You Are What You Eat was guilty of cherry-picking statistics that project vegan diets to be the healthier alternative for people of all age groups and physiological make-up

Half the world is worried that artificial intelligence will take over the world, and the other half is certain vegans will. At least the makers of the Netflix docu-series You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment have tried their best to establish that veganism is the Captain America shield against every kind of chronic illness and planetary destruction. Without it, neither will the human race survive, nor will the planet.

The Netflix synopsis for the show was convincing and sincere: A set of twins from different demographics are put on different diets one vegan and the other omnivore for eight weeks, and a before-after comparison is done of their body composition, epigenome or biological clock, the gut microbiome and the brain.

But the execution was frustratingly over-literal, lacking nuance and unbiased science to the extent that barely 15 minutes into the pilot, it flew dangerously close to the mockumentary zone. Or, as a dismayed reviewer on Google wrote: It felt like a four-episode vegan commercial.

It was based on an actual study done by Stanford University on 22 twins, of which the filmmakers of the Netflix docu-series followed four throughout the duration. In the first four weeks, the subjects were provided packaged meals tailored for their diet and in the latter leg, they had to make their own food sticking to their respective regime.

The camera followed each of the twins grocery shopping at different aisles of the supermarket, preparing their food, working out and taking various kinds of tests. But apart from the home-video style camera movements, nothing felt like the fimmakers were honestly trying to give us an inside view of the lives of each sibling.

Every interaction, even the inside jokes, seemed forced. So, apart from blatantly trying to sway the opinion of the viewers towards vegan or plant-based diets, it also has low entertainment value, unless one loves to binge on heavily-scripted reality television.

The research led by Christopher D Gardner was funded by Vogt Foundation, which also funds the Oceanic Preservation Society, which was founded by Louie Psihoyos, who incidentally directed the docu-series. The foundation also produced some other documentaries by Psihoyos Academy 2009 favourite The Cove, a documentary on dolphin hunting in Japan, 2015 Racing Extinction on human-caused biodiversity loss and 2019 Game Changers, which is basically a tutorial on how to get jacked up without animal protein. Some news reports had established that mock-meat industry leaders financially backed the film.

Both Gardner and Psihoyos are celebrity vegans. Gardner is also the director of Stanford's Plant-Based Diet Initiative, a programme financially supported by Beyond Meat, one of Americas top plant-based meat substitute makers.

Like was the biggest complaint about Game Changers, You Are What You Eat also was guilty of cherry-picking statistics that project vegan diets to be the healthier alternative for people of all age groups and physiological make-up.

In fact, vegan diets have limitations and without supplementation can be inadequate to meet the bodys nutritional needs. Vegan diets are technically feasible, (but) the successful provision of a nutritionally complete vegan diet for a child requires substantial commitment, expert guidance, planning, resources, supervision and supplementation.

Moreover, some micronutrients have lower bioavailability from plant sources than animal sources. Besides proper fortification and supplementation, vegan children are at a risk of insufficient supply and deficiency of some critical nutrients such as protein, long chain fatty acids, cholesterol, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamin A, B12 and D. Deficiency of these nutrients could lead to various developmental and sometimes irreversible disorders, according to a study in the journal Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease 2022.

For adults, too, an unscientifically planned vegan diet can put endanger ones nutritional security. For instance, Plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is less bioavailable than the heme iron found in animal products, potentially leading to iron-deficiency anemia, according to Iron and Vegetarian Diets in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Although it lacks scientific rigour, the documentary brings attention to two important issues that can be relevant for everyone, whether they eat steak or just salad.

One, is the focus on epigentics. It is the branch of science concerned with the chemicals that tag genomes to tell it how to act, governing how the body reads our DNA sequences. Our environment, diet and lifestyle can cause epigenetic changes, which are reversible, thus changing the way our genes express themselves, without changing the DNA sequence.

Unlike the genome, the epigenome is variable by cell, tissue type, and developmental stage. These mechanisms also represent an adaptive intermediary that interprets and responds to environmental stimuli, resulting in alterations in gene expression, the authors of a review article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives noted.

While the docu-series oversimplifies the correlations, a gamut of studies have explored the link between epigenetics and disease predisposition.

