The Vegetarian Resource Group Blog

Cynthia King: Vegan Dancer and Ballet Shoe Entrepreneur

Posted on December 04, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

In the latest Vegan Action column in Vegan Journal, Keryl Cryer highlights the accomplishments of Cynthia King. Cynthia founded her Brooklyn, New York, dance studio in 2002 and parents asked which dance shoes she would recommend. At the time, there weren’t any cruelty-free and affordable options and she decided to create her own. Read the entire article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue4/2024_issue4_vegan_action.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on December 04, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo from Freepik

by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes; most of these people have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with health complications including eye disease, foot problems, heart disease, stroke, nerve problems, and kidney disease. Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and possibly medications.

A recent study that I was involved with examined previously published studies of use of vegetarian, including vegan, diets in treatment of type 2 diabetes (1). We evaluated and summarized seven studies that had been done on this topic.

One of our most interesting results was that in adults with type 2 diabetes who were placed on a vegan diet, their hemoglobin A1C decreased more than it did in adults with type 2 diabetes who were on a nonvegetarian diet. Hemoglobin A1C is determined by a blood test and it indicates what your average blood sugar levels are. The magnitude of the decrease in hemoglobin A1C seen in those on a vegan diet is clinically relevant. A vegan diet was also associated with a decrease in body mass index (BMI). Use of vegetarian, including vegan, diets appeared to be associated with a lower requirement for diabetes medications.

We concluded, based on our results, that vegetarian or vegan dietary patterns should be presented as an option in nutrition care plans for adults with type 2 diabetes. Several organizations including the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (2) and Diabetes Canada (3) support the use of vegetarian/vegan diets to manage type 2 diabetes.

References

  1. Guest NS, Raj S, Landry MJ, et al. Vegetarian and vegan dietary patterns to treat adult type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Nutr. 2024;15:100294.
  2. Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group (DNSG) of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Evidence-based European recommendations for the dietary management of diabetes. Diabetologia. 2023;66:965-985.
  3. Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee, Sievenpiper JL, Chan CB, Dworatzek PD, Freeze C, Williams SL. Nutrition therapy. Can J Diabetes. 2018;42 Suppl 1:S64-S79.

To read more about vegetarian/vegan diets and diabetes see:

Vegan Menu for People with Diabetes

Book Review: The Plant-Powered Plan to Defeat Diabetes

Dietary Factors Associated with Type 2 Diabetes

A Vegan Diet May Reduce the Risk for Developing Type 2 Diabetes in Overweight Adults

The contents of this website and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal and Vegan Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

Support VRG on Giving Tuesday!

Posted on December 03, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

Today is Giving Tuesday. Please consider supporting all the vegan outreach that The Vegetarian Resource Group does throughout the year. Donate at www.vrg.org/donate We greatly appreciate your support!

Cooking with Collard Greens

Posted on December 03, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo by Hannah Kaminsky

The latest issue of Vegan Journal includes a piece by Nava Atlas called “Collard Comforts.” Enjoy recipes for Stir-Fried Collard Greens and Cabbage; Spicy Collard Greens with Black-Eyed Peas and Tomatoes; Hoisin-Glazed Collard Greens and Sweet Potatoes; Rosemary Potatoes and Collard Greens with Vegan Sausage; and Roasted Collard Greens with Polenta and Brussels Sprouts. These delicious recipes can be found here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue4/2024_issue4_collard_comforts.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/

Donate to The Vegetarian Resource Group Today!

Posted on December 03, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

The Vegetarian Resource Group continues to be very busy on a daily basis. Below are some examples of successes and activities. Your support is greatly appreciated! You can donate to The VRG at www.vrg.org/donate

Here’s a sampling of some of our accomplishments and outreach:

