Topic: plant-based diet

Why I’m Embracing My Vegan Label

Just as for some people the term “feminist” conjures up images of aggressive, bra-burning man-haters, many people assume all vegans are PETA enthusiasts who think meat is murder. But I’m not one of those vegans, so I avoid calling myself vegan at all. If someone directly asks if I’m a vegan, I squirm and pull a Beyonce: “I guess I’d call myself a modern-day vegan. I don’t eat animal products, but I’m not an extremist….” But in doing this, am I reinforcing negative vegan stereotypes? More »

Rosie O’Donnell Seems Confused About What “Plant-Based Diet” Means

Rosie O’Donnell’s been vocal about the plant-based diet she’s adopted since her heart attack. But she told Dr. Oz (on an episode set to air October 25th) that she’s a pescetarian…who eats a plant-based diet. Huh? More »

Study Says Vegetarians Live Longer Than Meat Eaters (We’re Not Surprised)

A new study from Loma Linda University found that people who eat a vegetarian diet may live up to nine years longer than people who eat meat. We can’t say we’re surprised at the findings; This is just more evidence to add to the growing case that a plant-based diet is better for both your body and for the earth. More »

U.S. Corn and Soy Yields Dive Due to Drought…But Don’t Go Paleo Yet

Thanks to one of the worst droughts we’ve had in years, corn and soy farms are having a pretty terrible year. The USDA announced lower yield expectations for the second month in a row today, but if you’re thinking the lack of soy and corn might make it a good time to try paleo, think again. For starters, the market is still confused…so it’s still unclear whether this is going to drive up our grocery store bills. But even if it does drive up grocery store bills, you’ll probably feel it most in meat and processed foods. More »

Lance Armstrong Is (Mostly) Vegan, Proving Even Mainstream Athletes Don’t Need Meat

Vegan athletes used to be unheard of; they’re still niche, but a handful of impressive, outspoken advocates (Brendan Brazier, Rich Roll, and Scott Jurek) are pushing a plant-based, super-active lifestyle into the spotlight, at least among the health-obsessed. But now Lance Armstrong is on board, and we’re pretty sure this could launch it into a full-blown trend. More »

The Engine 2 Diet‘s Rip Esselstyn Says Firefighters Can Save Us From Obesity

The Engine 2 Diet's RipÂ Esselstyn Says Firefighters Can Save Us From Obesity

Last week, a disturbing study was released, which showed that as many as 88% of American firefighters are either overweight or obese–that means our first-responders are more likely to be at an unhealthy weight that the average American. But the author of The Engine 2 Diet Rip Esselstyn, a former triathlete and firefighter who appeared in last year’s hugely influential Forks Over Knives, wants to change that by getting more firehouses on a plant-based diet: He says if they can make the swap to a plant-based diet, anyone can. More »

Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet Linked to Higher Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease Deaths

Low-carb diets have been shown to have a lot of health benefits, but not all are equal. A Harvard study found that people who eat a low-carb, high-protein diet where most of the protein comes from meat have a 14% increased risk of dying from heart disease, and a 28% increased risk of dying of cancer. This is compared to people who eat a low-carb, high-protein diet with most of the protein coming from plant-based sources.

Is this research enough to make you change your eating habits? More »

Diet vs. Exercise: Reaching Health Goals Fast

We’re always reaching for our next health goal: We want to feel better, lose weight, have more energy, head off heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, and look great. But what’s the best way to get there? Women’s Health examined several … More »