As the air turns crisp and the leaves change colors, the season of gratitude and togetherness is upon us. Thanksgiving, a time traditionally associated with bountiful feasts centered around turkey, may seem challenging for those embracing a vegan lifestyle. However, there's no need to compromise your values or miss out on the joy of a delicious and compassionate Thanksgiving - or Thanksliving! -  celebration. Let's explore how to host a Vegan Thanksgiving that not only satisfies the taste buds but also aligns with the spirit of gratitude and compassion.

• The Heart of Thanksgiving: Gratitude

At its core, Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives. By choosing a vegan approach, you extend that gratitude to all beings, embracing a lifestyle that promotes compassion and kindness. Start by reflecting on the reasons behind your choice to host a vegan Thanksgiving and share these thoughts with your guests. Encourage an open dialogue about the positive impact a plant-based lifestyle can have on the environment, health, and animal welfare.

• A Feast of Abundance: Veganizing Traditional Dishes

One of the joys of Thanksgiving is the abundance of delicious food, and going vegan doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. Embrace the vibrant world of plant-based ingredients to recreate your favorite traditional dishes. From a hearty lentil and mushroom loaf to savory stuffing made with vegetable broth, there are countless creative and delicious alternatives to turkey and meat-based sides.

• Plant-Powered Appetizers and Snacks

Kick off your Vegan Thanksgiving with a selection of appetizers and snacks that will leave your guests raving. Consider serving dishes like stuffed mushrooms, vegan cheese platters, and sweet potato fries. These flavorful bites will not only whet the appetite but also showcase the diversity and richness of plant-based eating.

• The Main Event: Showcasing Vegan Centerpieces

Instead of a turkey centerpiece, opt for a show-stopping vegan alternative. A roasted butternut squash stuffed with wild rice, cranberries, and pecans can be a visually stunning and mouthwatering focal point for your Thanksgiving table. Get creative with flavorful sauces and gravies to complement the main dish and leave your guests asking for seconds.

• Sides That Steal the Show

Thanksgiving is synonymous with indulgent side dishes, and the vegan options are just as enticing. From creamy mashed potatoes made with plant-based butter and almond milk to green bean casserole with crispy fried onions, there's a world of vegan side dishes waiting to grace your holiday table.

• Sweet Endings: Vegan Desserts

No Thanksgiving is complete without a decadent dessert spread. Explore the world of vegan baking to create pies, cakes, and cookies that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Consider classics like pumpkin pie made with coconut milk or a rich chocolate avocado mousse for a sweet ending to your vegan feast.

Conclusion

Hosting a Vegan Thanksgiving is not only a celebration of gratitude but also an opportunity to showcase the delicious and diverse world of plant-based eating. By embracing compassion and choosing cruelty-free alternatives, you contribute to a more sustainable and ethically conscious holiday season. So, this Thanksliving, let the plant-powered feast begin, and may your table be filled with joy, gratitude, and a bounty of delicious vegan delights.

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that has been recognized for its nutritional benefits for centuries. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve health and protect against a variety of diseases. In this blog, we will explore the nutritional benefits of spinach and why it should be a part of your daily diet.

High in Nutrients

1. Spinach is loaded with nutrients and vitamins such as vitamin A, C, K, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It is also a good source of fiber and contains several other essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, B9, and E. These nutrients help support the body's immune system, maintain healthy bones, and prevent chronic diseases.

Low in Calories

2. One of the best things about spinach is that it is low in calories. One cup of cooked spinach has only 41 calories, making it a great choice for anyone trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Despite its low-calorie count, spinach is filling, so you won't feel hungry soon after eating it.

Rich in Antioxidants

3. Spinach contains many antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals in the body. These antioxidants help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Good for Heart Health

4. Spinach is also good for heart health due to its high levels of potassium and magnesium, which can lower blood pressure. The leafy green vegetable also contains nitrate, a compound that helps improve blood flow, which can also lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

May Reduce the Risk of Cancer

5. Spinach contains several compounds that may help reduce the risk of cancer, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. These compounds work together to protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer.

