My boyfriend shared this article with me. Now, it's not the article, itself, that got me riled up - it's articles like that, in general, and the comments that follow.

There were a few things, in the article, that made me raise an eyebrow, but hey, it's what the guy believes, so I really can't fault him. He did his research and cited his sources but I don't necessarily agree with his findings.

Here are a few excerpts:

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"Vegan diets, in particular, are almost completely devoid of certain nutrients that are crucial for physiological function. Several studies have shown that both vegetarians and vegans are prone to deficiencies in B12, calcium, iron, zinc, the long-chain fatty acids EPA & DHA, and fat-soluble vitamins like A & D."

"I do not think it’s possible to meet nutrient needs on a vegan diet without supplements—and quite a few of them. Vegan diets are low in B12, biovailable iron and zinc, choline, vitamin A & D, calcium, and EPA and DHA. So if you’re intent on following a vegan diet, make sure you are supplementing with those nutrients."

"While it may be possible to address these shortcomings through targeted supplementation (an issue that is still debated), it makes far more sense to meet nutritional needs from food. This is especially important for children, who are still developing and are even more sensitive to suboptimal intake of the nutrients discussed in this article. Like all parents, vegetarians and vegans want the best for their children. Unfortunately, many are not aware of the potential for nutrient deficiencies posed by their dietary choices."

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I was going to reply to some of the comments but figured that it would fall on deaf ears. Every time an article like this is posted, the vegans get all up in arms, the meat eaters fire back and no one actually pays attention to anything the other person is saying.

It's also about knowing your audience. The site also promotes "Paleo Weight Loss" - AKA the Caveman Diet - which is high protein, low carb. Plant-based diets, by design, are going to be are higher carb so anyone following that site would most likely frown upon it.  If there's one thing I've learned, over the years, it's that you should pick your battles. When people are resolute in their beliefs, and you're on a site where people obviously feel a certain way about something, there is no chance of having an open, engaging,discussion where both parties can respect each others views and opinions. In those cases, I just step away.

There was one thing Chris said that I agree with is about B-12.  On a plant-based diet it is more difficult to get it and that you have to either take a supplement or make sure you eat and drink things that are fortified with B-12. As for everything else? In my personal experience, it's not true. I get my blood tested, for all the things he mentioned, every year or two and I've never come up deficient in any category. I even donate blood whenever the Blood Mobile is in the area. They test your hemoglobin levels (the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells) every time you donate. If it's below a certain number, you're turned away. I've been turned away twice, for low hemoglobin since I started donating, 17 years ago, and both of those times were before I went vegan.

ANYONE can be deficient in the nutrients he mentioned. Eating meat and dairy doesn't ensure that you're going to have a healthy diet. Eating plant-based doesn't ensure that you're going to have a healthy diet either. It's up to the individual person to make sure they do their best to eat as healthy as possible, not matter what diet you choose to follow - that's what it boils down to.

The truth is that, on the internet, anyone can find "scientific fact" to support their viewpoint/opinion. Be sure to read ALL the "evidence"  - both for and against your argument - and then, with an open mind -  look at all the information provided and figure out what is right for you.

A couple of years back, SkinnyBitch.net was looking for weight loss success stories from people who had read the book, Skinny Bitch, so I sent mine in.

Shortly thereafter, I received an email saying that I was chosen to be featured on the site! To say I was excited was an understatement. They were going to put together a video about little ole me and put it on the site. I had a phone interview (for the voice over) and then sent in some before and after pictures to be featured. I waited for about a month before contacting the woman again and last I heard, they were "in the midst of the production on my video and it should be done in a month or so". That was a couple of years ago and I still haven't seen that video. I also noticed that they hadn't added any new videos to the page, since, so maybe they decided to not do them anymore for whatever reason.

I found the email that I sent, recently, so for those of you that don't know my story, I figured that it'd be a worthwhile share:

Most people don't know the day their life changed, but I do: May 17, 2008.

Farm Sanctuary was having their annual gala and, compelled to check out the celebrity arrivals after hearing that one of my favorite actresses would be there, me and a group of friends decided to go check out the red carpet arrivals.

