My Vegan Quest

The Big Battle...It's Always the Same!

2011-08-15T16:52:00.000-04:00

My urges are hardly ever for a "full stomach." My urges are more along the variety of, "I'm worried about making goal in Q3, so, therefor some Chinese food will make me happier!" Or, "Wow, what a great meeting I just had, I think I'll grab a club sandwich and a pint of Guinness to celebrate."

Thankfully, my sweet-tooth desire is becoming more and more a giant bowl of cherries!
But, the big battle is ignoring my desire for food and drink I have deemed pleasurable for the past 15 years, or fighting through and eating a completely nutrient rich meal knowing that afterwards, when I am full I will be much happier and have lost all desire for the original craving, be it a martini or some pork & crab meat dumplings!

Mind over matter. A saying often used, but not often used in practice.

"Do Sea Urchin Have Eyes?"

2011-08-13T22:41:00.002-04:00

Sea Urchin, or Uni, as prepared

...And so was my question to the Sushi chef based on a colleague's comment about me eating mostly vegan, or as he said, "So you don't eat anything with eyes."

Sea Urchin

I have come to rely on the old restaurant stand by, luckily close to my office, the restaurant chain, Haru. So, it's back to double order of miso, double order of edamame, and a salad with dressing on the side. But, I had such a desire for my favorite dish - Uni, or Sea Urchin. So, to play a little trick on myself to eat nothing with eyes, I ordered sea urchin. Now, obviously, that is not vegan, and certainly shell fish has no eyes, but since I am not being militant about it, it was a little treat. And that is perfectly fine - be it chocolate chip cookie, piece of cake, or, yes, even a Nathan's hot dog. If you are eating a diet mostly in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, you absolutely can indulge in guilty pleasures. It's when you reverse that order, that is when you get into trouble!

Last Night and this Morning I Juiced Up

2011-08-09T17:16:00.002-04:00

So, of course patience is a virtue, but so is salubrity, so I'll stick with the later. My patience is extremely selective. Scouring the NYC public archives for family history in the 1880's? I have the patience of a Saint's Saint....ah, I've just finished looking at every single birth certificate of every single "Florence" born in NY in 1881; time to peruse 1882. But, when it comes to looking, and feeling great I have, essentially, no patience at all! I want the results now! I suspect I am not alone!

When I first moved to NYC in my early 20's and my trouser waist size was starting to creep past 34", then 36" (God, what I'd give for those days!), and I noticed a tiny paunch forming at the base of my abdominal scar (still getting stares in the gym BTW), I started running at 6 AM every morning in Central Park. The little bit of excess weight came off so quickly it was actually comical!

So, now I developed a false sense of a "quick fix" and it stayed with me well past the truth expiration date and throughout my 30's all the while it became more and more difficult, and then impossible to shed the excess pounds merely by running hard for a few weeks. In fact, it became impossible. All sorts of things needed to happen before I could lose weight in the fashion I was accustomed to from my early 20's - chiefly, my diet, my drinking, and consistent exercise.

Last night I went to the gym and only did weights, no cardio. Not good, but I had a reason. Excess body fat puts more stress on your back. I was in pain just bending to tie up my... and here I'll speak tin local colloquialisms... my, sneakers (East Coast), tennis shoes (West Coast), runners (UK/Ireland). So I went for a massage. Not for pleasure (OK, a little), but to loosen my back so I can do all the cardio I wanted to do.

A trip to the grocery store followed where I stocked up on vegetables and some fruit. I want to have most of my meals from a juicer this week. Why? I am impatient, and juicing makes me feel good instantly (funny, I always thought scotch did that?), and there is a perceptible difference after a few days when I look in the mirror.

We all need motivation to keep up the good work, to carry on with the healthy living, and mine is 75% vanity (Hey, I look a little trimmer in the face), and 25% physical (Mixing a whole bunch of nutrient dense vegetables in the juicer gives me a jolt of energy).

Finally, and here is my last psychological trick for men: You come home from work, you're beat tired, and you feel your stomach rubbing against your spine (that excess 30 lbs you are carrying around is an allusion of course, not your hunger! Hunger is REAL, as far as you know). So, you want to fill up your belly like you top off your automobile's gas tank before a long drive, complete with excess petrol trickling down the side of the wheel well.

You are hungry, so, pick up a carrot - "meaningless." Now, a head of lettuce - "you must be joking." Now, a beet - "What am I a POW?" Now, place all these vegetables on a plate, like I did last night, and see how it feels. A big bunch of kale, 2 apples, 2 carrots, 4 stalks of celery, a cucumber, ginger root, a beet, and a half a lemon. It is pretty damn heavy! I am sorry, but for a man to be hungry and to pick up a plate with his meal on it and it is quite heavy, there is a psychological effect of, "OK, now this is a meal - a meal from Mom's Fantasy Camp, but a meal nonetheless. I'm not going to die of starvation after all!"

Throw it all in a juicier.

Does it look like a porterhouse steak dripping in butter? No! Does it taste better than a porterhouse steak dripping in butter? For most of us, no! But, damn it, it's not that bad, you will get a full stomach, lose all hunger, and will get a little jolt of energy. Oh, and after you drink your juice, or eat your meal of vegetables, fruits, legumes and seeds you will be full, and lose all craving for that specific dish you thought about on the subway riding home - yes, even that pork & crab meat soup dumplings from Joe's Shanghai craving!

Reflection Weekend

2011-08-08T09:36:00.001-04:00

So, Friday night I attended a roof top BBQ with gorgeous views of the Empire State Building, and instinctively grabbed for a small slice of grilled chicken...there was a toothpick already in it that poked my gums! I took it as a sign. Now, I know I oscillate between veganism and a healthy diet that is proposed by most all nutritionists and fitness trainers, so let me say that of course well cooked, grilled chicken without sauces and fatty marinades can be a part of a very healthy diet. But, for me, as you know, it is all or nothing. So, since I did not prepare this chicken myself, I chose to stay away from it and concentrate on the vegetables and hummus.

The rest of the weekend I chose to stay animal product free as I plotted my new-new way of eating. It is so much easier when you don't have to think about it. Actually, I did not eat much, just some fruit, and my old tried and true - Taksim Turkish takeout with a fallafal sandwich (yes, it is fried and not that healthy), hummus, and lentil soup.

