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timetide

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  • Birthday 03/11/1963

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  1. For me, veganism has come to mean more than what I put in my mouth. Now I consciously abstain from all animal products (though I do have some leftover wool & leather from my pre-vegan days), though in certain very limited circumstances I sometimes don't investigate every aspect of the food I eat. (For example, I know that the bread and pasta I eat are vegan, but if someone makes an effort to prepare a vegan meal for me, I won't usually "grill" them about whether they checked to make sure the bread or pasta is vegan . . .) I have a friend who saw a film (can't remember which one) and became vegan the next day. He is now a very active animal rights activist. My switch to veganism was different. I gave it a try after being vegetarian for close to 20 years and then figuring out that dairy was causing some health issues for me. I've been vegan for over four years now. In the first year it was primarily for health reasons but over time it has become more an environmental and animal rights issues for me. I recognize that my own transition to veganism happened over time at my own pace. While I truly appreciate militant animal rights activism (because I think it voices an important argument that needs to be heard), it is not my nature, particularly at a personal level, to be confrontation with others about my choices. My friends and family all know I'm vegan and are very accommodating, but usually in public situations I will normally just say "No thank you" (without explanation) instead of "No thank you. I'm vegan." My bottom line is that every and any choice that reduces animal suffering is a good choice and a step in the right direction. Even in the brief time I've been vegan, I've seen a shift in public dialogue about veganism (though it does seem to be predominantly health-related). On days when I'm more pessimistic the pace of change seems glacial . . . I know this has been a bit of a ramble, but just felt like commenting.
  2. I agree with other posters that your tastes can change over time . . . but there are some sneaky ways to get good things like greens & veggies & fruits into your diet. Here's one of my favourite "treat" smoothies that doesn't taste at all like you're doing something good for your body: (1) Sun Warrior chocolate protein powder (2) Milk substitute of your choice (I use almond) (3) Frozen blueberries or fresh blueberries + ice (4) Banana (5) Handful (or more) of spinach. (Try it first with a small amount of spinach. I guarantee you won't even notice it's there!) I'm also a big fan of raw veggies with hummus!
  3. There are usually only 3-5 days a year when I won't ride. (Last year the winter was so warm and there was so little snow that I didn't miss any days.) You are right to be cautious around cars in the snow. I would ride in any amount of snow if there weren't cars in close proximity! But a big part of it is building up confidence and riding technique slowly in quieter areas before moving into heavier traffic. Also, I think some of the most dangerous times for a cyclist are when the roads are wet and it's just around freezing . . . it's very easy to be surprised by ice in that kind of weather. There are some simple tips to help in snowy/slippery conditions: don't make any sudden moves, especially turns and don't panic-brake if you can avoid it. Surprisingly I generally find drivers more considerate in winter weather. (I think partly they respect that we're out in the elements and they're protected and warm.) But there are still drivers who don't understand how to give cyclists enough space in inclement conditions. Anyway, those are some suggestions off the top of my head.
  4. Yep, Dreamqueen, that was probably me at FRESH. I'm often at the Bloor/Spadina location. I used to cycle competitively (road/TTs/crits & cyclocross) and still cycle all year round. Good luck with your feet!
  5. If you are using cycling shoes with cleats & pedals you can try cycling booties like the ones found on the bottom of this page: http://www.velotique.com/warmers.htm#Sugoi_Resistor_Waterproof_Socks. I would advise against doubling up socks particularly if your cycling shoes are already tight. This can restrict circulation and cause your feet to get even colder. I would advise not tightening your shoes quite as tight as you do in the summer and flex/clench your toes regularly while you're riding. (Your feet/toes don't move much at all when you're using cycling shoes and this makes them get cold faster.)