May Improve Eye Health

6. Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that have been shown to improve eye health. These antioxidants can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults.

Conclusion

Spinach is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that offers many health benefits. Whether eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups and stews, spinach is an excellent addition to any diet. Its low-calorie count, high nutrient content, and potential health benefits make it a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate spinach into your meals today and enjoy its many nutritional benefits.

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and its natural resources. As a vegan, you may already know that adopting a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce your impact on the environment. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways in which vegans can celebrate Earth Day and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By adopting a plant-based diet, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help to mitigate the effects of climate change. Studies have shown that a vegan diet can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 73%.

Support Local Farmers

Buying local, seasonal, and organic produce is not only good for your health but also for the environment. By supporting local farmers, you reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation and support sustainable agriculture practices. You can also reduce waste by buying in bulk or bringing your reusable bags and containers to the farmers' market.

Reduce Food Waste

Food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. When food waste is sent to landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. As a vegan, you can reduce your food waste by planning your meals, buying only what you need, and using up leftovers creatively.

Reduce Plastic Waste

Plastic pollution is a growing concern for the environment. As a vegan, you can reduce your plastic waste by choosing products that are packaged in eco-friendly materials, bringing your reusable bags and containers to the grocery store, and avoiding single-use plastics such as straws, plastic cutlery, and water bottles.

Participate in Environmental Activities

Earth Day is a great opportunity to participate in environmental activities such as cleanups, tree planting, and community gardens. You can also educate others about the benefits of a plant-based diet and encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices.

In conclusion, Earth Day is a time to reflect on the impact that our actions have on the environment and to take steps to reduce our footprint. As a vegan, you can celebrate Earth Day by reducing your carbon footprint, supporting local farmers, reducing food and plastic waste, and participating in environmental activities. Let's work together to create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

It's the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, where people fast from sunrise to sunset for a whole month. Ramadan ends with the Eid al-Fitr celebration. Traditional Eid desserts include sweet vermicelli and baklava, which can be made vegan using plant-based butter and omitting eggs.

Islam is a religion that emphasizes compassion and respect for all living beings, including animals. As such, many Muslims are drawn to veganism as a way to live in accordance with their values and ethics.

The concept of tayyib, or purity and wholesomeness, is a core principle in Islam that extends to the treatment of animals (Al-Hafiz, 2014). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known to be compassionate toward animals and spoke out against their mistreatment (Al-Hafiz, 2014). Furthermore, Islam encourages Muslims to be mindful of their actions' environmental impact and act as stewards of the Earth (Rizvi, 2019).

While there is no specific requirement in Islamic law for Muslims to be vegan, several Islamic scholars argue that a vegan diet aligns with Islamic values. For example, Dr. Omer M. Mozaffar argues that a vegan diet is more compatible with Islamic values of compassion and environmental stewardship (Mozaffar, 2019). Moreover, some Muslim communities worldwide have started to promote veganism as a way to live per Islamic values.

Several Muslim organizations and communities promote veganism as a way to live following Islamic values. For example, the Muslim Vegan Community (MVC) is a non-profit organization that aims to educate Muslims about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle and to promote plant-based eating within the Muslim community (Muslim Vegan Community, n.d.). Additionally, some Muslim communities have started to offer vegan options at events and meals to accommodate members who follow a vegan lifestyle.

In conclusion, veganism is a way to live in accordance with Islamic values of compassion, environmental stewardship, and purity. While there is no consensus within the Muslim community on the compatibility of veganism with Islamic dietary laws, the ethical and environmental arguments for veganism have gained traction among some Muslim scholars and communities.

Like us, I’m sure all of you care about the state of animal agriculture and the abuse that happens within it. You want to prevent animals from suffering from miserable living conditions, unnecessary torture, and barbaric deaths. For 18 years, I was a vegetarian and believed that my food choice directly helped prevent animal suffering but the research I conducted into dairy and egg farming convinced me that I was actually contributing to the suffering of animals rather than preventing it. As a result, I became vegan in 2010 and I now know that I truly am not contributing to the misery of innocent animals.

