This Crazy Vegan Life: A Healthy Book for the Vegan in You
James Cury blogged about teens possibly masking eating disorders by claiming to be vegetarian. After reading Christina Pirello's This Crazy Vegan Life: A Prescription for an Endangered Species (Penguin), I think it's safe to say that Pirello advocates a healthy lifestyle, one that happens to be vegan. Her story is a refreshing one: Having followed a vegan macrobiotic diet, she eventually realized that she was living an unhealthy lifestyle. But how could a vegan be unhealthy? In her case, by consuming too many desserts and snacks, and not maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise. A re-evaluation put Pirello back on track with "whole vegan food and cooking and working [out]" both her body and mind. The book addresses commonplace issues such as what to eat, when to eat, why eat X but not Y, etc., all from a vegan's point-of-view. And it is persuasive. Because who doesn't want to look more trim, have more energy, and eat well?
A few things in Pirello's book stand out. She presents a detailed 3-week detox plan that helps the body get accustomed to a healthy vegan diet. And then there's her list of staples and extras for the pantry and fridge. Very useful, in my opinion, even for someone who's been a vegetarian but not necessarily an adventurous one. (I certainly never heard of erythritol, a natural sugar substitute, before the book. And I don't have staples such as amaranth and kuzu in my kitchen.) The variety of recipes she offers, such as Creamy Minted White Beans, Millet with Cinnamon Onions, and Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Glaze, will surely fend off culinary boredom and help keep you on track with the transition. And the best thing about Pirello's argument for veganism? Her cogent and frank presentation.
I admit, I'm still partial to animal products (leather, wool, silk, etc.) and diet-wise, I still crave dairy and eggs. But if anything, the gradual re-dedication to adhering more closely to a vegetarian diet is something I can see myself doing, and hope to implement at least some of Pirello's lifestyle changes in due time.
Recipes to try:
- Citrus-Scented Seeded Muffins
- Orange-Balsamic Glazed Tempeh over Greens
- Pignoli Cookies
by Esther Sung
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