Support The Vegetarian Resource Group by purchasing a book from the VRG online book catalog. The Vegetarian Resource Group Book Catalog offers a wide range of vegan books including:

Simply Vegan
Grills Gone Vegan
Vegan Meals for One or Two
Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World
Gluten-Free Tips and Tricks for Vegans
Vegan Soul Kitchen
Vegan Brunch
Artisan Vegan Cheese
The Joy of Vegan Baking
Vegans Know How to Party
The Lowfat Jewish Vegetarian Cookbook
Teff Love
Vegan Seafood: Beyond the Fish Shtick for Vegetarians
Vegan Microwave Cookbook
More Fabulous Beans
Soups On!
Nona’s Italian Kitchen
Food Allergy Survival Guide
The Natural Vegan Kitchen
Asian Fusion
The Indian Vegan Kitchen
The 4-Ingredient Vegan
The Almond Milk Cookbook
And so many more….

FREE media mail shipping for orders over $30 in the United States only! Inquire about shipping costs outside the USA before placing your order.

Visit http://www.vrg.org/catalog/ to order books online and support VRG’s outreach at the same time!

The Vegetarian Resource Group will host a vegan dinner at LYFE Kitchen in Chicago (at Fairbanks and Ontario) on Sunday, October 22, 2017 during the annual meeting of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Meet VRG advisors Reed Mangels PhD, RD, Catherine Conway MS RD, Charles Stahler, Debra Wasserman, and vegetarian dietitians from around the country. The public is welcome. Please register ASAP to make sure you can grab a seat!

MENU
Edamame Hummus
Kale and Cranberry Salad
Ancient Grain Stir-Fry Bowl with stir-fried vegetables, beefless tips, quinoa, black rice, cilantro, and sweet chili-ginger sauce
Vegan Thai Red Curry Bowl with garlic-lime tofu, broccoli, eggplant, peppers, peas,
whole grain wheatberries, Thai basil, and coconut curry sauce
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie
Tea or Coffee
The meal will be served family style. Note: Seating is limited!

TO RESERVE
Send $35 per person (includes tax and tip) with names to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203; Call (410) 366-8343 9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. EST to charge over the phone. Or pay at www.vrg.org/donate and write Chicago Dinner in the Comments.

# Attending X $35/person = $_____
Donation towards professional outreach: $_____
Total enclosed: $_____

Names of attendees:
Address:
Email:
Phone:

North Carolina State University said they offer vegan meals each Wednesday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also offer vegetarian meals on Monday and Friday.

See these dishes from North Carolina State University:
https://dining.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2017-Fall-Dietitians-Dish-1.pdf

By Brigette Dumais

Paul’s Finest Quinoa Coconut and Pineapple Bar is a filling treat, perfect for camping, cycling, hiking, or just a good ol’ snack. The base is quinoa puffs and it is flavored with pineapple, coconut, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts. There is a hint of coconut sugar and sweetness from the pineapple, however the most prominent tastes are the nuts and seeds. To find out more about Paul’s Finest Quinoa, check out their website here:
https://www.paulsquinoa.com/

If you are a Federal government employee, you can support The Vegetarian Resource Group through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Look for us under Health & Medical Research Charities of America.

Please also remember The Vegetarian Resource Group in other workplace fund drives, matching gifts, etc. See: http://www.vrg.org/support.htm for other ways you can donate to VRG.

Thanks for your support!

Rachel Massey stated,

“I am interested in vegetarianism because it is a healthy, animal friendly, and exciting diet. I have always had issues with eating meat, and ever since I switched 5 years ago, I have been very content with my diet. I’ve been able to convince some friend to become vegetarian, and now I want to make a video to try to inform more people about vegetarianism.” See:
http://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php#Massey

The deadline for the next video contest is July 15, 2018. See:
http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php

For information about VRG’s College Scholarship Contest, see:
http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group scholarships and internships, donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

By Emily Wood, RD

Becoming vegan/vegetarian is such a wonderful thing. Being vegan myself has had a huge positive impact on the way I think and feel about food and the environment. However, just skipping out on the meat and other animal products is not enough. It is important to know what nutrients you need to pay attention to in any diet or lifestyle. Even with being a Registered Dietitian, I sought out guidance from books and other Dietitians’ websites that specialize in plant based eating, to help me through my own transition to vegan eating.

