From Britain’s horsemeat scandal to salmonella or E. Coli outbreaks to debates over GMO labeling, food safety concerns have taken center stage and garnered international headlines this summer. These issues have also shed light on the difference in food safety regulations from country to country. And which products seem to be the most controversial? Meat and dairy.
Whether you’re a student, raising a family on a low-income budget, or just trying to make ends meet, choosing to buy vegan foods doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. While there may be a lingering misconception that eating vegan — or eating healthy for that matter — is expensive, this isn’t necessarily the case.
There has been a lot of news this summer touting the benefits of eating vegan for an athletic edge. Whether it’s ultra runners like Scott Jurek who have been winning races as a dedicated vegan for years or professional NFL players eager to improve their health and their performance, these athletes help build a simple yet powerful narrative: removing animal products from your diet not only improves health but can also give you an athletic boost.
We know that chickens and other factory farmed animals are fed a steady stream of antibiotics to foster faster growth and to mitigate the spread of disease caused by keeping thousands of animals in cramped, filthy conditions. But did you know that on top of all this, after chickens are slaughtered, their carcasses may be dosed in a powerful bath of chemicals?
We all know that trans fats are found in highly-processed, packaged foods, as well as fast-food fare. But did you know that half of Americans’ trans fats intake comes from animal products?
Childhood obesity has been increasing at an alarming rate over the past few years — it’s estimated that one in three adolescents are now obese or overweight. Interestingly, while the general public previously viewed obesity as a personal issue, it’s now widely considered to be a national one due to the associated health care costs that are continually rising.
If you’re familiar with the terms “wall balls, WODs, boxes and snatches,” you’ve likely heard of or participated in Crossfit. A high-intensity workout that is quickly acquiring a loyal community of followers, Crossfit is taking the fitness world–and ESPN by storm. Crossfitters workout together at a “box,” perform a Workout of the Day (WOD), and many choose to follow the program’s encouraged diet: Paleo. However, a growing number of people within the Crossfit community are choosing to forgo the Paleo diet to opt for healthier plant-based options. That’s exactly the type of approach to nutrition that Crossfitter and coach Ed Bauer wants his clients to follow.
While there’s an abundance of research overwhelmingly supporting the health benefits of choosing plant-based foods, there isn’t much out there specifically addressing women’s unique physical and life experiences—and our corresponding nutritional needs—until now.
Vegan for Her: The Woman’s Guide to Being Healthy and Fit on a Plant-Based Diet, by dietitian and Vegan for Life co-author Virginia Messina with recipes and tips by lifestyle coach and blogger JL Fields, offers women practical information for optimal health throughout their life.
You know you can bake at home without using eggs, so why don’t major food manufacturers cut the cruelty and go egg-free? Enter Hampton Creek Foods, a one year-old company backed by well-known venture capitalists that is cracking the code on eggs and hatching a cruelty-free solution.
