By Caroline Hoen
Are you an animal rights person? Do you have a health issue that compromises your quality of life? Are you anxious to shed a few pounds? Are you concerned about the global environment? Would you like to strengthen your immune system against cancer and other diseases? If your answer to any of these is “yes,” you might want to consider joining a growing number of Eastmanites who are embracing the vegan lifestyle.
Vegans eat no foods derived from animals. As with vegetarians, that means no meat, fowl or fish, but it also means that eggs and dairy products are off limits, too. It is an entirely plant-based diet incorporating protein from sources such as tofu and beans. It is hard for most of us to imagine surviving without an occasional steak, tuna sandwich, or cheese omelet, but for those who have made the leap, there is apparently no sense of deprivation. On the contrary, the firm belief that they are contributing in a major way to their own health, to the humane treatment of livestock, and to the wellbeing of the planet provides powerful motivation. And the scientific evidence for the health and environmental benefits of the lifestyle keeps piling up. It is now clear that a diet built around animal protein is a contributing factor in many serious illnesses, most notably cancer and heart disease, to say nothing of obesity. And the environmental degradation caused by “factory farm” meat and poultry production is well known. Indeed, it is one of the great ironies of our time that as the world becomes more prosperous, the demand for meat in third world countries is rising—along with higher rates of disease and pollution.
Steve and Karolina Burtt / Courtesy of the Burtts
Eastman residents Steve and Karolina Burtt have been strict vegans for over 10 years. Karolina, an architect and realtor, had been suffering from painful rheumatoid arthritis and wanted to explore the health benefits of veganism. Both Burtts had been concerned about the inhumane practices of the livestock industry and were impressed by the fact that every vegan saves some 100 animals per year. They took up the challenge of the conversion together (an optimal strategy) and became even more committed as Karolina’s arthritis gradually disappeared. Today she is completely pain free. The only negative side effect of the change seems to be that she finds it difficult to be in the same room with a pound of hamburger or a wedge of ripe Brie! Steve is a computer technology professional who works throughout New Hampshire and has scoped out the vegan-friendly grocery stores and restaurants from Manchester to Montreal. He reports that even supermarket chains carry an ever-growing array of meat and dairy substitutes like veggie burgers, almond milk, and a new Ben & Jerry’s vegan ice cream, which makes stocking the kitchen easy. Karolina maintains a well-thumbed collection of vegan cookbooks, of which Vegan with a Vengeance by Isa Chandra Moskowitz is her favorite. They feel anything but deprived.
At the Goldsmiths’ house, the vegan life is a family affair. Steve and Michelle, along with their children Sarah (21) and Adam (18), switched from a mainly vegetarian diet to veganism about eight years ago after Sarah attended camp at an animal rescue farm in New York State. Steve makes the important point that with modern technology, it is easy to locate vegan-friendly stores and restaurants. He travels frequently and has no trouble finding good vegan food all over the world. He has even treated himself to a plate of vegan haggis in Glasgow!
Eastman vegans are fortunate to have an ally in Doug Langevin, owner/chef of the Bistro Nouveau at The Center at Eastman. Doug understands how to make plant-based ingredients delicious and supports both vegans and vegetarians by including dishes just for them on all his menus. He has created magnificent dinners for vegan groups in the past and looks forward to organizing more such feasts. He also does vegan catering.
Neither the Goldsmiths nor the Burtts proselytize (although Karolina’s car does sport a license plate that says “VEGAN”), but they are happy to help others interested in making the transition to veganism.
There are currently some one million vegans in the United States, and that number is growing. The practice is becoming more accepted, and the food industry is stepping up to meet an increasing demand for tasty vegan products. No longer regarded as a “far-out” practice, veganism is on the cusp of being cool. Just ask former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Probably the world’s most famous convert, he gave up his McDonald’s habit and took up the vegan life after undergoing quadruple coronary bypass surgery in 2004. He credits the diet with his survival. Not a bad point on which to rest the vegan case.
Caroline Hoen is a retired teacher and freelance writer. She and her family have lived in Eastman for six years.
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