Three rules on dining out as a vegan (or with a vegan)

Dining out as a vegan can certainly be challenging.  Here are some of my tips to make it easier…

1. Research the location you are going to be dining at.  So many restaurants today have websites with their menu's posted online.  You can also look at websites like Yelp and Urbanspoon, they both have menu's and reviews for participating restaurants.  It's also not a bad idea to call ahead and ask questions about vegan options, and if they can accommodate you.

2. First and foremost…be nice (okay, second in this list).  As my grandfather used to say, "You'll get far more with honey than vinegar".  There have been very few times that I have run into someone or some place that was unwilling to try and accommodate my requests…and most will go out of their way…if you're nice!  Be kind and "ask"…and if you don't seem to be getting anywhere, then politely explain that you have a serious allergy to whatever you are worried about, like dairy, etc. (restaurants do not want people having seizures or going into anaphylactic shock in front of their other guests)!

3. Eat something before going to be safe.  This is a tactic I employ often.  If I am at all unsure about my options, I always have something before I head out.  Then, at a minimum, I can usually get a salad or some veggies if my options are limited.  If they end up having more for you, you're in good shape too, and can order less and save money:)

4. (yes, I know I said three rules…here's the bonus rule) Hide food in your purse, jacket, pockets etc...(easy to bring some nuts, dried fruit, etc).  I often will order as large a salad as I can get, then add my own raw almonds or dried fruit to it.  I have never had the wait staff at a restaurant notice.

Now…if you are daring or bold enough, you can always request that a restaurant create or add something to their menu for you…Look for my next post on my little creation that has become a big hit in our town…

Josh

Just say no…to GMO

Photo Credit: Lindsay StradtnerSo many readers have been writing in looking for specific product recommendations…which I will provide, promise!  However, today, instead of a specific product recommendation, I need to make a broad product suggestion…And that is...AVOID GMO products whenever you can.

"But the real shock came when the rats started dying. Within three weeks, 25 of the 45 (55.6%) rats from the GMO soy group died compared to only 3 of 33 (9%) from the non-GMO soy group and 3 of 44 (6.8%) from the non-soy controls". (this data is taken from a study conducted by Irina Ermakova, a leading scientist at the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), added GMO soy flour (5-7 grams) to the diet of female rats. Other females were fed non-GMO soy or no soy at all. The experimental diet began two weeks before the rats conceived and continued through pregnancy and nursing).

So, what are GMO's? (which can also be labeled/referred to as genetically engineered organism, or GEO's).

*GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.  Not very natural sounding is it?

Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.   But…there is money to be made by those doing it!

There are those who will argue that GMO's are safe…but are they?  *Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale. Increasingly, Americans are taking matters into their own hands and choosing to opt out of the GMO experiment.

If there was ever a broad recommendation I would have for you, it would be this one…avoid GMO's whenever you possibly can.  *Unfortunately, even though polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans want to know if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs, the powerful biotech lobby has succeeded in keeping this information from the public. In the absence of mandatory labeling, the Non-GMO Project was created to give consumers the informed choice they deserve.  (The Non-GMO Project website can be reached by clicking here)

Unfortunately, due to these labeling requirements…finding Non-GMO products can be quite a challenge. So what can you do?  Look for products with "NO GMO" on the labels or packaging. The Non-GMO Project offers a great online tool (CLICK HERE) that will help you find Non-GMO products by category, brand or specific name. 

You may never know when dining out…but you can know what you are putting in your fridge and pantry…so be an advocate for yourself and your family.

Whether you are vegan/vegetarian or not…and whether you believe the research…or think the verdict is still out…I for one, will do everything I can to mitigate the risk!

In the near future, I will be sharing my favorite NON-GMO products here.  So, keep your eye out.

Josh

* Excerpts from the not-for-profit, The Non-GMO Project - CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

Nuts, Twigs and Berries...

One of my friends posted this on Facebook the other day and I just had to share it again.  For those who think vegans don't have variety in their diets...we do eat a lot more than nuts twigs and berries...

Image Credited to http://www.eatdrinkbetter.com

Not only friendly…vegan friendly (Publix)

Josh & his "go to guy" ChuckWhen I find a product or an organization that is truly vegan friendly...it just makes my day!  And, when I find one that is substantial in size, it pleases me even more.

