Latest stories and news

Here are more stories from those who did the Veggie Challenge in July/Aug 2010:

Inspired and encouraged

Becoming vegan in the Niagara area can be a challenge. Although restaurants offer some vegetarian options, finding vegan dishes is difficult so I try not to eat out. There are some specialty food stores but they are pricey so I try to stick to what is available at the Superstore.

I am still vegan so far and am feeling pretty good. I try to avoid any pre-made packaged or canned foods if I can (too much salt for me). Your challenge has inspired me and encouraged me to keep going.

Thank you!

– New Veggie Momma, age 40-49, Thorold, ON

The Challenge solved my worries about getting enough protein and iron

I came across the Veggie Challenge at the Indian Festival at Centre Island. For me, it wasn't too difficult because I've gone a few weeks at a time without meat or eggs in the past. The reason why I couldn't keep it up in the past was because I was under the notion that I wouldn't be getting enough protein and iron if I cut out the meat altogether. However with the wonderful Veggie Challenge e-mails, I've learned SO much about the nutrition in vegetables and I'm so motivated to continue the Challenge. I find that avoiding meat in my diet makes me feel a lot lighter, gives me more energy and makes me feel so much better about not harming any precious animals.

Now that the Challenge is over, my future goal is to really learn what each vegetable tastes like so that I know what they offer to each dish. This way, I can experiment and make my own combination in the kitchen.

Overall, this was a wonderful learning experience for me.

– Sobi, late 20's, Toronto

Back to a vegetarian lifestyle

I was a vegetarian during my teen years, but at the time, being the only one of six in my family eating this way, it did become a challenge and I gave up. Now being married and having more control over my weekly food menu, the Veggie Challenge provided me with a great first step back into the vegetarian lifestyle. I love the way I feel, the increased energy and ethically I feel much better as well! The Challenge also provided me with great information on nutrients and minerals, daily percentage needs of foods and vitamins to ensure that I felt my diet was changing to the most healthy one for me.

– Jenna, late 20's, Milton, ON

Inspired by a vegan friend

When I first decided to become a vegetarian, I was inspired by a vegan friend. After having a discussion and obtaining some reading material from him, I did some additional research online and from printed books and found it's not that difficult to become a vegetarian. It is very helpful to be able to ask questions from a vegan who is supportive, but not judgmental.

Sure, it seemed a big challenge (I had thought almost impossible) at first. However, after some trial and error, I managed to produce some delicious vegetarian meals. I've found many helpful websites including www.veg.ca which provides information on the types of vegetarian foods that contain various nutrients. I believe the main concern that people have about vegetarianism is that people cannot get enough nutrients. But I think with a bit of research and meal planning, it IS POSSIBLE to get all the nutrients we need from a vegetarian diet.

In terms of what I eat, I try to obtain most of my ingredients from regular grocery stores. Beans, green-leafed vegetables, citrus fruits, seeds, whole wheat bread, and tofu now form my regular diet. I vary the meals as much as possible so as not to be sick of it and also to maintain a more balanced meal plan. I will have the occasional mock meats, but I do not rely on them.

My main motivation to become a vegetarian is because I believe it's wrong that animals have to be tortured and killed when people can be healthy without consuming meat. I will continue to educate myself, so I can better explain to others (particularly omnivores) that being vegetarian IS POSSIBLE.

– Ronee, age 30-39, Toronto

The best health I can ever remember

Truthfully I have been a vegan for almost two years now. I believe it has given me the best health I can ever remember. I have so much energy. I also lost weight and not like all those crazy diets that never worked. The main reason I did the Challenge was to help my family and friends. I have given the website to friends and neighbors and family. I am very passionate about the killing of all animals. I will try to have every person to be either vegetarian or better a vegan. Thank you so very much and much success in your work to create a much better world.

– Diane, Hamilton, ON

Inside and out I feel just great!

I was inspired by a couple who have been veggie for a little over a year now – so me and my fiance decided to give it a go. I was originally interested in going veggie because of the environmental impact livestock was having on our planet but the more information I read the more I realized there is so much more to being veggie/vegan than helping the environment. There is the knowledge of how inhumanely animals are being slaughtered and how I can help and all the healthy benefits of a veggie lifestyle.

I have been vegan for two weeks now and I am loving it!

After completing Phase 2

I feel so good about making the choice to switch to a more eco responsible and animal-friendly diet. Inside and out I feel just great!

