Vegucated: Thoughts & Ramblings
I’ve still been battling a pretty nasty cold, so much of the weekend was spent at home, on the couch. In an attempt to be somewhat productive, Alex and I watched Vegucated, a documentary about veganism which had been in my Netflix queue for awhile. Knowing that Shannon had recently watched it found it interesting, I figured it was worth a shot.
Overall, the documentary was mostly what you would expect. Similar to Forks Over Knives and Food Inc., it talked a lot about the health benefits of veganism, as well as animal rights. They took 3 meat-eating New Yorkers and put them on a vegan diet for 6 weeks, while educating them on the health benefits, and showing them footage of slaughterhouses.
The documentary was interesting. I’ve done a lot of research on veganism, since my 6 month vegan experiment, and I totally agree that a mostly plant based diet is generally better for your health, and better for the environment. I think my only problem with it was the focus on “veganism” as if it’s an all or nothing kind of approach.
Do I think everyone should be a vegan? No. Not necessarily. I’ve already said that I don’t think vegetarian is for everyone. I think food is a personal choice. (Read my thoughts on vegetarianism here.) However, I do think that everyone could benefit from more plants and less meat & dairy. Often I think people get intimidated by the ‘vegan’ label, and think “that would never work for me” rather than learning about the benefits of a plant based diet. I love Sarah’s vegan-with-benefits approach. I found that I liked most aspects of a vegan diet, but sometimes it really was too limiting for me. I found I was able to eat healthier if I incorporated some eggs and dairy back into my diet.
I was going to post a new recipe for some gluten free protein donuts today, but in the spirit of veganism, maybe you should just check out these vegan donuts instead. (Don’t worry, if you don’t have a donut maker, you can use a mini muffin pan!)
Click the photo for a vegan cinnamon sugar doughnut recipe!
Mmmmm donuts! and I am going to have to look for Vegucated! Hope you’re feeling better!
I definitely want to watch this! And those doughnuts- yum!
This post could not have been more timely- my bf and I JUST watched “Vegucated” a couple nights ago. I do agree with you that it is mostly the same old same old stuff that I’ve seen before in other documentaries. It seemed a tad simplified, parts of which bugged me, but overall the message was good and clear. I have been a pseudo-vegetarian for awhile now, mostly for the nutritional benefits. I say “pseudo” because I do eat eggs, dairy, and fish, mostly for the protein and vitamin B-12 which I am low in a lot. I would much rather eat these things than take a supplement, but that’s just my personal opinion.
Nevertheless, this documentary did still tug at my heartstrings and made me want to consider veganism. But I just don’t think it’s for me in the long run. I am comfortable with my diet right now and I eat a crap ton of veggies π
Thanks for another great post π
Haha that’s crazy timing! And I think being a pseudo-vegatarian is awesome! π
I agree that diets are personal preferences. I guess that’s why it annoys me when people make assumptions and comment on why someone eats a certain way. Mind your own business people! Anyway, thanks for the review! I’ve seen both Food, Inc. and Forks Over Knives and loved them. Will have to check this one out.
I haven’t seen vegucated, but I’ve seen Food, Inc. and Forks Over Knives. Food, Inc. is what made me stop eating meat for 2 years, until I was able to incorporate the occasional properly raised meats again. That film wasn’t so much promoting veganism as it was exposing the many, many problems with America’s current food production ans sales system.
Forks Over Knives I took great issue with (blog post to come soon) and Vegucated likely has many similar issues, where the people followed in the film are making MANY changes to their diet at once, not only restricting animal products. Eating fewer processed foods and hydrogenated oils will also have amazing health benefits, with or without animal products.
I agree that, either way, an all-or nothing approach is not the best way for everyone. Thanks for sharing!
Yes I totally agree! Just because Oreos are vegan doesn’t mean they’re better for you than a piece of fish!
Yes I agree! Not everyone needs to be vegan but the benefits of a more plant-based diet seem worth it π
Love this post Liz! I actually just watched Forks Over Knives and Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead last night and this one is next on my list. I definitely agree that everyone has to find what works and like you I know I would have issues getting all of my nutrition if I cut out the egg and dairy that I still eat.
I always like to look at it as an approach to add things rather than take things away. Start eating more plant based foods and whole grains and you will naturally start eating less meat and processed foods. It’s definitely about balance but I think the one thing that rings true from all of these documentaries is that everyone just needs to love their veggies a bit more like we do!
Yes!! I think adding healthy foods is more important than taking away the bad ones! π
Although I am BY NO MEANS vegan, I have noticed how much better my body feels when I eat more fresh produce, and less dairy. I may have to check out this documentary!
This is such an interesting topic. I haven’t seen the documentary. I don’t think it is available it the UK.
Aw bummer! I’d say it’s worth watching!
“Vegan with benefits” such an amazing way to describe it!
Haha all the credit goes to Sarah on that one!