Vegan Does Not Equal Healthy

One of my vegan blogging pals, Danielle, inspired my post today:

Vegan does not equal healthy.  It should, but really, in today's world of vegetarian junk food, the two are not synonymous. This knowledge shocks people--can't tell you how many individuals have stared, mouth-agape, at me upon hearing this information.  But it is true.  I don't want to make waves, but the roots of Veganism did not begin with weight loss.  Although, sometimes that is a fortunate by-product!  :)

Being vegan is about compassion for the animals. I am glad there are so many health-concerned men and women who call themselves vegans.  I only wish that those who live it purely for personal health reasons, would call themselves "Complete Vegetarians", or something understandable like that. The title 'Vegan' denotes a spiritual, moral code of kindness, not a fad or diet, and I believe it is important to respect that.  

What do you think?

I don't wish to offend anyone with my views.  I recognize that we are all at different points on the path of awareness.  I certainly have a lot more room to grow.  And it must be said that the pursuit of good health often leads to veganism.  (That was my journey, after all.)  But learning about the animals themselves and accepting their souls to be as precious as mine, completely changed my heart.  I could never have stuck with veganism as a diet, but as a lifestyle of thoughfulness, it is as easy as breathing, for which I am deeply grateful...   

So, Vegan does not equal healthy--it represents infinitely more!  And even if the whole world disagrees with my choice, I am not afraid to stand alone, for I love being vegan!!  

Tell me how you feel...

I visited Vegan Dad's blog today.  He is ever an inspiration of vegan homecooked deliciousness!  I am nowhere near his level of genius, but perhaps someday I will achieve it.  :)

In his latest focaccia post, he touched very briefly on a subject that I have been mulling over in my mind for some time now.  I left him this comment regarding my concerns.  And if you feel so inclined, will you read it, as well?  Let me know what you think.  Cause I'd never want to hurt anyones feelings...

"As always, your food and your photos are wonderful!

I also think its wonderful that you don't type out all the specifics about the recipes of others.  It is a very respectful act, and I like that!  We can always go and get the book at the library or bookstore and look at the original.  Or hop over to somebody's website!

While reading your blog and others, I have thought about my own recipe posts and wondered if I have done anything that shows unkindness toward anyone.  I often take inspiration from another's recipe and change and alter it a little here and a little there, and then it seems to become my own creation.  So I often post an entire recipe out on my blog.  But I always give references and links back to those who inspired my meal.  Is this wrong?

When I started my food blog last Spring, I never really thought about others reading it.  I was just keeping track of my own favorites.  So entirely typing them out didn't seem to matter.  But my aim has evolved, and now I do have a small gathering of readers.  I am concerned that mayhaps my methods show disrespect to those who I mean to admire...

I guess I am just trying to say that I am grateful that you have integrity and respect for other chefs and their hard work.  I want to be sure and do the same as you.  Thank you for helping me think through things today!" 

(I forgot to mention that I take all my own pictures.  And for the 1% of the time that I don't, I make note of it.) 

Thanks again, blog pals, for reading about my concerns.  If you want, tell me how you feel...