21st Century Vegetarians Blog

Black Male Vegetarian: Londale Theus Jr. featured in Frugivore Magazine

Hello Everyone,

This week, my son, Londale Theus Jr. was also featured in Frugivore Magazine as part of their new series, Black Male Vegetarian. Check it out!

Black Male Vegetarian: Londale Theus Jr.

by Arielle Loren Jul 13, 2011

 

Name: Londale Theus Jr.
Age: 23
Occupation: Student/Actor
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Website: The Vegetarian Athlete

How long have you been vegetarian? And what inspired your journey?

I have been a vegetarian since birth. The majority of the things I eat are vegan, but more specifically I am a lacto-vegetarian: meaning that I have never eaten any animals or eggs whatsoever. My parents were the ones who inspired this journey because they were following a spiritual philosophy that emphasized a “worry-free diet”; basically not allowing the suffering of animals to contribute to our food. Naturally, being raised in this environment led to my beginning as a vegetarian, but I remain a vegetarian because this spiritual philosophy resonates with me and I will always feel this way of life is right for me.

Has vegetarianism enhanced your health? Why or why not? 

Vegetarianism has enhanced my health because there are so many benefits that it provides, even while being a basketball player for most of my life and playing Division 1 College Basketball. I never felt the sluggishness after meals that many of my teammates would feel after eating a steak or ribs. I was always one of the guys that was in the best shape on my team and my diet also allowed me to have more than enough protein while keeping cholesterol and other things very low; so I could build quality muscle and maintain a low body fat percentage by just eating normally. The thing that I love about the way I eat is that continue reading ...

 

Black Female Vegetarian: Martha Theus featured in Frugivore Magazine

Hello Everyone!

I was recently featured in an online series, Black Female Vegetarian, which is a new column in Frugivore Magazine. An excerpt of my interview is below. Be sure to check out the other women profiled in this series as well!

Black Female Vegetarian: Martha Theus 

by Arielle Loren Jun 7, 2011

How long have you been vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian? And what inspired your journey?

I’ve been a vegetarian since April, 1985 (26 years). I am lacto-vegetarian and do not eat meat, fish, poultry or eggs. I do eat some dairy products (rennetless cheese) but very infrequently.

I am a vegetarian for spiritual reasons, and became one after meeting my husband (we were just dating at the time). He introduced me to a way of living that included not taking higher forms of life in order to eat, understanding that there is a karmic price to pay for every action so if we want to make spiritual progress we should try to keep our karmas light.  

I INSTANTLY resonated with this message and went from a meat eater three times/day to a vegetarian overnight. The problem was that I LOVED soul food (I am from Detroit with southern roots) so I literally had NO IDEA what to eat. Since then, I have perfected our approach to vegetarian soul and ethnic food that everyone loves, my non-vegetarian friends as well.

Also, my two children (Kamaal – 24, and Londale, Jr. – 23) were both conceived and raised vegetarian and have remained so since birth. My son is 6’6″, weighs 200 lbs and even played Division 1 College basketball and has never eaten meat. My daughter played rugby in college and traveled abroad her freshman year (Costa Rica), and has never eaten meat. My husband was a cop for over 20 years and has not eaten meat since 1982. I think we may be one of the few if not the only African-American fully vegetarian family!

Has vegetarianism, veganism, or pescatarianism enhanced your health? Why or why not?

Click here to read the full article:

 

 

Meatless Mondays With Martha - Raw Vegetable Medley

 

Happy 4th of July!

I thought I'd add a simple raw (or mostly raw anyway) recipe that you may want to make a part of your daily routine. It's quick and easy (you know that's my style) and stays fresh and tasty for days in the refrigerator - even though it should not last that long if you are eating your daily requirement of raw fruits and veggies!

So, for this week's Meatless Monday we are demonstrating how to prepare a Raw Vegetable Medley. Our family makes a point to eat at lease half of every meal raw so I am always looking for ways to add variety. This is one of our favorites and the combination of vegetables you can use are endless. 

