Healthy Sleep Patterns

Today's children, as a whole, are not getting enough sleep. They are overworked and overpressured. Sleep is often the first thing to drop out of a busy kid's schedule. Our teenagers (and younger children) shouldn't need caffeine and other stimulants just to "get by" and make it through the day (neither should adults, but that's a separate issue).

Studies have been shown that when teenagers are allowed to follow their natural rhythms, they sleep in later than when school normally starts. It's been shown that these "late morning hours" are the most important hours for teens' health. The quality of sleep during these hours is significantly higher than the hours before. Some schools are using this research to start their schools later in the morning. I read about one high school last year that found their students were healthier and scoring higher on tests by just pushing the school start time back by an hour or so.

A few interesting articles:

• New York Magazine's October 7, 2007 "Snooze or Lose" article
• The Star.com's October 27, 2007 "Toronto schools will let students sleep in" article
• Science World's March 6, 1996 "Dozing at your desk?" article
• Stanford's "Adolescent Sleep" information
• Washington Post's January 6, 2006 "Schools Waking Up to Teens' Unique Sleep Needs" article
  

Drowsiness is also dangerous! 20+% of serious car accidents are caused from a driver being drowsy. This is serious. Tired driving can be even more dangerous than drunk driving, and we all know how dangerous that is!

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My family's two-fold solution to the learning and sleep dilemma involve Radical Unschooling.

1. We Radically Unschool our children's education.
2. We Radically Unschool our children's sleeping.

What this means on a day-to-day basis is that our children have very flexible schedules. We encourage them to sleep when they are tired, do fun things when they are awake, and rest quietly (with or without us) when they are drowsy. We've seen first hand how solid learning often happens during the wee hours of the morning (all four of us are at our "most productive" from ~8PM-2AM). We purposefully schedule as few activities as possible before 1PM. The kids often sleep until 11AM or 12PM, sometimes later (especially if we've had a busy day/night, the day before). We're noticing that our older daughter is needing even more sleep lately as she's been growing about an inch a month for the past few months. We allow her to listen to her body and, in turn, she's getting plenty of sleep.

We don't have a "bedtime" for our kids. It just isn't needed, nor is it conducive to learning. It is baffling to me when parents regularly stop their children from learning, just to go to sleep.

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To give a point of view on sleep and adults, Dr. McDougall (whom I adore) suggests that adults consider using well planned sleep deprivation as a tool to cure depression and insomnia. I understand his point of view, but as an active adult with two young children, I still need to average 8 hours a night. (I also need enough quality sleep in order to induce lucid dreaming). :) Maybe I'll need less when I'm older.

Here are a few of Dr. McDougall sleep articles:
"Sleep Like a Baby -- Lessons from my Grandson on How to Cure Insomnia"
"Pharmaceutical Companies Promote Sleeping Sickness"
"A Natural Cure for Depression"

Don't Get Sick This Thanksgiving!

Did you know that many people with the "flu" actually have food poisoning? The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has tips on "How to Ensure a Safe Thanksgiving".

What are some alternatives to turkey as a main course for your Thanksgiving day meal? If you must have some sort of turkey, try one of these (or make your own!):
Tofurky
Un-Turkey
Celebration Field Roast
Garden Protein's Veggie Turkey

Don't have time to shop around for a faux turkey? Try making something a bit less traditional, but still with all the fall flavors you love. Try butternut squash lasagna or casserole, meatless loaf (mushroom, nut, grain, or TVP), more traditional casserole (Shepherd's pie, pot pie), stuffed veggies, soup, or even stuffed breads (like runzas). Any of these make nice main courses.

Do Life Right's Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe:
1 package of whole wheat lasagna
1 large butternut squash
1-2 cups (or so) pecans
1-2 packages of your favorite vegan cheddar
(or your own homemade version)

Cook squash in oven for about an hour at 350F, allow to cool.
Peel (it practically falls off if the squash is cooked completely)
and get rid of the seeds.
Cook pasta according to package, allow to cool.
Layer pasta, squash, pecans, and vegan cheese.
Make sure there is a lot of the cheese on the top.
Cook for about 30 minutes or so at 350F+.
Once it is slightly browned, it is perfect.

Don't spend your holidays feeling ill; eat safe! Bonuses include: no gristle or bones to pick around, no unwanted extra fat, and no lethargic after meal feeling!

Honestly, there are so many (thousands) of vegan Thanksgiving recipes on the internet, I can't pick which ones to share. My suggestion is to decide what your favorite nonnegotiable meal items are, then adjust the ingredients accordingly.