– Lauren, late 20's, Markham, ON

I just turned 65 and haven't eaten meat for over 25 years

I am a vegetarian for over 25 years but do eat fish sometimes so this was not a difficult challenge for me, however, the recipes were great additions to mine. Loved them and also the tips for storing fresh food.

	Image of Rachel via the New York Times's article on going fridgeless. See this blog post about not having a fridge for 30 years.

My only problem with fresh food is that I do not use a fridge so I have an added challenge but I tend to buy every day or every second day and fortunately, I am able to do that with all the green grocers around where I live. [Note: see our Tips on buying and storing whole foods]

I am not sure if more people are not using fridges but I think there is a bit of a trend. Perhaps you could supply some tips on your website addressing this situation.

I just turned 65 years old! I have no wrinkles on my face, am slim and active, dress fashionably, healthy and have a lot of friends of all ages as well as a lot of energy. So I get asked constantly for 'proof' with the TTC, movie theatres, etc. that I am a senior. I love it!! And then the question, how do you do 'it' and then I tell them I am a vegetarian!

– Lynn, age 65+, Toronto

What a difference after just one week

I can hardly believe the difference after just one week. I have more energy, my appetite has decreased and I feel great. I tried many things I've always thought about trying, quinoa and bulgar wheat and a handful of veggies. I've always looked at them but didn't know what to do with them.

I feel lighter after my meals and my scale even moved after being plateaued for months. I can't wait to see that number go down more. I'm staying with this lifestyle. There's so many great recipes available on the web if you take the time to look around.

– Tanya, age 30-39, Kearney, ON

I wanted to switch to a healthier diet

I enjoyed taking the Veggie Challenge and will continue to become a full vegetarian. I've told a few friends, family and co-workers that I was planning on becoming a vegetarian. Most of them were supportive but also questioned why I made this decision.

I've thought about it many times in the past but this is the first time I'm taking the steps to go meat-free. Part of the reason for becoming a vegetarian is because I've been eating a lot of fast food lately which wasn't healthy and I wanted to switch to a more healthier diet. Since taking the Veggie Challenge, I have not had any fast food except for pizza once and it was vegetarian pizza.

Most people I have talked to also agree that it is a healthier way of eating but many of them said that they could not give up eating meat.

I used a few of the recipes in the one week challenge and will try many more vegetarian recipes.

– David, age 30-39, Orillia, ON

I decided to give it a try when I was on a week's holidays

I have never been much of a meat-eater. I got a book by Neal Bernard "Get Healthy, Go Vegan Cookbook" and decided to give it a try when I was on a week's holidays. My main desire to eat veggie/vegan is for health, I'm not a political person but I do love animals.

The one thing I so miss is dairy, specifically yogurt. However, I now drink my coffee and tea without milk and enjoy it. I love to cook and bake so making whole food meals really appeals to me. I've experimented with making seitan (also see these recipes), which has worked pretty well and also cooking dried beans etc. The web is a great resource.

I have to say that I have eaten totally vegetarian (ovo-lacto on a few occasions) for about 5 weeks. Of that time a lot of it has been vegan as well. It's a work in progress but I am truly enjoying it and also noticing my palate is changing to appreciate the actual taste of food. I don't regret my decision and am looking forward to making a vegan thanksgiving! Your website has been a fantastic resource and I'm so glad I found it, thank you so much for what you do!!

– Barb, age 50-64, London, ON

Your Challenge was a great motivator

I have a severe heart condition and at one time tried a vegan diet, but, found that too difficult. My oldest daughter has rheumatoid arthritis and has followed a vegetarian diet for the last four years and she has been able to come off some of her medications (something to do with purines found in meat).

I found your Challenge to be a great motivator. I also tried a few of your recipes and enjoyed them, although I added a bit more spice to some. I look forward to the next phase that I signed up for.

– Beverley, age 65+, Brossard, QC

I really enjoyed the recipes

I really enjoyed the great recipes sent out every week! It was fun to try new types of food that were different from the vegetarian meals I was used to. I especially liked the carrot-tahini salad, yum!

– Heather, late 20's, Burnaby, BC

Closer to vegetarianism

During a trip to the Wychwood Farmer's Market I joined the TVA and joined the Challenge. I appreciated the daily contact and information I received. I have been a semi-vegetarian for quite some time but this gave me a whole new perspective and decision to get closer to vegetarianism and because of your recent raw food demo will move in that direction as well.

– Donna, age 50-64, Toronto