The recipe is below - want more ideas for Meatless Mondays? Visit our website's recipe page. Enjoy!

VEGETABLES:

• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 head broccoli crowns
• 1 sweet pepper
• 1/2 sweet onion
• 3 large tomatoes
• 2 cups mushrooms
• 1 large cucumber

DRESSING:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon spike
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar

Meatless Mondays With Martha - Gardein Chik'n Salad

   

Hello Everyone!

Here is a new recipe for your Meatless Monday - Gardein Chik'n Salad. This is a super-simple recipe that is so versatile and delicious. Ready to go in about 15 minutes and it stays fresh in the refrigerator for days! The recipe is below - want more ideas for Meatless Mondays? Visit our website's recipe page.

Enjoy!

Gardein Chik'n Salad

8 pcs Gardein Chik'n "breasts" 
2 stalks celery, chopped
¼  large onion, chopped 
1 teaspoon Spike®
4 Tablespoons sweet relish
4 tablespoons Vegenaise
1 squirt of yellow mustard (optional)

Cut the Gardein into bite-sized pieces, and place into a bowl. Add the celery, onion, Spike, relish and Vegenaise. Mix together until all ingredients are well combined.Serve on a bed of fresh greens, on a tortilla, or on a sandwich. For variety, try adding walnuts, raisins, apple pieces or even curry powder!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chow Down The Movie Presents More Evidence Supporting a Plant-Based Diet

   

Chow Down, featuring Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. Joel Fuhrman and others is yet another film which definitively proves that by following a plant-based diet most chronic diseases that plague over 130 million Americans may not only be prevented, but also reversed.  The answer is just that simple!

So many interesting points were raised in this film; for example, over 20 million Americans have diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Over 70% of deaths in the U.S. are due to heart attacks. Ninety percent of diabetes cases and 60% of many cancers can be prevented by diet alone. There is a quote in the film regarding the role genetics plays in these illnesses, “genetics is the gun….lifestyle is the trigger”, supporting the fact that even if you were born with a genetic disposition to a certain disease, don’t add fuel to the fire by poor diet!

The movie, in the same vein as Forks Over Knives,  chronicles the lives and struggles of three people, Charles (42), John (58) and Garnet (45), all who suffer from heart disease or diabetes.  By adopting a plant-based diet,

Meatless Mondays With Martha Memorial Day Special - BBQ Fried Chik'n!

Hi Everyone! Kamaal and I are starting a new weekly webseries - Meatless Mondays With Martha - that will feature our favorite recipes and tips for vegetarian living. This recipe, BBQ Fried Chik'n will not only be a hit for a Meatless Memorial Day Monday but all year long!

For this dish, we use Gardein, mustard, flour, a few spices, grapeseed oil (simply the BEST for frying!) and our special BBQ sauce blend. Quick - Easy - Delicious!

Get the complete recipe now or simply watch our short video!

Have a great day and remember, try making everyday a Meatless Monday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forks Over Knives - Review by Roger Ebert

 

Forks Over Knives, a new documentary featuring Dr. T. Colin Campbell (author of The China Study) and Dr. Caldwell Esseltyn, is currently in theatres in selected cities throughout the US. Check out the following review by movie critic Roger Ebert, and go see this movie!!!

Forks Over Knives

BY ROGER EBERT / May 11, 2011

 

 

Here is a film that could save your life. So you'd better stop reading now, because you don't want to go to the trouble. You are addicted to fat, salt, sugar and corn syrup. Your body has established a narcotic-like dependence on them, and you're comfortable with that, just like smokers know why they keep on smoking. If you have to die 10 or 25 years sooner than necessary to smoke, if you need Viagra because your vascular system is compromised, or if you're overweight, you can live with that.

