Teachers in our schools are supplied with a multitude of resources from the closely aligned meat and dairy industries. These materials are designed to establish in children’s minds the idea that we must eat meat to obtain iron and that cow’s milk is essential for bone building in humans. Neither of these industry-derived fabrications is …
At last we can celebrate spring and spend more time in the outdoors! Here is a list of simple or collaborative meals for when you return home. These and similar ideas are from Raising Vegetarian Children by J. Stepaniak and V. Melina (McGraw-Hill 2003). 1. Create a spread of make-your-own-tacos. Set out taco shells or …
If the word “vegetables” doesn’t conjure in your mind sensations of colour, fragrance, delicious flavour and bountiful health, it’s time to update your attitude about these amazing foods. When we have a savoury dip, crackers, and salad for lunch, and build our dinner around veggies, we consume a wealth of vitamins, minerals and other nutritious …
In addition to taking a little extra vitamin D, I typically try to go somewhere sunny for a week or two during our grey days of winter and early spring. In March, I had the opportunity to attend the Fifth International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition, this year in California. (Program overview at www.vegetariannutrition.org/program-overview.html). This conference, …
When people switch toward a diet that is more plant-centered, a question often encountered is \”Where do you get your protein?\” As it turns out, it’s easy to get more than enough protein from plant foods. For example, here’s how much protein we get from each of the following: a cup of lentils or beans …
In recent months, this column has touched on our food choices and their impact on global warming. Since the Food and Agriculture Organization’s recent report “Livestock’s Long Shadow”, many of us are choosing to be part of the solution, rather than worsening the problem. The FAO report confirmed that livestock, including dairy cattle, are a …
Recent columns in Common Ground have explored the effects of our food choices on global warming and on other crucial environmental issues. It’s clear that including more plant-based meals and going organic is a gift to planet earth and to future generations. Here we help you add some healthful, delicious, and simple meals to your …
During the holidays, young people return from college, relatives arrive from near and far, and we connect with seldom seen friends. For an estimated one family in four (and the number is growing), festive holiday meals must be adjusted to accommodate one or more vegetarians. These include young people with concerns about animal rights and …
On crisp autumn days, we welcome our return to a warm home. It increases our pleasure to be greeted by the scrumptious aromas of potatoes baking in the oven and a savoury soup simmering on the stove. Vegetables such as potatoes and yams are welcome features of fall menus. The potato originated in what is …
This fall, HealthCanadawill publish a new and updated food guide. On April 10 at SFU Harbour Centre in downtownVancouver, HealthCanadahosted an event for stakeholders, which presumably means everyone who eats. I was happily surprised to find that they did not mean steakholders. Our proposed guide is showing much more allegiance toward health than its American …