With 1046 stores in 5 southern states, Publix is one of them…As one of the largest-volume supermarket chains in the US, with sales of 25.1 billion dollars (in 2010) and over 151,500 employees, Publix is showing their commitment to providing options for everyone's lifestyle.

When I first returned to Florida about 17-months ago, we were fortunate to find a new Publix store in our town.  It was clean, well laid out, and had a fairly good size selection of options which fit our vegan lifestyle. While shopping there, you can't help but notice the unbelievable commitment they have to customer service…from their incredibly friendly attitude to their offering to carry your bags to your car (every single time you check out). As many retailers have adopted the high end customer service model…my recent experiences with Publix were truly over the top…

A few months ago, I inquired with the dairy manager about getting coconut milk for me…they did it in a few days.  Then just prior to Thanksgiving, I was sent in by family to procure two Tourkey's.  To my surprise, they were sold out!  It was then that I met one of my new best friends…Chuck, the store manager of my local Publix.  Chuck told me that he would somehow find them, they wouldn't let our Thanksgiving go without, and to leave my number.  I wasn't a 1/2 mile away from the store before my phone rang…it was Chuck.  Not only did he find two for me…he was going to have an employee go to their other location to pick them up and have them waiting for me at my store the next morning….wow!  

With such a result to my previous request, dare I spin the wheel again?  Oh yeah, I did.  Next I asked if he could find a certain type of European Sourdough bread we used to get up in Chicago.  Before I made it out of the produce section, Chuck had located me to let me know he found a vendor, and informed me I would get a call when it came in…this time it arrived in two days!  A few weeks passed and my family and I had travelled up north for the holidays.  While there, my family had purchased some vegan shredded cheese for one of our meals (in my opinion one of the hardest items to substitute in the vegan diet).  It was such a treat for us to have, and upon our return home, my wife said…"do you think your new friend at Publix can get it"?  Chuck had become the go to guy…

About 4 hours after I visited and made my most recent request, I received a call from Publix about the vegan cheese…They were sorry to say that they did not currently have a resource to obtain that product for us…Now, I was disappointed, yet I can't expect them to be able to get every single item I desire…Then I heard the following…"We did call all around the area and located two stores that stocked both of the varieties I had inquired about" (not Publix stores).  As if their willingness to find what I was looking for and send me to another store wasn't enough...they then asked "Mr Neimark, do you know where those stores are located, or would you like us to get you directions"!

In one of my recent conversations with Chuck, I thanked him again for all they had done…he responded with a few simple words…"That's what we do here".

All I can say, is thank you Chuck and thank you Publix!  You take service to a level that is hard to match.  And, the fact that you are not only willing, but anxious to accommodate my vegan lifestyle…I wish there were more like you.  Now…the only thing I do wish, is that they'd start sampling more vegetarian/vegan options at their demo station…I just might have to talk to Chuck about that:)

J

Publix has stores in the following 5 states:

Florida
Georgia
Alabama
South Carolina
Tennessee

Some of Your Questions Answered

A message from Patricia
Subject: Costco Connection article

Message: Hello Josh - I  just read the article in Costco Connection talking about products they stock. (Life-changer with your picture)  It referred me to your site here, but I don't see anything talking about specific products at Costco.  I'm very interested in what these products are.   Is it possible for you to send me a list of them or???  My granddaughter is a vegan and has shared some of her diet information with me - I'm ready to begin eliminating all white flour, sugar etc. from my diet and whatever other information you have to give me a jump start, I would so appreciate.  Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment - thank you for sharing it.

Hi Patricia,

I will be posting more information on specific products in the future, so look out for that information.  As far as getting a "jump start"…you said you are ready to begin eliminating all white flour, sugar etc.  That's a great place to begin!  There are so many wonderful and healthful alternatives out there today, particularly in the bread, pasta and rice areas.  I would suggest avoiding anything that is "enriched" (i.e something was added to it) and look for whole grain based ingredients.  I'm a big fan of Sprouted Wheat, and one of my favorites when I choose breads are from the Food for Life line.  On the sugar front…I would definitely avoid the white varieties…look for raw organic sugars (many are brown), as well as alternatives for sweetening that are natural.  Although I rarely use sweeteners (I generally get my fix from fruits), when I choose to make something that requires it. I use things like Raw Agave Nectar, Organic Maple Syrup and Coconut Palm Sugar (although that one is hard to find).  Thank you for writing in and keep me posted on how your doing.