Hey, I'm not going all holier-than-thou on you. Think how fat I was for years. I knew the solution, I was weak and lazy. Over 12 years I was eventually able to lose about 70 pounds with a proper diet, but my current weight and superb physical condition can be attributed to my illness. I am unable to eat or drink anything, and my (therefore) perfect diet of canned nutrition has given me an ideal weight and incredibly good blood numbers. I don't recommend that you get sick to get well, however.

What every human being should do is eat a vegetarian diet based on whole foods. Period. That's it. Animal protein is bad for you. Dairy is bad for you. Forget the ads: Milk and eggs are bad for you. Skim milk is no better, because it contains proportionately more animal protein. What you're trying to avoid is dietary cholesterol. You also need to cut way down on salt and sugar, and run like hell from high fructose corn syrup.

Vegetarian Cooking Demo this Saturday, Feb 26th

 

Hi Everyone!

Kamaal and I will be doing a Vegetarian Cooking Class/Demo this Saturday, February 26th in West Los Angeles.

 

This event is graciously hosted by the Friends of the  Los Angeles Public Library - Palms Rancho Branch. We will be demonstrating how to prepare some of our favorite recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious. Samples will be provided as well!

 

The event is FREE but advanced registration is required.

 

If you're in in the Los Angeles area and would like to attend, please call and register right away. Details are as follows, or you may also download the  Vegetarian Cooking Class Flyer - LA Library - Feb 26 2011- lapl rev. 

WHAT: Vegetarian Cooking Class/Demo - Martha and Kamaal Theus

WHEN: Saturday, February 26, 3pm - 5pm

WHERE:  Los Angeles Public Library - Palms Rancho Branch
               Community Room (Second Floor)
               2920 Overland Avenue
               Los Angeles, CA   90064

PRICE:    FREE!

TO REGISTER:  Call The Reference Desk at (310) 840-2142

Hope to see you there!

Forks Over Knives - New Movie Featuring T. Colin Campbell

 

Forks Over Knives, a new documentary featuring Dr. T. Colin Campbell (author of The China Study) and Dr. Caldwell Esseltyn, hits theatres March 11 and looks like it's going to be amazing! Here is a synopsis from the official Forks Over Knives website:

What has happened to us? Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure.

Two out of every three of us are overweight. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug. Major medical operations have become routine, helping to drive health care costs to astronomical levels.

BBQ Seitan Recipe Review - San Francisco Examiner

Parmeeta Ghoman, Vegetarian Columnist for the San Francisco Examiner, recently did a series of articles featuring us and our approach to vegetarian living. In this article, she did a review of our signature dish, Barbeque Seitan. Her version looks so good! She improvised a little and added a little chili garlic sauce for an Asian flair - yummy!

Here is an excerpt of Parmeeta's review:

As I have previously mentioned I decided to introduce more vegan foods into my diet for 2011 and after testing out 21st Century Vegetarians Barbeque Seitan vegan recipe I am so glad I did! 

Seitan is a fantastic replacement for chicken or beef, made from wheat gluten seitan is low fat, excellent source of protein and low in calories. Not only is this recipe really super easy to prepare and make but it tastes delicious. Three out of the four people who ate this dish were unsure of barbequed flavored foods however after eating 21st Century Vegetarians Barbeque Seitan all are now fans!

See the full article, including photos and step-by-step instructions for how to prepare this dish. Enjoy!

Introducing 21st Century Vegetarians, a tasty resource for everyday living

Hi Everyone!

Check out this article by Parmeeta Ghoman, a Vegetarian Columnist for the San Francisco Examiner. She is profiling our family, our food, and our approach to vegetarianism in a series of three articles. Hope you enjoy it!

Introducing 21st Century Vegetarians, a tasty resource for everyday living, by Parmeeta Ghoman

Becoming a vegetarian is easier than many people believe, I for one can fully testify to the fact. And recently I was introduced to 21st Century Vegetarians whose founder Martha Theus also understands the switch from a meat diet to a vegetarian lifestyle.

