Cutting Edge

Health
The Vegan Edition
December 15th, 2016

Vegan: Not Just a Trend, a Lifestyle

By Christine Carter-Huffman, Marlana Krulish, Meaghan
McAllister & Brenna OBrien

Introduction
Here in our newsletter, The Happy Vegan. We now present Veganism! The
definition of a vegan is one who does not eat or use animal products. Here in
New Paltz, we are all privileged to be open to a community that enables
people to more easily practice this lifestyle. With restaurants, vegans, and
information about veganism to our handle, we as a group have been able to
understand why people pursue this healthy lifestyle. We also gained insight
on the common misconceptions of veganism, along with the knowledge to

educate people of this defining aspect of New Paltz. Our multigenre project
includes interviews, consent forms, research, field notes, surveys and this
newsletter. Our project has taught us about this up and coming lifestyle of
veganism.

What You Think Being Vegan

Means
A Meat Lovers Nightmare
Its 12pm, youre sitting down in the cafeteria about to dig into the
meatball sub youve been dreaming about since your 8am meeting.
Suddenly, appearing from the depths of hell from which they were spawned,
your vegan colleagues sit beside you. You try to prepare for the judging
glances that will inevitably turn into a heated argument across the lunch
table at least thats what you thought. But then something astonishing
happens. You and your meaty mess rest peacefully next to the tofu tower of
your vegan counterpart. Not a single comment was made questioning your
health or your love for animals - in fact, you sat in complete silence. A
miracle!
For the average person, this scene of people minding their own
business at the lunch table is not a novel concept, but once a vegan is
thrown into the equation, for many, this becomes an anomaly of sorts. But
why? We investigated this negative connotation to vegans by asking local,
non-vegan New Paltz students this question:

What Crosses Your Mind When You Hear The Word Vegan?

The responses were no surprise: Annoying, attention seeking, tree

huggers - all adjectives students used to describe the stereotypical vegan.
A junior at SUNY New Paltz, Tallie, explained her unease with the vegan
community. She says everyone knows that one vegan, someone who
cant enter a room without introducing themselves as a vegan. Its
obnoxious, Tallie explains. Although she admires how mindful and
conscientious they are about what they put into their bodies, sometimes
they take it too far. This is because almost as strong as their love for
animals is a vegans love to educate. Tallie recalls a friend who would often
get very aggressive when discussing her dietary choices with those who
didnt follow her vegan ways. This would escalate to the point of yelling.
After sitting through countless, gruesome facts about the meat industry,
everyone in the room was left feeling uncomfortable and self conscious.
Although she doesnt believe every vegan behaves in this self righteous way,
she confesses its hard to shake the image from her mind.
Although many people share this outside view of veganism, its
important to remember that these stereotypes are just that - stereotypes. It
is true that veganism has become more of a defining, life characteristic, than
a simple meal plan. Still, being vegan is not about being the smartest
person in the room, but about personal aspirations to live a healthier,
happier life. Although we may not always agree or understand their tedious
and often difficult eating habits, it is important for us to give the respect that
we desire from them.

What Being Vegan Really Means

To be a vegan, one must not eat or use any products created
by animals. This includes their meat, dairy, fur, and anything else
that may come from them. Although it is definitely challenging,
there are many vegan alternatives to some of ones favorite foods
and products. Although I am currently not vegan, I really respect
the lifestyle and may aspire to turn into one someday.
We spoke with vegan and fellow New Paltz student, Katie
Gantley. We asked her a few questions about how her experience
of being a vegan has been. Our first question for her was What

does it mean to be a Vegan?. Katie responded how being a

vegan is being in sync with your body. Previously, her body had
rejected milk and eggs. This being so, becoming a vegan would
be healthier for her body. She described being a vegan as having
respect for other living beings. She explained to us how she used
to only be a vegetarian. It wasnt until she learned from her
Biology teacher that when you kill an animal, you put negative
energy in its body and then you eat that negative energy. Those
words had geared Katie into becoming a vegan. Veganism can
also open up opportunities to delicious food. I really really love
food said Katie when asked if becoming a vegan has changed
her outlook on diet. She told us how, if anything, being a vegan
has allowed her to gain a better understanding of food. Katie
often finds herself experimenting different recipes in the kitchen
when searching for healthy vegan alternatives to traditional
meals.
Surprisingly, there are many delicious alternatives to foods
that seem impossible to make without any animal product. Foods
like ice cream, burgers, and mac cheese can all be created in a
vegan friendly way and still be delicious at the same time. By
talking with Katie, we got to see an insight to the life of a vegan.