Want a cute Thanksgiving book for a child in your life? Check out this sweet one:



Also see my blog on "Preparing for a Vegan Thanksgiving".

Preparing for a Vegan Thanksgiving

With only two weeks until Thanksgiving, it isn't too early to start planning what you and your family are going to eat.

Yes, it is possible to have a filling, delicious, and fabulous Thanksgiving dinner that is vegan. My friends and family have been having one for years. We eat many traditional Thanksgiving foods, we just veganize the recipes. To me, Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without green bean casserole, stuffing, and a pecan pie. My husband and oldest daughter expect a pumpkin pie. We've learned (quite easily) how to make these foods healthier, tastier, and vegan.

veganize (Do Life Right's definition): To change a nonvegan recipe into a vegan recipe by substituting and/or replacing animal products with vegan items. Examples include using soy or rice milks instead of cow milks, using tofu instead of eggs, and using tempeh bacon instead of pig bacon.

Out of curiosity, I plugged "vegan Thanksgiving" into google.com and found hundred of recipes and how-tos on how to hold a vegan Thanksgiving meal. It isn't hard and it is humane. Consider checking your local vegetarian restaurants to see if any are serving a special meal. Lovin' Spoonfuls, in Tucson, is having their yearly "by reservation only" Thanksgiving dinner. Friendly Feast is also offering a class on how to cook a vegan Thanksgiving that satisfies everyone, including the meat eaters in your family. If you really want to have an easy meal, try buying a Tofurky kit.

Why do we not eat turkey? The better question is: Why would we?

For more information check out these great sites:

• GentleThanksgiving.org (they have their own top 10 list)
• GoVeg.com's Top 10 Reasons Not to Eat Turkeys
  

Kitt Peak and Tohono O'odham Diet

My family and I spent yesterday afternoon exploring Kitt Peak and the Tohono O'odham reservation area (just west of Tucson, Arizona). It is GORGEOUS there! This is not to be underrated. It didn't hurt that the weather was perfect (although it usually is with its 300+ sunny days per year), of course, but the photographs of the area in inclement weather proved that it is spectacular then, too.

My children are incredibly interested in space. They were delighted to see the telescopes at Kitt Peak. With 26 huge telescopes in work, we were only able to see a couple up close and personal. I was the most fascinated to find out that there are currently 895 potentially dangerous meteors hurling themselves toward/near the Earth right now. It is amazing what all we can discover about space today. We loved hearing about the process in place for getting time on the telescopes for research. We can't wait to attend one of their overnight sessions that are open to the public (all attendants must now be 9 or older).

As a completely random and happy surprise, we saw a shocking and wonderful billboard in this Indian Nation. It read:
"Diabetes is Preventable"
with subtext stating that a change in diet is all that is necessary to rid people of the disease (I sadly did not get a photograph). I was VERY impressed with the message and the gorgeous vegetables on the sign! The Tohono O'odham people are taking back their health. They've discovered that the people in their nation that have changed from a native diet to a SAD (Standard American Diet) are falling prey to the wide variety of diseases that the rest of America is riddled with. Changing back to a diet high in vegetables, whole grains, and fruit completely reverses the diseases. Diabetes in particular has been proven to be completely preventable amongst the Tohono O'odham people, which is an amazing thing since eating a poor diet causes four times as many Native American people to develop diabetes as in the U.S. population at large. Before this study, between 50 and 75% of the Tohono O'odham people had diabetes. I look forward to hearing the new statistics as dietary changes are sweeping the area.

What is the most surprising to me in all of this information is not that it is true -- it definitely is; what surprises me is that this hasn't become common knowledge. This dietary information should be on the news and in the newspapers. This is the stuff that will change the world! Can you imagine a disease free world, or even just a world free of diabetes? It's a glorious thought.

Think you have to change your diet to a Tohono O'odham native diet of prickly pear pads, chia seeds, tepary bean, and other Sonoran Desert plants? You don't. I live here and I have no idea how to prepare any of these plants (although I'd like to learn). Any lowfat whole foods vegan diet will work in the prevention and reversal of diabetes. Native people around the entire globe have been showing us their healthy diets -- all will work at keeping all people disease free. It isn't until a group of people change their diet to include huge amounts of meat and/or dairy that they develop the killing diseases of today (like heart disease and diabetes). Try one style of food and stick to it only, or mix it up from day to day. You don't have to have a boring, uninteresting, tasteless or difficult diet in order to eat healthy.