Martha Theus is also co-author, along with daughter Kamaal Theus, of two vegetarian cookbooks which guides readers through the many products on offer within the food market today.

21st Century Vegetarians is a practical guide for conscious eating and living within a vegetarian lifestyle.

I sat down with Martha Theus and found out how her food switch came about, how she maintains a vegetarian lifestyle and more importantly what she loves to eat with her family!

Read More.....

FREE 7 Day Vegetarian Starter Kit and New Video!

 

Hi Everyone!

In honor of Vegetarian Awareness Month (October) Kamaal and I have released a FREE eBook! It's a 7 Day Vegetarian Starter Kit with information and recipes of some of our family favorites! You can download it instantly or buy the paperback version on Amazon.com for $7.95. Click on the followng link for full details of how to get your book: Free 7 Day Vegetarian Starter Kit and New Video!

In addition, we have put the First Edition of Throwin' Down Vegetarian Style! on sale for $9.95 because our Second Edition will be released by year's end. If you want a copy of the "classic" First Edition, get yours now on Amazon.com. There are only a few copies left!

 Finally, we just shot a new video! Check it out - I hope you like it!

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harmonious Grub: Vegetarian Awareness Month Questionnaire: Londale

This is an interview from Irenicineri, a woman who runs the blog Harmonious Grub. She is doing a series of interviews for Vegetarian Awareness Month, and this one is of my husband, Londale. He was the one that started me on my vegetarian path! Read the Q&A and you'll see why!

via harmoniousgrub.blogspot.com

VAM Questionnaire: Londale

Londale Theus Sr. is a professional working actor who resides in El Segundo, CA. He's wonderfully talented on set and wonderfully entertaining and fascinating off camera. His wife, Martha Theus, runs the vegetarian blog 21st Century Vegetarians, and will be answering questions later on. :)

 ___________________________________

Q When did you become a vegetarian?

A 1982, I’ve been a vegetarian 28yrs.

Q Why did you become a vegetarian?

A For spiritual reasons: personal growth and spiritual development.

Q In what way has being a vegetarian enhanced your spiritual development and personal growth?
A I make a moral and spiritual decision every time I put food in my body, thus the veggie diet along with my daily spiritual practice helps me to continue to expand my consciousness and stay connected to source. It makes my meditation easier, because I'm not making my body a graveyard for dead animals, thus allowing me to experience a deeper peace, inner focus, and divine awareness. Finally I understand that we live in a moral universe where cause and effect, and action and reaction is a part of life. So I treat "all" life with as much compassion as possible and choose not to create unnecessary suffering by eating non-vegetarian food and help the world have a little more light, joy, and peace. Honor all life, do no harm!

Q What is the most common misunderstanding you face about being vegetarian?

A That you can’t be strong and athletic on a vegetarian diet.

Jane Velez-Mitchell Discusses Why She's Vegan

This is a really great article - done in a debate style with Texan Chef - and meateater - Tim Love - about why Jane Velez-Mitchell is vegan. She makes some great points! Check it out!

From CNN.COM (www.eatocracy.cnn.com)

A couple of weeks ago, Texan chef Tim Love paid a visit to the 5@5 hot seat to explain why eating meat is rad and being vegetarian, well, isn't.

A firestorm of 1,500 comments later, we knew we had struck a chord and needed to make room for both sides of the story.

Jane Velez-Mitchell is the host of "ISSUES with Jane Velez-Mitchell," airing weeknights at 7 p.m. ET on HLN. As an outspoken vegan and animal rights advocate, she's here for a good old-fashioned omnivore-herbivore throw down - point-counterpoint style.

The bell's about to ring for round two. Let's get ready to rumble.