Recent research in epigenomics has revealed that diet plays a crucial role in influencing these epigenetic markers, according to a review article in International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

For instance, foods rich in folate, such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can promote DNA-methylation, a process vital for normal development and associated with reduced risk of cancer, the authors of the piece added.

Nutrients and bioactive food components can therefore reversibly alter the DNA methylation status, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling, subsequently altering gene expression and having an impact on overall health, the article noted, adding:

Moreover, For instance, at its extreme, the Dutch Famine Birth Cohort resulting from the Dutch Famine of 19441945 has been used to study the effects of starvation during pregnancy and subsequent health and developmental outcomes including, but not limited to, increased risk of type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and decreased cognitive function in later life.

Several studies on epigenetics highlighted the harmful effects of high-fat western diets. One illustrated how such a poor diet can lead to obesity and stress, subsequently affecting gastrointestinal physiology and potentially leading to chronic diseases through epigenetic changes.

Epigenetics can also influence the severity of diseases like COVID-19 in patients with chronic lung diseases, which are associated with gene expression programs favoring SARS-CoV-2 entry and severity, according to a 2021 research paper in Nature Communications.

The documentary also highlights the negative aspects of modern food production, such as the farming of salmon. Farmed salmon, often raised in crowded conditions, are prone to diseases and parasites, which can spread to wild salmon populations, posing ecological and health risks.

In India, the farming of prawns and fish faces similar issues. Intensive aquaculture practices have led to environmental degradation and disease spread to wild populations. The use of antibiotics and chemicals in these farms raises significant health concerns.

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You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment: Two truths about nutrition amid plenty of half-truths - Down To Earth Magazine

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To live well and cope with everyday challenges, you need a holistic approach that combines a balanced diet with regular exercises to keep your health in top shape. This is because your food choices are not only important for a balanced diet, but also crucial for enhancing your workout performance.

Diet experts say you can never go wrong with including fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. But, did you know that even in this hallowed list of superfoods, beetroot, commonly known as beets, shines the brightest when it comes to improving your exercise performance?

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Understanding beetroots:With their rich, earthy hues, beetroots are more than just a colourful addition to your plate. This root vegetable offers a unique blend of health benefits and is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. From salads to smoothies, juices and more, beetroot conveniently blends with several foods.

According to a study in PubMed, beetroot juice could help enhance athletes' cardiorespiratory endurance by improving efficiency, thus boosting performance across different distances. This supplementation could lead to increased time before exhaustion at lower exercise intensities and potential improvements in cardiorespiratory performance at higher intensities.

Here are 5 ways beets contribute to better workouts:

Better endurance:Beetroots are a natural source of nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles. This can lead to enhanced endurance during workouts.

Delays fatigue: The nitric oxide generated from beet consumption improves the efficiency of oxygen utilisation in the body. This means your muscles can extract more oxygen during exercise, delaying fatigue and supporting prolonged exertion.

Improves stamina:Studies suggest that beets may reduce the oxygen cost of exercise, meaning your body becomes more efficient in utilising available oxygen. This can result in improved stamina and endurance during both aerobic and anaerobic activities.

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Enhances performance:The nitrates in beets add to muscle power and strength. This can be especially beneficial for activities requiring explosive movements, contributing to better overall workout performance. In a study with trained cyclists, it was discovered that drinking beetroot juice can enhance performance by 0.8 percent during a 50-mile test. Furthermore, these enhancements were associated with a decrease in the time required to cover the specified distance.

Faster recovery:Beets possess anti-inflammatory properties that potentially aid in faster recovery post-exercise. This can reduce muscle soreness and contribute to a quicker turnaround time between workouts.

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

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How to boost stamina: Supercharge your exercise routine by including beetroot in daily diet - Moneycontrol

With the dawn of the New Year here, countless people have made resolutions to slim down their waistlines and boost their overall health. From eating a more balanced diet to adopting a new exercise routine, there are plenty of natural approaches to getting healthier in 2024. But losing weight doesn't necessarily mean giving your lifestyle a total overhaul. Sometimes, it's the little daily actions that count. If your health and fitness goal this upcoming year is to blast away body fat and keep it off for good, look no further. We spoke with Mike Masi, CPT, a certified personal trainer at Garage Gym Reviews, who shares 10 easy daily habits for weight loss to shed more than just a few pounds.