Here are a couple of of the many sites that talk more about this tremendous information, with specific information regarding diet and the Tohono O'odham people:
TOCA: Tohono O'odham Community Action
CBS News: 60 Minutes: "Why is America So Fat?"
W.K. Kellogg Foundation: "Fighting Diabetes with Native Foods"

I left the Tohono O'odham Nation with a sense of peace. It is a beautiful nation with amazingly beautiful people that are talented, artistic (their baskets are amazing!), and intelligent. Their culture is strong with a rich and and fascinating history. I can't wait to learn more.

Healthy and Hearty School Lunch Choices Needed

When I was a child, I was taught the four basic food groups (the Meat Group, the Dairy Group, the Fruit and Vegetable Group, and the Cereals and Grains Group). Seems as though the Federal Health Guidelines haven't changed very much. Public and private school children are still being fed an unhealthy diet that causes diseases, although it is now officially called "The Food Pyramid". The USDA still calls what should be called the Calcium category, the "Milk" group. Even more shocking is that even their mediocre recommendations aren't being met by a huge percentage of schools. Their details on their "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" should be researched better and should be replaced with PCRM's "The New Four Food Groups" (Fruit, Legumes, Whole Grains, Vegetables); PCRM's easy to read illustrated handout can be found here. Our schools should be required to live up to PCRM's standards, with severe penalties for noncompliance. The present and future health of our nation is dependent on them.

The Hawkeye (a Burlington, Iowa, newspaper) had an article last week about a vegetarian high school senior that is not being offered proper vegan options for her daily school lunch (plain iceberg lettuce is NOT a good option). This reminded me, again, of the changes that need to be made in the quality of foods that are served to the youth of America. Dietary guidelines should be based on actual researched and proven facts, not on old wives' tales from decades ago.

Diet directly affects learning. We should be giving our children the very best foods, not the second rate foods that the schools are cooking. While as an Unschooler I don't believe in testing children as an accurate indicator of their true knowledge, I still find the results of diet on actual learning to be astounding.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has this recent news release on the school lunch program. The "report card" made for various schools regarding the actual healthiness of the foods that they offer to their students is very enlightening!

What can you do? Demand that your children are being offered healthy food choices. Stand up for their health. Write to your state representatives. Don't support the school lunch program until it is changed. Pack your children's lunches every day. Be aware of your own diet and talk to your children about your own food choices. You could even ultimately make the same decision as my family made and keep your children home.

My Food Gave Me Headaches

Dr. McDougall is famous for saying, "Sick people take medicine. Healthy people don't take medicine."

I LOVE THIS! It was an epiphany for me the first time I read it. Astounding! Did this mean that I shouldn't be taking regular over the counter headache medicines, as well as vitamins and prescription drugs? Yes. Any and all pills and liquid medicines are drugs. I didn't want to be a sick person any longer. I didn't want to be a person that needed drugs to get by any longer. I wanted to be a healthy person -- then and forever.

The biggest step for becoming a healthy person was changing my diet. I did it as a trial; I was a skeptic. I'd read that minimal results could be seen in a mere three days, and major results could be seen in two to three weeks. I didn't think it would work, but I was desperate to feel good and willing to try just about anything. (I'd already tried dozens of other lifestyle and diet changes over the years. They either minimally improved my health temporarily, or had no visible effect on my health.) After only three days of being dairy-free, I was headache free, acne free, and free from the severe stomach and intestinal woes that had previously plagued me daily since I was very young. I had never, ever before felt so healthy before in my entire life -- ever. It was a shocking surprise!

No doctor in real life (of the dozens that I had went to) had ever told me that my health was directly related to the foods that I consumed. I'd asked, too. I was told time and time again that there was no correlation whatsoever. It wasn't until I was learning how to take back my own health (by doing my own research) that I found out that medical doctors receive less than three hours of nutrition education in their entire schooling (many receive less than one hour). Three hours! I'd already studied for probably a thousand hours or more on nutrition, yet my doctor had less than three behind her? How was this possible?

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is working on changing this shocking fact. They have created an absolutely amazing book, the "Nutrition Guide for Clinicians" that they are giving out FOR FREE to all medical students in the United States. Contact PCRM for more details on how to support this huge undertaking.

Oh, and my headaches (migraines, actually): they're gone. Dairy was the cause of my migraines! Be forewarned that even the tiniest slightest bit of animal products in your diet can cause severe body reactions such as migraines. Check your foods (even the soy products and cereals); there might be hidden animal ingredients in them. Read here for specific details on how to eliminate migraines from your life. I dream of the day when all people can live the pain free, healthy life, that I believe all people are meant to live.

