2019 September

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September 30, 2019by randomguru
Me @ MoMa
Randomguru @MOMA

Granted, if the overwhelming majority of the population are basically omnivores, then what are the chances of a bigger percentage of the population going vegan?

What would be the reasons for going vegan for the rest of us?

Given the fact that most of us were raised on meat, chicken, fish or pork, what would be the impetus for a radical shift or change?

These are questions I often ponder about, given that I have been a Vegan for so long, and having been raised with animal foods on the dinner table.


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September 29, 2019by randomguru
Me @ MoMa

I feel that veganism is all about love & compassion… and in the end it is about universal love, which might sound kind of hokey or sappy to some, but I just see it as the next step in human evolution… when we go beyond just looking our for ourselves, to helping others, helping the planet, helping “other” citizens of planet Earth… especially those beings that have been exploited, enslaved, tortured, and slaughtered… who basically have zero rights as beings of this planet!!!


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September 29, 2019by randomguru
randomguru

Let’s just take a step backwards from our plant-based philosophy and take a look at what is actually in meat, and why humans feel it is necessary to eat it.

From a vegan’s perspective, we know that all plants contain protein. It’s a scientific fact, that we see horses and cows eat a vegan diet and are big, beautiful creatures. They obviously are healthy because humans use the horses for riding, and cows for their meat and milk.

But, what is actually in meat that would benefit us?


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September 29, 2019by randomguru

When non-vegans are concerned about vegans it often takes the shape of protein deficiency… “where do you get your protein?”

I’ll just say this once. The short answer is… “all plant foods contain protein!”

Here’s the deal! As a Vegan you simply have to eat a varied diet of grains, fruits, vegetables, tubers, berries, nuts, seeds and legumes. All of these foods contain protein, but here’s the catch… the human body actually needs amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Amino acids are more abundant in plants in the form of enzymes.



September 28, 2019by randomguru

Here is the style of Tai Chi I’ve been practicing every Sunday in Tai Chi Class (YMCA).

It’s a bit advanced, since there are specific foot, leg, arm, and hand movements to this style of Tai Chi. Other options include movement of the entire body and head movements.

What I found even more challenging is that it’s best to keep low with knees bent throughout the form (this would be the more advanced version).

But, ultimately it should be flowing as in the video demonstration, and this is a more martial arts oriented style of Tai Chi, as opposed to more meditative styles.


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September 27, 2019by randomguru

Back when I was a kid, I remember being essentially vegetarian by nature. I didn’t really like eating meats, chicken, fish, etc. And I don’t even remember eating mac n cheese!

I think I was introduced to animal foods at one point. First, milk and cheese were the first animal foods. Then, eggs. I remember my parents teaching me to crack a raw egg over rice and mix it up. Maybe this was a Filipino thing? Heaven forbid, nowadays, with the potential threat of salmonella!

Anyway, I remember my Dad harvesting Filipino spinach from the backyard and eating a bunch of it. But I never got into greens until later in life.

But I remember eating lots of candy, snacks and chocolates, which probably were vegetarian but not vegan.


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September 27, 2019by Cameron Rull

Conscientiousness leads to healthy behaviors

According to this study, people who are conscientious exercise a lot and exhibit healthier behaviors than those who do not plan. This study took place at the University of Oregon. Rita M. Ludwig and colleagues found this by analyzing the gym attendance of 282 participants over a 20-week period. The researchers tracked the number of times the participants went to the campus gym after enrolling at the start of the 2018 winter semester. They also collected data on gym attendance back in the 2017 fall semester. The participants completed written descriptions of their exercise plans and completed measures about grit and self-control. Participants who rated themselves high on conscientiousness went to the gym more often during both semesters. I wonder if high conscientiousness is also related to following a healthy vegan diet.


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September 26, 2019by randomguru

I’ve always respected the Dalai Lama and his efforts at promoting World Peace, and his profound respect for all living sentient beings. I have quite a few books by the Dalai Lama, many of them teaching love & compassion, and even his teaching to love our enemies.

Given what the Dalai Lama has been subjected to for many decades, it’s understandable that he would take the stance of forgiveness against his oppressors.


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September 26, 2019by randomguru

Though, as a vegan, I’m more focused on a whole foods vegan diet, I’m glad to see that fast food restaurants are beginning to offer vegan alternatives to their meat-based fare.

And finally, McDonald’s Corporation is testing out a PLT (plant lettuce tomato) Burger with its burger patty by Beyond Meat. Good news.

I confess that I do indulge in vegan burgers once-in-a-while… as part of my whole dietary philosophy also includes indulging in sinful treats 2-3 times a week. In the end, it helps me stay vegan and for the most part eat a healthy vegan diet.

Plus, dining out with friends and family is much easier when restaurants offer vegan options. So, all in all, good news coming from Beyond Meat and McDonald’s!

https://www.beyondmeat.com/whats-new/mcdonalds-tests-new-p-l-t-made-with-a-beyond-meat-patty/

We are beyond excited to share the news that McDonald’s will be conducting a 12-week test of a new plant-based burger called the P.L.T., which stands for Plant. Lettuce. Tomato. in 28 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, starting September 30. The P.L.T. is made with a Beyond Meat® plant-based patty that has been crafted exclusively by McDonald’s, for McDonald’s, to deliver the iconic taste customers know and love.

Update: It looks like the PLT Burger isn’t going to be 100% Vegan… it’ll contain cheese and mayo, and I don’t think you’ll be able to order it without. We’ll see…