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.
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 )
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 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: What cosmetic and toilettery brands at 'Wal-Mart' and 'Shoppers Drug Mart'?
Please help me!
I need to know as soon as possible so that I can stop using cruel products!
ANS: Question: What cosmetic and toiletry brands at 'Wal-Mart' and 'Shoppers Drug Mart'?
> Please help me!
> I need to know as soon as possible so that I can stop using cruel
> products!
>> Since I don't go to Walmart often and there isn't a Shopper's Drug Mart near my location, I don't know of any specific brands. But I have a link to a website where you can search A-Z for cruelty-free products and see if the brands you use are kind to animals.
I have been a vegetarian for a long time, but recently decided I can't tolerate eating dairy and eggs anymore if it means animal abuse. I am trying to switch to a vegan diet, but I have ulcerative colitis, so I have a hard time digesting whole grains and other whole foods which are healthy for most people. I have been having stomach aches ever since I stopped eating dairy. What should I do??
(By: Jane) 2010.02.28 - 19:40 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Diseases and veganism
Until I became a vegan about 14 years ago, I also had colitis. To my surprise I no longer have a problem with it. There are so many things that you can eat. Please try tofu. It is high in protein but low in the things that you want to be low. You can also cook rice and other grains. Try new ideas and go to a web site like <http://vegweb.com> for thousands of great recipes and food ideas. Once you make a successful transition to veganism I believe that you will see a great improvement in your colitis just as I did. If we mentors can be of more help, just ask. We are here to help. Also thanks for making a commitment to help the animals.
Almost everything is made with a milk product.Can I still consider myself a vegan if I eat a granola bar or other vegetarian product that contains a small amount of a milk product listed in the ingredients ?
(By: Jean Maclay) 2009.11.02 - 23:38 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question:
> Almost everything is made with a milk product.Can I still consider myself a
> vegan if I eat a granola bar or other vegetarian product that contains a
> small amount of a milk product listed in the ingredients ?
> (By: Jean Maclay)
The original definition of Vegan, coined in the 1940s by Donald Watson, was that a vegan is the one who tries to minimise animal suffering in all the ways possible and reasonable.
From this point of view, if you have no reasonable alternative and really need that granola bars, then you can still consider yourself vegan. Otherwise, it is more correct if you consider yourself a vegetarian.
I have been a vegan for about 2/3 months now and I feel great! But, eating so much soy and plant-based food makes me feel a bit bloated and very gassy. It can be embarassing and uncomfortable and I don't want this to effect my decision to adopt this healthier way of life.
What can I do!?
(By: Erin) 2009.03.03 - 16:19 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
Non-Vegan Family
I have been a vegetarian for more than half a year. I immensely want to go vegan, but it is already hard for me to be living in a family of non-vegs. As a vegetarian/pescetarian, I eat fish, yogurt, and eggs sometimes. I try my best to avoid these whenever I can, but it is hard. My dad & stepmother think that I do not get enough protein and push me to eat cheese and sometimes pressure me to eat meat. I will never go back to eating meat. I feel a lot healthier and better as a vegetarian than I used to be as a non-veg. I am wondering if I should eat foods that are non-vegan that are offered to me by my family so that they do not keep giving me lectures and discouraging me from going vegan. Please help me figure out what to say if I reject what they give me. Thank you for your time & sorry for this message being extremely long.
(By: Camille) 2009.02.24 - 07:07 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Non-Vegan Family
Dear Camille:
Refuse to eat the meat and cheese! It is much healthier in the long run, even if it hurts their feelings for a while.
Okay, here's the problem:
Your parents don't understand that there is ample protein to be found in vegetables! Plus, animal protein is:
1. Fiberless
2. Rich in saturated fat
3. Filled with all sorts of carcinogens like growth hormones and pesticides.
* If your parents eat a typical American diet, they're probably getting twice as much protein as they need.
> Ask them this question if they persist:
Seriously: Have you ever heard of anyone having a disease, disorder, or death from lack of protein?
No? That's because it's really easy to get. And the healthiest way to get it is from vegetables. Vegetables like any nut, bean, or seed that exists.
(Go with the lentils,soybeans, tofu, unsalted sunflower seeds and almonds for complete nutrition. Of course don't eat them all in the same day-- you can get too much of a good thing, just like everything else. Avoid eating too much of one kind of nut, though, especially cashews and brazil nuts, which are high in saturated fat.)
> And if they tell you that without cheese, your bones will break, or that you will get osteoporosis, say this:
You can get calcium from spinach, broccoli, almonds, brazil nuts, soybeans, kale (a green vegetable that is similar to spinach), collard greens (don't overcook them!), seaweed and molasses.
(Just remember to eat plenty of vitamin C to unlock that calcium--foods like tomatoes, oranges and peppers are great.)
Remind your family that veganism is better for the environment and for you, and that you feel much healthier now as a vegan.
Remember that it is your choice.
When you reject their food, make sure to meet their eyes and be firm, but let them know that you appreciate their cooking for you. Try not to hurt their feelings; and make vegan meals for yourself. Never be snarky or sarcastic. Remember that a pissed-off parent is an unreasonable one. Stay calm at all times, but never let them force you into eating unhealthy meat and cheese.
Hello, I'm vegan since June 21. It's been about 2 months and it's going well, but lately my bones have started to ache and occasionally I wake up at night because my arm has fallen asleep. Is this normal? I keep wondering if it's vitamin deficiency or some sort of detox.