Five Reasons to Be a Vegetarian: Jane Velez-Mitchell

1. Tim Love says: "Because meat tastes better than vegetables. Period. There are fantastic chefs like Jeremy Fox and José Andrés who have done amazing things with vegetables and even made me consider going vegetarian for a split second. But then I took a shot of tequila and came to my senses. I mean, really, which would you rather have – a grilled Texas ribeye, or a piece of squash? Which just made your mouth water?"

Jane Velez-Mitchell says: "I would much rather devour a piece of well-seasoned squash than a slice of an animal’s rotting carcass. It’s guilt-free eating, which is ultimately more pleasurable. America’s over-consumption of meat and dairy is largely responsible for our nation’s obesity crisis, one of the nation’s leading causes of preventable illness and death.

New Recipe! Barbeque Seitan

Hi Guys! This is a super simple, fast, absolutely delicious recipe that is great if you need to throw together a quick lunch or dinner. Seitan is vegan, full of protein and has a thick, "meaty" texture that absorbs sauces and liquids without becoming mushy.

If you are transitioning away from a meat diet, or if you are already vegetarian and need a dish you can share with your meat eating friends and family, (without protest!) then give this a try!

Takes less than 10 minutes - I promise!

 

New Recipe! Deep Dish Vegan Pizza

Happy New Year!

To celebrate the new year, I have a new recipe! For over 25 years, I have been on a quest for the perfect vegetarian (vegan) pizza. That was the one dish I just could not seem to replicate - until now!

I really cannot believe it took me so long to figure this out. I have to thank my cousin Taisha, for suggesting that I make my own pizza, and my daughter Kamaal, for finding the perfect crust! This is a really simple recipe that you guys can make in less time than it would take for home delivery.

The key is the vegan cheese. I recently discovered Daiya, which is in most Whole Foods Markets and other health food stores across the U.S. If you can't find it - ask if your local store can order it. The consistency is great - I'm going to use it for my Enchiladas as well!

For the recipe, please visit www.21stCenturyVegetarians.com/recipe-pizza.html.

Enjoy!

  ___________________________________________________________________________

Martha Theus is the author of Throwin’ Down Vegetarian Style! available on Amazon.com. For more ideas and information about vegetarian living, visit her website at www.21stCenturyVegetarians.com, and TheVegetarianAthlete.com.

 

Movie Review - 'Sicko" by Michael Moore

 

My family and I recently saw "Sicko" by Michael Moore, a documentary on the health care system (or lack thereof) in America. It was very sad and shocking in many ways, and I have to admit that I was surprised at the cost of health care in the event that you get sick or hurt.

After seeing "Food, Inc." a few days ago, I could not help but make the comparison to "Sicko." The one thing that both "delivery systems" has in common (whether it be food or health care) is that both are run by major corporations. Years ago in business school I learned that  the primary objective of every corporation is to make a profit and create maximum shareholder value. Many times this is done at the expense of the customer, because making a profit very often mean cutting costs and services.

So, this begs the question - if we know that corporations do not exist to care or take care of us, why do we continue to expect them to do so? It is the proverbial "trying to get blood from a turnip" dilemma. We simply MUST take our health into our own hands and focus on PREVENTION so that, if possible, we stay out of the health care system altogether.

Ellen DeGeneres cooks Gardein with personal chef Roberto Martin

Did you know Ellen DeGeneres is vegan? I knew that, but I did not know that one of her favorite products is Gardein. If you are subscribed to my website updates, you will remember that I recently informed you guys that one of my favorite products, Worthington Chic-ketts, is no longer vegan. I had been using Gardein for a while, and started using it a lot more once Chic-ketts was off the list.

I really liked this short video of Ellen's chef, Roberto Martin, cooking Gardein. When I did some more research on what he cooks for Ellen, I found that he uses many of the same products that we do! My approach is quick and easy, healthful vegetarian food that has similar taste and texture to the traditional meat based recipes that most people are accustomed to. Looks like Ellen's chef has a very similar approach. Check out more videos and his recipes on Roberto's Corner on Ellen's site.