Registered Dietitians are your food and nutrition experts that can guide your eating to ensure that you are getting all the vital nutrients that your body needs. Registered Dietitians are different from nutritionists and health coaches, so be sure to check for the “RD” next to their name. Dietitians have 4 plus years of college under our belts, have passed a registration exam, and have completed a large amount of internship hours. Dietitians are also required to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits, so we’re up to speed on all the latest research and nutrition news.

Us Dietitians are everywhere! But there are a few good places to go to narrow us down. One place is www.eatright.org, which is the website for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. At the top of the page you will see a link for “Find an Expert.” Once you click on that you can search by zip code or specialty (there is a check box for Dietitians that specialize in vegetarian eating). Your health insurance company can also give you a list of Dietitians in your area that accept your insurance. Insurance coverage varies, so it is best to check what your individual plan covers. Not all Dietitians accept insurance, and rates can vary widely, so don’t be afraid to drop them an email or give them a call to find out what their rates are.

It is so important to feed your body the nutrients it needs to thrive. You can absolutely get what you need from eating plants alone, but if needed for your circumstances, don’t be afraid to seek out the help from an expert.

Emily Wood is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about sustaining the environment, while helping people live happier and healthier lives through plant based eating. Connect with her on her webpage www.emilywoodrd.com or email her at [email protected]

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

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

Blueberry Café
547 Central Ave.
Newark, NJ 07107
Enjoy Raw Salad Bowls, juices, smoothies, soups, and desserts! Blueberry Café has a Sunday Brunch Special which includes an 8oz juice, a breakfast item, a taco or burger wrap, and a 4oz soup or salad.

Bot Bakery
7100 S. South Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60649
All menu items at Bot Bakery are vegan, organic, and gluten free. Many reviews state that Bot Bakery has “the best baked goods ever.” Try the almond cake, whoopie pies, or deep dish “cheese” pizza for an extra special treat. Cash only!

Detroit Street Filling Station
300 Detroit St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Located in what was once a filling station opened in 1925, Detroit Street Filling Station makes everything from scratch, using local and organic produce. The range of international dishes offered, from North African cauliflower couscous to loaded nachos with Cuban black beans, demonstrates the variety and versatility of plant-based whole foods.

FuBar Toronto
735 Bloor St. West
Toronto, ON M6G 1L5 Canada
FuBar is located upstairs from Apiecalypse Now Pizza and next to Christie Pits Park. You can order vegan pizza and vegan jalapeño poppers to pair with your vegan beer. They even have vegan donuts!

Hippocrates’ Daughter
1 Mountain St.
Grimsby, ON L3M 3J5 Canada
Hippocrates’ Daughter is inspired by the famous quote by Hippocrates “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” The offer sandwiches, juices, bowls, salads, desserts, and entrees. The Fried Chick’n Po’boy is enjoyed by vegans and omnivores alike.

Leaves Café
2051 Rue de La Montagne
Montreal, QC H3G 1Z8 Canada
Leaves Café has some of the best lattes in town! You can choose between almond, soy, or coconut milk. They also have baked goods including almond brioche and donuts. Leaves Café has a minimalist aesthetic and the cafe is decorated with cool cacti and succulents.

Nick’s Kitchen
2449 Geneva Ave.
Daly City, CA 94014
Nick’s Kitchen menu features iconic American items such as meatloaf with mashed potatoes, chicken BBQ, crab cakes, and succulent ribs–all made meat-free. Nick’s also pays homage to the restaurant’s Filipino roots and serves up numerous Filipino dishes including Longsilog (sweet vegan pork sausage with tofu scramble and garlic rice) and Puto Maya at Tsokolate (sweet rice with native Filipino cacao) among others.

Ocean Organics
21 South Hope Chapel Rd.
Jackson, NJ 08527
and
570 Fischer Blvd.
Toms River, NJ 08753
and
1411 NW Central Ave.
Seaside Park, NJ 08753
Ocean Organics serves a variety of juices, smoothies, sandwiches, and acai bowls. Signature sandwiches include the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich and the Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap. The banana hemp protein shake and Vegan soft serve ice creams are a sweet treat!

On The Bus
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
On the Bus is a 1971 Volkswagen Bus that serves veggie food located at Milwaukee Public Market. The menu includes breakfast food such as acai bowls, veggie burgers and sandwiches, desserts, smoothies, and shakes!

Planta Burger
4 Temperance St.
Toronto, ON M5H 1Y4 Canada
Stop by Planta Burger for delicious vegan burgers and sides! Try the “Crab” cakes paired with cauliflower tots for a special treat. Don’t forget to order dessert including milkshakes and a root beer float.

