Conversations about food and health seem to be on the increase. When the topic turns to diet, I tell how I have been striving to maintain an animal-free diet for about 10 years now. Several people then ask how I cook without eggs and other dairy products. So many seem to desire making changes to their diet that I decided to create this page detailing the resources I've found helpful.
"Thou should eat to live; not live to eat."
The first thing to do after you make the decision to change to an animal-free diet (also called plant-based diet, vegan, or total vegetarian diet) is to remember the above quote by Socrates (469 - 399 BC). Why? Because you are not going to like the taste of your new diet--it takes time to re-program the taste buds. But don't give up; eat to live. Change the focus of your life from food to other activities such as service, hobbies, recreation, family, etc. and after a few months you'll begin to enjoy your new diet and lifestyle and you will feel a whole lot better!
Many wonder, "What in the world do you eat if you don't eat any animal products?" That is an excellent question since the American diet relies heavily on cheese, eggs, milk products, and meats. Therefore, on separate pages I've listed some of the meals our family enjoys. Just click on "Breakfast," "Lunch," or "Dinner" on the left sidebar.
I've added a "recipe" section which contains some of the vegetarian recipes I mention. More vegan recipes can be found on the FLOFT website. This should give you some ideas to begin with and get you started on your journey to better health.
An excellent online resource providing lots of information on the "big picture" of healthful living--it's more than just what you eat:
CREATION Health
Books to convince you the plant-based diet is superior to the typical American diet:
The China Study
Nedley's Proof Positive
Sources providing information on how to cook healthy:
My favorite cookbooks by Neva Brackett - Best Gourmet Recipes and 7 Secrets Cookbook
An excellent DVD series demonstrating healthful cooking by Wellspring - Wellspring DVD series
3ABN has several TV cooking programs and also a recipe section - 3ABN
One of the cooking TV programs is hosted by the Micheff Sisters. 3ABN sells their cookbooks or you can purchase them by following these links: Cooking with the Micheff Sisters and Cooking Entrees with the Micheff Sisters
Seminars
Many Seventh-day Adventist Churches offer cooking schools or health classes such as the CHIP program at the Beaverton SDA Church: http://www.beavertonchip.com/.
Check with your local Seventh-day Adventist Church and see if they are offering any classes in the near future or have any other resources that may help you change your diet/lifestyle. You can follow this link to locate an SDA Church in your area: http://www.adventistdirectory.org/.
Closing Thoughts
My son was reading the Bible book of Proverbs one day and came across a verse that he decided to declare his favorite. "When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." Proverbs 23:1-3 NIV
We occasionally read it during our breakfast just to remind us that food is just food and we are to "eat to live, not live to eat."
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
