Welcome to the August edition of eLifelines. This summer, Toronto has been buzzing with non-stop activity in the vegetarian community. Signs that the veg community is growing and strengthening in the GTA include the upcoming Durham Vegetarian Festival, where you'll find a wide selection vegetarian food products and talks, and the continous announcement of new vegetarian eateries opening up.

TVA itself is busy planning for a number of events, including the 25th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair (now with a fantastic lineup of confirmed speakers and cooking demonstrators), Moon Over Mumbai (a Bollywood themed fundraising dinner and silent auction), plus sweet treats care of the Resource Centre. 

Of course, sweet treats need not equate to poor health, and this month Lisa Pitman brings us two healthy, delicious and green (literally) recipes that you can enjoy guilt-free.

If you choose to pass on doing the cooking yourself, check out our featured local vegetarian restaurant (and sponsor of the Vegetarian Food Fair), Green Earth Cuisine, in the Discount Profile column.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

The first ever Durham Vegetarian Festival is just one week away, on August 9th! Moon Over Mumbai promises to be a night of tasty food, fun, and a great way to support TVA. Tickets are on sale now! 

Find out more in the TVA in Action section or on facebook.

This Month...

TVA in Action - Action at TVA has certainly been centered around events this summer. Still to come is Moon Over Mumbai (a Bollywood themed fundraising dinner and silent auction), the Durham Vegetarian Festival, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and of course, the 25th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair. In this issue we also recap two events from July, the Spicy Dosa Eating Contest and the Festival of India.

We're excited to announce signs that Toronto's vegetarian continues to thrive and grow, with the addition of two new vegetarian restaurants to the city in our directory updates, plus a vegan bakery.

Are you registered yet to join the Toronto Vegetarian Team at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in September? Make sure to read about an extra special treat just announced for all runners on the team - a private dinner with a special guest. 

In the News - We've got an update for you on Wiggles, the pig that escaped a sad fate at a slaughterhouse. Plus, more encouraging news for the vegetarian community - the positive research about vegetarian diets just keeps on coming!

Nutrient of the Month - Green is Good: The Power of Spirulina

Recipe - Special Double Recipe! Green Popcorn and Super Powered Guac

Summertime Summerfest - A Review of Vegetarian Summerfest from the Durham Lakeside Vegetarian Group

Discount Profile - Green Earth Vegetarian Cuisine offers 10% off with the TVA Discount Card

Reader's Question - How Important are Grains in a Vegetarian Diet?

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TVA In Action

Upcoming Events

Moon Over Mumbai

We hope you'll join us in celebrating the 25th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair at our Moon over Mumbai Dinner and Silent Auction, a night inspired by the glamour and fashion of Bollywood!

At this event, you'll have the opportunity to dine on vegetarian dishes from around the world, take in performances of the sounds and sights of South Asian culture, bid on fabulous prizes or enter our raffle, and then dance like you're in a Bollywood movie! Attire is fun, Bollywood-inspired formal wear.

When? Saturday, August 22nd at 7 pm

Where? Jivamukti Yoga (5 Shuter Street)

How much? Tickets are $25. All proceeds benefit the Toronto Vegetarian Association and the Vegetarian Food Fair. Tickets can be purchased via credit card by phoning the TVA office at 416-544-9800 or via cash or cheque during Resource Centre hours.

For more information visit our website.

 Durham Vegetarian Festival

Heydenshore Park in Whitby, location of the 1st Durham Vegetarian Festival

Find other veg-related event listings at veg.ca/events.      

 Sweet Treats Courtesy of the Resource Centre

Want a chance to try some decadent desserts that are both tasty and healthy? Come by the Resource Centre to get some free samples of raw desserts care of the Resource Centre volunteers.

When? Saturday, August 22nd 1 to 4 pm

Where? Resource Centre at TVA's office (17 Baldwin Street, second floor)

The 25th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair

Don't miss the celebration of this special anniversary at this year's Annual Vegetarian Food Fair. The largest event of its kind in North America, the event gives you an opportunity to enjoy a diverse cross-section of vegetarian cuisine, as well as new products and ideas from more than 100 exhibitors. This year's focus is health, and we've got a number of speakers and cooking demonstrators lined up so far, including:

Brenda Davis (registered Dieitician and nutritionist), Colleen Patrick-Gouderau (vegan cookbook author), Gene Baur (co-founder of Farm Sanctuary), Terry Hope Romero (vegan cookbook author), and many more! See the full event schedule to date here.

