_raVen_

You're awesome, FormicaL On this: I understand this completely; however, I still take exception to this type of usage. Whether or not it's friendly, it is the perpetuation of words as weapons -- that is the end result -- whether or not that is the intention. Such as you alluded with "reclaimed" usage (love that phrase; it's very precise ) Their intentions become moot. One is making the words acceptable -- even moreso, you'd agree, by watering it down. It is this continuum that allows it to be used in negative contexts without consequences when the intention is not so fun. It's the same with various racial groups calling eachother racist names, women calling eachother disparaging terminology, branded them by men -- isn't that sad? -- etc. The worst is when they try to turn it around and claim it is "taking back our power"! Right. You now calling yourself a **** is power. That'll teach 'em! Truly, truly ignorant and sad...so many people are so confused they continue to function against their own best interests. ~ By the way, isn't the hypocrisy amazing on these issues? ~ So, while it's not the purpose to "outlaw" words, it is the desire to make it unacceptable that is the goal to strive. There's not much you can do about what is in someone's heart; but we can hopefully behave decently to eachother and respect our differences.

Oh, wow, thanks, loveliberate! You are absolutely correct that it is very sexist, very degrading, and disparaging to women -- same with words like "dyke," NO MATTER the intention. It's quite disturbing that it is allowed; however at least someone had the sense to delete "dyke" from the post headline, but it was not answered, explained as to its offensive use within the post. Despite your love of guns, you are now one of my favorites Thanks! Had I written what you did, it would have been a different outcome, I assure you

Hey, sydneyvegan! I *love* your avatar . Elephants are wonderful. They are the kind of animal I'd like to talk to You know, I'm not a strength trainer, sorry; but maybe it will help if you post your goals so others might comment or suggest! What do you want advice on and for what? Just wanna post you some support. Sadly, there isn't much commenting on journals on this board -- I really don't know why. You can try http://www.veganfitness.net/forum/index.php where you will get a lot of help. Not that I want you to leave here it's just there isn't much feedback here in journals. Stick around, though

Crystal!! I've missed you You remember me as Strix on VF, don't you? Glad to see you here. I saw your deadlift video, woman, that was awesome. Glad you're here, it's looking brighter here already

What's a "dyke" in your eyes, endcruelty?

Go, vegdad! You can do it! Dump the cheese! You'll feel so much better when you do. Push through the tough time -- and it can be tough -- and then you'll be fine, like College B wrote. And besides did you know you're consuming a lot of ing stuff? Read Got Pus? maybe it will help you get a visual whenever a block of cheese is right in front of you I know a lot of people, once they learn what they are really eating, give up dairy, even if they don't go vegan! The rest of that site is worth perusing as well; LOTS of info to store and arm yourself for those moments of weakness

I agree with Kathryn; go for a veganic garden!

So only you and I like children's books, aye, Jay I guess the Trilogy isn't a book for children, but I read it when I was in fourth grade. It is always different when you get older and read it again That's the only sci-fi I've ever been able to read. Oh, I forgot about Dr. Seuss. I like those books too. I agree about the adult stuff. Some things like Alice In Wonderland were actually not happy-go-lucky fairy tales; I think Alice was a nightmare, if I remember correctly. Interesting, but it was never one of my favorites. Maybe I should read the original again though. What a great site you linked! I'll have to look through it later when I have more time. The Giving Tree, yes, I've read it. I haven't heard it though. Sounds like it's very dramatic to hear. What did you feel that made you cry? You know that animation reminds me a little of Andre Francois's "The Tattooed Sailor," 1952...that's what came to mind anyway. It also reminds me of some other writer whose illustrations are very, very dark ... I can't remember the name, but it was very popular in the 90's, I think, or perhaps still is? Sort of scary stuff. I also love Tove Jansson's "Moomins." "Where the Wild Things Are" was always intriguing. A couple years back, I was discussing with some childrens' books authors about some of the old stories, and it's amazing how many were racist. Remember "Sambo"? "Ten Little Indians"? Funny how even then some seemed racist to me, though, perhaps it was because my dad used to educate me on those types of things, while never barring me from them ; but how others slipped past me and I didn't see it as a child. But imagine how influencial -- even if subtle -- the messages are to the sponge brains of children. How much did the ones that slipped into my subconscious form my perspective? It's interesting conversation Even tv cartoons can do this on various levels. Even our view of animals as objects are formed by them to an extent. I love cartoons, though The oldies, though; most of the new stuff is garbage.

Still having a hard time with it, ha? Well, me too; but for me, it's still with the weights Oh, well, that's even better! If you don't need it (stevia); don't use it. I use it because I use very little fruit in mine. And stevia is best enhanced with a citrus fruit, which is why I always add lemon to mine. There is a powdered version that is slightly different from the liquid one you got. But if you're doing creamy-ish with the rice milk then just do as you're doing . I use water or herbal teas for the liquid; I don't like 'milk in them. Oh, no prob, it's just my food and exercise log. And, sadly, there's not much to comment on in regard to weight training Maybe just kick my ass once in a while Oh, good, glad you're liking them. !