Sat. and Sun. I even pared way back, to virtually non-existent drinking. I limited myself to just one drink a night to really put the screws to my discipline. Then an unexpected friend showed up from Boston (naturally) and I had to have a couple of more with her. However, I had no idea she read my blog back in the day too! Thankfully, the Duane Read mega-drugstore is open 24 hrs, so as I left P.J. Clarke's I picked up some fruit for breakfast the following morning.

Sunday was very reflective as I watched the film "Arthur" for the first time in probably 29 years. It really is a brilliant comedy, but it reminded me so much of what I was thinking back in 1982 a year after it was released and on betamax while I watched it in a neighbor's pool house in Southern California. To me that film was quintessential NYC, and I wanted to be there, and I wanted to live that life. Funny how one's naive perspective can be formed at such a young age! Watching the film I had many flashbacks to similar conversations with girlfriends in the past! It was rather cathartic in a weird way!

I also cleaned my apartment which has an amazing effect on throwing out the old both figuratively and physically. I save alot of stuff, too much, and it is good to free yourself of meaningless things. I also found a list of an optimal diet from a trainer I once had back in 2005! On it, under protein was every type of red meat you can imagine with nary the remark about greens, legumes, and seeds!

Here is to a great week ahead, and choosing the right path!

And.....I'm Back! Yet, Again

2011-08-05T18:00:00.001-04:00

Some come backs are ill-advised, others are not. All I can say is....I'M BACK! Not 100% vegan again, but I am moving in that direction! Why? Well, a friend from LA visited recently...like many ex-athletes in his 40's he packed on the pounds with poor eating, drinking, and not staying active. He was puffy, a little chubby, and not the trim figure he was most of his life. I just saw him, and in fact I made plans to meet him at Bobby Vans steak house assuming he wanted a NY meat and drink fest (I planned on, and did just eat the salmon). He shows up and he looks 10 years younger! He lost 40 lbs! Why? He said he was inspired by my quest, and just started eating very healthfully, and working out! How ashamed I felt that my new suits were getting a mite snug on me! I felt great that I inspired someone else, but guilty that I was not inspiring myself!

Brett Favre's Come Back - Moments of Greatness, Moments of Dread

Michael Jordan's Come Back - Moments of Greatness, But the Magic was Gone

Mike Tyson's Come Back - Too Many Moments of Embarrassment

However, Mike Tyson, who turned into a bloated ex-champ ala' Jake Lamotta, turned his life around, went vegan, and lost 130 lbs last year!

So, I'm Back! Please join the journey with me!

A Year and a Half Ago I Would Have Jumped at this Offer with Mouth Salivating. Means Nothing to me Now!

2011-05-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

BEEF, BEER AND BUTCHERY

June 13, 2011, 6:30 PM

Back Forty
190 Ave. B (bet. 11th & 12th Sts.)

Kick off the summer with Fleisher's Grass-fed & Organic Meats as they celebrate their newly released book, The Butcher's Guide to Well-Raised Meat, by bringing you a walk-around, nose-to-tail beef fest, complete with butchering demos and a delectable medley of tastes showcasing bovine delights! Fleisher's co-owner and master butcher Joshua Applestone and Back Forty's chef de cuisine Shanna Pacifico will provide a seasonally appropriate demo on how to butcher perfect cuts of beef for summer grilling and give you a tempting tutorial on the best way to prepare beef tartare. Snack on the likes of mini roast beef sandwiches with crispy shoestring fries and Ca bot clothbound cheddar cheese sauce; and grilled beef heart skewers with charmoula. Refreshing mint juleps and Captain Lawrence brews will also be available to toast to Fleisher's new book.

Event Details: $75 for three hours of walk-around beef tastes, interactive demos and three beers or mint julep cocktails; tax and gratuity included.

To Reserve: Click here:http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/177538

The Blogcott Has Been Lifted!

2011-05-27T11:47:00.000-04:00

Thanks to this terrific posting: "Terrence -Don't blogcott us dude! Let us know how you are doing - don't worry that your intentions may not have spurred a drastic follow thru - persistance will win every time!" I am shamed into coming back!

Really, two things contributed to this momentary blogger black-out, (1) Time! This new job really has taken my focus away from other things! (2) Dating! Really, it is 10x harder to stick to a schedule and go on dates. I mean, it is so easy to fall into the same old song when you are enjoying yourself on a date - a few cocktails, less than healthy eating, etc.

So, how have I done? Well, I have been rewarding myself too much, and maybe have been chasing fun a bit too much as well.
The juicing has not been as often as I wanted, however, it is being put to good use by my parents and my brother. I got them each one. My brother ran a 3 mile race for the first time in 20 years, and has lost 15-20 lbs, maybe more. And my mother, who I just saw in San Francisco, and looks great lost 12 lbs!

The USS New York is back in port, and I remember seeing it my first WEEK of veganism back in Nov. '09! It got me a little depressed that I have fallen since that time, but, dwelling on the past is utterly pointless!
I am spending Memorial Day Weekend in the city since I am heading to Barcelona for my annual golf trip next week! Talk about a challenge to healthy living! But, whereas too many people say things like, "OK, after my holiday I will go back to healthy living." I am saying, I am back to healthy living now, just a week before my trip, and I will try to be a health conscious as possible during my holiday, and afterwards!

No better time than the present. Yes, going out with clients or friends late at night and hitting all the hot spots will contribute to a burning desire to dive into greasy eggs and sausage in the morning, but, nothing is better at bucking that trend than eating an apple and banana like I am doing right now!

Even "comfort" food, like my morning coffee I am giving up. I don't need the caffeine, and I'd rather exhibit my discipline again!

The Food of Life

2011-04-14T14:26:00.000-04:00

So, I have been traveling to SF and LA (that's San Francisco and Los Angeles for my int'l friends). And I have not been on the blog in a bit.

During this time I found that my craving for comfort food was based on my cold. I developed bronchitis, and I would have old food desires like eggs and bacon in the morning. I think it is similar to a hangover when your body craves greasy or familiar junk food. Since I can't get good Mexican in NYC, or IN-N-Out Burger I crave those things when I drive by.

