That said, in line with the article, when I was in college, I had the Maddox "For every animal you don't eat, I'm going to eat three" image blown up as a poster on my dorm door. I had a "PETA: People Eating Tasty Animals" t-shirt that I wore around. My aim was to upset the vegetarians, and I made fun of them whenever I saw a window. I can't speak for others' motivations, but the fact that there was a group of people living a lifestyle that I thought was borderline impossible cast inherent doubt and judgment on my own choices. Having to confront the fact that they might be right led to a lot of unresolved cognitive dissonance and anger.
If you'd have told me that ~20 years later I'd be vegan, married to another vegan, and raising a child on an entirely plant-based diet, I'd have laughed in your face.
People who don't care don't care. You cared. So I think going veggie/vegan was inevitable, unless, perhaps, you were just a genuine asshole like Bourdain. Most people aren't assholes, though.
My understanding (possibly a decade or more out of date... been a while since I last did any real research on the topic) was that vegetarianism was well-tested and easily made healthy, but veganism is still kinda experimental in terms of its long-term effects, especially for newborns and young children. I think the uncertainties were especially focused on bone and teeth development & maintenance.
Have you noticed anything positive or negative? Do their check-ups come back OK?
I call her diet plant-based rather than vegan, as she's not old enough to make the ethical calls herself, but it's been interesting watching as she notices the difference between our diet and others and begins to ask questions and comment on it. As she gets older and spends more time at friends' houses, we'll probably ask that parents/school/etc. not serve her meat, but we're not going to be militant about eggs or dairy. As she gets older and can make more of her own choices, she'll make her own calls on all fronts outside the house. As of yet, she's asked about other people's omni food, but she's always turned it down when offered. We've been careful to specify that these are our own personal choices and have encouraged her to start thinking about where she stands on them herself. We're curious to see how things go from here.
It’s amazing to me that I can walk into just about any hole in the wall tavern around me and I can still get a decent burger and a beer with my friends. 15-20 years ago maybe once in a blue moon I’d find some place that had dried and tough Morningstar patty that tasted like burnt sawdust, but most of the time I’d be stuck with a shitty garden salad or fries, if not forgoing the depressing ordeal and just drinking my meal.
At home I prefer to make everything from scratch because it tastes better, is usually cheaper, and is healthier, plus I love trying new things all the time. Last weekend I made patties from beets, lentils, rice, onion, breadcrumbs, peanut butter, and a bit of fennel… so good. But I get lazy like everyone else, and usually like once a week I just want a big fucking greasy burger, and Impossible does the trick.
I also appreciate that better products has gotten more people to lessen branch out. I can think of a whole bunch of stereotypical “but bacon tho” veg haters amongst my friends and family that have decided for various reasons to reduce meat intake and have found these products and veg cuisine in general to be an enjoyable and eye opening experience… just like I did.
One area still lacking is a plant-based alternative to lean meats like chicken. Simulate has a chicken ("chicken") breast, but I haven't tried it yet.
Also, I suggest anyone who eats meat and has a functional sense of smell to take a trip to Greeley, CO.
However, Beyond/Impossible/Daiya (fake cheese) have been a lifesaver in one particular situation: Giving me something to eat at places that omnivores like to frequent (brewpubs, food trucks, pizza joints, etc.). It's a huge upgrade compared to the pitiful "leaves with vinegar" that they would've had before. The fake meats & cheeses allows otherwise boring restaurants offer a filling veggie option with minimal change to their menu and staffing.
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* If anyone wants to try other artificial/fake vegan stuff, I really like Daring shredded chicken, Gardein fish steaks, Beyond spicy sausages, Sol Cuisine nuggets, Just Egg slices, Violife smoked provolone, and Morning Star corn dogs.
None of them are particularly healthy though, and they're all pretty expensive. Not recommended if you want to optimize for value or health.
Though I agree there's a bit of a categorical difference in the way Beyond, Impossible, and some Gardein stuff mimics meat compared to, say, jackfruit.
By contrast I love most Indian food, though I've only had it with tofu and chickpeas or lentils, not TVP or jackfruit that I know of.
I still eat burgers. They taste better than the meat versions because they're made with vegetables.
Personally, I eat meat, but I don't take issue with people who don't, and I'm glad they have more and more options, many of which I enjoy myself. But I'm not a big fan of those substitutes. I'd rather have meat, or a more traditional vegetarian/vegan dish(even something like a black bean burger).