Cholesterol Free Diet

I keep hearing (and reading) about cholesterol lowering drugs. Random strangers at parks, checkout lines, and luncheon meetings tell me their woes about having high cholesterol. It makes me feel like climbing on a rooftop and screaming at the top of my lungs, "A VEGAN DIET IS A CHOLESTEROL FREE DIET."

As my friend Peggy from Lovin' Spoonfuls says, "Heart Disease is a Meat Disease." This is a proven fact.

If you don't eat cholesterol, you don't have high cholesterol. It just isn't physically possible.

Would you rather be burdened with drugs and constant worry over your diet and the quantity you consume, or would you rather be drug-free and eat a virtually unlimited McDougall style lowfat vegan diet that is full of all the flavor you are used to and MORE? It's a non-question to me. It doesn't surprise me that the people with the most bodily health complaints are the ones with their plates full of the most meat and dairy.

I hear it all the time: "But, I love flavor. I could never eat a bland vegan diet." This is another silly myth about vegan diets!

I love food. I love a wide variety of flavors and textures and I demand to eat only food that is high quality and tastes fantastic. No mediocre foods for me and my family, yet we always have more delicious food in our house than we could possibly eat in one sitting. We seldom have problems eating out, either. We've just learned HOW to order and HOW to prepare food. It really isn't that hard once you are used to it. We've actually found that all of our previous foods' flavors actually came from the toppings and sauces anyway. We still eat those toppings and sauces (some needed to be "veganized"), we just now put them on vegetables, grains, seitan, and tempeh instead of cholesterol laden meats.

Try it for a month. Get your cholesterol tested today, then eat according to PCRM's guidelines for a month, then get your cholesterol tested again. You just might be shocked with delight at how a simple change in diet can improve your health so drastically!

World Go Vegan Days

In honor of my upcoming birthday (next Sunday, the 28th), I'd like to tell everyone about World Go Vegan Days. If this blog has helped you or annoyed you, please make the commitment to eat a vegan diet from October 26-28th. Telling everyone today should give everyone plenty of time to decide what meals to have for this special event.

Try veganism for a mere three days and see how you feel. You just might be surprised at how much more energy and health you have! Thank you for your support!

Vegan Perspective on Heifer International

With the Holidays right around the corner, I've been seeing more and more ads for Heifer International again (whose link I am consciously not putting on my site). I've also been hearing more and more people say that this is the gift they are giving friends and family this year. This makes many of my vegan friends and me very sad! Please consider this carefully before you pay money to this organization; your friends and family just might not agree with Heifer International's premise.

To be brief, Heifer International is an organization that allows givers to purchase a variety of animals (for different fees) that are then given to individuals, families, or villages. The animals are then raised by these people and either sold, raised for milk and eggs and wool, or outright eaten. I believe the organization's goal is to help end world hunger, clearly an admirable goal, but also clearly not possible in the manner they are attempting.

To share why this isn't possible, here are links to just two of the many articles that give voice to a vegan's discontent:

• Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals's Article on "What's Wrong with the Heifer Project?" [Note for those concerned: UFETA is not affiliated with PETA]
  
• The Independent's Andrew Tyler's article "Don't follow the herd and give a cow for Christmas"
  

So you like the idea of giving to a charity that can help starving people, rather than spending your money on gifts that may or may not be appreciated? Consider these humane alternatives that are doing a lot of good:

• Food for Life Global
• Sustainable Harvest International
  
• Fruit Tree Planting Foundation

Still not convinced that a vegan diet is the only way that world hunger can be ended? Consider these facts:

• The average number of lives saved [per year] by being a vegetarian is 95 (being vegan saves even more)
• GoVeg's "Meat and the Environment" page
• The Human Farming Association's "Factory Farming" page
• Vegetarian USA's Food "Choices & the Planet" page
  

My last words for today are actually The New York Times words from their "Reasons To Be A Vegetarian" article dated June 20, 1989.

Breast Cancer Prevention -- It is possible! -- Part 2

"What if you or someone you love already has cancer? Shouldn't you be supporting the organizations that help in the research?"

Yes, definitely! My post yesterday wasn't saying you shouldn't; quite the opposite actually! Just look into what each organization is actually doing before giving them your well earned money. Do you want to support actual cures, or do you want to support a few more drugs that might kill off already existing cancer, yet do nothing for helping the person be healthy now and in the future?