The events of that day changed my life forever.

A little history: I had been overweight almost my entire teenage/adult life. My weight never prevented me from enjoying my high school years--I had great friends, participated in the high school band, plays and other activities, but it did stop me from trying unfamiliar things and stepping out of my comfort zone. This continued even after I graduated. Throughout my twenties I had a good group of friends, but I still missed out on a lot because of my weight. It held me back from going after so many things I'd wanted to do and from achieving my full potential. Throughout my life, I tried many different diets, but none ever worked in the long term. This history, combined with the fact that most of my family is overweight, led me to believe nothing could be done--this was part of my biology, simple as that.

By January 2008 I'd hit a rough patch. I had just turned 30 and, standing at 5'7" and weighing at least 215 pounds, I was not in a good place mentally, emotionally, spiritually or physically. I knew I needed to do something to fix things, but what?

The answer came in May of that year, waiting outside that Gala.

Shortly after arriving, we met a photographer and his friend, Kyle. As we passed the time chatting, Kyle asked me if I was vegetarian (which I wasn't at the time) and then suggested that I read a book called "Skinny Bitch". I remember laughing at the name and thinking, "What kind of name is that for a book?" But the title stuck with me and I mentally filed it away to look into later.

The next day my friend and I went to pick up a copy of the book and it took me less than a day to devour the contents. Captivated by the material, I spent the next two weeks researching everything I could on veganism, weight loss, nutrition and animal advocacy and on May 29, 2008, I officially banished all animals products from my life and my body.

One year later, I was a totally different person. I was down 70+ pounds, felt happier and healthier than I'd ever been before and for the first time, I was fully at peace with who I was. My weight was no longer holding me back from being who I wanted to be and a whole new world was opening up to me: I was getting out there and trying new things, having new experiences and was more conscious of things going on around me and of what I put into my body.

Now, almost four years later, I'm proud to say that I have successfully maintained the weight loss and try to give back by, as much as I can, by volunteering and helping others to improve their own lives. Everyday is still a learning experience for me and I try to educate friends and family about nutrition, weight loss and conscious eating as well as try my best to open people's eyes to what goes on on Factory Farms, in an effort to help improve the lives of people and animals alike.

I often wonder where I'd be now if the day of the gala had gone differently. What if I hadn't gone to the gala in the first place? Would I still have discovered Skinny Bitch on my own? All I know is that my life would be vastly different than it is today and I will forever be grateful for the second chance, that I've been given, at an amazing life because of Skinny Bitch! <3

Thought this was written a few years ago, the sentiment is the same. I have gained about 10lbs, which I've been battling to take off again, but overall, I still feel as great as I did when I initially lost the weight and am still extremely grateful for everything that has come my way.

Over the years, I haven't been the best at letting people know how I really feel. Somewhere along the way, I started to equate emotion with weakness and had learned to control my emotions so well that nothing could affect me.

What I’ve learned is that you can’t live like that.

Just because you suppress an emotion, doesn’t mean that it doesn't exist and the longer you push it down, the more it’s going to try to manifest itself in other ways, which just does more harm than good. Sure, letting people in is scary; letting them see the ’real’ you opens you up to rejection and heartache but it also opens you up to acceptance and love. Wouldn’t you rather have someone in your life who loves you for who you are and not someone you pretend to be? Opening yourself up to isn’t a sign a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. You’re strong enough to take a chance on the unknown. The outcome may not always be what you had hoped for but living your life and taking chances on people (and experiences), is so much better than wondering “what if”?

I missed out on so much in my 20’s because I was afraid to take chances. I over-analyzed everything I did and always worried what people thought of me but since I've turned 30, I’ve learned to stop worrying so much and to just enjoy life and be grateful and take advantage of every opportunity that I’m presented. I try not to take anyone (or anything) for granted anymore and when I have the chance, let them know how much I appreciate them.