It is so simple to ignore these cravings and get filled up on healthy food, but it is so powerful to feel like you must make your body happy. It's a constant battle internally -- to really be happy whether you are sick or if you are driving by a familiar junk food place, just eat to fuel your body, not comfort it.

Will write more this weekend.

Getting Juiced!

2011-04-08T00:30:00.001-04:00

So, I am committed to making juicing a part of my diet - and I want to find an upcoming week/10 days where I can totally "reboot" and go juice only to see the effects! This week will be not feasible, but soon!

My juicer came today and I made my first juice! I sort of followed a recipe and I sort of made it up using spinach, carrots, green apples, celery, cucumber, half a lemon, and ginger. It was not bad, but clearly I have to play around with the measurements since this was rather bland. However, I got over one psychological barrier -- blended green vegetables! OK, I can now deal with it -- for months in the original blog I was told by readers to add greens and that just didn't sit right with me. Well, I've done it, the fear is broken.

Sad/Funny quote of the day. In the morning at the deli a very short woman who looked rather heavy for her size ordered a cup of oatmeal. She looked at the container holding the oatmeal and she determined, "It look's pretty dry (It did, but I ate it). I don't want it now. Looks dry, too dry, I'll have the blueberry scone."

That poor woman went from a healthy breakfast of 150 calories to an unhealthy one of 500 calories in the blink of an eye!

Day 2

2011-04-07T00:04:00.000-04:00

So I started thinking about how I feel now, mentally, versus the best days of my Vegan Quest - no question I feel more down, and at times unhappy. So, why not just do what you did for six months? Clearly, there is a gravitational pull of having fun (socializing with spirits involved), and pleasing myself (enjoying the taste of pork and crabmeat dumplings). Now, I need to discover "why." And at the same time jump start my healthy living again. My diet was generally not that awful, and at breakfast and lunch was almost always very healthy. Night time was a different story.

Anyway, very happy to be going back on a journey - hit the gym the last two nights (not fully epic workouts, but I was there and got the heart pumping, and was sweating). Tonight I had social plans and even told the bartender beforehand that I was to be served a seltzer in a rocks glass with lime less I had to explain myself to an old friend and some new people I would be meeting. The plans were cancelled however, and my opportunity to go to the gym was there for the taking...I chose to go home, eat some nuts (probably too many), made a fruit smoothies and had some watermelon.

Oh, and I watched the DVD version of "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead" with the extra footage. I really can't wait for my juicer!

I'm Going to Try Juicing

2011-04-06T01:04:00.001-04:00

Joe Cross is not a professional filmmaker, in fact he was a successful trader turned entrepreneur who rewarded himself for his prosperity over the years with a cavalcade of pizza, burgers, soda, and booze. By the time he was 40 years old he was 100 lbs overweight, and was suffering a debilitating autoimmune disease – which he cared for with a chemist's pantry full of pills. Cross’s documentary film, "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead," chronicles his quest to reverse this deadly lifestyle and see if the human body, void of processed foods and animal products, can actually heal itself. He would do this by drinking juice, just juice, every day, for 60 days. Since any road trip, for any reason, across America with video camera in hand lends itself to voyeuristic entertainment, Joe dragged all 309 lbs of him to New York City to start his journey. His mission was to lose weight initially through this radical, 60 day vegetable and fruit juice fast, all the while talking to overweight Americans from the cities to the heartland.

For two months he used a high-powered juicer to turn his fresh fruits and vegetables into a green, formidable-looking, health Slurpee that most tasters deemed, "Not bad." Along the way Joe talked to hundreds of obese Americans straight out of Central Casting who were starkly honest about their poor health, curtailed longevity, and immovable penchant for fried foods. Almost to a person they blamed their frightening girth exclusively on...themselves.

As much as it was entertaining, and inspiring, to watch an affable Aussie lose 100 lbs criss-crossing America drinking nothing but juice, it is one of the converts he meets in his travels who is the true star of this film. When Joe Cross meets a 429 lb trucker, Phil, who coincidentally suffers from the same autoimmune system, he hears from Phil much of what he has from all the others throughout this journey: Yeah, I'm grossly overweight. I'm always tired and in pain. I'm ashamed. I only blame myself. I love food too much. I wish I could change.

Joe takes Phil, who was a hamburger away from a heart attack, under his wing, and through sheer self-discipline, Phil agrees to go 10 days drinking only juice from fresh vegetables and fruits. He likes what he sees and how he feels, and he agrees to go another 20 days. Then, like an unstoppable, ever thinning avalanche, Phil continues this awe-inspiring journey, helping many others along the way. It was powerful stuff, void of group-hugs and tears that was stirring and motivational.

"Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead" does not uncover any new secrets to weight loss, but it clearly showcases the shocking results of detoxifying and "retooling" your body, and the incredible way it changed lives through entertaining common sense.

Day 1...Again

2011-04-06T00:51:00.002-04:00

Last night I saw "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead," and I was greatly moved. The film maker, Joe Cross, was so much like me it was eery - he focused all his attention on bad food and booze. He is a few inches shorter than me, but was just over 300 lbs when he started his quest, and like me had a stomach that was 53 inches around! AND, he filmed himself for the sake of a documentary, and used Dr. Fuhrman!

Needless to say it was a terrific motivator, and I think I am going to try to juice and fast more to jump start my quest back to my goal!

My review will be in the next post.

Last night I went to the gym after work - worked up a good sweat (not hard to do with my current condition), went to see the film, and then later met friends to watch the basketball game. Well, I was not perfect in a bar watching the NCAA Championship but my excuse (there always is one) is that a buddy is going through a divorce, it was also the last night of these guys favorite bar which is closing, and there were about 7 friends all gathered around. In short, they needed Terrence 1.0 and I did not disappoint. No matter, I knew it was a last hurrah for me. Terrence 2.0 is back.

Today, a bit if apple, banana and some nuts for breakfast, a large salad with avocado, asparagus, and some tuna sashimi for lunch, and after work I went to the gym for a bit. Dinner was a few slices of watermelon, and large handful of pistachio nuts (too large I assume), and a delicious fruit smoothie with apples, bananas, and frozen raspberries. I also weighed myself, and that is why I am burying the headline here, I have let forty pounds slip back on me after triumphantly losing sixty. My belly is back to forty-eight inches around, up from forty-three.