@ endcruelty. I agree, they are cute! Reminds me of Charlotte's Web! Remember all the cutie little babies she had? I admit to preferring my house spiders, though They're nice and quiet, and stick to their own web space so to speak I love the beautiful webs they weave, and I don't mind them in my house.

List your favorites! I love reading childrens' books and stories, and do so on a regular basis . But I can always learn about more...so list your favorites, and I hope to read of some I've never heard; I'm sure there are many. I have a ton but I'll list the few I can think of at the mo: Three Billy Goats Gruff The Little Fir Tree Narnia Chronicles Space Trilogy - Out of the Silent Planet; Perelandra; That Hideous Strength Princess and the Pea The Brothers Grimm Tales Rikki Tikki Tembo Sasha, My Friend Mother Goose Rhymes ...

Hmmm...haven't wanted to do squats, but maybe I'll try these. I've seen them before... So, Guys, do these make your thighs bigger or what? What is the result? Thanks!

Eason, the rawness of hemp butter, or anything else, depends on whoever is producing it. Rejuvenative Foods, for example, offers raw butters, including hemp. It is simply ground up. You could also just make your own inexpensively . Just put in a blender -- and for hemp, you don't need a power blender because the seeds/nuts are very soft -- and process on medium or high till it turns to butter. Don't let it go too long or it will heat up; but the risk is low with hemp and it shouldn't get hot enough anyway. This is how you make any butter, by the way -- just blend. Some people add oil to facilitate blending to drier nuts. So for example, if almond butter is too chalky, add a bit of almond oil (or other) to make it creamy. Also, most commercial butters are roasted or toasted so truly raw butters may taste different -- peanut butter and almond butters being the most common. If you have a juicer, they usually come with an attachment for butters or icecreams; so you can use that as well.

Cool! Let me know what you think. Tried the Green Smoothies yet?

Good idea! I think more people should do this. I have been keeping a food and exercise journal for a long time now. My pattern is pretty clear But this is a valuable and worthwhile effort for health and goal reasons!

She (woman above) is obviously strong, but I personally wouldn't want that much weight on my body -- whether it's muscle or fat -- in terms of health.

To an extent, that's a good trait, Jay Are you sure? Was it true if it rendered you feeling like shit? It was probably the best thing that ever happened to you, you were/are just too hurt/angry/stubborn to see it. Now who's assuming?

Hmmm...well, wheat gluten is what seitan (aka vegan "wheat meat") is made from. You can make vegan "meats" out of it. It is also used in small amounts of bread baking to enhance texture. Not sure if that's what you were wanting to hear It's not something to be added to smoothies and such. It has to be cooked If you need seitan recipes I have some. Lemme know.

Yep, I like the HIIT because it's helped me lose the softness on my stomach I can see some muscle on my abs now. Cutting back on the carbs helped too, though, because that is what I was eating in excess, consuming more than I was burning...despite the 10-mile runs! But it was being so acclimated to the running which contributed to that too. If I had been consuming too much protein or fat, I would have had the same problem; it just so happens running gives you the "runner's binge," and that's always carbs. It also helped me to be able to do less My arms are okay...about the same as last time you saw them So I still gotta work on those. WHOOOO!!! Yay! I knew once you got over the color you'd be okay Everyday is awesome. Use some lighter greens and other fruit and it'll look prettier Here is one on my journal (where you haven't commented, by the way ) made with Spinach, Parsley, Butter Lettuce, Cucumbers , and Pineapple: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/Raven_PZ/Food%20Album/Lrg_Spnch_Pnpl_Prsly4.jpg So did you use the stevia?

Oh, then you're well informed on nutrition Good, good. Your diet sounds good. I'm at about 1 1/2 years of raw wow, it's flown by...Not psycho about it though; I will eventually eat some cooked food, I'm sure I keep my journal here now -- stop by any time and feel free to offer advice, suggestions or just comments It's just a food log and workout log like I used to keep here, but I moved it. Yes, I've listened to some of the stuff on VegSource. I love Dr. F. . He's not quacky or extreme. Speaking of which, I see you like McDougall just kidding...I respect Dougall... in general; I just think his "no-fat" mantra is ridiculous and outdated. His unwillingness to adapt to new science is annoying, though, and, I don't think very honorable, frankly. We need good fats in our diets. But most of his 1970's advice is still good . I need upper body strength too. It's tough for me, though, 'cause I despise lifting

