Came to this late but I totally agree. We are lucky to have this farm near us in N20. They also do really good work on education and subsidised veg for the less well off through a ‘pay it forward’ scheme
This is such an important and thought-provoking article - an overdue counterbalance to the propaganda that vegan is the only way to eat healthily and ethically. It’s also important for those of us who are omnivores (and I do eat a mainly plant-based diet) to support local producers if we want the countryside to remain as it is otherwise people will just give up on farming
Great article Jeannette, and wise words from Helena. It's just so sickening how government, big business, etc., suck everyone in (and this beautiful planet) and then spit them out. Eating seasonally, locally, and with some meat, fish, dairy, etc., is the way to go, not with UPF that provides little sustenance but oodles of packaging and mono farming. I'm certainly not perfect, but bit by bit I'm making tweaks where I can, and being well-informed is half the battle. Thanks, Jeannette.
Dr Robyn Chutkan is a practicing integrative gastroenterologist in Washington DC. The two offensive 'diets' she often sees in her patients are keto and vegan: lack of fiber in both! The vegans especially eat copious amounts of UPF [ultra processed foods]. As Chutkan wisely says: eating locally also means you are eating seasonally so diversity comes without even having to give it a thought. Maybe, Jeannette, you can write something for your readers about what is seasonal in the UK and elsewhere you have a large following? Many folks are clueless, thanks to Big Food dictating food choices.
In all seriousness, I completely agree with this piece. Thank you for writing. Like so many things big business jumped in and the modern veganism is a UPF cash cow that ruins people's health and the planet they are hoping to save.
Absolutely right. I've been trying this for years and food tastes so much better local too. It's hard to break some habits & favourite foods from afar...but there are always alternatives and it makes it amazing when we do travel to those places where we can get those favourites locally.
You certainly are doing what you can and being v thoughtful about your choices. 👍. And thanks Sarah for your advice re shrubs. Am on a steep learning curve 🤣
Came to this late but I totally agree. We are lucky to have this farm near us in N20. They also do really good work on education and subsidised veg for the less well off through a ‘pay it forward’ scheme
https://www.wearegrow.org
They look great! Thanks for sharing x
This is such an important and thought-provoking article - an overdue counterbalance to the propaganda that vegan is the only way to eat healthily and ethically. It’s also important for those of us who are omnivores (and I do eat a mainly plant-based diet) to support local producers if we want the countryside to remain as it is otherwise people will just give up on farming
Exactly!
Oh and sorry about the COVID. Miserable. Get better soon
Thanks Fiona
Great article Jeannette, and wise words from Helena. It's just so sickening how government, big business, etc., suck everyone in (and this beautiful planet) and then spit them out. Eating seasonally, locally, and with some meat, fish, dairy, etc., is the way to go, not with UPF that provides little sustenance but oodles of packaging and mono farming. I'm certainly not perfect, but bit by bit I'm making tweaks where I can, and being well-informed is half the battle. Thanks, Jeannette.
Thanks Jane. Yes Rome wasn’t built in a day but every little bit we do can help. Thanks for reading and commenting. Jeannette
Dr Robyn Chutkan is a practicing integrative gastroenterologist in Washington DC. The two offensive 'diets' she often sees in her patients are keto and vegan: lack of fiber in both! The vegans especially eat copious amounts of UPF [ultra processed foods]. As Chutkan wisely says: eating locally also means you are eating seasonally so diversity comes without even having to give it a thought. Maybe, Jeannette, you can write something for your readers about what is seasonal in the UK and elsewhere you have a large following? Many folks are clueless, thanks to Big Food dictating food choices.
Dr Robin is so right - and yes the seasonal issue brings the diversity benefits too. Noted for future posts. Thanks Noel.
...and ferment that local food yourself (or from a local producer) to extend the season of that local produce. 😉
Absolutely!
In all seriousness, I completely agree with this piece. Thank you for writing. Like so many things big business jumped in and the modern veganism is a UPF cash cow that ruins people's health and the planet they are hoping to save.
So sad isn' it
Absolutely right. I've been trying this for years and food tastes so much better local too. It's hard to break some habits & favourite foods from afar...but there are always alternatives and it makes it amazing when we do travel to those places where we can get those favourites locally.
Yes interesting about the taste - especially ripe fruit and veg. Agree, it's all about doing what we can, when we can.
Hodmedods do a great range of English pulses Sarah
You certainly are doing what you can and being v thoughtful about your choices. 👍. And thanks Sarah for your advice re shrubs. Am on a steep learning curve 🤣