Louder Than Words

This picture breaks my heart.

Its from an investigation done by the Humane Society. What did they find? Sick and injured animals being horrifically abused.

Details of the new undercover HSUS investigation include:
• Downed cows repeatedly shocked in an attempt to get them to rise
• Calves and cows with broken legs and laminitis
• A downed cow being dragged by a chain around one leg, pulled by a Bobcat tractor, with the animal's leg severely hyper-extended
• A calf being kicked repeatedly in the head
• A blind cow being shocked and struck and other cows with serious and grotesque eye injuries/diseases
• A downed cow forced to crawl on her front knees by workers who repeatedly shocked her.

As pictures - and videos - speak louder than words I urge everybody to please click here:

http://www.hsus.org/farm/news/ournews/dairy_cow_abuses_new_mexico_auction_062508.html

And then take action online by asking the USDA to close the loophole that allows "downers," or animals who can't walk, to be slaughtered for the food supply--and to apply the downer ban to haulers, stockyards, and auctions as well as slaughter plants.

No animal should have to crawl to its death.

I'm so enraged and sickened and heart broken seeing this. I don't understand how someone could even do this to a living creature.

Did you know....

Leonardo da Vinci was a vegetarian? I had no idea until today.



"Truly man is the king of beasts, for his brutality exceeds theirs. We live by the death of others: We are burial places! "- from da Vinci's 'Notes'

Here's an interesting article on his ethical vegetarianism:

http://www.ivu.org/history/davinci/hurwitz.html

In The Mind of Leonardo da Vinci (1928), Edward MacCurdy wrote:
"…The mere idea of permitting the existence of unnecessary suffering, still more that of taking life, was abhorrent to him. Vasari tells, as an instance of his love of animals, how when in Florence he passed places where birds were sold he would frequently take them from their cages with his own hand, and having paid the sellers the price that was asked would let them fly away in the air, thus giving them back their liberty.
That this horror of inflicting pain was such as to lead him to be a vegetarian is to be inferred from a reference which occurs in a letter sent by Andrea Corsali to Giuliano de’Medici, in which, after telling him of an Indian race called Gujerats, who neither eat anything that contains blood nor permit any injury to any living creature, he adds ‘like our Leonardo da Vinci.’ "

The article also points out that there is a vegetarian quote being falsely attributed to Da Vinci; and while a great quote and perhaps reflective of how da Vinci though - it is not actually from Da Vinci:

"I have from an early age abjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men."

However, this quote (and sage advice) is from Da Vinci:

"If you would keep healthy, follow this regimen: do not eat unless you feel inclined, and sup lightly: chew well, and let what you take be well cooked and simple. He who takes medicine does himself harm; do not give way to anger and avoid close air; hold yourself upright when you rise from table and do not let yourself sleep at midday. Be temperate with wine, take a little frequently, but not at other than the proper meal-times, nor on an empty stomach; neither protract not delay the [visit to] the privy. When you take exercise let it be moderate. Do not remain with the belly recumbent and the head lowered, and see that you are well covered at night. Rest your head and keep your mind cheerful; shun wantonness, and pay attention to diet." –– Codex Atlantico 78 v.b.

The Protein Thing.....

Excellent "meat minimalist" article from the New York Times by Mark Bittman:

"The arguments for eating less meat are myriad and well-publicized, but at the moment they’re irrelevant, because what I want to address here is (almost) purely pragmatic: How do you do it?"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/dining/11mini.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin


As already I'm getting comments about a "lack of protein" I especially liked this part:

"1. Forget the protein thing. Roughly simultaneously with your declaration that you’re cutting back on meat, someone will ask “How are you going to get enough protein?” The answer is “by being omnivorous.” Plants have protein, too; in fact, per calorie, many plants have more protein than meat. (For example, a cheeseburger contains 14.57 grams of protein in 286 calories, or about .05 grams of protein per calorie; a serving of spinach has 2.97 grams of protein in 23 calories, or .12 grams of protein per calorie; lentils have .07 grams per calorie.)
By eating a variety, you can get all essential amino acids. You also don’t have to eat the national average of a half-pound of meat a day to get enough protein. On average, Americans eat about twice as much as the 56 grams of daily protein recommended by the United State Department of Agriculture (a guideline that some nutritionists think is too high). For anyone eating a well-balanced protein is probably not an issue. "