Actually, I was thinking more serape You do seem sorta sticky, come to think about it... Ah, I see. Yes, I know what you mean. For me to be honest, I have to admit that that icecream is only the second or third time I've cooked in about 1 1/2 years I used to cook and bake a LOT, mostly for others; but now I just throw together snacky stuff. I made the icecream for guests, who loved it of course. But for me, I'm into simple foods now; so no need to do all the cooking and baking for one person Yea, CrispyQ lemme know! I want to see how you like that icecream maker, too. Great deal you got! I love that. Also, post pics

Oh, I always wished I could rock climb! I couldn't lift myself like that, though; I have a very weak upper bod Awesome! Glad you're feeling better too. It must be scary to not know why you're not feeling well. Speaking of weak upper bod -- mine, of course -- guess what, Jay? I did 4 pullups!! Yay! I was so shocked. I haven't been really keeping up with my weight training, meaning, I rarely do any lifting which, was my goal for beginning to journal in the first place But, I can't figure out why all of a sudden I'm able to do them! I've looked back at my journal to see, but, the truth is, it's pretty pathetic! I've only cut back on running which was only part of my goal. Main goal was to do weights for health . Anyway...The pullups! Only thing I can think of is maybe resting more than I used to??? I still do a lot of cardio, but not 10 miles a day like I used to. So maybe that's why I can lift myself?? What do you think?

Cool! Awesome. Now how about some raw? Post what you like and I can dig up some recipes for you. I've got a ton of vegan recipes and a lot of veganized versions of favorites. However, if you're into fresh, whole foods, then I say eat as much raw as you can. I don't mean gourmet, complicated, fatty raw concoctions which are not health promoting; I mean eat simple, raw, whole foods like veggies, fruits, seeds and nuts. Super easy to add to your diet. Good. 'Cause a lot of vegans think just because it's vegan it's healthy: it's not! One has to watch a vegan diet just as much as omnis do. For health, I would suggest Dr. Fuhrman's Eat to Live Plan, which is a way of eating, not a "diet." That can be tough, I know. My dad always liked to say how he was "fine" no pain, no problems whenever I'd caution him about the junk he ate (even before I was vegan, I knew he ate horribly). I used to tell him it's going to hit him all at once...sadly, it's happening . Well, I think you can get somewhat bigger if you're shooting for health first; but probably not HUGE, if that's what you want...you'll have to compromise optimal health to get really big on a vegan diet. Excessive protein and fat overload is not health promoting; but it will get you "bigger." Let me know if you need any recipes How's your forearm? _raVen_ _More reviews of E2L

Hi, shelby, how is your weight/muscle gain coming along? Well, I'm the mad GREEN SMOOTHIE preacher, so I must recommend them .You don't have to be a raw foodist to consume these. As a matter of fact, I think everyone should, since they are sooo beneficial. Anyway,you can make these in the morning (or, if you have to, prepare the greens and fruit the night before and blend them in the morning for the freshness; or, if you have to, make the night before). Use ice instead of plain water to keep them cold, if necessary. Use a straw; for some reason, this makes drinking them quicker and, more importantly, no green mustache Also, a bowl of cut up mixed FRESH summer fruit! Sprinkle some coconut!! and chopped nuts on it. Or go all out and make ambrosia Cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, mango, pineapple, nectarines, peaches, plums, apricots...oh, Good Lord, I'm getting hungry Lots of exotic stuff so you don't get bored. Easy carry-along fruit like apples; bananas; oranges and other citrus; kiwi Mixed nuts and dried fruit medleys - quick eats, satisfying for hours and filling. Mixed raw (or cooked ) vegetables - you can cover with a sauce. Make pesto - put in the freezer in icecube trays and use as necessary; toss into various veggie concoctions, spread onto sandwiches Make a large pot of grains or rice or combo - make nori rolls, use as a base, to mix into vegetables, or as cold salad Make a large pot of Beans, place in fridge for the week; excess portioned into the freezer - make bean salads! - very sturdy; can vary the taste easily with different dressings, sauces, pesto! Slaws are good - shredded cabbage, carrots, turnips,with a sauce...add some raisins, etc. More info on Green Smoothies, HERE Btw, if made correctly, these should be sweet and yummy and not taste like "greens."

You serious? Well good I'm glad you got one! Is that the manual crank kind? Using that will work your arms. How much was it and how much does it make? Make sure you've got some good music playing for those aerobics . I haven't done them in ages...I think I'd be pretty sore if I tried a class right now. Do you do them at a gym? I'll probably be making myself some raw frozen fruit "ice creams" like the raw banana one I posted to Jay, or sorbets. I love pear sorbet. I've been making raw lemonades lately, using different fruits, like cranberries, ginger, strawberries, blueberries, etc. I love frozen watermelon balls as ice cubes summer is here! el' cirripe, I've heard of that book but haven't gotten it? Should I?