Ask Alexis
Dec 04, 2016
Dear Alexis,
Im thinking about becoming a vegan but Im really worried that I am not going to get
enough protein in my diet. I am an athlete and Im not sure if I will be able to change my diet
and still keep my energy up. What are some alternatives for meat? Thanks!
-Liz, 24

Hi Liz,
I have notice this problem a lot for new-comer vegans, and I want to let you know it is
possible to get the same amount of protein as meat eaters through plant products! Here is a
list of some proteins that I incorporate in my diet everyday: Tempeh, nut butters, nuts,
Lentils, Chickpeas, Quinoa, Peas, Oats, tofu and Spinach! Also, just to add some more
protein in your diet a fun thing to do is to get berry protein powder and put it in your
oatmeal. It is actually really good and adds some more flavor! Hopefully these suggestions
will help!
-A
Dec 05, 2016
Dear Alexis,
Im trying to become a vegan but I have no idea where to start. Please help!
-Barbara, 34
Barbara,
Dont panic! When I first realized I wanted to be vegan I was so lost too. However, you have
to start somewhere! With me I had to slowly eliminate certain foods that I couldnt eat
instead of drastically changing my diet. I started first with meat and took out each type of
meat and I gradually got used to the new diet. But you cant restrict yourself too much, allow
yourself to have some meat now and then, but slowly decrease the amount you intake. This
goes for dairy products and any other food products that go against the vegan diet.
Dec 05, 2016
Dear Alexis,
What are the benefits for becoming vegan? All my friends are becoming vegans and I want
to know if it is worth changing my lifestyle to become one too.
-Kerry, 53
Dear Kerry,
Honestly, changing your lifestyle is really hard and it cant be just because your friends want
to. It has to come from what you personally want to do. There are many health benefits
when becoming a vegan, which is why so many switch over. So I would say it is worth, if you
are committed to become one. Some health benefits are: reduced risk of diseases, lower
blood pressure, reduced risk of obesity, and many other things!
-A

The Growing Identity of New Paltz

There is definitely no shortage of vegan restaurants in the Town of New Paltz.

One well known by the locals is Karma Road. Opened in 2007, Karma Road is
proud to serve food made with organic locally sourced ingredients. Almost
every restaurant in town offers vegan options because of the growing
number of vegans and vegetarians in the area.
Another Vegan friendly eatery is Lagustas Luscious and Commissary.
Lagustas opened in 2003 as a vegan chocolatier. Wanting to expand their
horizons, they opened Commissary coffee shop down the road, also in the
town of New Paltz. At the quaint coffee shop they offer Lagustas chocolates
along with a variety of rare teas and coffees. A popular spot among the
college student to spend their weekend afternoons studying.
Down a bit at water street market is Kosiner Brothers hot dog cart, Donut
shop, and fry shack. The Kosiner Brothers started their business venture with
the hot dog cart in 2012. They offer traditional, veggie, and even vegan hot
dogs at their stand. All made with local ingredients and served with
homemade toppings.
At the other end of town is Main Course catering and dining. The catering
division of the company opened in 1993 specializing in American and
Vegetarian cuisine. In their sit down restaurant they offer a variety of vegan
meal options and pastries.
A delightful bakery in the heart of town is The Sweet Bunny. A strictly gluten
free bakery has drawn quite a crowd. Also popular in this sweet stop is the
vegan baked goods. The owner herself is gluten conscious since finding out
she has celiac disease and has decided to carry that over into her business.
Aside from these great restaurants, hidden in the back roads of New Paltz is
a quaint bed and breakfast, The Hungry Ghost. Owned and Operated by
Petra and Mike Trunkes since 2005. Petra home cooks all the meals for the
guests with all natural local produce and specializes in the vegan diet. When
staying at the Hungry Ghost, you are guaranteed different healthy and
delicious meals each day!