Most people have no better way of showing their support for something than how they spend their money. Even people that have very little money can make a huge difference in this world just by choosing where their money goes.

I give my money to causes that I support. I know where the money is going and I approve of how it is spent. I encourage others to do similarly.

I write in order to help empower people to choose their lives for themselves! Just because your grocery store might have decided that an organization is worth supporting doesn't mean that you should (doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't, either). Choose for yourself what you believe in, then use your money to support it.

The vast majority of cancers are caused by dietary factors. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine shows the following:

Estimated Percentages of Cancer Due to Selected Factors

• Diet 35-60%
• Tobacco 30%
• Air and Water Pollution 5%
• Radiation 3%
• Medications 2%

While radiation and pollution factors aren't always easily controlled, diet, tobacco, and medications are. "Foods are important, not only in preventing cancer, but also in improving survival for those who already have cancer." If you have cancer, it is essential that you make your diet healthier immediately in order to have the highest chance of survival. If you want to make a difference in cancer research, use your money to help in the research that shows how diet affects health.

For more information on breast cancer survival, prevention, and mammography, check out the Cancer Project site.

Breast Cancer Prevention -- It is possible!

With October being "Breast Cancer Awareness" month, I've been asked at just about every check-out counter I've been to whether I'd like to donate to breast cancer research or not. I've always said no and I've been made to feel like an ogre for this. I'm not. With Do Life Right, I am promoting a true healthy diet (low fat pure vegetarian -- vegan) that prevents diseases from occurring. This is a much better use of my time, energy, and money than donating to these organizations or participating in a walk for the cure. If you check out the various awareness sites, you'll find no mention of how a vegan diet can cure diseases and little information on food at all. You'll mostly find information on drugs and other "therapies" with a little information thrown in about moderate exercise and getting more fiber. This is not enough!

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has this to say: "Breast cancer rates are dramatically lower in countries where diets are typically plant-based. When people from those countries adopt a Western, meat-based diet, their rates of breast cancer soar. "

This isn't new information, although it isn't well publicized. Doctors such as Dr. John McDougall have been telling their patients and the world about this information for over thirty years, check out his information on breast cancer (there are a bunch of wonderful articles listed on this page!). While you are reading, check out The Cancer Project's information on Cancer Prevention and Survival for Breast Cancer, too.

McDougall also dispels the myth of mammograms. Have you been lead to believe that these are a necessary part of a woman's health care? They shouldn't be! The unpopular truth is that mammography fails. (Be sure to read the mammography links on the McDougall website.)

For in-depth information on diet and how it affects our health, check out The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. I strongly believe that in another thirty years this information will be well known. People will be saying, "I wish someone would have told me the benefits of a vegan diet all those years ago. It would have saved me so much suffering." I'm here, telling you now in 2007. Please do the research yourself! The information and proof exists. Take back your health today! It is never too late to become a healthier you.

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I will give credit where credit is due. The American Breast Cancer Foundation, the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research, the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, and the United Cancer Research Society have all passed PCRM's "Humane Charity Seal of Approval". None do testing on animals (which is a very good thing!). I still strongly believe that if you are wanting to donate money to a worthy organization, your best bet is PCRM. Dollar for dollar, they are doing the best to actually help and prevent diseases.

Baby Steps to a Better Life?

I became a vegan over a period of about five years. First, I cut out beef, pork and exotic meats. Next, chicken and seafood. Finally, eggs and dairy and leather/silk goods. This was the order that I clearly needed to go through.

Was this good? No. My body didn't appreciate it (and neither did the animals!). Yet, I had a thousand excuses why I had to eat various things. It most often came down to cravings of foods that I was used to. In today's grocery world, this can no longer be a justifiable excuse. There are so many mock meats and vegan cheeses available that tastes can not only be mimicked, but flavors can be surpassed. I love seitan, tempeh, and properly prepared tofu (don't eat this stuff plain; yuck!). The best tasting vegan cheeses available today are made by Follow Your Heart.

While it is true that every meatless meal will help your health and the environment, your body and soul will thank you if you make all of your meals with no animal products. World Vegetarian Day was October 1st. October is World Vegetarian Month. It is not too late to eat a vegetarian diet for the rest of the month!

Your body and conscience will thank you if you make the switch to a healthier lifestyle in one giant step, rather than baby steps. However, for each vegan meal you eat, you bring your health up a notch and you save the lives of animals. The food you eat really is the food you wear. Remember this at the beginning of every meal and snack and you will certainly be on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

Happy World Vegetarian Day!

