Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Feed Your Mind, It's Reading Time

The title of this post was inspired by a PJ t-shirt that I simply love. I recieved it a few years back at some sort of teacher's conference and for some reason it quickly became my favorite. I have tried to convince Patrick that an x-large tshirt with with pictures of young children and holes in the armpit is lingerie but he remains unconvinced.
So tomorrow is my first day back with the kiddos. Even though this is my 4th year as a teacher and I had many "first days of school" before even becoming a teacher, I still get butterflies the night before school starts.

Because I was a little nervous and worked up today, I completely spaced on taking foodie pics. Mostly I had some lunchbox staples: dinner leftovers, cherries, veggies & hummus, whole wheat pita, etc.

I know, lame right? Who wants to read a list of what I ate without any visuals?? Don't worry, I have a special surprise to make it up to you ; )

In honor of the first day of school, and the fact that I am indeed a reading teacher, I'm announcing the first ever Veggies and Beanz GIVEAWAY!!

When I first decided I wanted to make a change in my diet, I did not immediately go vegan. I started reading. The more I read, the more I knew veganism was the right choice for me. That is not to say it is the only choice, but regardless of whether you eat meat or not, it is worth reading about the food you're eating. Trust me, if you're like me, there is a lot that will shock you. Below is a list of some of the books that have most influenced my diet and a brief description of each.

Here is how the giveaway works. Post a comment before 9:00pm tomorrow night saying what book from the post you would like to read and provide a brief explanation of why you're interested. I will randomly select a number and award that reader with a brand new copy of the book of their choice. Hurray for reading (and food of course...)
This is the most recent book I read. It explains why eating has become such a complicated issue in our country and gives you some simple tips for how to eat right and drastically improve your health. Very readable -I read it beachside in St. Lucia if that tells you anything.
This book is by the same author as the first but it is a little more in depth. It explains the science behind the food we eat each day and even traces some of the food we put into our mouth back to its source in a factory or laboratory (but rarely a farm) as you'll find out...

This is a cookbook I just recieved from a great friend : ) The recipes are a little complex but the results are delicious. It is also the most complete vegan cookbook I own.


This is sort of an "in your face" approach to veganism. It focuses on the moral and political issues associated with our eating choices and suggests that veganism is the ONLY way. Not for the faint of heart. However, the authors have a unique style that left me laughing out loud more than once.




This book is amazing if you know little about the food revolution that is beginning to occur in our country. It gives an overview of the problems with the way food is produced and distributed in our country. However, it is not a boring, dense, informational text. The author uses personal anecdotes to illustrate his points. This one will surely affect the way you feel about food and our world.

This is a basic guidebook for new vegans. It answers all the questions you are probably wondering about if you are considering making a change in your diet. It includes information about nutrition, grocery shopping, cooking and even how to talk to other people about your lifestyle without sounding preachy or totally nuts!



This is the book that inspired me to change my lifestyle. I have to say, it is not as well written or researched as some of the others on my list but it is so charming and engaging. I couldn't put it down and clearly I was convinced. Also, this is one of the few books on the list that includes some yummy recipes!


My FAVORITE cookbook. The recipes are easy to follow and delicious for vegans and nonvegans alike.


Which one do you want???? My treat! Just leave a comment below : )
The winner will be announced tomorrow. Good luck!



9 comments:

  1. This is a tough one. They all look interesting. I would have to go with In Defense of Food since I'm thinking it would answer a lot of my questions. I'm thinking of new initiatives for a Wellness plan at work and doing some research. All this research has got me readjusting my own eating/exercise habits. I am trying to make sense out of all of the contradictory information out there.

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  2. Ok...I really need to get healthy. I love my junk food just a little too much. When I think about what I eat, I don't really eat a lot of meat. I think it's time for me to look into healthier alternatives.

    The Omnivore's Dilemma sounds like me. But The Kind Diet is also me. It's a tough one.

    BTW I am loving your blog!!

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  3. eat, drink & be vegan! Because it's your FAVORITE cookbook and you say the recipes are simple!!!

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  4. The Kind Diet (since Kiirsten already voted for eat, drink & be vegan...) because I recently saw a clip on the news about this book and was interested in reading it!!

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  5. eat, drink & be vegan. Sorry Kiirsten, I am competing with you on this one. I would like some healthier recipes to start cooking with.

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  6. I have to also go with Eat Drink and be Vegan. I'm looking for recipes that don't involve meat as the primary focus and I need easy and simple recipes as I'm an inexperienced cook! I'm really enjoying your blog!!! :)

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  7. Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan for me as well. (This is so much fun, by the way!) I'm interested in the recipes and starting to cook more. I would like to do more non-meat based meals as well. I also like the cover! And it's your favorite so it must be awesome.

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  8. I have to go with The Kind Diet..mostly because I LOVE cookies and that peanut butter recipe seems delightful! Yum! I can't wait to try my hand at that recipe soon.

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  9. Last minute entry! I want them all! But the Michael Pollen books look great. I have hear such good things about him and saw him in Food Inc. Want to read more from him.

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