I know what I have to do. Now, I am doing it!

You know, I feel better just writing about this again - I feel more in control again!

And, With Hat in Hand, I'm Back...

2011-04-04T12:51:00.008-04:00

I have chosen to start up this blog again without notifying anyone. I would like to see if I can grow this blog organically -- plus, I am ashamed to let anyone I know know I have fallen so far. At least for the time being I am not going to notify any of my friends and family.

Since this blog, and writing, helped me tremendously by forcing myself to write about my adventures and my quest, I am just as happy to write in a total vacuum.

What happened? On May 1, 2010 I ended my vegan quest down 60 lbs, and erased my impending heart-attack levels of bad cholesterol. I then went back to drinking, but eating healthfully. Once in a while I would drink to excess and a trip to the pizza parlor at 2 AM would soon follow. My work-outs became less frequent. I gained a few pounds, but I thought, "Hey, I know how quickly I can loose it!" But, I missed chasing fun. In seemed to have an iron grasp on me.

I last wrote in this blog 1 year after I started. My life was looking up as a new job, and new girlfriend shined brightly upon my new self. But, there was an inexplicable hole in my life, one that was nagging at me. As my girlfriend wanted to curb my drinking (a fraction of what it used to be), and cut out my once or twice a month cigar habit, something changed inside of me. I rebelled. Not because of her, of course, I had been rebelling (unknowingly) since I ended my quest. I missed having fun, I thought. I was an idiot.

For the past year I still ate oatmeal for breakfast, and salads for lunch, but I also ate, sometimes, like the bad old days for dinner, only sporadically exercised, and weekends sometimes became heavy drinking affairs. Sadly, as I shuffled to the shower in the morning with a throbbing headache I would pass the empty pizza box on the floor that lit up like a Las Vegas neon sign saying, "SHAME!"

I gained back at least half the weight I lost, and lost my girlfriend.

Somehow, a 42 year old man was acting like an 8 year old, and any chance I could I would, whenever she was not around, chose to live my life like Ernest Hemingway. Whereas she viewed a few glasses of wine on the weekend, plus a couple of drinks during the week, as "excessive," and forbade me from ever enjoying a cigar with the boys, I knew that was not "excessive." What I chose to do, however, was push the limits - I was dumb. She was a remarkable woman, one of the most beautiful and classiest people I ever met, but I could not change who I was -- I could only change how I was behaving. Even at my goal weight - which is disgustingly far away now - I would still like to let loose a little once in a while with the boys, or around some big sporting event. Something she did not want me to ever do again. To live a purely healthy life, and then pick one or two days out of 30 to have a right proper drink up and then quickly go back to healthy living was off the table in this relationship. I could not live with that - I was 100% fine with a demand to live a healthy life, with a couple of days allowed for blowing off steam with the boys, providing I stayed healthy and at my goal weight. That is what I came to the peace table with, but it was rejected. I will always respect and lover her. But I must start, yet, another new chapter in my life.

Minutes ago, after watching merely the trailer of the new documentary "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead" I decided to recommit myself to my health. It seems like a cruel pattern. When my now ex-girlfriend gently and positively supported my healthy lifestyle I rebelled like an ignorant child. When I made a commitment for this Lenten Season to go back to my good old days I quickly broke my "no drinking" rule and chose to chase fun.

This weekend I was with friends in a bar when the lights came on at closing time at 4 AM. I felt miserable all day. I felt like a loser. I felt that everything I accomplished from Nov.'09-May'10 was lost - like it never happened.

Today, April 4th, eight days shy of my 43rd birthday, I am recommitting myself to get my life back....again!

Farewell

2010-11-22T18:33:00.003-05:00

I always said I am all or nothing...if I commit to write every day, I can do it. If I lay off a little and only commit to write every week, then, well, I don't do so well.

I really cannot write on a weekly basis my thoughts, observations, goals, achievements and failures - for me, my best effort is in daily musings.

But, I have no time. I have recently left my job for a new, bigger opportunity running an advertising sales team. That, coupled with my new love, has taken me down new avenues, so I am saying goodbye to this blog so I can concentrate on finishing my book, my new career, and the Tennis Star, also known as Susan.

I feel you might be concerned that I am ending this blog with a whimper, but I assure you that no grand flourish of words need end this Vegan Quest because it is indeed that, a quest. It lives on forever - perhaps not exclusively veganism, but a new diet based mostly on plant based products that is nutrient dense.

Keep Driving By, Nothing to Eat Here.

In the end, if I can change my life, so can you. Eat, and live healthfully! And for the sake of your life, don't stop when you see this>>>>

For the coming Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Season follow the challenge outlined by Dr. Fuhrman: http://www.drfuhrman.com/shop/benefits.aspx

My sincere thanks to all of you, and now it's on to the kitchen to prepare myself a delicious and healthy vegetable wrap!

Please stay in touch at Terrence225@gmail.com

Weekly Posting

2010-11-08T12:51:00.002-05:00

Good morning and thanks for reading my first weekly comments for My Vegan Quest.

Runners up First Ave.

It was an eventful weekend to be sure - Friday my friends and the Tennis Star's friends meeting each other. Saturday my brother and Sister-in-Law welcomed their first child into the world. And Marathon Sunday.

Part of this developing relationship took a very important turn - I am now discussing switching from my gym to hers so we could work out together! I think this will be a positive development since I am no longer chasing fun, and spending the evening with her in the gym instead of the boys at the pub is simply healthier.

Friday night was too much celebrating, and as a result I ordered eggs and corned beef hash Saturday morning. After two bites I was reminded how much I would rather be eating a bowl of fruit and a bowl of oatmeal.

I also realized that my years of bachelorhood plus my efforts in changing my eating and drinking habits put me in a position of selfishness that I had not realized until becoming a part of a "team." I like how I am now striving to be better in all areas of my life.

