand a good vegan diet is probably the best diet that one can eat. I am 69 and have been a vegetarian for over 43 years and of those, the last 14 years have been vegan. For my age my health is far better than others of the same age.
Please understand that flesh eaters will say anything to get you to quit being a vegan. Shortly after becoming a vegetarian I was able to get my college to instute a nutrution course for the biology requirement. The prof made a statement that vegetarians will have many health problems and strict vegetarians (vegans) will not live more than few years unless they become almost a scientist so they can balance everything. Of course I took issue with the prof. After several studies she came back with an appology to the class and admitted that she was wrong.
She admitted that vegetarians could live a healthy life but she increased what she said about vegans. She now said vegans could live up to 10 years unless they were almost scientists. I did not defend vegans because I thought that they were too strict. I just did not know the truth.
There are those that have been vegan all of their lives and are very healthy with excellent teath. If you join VEGAN Mailing List you will meet Lu and others that are around my age and have been vegan all their lives or at least 50 years. I think Lu is older than me and she is in excellent health. Vegans with a good diet have better health than a vegetarian or a flesh eater.
I hope that this helps and feel free to ask us any other questions that you have.
I have been a vegan for over a three years and until now have been able to wear the same pairs of chucks and new balances. The problem now is that I have recently gotten a job at a law firm which requires me to wear dress shoes; the bigger problem is that I wear size 16 shoes. I have not been able to find any vegan dress shoes in that size and I was wondering if there are any options online to find a suitable vegan shoe for such a large man as myself or if you know of any other options opposed to wearing leather shoes?
(By: Martin) 2010.08.09 - 13:24 Category: General Questions [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question: Specific Vegan Shoe Needs
Martin, I would suggest going to Payless Shoes. They have many marked "man made materials". They are usually less expensive than leather shoes and very good. The least expensive non-leather shoes do not breath so the may be a little uncomfortable in the summer but they should feel great in the winter. There are now man made shoes that breath but they are more expensive and they are not sold at Payless Shoes. At least they are not selling them yet. BTW, from the reports that I have read, they last longer than leather shoes and even last longer. There are several companies that now sell vegan shoes on the Internet. Just do an Internet search.
If you still have trouble finding vegan shoes in your size than go to a thrift shop and buy a used pair of leather shoes. It is not a great answer but it is at least better than buying a new pair of leather shoes. Hopefully you will find a pair of vegan shoes at Payless Shoes or online.
I am allergic to dairy. I eat eggs, but other than that I am a vegan; no milks, no cheeses etc. I have been eating this way for about six months.
My problem is in the last month I have been exhausted. In the past week I've wanted nothing more than greasy horrible food. I walk my dog every day and go to the gym a few times a week. I get enough sleep each night, but I never feel refreshed.
What is going on? Is there something I am lacking?
(By: Kate) 2010.08.04 - 17:48 Category: General Questions [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question: Mostly a vegan but exhausted lately
Kate, the last few years I also had the same problem. In the past I had all kinds of energy. It just kept getting worse until I thought that I was going to die. Well, my doctor sent me through several test with no problem detected until he had me take a sleep test. I found out that I have sleep apnea like such a large percentage of US citizens. Now I am using a CPAC breathing machine and I again feel like my old self. I am not saying that you have sleep apnea but it is a possibility. It is also possible that you are not eating a healthy vegan diet. A junk vegan diet is the worse diet that you can be on. Eating a good vegan diet should change things for you. Feel free to ask this site any questions of us that answer questions. One last point, give up the eggs.
What would constitute a "vegan" laundry soap? For example, would a soap made out of 100% pure vegetable glycerin, sodium carbonate and boric acid be considered a "vegan friendly" soap? If not, what if I cut out the borax? Thanks for the answer.
(By: Mandi) 2010.06.28 - 23:41 Category: Environment [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question: laundry soap
I see no reason that would not be vegan. It should be vegan unless they tested on animals or somehow in their manufacturing process they used animal parts. Actually I can not think of any laundry soap that is not vegan.
I am in the process of transitioning to veganism (I just went through my kitchen and tomorrow is my clothing and cosmetics day) and have been thinking for the past few weeks about my car. It has leather seats. We bought it used, but the leather is making me feel like I am being hypocritical every single time I get in the car, besides the fact that I have to acknowledge and mourn for the wonderful creatures that died for my car seats, as well. However, I am not sure if we could sell the car right now - we probably owe too much on it to be able to pay it off by selling at this point. I\'m not sure what to do, although we are looking into making the selling happen and getting a car that is both more eco-friendly as well as not having the glaring issue of leather seats, if we can\'t, I just don\'t know how to deal with it, especially once I get involved in the vegan community and have possible new friends that may drive in my car, but even just seeing it, they will know it has leather...
anyone have any advice??
(By: Elizabeth ) 2010.06.21 - 23:12 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question: my car with leather seats!
Different people have different views on how to deal with these issues and their views also may change over time. I know some that continue to use the leather that they have but do not buy any more in the future. The argument being that at least you are using the product to the end of its life rather than wasting it.
Others will donate products (such as a leather coat) to family or friends but some don't want to be promoting the products so they may donate them to a not-for-profit or Goodwill instead.
