From here…
This is a chicken.
…or here?
This is a cashew…not to be confused with a bell pepper.
Do, you subscribe to a diet that contains animal proteins or one that doesn’t? In short, are you a Vegan or something else (Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Omnivore, etc.)? And, since we’re on the topic…
TCT #5: Is a Vegan’s diet better than that of an Omnivore?
I am a total omnivore. However, as I’ve been reading more and more healthy living blogs, I’ve been thinking more about the possible benefits of Veganism. I think anyone who pays any sort of attention to what they eat has contemplated whether or not they could go the whole Vegan route…and whether or not it’s worth it.
Documentaries like Forks over Knives sing the praises of Veganism and cite loads of studies that “prove” the health benefits associated with a diet devoid of any kind of animal protein. Proponents of this lifestyle (and I do think Veganism is more aptly defined as a lifestyle rather than a diet) even claim that going Vegan has the potential not only to prevent some common afflictions but also to reverse certain diseases.
As with anything, it is important to do one’s research as well as consider the source(s) of any studies that have been conducted but I have heard so much (firsthand and in the blog-world) positive feedback from those that have gone Vegan that it’s hard not to think that there must be something to this. A couple of friends of mine who have made the switch can’t stop talking about how amazing they feel – they have more energy, they sleep better, and their digestive systems are functioning better than Norweco.
The evidence seems worth giving Veganism a bit of a try, but I’m not sure I’m ready to totally give myself over to anal retentive label reading and concern over whether the veggies I order at a restaurant have been prepared with butter or Earth Balance. I’m also not totally convinced that animal protein is so terrible for you – plus, I’m not ready to turn my back on cottage cheese or bacon wrapped scallops. Lastly, in terms of the evolutionary argument: if humans were meant to subsist on a primarily plant-based diet then why do we have canine teeth and why don’t we have four stomachs? Just askin’…
Clearly, I have some homework to do before I’m able to fully answer this TCT but now it’s time for you to chime in: Is a vegan diet better than other diets?
What are your two cents?
Just Gonna Run With It... 
I like meat, and while I can give it up for a short period, I can’t deal with cooking for 2 different lifestyles every day (there’s no way my husband will ever be even a vegetarian, much less a vegan), so I will stick to being an omnivore. However, I can’t quite get past the fact that we have 10s of thousands of years of omnivorous eating behind us. If anything, I’d be more inclined to go for the cave man diet, although my experience with individuals on that diet don’t give it a great reputation! (and I still think paleo cupcakes are a stretch)
Paleo cupcackes are a BIG stretch! I mean, come on, just eat a freakin’ cupcake…especially when it’s made with Gal C’s buttercream frosting 😉
speaking of my buttercream frosting, I’m making it on Thursday for my anniversary cake! (or possibly anniversary cupcakes…)
Yum, yum!
Definitely an omnivore…meat, meat, meat…
LOL! Whoa there, lady!
I think there is a blogger vegan for a month challenge in October – you should try it for a bit, and then weigh in on it. Why not?
I could never give up meat or diary – I love cottage cheese, ham and chocolate way too much!!! (but not all together)
I thought about that… Tara has actually “gone Vegan” for a couple of weeks to try it out. I’d probably be okay with giving up meat (but what about my beloved seafood?!?!) but I don’t think I could EVER give up dairy! I basically subsist on cottage cheese and yogurt!