Watching the marathon I was, as I am every year, so inspired by watching 40,000 people run up First Avenue around mile 18 of the marathon. It truly is all shapes, sizes, and ages which is amazing. Watching some middle-aged guy with a beer belly trudging along is motivating - but then 20 minutes later watching some young man with a seemingly perfect and well sculpted body struggle by is confusing. Why did a guy who looks no different than your neighborhood UPS delivery man seem to navigate the marathon, while someone who looks like he should be one of the leaders walking far behind the every-man? I think because you just can't judge a book by its cover. Also, it was fun to watch the Chilean miner run by! Not to mention my first day of veganhood was Marathon Sunday one year ago -- I thought about that day, and how far I have come, and I was just so happy to have experienced it all.

I want to end with an observation about the state's effort to curb childhood obesity. Although it is a noble and much needed effort, they are clearly going about it the wrong way. From California to New York politicians are acting like a nanny instead of a coach. They are taking away the personal responsibility of the citizens and trying to legislate through punishing private corporations.

I have said this before: for a child to be raised almost exclusively on a diet of fast food and soda really does amount to child abuse. However, instead of intensive education, incentives, and opportunities to create a healthy generation of kids, the government has chosen to tax soda companies (but not, say, candy companies), and even make "Happy Meals" - kids meals from McDonald's that have toys with their hamburgers, illegal. This over legislation turns private companies into the forces of evil, and gives lazy parents a free pass. Although Coke and McDonald's does not produce healthy food, they have a right to do so, and give many millions to charities in support of healthy living. A diet of coke and big macs is a terrifically unhealthy choice, but are there people who are unaware of that?

Now, during the Olympics I thought it was pretty outrageous that McDonald's had a commercial that showed taking a young hockey team to McDonald's with the tag line, "eat like a champion." Now, I am all for taking the team for pizza or burgers, but with the expressed knowledge that this is not a food kids should live on. However, these kids should be just as active as my generation so that those pizza parties are meaningless in causing obesity.

If the state wants to combat childhood obesity make sure that every public school makes Physical Education mandatory, and every athletic team is fully funded. As it stands, there are plenty of billions of dollars nationwide for education, it is just that the money is so seriously misspent that some schools had to eliminate sports. The recent scandals in the NYC public school system shows the serious mishandling of funds, so fully funded sports programs can be accomplished in this current economy with these current budgets.

Secondly, since the Federal Gov't is pretty good at special subsidies for farmers of certain kids of crops, simply make subsidies available for farmers who grow fruits and vegetables - not just corn which is a leading factor in corn syrup in everything.

Common sense should rule the day always, that is what I am saying.

Thank You!

2010-11-01T16:57:00.004-04:00

Today is the one year anniversary of a huge experiment where my primary goal was to lose weight, and secondarily to maybe change my life.

A Look Back

OCTOBER 30, 2009: Three months ago my friend suggested an idea, an experiment really, to take a hard-core carnivore and make him a vegan for six months to see the effects on weight loss, and improved health...I quickly pronounced, “That’s crazy! I would never do that!”

I love the food and drink pleasures of life too much to even think of going vegan! For 10 years I indulged myself in these pleasures, but the only lasting effect is that I am now at least 70 lbs over weight, and have painful knee joints. No matter, give me a bottle of Bordeaux and my giant porterhouse steak dripping in blood and butter any day! I’m happy! Besides, I know how to lose weight, I’ve done it may times before. Bottom line; eat healthfully, and in moderation. But there is the rub; I don’t do anything in moderation.

NOVEMBER 1, 2009: Well, after Day 1 I feel good that I ate so healthy today. I'm not hungry, but watching the marathon, and then football, and then the World Series without beer or comfort food is a bit of a challenge. You can do anything for just one day, I am eager and anxious about how I will handle this new lifestyle day in and out for the next six months!

MAY 1, 2010: The vegan quest ends today, but the healthy quest will continue forever. For me there is no finish line. Today is the end of a journey that taught me self-control, discipline, and moderation. And although I will celebrate when I knock the remaining 15-20 lbs off, the real finish line is dying a natural death at a very, very old age, God willing.

Truth be told, before I started this experiment and for the first few months I really only expected to lose the weight I wanted, feel miserable, write about it, celebrate the six month mark with a giant steak feast at Peter Luger Steak House, and then go back to my normal eating and drinking habits within reason. I was sure to think that veganism (plus, the additional sacrifice of no alcohol), although it provided an ends to a means, was really just too radical for me.

Was I wrong!

Weight loss actually became just a terrific byproduct, and not the singular goal. Physically, it was how great I felt living as a vegan, and more importantly, how much healthier I became. Sure I felt lighter on my feet, and my knee pain was reduced, but it was internally where the greatest benefits were realized. My over cholesterol went from a dangerously high 300, all the way down to an optimal 170. My bad cholesterol went from a walking heart-attack 227 down to an incredibly healthy 105. My battered liver enzymes went from more than twice what is optimal, down safely to the very low end of optimal. I changed my physical life, and I changed my everyday life.

I no longer am a slave to over-indulgence, nor am I slave to massive intake of animal products. Simply put, I feel better on a diet that is mostly plant-based. And I am so thankful to Heather and her crew for all the support in this endeavor. I can't say it enough, if I can do it you can do it! It feels so liberating to break from the shackles of living a sad life being fat, drunk, and stupid, seemingly happy, but not.

That big steak party I was planning? I didn't have a steak until 6 weeks AFTER I ended my vegan quest. My predilection for eggs is gone. I still enjoy fish, but without all the smothering sauces I once enjoyed. Now, steak, eggs, and pork soup dumplings still taste good to me, I just don't have this Pavlovian desire to inhale them all the time - if ever.

But the best part of this vegan quest is rediscovering my discipline, moderation, and what it means to be a healthy homosapien. We were not created to subsist on the Hardee's Monster Thickburger. Are you a criminal if you love this thing? Not at all. Are you smart if you enjoy it more than once a month? No, it's dumb, and your body will hate you for it.

Not long after I finished my vegan quest and realized that I am most happy eating mostly a healthy diet that is nutrient dense, I found love. Now I have an amazing woman to share this new lease on life with, and I have never been happier.

So, all in all, it has been one heck of a year, and I will continue to evangelize a healthier lifestyle for all...it pays dividends in so many other ways.