P.S. Kitchen
246 W. 48th St.
New York, NY 10036
P.S. Kitchen is conveniently located in New York City’s Theatre District in Midtown West. They donate 100% of their profit to various sustainable charities. Their “Buffalo Hen of the Woods” dish is among the most highly rated entrees. The “Maitake Mushroom Bun” is also very popular. P.S. Kitchen has a wide selection of desserts, including Strawberry Shortcake and “Chocolate & Raspberry.”

Roots Café
408G Paulding Ave.
Northvale, NJ 07647
The cafe is located on the rear side of a large commercial complex, so keep an eye out for signs pointing you their way. Roots Café has a “Build Your Bowl” option so you can customize your delicious meal. They also keep their menu fresh with Daily Specials. Many patrons recommend the “Beyond Good” Burrito. Roots Cafe has a unique, cozy ambience and is filled with plants.

Sweet Green Café
25 N. Spruce St.
Ramsey, NJ 07446
In addition to delicious vegan food, gluten free, raw, and oil free options are available at Sweet Green Café. They have a “sweet” menu and a “savory” menu. The Tofu Scramble Veggie Sandwich is a signature dish.

Vegan Tree
952 Rte. 34, Ste. 4
Matawan, NJ 07747
Vegan Tree serves appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, rice entrees, noodles, and smoothies. Favorites include the King Pao Fusion Rice Dish and the Vegan Tree Stir-Fried Noodles. The Vegan Tree Green Smoothie is a great treat!

The Scientific Update column in the latest issue of Vegetarian Journal focused on Long-Term Studies of Vegetarians in the Past 35 Years. Vegetarian Resource Group Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, reports “In the past 35 years, at least six large-scale, long-term studies of vegetarian adults have been conducted. Some studies examine different kinds of vegetarians (lacto-ovo and vegan, for example) and some studies often include non-vegetarians for comparison purposes. Study subjects are asked about their diets and their health and are often given follow-up questionnaires every few years for the duration of the study. These studies can last 20 or more years, so they offer an opportunity to learn a lot about changes in health over time. Subjects make their own choices about diet, exercise, and other factors. Their reports of health issues may be checked using medical records or other records like death registries. These studies provide us with a great deal of information about vegetarian health and mortality and have changed the way that many healthcare professionals think about vegetarian diets.”

To continue reading the article see:
http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2017issue3/2017_issue3_scientific_update.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal, visit:
http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

By Emily Wood, RD CDN

If you are admitted to a hospital the last thing you want to have to worry about is “will they have something I can eat there?” After working in a hospital for 8 years I have heard it all (well maybe). Fortunately for vegans, more hospitals are shifting from “here eat this” to “what can I get for you today?” The increase in hospitals adapting Room Service style meal ordering is on the rise, which allows people to order what they want, when they want it. There is usually a set menu, however, having this type of meal ordering system allows a greater variety of food items to be offered on any given day, which allows people such as vegetarians and vegans to have a wider selection.

Upon any admission to a hospital you will be asked about food allergies, and a diet order will be placed for you by the doctor. This is a good time to mention any dietary restrictions, such as not eating meat, eggs, or dairy, so that these specifications can be in writing in your diet order. The kitchen must follow any instructions that are placed in the written diet order.

Something else to try is that certain hospitals may be willing to accommodate special requests that are within reason. For example, if you usually drink soy milk and they do not have any available, a kitchen supervisor may be able to run to the nearest grocery store to have some on hand during your stay. I’m not saying that all hospitals will do this, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Another option is to have your friends or family bring in food items for you. If this is something you would like them to do for you, then it is always a good idea to check with the doctor or nurses to get the “ok.” You do not want to bring in any food that may compromise your treatment or plan of care. One thing that I think is very important to mention, since vegans may incorporate many raw foods into our diet, is take extra caution eating raw foods if your immune system is compromised. When your immune system is not functioning like it should, it makes us more susceptible to the bacteria that may be present on raw foods, which may further worsen illness. Therefore, if you know your immune system is compromised, it is best to stick with cooked, canned, or processed foods only.

As a last remark, I want to point out that every hospital is required to have a Registered Dietitian on staff. Registered Dietitians are your food service advocates, and are there to give you guidance on food selection and uphold any food preferences you may have. So don’t be afraid to ask, we’re here to help!

Emily Wood, RD CDN is a Registered Dietitian in Buffalo, NY who is passionate about sustaining the environment, and helping people live happier, healthier lives through plant based eating.