October 1st is World Vegetarian Day, which kicks off October as Vegetarian Awareness Month. Many vegetarian and vegan groups host potlucks, cook-offs, and free cooking classes/tasting displays this month. If you have considered vegetarianism, this is the perfect time to try it out. Many people find that they are so amazed with the results, they never eat meat again.

Try doing a google search with your town's name and the word vegetarian or vegan. Your town might even have its own vegetarian group! Despite the reputation many vegetarian groups have, I've found every group that I've personally interacted with to be full of extremely kind and tolerant people. Whether you are a vegetarian already or not, you can use the month of October to learn how to improve your health and cure the diseases that your body currently has. In seeking out local groups in your area that promote healthy living, you can surround yourself with others that want to improve their own lives. This is inspiring. In addition to the myriad health benefits of a strict vegetarian diet, there are even more moral and ethical reasons for not eating meat and other animal products. If you aren't sure what they are, consider ordering a Free Vegetarian Starter Guide.

If you are in the greater Tucson area check out the Vegetarian Group of Tucson and then, try eating a meal at our favorite restaurant, Lovin' Spoonfuls Café, sometime this month. I've also made a quick list of where in Tucson/Green Valley to purchase various meat and dairy analogs since these are the foods that people often think are not replaceable.

Looking for a good vegetarian restaurant in your own area to try out? Check out HappyCow's Vegetarian Guide to Restaurants and Health Food Stores. Be sure to add your own reviews, also.

Happy World Vegetarian Day! Try a new recipe this month! It might become a new family staple.

Donating Hair

If you have at least 10 inches of extra hair on your head, consider donating it to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is an organization that provides hair pieces to children that are suffering from long-term hair loss. My husband, my oldest daughter and I have all donated hair to Locks of Love. So have over half of the girls in my Girl Scout troop.

Call around to your local hair stylists. Many give complimentary hair cuts (and styles) to people donating their hair. They have to be the one to mail the hair to Locks of Love, but you can be assured that they will.

My favorite Tucson stylist is Jennifer Andrews, who is currently working at Chrome Salon. Not only would you receive a free haircut from her, but you'd be getting one of the best (if not the best) haircut of your life. I've been a regular client of Jennifer's for nearly five years now. She is the only person that has given me a great haircut every time she cuts my hair.

What about protein?

This is probably the most frequent question I receive when I tell people that I am vegan.

"Don't you just feel weak all the time?" the questions continue... [They are usually asked by an extremely unhealthy looking person, too. One that has just spent the previous 30 minutes talking about his/her ailments and plans to continue to talk about their ailments for the duration of our conversation.]

I'm not trying to preach to the choir here, and clearly this question is considered a real question by many, so I will answer it here:

Emphatically, NO. I really don't know how to say it more plainly. I, and countless other vegans, have never felt stronger and healthier in our lives. The idea that people need to consume animal protein in order to be strong is a sad myth. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has a lot to say about the Protein Myth. I had the opportunity to meet Neal D. Barnard, M.D. last year. He, and the other PCRM people definitely practice what they preach. They glow with health.

Think you can't be a good athlete without eating meat? Think again! There are many successful and extremely healthy topnotch vegan athletes around the world that prove their strength and agility every day.

Dr. McDougall has a lot of information on his site regarding the protein myth, also.

And, of course, I can't forget to mention The China Study again. This book by T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. is the book to read if you are interested in reading real studies regarding protein in diets. His conclusions are irrefutable.

Gokshuradi Guggulu Disolves Kidney Stones

Goat-sha-who-ga-lulu-huh? Say what? I don't know how to correctly pronounce it, but I do know this Ayurvedic Herb is a gift from the gods for anyone suffering from kidney stones.

If you've ever been in the middle of a bout of kidney stones or even a single kidney stone, then you know the pain and suffering that can ensue as one passes.

I had my first kidney stone attack slightly over 7 years ago while I was about 5 months pregnant. I thought I was in labor since there are many similar symptoms and I knew it was much too early, so I called my (homebirth) midwife and we met at the emergency room. As soon as it was evident that I was not in labor, I was quickly diagnosed with kidney stones (several nurses told me later that they knew just by the way I was holding my body that I had kidney stones). Since I was pregnant, conventional treatment was not possible. I am very thankful for this, since I've since been able to deal with my kidney issues without needing to see a doctor. I was forced to find the cause, rather than just putting a band-aid on the problem.