I will continue My Vegan Quest blog on a weekly basis. So, every Sunday evening I will be writing about the previous week - my observations about myself, and the world around me, and hopefully, a few of you will find that little extra inspiration to continue your focus on your health (not your scale, but your health!). I know how rough the seas can be regarding eating, but just stay in the boat, keep your sails at full mast and you'll weather any of the urges so they will be fleeting, and not controlling. Bad choices will be made, but you must make sure your very next meal is a healthy one! Don't curl up in the corner and lament your over-indulgent dinner, and make yourself feel better with a bowl of ice cream...make yourself feel better with a bowl of fruit. Just stay on course no matter how much a storm blows up, you only have one body and one life.

Thanks for reading my daily blog, your comments, questions, and encouragement kept me going when my quest was most challenging. I hope some of you will stick around for my weekly updates.

Finally, EAT MOSTLY PLANTS! Apes sit on the ground and chew leaves, we are humans, we are advanced, there are countless, complex, haute cuisine recipes of plant-based meals that you will love - trust me. Change your perceptions, change your diet, CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Skinny Bastard

2010-10-28T11:30:00.004-04:00

During My Vegan Quest I was filmed visiting Dr. Fuhrman ("Eat to Live") by Joshua, a cameraman, activist, and blogger about fashion, etiquette and "ethically handsome men." Clearly we were approaching veganism from opposite sides of the spectrum - mine was dietary, his was ethics. We could not be more far apart politically, spiritually, and socially, but he is a good guy, and we had some very interesting conversations. What could have easily descended into a political shouting match so often found with the vociferate spouters of opinion that have supplanted national, civil debate, we bonded over which are the best vegan restaurants, and vegan recipes. Don't laugh, the rough and tumble Vince Lombardi would read recipe books to relax.

This is why I so embraced the new world of veganism for six months, and have continued on a mostly plant based diet since then. It was the opposite of who I am, and more and more people who knew me suddenly began to look at this lifestyle in a positive light. Also, my new friend is friends with Rory Freedman, co-author of the wildly popular book, "Skinny Bitch." Basically, it is a book that teaches women how to lose weight by eating healthfully, avoiding animal products, and look great - all with serious attitude. I was most grateful the other day when Rory sent me an autographed copy with a poignant inscription in their follow-up book, "Skinny Bastard."

A sampling of their style and attitude found in the book "Skinny Bastard":

So you’re fat. Big deal. Chances are, you haven’t done so badly, despite the few extra lbs you’re carting around. (Women are so amazing—we can be madly in love with a man, despite how he looks.) But don’t kid yourself, pal: A hot-bodied man is a head-turner. So don’t waste your money on a stupid sports car to get chicks; a woman who cares about what kind of car a man drives is a vapid, shallow whore. Invest in yourself. (A woman who cares about how a man looks is also a vapid, shallow whore. But at least you’ll look good.) You have only one body to get you through this lifetime. So quit eating crap and abusing yourself! Even if you never look like Brad Pitt, if you’re eating well and exercising, you’ll be healthier, happier, and more confident. Chicks dig that shit.

Not you average self-help and diet book, is it? But, I agree with Rory -- don't think that it is only children that need to be tricked, cajoled, and "related to" on their level to achieve a well-behaved and healthier living. Yes, kids need to be promised ice cream so they don't act up in the yarn store. Yes, a baby will be more amused by the flying "plane" of apple sauce going into their mouth so they eat. And, yes, it is effective to play the "nap game," or the "quiet game," for your children acting like humming birds on crack. Why not men?

We are, at heart, still cavemen...trust me, I rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the caveman infantry. Therefore, neither ethics, nor general health, nor weight loss will necessarily light the fire to eat healthier. Why? Because we lived an entire childhood hunting big game in our backyards with a sling shot. When guys get together we go to steak joints...the last vestige of that wonderful private club made famous in "The Little Rascals," the He-Man Women Haters Club! Do, we really hate women? Hardly! Try this experiment - get a bunch of guys around a big white linen table, piled high with sizzling steak in butter sauce, creamed spinach, and hash browns with cases of red wine. They will quickly resemble a gathering of 9th Grade boys in the locker room no matter their current age or station in life. They will grumble and gripe about their wives, girlfriends, and women in general (except that hot intern from Brazil). Now, supplant one of the typical, 55 year old, uniformed men who are the waiters in places like these with an attractive young woman, and watch how these cavemen elbow out each other with snarling ferocity to curry favor with this lady. Oh, and 70% of these guys have pot bellies, but they still manage to date attractive women. And, yes, Darla always managed to take over the He-Man club too. To get men to eat healthier you must apply the "Darla Principal." The current vegan PR campaign is atrocious, that is why I am going to do it more effectively.

So, what is the motivation to eat mostly a plant-based diet? What "Skinny Bastard" does is play to the hot buttons and insecurities of men. And what I plan to do with my book about My Vegan Quest is to serve as a 5th Column, if you will, within the ranks of cavemen to show them a better way, to live longer, to feel better, and to get that phone number of that beautiful waitress before your buddy does!

If this sounds like I am objectifying women, it is only to appeal to the most debased elements of my species in order to get them to eat a more plant based diet. And besides, I already found the woman of my dreams and the only reason it has taken me 20 years is that I was hunkered down in a cave for the past two decades thinking that I conquered the world merely because I learned how to make fire.

A Very New York Day

2010-10-27T13:30:00.007-04:00

Last night I went to an industry party down on Wall Street and I knew they would not be serving vegetable hors d'oeuvres, so I planned ahead. Meeting my friend in Union Square to take the train downtown, I got there early and popped into my old favorite, The Coffee Shop. Instead of my requisite vegan wrap, I went with the veggie burger and avocado instead - obviously, more calories and carbs, but it was delicious! For lunch I went to Sapporo next to Rockefeller Center where I was one of three non-Japanese people in this over-crowded restaurant...a good sign. I had the vegetable ramen which was very good, but I am still partial to Menku Tei on 56th.

The party was held on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange which was very, very cool! I have never been and it was a real treat to go on the actual NYSE floor for a party! True to form it was the typical hors d'oeuvres of fried concoctions, with cocktail bars sprinkled throughout this bastion of finance. Obviously, the security was quite strict to say the least! My friend used to be a broker and he was explaining all the ins and outs of this intimidating room filled with monitors and numbers. He picked up a pad of buy slips, which littered the tables, and explained how the stocks or whatever were traded on the floor. I confess I took one of the small blank slips of white "Buy" ("Sell" are pink) pieces of paper as a souvenir.