According to a 2018 review published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, the key to sustainable weight loss extends beyond diet and exercise. Studies suggest that the best approach to keeping weight off long-term involves adopting healthy lifestyle habitsengaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, not overeating, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. So, instead of taking on daunting lifestyle changes, you can achieve your weight-loss goals by tweaking your daily habits.

Keep reading to uncover which 10 easy daily habits for weight loss you can implement into your routine to melt excess pounds,according to Masi. And when you're finished, don't miss the 10 Best Ways To Keep Belly Fat Under Control in Your 40s & 50s.

Starting your day with a balanced mix of protein, whole grains, and fruits kickstarts your metabolism and provides sustained energy to curb those mid-morning cravings.

"It's way easier to start the day strong than it is to end the day strong," says Masi. "Eating a balanced and healthy first meal can be a great psychological boost for the remainder of the day, and it doesn't leave a void that your body will be signaling to fill for the remainder of the day. This is a good way to set you up for success on your weight-loss journey."

RELATED: 10 Best Balance Exercises To Keep You Active & Mobile as You Age

Research shows that drinking water before meals can boost satiety and reduce calorie intake, supporting healthy weight management.

"Drinking plenty of water throughout the day aids digestion. It also helps expand the stomach and may increase the feeling of fullness from a meal, which may temporarily reduce the feeling of hunger," explains Masi.

Studies suggest that protein-rich foods boost metabolism, reduce hunger, and help preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

"Protein is more important for people who are actively losing weight as the body may potentially see the muscle tissue as a nutrient-rich source of calories that it can break down for energy since you are in a caloric deficit," Masi explains. "Eating enough protein and exercising will mitigate that effect and improve your body composition."

RELATED: 10 Common Nighttime Habits That Can Make You Gain Weight

Fiber is a weight-loss powerhouse. According to a 2022 review, this essential nutrient helps promote fullness, aids digestion, and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

Masi tells us, "When ingested, fiber slows the rate at which food moves through your digestive tract. This is one of the ways that fiber helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. Beyond that, most fibers cannot be fully broken down by the human body, which means the calories from those carbohydrates do not get taken into the bloodstream for use or storage."

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (N.E.A.T.) can significantly affect your weight-loss journey. N.E.A.T. refers to the portion of calories you burn by performing "spontaneous" physical activity outside of regular exercise.

"The simplest way to track your N.E.A.T. is to wear a pedometer, which most smartwatches have built-in," says Masi. "Determine your average daily step count, then make sure this number doesn't drop as your diet starts. Or if you don't want to decrease your caloric intake, you can work on increasing your step count instead."

"E.A.T. stands for Exercise Activity Thermogenesis and refers to calories burned during exercise," explains Masi. "Aim for 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise to burn calories and improve muscle mass. Also, try to find an exercise that's fun and manageable so you can be consistent over a long time versus having to will yourself through workouts that you may not be looking forward to."

RELATED: A 69-Year-Old Trainer Shares the 7 Fitness Habits That Keep Her Looking 25

This simple daily practice enhances awareness of your eating habits, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and maintain accountability. According to research, this mindfulness practice has been associated with significant weight reduction.

"Over time, recording your food intake will help you know more about the macronutrient compositions, caloric burdens, and portion sizes to help you make sound decisions about your diet moving forward. Furthermore, mindful eating effectively decreases caloric intake, which helps kickstart a diet," says Masi.

The Sleep Foundation states that a consistent lack of sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased cravings for unhealthy foods. Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night.

"Getting poor quality or quantity of sleep can have you starting the day with a half tank, potentially leading to decreased N.E.A.T and poorer dietary decisions," states Masi. "Lack of sleep can affect hormones that regulate hunger, leading to increased appetite and potential weight gain."

RELATED: 9 Best Low-Calorie Breakfasts for Weight Loss

Late-night snacking can sabotage your weight-loss efforts. Research indicates that nighttime eating can decrease fat oxidation, leading to fat gain. Establish a cut-off time for eating in the evening to give your body ample time to digest before bedtime.

Masi says, "Eating late at night is not inherently bad for you in and of itself, but it's the time of day when you're most fatigued and most likely to overindulge."

Creating accountability for yourself is a fantastic way to reach your weight-loss goals. Share your weight-loss goals with a friend or family member, or join a supportive community. Accountability boosts motivation, making you more likely to stick to your healthy habits.