A message from Ursula
Subject: Vegan Recipes

Just read your article in Costco and it was truly amazing.  I would like to know what are a few of your favorite vegan meals and if you have any recipes?

Thanks so much for sharing your story.

Hi Ursula,

I am going to be developing an entire area devoted my favorite recipes (and some videos too)…but here is an easy one…and one of my favorites.  Note: I would look for all of these ingredients in "organic" and adjust amounts to your own taste.  I love wraps.  Here is one I make a lot.

1 Sprouted Wheat Tortilla (click here to see which one)
Big Spoonful of Hummus (flavor of your choice or homemade)
A few Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Some Red Onion
2 large pieces of Romaine (easily can substitute Spinach)
Some Alfalfa Sprouts
Sliced Cucumber
Some nice slices of vine ripe red tomatoes

Start by spreading the Hummus on the tortilla, then chop everything else to desired sizes…roll it up and enjoy…you may need a bib, or at least a few napkins:)

If you want more protein in your wrap, you can easily add a veggie or vegan burger sliced in half so it rolls up well...you could also add beans.

A message from Monika
Subject: Costco

Message: I read your article in Costco Connection. I was wondering if you have a grocery list that I can use at Costco, something like product recommendations. I feel whenever I shop at Costco I tend to pickup unhealthy items.

Hi Monika,

I have had an overwhelming amount of requests for a "list", and will be working on coming up some example lists that I will post.  I did want to address the last line of your message.  "I feel whenever I shop at Costco I tend to pickup unhealthy items."  YOU have control over that…so stop picking them up!  The first question I used to ask my clients, was do you brush your teeth everyday?  Their response (actually was often just a stare for a few seconds) was "of course".  I asked them why?  Their response was almost always, because "your supposed to, it's good for you".  It's all about choosing.  You must make the choice.  I'm not trying to be harsh…but like that big shoe company says…"Just Do It".

A message from Joy
Subject: Food at Costco

Message: Hi Josh, Saw the story about you in the Costco magazine. I live in a suburb of Phoenix AZ. Don't think it is likely you could "go to the store with me". I would like to find out about your shopping there, the right foods, what is healthy, and recipes etc. Is there a place in your blogs where I can find this information?

Hi Joy,

I was in Phoenix once…really liked it.  If I was there, I would be glad to meet up with you and go shopping!  As I mentioned in another response, I will be posting more and more on product choices and recipes in upcoming weeks, so stay tuned for those.  Costco is certainly one of the stores I would highly recommend.  What other options do you have where you live?  Are there any Natural/Organic groceries or Trader Joe's?  When I lived up North, I could find about 90% of what I was looking for at Costco and Trader Joes.  Let me know by commenting on this post or send me a message through the contact form and I'll try to help further.

A message from Marie
Subject: Your illness...

Message: What you have sounds similar to what Joe Cross suffered from in "Fat Sick & Nearly Dead"  Joe turned to juicing as a means of getting healthy, and, low and behold, all his symptoms disappeared as well.   If you've not seen this movie (documentary) I highly recommend it.  I'm just starting my second 30 day juice fast.  In between my last fast and this I've eaten primarily vegetarian and still juiced approx 1 time/day.   I wish you nothing but the very best of luck and health in the 2012 year!

Hi Marie,

Oh how many times I have heard that my life sounded like the Joe Cross documentary "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead".  In fact, at one point, I actually wrote Joe's "people" to share my story, but never heard back.  Since I don't know Joe, or all of the specifics of his illness, clearly the lifestyles we lived were similar, as were the ailments.  All of us our idiosyncratic, so it would be difficult to identify whether or not he and I shared in more than the hives…although we clearly shared in our previous behavior.  I was so elated when I first watched the film, that finally someone more "main stream" (i.e not backed by a company or food product) could demonstrate the power of juicing whole fruits and vegetables.  At times I do a juice cleanse, and then regularly integrate juicing into my regimen. I used to use a high speed juicer, similar to the Breville Joe used, but not long ago picked up the new Omega VRT lower RPM.  It produces juice with far less oxidation (and a bit more pulp as a result).  Even though there is no way around the "clean up" from juicing…I love it!