Unlike vegetarianism, following a vegan lifestyle directly reduces the unnecessary suffering and slaughter of millions of animals each year. In order to show you that following a vegetarian lifestyle still contributes to animal suffering, I’ll explain how many animals are needlessly abused and slaughtered each year just to put dairy and eggs on your table.

Dairy farming causes billions of animals to suffer inhumane living conditions, regular abuse, and barbaric slaughter. Since dairy and egg farming is about profit, farmers wish to produce animal products as quickly and cheaply as possible. This leads to cramped living conditions, low-quality food, and high use of antibiotics to prevent infection since most animals have to stand in several inches of their own feces and that of other animals around them.

PETA (“The dairy industry”) states that dairy cows are artificially inseminated every year and have their calves taken away from them within a day of their birth. This causes severe distress to both mother and calf. Male calves are housed in cramped crates and fattened up to be slaughtered for veal, and female calves are raised to suffer the same fate as their mothers. Males are slaughtered after only a few months of life. Dairy cows are milked by machine at least twice a day and, due to the use of drugs to stimulate milk production, many cows suffer from mastitis, a painful infection of the udder. These growth hormones are banned in Europe and Canada due to the concerns for animal welfare and their negative effect on human health when ingested. 50 percent of dairy cows are lame due to standing on concrete floors due to their confinement. Cows naturally live to be 20 years old but dairy cows are usually slaughtered after five years due to their body’s inability to maintain the level of milk production demanded by the agricultural industry (“The dairy industry”). What about the claims that cattle are grass-fed? Surely, that means that the animals are taken better care of. Sadly, the term “grass-fed” is nothing but a marketing ploy according to the American Grassfed Association (“Other labels in meat packaging”). Forget any image that you may have of happy cows wandering the green pastures and grazing all day. Grass-fed cattle are still kept in the same unnatural, inhumane conditions as other farm animals; they’re simply fed grass instead of grain and even that claim is suspect because the USDA does not verify such claims and trusts each farm to self-report (“Other labels in meat packaging”).

The egg industry is, perhaps, even worse. PETA (“The egg industry”) highlights that over 300 million chickens are used in egg production each year, most of which only live for two years and are kept in horrific conditions. Hens usually have their beaks cut off to with a burning hot blade within hours of their birth. Pain relief is not provided and hens frequently are unable to eat and drink properly following this mutilation, which means that they suffer hunger and dehydration throughout their life. Battery hens are usually kept in groups of 10 in a cage no bigger than 18 by 24 inches. So called free-range chickens are no better off. Despite the image portrayed by the words, free range chickens are simply not kept in cages. They are still kept in crowded and cramped conditions. Hens are unable to open their wings and they’re forced to stand in each other’s feces (“The organic and ‘free range’ myth”). Many battery and free-range chickens die as a result and the dead body may remain in the cramped area for days. Egg production is stimulated with the manipulation of light and by using calorie-restricted feed. Although a chicken’s natural lifespan is ten years, most farmed hens typically die or are slaughtered after only two years due their body’s inability to maintain egg production at commercial levels. Female chicks are raised to produce more eggs while male chicks are killed shortly after hatching (“The egg industry”).

The USDA states that a staggering 10 billion land animals are slaughtered each year in this country (“Annual U.S. animal death stats”). Slaughterhouses are about maximizing profits so slaughter is often sloppy. Animals are meant to be rendered unconscious before slaughter but this does not happen often. Cows are usually fully conscious and afraid as they are strung upside down by a hind leg and have their throats slit. Chickens are beheaded by machinery, which often fails to sever the head completely, so chickens die drowning in their own blood, and live male chicks are thrown into grinders. Slaughterhouses operate on supply and demand and as long as the demand for meat continues, animal abuse and horrific slaughter conditions will continue. Of the 10 billion animals slaughtered each year, 39 million are dairy cows and male calves and 450 million are chickens and chicks (“Factory farms”). If vegetarians became vegan, we’d vastly reduce the number of these unnecessary horrific deaths.