As research proves, the majority of kidney stones are caused by eating too much protein (specifically dairy). There are two kinds of kidney stones and the calcium ones make up between 80-95% of them. The proteins in dairy wreak havoc on kidneys (and other organs in the body, too). Some great information on kidney stones can be found on the PCRM site. Don't confuse the encouragement of calcium with the encouragement of dairy. The two are not related (this is a common misconception). Sufficient calcium for good health is found in a vegan diet.

The cure I was given:

• Stop eating dairy!
• Drink LOTS of water.
• Drink some more water.
• Add lemon to your drinking water.
• Drink some more of that lemon water, even if you don't like it.
  
• Take Gokshuradi Guggulu (see your own local Ayurvedic Herb specialist for your specific requirements on dosage) -- this Indian herbal compound can be found online fairly easily for around $20 + shipping. Banyan Botanicals makes a good one.
• Don't start eating dairy again once the stone passes.

Fortunately for me, the above prescription broke down my kidney stones and left me feeling wonderful quite quickly. Unfortunately for me, I'd spent my entire life previously eating dairy and accumulating many more stones. I also, at that time, continued to form new ones due to the fact that I didn't listen to that last recommendation for a couple of years. New and already formed stones continued to regularly plague my life, bringing me to a halt for a day or two every few months for the next several years. It was only when I completely stopped eating dairy that I found a long term solution.

Over four years later, I've had two bouts of kidney stones after rigorous activities and not enough hydration (I've been told that certain sitting positions can make stones break free, too). These have been old stones that were formed during my dairy eating years. I feel good knowing that I am not creating any new ones with my lowfat vegan diet. Good ol' Gokshuradi Guggulu comes to my rescue when an old one is dislodged and causing me pain. After they're gone, I'm glad to have them out of me. I look forward to the day that they are all gone from my system and I am thankful that I am helping my children never create any.

Read The China Study and Dr. McDougall's Digestive Tune-Up for more information on how people naturally eat around the world to maintain good health. It is possible to never need remedies for maladies! Our bodies remain perfect if we treat them right.

What magazines do you and your family read?

We currently receive more than the following, but I'm only planning on resubscribing to these:

• New Moon -- Fun magazine for girls ages 8-15 (or so) and their families.
  
• Wired -- Interesting for the whole family, technically oriented. Through amazon.com.
• VegNews -- This magazine puts out a monthly online newsletter, too. Both have a lot of useful vegetarian and vegan information. It can also be purchased through amazon.com.
• body + soul -- I enjoy reading this magazine while taking a bath with Lush bathbombs. It is very Zen and I am always inspired to create something exciting after this experience.
  
• Live Free, Learn Free Magazine -- If you want to know more about Unschooling, but don't spend much time online, this is the magazine for you!
• Highlights -- This well known classic is amazingly a huge hit with my children and has been for several years. Through amazon.com.
• Connections -- This is an ezine on Unschooling and Mindful Parenting (two of my favorite topics.
• National Geographic Kids -- These are short, but colorful and fun. I don't enjoy all the advertising, but the content is interesting. Through amazon.com.
• PCRM's magazine -- Make a tax deductible contribution and you'll receive this amazing magazine. It is full of the latest and greatest research on curing diseases through diet.
  

Here are a few that I have enjoyed over the years, but have outgrown since my children are older now and we are seasoned Unschoolers:

• Mothering -- Wonderful information on pregnancy, birthing, vaccines, circumcision, etc.
• Life Learning Magazine -- Through amazon.com.
• The Compleat Mother

Sensible Foods for Sensible People

My family is vegan. We eat no animals and no animal products, including honey. Yet, we are modern vegans living in modern society. We don't garden (we tried for several years, but all the plants died even with hundreds of dollars of care and water); if you can garden -- WONDERFUL! I also don't enjoy cooking and only do it as necessary. This could cause a dilemma, but it doesn't. Yes, I want the absolute best nutrition for my family at all times. I am a strong believer that "You are what you eat". Our health reflects that.

You can "disease proof" yourself and your kids. Check out pcrm.org for more information on curing diseases with diet. The China Study gives an amazing account of how diet can change the health of a society. It is highly researched over many years.

Back to us, we want to eat with our friends and family, yet we never sway in our vegan ideals. So, we are always looking for snacks and foods that meet our needs, yet are so tasty that all the people around us want to steal our food. This actually happens a lot and we don't usually mind. :) Afterall, we want our friends and family to live long and healthy lives, too.