Meat-free Athletes

I stumbled across this great article "Who says you have to eat meat to be a successful athlete? " (via Savvy Veg) about athletes who are becoming vegetarian or vegan:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keri/080616

Its wonderful to see athletes promoting a vegetarian (or vegan) lifestyle. Their reasons vary: for some it’s about personal health, a love for animals or their concern for earth’s finite resources. But they are all prime examples, especially for those of machismo mind set, that a meat-free diet can still equate strength, power, and athleticism.

There was also a part of Mac Danzig’s story that really rang true for me (even despite my non-professional athlete status): "They just seemed like these fanatical vegan people," he said. "They kind of wore it on their sleeve, and I wasn't into that.”

I also was a little intimidated (and kinda turned off) by the fanatical, elitist attitude that comes from many veggers and it was one of the reasons I delayed becoming vegetarian even though I felt very strongly about it.

I didn’t (or don’t) want to be scrutinized for “not-being vegetarian enough” or for not “following the rules entirely”. I wasn’t planning to be a true vegetarian – I would want to eat fish and cage free eggs – and I felt like many vegetarians would condemn that and criticize that. I was afraid it was like the “our way – or the highway” group and I didn't want either.

But then I got to point where I just said: Screw it. I’m gonna do it. I’m doing it for me - and I don't really care what other's think. If there are people out there who aren’t supportive or if there are people who condemn me because they think I’m not “true” enough - it doesn't matter. Its my choice – for my heart, my health and my peace of mind.

For you veggers out there - have you ever felt similiarly?

PS - There's also some great vegan/tarian book rec's by the athletes in the article. Worth checking out.

Weekend splendor: 24 and a veggie challenge?

Happy (Belated) 4th of July!

DH and I had a very restful and relaxing weekend puttering around the house, working in our weed-exploding yard, reading the numerous tomes that are decorating our bedside.....and I became an official Jack Bauer fan (ahem, junkie). Yes, I have never actually watched an episode of "24 "- despite its several years on air - and apparently I live in a cave because I didn't know anything about it other than its "realtime". So at hubby's request - we had a weekend Season One marathon.......

And I can officially say - I'm hooked. And I love Jack Bauer. And David Palmer. And I love thought-you-were-a-wanker-but-turns-out-you-majorly-rock Tony Almeda.

Can't wait to start season 2!! (But considering I'm starting my new part-time second job tonight - it may have to wait til the weekend. Because I turn into an addict incapable of other activities beyond sitting slack-jawed at the tv, mesmerized by JB's devil-may-care intense sincerity.)

Without any sort of segue - on the food front, I did pretty well. Probably a few too many cookies then I should have had - but it was pretty easy eating as a flexitarian (whatev, etc) this weekend. We bought cage-free, organic eggs and they weren't that much more expensive so hubby was begrudgingly pleased. I ate lots of beans and veges. (Not to mention an entire watermelon all by myself. ha ha) Made some pretty darn good black bean and zucchini burritoes = Yum! Last night had lemon pepper fish and zucchini. Tres bien!

I realized I really like zucchini! Which brought up an interesting conversation with DH - "how many other vegetables might I like?" - which lead to......The Vegetable Challenge: in which I will try every vegetable grown! Within a year or something. (the fine lines are still being worked out.) But in the meantime - I refer you to my new fun "veggie challenge list" on my blog and to the big ol' list of veggies per Wikipedia (the official source on everything, right?! *wink)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vegetables

I'm not too sure of some of those. In fact, I've worked very hard to avoid some (aka brussel sprouts) since I was a kid. But now - the gauntlet has been thrown done.

And attack the challenge, I must. (thank you igoogle "convert to yoda-speak" gadget for taking my daily communication to a whole 'nother level. The coolest and nerdiest thing ever, google yoda-speak is. It, I adore. Hmmmmmm.)

Morningstar Farms Responds!