"A daily checklist or an accountability partner may be a great way to keep up the habits that are driving the effective changes," says Masi. "This approach could be as simple as setting an alarm on your phone telling you to walk to complete your steps, or going shopping with a friend with similar goals to keep you from making purchases that don't align with your goals."

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10 Easy Daily Habits for Weight Loss - Eat This, Not That

Dear Coach,

One of my intentions for the new year is to increase my expression of gratitude for the people in my life as well as the abundance given to me.

Are the physical and mental rewards of showing gratitude just a self-help cliche or is there something to it?

Id appreciate any ideas on how to develop a daily practice of embracing gratitude.

Signed,

Grateful

Dear Grateful,

Congratulations on choosing such a worthy intention as you embark on your 2024 adventure.

Since you asked, lets start with the science. In the past twenty years, scientists and psychologists have continued to examine the measurable benefits of gratitude.The Journal of Health Psychologypublished a study where participants who expressed gratitude reported less inflammation, fatigue, and anxiety. Also, studies have found that practicing more appreciation reduces the psychological stress on the body which is a significant cause of chronic pain.

If you want to get into the weeds of the science, consider this. According to researchers, when a person feels the positive emotions of gratefulness, their brain structure actually changes. First, the medial prefrontal cortex of the brain lights up, which is responsible for feelings of reward, morality, social connections, and the ability to recognize positive things and experiences.

Gratitude creates new neural pathways in these zones. A repeated practice of gratitude, as youre proposing, strengthens the ability to revisit positive experiences and their emotional benefits over time.

Perhaps AJ Jacobs, author ofThanks a Thousand,can give you additional inspiration. Jacobs book recounts his mission to thank every single person who played a part in making his morning coffeeover 1,000 people. His journey took him from a coffee shop barista to the Colombian coffee farmer to the lid designer. He also thanked the lady from pest control who kept the bugs out of the coffee warehouse.

Jacobs writes, When trying to go to sleep, instead of counting sheep, try counting things youre grateful for - in alphabetical order.

Keeping a daily gratitude journal is a more practical way of helping you stay in a mindset of gratitude. At the end of each day, simply record all that youre grateful for. Perhaps its something specific that happened that day or something for which youre continually grateful like good health or clean sheets. I often express gratitude for the simple things like a bed to sleep in, healthy food to eat, and people who love me.

Saying grace at mealtime is another good gratitude practice. Not only can you express thanks for the food before you and the hands that grew and prepared it, but also for whatever else is on your mind that day.

Offering a prayer of gratitude every morning when you wake up is another opportunity. I often say a prayer of thanks for being alive and pain free. This is where gratitude for a bed and clean sheets comes in.

Here are a few coaching questions and a request to get you started: Who have you thanked today? What difference does it make when someone thanks you? Think of someone who rarely receives appreciation and thank them.

Mershon Niesner is a Certified Life Coach and author of The Bootmakers Wife and Moms Gone, Now What? Both books are available on Amazon and locally at Sunshine Booksellers and Keep In Touch. Email your coaching questions toaskcoachmershon@gmail.com. Your identity will be kept strictly confidential.

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Ask the Life Coach: Start the Year with Gratitude | Ask the Life Coach - coastalbreezenews.com

This time, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture executed a duly issued search warrant on Amos Miller and Millers Organic Farm.The states responsibility was to determine if raw eggnog and other unpasteurized, raw dairy products produced by Miller were responsible for positive Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli tests in Michigan and New York, causing human illnesses.

It is against federal law to sell raw milk and raw dairy products across state lines.

Pennsylvania State Police provided security for the state agricultural officials who conducted the Jan. 4 search.

Last year, Millers attorney, Robert Barnes, concluded federal litigation on behalf of his client by signing off on a Third Consent Decree that provided his cooperation going forward.

That order, which remains in effect, precludes Miller from conducting livestock/poultry slaughter and processing intended for sale, resale, offer for sale, transportation, donation, or distribution to his customers or elsewhere. Miller may market and sell amenable meats and poultry from third-party, USDA-inspected establishments.

In the Third Consent Decree, Miller agreed that USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service has access to all his properties. The federal litigation over meat inspection and food safety, dated back to 2016 and concluded in 2023 with the Consent Decree remaining in effect.