When I started on my weight loss/life transformation journey, there were four people that had a huge impact on helping me to change my life. Two of them I had just met (and didn't know if I'd ever see them again) and the other two I had no idea if I'd ever get to meet but I vowed to myself that if I ever had the chance, I would tell them exactly just how much they had effected my life and how thankful I was for who they are and what they do. Saying “thank you” is such a small gesture, but sometimes it’s the little things that impact someone’s life the most.

I’ve been lucky. I was able to thank all four of those people for being such an inspiration for me and for just being them. A lot of time, people don’t realize the impact they’ve made on someone else’s life, so being able to thank them in person, and seeing their face light up is such an incredible, indescribable feeling. Saying ‘thank you’ has allowed me to give back, a little bit, to someone who has done so much to help me by just being them. And what better feeling is there then knowing that someone appreciates you for just being you?

If there’s something that you want to tell someone or something you want to do, just do it. Don’t wait until the ‘perfect’ moment (there is no such thing). Don’t wait until you think you know how the other person will react (because you never really do). Don’t worry so much about saying the right thing (the words will come to you) or not do something because you're worried you won't be good at it. (everyone has to start somewhere.). Put yourself out there and take a chance - on life and on yourself.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~ Mark Twain

What’s more important? Living your life and taking chances or standing still and letting life pass you by? The choice is yours. Carpe diem.

If we changed our thinking, could we change the world?

Over the past 5 years, I've read a lot of books on everything from dieting and nutrition to getting what you want out of life. Out of them all, there are three that have really resonated with me: Skinny Bitch, Naturally Thin and Meeting Your Half-Orange. If Skinny Bitch and Naturally Thin were the books that helped me to transform my body, then Meeting Your Half-Orange was the book that helped me to transform my soul.

Meeting Your Half-Orange is marketed as a guide to dating optimism but it's so much more than that. The author, Amy Spencer, talks a lot about the law of attraction and using dating optimism, to not only lead you to finding the perfect person for you, but to also get what you want out of life. It's a great read for anyone who wants more of life in general - single, dating or even married.

When people think "The law of attraction" they tend to think about The Secret, so naturally, when I was having a conversation with a friend about this book, it segued into a discussion about it. I've been wanting to read it but never seemed to have a chance and then she reminded me that the movie was streaming online. I found myself with a bit of free time this weekend, so I decided to sit down and watch it.

The basics of it is are that like attracts like: positivity attracts positivity, negativity attracts negativity. It makes a lot of sense. When things are going good, everything just seems to fall into place then one bad thing happens and everything seems to go down hill. Once that one bad thing happens, how do you react? I know that my whole attitude would change and I'd go from feeling like I was on top of the world to thinking that the world was going to end. Of course I wasn't going to attract anything good when all I was putting out was negative energy.

I find the law of attraction fascinating. I could go on and on about this stuff, but there was  one section of the movie, that really stood out to me: how to use The Secret to change the world. You think I've lost my mind, right? Let me explain.

"I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there." ~Mother Teresa

Thought can be a very powerful thing; I'm sure you've experience this before yourself. You think about a person that you haven't seen in a while and shortly thereafter, someone else brings up their name in conversation, they contact you or you just happen to randomly run into them.

People are so intent on fighting for what they believe in, but do we ever stop and think about what type of energy we're putting out there? For the most part, we're "anti-this" and "anti-that" and no matter how good the cause, "anti" anything just brings about negative feelings. With all these people putting those type of feelings out there, can you imagine how powerful that is? By trying to help, we're actually just adding to the problem.

What if we came from a place of love rather than than a place of hate? What if we just changed our thought patterns and wording? We'd still be standing up for what we believe in, but going about it in a different way. Instead of imbuing the negative with power, we'd be imbuing the positive with it. Instead of being "anti-war", what if we were "pro-peace"? Instead of  being "against the death penalty", what if we were "for life in prison"? What if instead of being "against animal cruelty" we were "for the humane treatment of animals"? As Newton states in his third law, "To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction; for every 'anti' there is a 'pro', so why not embrace it?

We all have choices and how we choose to react shapes our lives. If we all chose to live our lives by coming from a place of love and compassion instead of a place of hate and judgment, I really do think we could make the world a better place.

