The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice and Sustainability

on August 29, 2009 - 8 Comments

The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice and Sustainability

The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice and Sustainability

Regardless of your eating habits, the following is a MUST listen to interview.

I recently stumbled upon this GEM and was so moved by the interview that I had to pass this information along to you because of the social, environmental, and political cages this book is going to rattle.

Lierre Keith was recently interviewed by the good folks, Jon and Cathy Payne, at Our Natural Life about her new book The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice and Sustainability.

In this provocative hour long interview, Lierre intimately discusses her radical change from a strict vegan lifestyle to a diet that now incorporates sustainable and ethically raised animal products.

Here is a woman, who sacrificed her physical, mental and emotional health and well-being for an ideology that she clung to, tooth and nail for 20 years, until finally, her health was on the brink of collapse.

Depression, fatigue, infertility. Her body suffered. The Vegetarian Myth digs deep and addresses the serious health concerns and environmental implications that the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle presents.

I especially appreciated her views on the state of our food system as well as practical ways to re-introduce animal based products into your life if you are reconsidering your vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

I give Lierre props for taking the time, energy and courage to write such a book.

Power to you, girl.

Now go to listen to that interview!

**I must give credit, where credit is due, and thank Sean Croxton of Underground Wellness, and Cathy Payne of Our Natural Life for exposing me to this eye-opening and provocative interview**

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  • http://www.OurNaturalLife.com/blog/ Cathy Payne

    Awesome, Sirena! I’m so glad that this very informative and passionate book is getting the attention it deserves. I discovered it by listening to Sean Croxton’s interview with Sally Fallon Morrell on Underground Wellness. During their chat she mentioned this book and the specific passage that I asked Lierre to read aloud during our interview. I was intrigued and invited Lierre to be a guest on our show. She came across extremely well, in spite of admitting to being a shy interviewee. Thanks for spreading the word and letting people know this is a book about sustainability, health, and proper eating for anyone who cares about these issues.

  • sirenab

    Cathy, honestly, I have to thank you for such a wonderful podcast. You and Jon are doing an amazing job at Our Natural Life. I am so excited to spread the word about good, real food and even more excited to meet other awesome people looking to educate our communities in an uplifting and positive manner. Lierre’s passage in the interview was poignant, honest, and very candid, which is why I think the interview has received a great response. I look forward to your future podcasts.

    Your friend,
    Sirena

  • http://TheNakedDish Bonnie Semsey

    This was a very eye-opening interview, even for someone like myself who has never dabbled in the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. I’ve always felt alittle bit of guilt for my meat eating ways because of the horrific way our food is obtained commercially. But always knew that just plant-life alone would never totally sustain or benefit us in the long run. I’m glad to hear there are pastures where cows are happily grazing on grass and socializing with other cattle in preparation for their ultimate sacrifice. Although, now I may never eat veal again knowing these young calves haven’t experienced a rich and full life.
    Anyway, I do have a nephew who when he was 15 decided to become a vegan because his girlfriend at the time was, and I can recall how pale and tired he always looked. About 4 years later and no longer dating this this girl, he of course decided this lifestyle was not for him and he told me his first meal was a Chinese Buffet. OMG, of all things! I’m sure it wasn’t pretty and he did confirm it was BAD. But, he hasn’t looked back since. I’m hoping another nephew of mine who’s 19 and very intelligent, will listen to this interview and learn that this type of lifestyle will ultimately wreak havoc on his body.
    Thank you Sirena for your website and all the great information you dispense on a daily basis!

  • sirenab

    Thank you for a great comment Bonnie. The interview is a great eye-opener and I’m glad that you’re spreading the word.

    And yes, there are pastures where cows can roam happy and free! Grass fed and free range animal products are the way to go, and a good source for home delivery for such products is : http://www.uswellnessmeats.com. Also, you can check out http://www.localharvest.org for a farmer’s market and local organic resources near your area.

    I’m glad that you’re finding this site useful, and I appreciate all of your support. Chat soon!

    Sirena

  • http://news.runtowin.com Blaine Moore

    I wasn’t really sure what to make of the info in the interview. A lot of it sounded like a fanatic, but she’s obviously done some research so you get some actual good arguments behind that.

    I sent the article along to a buddy of mine that is basically a vegetarian because his wife and friends all are to see what his take on it is.

  • sirenab

    Yeah, the book is going to ruffle some feathers for sure. Especially from her former vegan/vegetarian comrades.

    After being vegetarian for 20 years, and then to start to introduce animal products, says something.

    And yes, it sounds like she did do her research — I will know more as soon as her book comes in from Amazon, so I’ll let you know.

    There’s another book called “Meat: A Love Story” by Susan Bourette I was recently told about — add it to the list.

    I’m actually hoping to connect with her for an interview myself. Should be interesting.

    Either way, I LOVE listening to both sides of the stories, I think each view has good, valid points, although I like my grass-fed bison.

    I’m curious, are you vegetarian/vegan?

  • http://www.OurNaturalLife.com Jon Payne

    Sirena;
    Due to our website crash the link in your article no longer works. Readers can use this link instead.

    http://ournaturallife.com/blog/2009/08/onl050-in-defense-of-omnivores/

    //Jon

  • sirenab

    Thanks Jon!