Q: You talk a lot about the benefits of whole plant foods and the dangers of animal protein, fat and cholesterol. Are you saying I should become a vegan? If so, just come out and say it!

A: Veganism - eliminating animal products, including dairy and eggs - is a wonderful lifestyle choice for some people. The environmental and ethical components alone make it a responsible choice, and the health benefits are well documented.

Four caveats:

1. Some people find they require some animal protein in their diet to feel energetic and strong.

I'm not sure if it's a transitional issue, or if they do feel weak, lackluster and unfocused without some animal protein, or if their vegan diet is really a "vegan junk food diet" of white pasta with margarine. But I certainly honor anyone who listens to their body - not the addicted cravings, necessarily, but the deep inner wisdom that guides all life, and can guide us too if we slow down and pay attention to it.

2. It's not necessary to become a vegan or vegetarian - or follow any set of "rules" about eating - to benefit from a shift to a mostly plant-based diet. The Okinawans have fish with almost every meal, and on average live longer and healthier lives than just about everyone else on earth. The key is the small quantities of animal products they consume. If you think of meat, eggs and dairy as a condiment, rather than the main course, you're on the right track.

3. Veganism is defined by what you eliminate from your diet, not what you include. It's possible (and I've seen it many times) for someone to be a junkfood-addicted vegan. Potato chips and cola are both vegan foods!


4. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a real problem for vegans, since the food we eat is typically ultra-clean and no longer contains those wonderful little organisms that thrive in rich organic soil. Get your B12 and homocysteine levels checked by a doctor who knows something about nutrition (good luck finding one!)

Ethical considerations aside, the best health reason to go "whole hog" (really inappropriate metaphor time) with veganism and quit animal products "cold turkey" (yikes) is if you know yourself to prefer extremes to moderation. Deciding to be vegan removes the element of choice. Just as you don't see orthodox Jews walking up and down outside McDonalds agonizing over a cheeseburger, you don't find vegans fretting about whether to have just this one scoop of ice cream. Drawing a clear line in the sand is just easier for some folks.

For others, knowing that you haven't hemmed yourself in with any rules, and that you can eat whatever you desire, provides motivating freedom and makes the whole thing a lot easier.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you shop, prepare and eat food for pleasure, not guilt. We have enough to worry about these days without beating ourselves up over food. If you eat it, enjoy it!