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March 1, 2008 – Evolving Appetites
Welcome to Evolving Appetites’ monthly newsletter. Short, informative and hopefully fun to read veggie bits. Let us know if we don’t deliver on this – we always love feedback from our readers. Contact info is at the bottom of the page.
In this issue:
- 143 million pound beef recalled in US – largest recall ever
- Veggie humour
- Heart Health recap
- Recipe of the month: Cuban black bean soup
- Loblaws EVENTS update
Largest beef recall in history
The USDA recalled 143 million pounds of beef from Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.'s plant in Chino, California in mid-February, after the Humane Society released undercover video showing workers shoving sick or crippled cows with forklifts to get them to stand. If you missed the story, here’s the link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/02/17/usdabeef.recall.ap/
Sick and crippled animals were banned from the food supply after the mad cow crisis. However, this is a blatant disregard for that law, and enforcement is obviously lacking. The recall was only issued because of the undercover video – otherwise those sick cows were headed for dinner plates. As a matter of fact, much of that beef did end up on children’s lunch plates through the US national school lunch program. The authorities claim no one got sick from eating this tainted beef. However, it is a well known fact that mad cow disease takes years to manifest – it’s not an immediate effect. So how do they know “no one got sick”? How do they know people are not in the process of getting sick?
In my opinion, this is a siren call for everyone to seriously consider a plant-based lifestyle. Not just the beef recall and related mad cow threat. Look around folks. Bird flu, E. Coli, foot and mouth disease, salmonella, mercury laden fish, the impending extinction of west coast salmon due to fish lice, (and the list goes on), are all clues from nature that we are on a path of self destruction. But we as an intelligent species have choices. We can choose life-giving, health-building foods that nourish and heal us, and help heal the planet. The choice is ours.
In my more cynical moments, I sometimes indulge in negative thinking – that perhaps a culling of the human herd is required. That 6.7 billion is too many of us – we’re stretching the limits of this planet’s capacity. If that’s the case, then these destructive habits of ours will indeed help cull the herd. But that’s a very judgmental, unenlightened view. Back to my optimistic view of humanity, I believe we all have the ability to make healing choices. The human spirit is indomitable and capable of overcoming insurmountable challenges. Looking forward to a brighter future for all.
Veggie jokes
Okay, that was pretty heavy stuff – let’s lighten up a bit. Life will always have it’s triumphs and tragedies, joys and sorrows, but humour is a healing balm for whatever ails you.
How many vegetarians does it take to screw in a lightbulb? I don't know, but where do you get your protein?
How many vegans does it take to change a lightbulb?
Two, one to change it and one to check for animal ingredients.
How many meat eaters does it take to change a lightbulb?
None, they would rather stay in the dark about things.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Because Colonel Sanders was chasing him.
Why did the vegetarian cross the road?
Because she was protesting for the chicken, MAN! (Pump fist in air for emphasis)
Why did the tofu cross the road?
To prove he wasn't chicken.
What do you call a vegetarian who goes back to eating meat?
Someone who lost their veg-inity!
Heart Health Recap
I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to speak at 3 different Rotary Clubs in the Toronto area during February. The Toronto West Rotary Club on February 14 (how apropos! – heart health talk on Valentine’s Day); Agincourt Rotary on February 21, and Don Mills Rotary on February 27.
Is your community group, place of worship, seniors' organization or other group looking for a speaker in the Greater Toronto Area? I’m a certified Heart Health speaker for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM – www.pcrm.org) and available to deliver a FREE talk to community groups. The presentation includes information based on the latest research on heart disease prevention and even reversal. It can be as short as 20 minutes, or as long as you want it to be. Includes hand-outs and materials for further follow up on how to keep your heart healthy and ticking. Please contact me to schedule. Phone: 416-491-9904 or info@evolvingappetites.com
Cuban Black Bean Soup
I’m desperately waiting for spring, and a return to lighter fare. But this past week has been brutally cold, snowy and generally yucky. Nothing like good soup to warm you up. Loaded with protein, iron and calcium, this packs a very decent nutritional punch. Serve with a salad and/or whole grain bread or flax crackers.
¼ cup water1 medium red or yellow onion, diced2 sticks celery, chopped2 carrots, sliced or diced1/2 tsp ground cumin3 cups cooked black beans, rinsed and drained2-1/2 cups water½ cup orange juice1 medium tomato, diced2 cloves fresh crushed garlicJuice of one limeSalt to taste (about a tsp)Hot chili pepper flakes to taste (optional)2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Heat water in a large pan – once near boiling add onions and sauté for about 2 mins. Add celery, carrots and cumin. When carrots and celery start to soften – about 10 mins. – add the beans and stir well to combine, stirring occasionally. Add water. Let cook for another 10 – 15 mins. Add orange juice, tomatoes, garlic, lime juice, salt and chili pepper flakes if using, and let simmer for at least another 10 – 15 mins. At this point, I stick my immersion hand blender in the pot, and partially puree the soup, leaving some beans whole for a chunky texture. You can omit this step altogether, or puree to a smooth consistency. Any which way, this is so tasty! Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
Loblaws Events update:
March 2008
Not too many events this month, as I hope to announce an exciting new project I may be involved with. (I am thrilled to be invited to speak to two psychology classes at York University on March 17th – unfortunately, these are not open to the public.)
Thursday, March 13, 20081 - 2 pmMcCowan Loblaws200 Bullock Drive (McCowan north of Hwy 7)Markham, ON905-294-4922
Next issue: April 1
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Tell us what you think – is the newsletter too long, too short, or just right? What would you like to see more of? Less of? Tell us your veggie success story, and we’ll publish it [we reserve the right to edit for space and clarity]. Contact us at info@evolvingappetites.com
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