Vegetarian Athletes: Who says you have to eat meat to be a successful athlete? (ESPN)

 

For those of you who have not read ESPN's John Keri's article, Who says you have to eat meat to be a successful athlete? it is definitely worth your time. In this article, Keri profiles several professional athletes, including Prince Fielder (pictured), Tony Gonzalez (NFL Player), Mac Danzig (Mixed Martial Arts Fighter), and more.

What I found most interesting about this article is that of the athletes featured, many of them started down the path of vegetarianism as a method to improve performance and recovery, however, after learning the truth behind the meat industry and the horrors of factory farming, their choices became rooted in a desire to live a more compassionate, environmentally friendly lifestyle.

This is how our family approaches life - it is possible to make a conscious choice every time you eat, without sacrificing flavor, nutrition, or even athletic performance.

Movie Review - 'Food, Inc.': For Health Or Profit, But Not Necessarily For Both (NPR)

This past weekend, my family and I finally saw Food, Inc., the acclaimed documentary about how our food is produced and about how the industrialization of our food system is based upon profit and not upon the health and well-being of our people. (See NPR review below). If you have not already seen it, I highly recommend that you do.

I already knew that modern food is literally killing us (especially meat and poultry),but it was still shocking to see this played out right before my eyes, on the "big" screen. One of the most shocking data points raised by this movie was the fact that, due to the eating habits of most Americans nowadays, 1 of  3 children born after the year 2000 will eventually contract Type 2 diabetes. For minority children, that number climbs to 1 in 2. This is devastating and almost completely avoidable by understanding what is in your food and learning how to make better choices.

I must admit, I did not know to what extent this industrialized system had affected fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains - the staples of our family's diet. After seeing this movie,

The Vegetarian Athlete - an Interview with Londale Theus II

This is a two-part interview with my son, Londale II, who is an athlete and has been a vegetarian since birth. He answers many common questions and dispels many common myths about athletic ability and vegetarianism. Be sure to watch the end of Part 2 for a sneak peak of his acting skills!

For more information on vegetarian athletes, including nutrition and scientific information, please visit our "sister" site, TheVegetarianAthlete.com.

Martha Theus is the author of Throwin’ Down Vegetarian Style! available on Amazon.com. For more ideas and information about vegetarian living, visit her website at www.21stCenturyVegetarians.com, and TheVegetarianAthlete.com.

Top 5 Questions

In these videos, I answer the Top 5 Questions I've been asked over the years about why I'm a vegetarian, including:

1. How long have you been a vegetarian?
2. Why are you a vegetarian?
3. What do you eat?
4. Where do you get your protein?
5. Do you cook EVERYDAY?

Got a question you'd like answered or a recipe you'd like to see demonstrated? Just email me or visit my site and leave a comment!

Enjoy!

Martha Theus is the author of Throwin’ Down Vegetarian Style! available on Amazon.com. For more ideas and information about vegetarian living, visit her website at www.21stCenturyVegetarians.com, and TheVegetarianAthlete.com.

Our Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Happy Belated Thanksgiving! This is a quick video to FINALLY answer the question - What Do You Guys Eat on Thanksgiving? Well, here it is. The best part of this meal is that it took less than 3 hours to prepare (the Tofurky was moist and juicy and only took 11 minutes!) and we had leftovers for two days.

Vegetarian food is delicious, fast, and healthy!

Martha Theus is the author of Throwin’ Down Vegetarian Style! available on Amazon.com. For more ideas and information about vegetarian living, visit her website at www.21stCenturyVegetarians.com, and TheVegetarianAthlete.com.

Meatless Monday

Last month was the annual celebration of "Earth Day" which is a day dedicated to raising the awareness of our fellow human beings about how our daily choices and actions affect our environment. One campaign in particular caught my attention - Meatless Monday. For my family and I, everyday is "Meatless Monday" but I know that everyone cannot instantly jump into a vegetarian lifestyle. However, even if you are not fully vegetarian, did you know that by not eating meat for even one day a week can make a HUGE impact on our environment and your health?

