Edamommy’s Vegan Diary: Vegan or Not Vegan?
Here’s an interesting list for you to chew on. A well-known animal rights organization has a list of everyday junk food that is vegan. I’m not saying it’s healthy or good, but it’s vegan approved.
Things that are vegan:
Krispy Kreme Fruit Pies (Peach)
Thomas New York Style Bagels (Plain)
Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate (Double Chocolate)
Kool-Aid Drink Mix
Nabisco Uh-oh Oreos, Spring Oreos, Chocolate Creme Oreos
Newman-O’s (Chocolate Crème)
Pez Candy
Smarties (U.S. version only)
Ben & Jerry’s Jamaican Me Crazy Sorbet
Mrs. Smith’s Dutch Apple Crumb Pie Slices
Froot Loops
Pop Tarts (Unfrosted Strawberry)
Things that are not vegan:
Grilled salmon
Plain yogurt
Skim milk
Honey
Most sushi
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May 21st, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I think this list poses a great opportunity for people to understand what veganism is really about. At it’s essence, veganism is first a lifestyle revolving around ethical concerns for the treatment of animals as well as the environment. The healthiness of a vegan diet is for many, a second concern.
Are lots of vegans interested in eating a healthy, balanced, diet? Of course. I am one of them, and I know many others. However, there are also vegans who aren’t interested in whole grains, partially hydrogenated oils, sugar consumption, or anything related to the healthfulness of their diet. They are simply concerned with eating a plant-based diet in an effort to lessen animal suffering.
While some people might adopt a vegan diet in pursuit of better health, its important to distinguish these individuals from those following a truly vegan lifestyle (in which people would eschew all animal products - including leather, wool, fur, animal-based cosmetics and cleaning products, etc.)
Veganism, at its core, is not about the pursuit of health. While, for example, I believe my diet to be balanced and healthful, as an individual who lifts weights, I realize that my training would greatly benefit from the addition of animal products in my diet. Further, I take extra care to obtain certain nutrients that could be more easily acquired from animal foods, like iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. These are all personal decisions I have made, though, with regards to my strong compassion for animals.
Clearly, you have dispelled the myth that vegan equals healthy, and I commend you for that. However, you passed up a great opportunity to further explore the meaning behind these food lists.