In your specific case this is a higher priced item that is harder to part with instantly and most vegans would understand that. The fact that you recognize the issue already shows commitment to vegan issues.
You could maybe get some seat covers to put over your seats and if it comes up in conversation you can explain that you plan on avoiding leather in your next car but that you are covering them up so that you are not promoting them to others in the meantime.
> I am in the process of transitioning to veganism (I just went through my
> kitchen and tomorrow is my clothing and cosmetics day) and have been
> thinking for the past few weeks about my car. It has leather seats. We
> bought it used, but the leather is making me feel like I am being
> hypocritical every single time I get in the car, besides the fact that I
> have to acknowledge and mourn for the wonderful creatures that died for my
> car seats, as well. However, I am not sure if we could sell the car right
> now - we probably owe too much on it to be able to pay it off by selling at
> this point. I\'m not sure what to do, although we are looking into making
> the selling happen and getting a car that is both more eco-friendly as well
> as not having the glaring issue of leather seats, if we can\'t, I just
> don\'t know how to deal with it, especially once I get involved in the
> vegan community and have possible new friends that may drive in my car, but
> even just seeing it, they will know it has leather...
> anyone have any advice??
> (By: Elizabeth )
Depending on how many days that it has been in the refrigerator should be the deciding factor. I personally would eat it within a week. Remember to decrease the cooking time because it is no longer frozen. I am not sure if it would be OK to refreeze it. I would just cook it and eat it as soon as possible.
Question What to expect concerning weight loss when beginning vegan diet?
I recently switched to a vegan diet on my third week and just need information what to expect in body changes and any support groups to learn more?
(By: DMINOR) 2010.06.12 - 21:40 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question What to expect concerning weight loss when beginning vegan diet?
Hello Dminor,
Congratulations! First, I believe that you will loose some weight. Second, I believe that you will increase stamina. Third, I think that you may have a period of adjustment where your body will be a little out of normal for a few weeks. That is nothing to worry about and it does not happen to everyone. When you get adjusted to a vegan diet you should be very happy with the results.
As far as support groups, I would recommend VEGAN 2050. There are several very good places to go to within that web site. VEGAN Mailing List is probably the best place to go for support and to learn more about veganism. VEGAN Resource Library has some excellent articles in it. I will soon have a vegan blog on VEGAN 2050. Of course VEGAN Q & A will give you answers to your questions.
I have recently switched to a vegan/gluten free diet. Prior to this I have ALWAYS been regular. Since the switch I have become constipated. It's driving me crazy because I feel great in every other way, but the constipation is really starting to get to me. I have also been drinking plenty of water. Any suggestions?
(By: jill) 2010.05.27 - 09:57 Category: Health Questions [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question:
A lot of gluten-free flours are pretty much pure starch, with very little protein or fiber. Most vegetables and fruits (especially the peels) have a lot of insoluble fiber (the kind that keeps you regular). Try eating about 5 servings of vegetables and 3 or 4 servings of fruit per day. That should solve the problem.
I am writing something on veganism. I believe I have read an assertion that eating a plant-based meal can save 100 gallons of water over eating an animal based one. Would you guys know if this is backed up by any studies or research?
(By: john brennan) 2010.05.25 - 16:52 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
Question:Traveling to a foreign country!
Okay, here\\\'s my dilemna: I\\\'m taking a trip to China with my parents this summer. We\\\'ll be eating out of restaurants and avoiding markets; all food is cooked with meat (at least in the sauce). Dry food is the only kind allowed through Customs. Help! I have fiber-rich cereal, plus nuts packed for my trip, but what about some dried sources of vegetables (maybe even ones that I can add water to), especially green ones? Healthy food, please!Tell me!!!
And if anyone knows of good vegan restaurants in Shanghai or Honk Kong, tell me! My hopes aren\\\'t high...but please try to help me out.
(By: Leia) 2010.05.25 - 06:13 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
Question: Are acrylics nails vegan
It's probably a stupid question, but are they vegan? I don't mean the plastic ones you buy and stick on yourself with nail glue, I mean the ones that they make with that gel stuff and shape it onto your nail. I am not including the nailpolish or anything else they use after, just the acrylics.
I havn't had acrylics since I became vegan a year ago because I was never sure. I can't find any information on it and if I ask the people who do acrylic nails, they never seem to know what vegan is etc..
(By: alex) 2010.05.12 - 03:27 Category: General Questions [ Reply - Print ]
Question: factory-produced items
HiShould I be concerned with items stating "made in a facility that uses wheat, soy, milk, eggs and fish?
Thanks
Brand new vegan
(By: Beth)
2010.09.01 - 23:58
Category: Becoming a vegan
[ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question: factory-produced items
That is an excellent question. This is a very personal choice. From what I understand it is that when the companies change from some of the items that you mentioned they wash the equipment as good as possible. The problem is that they may just spray down the equipment so traces may stay on the equipment and thus get into the vegan food. So much of our food is made on shared equipment. So some of us will purchase vegan food made on this equipment and others will not. It is a personal choice. You are still a vegan if you eat vegan food made on shared equipment. Thanks for becoming a vegan. If we can help you please ask.(By: Doc)
2010.09.02 - 07:02
Category: Becoming a vegan
[ Reply - Print ]