Does anyone know of a vegan nutritionist in the Los Angeles area?
(By: Jackie) 2008.08.25 - 23:59 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question: Bones ache
> Hello, I'm vegan since June 21. It's been about 2 months and it's going
> well, but lately my bones have started to ache and occasionally I wake up
> at night because my arm has fallen asleep. Is this normal? I keep
> wondering if it's vitamin deficiency or some sort of detox.
>
> Does anyone know of a vegan nutritionist in the Los Angeles area?
> (By: Jackie)
I hope you had success finding someone in LA to see. I have never heard of any of my many vegan friends experiencing these kinds of systems. It seems to me that it would be way too early to have any sort of vitamin deficiency from a change in diet. You would have to be eating very little variety and it would take much longer to deplete the vitamins in your body, I would think. It's possible that you could be having detox symptoms which I would hope would be gone by now. Let us know if you have an update. (By: VeganDiane) 2008.11.01 - 04:57 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
What do I need to know in order to successfully become vegan?
I have been vegetarian for about 4-5 years now and I am ready to go vegan. The only thing is that I made the decision to go vegetarian pretty young without a lot of knowledge of hidden animals products in a bunch of foods at the supermarket, etc. I started learning of this stuff recently and I am not sure how to know what has animal products and what doesn't. I guess I am looking for this type of information and also just generally helpful suggestions so I can take the next step towards being vegan. Oh, and I was wondering if there were any good brands of soy milk? I've tried Silk and a couple other brands and I can't say I am too fond of it so far. I did have one brand that I like, I think it was called Pacific something-or-other but if there is anything else that is good it would be helpful for me :) Thanks!!!
(By: Mary) 2008.06.18 - 05:15 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: What do I need to know in order to successfully become vegan?
Hi Mary,
Great decision!
There is a wealth of information on the internet about all aspects of veganism. For example, a list of food ingredients derived from animal products can be found here: http://www.hedweb.com/campaig/ingred.htm
But beyond the internet, I'd really recommend getting in touch with your local vegan society or group, who can offer help, support, and, in particular, will know about vegan matters in your area (where to shop, places to eat out, etc.). I don't know where in the world you hail from, but a good starting point is the UK vegan society page (www.vegansociety.com), which has links to vegan societies in other countries, who should in turn know about local groups.
There are also a number of email discussion lists and forums filled with people who can help, including several on yahoo.com, and the list connected with this website: http://www.vegan-info.com/vml.html.
What else...Oh, if you don't like soya milk (and you're not alone!), have you tried other alternatives? Oat milk is not bad, whilst my favourites are rice-based milks, such as Rice-Dream.
Hope that helps a little,
John
> I have been vegetarian for about 4-5 years now and I am ready to go vegan.
> The only thing is that I made the decision to go vegetarian pretty young
> without a lot of knowledge of hidden animals products in a bunch of foods
> at the supermarket, etc. I started learning of this stuff recently and I
> am not sure how to know what has animal products and what doesn't. I
> guess I am looking for this type of information and also just generally
> helpful suggestions so I can take the next step towards being vegan. Oh,
> and I was wondering if there were any good brands of soy milk? I've tried
> Silk and a couple other brands and I can't say I am too fond of it so far.
> I did have one brand that I like, I think it was called Pacific
> something-or-other but if there is anything else that is good it would be
> helpful for me :) Thanks!!!
> (By: Mary)
I went vegan about a week ago and I've been very pleased with myself and with the variety of delicious things that there are to eat, but is it necessary to stay away from items that were processed on equipment with milk and eggs or that may contain traces of milk??
(By: Kim) 2008.06.05 - 03:19 Category: Becoming a vegan [ Reply - Print ]
ANS: Question: May contain milk
Hi Kim,
That's a question with no easy answer, I'm afraid. Strictly-speaking, to be vegan means to use and consume no animal products, which therefore includes even the merest hint of milk or egg. However, practically, you'll find it impossible to always avoid all animal products at all times (let alone never killing, say, the occasional fly on your windscreen) - so the avoiding of all animal products always is to my mind at least more of an ideal to be sought after than something one can ever truly achieve.
But to answer your question, I think most vegans would probably try to avoid traces of milk and eggs in products. Some would probably also avoid products made on equipment where milk and eggs were used, though personally I don't tend to - after all, quite often a manufacturer doesn't bother telling you this, so you can never be certain anyway.
The best advice I can offer, really, is to do as much as you think you can do - after all, veganism is the 'attempt to reduce suffering through avoidance of animal products so far as is possible and practical', and it is better to be almost entirely vegan all of the time than tie yourself up with guilt because you consumed a trace of egg and then give up being vegan because it is too hard.
Hope that helps a little,
John
> I went vegan about a week ago and I've been very pleased with myself and
> with the variety of delicious things that there are to eat, but is it
> necessary to stay away from items that were processed on equipment with
> milk and eggs or that may contain traces of milk??
> (By: Kim)
It probably depends on what kind of vegan leather you have. Some kinds - those that are shiny, or have no 'pores', don't tend to need anything more than a clean with a damp cloth every now and then. Other vegan leathers, such as those with larger pores or which look as if they might dry out, can benefit from a vegan shoe polish. You can get this from vegan shoe shops and online sites - the one I use is, I think, 'no bull' polish.
Hope that helps,
John
> What can I do to keep vegan leather clean?
> I have a matt & nat wallet I need to buff and clean.
>
> Thanks
> (By: Sarah)
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 ]