  • The Vegetarian Resource Group Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, was interviewed for an article for Contemporary Pediatrics about nutritional benefits and/or drawbacks of veganism and vegetarianism in adolescents. The aim of this article is to provide general practice pediatricians with guidance and nutritional information that they can share with their patients who may want to pursue either of these diets. Reed was also interviewed in The New York Times about nutrition for new vegetarians or those transitioning to a vegetarian diet.
  • The Dental Hygienist’s Guide to Nutritional Care textbook asked to reprint VRG’s My Vegan Plate. One of our VRG interns separately said, “This visual was also a resource my supervisor, the registered dietitian I worked with during my peer nutrition coach internship, recommended for vegan clients.”
  • Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, spoke for the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group Spotlight session at the annual FNCE meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The session was based on two systematic reviews of topics in vegetarian nutrition, namely, Vegetarian Nutrition for Disease Management and Vegetarian Nutrition for Disease Prevention, that were conducted for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library. The session is titled Exploring the Rewards and Challenges of Vegetarian Diets: A Fresh Look at the Academy’s Position.
  • Charles Stahler and Debra Wasserman coordinated a booth at the Animal Vegan Summit in Alexandria, Virginia, while Elsa Spencer, PhD, staffed a VRG booth at Charlottesville VegFest in Virginia, Phil Becker staffed a booth at World VegFest in San Francisco, California, and Heather Francis coordinated VRG’s booth at the Boston Veg Food Fest in Massachusetts.
  • VRG sent 600 of VRG’s I Love Animals and Broccoli Coloring Books plus El arco iris vegetariano coloring books to PG County Maryland WIC. A nutritionist from a county health department in New Jersey asked to reprint our My Vegan Plate. We sent 400 Vegan Journals for grab bags for the Columbia, South Carolina VegFest and also Sarasota, Florida VegFest, and we sent a box of brochures for tabling at a Black Family Wellness Expo in AL. We also shipped a box of Vegan Journals to be distributed at Texas VegFest in Austin, Texas.
  • VRG continues to host interns/volunteers throughout the year.

This is just a small sampling of what we are doing at VRG every day. Thank you so much! We couldn’t do this without your support.

Please donate to VRG at www.vrg.org/donate You can also mail donations to The Vegetarian Resource Group, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203 or call in your donation to (410) 366-8343 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm EST.

Notes from The Coordinators of The Vegetarian Resource Group

Posted on December 02, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

In the latest issue of Vegan Journal, VRG Co-Coordinators Charles Stahler and Debra Wasserman discuss the topic “Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?” Read their Notes from the Coordinators column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue4/2024_issue4_note_coordinators.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/

Vegan Restaurants Added to The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Guide to Veggie Restaurants in the USA and Canada

Posted on December 02, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo from ChagaRoot

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: www.vrg.org/restaurant

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide:

Anna’s Vegan Café, 3500 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820

A cozy, quiet eatery in the heart of Oak Park offering a wide variety of Pan-Asian fare. The entire menu is vegan, and some items are gluten-free. Some customer favorites include Eggplant Basil, Vegetables Chow Mein, Mixed Vegetables with Tofu, Lucky Lemongrass Tofu, Curry Delight Clay Pot, Chow Mein Wonder, and Mongolian Wonder. The food was consistently reported as being perfectly seasoned, fresh, and flavorful, served in jumbo-sized portions. There are lunch specials available on select weekdays. Please note that there is a small dining space with high chairs if needed, with parking available at the back and the side of the building. In addition, they are handicap-accessible.

ChagaRoot, 3318 E Flamingo Rd., Ste. D, Las Vegas, NV 89121

ChagaRoot uses their locally grown mushrooms to create burgers, tacos, bowls, and smoothies. The lion’s mane “chicken” sandwich can be cooked in 3 styles (battered, grilled, or sautéed) and is tossed in beet sriracha aioli and topped with sauce, pickles, and shredded lettuce. The Chagasmash burger includes cheese and mushroom-seasoned fries. Oyster mushroom tacos are served soft style with a variety of add-ons including cashew mac n cheese, coleslaw, street corn, and chili cheese fries. The signature Chagaroot bowl includes brown rice topped with sautéed mushrooms, aioli, Caesar dressing, pico de gallo, and Moroccan-style cauliflower. Several smoothie flavors are available including Vanilla Freshcap, ShroomShred chocolate, and BuffBerry button; mycoprotein and tinctures can be added to smoothies.

Freshroll, 439 Nathan Ellis Hwy., Mashpee, MA 02649

Inspired by the vibrant street food culture of Cambodia, Freshroll is a celebration of plant-based flavors that capture the essence of those bustling food stalls. From fresh spring rolls to sizzling bowls of noodle soups and many kinds of street food, Freshroll creates a plant-based spin on classic irresistible flavors. There is also a food truck that offers many of their interesting options, including refreshing smoothies and sweet boba drinks, bringing the tastes of Asia to every corner. Each dish is crafted with care and inspired by memories of childhood street food vendors, only now, it’s plant-powered and with new modern takes.