I was totally suprised to get the following email from MorningStar this morning:

"Thank you for contacting us about the use of eggs in our Morningstar Farms® and Worthington® products. We are glad to hear you enjoy them and we appreciate the opportunity to explain our position regarding the source of egg ingredients used in our products.Our goal is to ensure that consumers have a choice when considering our brands. We currently offer several Morningstar Farms® and Worthington® products that do not contain eggs and are considered vegan. Some of these products are recent additions formulated to reduce our dependence on traditionally sourced eggs. Our Morningstar Farms® vegan products include:

Meal Starters™ Chik'n Strips
Meal Starters™ Steak Strips
Grillers® Original Vegan Burger
Meal Starters™ Grillers® Recipe Crumbles™
Meal Starters™ Sausage-Style Recipe Crumbles™
Vegan Burger made with Organic Soy

In addition, we offer 11 Worthington® products that are made without eggs.

In the last few weeks, our executives have authorized our team to fully determine the implications of the use of cage-free eggs in our products. As other companies have learned, there are issues of supply, cost and quality. We are also working with our team to make more of our Morningstar Farms products egg free.

We recognize that this is a sensitive issue and we are committed to actively exploring how we can use fewer or no caged eggs. We appreciate the information you provided to us.

Thank you, again, for your interest in our products.

Sincerely,

Consumer Affairs
Department4JXT/cl013496019A"

I was very pleased to hear back from them and to hear they are looking into using non-caged eggs. I know that supply and price are a major determining factor - but I hope they will find it a possible course of action.

In the mean time - if you feel similiarly as I do - write them, email them or call them! Consumers have a voice - let's use it. :)

Contact them here:
http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/contact_us.aspx

1-800-962-0120

Kellogg Consumer Affairs,
P.O. Box CAMB,
Battle Creek, MI 49016

And in the mean time I'm gonna try some of their vegan products. I think they look pretty darn good! Here's their vegan burger....yum!

A Lesson Learned

Last night, I decided to bake the Morningstar veggie bites that I had purchased the day before. Spinach and artichoke – they sounded edible and looked good at the store and I bought them without paying too much attention to the label. (And, wow they were great! Amazing actually!) And then in curiousity over the grams of protein after I ate them – I noticed in the ingredients it said “egg whites”.


Shit.


I looked to see if it mentioned that the eggs were from free-range chicken but couldn’t find any info. So my first failure in eating "non-cruelty" food as far as I know. I was so mad at myself - why didn’t I look carefully before buying them?!

And then I just had the weirdest sense of hopelessness and defeat and so many things were running through my head. I already screwed up.


How am I going to do this for life?! And how, can I, just one person, ever make a difference? Am I crazy for wanting to do this? I felt like giving up. I heard the words of people saying that “not all farms are factory farms” and “not all animals are treated inhumanely before they’re slaughtered” and thinking maybe I'm overreacting by wanting to do this.

So I was just bummed out for awhile last night...thinking how my giving up meat won't help any, how there are so many animals out there that i can't help and how my heart aches for all the unwanted, neglected, abused horses and cats and dogs and I wish i could help every one. Argh. I felt so mad and just.....powerless.

This morning, I tried to remind myself – its another day and that small changes add up.

And despite the many people out there who inflict cruelty on animals - there are also many that do incredible, wonderful, selfless things to help animals.


Like the people at Rolling Dog Ranch: http://rollingdogranch.org/


















Or the people behind Save a Forgotten Equine: http://www.safehorses.org/index.html







These guys are awesome inspirations to me. And reminders that small change - or even helping one life is something.


So I'm gonna buck up - keep taking small steps - read labels carefully - and see where I end up.


Today’s Food Diary (so far):
Bkfst: Granola bar & protein bar, iced tea
Lunch: thai food: cashew nut & veggie stir fry, vegetarian pad thai & rice
Snack: skinny vanilla latte

Last night for dinner I had:
Hummus & ½ piece of naan
Steamed broccoli & cauliflower
Morningstar Veggie bites – spinach and artichoke
Frozen yogurt
Popcorn


PS - I emailed Morningstar to ask them about their egg sources – I doubt I’ll get a reply, but still it felt good – empowering almost – to communicate with them as a consumer and ask about free range chickens.