Here are some of our current "take to the park" snacks:

• Sensible Foods "Crunch Dried" Fruit and Vegetable snacks -- WOW, these are good! I usually buy them on amazon.com since their price is the best. The corn is our favorite.
• Primal Sticks These come in actual sticks (like Slim Jims) and jerky flat strips. I usually buy these from Food Fight Grocery, but Vegan Essentials has them and so do several of our local grocery stores. Check yours! You might be surprised.
  
• Organic Rice Krispies with Ricemellow “Marshmallow” Crème No need for vegan butter to make these treats. They are perfectly delicious with just the rice and fluff mixed together. I buy the fluff from Vegan Essentials. The Marshmallow tastes amazingly good in every form I've tried, including frozen, although I am partial to it in hot chocolate.
  
• Baked Tings These "vegan Cheetos" are delicious! The only place I can find the baked ones are at amazon.com and robscape.com. The regular ones can be found at many grocery stores.
• Eco-Planet's "cheese" crackers The only place I've found these are at Vegan Essentials. They are super cute and taste better than goldfish crackers. The best part is they are dairy-free and organic.
• Mary's Gone Crackers These are wonderful tasting crackers that are the healthiest I've ever seen. They taste great plain, or with toppings (such as Eggless Egg Salad). We usually buy them locally, but I've seen them on Vegan Essentials and amazon.com.
  
• And, of course, fresh fruits and vegetables (but these don't hold up well in 100+F summer heat over a few hours and you all know where to buy these).

Amazon.com has over 200 vegan foods in their grocery section with new ones added all the time!

Our other favorite online food sources are:

• veganessentials.com This shop sells many of the products that I've mentioned and thousands more!

• rightfoods.com Dr. McDougall's ready made vegan meals. Just add hot water and enjoy! These are super delicious, easy, quick, and affordable. If you don't know who Dr. McDougall is, check out his awesome site!
  

• foodfightgrocery.com Funky vegan shop that has many new items before anyone else.

• robscape.com Online source of Tings and Baked Tings (we also find these locally and on amazon.com).

I've just discovered the Go Dairy Free site. What a fantastic resource for finding out more about what to feed dairyless children.

Just say NO to added oils

I think I've read just about every vegan cookbook out there. One thing in common with most of them is that their recipes contain an abundance of oil. Should oil be a regular part of a healthy diet?

No! It should not. This is why I primarily promote only low fat vegan recipes (most raw vegan recipes have olive oil in them). All the McDougall books and other books that I recommend qualify. I'm frequently adding more recommendations to my aStore, so please check it frequently. My most recent finds are Skinny Bitch and The Vegan Diet As Chronic Disease Prevention: Evidence Supporting the New Four Food Groups and Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right.

Check out www.fatfree.com for an online listing of great lowfat vegetarian recipes (I only recommend the vegan ones).

Dr. McDougall's research and knowledge have changed my life. His information is a testament to how a healthy person should eat. If you aren't the healthiest person that you can be, try the McDougall diet for a few days (ideally for the rest of your life) and you will be shocked at the results. I certainly was; I was a completely different person after a mere three days. While I had tried a variety of other "diets" before, I'd still been plagued with migraines, ulcers, colitis, and so many other maladies that I'd bore you with the full list. I've now been pain free and symptom free of all diseases I had even been diagnosed with for four and a half years. Rather than spending money on medications and doctor bills, I use it on organic fruits, vegetables and grains. Yum!

Dr. McDougall writes an excellent monthly newsletter, complete with amazing recipes. I particularly love his most recent article on oil added to food. I highly recommend that everyone scour his website. There is even a section where you can put in your ailment and read about its cure. Yes, cure. Between the McDougall site and the PCRM site, I am excited about the future of medical care in the United States.

While my family and I eat a very strict vegan diet, I can tell a huge difference in my attitude, energy, and health when I am eating "McDougall style" instead of a typical high fat one. My personal balance comes from allowing higher fat foods into the house only for special events. When my kids crave brownies (I can't actually remember the last time this happened), we eat brownies from a mix (such as Dr. Oetker's Brownie mix) with either a can of pureed pumpkin or two cans of squished black beans with a little water instead of the eggs and oil the mixes recommend (if you want the best tasting brownie recipe, try the McDougall site or the fatfree site). We do not have any liquid oils in the house. You can't add them to your food if you don't have them in your house! It is very easy to cook without oil. Add extra water instead.

No, my children do not feel deprived. Anything they desire, we make. We just make it tastier and healthier. They haven't come up with a food desire yet that they couldn't have. For ready made snacks, check out veganessentials.com.