Opolis, 113 N. Crawford Ave., Norman, OK 73069

Opolis is a favorite for those who enjoy independent live music, offering a diverse lineup of bands that keeps the atmosphere buzzing. Weekly trivia nights draw in friendly competition, making it a fantastic place for friends to test their knowledge while enjoying a selection of drinks from the bar. However, the space also hosts a wide variety of other events like educational talks and makers nights, fostering creativity and community engagement. The vegan food options are new takes on classic comfort foods, catering to everyone from casual diners to dedicated plant-based eaters. On Sundays, the special brunch menu invites patrons to savor delicious dishes in a relaxed setting, making it an ideal spot for weekend gatherings with family and friends.

Raw Roots, 38 King St. E., Unit 2, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1K1 Canada

Raw Roots is an eco-conscious restaurant dedicated to promoting wellness through nourishing, plant-based cuisine. With a menu rooted in organic, whole foods, it primarily focuses on providing fresh juices, smoothies, and smoothie bowls. However, seasonal ingredients play a central role in their offerings, with a menu that shifts to include fall soups, pumpkin pie, and more. Committed to both health and sustainability, Raw Roots ensures that every dish is served in 100% compostable containers, aligning with their mission to reduce environmental impact. Beyond the restaurant, Raw Roots extends its reach through a food truck that can be booked for a variety of events, from birthdays to weddings. The restaurant also runs a program designed to help students thrive through proper nutrition. Through its entirely vegan mission, Raw Roots is all about cultivating wellness through food and community.

Sauce: Vegan Ristorante, 2641 Myrtle St., Erie, PA 16508

Sauce aims to bring new meaning to an immersive dining experience. As evidenced by the guidelines set forth for joining this intimate dinner, the focus is on the food and being completely present to appreciate and enjoy the gourmet offerings—which change on a weekly basis. Examples from previous menus include The Lust Burger—a flame-grilled vegan burger with vegan cheddar cheese, served on a butter and garlic toasted pretzel bun with all the burger fixings—and a mushroom risotto topped with vegan chicken. Dessert offerings have included a strawberry brownie, served with a whipped peanut butter buttercream, and chocolate raspberry cake. Intrigued? That is exactly the point—and check out Sauce’s website to learn more, including how to reserve your own seat at this unique vegan meal.

Vegan Stops, 12563 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92840

A family business that got its start in Orange County (California) farmer’s markets and maintains a strong presence there, Vegan Stops aims to prove that vegan food can taste great AND be healthy. With a menu that includes many gluten-free options, you can select from a variety of familiar Mediterranean dishes, from the bulgur and tomato pilaf to veggie-forward dishes including an eggplant casserole; roasted cauliflower (drizzled with a tahini sauce); and fava beans sautéed with a cilantro garlic mix. Their pumpkin squash stew is a hearty mix of pumpkin, chickpea, cilantro, tomato, and onion. They also offer falafel wraps and several hummus options, from a traditional baba ghanoush to a beet and pumpkin hummus to a habanero hummus—which you can enjoy with their white or whole wheat pita bread or baked pita chips. And based on customer feedback, Vegan Stops not only offers healthy, delicious food, but also an open, friendly welcome from its employees.

Outstanding Foods Vegan Cheese Balls

Posted on November 29, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

Read our review of Outstanding Foods vegan cheese ball snacks that come in several flavors. These are yummy! See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue4/2024_issue4_veggie_bits.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/

Please Give a Gift Subscription to Vegan Journal to Family and Friends this Holiday Season

Posted on November 29, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

Through December 31, 2024, you can give a gift membership to The Vegetarian Resource Group (includes a 1-year subscription to Vegan Journal) for $15 each. Offer is valid in the USA only!

This is a terrific way to share the vegan message, as well as support VRG outreach. Gift subscriptions can be done online by simply typing in your message and the name and address of each gift recipient in the comments field. Go to: www.vrg.org/donate

Learn about Updates to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program that Make It Easier to Follow a Vegan Diet

Posted on November 28, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

In the latest issue of Vegan Journal, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD discusses all the positive updates being made to the WIC program that will help vegans. Read her Nutrition Hotline column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue4/2024_issue4_nutrition_hotline.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/

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