I posted this on my Facebook page the other day, and got an overwhelming positive response. So I though it deserves its very own blog post.
I call it A Vegan Conversation.
CC Photo by Bernard Spragg, courtesy of Flickr
Kinda of a funny story….. a long time friend saw my Facebook Page the other day and asked about the whole “Brand New Vegan” thing….. what it’s all about, the cookbooks, the ads, the branding, etc.
Apparently she thought I was selling products for another company. In fact, I still have a lot of friends (and family members) that have that ‘deer in the headlights‘ glaze when they try to understand what I do.
So this is how I explain it.
This is what Chuck Underwood and Brand New Vegan are all about.
This is how I spend my free time, my ‘other job’ if you will, and it’s NOT just a pastime or a hobby, this is my passion.
To help people get healthier – one bite at a time, without feeling the least bit deprived.
Because as we all know, the source of most of our chronic diseases in America today is not a virus that floats through the air, or ‘bad genes’ handed down from our parents, as many would think, but rather it’s simply the foods that we eat.
Not only are they making us fat, but they’re also making us very sick.
But the GOOD news is …..it’s completely reversible.
Here is an example of a typical conversation I’ve had many times…and I’m sure you have too.
A Vegan Conversation
“What do you do again?
“A blog?”
“What’s that all about?”
I am a Vegan Recipe Blogger. I own a website called Brand New Vegan. I help people transition to a whole foods, plant based diet by recreating their favorite comfort foods without using any oil, meat, or dairy.
“But why?”
Because those are the things in our traditional western diet that are making people so sick, and they’re tired of it and looking to change their diet and lifestyle.
“How long have you been doing this?
My blog has been running for 3 years, and I’ve been plant-based for about 10.
“So you’re Vegan?
Yes, I am, but don’t confuse Veganism with a Plant Based Diet.
Veganism is not really about your diet, it’s more of a stance against the useless cruelty and exploitation of animals.
Over 56 billion farmed animals are killed every year just to supply meat to the restaurants and grocery stores, and the majority of it comes from factory farms. They live their short lives in spaces so small they can hardly turn around, and are usually so diseased, tortured and abused, they’re pumped full of antibiotics just to keep them alive. Did you know over 80% of all antibiotics used in the US are fed to farm animals?
A “Whole Foods Plant Based Diet” is all about the particular foods we eat so it’s more about diet, health and nutrition.
“So you don’t eat meat?”
I eat a whole foods, plant based diet, meaning REAL PLANT foods – not fake processed foods. I eat beans, veggies, fruits, salads, whole grain foods like oats, breads and pastas, and I eat a lot of rice and potatoes.
“Well I have to watch my carbs because I’m diabetic”.
You should be watching your fats instead. Science has discovered that all that saturated fat and trans fat from meats and cheap processed foods is probably what caused it to begin with, not the sugar.
“Well my doctor never mentioned that……and he IS a doctor so I’m going to follow his advice, besides it runs in my family”
That’s fine, just remember there are OTHER doctors – doctors who are TRAINED in nutrition, who have successfully reversed Type 2 Diabetes using a high carb, low fat diet.
And DIETS run in families too….you probably like the same foods your parents cooked don’t you?
“But you eat chicken and fish don’t you?
No, I do not. And I also avoid dairy and all added oils.
“But Olive Oil is healthy for you, it’s full of good fats”
Just 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil has 120 Calories, and with over 4,000 calories per pound, olive oil is more calorie dense than even pure sugar. Not to mention it has no fiber and very little vitamins. It’s basically pure fat, and as Dr John McDougall says, “The Fat you Eat is the Fat you Wear”.
“And where did you learn all this?”
I’ve been studying this for over 10 years now, and follow quite a few doctors who recommend it. I also have a certificate from Cornell University on Plant Based Nutrition.
“Well those doctors are probably just trying to sell their books or something”
Many of them DO have books, yes, you’re right. But you can also find everything you need absolutely free too. Dr John McDougall’s entire program is on his website – without having to buy a single book. Dr Michael Greger also donates all of his profits to charity. They’re already doctors – they don’t need to sell anything to make a living. They do this to help.
“And do YOU make money on this too?”
Yes, I do. Having a blog as big as mine is not free and I do have expenses every month that need to be covered. I’m no different than anyone else – we all have to make a living some way.
“How many people follow you?”
Over 30,000 and counting. And it’s growing every single day.
“Wow! And have you helped anyone?”
I get emails, Facebook messages, and comments every single day. Ladies are finding out they’re husbands like my food, because a lot of it is …well. GUY food.
They’re losing weight, getting off their pills, and some are even beginning to cook for the very first time. One lady told me her couch potato husband liked my recipes so much HE was starting to cook them himself.
“Well good for you……….”
___________________
Does any of that sink in? …..probably not.
But maybe a seed or two will be planted that will one day take root. People have to approach this when they’re ready.
And hopefully when that day comes…. and I do mean WHEN….. they’ll remember my blog and why I’m here.
But regardless, this is me.
This is Brand New Vegan.