It was a pretty fun event, and as I left I stopped to chat with a police officer who was munching on almonds - she offered me some, and I commented that it was nice to see a cop eating raw almonds and not glazed donuts...she thought that was funny. My buddy and I then decided to stop off at the bar, Knickerbocker, to continue our conversation. There we met a fashion editor for Glamour magazine complaining about her photographer during that day's cover shoot which certainly added to the conversation. All in all a thoroughly New York City evening!

So, My Vegan Quest will live on past Nov. 1st. I really appreciate all the emails I received asking my to keep writing...thank you!

But, writing daily is just too much of too little to write about, so, after November 1st, my one year anniversary, I will be writing a weekly post in My Vegan Quest every Sunday night.

Riding Alone No More

2010-10-25T18:00:00.001-04:00

Back during WWII there was an effective ad campaign that promoted conserving gas through car pooling by exclaiming that if you ride alone you are hurting the war effort. I was trying to think of an analogy about eating alone since for the past year I mostly ate alone when I was not entertaining clients (Guy friends don't do "dinners"). For me, it was effective since I did not need a cheerleader, or a buddy to help me through my daily vegan quest. When I rode alone I was happy enough and stayed true to eating a nutrient dense diet. Now, I am not riding alone anymore and virtually every meal this weekend was with the Tennis Star (who is not much of a star at darts I discovered). Eating with a girlfriend you become more interested in variety and tasting each other's meals. For me it is more of a challenge even though she is very careful about what she eats. So, when you eat alone you eat with yourself...that's about it, that is all I got from the creative department! Lack of creativity aside, my point is that having a girlfriend certainly adds a new dimension to my eating habits.

Sagaponack Restaurant

Friday night we went to a play at the Irish Repertory Theatre, "Banished Children of Eve." We were in the front row of this tiny theatre and it was quite good. For dinner we went to the restaurant Sagaponack on 22nd Street. It is a nice, new seafood restaurant named after the picturesque coastal town out on Long Island, and oddly enough is in a place that used to be a bar where I celebrated my 39th birthday in grand (read: unhealthy) style.

Here is the deal, I had some shell fish and a fish ravioli dish that was terrific. But, this weekend I simply had too much pasta - I was rather indulgent because I was not really concentrating on myself and my diet. It was not terribly by any means, but I certainly was not as disciplined as I normally am. I am not riding alone anymore and it is a terrific feeling -- now I just need to reconcile that with my goals and all will be perfect.

Il Gattopardo

Today had a client luncheon at Il Gattopardo which is a fantastic Italian restaurant in midtown. Their lentil soup special (made with vegetable stock) was exquisite. For an entrée I just could not pass up the eggplant ravioli - fantastic. Not sure why I have had a huge pasta kick recently, but I need to curb it quickly.

I guess, in the end it is only fitting that this new lifestyle of mine, started 1 year ago has paid terrific dividends in my health and general well-being, and now in my personal life.

As someone recently said about me, "You are now Terry 2.0." Indeed.

Living on 9th

2010-10-22T00:27:00.000-04:00

Today I made myself to a diner on 9th Avenue for breakfast for some oatmeal and bananas and a side of cantaloupe. Looking at the characters in the heart of Hell's Kitchen slurping down eggs and bacon - some who looked like they are paying for the meal from pennies collected on a street corner in an old coffee cup - gave me some perspective. Cheap food that is not good for you may satiate, but it does not nourish. But, if you are just happy to have a meal for the day what does it matter?

I met up a friend after work and then went to a going away party for someone in the industry where I saw some old friends. I had a drink but continued to think how I would have been a year ago - chasing fun, over-indulging, and choosing to make myself happy with food and drink. I met a sweet girl who, when discussing my vegan quest with an old colleague of mine, exclaimed with Elaine-like enthusiasm (from "Seinfeld"), "Get out! I've heard about you!" So, in this small industry it got around that a "normal" carnivore went vegan for six months. I take satisfaction that I keep bringing normality to a plant-based diet amongst people who not only would never consider such a thing, but would think negatively of such an endeavor until they realize one of their own accomplished it.

When I left I was filled with energy and walked home from 13th and 9th Avenue - 3 miles. I walked through the hip Chelsea neighborhood, the barren 30's near the Post Office, the once debaucherous and now re-surging 40's, and up through my old neighborhood, the now very popular 50's before heading east. I must have passed 30 restaurants on 9th Avenue alone and each one of them was packed. I wish I could give some sort of intelligent insight into the restaurants along 9th Ave., but other than the sheer variety of them, all I can say is...there are alot of people in New York City!

I was starving when I got home and made myself some spinach pasta with Patsy's tomato sauce. Yeah, not a good idea with the carbs - especially so late.

Upcoming Event

2010-10-21T16:43:00.000-04:00

On November 9th, the Tennis Star and I will be enjoying "A Very Veggie Thanksgiving."

This special event will be at the Braeburn at 117 Perry St. (Greenwich St.)

Join chef Brian Bistrong as he prepares a special twist on traditional Turkey Day fare with a five-course vegetarian feast paired with wines at his innovative West Villager. Designed to show you what veggies can do, chef Bistrong's menu will tempt your palate with items like roasted beets with petticoat lane apples and walnut purée, creamless trumpet royal soup with celery leaf, herb gnocchi with roasted squash sauce and chestnut stuffing with slow poached egg and Brussels sprouts. Your pre-holiday host will then send you on your way with all the recipes so you can bring them to your Thanksgiving table.

I would love it if you are a reader of the blog, living in the city, and would like to join to reach out to me (terrence225@gmail.com). It would be fun to meet new people at such a great sounding dinner event.

Tuesday Twosome

2010-10-20T18:46:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I knew I would be working through lunch so I loaded up on a late morning breakfast with two orders of oatmeal and bananas. Didn't get too hungry late in the day either.

I met up with the Tennis Star in the lobby of her office (for the first time) and she definitely had her game-face on -- stern female executive, and not the smiling, sweet new girlfriend. Pretty comical, but I played along.

