So, you know I’m vegan, right? Thought so. One of my fabulous Christmas presents was a copy of Vegan with a Vengeance,” a cookbook written by Isa Chandra Moskowitz, one of the hosts of the cable access show, Post Punk Kitchen.
While surfing around this evening I found an interview that Isa gave to the Washington Post back in November. Here’s an excerpt that I find particularly meaningful, y’all should read the entire story:
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about vegans?Lots of people think that vegans have no sense of humor, and that we’re all constantly judging; that might be a little bit true. That vegans are so pushy, so aggressive. Or the opposite: that vegans are so meek and frail and waiflike. I’m not. People think we don’t get a balanced diet. Just because you eat meat doesn’t mean you’re getting everything you need. I drink fortified soy milk with B12, which is really the only thing you can’t get on a vegan diet.
Most people that I’ve talked to who are not vegan or vegetarian automatically assume that I eat a very limited range of foods. Seriously, you should see what’s in my refrigerator and cupboards. I’ll bet the selection of grains and nuts in my cupboards will knock your socks off. You got dairy milk? I have three kinds of non-dairy milk in my fridge most of the time. There’s an amazing variety of foods for vegans.
I’ve also read, and heard, comments about how vegans can’t build muscle without meat protein. PUHLEEZE. My gastrocs can beat up your gastrocs any day.
Next time you meet a vegan, instead of instantly assuming that we’re all bean- and tofu-eating freaks who never get out and rarely bathe, try asking a few genuinely curious questions. The answers may surprise and enlighten you.
When your vegan friends invite you to dinner, don’t ask “What’s in it?” until after you’ve tried the food. You wouldn’t ask that of your non-vegan friends, would you? Also, try the food that’s offered without deciding in advance that you’ll hate it. Most of the time, most of my friends are pleasantly surprised when they eat at my place.
s.
Filed under: veganism
Many of the folks at my yoga school are vegan, and they are solid muscle.