Consider these benefits if everyone in the United States went meatless just just ONE DAY PER WEEK:

No Meat? Now What?

Recently, the Los Angeles Times released a story, Dying for some red meat? You may be, which states that:

Eating red meat increases the chances of dying prematurely, according to a large federal study offering powerful new evidence that a diet that regularly includes steaks, burgers and pork chops is hazardous to your health.

The study of more than 500,000 middle-age and elderly Americans found that those who consumed the equivalent of about a small hamburger every day were more than 30% more likely to die during the 10 years they were followed, mostly from heart disease and cancer. Sausage, cold cuts and other processed meats increased the risk too.

This is not new information. Many of us have heard this from various sources, and have been admonished to "eat more fruits and vegetables.....eat more whole grains and legumes." While I totally agree with this approach, I am also sensitive to those who want to make a change in their diet but cannot fathom cutting out (or even cutting down) on their meat consumption.

Those of you who have read my story know that one day, almost 24 years ago, I became a vegetarian and never looked back. On that day, I had pork chops (for breakfast!), but by the end of the day I was a vegetarian (no chicken, fish, or eggs either!). Trust me, I did not make the transition by substituting my pork chops with fruits and vegetables. Personally, I don't think I would have been able to survive (mentally) because until that day I have NEVER gone a day without having meat at at least two of my three meals per day.

 I stress mentally, because physically I would have been fine if I knew how and what to cook. But mentally, I could not imagine a meal that did not center around some thick, juicy, meaty substance. And we all know the power of the mind, right?

 

VEGETARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Bryant Terry, author of Vegan Soul Kitchen

 

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Bryant Terry (www.bryant-terry.com), a chef based in Oakland, California whose second book, Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy and Creative African-American Cuisine, is now available for sale on Amazon.com. Vegan Soul Kitchen is for everyone and anyone who is looking for incredible plant based dishes that are comprised of the tastes and textures of our roots. 

 

 

As all of you know, I am a vegetarian who loves flavorful food with an ethnic flair; hence, the very title of Bryant’s book caught my attention. While speaking with him, I learned that he is from Memphis, Tennessee, and since my mother is also from Tennessee (Nashville) and happens to be a great cook, right away I knew that Bryant’s recipes were going to be flavorful and soulful and that I was going to add his book to my collection!

We spoke about his philosophy of food and how eating local, sustainable plant based foods are better for the individual, and the entire community – people, animals, and the environment. He mentioned another topic that is very close to my heart – how the globalization and mechanization of food (which has been embraced by the African-American community due to its quick, cheap nature), is actually killing us and could not be further from the vibrant foods our ancestors ate. And finally, Bryant shares quick tips about how to eat in a more conscious manner that does not leave you broke and short of time!

I Have a Dream...

Today, as we celebrate the birthday and the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am overwhelmed with a sense of optimism. Dr. King dared to dream that all people, regardless of race, creed, or color, would be treated equally and with dignity and respect. He led crusades to promote this dream in a non-violent and peaceful manner, even in the midst of the violent and chaotic 1960’s.

Fast forward to August 28^th, 2008. This was the 45^th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and ironically, the day Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president. Tomorrow, we will inaugurate our first African American president. In one generation, our nation progressed from a seemingly impossible dream to a giant step toward its realization. This shows the power of one man’s dream and the ability to change the world by fearlessly and tirelessly pursing to a vision.   In the words of NBA Champion Kevin Garnett, “Anything is possible!!!” (OK – so I love basketball!)

Well…..I have a dream too. My dream is that the entire world will realize that animals were not put here to be used and abused by us and to ultimately end up on our plates. My dream is that people will realize that a vegetarian lifestyle embodies the spirit of peace and compassion, which is what Dr. King, and other great leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi stood for. (Dr. King’s wife, Coretta, spent the last 15+ years of her life as a vegan. Her son, Dexter introduced her to this more compassionate way of eating.) In Ebony Magazine in 2003, and in Vegetarian Times in 1995, she stated:

Yes We Can!