When? Friday, September 11th to Sunday, September 13th

Where? Harbourfront Centre

How much? This event is FREE!

For more information visit our website or check out the Food Fair Blog.

Update on the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Veggie Runners at a previous marathon

By now, you're probably aware that TVA is participating as a featured charity in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, on Sunday, September 27th.

Are you wondering how you can get involved and help us demonstrate that vegetarians are strong, active, athletic and healthy!?

1. You can join our team of runners, and walk or run in the 5k, half-marathon (21k), or full marathon (42k) to raise funds to support vital programs like our healthy eating talks, and printing the vegetarian directory.

**Just announced! All runners on the TVA team will be invited to a special dinner with Brendan Brazier following the run to discuss fitness and training tips!**  

To join the Toronto Vegetarian Team or to find out more information, contact Barbi Lazarus at 416-544-9800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Once you decide whether it's the 5 km, Half-Marathon 21 km, or Full-Marathon 42 km that you would like to run, you can start the 2-Step Sign Up Process.

2.  You can sponsor a runner on the Toronto Vegetarian Team: To sponsor someone already registered on the Toronto Vegetarian Team, visit our official charity page and click the link below that says "Sponsor a Participant" and search for Toronto Vegetarian Association for a list of team members.

3. You can sponsor the entire Toronto Vegetarian Team: To sponsor the Toronto Vegetarian Team rather than a specific runner, visit our official charity page and click the link below that says "Sponsor a Team" and search for Toronto Vegetarian Team.

TVA Group Events

The TVA Dinner Social Group will hold their next meeting at Sushi Bon (695 College Street, west of Bathurst) on Thursday, August 20th at 7 pm. Please RSVP at 416-544-9800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

TVA Donations at Work

Our TVA representative in  the Spicy Dosa Eating Contest

Launching the Festival of India, the Spicy Dosa Eating Contest at Yonge-Dundas Square on July 13th let Toronto know that eating vegetarian is hot! Spicy dosas are a crepe-like South Indian delicacy, and a specialty of vegetarian restaurant Udupi Palace, who supplied the dosas. Contestants came from all over the GTA for the shot at victory, competing in three heats with one final round, with Amit Khullar of Mississauga emerging as the winner. David Bowden, who wore the TVA T-shirt while competing, narrowly lost a spot in the final round but was a highly visible friend in bright green! The National Post as well as Desi News published articles about the event.

TVA partnered with the Festival of India for our first time this year, and the event was a huge success for all involved. Over the weekend of July 18th and 19th, the TVA tent was so busy that by the end of the first day we’d run out of materials to give away and welcomed several new members; all thanks to the enthusiastic and helpful work of our volunteers! With the free veggie feast, fantastic musical, theatrical and dance performances, we can’t wait to be at the Festival of India again next year!

Directory Updates

Two new vegetarian restaurants have opened in Toronto! A new vegetarian restaurant, Royal Paan (1386 Gerrard, west of Coxwell), has opened up in the India Bazaar. Sit on their big patio and dare to try the Samosa Burger (a samosa sandwiched in a burger bun!). All vegetarian food and oddly, a large selection of indian movies & music too!  

And Calico Cafe and Catering, serving healthy lunches, gourmet dinners and delicious brunches, is located at 1226 Bloor St W. (West of Dufferin).

And, an all vegan bakery, The Whole Grain Store has opened up at 1171 Victoria Park Ave. They serve fresh baked bread, rolls, muffins and cookies. Specialty grains such as quinoa, millet, kamut, buckwheat and others as well as wheat are used.

We're also happy to announce that Rancho Relaxo has removed shark from their menu! So head on over and sample their amazing vegan and vegetarian options such as vegan nachos and deep fried soy ice cream! They write: “We understand shark to be a beautiful creature and agree that having it on our menu was wrong, ... and an irresponsible choice.  We are taking responsibility to rectifiy this immediately." 

Stay in-the-know as more updates are announced on our directory updates page.

In the Media

By now you've hopefully voted for TVA in the VegNews Awards, where we were nominated for favourite vegetarian event, non-profit organization and website. The San Francisco Examiner recently profiled the websites nominated in the awards, including us! Read the article here.