When the state officials arrived at Millers Organic Farm, located at Bird-in-Hand, PA, the incident was first picked up by The Lancaster Patriot, an area website and Facebook page not high on food safety regulations.

While the search warrant was executed by the book, from all reports, the matter was stirring up social media.With Miller opting not to talk and state officials saying little, attorney Barnes moved into the space with a statement saying: Today, the Department of Agriculture of the State of Pennsylvania suddenly came, without notice, raided Amos farm, and detained everything Amos had in the farms freezer.

They did so in a lawless manner, without appropriate authority, in violation of their own rules and regulations, despite never objecting to the prior resolutions reached with the federal government, and despite a complete failure by the state to even reach out to Amos known counsel, Robert Barnes.

The states rules require advance notice, reasonable time frames for inspections, and a showing of credentials, none of which occurred here. Instead, the state unlawfully obtained a search warrant based on materially false statements in an affidavit by a high-ranking state official in an agency with a known grievance against independent farmers like Amos, and, after the raid and finding no evidence of wrongdoing, then illegally ordered detained every item of food in one of Amos Millers coolers, including buffalo meat not even subject to federal regulation.

The detention order is patently illegal under Pennsylvania law. Despite the constant harassment, Amos will continue to do all he legally can to provide the food his members deeply need. Amos thanks you for your continued support at this critical time for food freedom in America.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)

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Pennsylvania ag officials search Miller Organic Farm for the source of Shiga-toxins - Food Safety News

DNA study on identical twins showcases food quality, sourcing is vital to healthy outcomes

Sacramento, CA, Jan. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trifecta, a Greater Sacramento Economic Council board member, and the nations largest organically sourced meal delivery service, is making waves on Netflix with a captivating documentary that has soared to the number three trending spot globally. The documentary, You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment sheds light on the critical importance of mindful eating and the impact of diet on our bodies.

Produced by Academy Award-winning Director Luis Psihoyos, the series delves into a groundbreaking diet study conducted by Stanford Professor Dr. Christopher Gardner featured in JAMA. Studying nutrition can be challenging due to the variations in DNA and lifestyles. To address this, Stanford University conducted a study using identical twins. The research involved twins following different diets: one consumed an omnivorous diet, while the other adopted a vegan diet. The study lasted eight weeks with Trifecta supplying the food for the first four weeks for both groups. It was during these initial four weeks that the most significant positive outcomes were observed.

We are honored to be part of this impactful JAMA study and Netflix DocuSeries showcasing the impact our food has on the environment and our health, Greg Connolly, Co-Founder and CEO of Trifecta said. Starting a healthy food business in the farm-to-fork capital of the world, Sacramento was a huge benefit to our success. This documentary was on more than human health outcomes though, it was about sourcing food ethically and sustainably, so we can innovate and improve the nations food supply chain.

"The authors found the most improvement over the first four weeks of the diet change. The participants with a vegan diet had significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, insulin and body weight all of which are associated with improved cardiovascular health" Emily Moskal, Science Writer at Stanford.

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The Greater Sacramento region supporting entrepreneurship in the food space is imperative for economic development. Trifectas success is a testament to the thriving entrepreneurial spirit in our state capital, Barry Broome, President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council said. We have seen immense growth in our capital markets with $12B over five years in investments.

Professor Christopher Gardner, renowned for his work in nutritional research acknowledged the importance of using Trifectas healthy meal options that is locally sourced food.

Trifectas involvement in our study was pivotal, Garder said. Their commitment to quality organic meals played a crucial role in unraveling the dietary effects on health.

Academy Award-winning Director Luis Psihoyos and Executive Director of the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS) praised Trifectas contribution.

In showcasing the Stanford study, Trifecta has become a symbol of responsible and health-conscious nutrition, which is critical and a main focal point in this documentary."

As Trifecta continues to redefine the meal delivery landscape, this documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the impact our food choices have on our well-being and the environment.

About Trifecta

Trifecta is the nation's largest organic meal delivery service founded with a bold mission dedicated to health, by delivering fresh, healthy meals directly to your door. We began Trifecta because we believe there are three fundamental areas of healthmind, body, and social. These areas are interdependent, meaning you cannot thrive in one area without thriving in the others.