What a historic week this has been! Like most Americans, even like most of the world, my family and I stayed up late Tuesday night, glued to the television, and watched how history unfolded right before our eyes. My husband and I witnessed something that we NEVER thought we would see in our lifetimes; my children (who voted for the first time in this election) witnessed something that they thought was possible, albeit improbable. By the end of the evening, we were shocked and overcome with joy and pride, America, by a margin of 53% - 46% of the popular vote, and by a landslide in the electoral vote, had elected its first African American President, Barack Obama.

At the moment when it was announced on the various networks we were watching, I felt such a sense of relief. Actually, it was beyond relief – I think for the first time in my life I realized that I had been carrying deep within my soul a unique pain that only African Americans feel. This is not to negate the pain that is experienced by all people who face various hardships, but this specific pain that I am speaking of is the pain that the country we love would never truly love us back.

Diabetes: The Silent Killer

In the past, cases of juvenile diabetes were nearly always the result of Type 1 diabetes, which is the result of a medical condition in the body that prevents the production of insulin. Although this form of diabetes is very aggressive and there is no known cure, it can be managed with proper diet and medication. Thankfully, this type of diabetes is rare – less than 10% of those with diabetes have Type 1. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, especially among our children due to poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.

Why do we care? Why is diabetes so dangerous? According to a recent report issued by the State of California and the Governor’s Summit on Health, Nutrition and Obesity, some of the gravest effects of diabetes are:

Black Vegetarian - Oxymoron or New Trend?

“Y’all don’t eat no chicken? Then what do you eat?” If I had a dollar for everytime I’ve been asked that over the past 22 years (which is the last time I ate chicken, fish, meat, or eggs) I’d be a millionaire! But, that’s my people! What can I say? Actually, I can’t blame them. In all seriousness, what image pops into your head when you think of the word “vegetarian?” Probably someone pale and emaciated, with long stringy hair wearing something we haven’t seen since the 60’s. I’m sure that Black, healthy, strong, hip and athletic aren’t exactly the images that come to mind. “Black Vegetarian” is, for most people, an oxymoron. It’s sort of falls in the same category as “Affordable Health Care”, or “Job Security.”

Kamaal and Londale - Vegetarian since
birth!

At least that’s how it was, but things are rapidly changing. My entire family is vegetarian, including my husband (vegetarian for 25 years) and my children (currently in college and vegetarian since birth). We have survived what I refer to as the “stone age” of vegetarianism where we were in a class by ourselves among Black folks. Having lived through those days and breaking more than a few myths along the way (for example, my “meat-free” son is 6’5, weighs over 190 lbs and yes, he is a baller!), I am pleased to say that vegetarianism, even Black vegetarianism, has come a long, long way and is most definitely the new trend. In Los Angeles alone, I have personally been to four vegetarian restaurants owned and operated by Black folks, and these are just the ones I know about! When we lived in Maryland, I made a weekly trip to Soul Vegetarian down on Georgia Avenue.

This is encouraging for me because back in the day,I could count the number of Black vegetarians I knew on one hand. Now, I have to wait in line if I decide to treat myself and eat at one of my favorite “Veggie Soul” places across the country. It is evidence that we as a people are finally facing the fact that we are in a state of emergency and are caught in the jaws of poor diets and poor health. Our people are racked with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, primarily because of how we eat. It’s not as simple as our dependence on the traditional “plantation food.” In fact, the soul food our parents ate was far healthier than how most of us eat today. In the last thirty years, our entire country has become a “fast food nation” and we no longer eat at home where we can control not only the quantity but also the quality of what we eat.

For this reason, I feel the lifestyle of a Black vegetarian is actually closer