In the News

Wiggles Safe in New Home

Wiggles, the little pig that squirmed her way out of a truck bound for a slaughterhouse, is now safe and doing well at her new home at Painted Rock Animal Farm and Sanctuary. After being picked up off the side of Highway 401 in May by a compassionate driver, Wiggles underwent surgery for a broken leg at the Toronto Humane Society, where she recovered for several weeks before Painted Rock was chosen as her permanent home. Laura Cameron, who runs the 6 year-old rescue farm with her husband Barry, says Wiggles is happy at her new address. Visit their website to see Wiggles in her new home on their blog, learn more about their work, and make a donation. Laura also encourages donations in kind.  

More Research Prooves Effectiveness of a Vegetarian Diet for Sustaining Good Health

Nutrient of the Month

Care of Karen Soper and Lisa Pitman (Check out Lisa's review of Sweet Freedom, Ricki Heller's new vegan baking book, on her fabulous blog!)

Green is Good: The Power of Spirulina

The term super food is used to describe natural foods that have health-promoting or disease-preventing properties, going beyond the basic functions of food. In other words, these foods are nutrient dense and readily bio-available, or easy to digest or absorb.

Spirulina is one such super food. Dating before the 16th century, it is believe to have been consumed daily by the Aztecs. Today, the single-celled, blue-green algae is cultivated around the world, including large scale producers in the US, Thailand, India, China and elsewhere.

Blue and green pigments (coming from chlorophyll and phycocyanin) give the distinct colour, and help to build the blood, stimulate the immune system, and promote liver and digestive health. The green goodness of spirulina is undeniable because it is power packed with iron (28x more iron than beef liver), beta carotene (25x more than carrots), lutein (which is great for vision health), B12, plus it's five times easier to digest than meat or soy. It is also 65 to 71% essential amino acids, in perfect balance.

And if you're worried about being controlled by your sweet tooth, you'll be pleased to know that the natural sugars in spirulina help to keep blood sugar levels even and control diabetic food cravings. Spirulina is truly a super food and a green food, so go get some green!

Find more nutritional information at veg.ca/nutrition.

Recipes

Green Popcorn from Mark Reinfeld, Executive Chef of Blossoming Lotus Restaurant and author of three vegan cookbooks

Source: Hale Popoki

Find links to more recipes at veg.ca/recipes.

Summertime Summerfest

A Review of Vegetarian Summerfest

Care of Sally Grande, Paul Becker and Brad Fischer

The DLV gang at Summerfest

How would you feel in a room full of physicians promoting a vegetarian diet? Exhilarated? Surprised? Well, that is what six Durham vegans experienced at the NAVS Vegetarian Summerfest from July 8th-July 12th in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The lovely campus of the University of Pittsburgh was home to the 5-day conference and all of its culinary delights courtesy of chef, Ken Bergeron.

TVA has been involved with NAVS for decades and TVA officials have offered seminars in years past. It is amazing that Summerfest continues to attract activists from the US and Canada. Perhaps it is the magnetic attraction of medical revelation that draws us. Dr. Michael Greger, MD, shared his soon to be published clinical study proving that diet can halt, if not reverse, many forms of cancer. His studies show that vegan blood is apparently inhospitable to cancer. Cancer cells, in turns out, hate garlic. Who would have guessed that cancer would have that much in common with Dracula!?!

We all know that Type II Diabetes can be completely reversed by a low-fat vegan diet. A barrage of new medical stats bolstered our resolve to go out into our respective communities with renewed vigour for promoting our veg-lifestyles, even if only by example. William Roberts, the most renowned cardiovascular physician in North America, editor-in-chief, American Journal of Cardiology and executive director of the Baylor Cardiovascular Institute of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, says “Human beings are not natural carnivores.” In addition to the nutrition themes, there were gardening seminars, sessions on behaviour and communication, raw food demos, animal welfare exposés and loads of exercise and meditation workouts. Kids were occupied in the daycare centre so parents could soak-up the classroom-style atmosphere. A good time was had by all.

Discount Profile

Green Earth Cuisine: 10% off with TVA Discount Card

	A tempting dish at Green Earth Cuisine

With something to please everybody, the five-page menu at Green Earth Vegetarian Cuisine serves up international cuisine (think Asian, Italian, Mexican and burgers); and it’s all vegetarian -and mostly vegan!  NOW Magazine gave it 3 N’s out of 5 (see the review here), and the review is enough to get your mouth watering; but just wait until you’re there.

