The Meat of the Matter

Hey Designers!

In one of my previous posts I mentioned that I went vegan a couple weeks ago, and it's been really good so far (click here to read). For the dubious thinkers reading this right now, I'm sharing my experience, and giving some food for thought, on why we should all think more carefully about our diets.

What does this have to do with interior design? Fixing our homes isn't enough, soul nurturing is important too. And taking great care of the unit that houses our souls enhances the process of getting to a happy (zen, call it what you may) place. Diet is key to that.


Let me start by saying I'm a big foodie. Love cooking and eating even more. Next to sleep, it's one of my favorite activities. But, people have some common misconceptions of being vegan:

• Vegans don't consume enough protein. not true. Between nuts, peas and beans, you're covered.
• You need dairy or meat to have a balanced diet. research shows that consuming dairy and meat may lead to too much protein in the diet (source 1) (source 2)
• It's expensive to be vegan/vegetarian. no way. My grocery bill on average every 2 weeks is less than $120.00 if I'm careful (NYC).
• You're missing out:  vegan food if prepared right can be very tasty. Don't believe me? Try Thai food, they have many vegan options. Yum!

  I've been vegetarian all my life, seriously. But I decided to go vegan because dairy was slowing me down. I'm allergic (it brings on asthma-like symptoms or colds) and what I've read about the effects it can have on our bodies, I decided to steer clear once and for all.

During my commute to work this morning, I read a great article in the Metro (I'm so digging this free newspaper) on 'Affordable vegan options around the city' (click here to read). Remember what I said about the need to be more organized? Well that's definitely true, but there are days when it just doesn't happen for me. Enter fast food chains. This article confirmed what I already knew:

1. Chipotle is a God send for vegetarians and vegans.
2. Falafels from food trucks, etc. are a great protein substitute in sandwiches and wraps (I killed these during my grad school days)
3. Taco Bell isn't so bad, when your options are slim (just tell them to hold the cheese, add lettuce)
4. Subway can be such a blessing. No cheese, or milk based dressings and you should be fine.
5. I'll add one of my own - Salads. Ask for tofu (baked is good) and avocado, along with beans, corn, and other toppings and you're good to go.
6. For my Caribbean friends - Burger King (veggie burger) and Mother / Juici Beef Soy Patties (vegetarian) are good options.

 

Check out the color story on this salad. Very vibrant!

So, now that I've shown you that it really isn't that hard to be a vegan in NYC or any other city with those options. Let's talk about the benefits:

1. Good for the environment - the cost of meat production and it's toll on the environment is much higher than most people recognize (go here for more details)
2. Healthier! - you take in way less saturated fats, increase your chances of avoiding diseases, can experience higher energy levels, and you look and feel great. My face already thanks me, I hardly break out these days.
3. Physical - while my metabolic rate is pretty high, but being vegan also helps minimize weight gain.

I won't lie, it hasn't been smooth sailing. I miss cheese, and pizza. But there are great substitutes. And I no longer have as many guilt trips about food. Try being vegan once a week or month. You'll see it ain't so bad :-) More importantly:

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

What's your relationship with food? Does it enhance or get in the way of your life? Do  you treat your body with the care you do your home? Do share!

Happy designing!


Kyla