Unlike vegetarianism, following a vegan lifestyle does directly reduce the unnecessary suffering and slaughter of millions of animals each year. With approximately 500 million animals slaughtered for dairy and egg production each year in the United States alone, we each can truly make a difference by choosing not to consume these products. With a wide variety of non-dairy milks and egg replacements being available at almost every supermarket these days, there’s no reason to perpetuate animal cruelty. I want to know that I prevented the misery and death of thousands of sentient beings throughout my lifetime. If you want the same, there’s one simple solution. Go vegan!

~Colin

Works Cited

“Annual U.S. animal death stats.” https://animalclock.org/#section-stats Accessed 27 Jul. 2019.

“Factory farms”. https://awfw.org/factory-farms/ Accessed 27 Jul. 2019.

“Other labels in meat packaging”. PETA. https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/labels/ Accessed 5 Aug. 2019.

“The dairy industry.” PETA. https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/factory-farming/cows/dairy-industry/ Accessed 27 Jul. 2019.

“The egg industry”. PETA. https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/factory-farming/chickens/egg-industry/ Accessed 27 Jul. 2019.

“The organic and ‘free range’ myth”. PETA. https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/free-range-organic-meat-myths/ Accessed 5 Aug. 2019.

Many of us make promises to ourselves that this year will be different from the last; we’ll finally shed that weight, we’ll increase our activity level, we’ll get out of debt, we’ll find a better job, or we’ll travel to that resort in an exotic location we’ve been dreaming about for decades. Enter the most famous animal of the new year – the Resolution!

The problem with resolutions is that although they’re well-intentioned, they’re rarely effective. They tend to be nebulous and wishy-washy ideas at best, and most resolutions have fallen by the wayside by mid-February, a mere six weeks into the year. Ask anyone who works in a gym or fitness setting – membership and facility use is booming in January, but by the end of February, it’s back to pre-holiday levels. Where did all those resolution-fueled folks go?

Why do resolutions tend to fail us? Firstly, they use an arbitrary date on the calendar to start making changes. We think, “I’ll start that next week, “ or, “I’ll start that on the first of the month.” The danger with this approach is that it’s super easy to get sidetracked and think, “Oh well, I missed that start date, so I’ll start again next week!”  There’s no real deadline. Secondly, resolutions lack substance, detail, and accountability; they’re overly general.

So this year, we invite you to try something new. Instead of setting resolutions, let’s set goals! Goals are specific, detailed, have deadlines, and hold you accountable. SMART goals tend to be the best way to plan. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.  

Compare these two ideas:

Resolution = I’m going to lose weight!

SMART goal = I will lose 15lbs by the end of July 2023. I will do this by shedding half a pound a week by not exceeding 2000 calories a day and by exercising three times a week.

See the difference? The resolution is overly general, the SMART goal is specific, outlines how you’ll achieve realistically, and includes a specific deadline. 

Another example might be:

Resolution = I will workout more!

SMART goal = I will keep a gym bag in my car so I can hit the gym on my way home from work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays each week. I will undertake 20 minutes of resistance training and 20 minutes of cardio each time I go to the gym.

Being as specific as possible helps envision a plan that’s realistic for your life. Posting that goal on social media allows others to hold you accountable. “Hey, I saw your SMART goal on Facebook about working out more – that’s awesome! Did you hit the gym three days this week?” Gulp! Wow, so my friends and family now know what my plan is, and they’re going to help keep me honest and accountable.

Resolutions are a great idea, but that’s often all they turn out to be. Try turning that idea into a practical SMART goal, share it with friends and family, and you’re more likely to achieve it. Just don’t forget to write that goal about eating more plant-based foods this year, OK?

Hugs!

Colin & Roy