Our TVA insider tip: the vegan chocolate cake is unbeatable! Vietnamese spring rolls and mock chicken balls have also gotten rave reviews.

Be sure to visit Green Earth in the Lakeside Terrace Tent at the Food Fair! But in the meantime, stop in at the restaurant and present your TVA Discount Card to receive a 10% discount.

Where? 385 Broadview Ave (n. of Gerrard)

Veg Status? Entirely vegetarian. Most dishes vegan, and those not vegan are clearly marked.

Savings with TVA Discount Card: 10%

The TVA Discount Card is available to members of the Toronto Vegetarian Association. Find a full listing of participating locations here. To join TVA and/or purchase a discount card, make a tax-deductible, online donation or phone the TVA office at 416-544-9800.

Reader’s Question

How Important are Grains in a Vegetarian Diet?

One of our readers writes:

I eat tons of vegetables, fruits and legumes, and many different varieties of them. Occasionally I'll have nuts or seeds as well. However, I rarely eat grains of any kind. I am aware that there are many whole grains that can be very healthy (kasha, quinoa, barley, millet, etc.), but I am unclear on whether it is NECESSARY that they be included in my diet. If I am eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, legumes, and occassionally nuts and seeds, is it imperative that I eat grains as well?

Nimisha Raja of Evolving Appetites and TVA fame responds:

My initial thought is WHY would you want to avoid grains? Some people have a gluten allergy or intolerance, and need to avoid certain grains such as wheat, barley, oats, etc. But an otherwise healthy person can benefit from consuming grains.

The experts (Dr. Neal Barnard of PCRM, Dr. John McDougall, and others), all consider grains to be part of the Four New Food Groups, and should be included. They contain trace minerals that may not necessarily be present in legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. They also provide a good quality source of complex carbohydrates (starches) that provide energy (by converting to glucose upon digestion).

Having said that, I don't think you're setting yourself up for any serious health problems if you don't consume grains. The legumes also provide starches (complex carbohydrates) in addition to the protein and minerals.

Let me share an anecdote that may help you decide on whether to consume grains or not. In 2006, I embarked on a 100% raw & living foods lifestyle, where I consumed no grains whatsoever. I ate sprouted legumes, fruits, vegetables and nuts and seeds in small amounts, and some fermented foods. I felt great at the beginning - pounds were melting off, energy level was good, yoga postures were easier, however, after about 6 months, I started to notice sleep disturbances.

I did some research (Dr. Gabriel Cousens' Conscious Eating) Deducing from what I read, my symptoms and sleep patterns seemed to indicate a low serotonin level (starches increase serotonin levels). So I decided to experiment with just a small serving of whole grain pasta (definitely not raw!) And lo and behold, I slept like a baby after only two nights of consuming the whole grain product. One can certainly consume raw, sprouted grains - but I didn't have the patience at the time. But since this experiment, I've continued consuming grains, and have not had sleep issues since.

If for whatever reason, if you still want to avoid eating grains then consider this: Quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat are actually considered pseudo grains (they're more like seeds than actual grains like wheat, spelt or kamut). Brendan Brazier, in his book, The Thrive Diet highly recommends these pseudo grains for optimum nutrition. And wild rice is another option - it's a grass, not a grain.

Reader’s Classifieds

 The Yoga Festival is put on by Yoga Festival Toronto, to unite, inspire and support local practicioners, teachers, studios and lineages with a broad range of presentation topics, practical classes, and round-table discussion and debate.

This year's festival is taking place from August 21-23 at the National Ballet School on Jarvis. For more information and to register, please go to http://www.yogafestivaltoronto.org

Join the Toronto Vegetarian Association today!

Founded in 1945, the Toronto Vegetarian Association is a volunteer-driven charitable organization devoted to providing information and support to people who are interested in making healthier, greener, more peaceful food choices. By becoming a member of TVA, you'll support vital programs such as the largest annual vegetarian food fair in North America, the vegetarian directory, a volunteer-run vegetarian resource centre and the Veggie Challenge. You'll also receive our quarterly print newsletter Lifelines, and have the option to purchase our Discount Card, offering savings at over 70 veg-friendly businesses in the GTA. All donations of $20 or more are tax-deductible. Join the Toronto Vegetarian Association today, and help us inspire people to choose a healthier, greener, more peaceful lifestyle.