Hello. My name is Tracie and I'm a coffee-aholic.

I love coffee - especially lattes - and I've been known to go to Starbucks at least 3-4 times a week. You know it's bad when the Barista knows your order by heart. At work, I'd have one to three cups of coffee a day. I'm sure that there are people who drink much more than I do but the amount of coffee I was consuming on a daily basis was becoming a bit much for me and I really needed to cut back a bit.

Over the past few months, I've done quite a bit of reading on PH Balance* and acidic vs alkaline diets, so after reading Kris Carr's book, Crazy Sexy Diet (which touched on those subjects again) I decided that it was time to take a little hiatus from coffee.

So for 28 days (the entire month of February) it was a Java Free School Zone.

The first few days were easier than expected. I've given it up in the past so I was prepared for the withdrawal symptoms to set in: headaches, body aches, restlessness, moodiness, etc. but this time around I lucked out. I was a bit more tired than usual, but other than that, nothing. I did get a few mild cravings but after about a week, those went away as well.

I learned a lot over the past 28 days. Without that much coffee in my body, I concentrate better, sleep more soundly at night and my 3pm crash isn't as bad. I've learned to appreciate tea much more. I've learned that a cup of peach tea in the morning can satisfy me just as much as a cup of coffee can. That a Passion tea soy latte can be as enjoyable as a hazelnut soy latte, That Jasmine tea is absolutely delicious and that I really enjoy sipping a cup of chamomile or mint tea while relaxing and watching tv at night

And then there's Teeccino. It's an herbal coffee made from herbs, grains, fruits and nuts that are roasted and ground to brew and taste just like coffee. It's caffeine free and non-acidic. They have a bunch of different flavors (Amaretto, Vanilla Nut, Chocolate Raspberry, Pumpkin Spice...) but if you love hot chocolate, try the Chocolate Mint. It tastes just like hot chocolate AND it's only 20 calories a cup! I could honestly give up coffee totally and be happy with just drinking Teeccino for the rest of my life. I think.

Halfway though the month, things were going fine and then I found out about the Coffee and Tea Festival in NYC. Groupon had a great deal on tickets and there was going to be a cooking demo on infusing baked goods with tea and coffee, so being an aspiring baker and chef, I just had to go! And the detox was half over, so I would be strong enough to escape the pull of the coffee aroma, right? Surprisingly, there was way more tea there than coffee; I'd say that for every 8 booths of tea there was only 1 booth of coffee. I'm happy to report that no coffee passed these lips but lots of different kinds of teas and fruit juices did! The cooking demo was a bit of a let down but the coffee and tea infused drink demo, that was right after it, was really interesting.

I  went into this detox fully intending to drink coffee again  - and I still am - but there are definitely going to be changes. I no longer need to have a cup of coffee to function in the morning and I plan to keep it that way by alternating mornings between tea and coffee and on the days that I do drink coffee, only having one cup per day. And I may even switch to decaf most of the time - but the jury's still out on that one :p

This was definitely a good experience for me but I'm happy that I'm able to have a latte again. The barista at Starbucks has been counting down the days, so when I walk through the door this afternoon, I know that she'll have my latte waiting and my hand will be outstretched ready to grab it! :)

Have you guys given anything up for a certain amount of time? How did it work out for you? Were you successful? Would you do it again?

~T

(Reposted from the now defunct, traciebee.blogspot.com from March 1, 2011)

*To sum up PH Balance, degenerative diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, kidney stones and even allergies have been scientifically linked to mineral deficiencies that result in your body fluids become more acidic. Parasites, viruses, and other diseases can't thrive in an alkaline environment, so a more alkaline diet would greatly reduce the chances of those diseases affecting you. If  you're as much of a nutrition nerd as I am, click here to see a list of alkaline and acid foods/drinks or check out these books: The Ultimate pH Solution by Michelle Schoffro Cook, The pH Balance Diet by Bharti Vyas & Suzanne Le Quesne and The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health by Christopher Vasey.