We had a date at one of my favorite vegan restaurants in NYC, my friend Benay's place (she's the COO), Candle Cafe. Being that Candle Cafe is on 3rd and 75th, and I met the Tennis Star on 47th and 5th she naturally suggested we walk the almost 2 miles on this cool, crisp Autumn evening. I could not agree more! However, it was not until around St. Patrick's Cathedral on 51st Street, sufficiently far enough away from her work and co-workers, that she allowed us to steal a kiss, and her Thatcheresque stiff upper lip and rigid corporate spine then softened, morphing into that bouncy Co-Ed skipping to tennis practice.

Because the restaurant manager recognized me, from the last time, we were seated rather quickly on this very busy Tuesday night. These are the little things that stack up in a young, well, used to be young, suitor's favor.

We started with the mezze plate appetizer which really is fantastic! It comes with hummus, quinoa tabouli, lemon-date chutney, marinated olives, parata bread and zataar. Delectable. I also had the magical miso which was similar to miso I typically have but with thin slices of carrots and onions. The Tennis Star had the special -- mushroom risotto which she really enjoyed, in fact she had to take some home it was such a large helping. I went with the Chile-Lime Grilled Seitan with Roasted vegetable quinoa pilaf, sautéed greens and an avocado salad. Served with a black bean sauce and chipotle coulis. It was fantastic. The seitan had a great texture and spicy kick. Oh, and Benay stopped by to say hello, especially since explaining that she had noticed days before that I changed my Facebook status to, "In a relationship with..." A major step to say the least, not to mention, the vegan community is similar to a sewing circle as far as gossip is concerned!

Then, I watched the Yankees lose spectacularly, again. The Tennis Star was very consoling, however. Well, as consoling as a die-hard Red Sox fan from Boston can be, which is not at all. I mean, she did say, "I'm so sorry," before falling onto the ground in a fit of laughter.

My Changed Life

2010-10-18T23:44:00.003-04:00

Imagine, I debated for a long time whether to order chicken or not. It was recommended, and I decided to try it at Freemans restaurant in the Lower East Side. Althought the decor would be an anathema to PETA, the restaurant is a good, hip place. I ordered the vegetables and side of brussel sprouts which were good, but again, too oily (I even ordered light on oil).

My date had the scallops which were tasty as well.

It is quite remarkable that in this current life of mine the big deviation of the norm was a chicken dish. For the old me, that would have been the healthiest thing I ate.

The rest of the weekend was rather healthy - save for the cigar and rye Saturday night while pitching woo.

Which brings me to me next topic. I met someone very special who was an outstanding tennis player (once ranked number 1 in New England) in her youth, and loves exercise and healthy eating. Part of the reason I was negligent in writing in the blog was because I spent the weekend with the tennis star doing things like walking in the park.

Also, I am fast approaching a year on my vegan quest and aftermath. What more can I write?

So, as I continue to eat healthfully, and live a life dedicated to life and not immediate gratification, and with a wonderful burgeoning relationship I feel like I will just be repeating myself. My goal weight is another month and a half away I figure, and my life has changed so much for the better.

I think I might end this blog on the anniversary of my Vegan Quest which is November 1st. I am really not sure what else to write about? Excercise tips and eating tips can be found in multiple places, so I guess I have just run out of things to say.

I will end these final two weeks strong with my thoughts on vegansim, healthy eating, and how I continue to navigate a very social lifestyle.

There are some who like to email me, so PLEASE continue to do so! Terrence225@gmail.com

Today, surprise, I had oatmeal for breakfast, edamame and miso for lunch, had a moderate work-out after work, and vegetarian powerhouse salad from Chopt for dinner.

Oh, and I watched my beloved Yankees get pummeled.

Inspiration

2010-10-15T14:41:00.002-04:00

So, this week has been incredibly busy and I have simply had no time to write!

Really the highlights has been the moderation I have exhibited. One night I went to a rambunctious fundraiser with all my friends and sipped two cups of beer through the night and had a great time. Another is when I sat in a French café on a first date and talked for three hours over one, just one glass of wine. This is huge for me because I kept thinking that in the bad old days I would have ordered some pate' and cheese, downed a bunch of cocktails , and while glassy-eyed try to pitch woo. Those days are dead.

Food wise it was not a vegan week, and I even had some sausage in this pasta dish I had, but the thing is that I really didn't enjoy it. I really love the way I am living -- really, really love it. But, yes, I have some work to do to get to my optimal weight. Pretty much harder and stricter exercise will complete this mission!

I will say that I got terrific inspiration this week from a fabulous new show on Broadway called "Lombardi." It is a portrait of the great Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi. No one motivated like Lombardi, and after watching this play I was glassy-eyed alright - because I was so moved! The acting is sure to win the Tony Award. Amazing!

Lombardi is famous for countless quotes (and having the Super Bowl trophy named after him!), but here is just a few to take with you into the weekend:

"Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit."

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"Success demands singleness of purpose."

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."

This is Frightful

2010-10-12T15:36:00.000-04:00

From Yahoo News:

Vladimir Lenin, King Tut and the McDonald's Happy Meal: What do they all have in common? A shocking resistance to Mother Nature's cycle of decomposition and biodegradability, apparently.

That's the disturbing point brought home by the latest project of New York City-based artist and photographer Sally Davies, who bought a McDonald's Happy Meal back in April and left it out in her kitchen to see how well it would hold up over time.

The results? "The only change that I can see is that it has become hard as a rock," Davies told the U.K. Daily Mail.

She proceeded to photograph the Happy Meal each week and posted the pictures to...record the results of her experiment. Now, just over six months later, the Happy Meal has yet to even grow mold. She told the Daily Mail that "the food is plastic to the touch and has an acrylic sheen to it."

Read this article in full before your next trip to McDonalds.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101012/bs_yblog_upshot/mcdonalds-happy-meal-resists-decomposition-for-six-months

Now, I am not anti-McDonald's, I ate there probably weekly growing up and I was quite thin. The company donates millions to good charities, and the Ronald McDonald House for sick children is a wonderful organization. They have every right to not just be in business, but to be wildly successful too. The food is cheap, and there are plenty of exceptional, loving, and intelligent parents who feed their kids McDonald's. However, this is just a public service announcement...do you know what you are putting in yours and your children's bodies? Shouldn't natural food spoil over a short time, especially without refrigeration? At least that's what I remember from Science class and studying Louis Pastuer in school.