Dr. Oz says a vegan diet is the big movement of 2017.  Let’s take a look at the vegan diet, do some myth-busting, and get to know some local eateries that are serving up creative and delicious plant-based fare. 

What exactly is a “vegan diet”?
A vegan diet is exclusively plant-based and includes vegetables, beans, nuts, grains, seeds, and fruits.  However, some vegans will eat honey.  

What are the benefits of a vegan diet?
According to the American Dietetic Association, a vegan diet is able to meet all nutritional requirements.  The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine advocates for plant-based diets in light of scientific research, such as the highly respected China Study, that has found the vegan diet beneficial for cardiac health, reversing coronary disease, and reduced risk factors for many other serious illnesses. Add to that the cache of celebrities “going vegan” for its slimming effects, and we have a bonafide movement in the making!

How do vegans get enough protein in their diet?
It is a myth that a diet must include animal foods to supply adequate protein. In fact, all plant foods contain some protein, and a varied plant-based diet will provide the essential amino acids necessary for health.  

Can vegan cuisine satisfy a gourmet palate?
The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” In addition to the plethora of vegan cookbooks on the market, there are many local restaurants and shops prepared to dazzle the most discriminating foodie. Here are a few for starters:

• Pandora’s Lunchbox is the compassionate kitchen of  Alicia Randolph – Lucchesi, offering a vast menu of primarily organic entrees, soups, salads, and wraps lovingly made and delivered to your door! Email alicia@pandorasproducts.net or text/call at 631-889-3471.

For a unique evening out, Alicia and her husband, Rob, also host the popular Food Fix Cinema event at Cyrus: Chai & Coffee Company in Bayshore, where a scene-themed menu is paired with a cult-classic movie. 

Alicia’s delicious creations are also served at Golden Sparrow, Bayport; Juice-n-Blendz, Babylon Village; Little Nook Cafe, West Sayville; Roast Coffee & Tea Trading Co., Patchogue.

• The Purple Elephant, Northport. Complete vegan lunch and dinner menu alongside its omnivore selections in an inviting setting with a relaxed, Costa Rican vibe.

• Plant Wise, Dix Hills. Serves up shakes, fruit parfaits, salads, wraps, and savory bowls with international themes such as chickpea masala, Greek falafel, and  much more.

• 3 Brothers Vegan Cafe, Copiague. Founded by the chef who brought vegan pizza to Farmingdale’s 3 Brothers Pizza, offers appetizers, pastas, entrees and wood fired pizzas with vegan cheeses made in-house.

• Batata Cafe, Northport. has an ever-expanding menu of vegan sandwiches, salads, soups, bowls, and desserts, and a freezer full of locally made, delicious and decadent, Sweet Annabelle’s vegan ice cream!

• Funky Om Grab and Go take-out options include soup, salads, and luscious desserts at its two Huntington locations.

Enjoy!

Why would I even suggest negative thinking to be a “luxury?” We each fall into negative thoughts at times and momentarily at least seem to enjoy the indulgence. 
 
Why can’t we afford the luxury of a negative thought?  While our physical environment can cause us discomfort, much of our current agony is the result of our inner environment, our own thoughts.

As proof, say the following negative statements aloud with conviction 3 times each. (In private of course)
“My life is hard and will never get better”
“Why try? Nothing will help”  
“It’s no use, I cannot do this. I’m not good enough.”  

How do you feel? Your mood probably dropped somewhat, you felt heavier, and tired. And that was only indulging in negative thought for less than a minute. If you are frequently or constantly thinking like thoughts, you would probably begin to feel really depressed, anxious, and angry much of the time. 

Now say the following positive statements aloud with conviction 3 times each:
“There is much good in my life; I am grateful.”
“I will try.  Things can change.”
“I’m as good as the best, and better than the rest. I can do this.”

How do you feel? Probably elevated, lighter and energized? A few seconds of positive thinking made you feel good in body and mind.  Imagine if you were thinking like thoughts the majority of the time. You’d begin to feel elevated, lighter, energized and more joyful, despite undesirable outward circumstances. And feeling more empowered to change or deal with those difficult outward circumstances. Our internal environment, how we think, is more influential than we believe, and often more so than our external environment, that is, what’s happening in our outer world.  

In our responses to life if one has the habit of primarily negative thinking, this can be so habitual as to be automatic. Like all habits, that can be changed through conscious effort by. 
1) Becoming aware of our thoughts
2) Becoming aware of our bodily and mental responses
3) Changing thoughts which don’t work. 

Understand that nobody is suggesting we deny reality. Some things that happen are downright painful and unjust; that cannot be denied. However it is often possible to extract the positive even within those circumstances. Others have done so. Whatever your circumstances, so can you!  

Wishing you much luck and many blessings along the way.