  6. Does anybody have a good vegan wedding cake recipe (or resource)? Friends of mine are getting married in February. They are not vegan but want to have a vegan wedding cake to accommodate their vegan guests. The bride's mother will be making the cake and has a bit of experience with vegan baking (but not a lot). She's willing to do some experimentation. The bride's first choice is for a traditional "white" cake but she would also consider a carrot cake or something similar, though chocolate is definitely out. From my first round of exploration, it seems the traditional white cake can be a bit of a challenge to pull off with vegan ingredients. (I'm prepared to recommend the carrot cake if necessary . . . simply because I know it can be just as tasty with all-vegan ingredients and it would be great to have a "great-tasting cake!" not just a veganized approximation of a traditional cake that might not impress non-vegan guests.) I'd appreciate any links, ideas or comments. Thanks
  7. Mike Zigomanis isn't a star yet . . . but he's a vegan hockey player on the Toronto Marlies (of the American Hockey League), which is farm team of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. He was featured in an article this weekend in one of the local papers (http://www.thestar.com/living/article/1080043--high-performance-herbivore). He's a relatively new vegan but has been inspired to pursue high-level athletics on a vegan diet by Brendan Brazier
  8. I've flown the Air Canada and/or Lufthansa combination quite frequently to Germany. (They are "partnered" Star Alliance airlines.). In terms of comfort, it really depends on the specific plane you get more than the airline, at least between Air Canada and Lufthansa. Lufthansa's fleet is generally newer and more comfortable, but Air Canada did some upgrades on the cabins in their older planes in 2008. As for vegan food . . . to be honest, I'd say it's pretty bad. It's more a diversion on a long flight than something enjoyable or filling. One benefit is that "special request" meals are served before everyone else. The vegetarian non-dairy option generally has NO protein. (Apparently food services think the only vegetarian protein option is cheese!) I always pack some Larabars (or equivalent) and/or some nuts as a protein source for the flight and the first few hours on the ground (until I find my local vegan source . . .). One improvement you will probably notice if you haven't flown for 8 years is in-flight entertainment. I think all Lufthansa and Air Canada overseas flights now have seat-back monitors and a large selection of movies, TV shows, etc. (so that each passenger can watch what they want, pause the player, etc.) Only the newest planes have power outlets and/or USB chargers. (I had these on maybe 1 of 4 of my last transatlantic flights.) Have a great trip . . . though if the weather continues, it may be colder there than here!
  9. I'm not sure . . . a few good cookie recipes is a good thing, but a whole book of good cookie recipes just sounds dangerous!
  10. I thought November 1st was the official day to start vitamin D supplementation in Toronto. (Okay, I admit that's just when I started . . . another Toronto guy.)
  11. This is a blatant plug for vegan cookie recipes at Post Punk Kitchen (http://www.theppk.com) . . . a site I'm in no way affiliated with, by the way . . . I've been vegan for just over a year and a half and was vegetarian for about 20 years before that. As a vegetarian, I used to do a lot of baking, especially around the holidays. I often gave gifts of baked goods or brought them to potlucks, etc. Since going vegan, I've done less baking (partly because I'm unfamiliar with it and partly because I'm eating more raw/healthy/unprocessed food in my diet), but this year I have three potluck events this weekend and decided to try three new cookie recipes from Post Punk Kitchen (and take a mix to all three events). Anyway, I tried Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles, Chewy Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies and Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. They are all relatively simple and GREAT! I think my favorite are the Chewy Chocolate Chocolate Chip (moist, chewy and brownie-like, but not too sweet), but they all are really good. The oatmeal ones are heartier and less sweet and the Mexican chocolate ones have a really nice spicey afterburn! Anyway, YEAH for vegan cookies!
  12. HELL YEAH!!!! As a former bike racer myself, I'm stoked!
  13. Hey man, I think we go to the same gym! Introduce yourself next time you see me . . . (Trainers, Bathurst/Bloor, right?)
  14. I'm from Toronto . . . a very vegan-friendly city from my experience. Welcome to the forum!
  15. Thanks for linking to this (and other posts by Jack Norris). I finally joined the 21st century and subscribed to his RSS feed (so I don't have to rely on you!)
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