Trifecta eliminates shopping, cooking, and cleaning by delivering fully cooked meals weekly and direct to customers' doors in all 50 states. Trifecta's food is some of the highest quality in the industry, using high quality organically sourced and grass-fed ingredients. We offer meals in six categories to meet everyone's needs, including Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Clean Eating, Classic Meal, and a Meal Prep section, so you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals at home, in the office, or on the run.

Learn more about Trifecta byvisitingtrifectanutrition.comand following along onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

About the Greater Sacramento Economic Council

The Greater Sacramento Economic Council is the catalyst for innovative growth strategies in the Capital Region of California. The organization spearheads community-led direction to retain, attract, grow and scale tradable sectors, develop advanced industries and create jobs and investment throughout a six-county region. Greater Sacramento represents a collaboration between local and state governments, market leaders, influencers and stakeholders, with the sole mission of driving inclusive economic growth. The Greater Sacramento region was founded on discovery, built on leadership and fueled by innovation.

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Trifecta: A Leading Force in Organic Meal Delivery, Takes Center Stage in Netflix Documentary - Yahoo Finance

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, individuals and communities are increasingly recognizing the need for sustainable living, especially in our food choices. The heart of our communities lies in the sustenance we derive from the Earth, and organizations in Edmonton and Calgary are taking significant steps to promote sustainable practices. The Social Mission Commission of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton invites you to explore a variety of businesses and organizations in these cities that champion sustainable food choices, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future.

Localize (Edmonton): About: Localize is an Edmonton-based organization dedicated to connecting consumers with local, sustainable products. By providing clear labels on grocery store shelves, Localize empowers consumers to make informed choices about the food they purchase.

Website: Localize

SPUD.ca (Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery Calgary): About: SPUD.ca is an online grocery store in Calgary committed to providing sustainably sourced and organic products. With a focus on reducing the environmental impact of food delivery, SPUD.ca delivers fresh, ethically produced groceries right to your doorstep.

Website: SPUD.ca

Farm Fresh Food Hub (Edmonton): About: Farm Fresh Food Hub connects consumers with local farmers, making it easier to access fresh, seasonal produce. By supporting local agriculture, this organization promotes sustainable farming practices and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.

Website: Farm Fresh Food Hub

Calgary Farmers Market (Calgary): About: The Calgary Farmers Market is a vibrant hub for local, sustainable food options. With a focus on supporting local farmers and producers, the market provides a diverse range of fresh, seasonal produce, meats, and artisanal products.

Website: Calgary Farmers Market

Edmonton Food Council (Edmonton): About: The Edmonton Food Council is a volunteer-driven organization that works to create a sustainable and resilient local food system. By engaging with the community and advocating for food-related policies, they contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food landscape.

Website: Edmonton Food Council

Avenue Living Communities Community Gardens (Calgary): About: Avenue Living Communities in Calgary fosters sustainable living through community gardens. By providing residents with the opportunity to grow their own food, this organization encourages a connection to the earth and a more sustainable approach to urban living.

Website: Avenue Living Communities

The Organic Box (Edmonton and Calgary): About: The Organic Box is a local grocery delivery service committed to providing fresh, organic produce sourced from local farmers. By supporting The Organic Box, customers contribute to sustainable agriculture and reduce their carbon footprint.

Website: The Organic Box

The organizations listed above are beacons of inspiration in the journey toward sustainable and responsible food choices. By supporting these businesses and organizations, we not only nourish our bodies but also sow the seeds of a more sustainable and resilient future for Edmonton, Calgary, and beyond. Let us celebrate and champion these efforts as we collectively strive for a more sustainable and compassionate world.

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Sowing Seeds of Sustainability: Organizations Supporting Sustainable Food Choices in Edmonton and Calgary - Edmonton Eparchy

I want my babyback, babyback, babyback Can you name the jingle? Chilis seared the tune into our heads for years while promoting its famed baby back ribs. So whats a vegan to eat at a restaurant known for barbecue-slathered rib cages? Actually, plenty.

The next time youre seated in a plush red booth or hightop with a giant chili anchored on the wall in front of you, pull up this guide to order the best vegan food at Chilis.

Jump to the Guide

Before diving into the specifics of the Chilis restaurant menu, it helps to know what to look for when seeking out vegan options at non-vegan eateries.

The first tier is to look for a vegan menusome chains and quite a few independent establishments offer a dedicated menu for plant-based patrons. The second tier is dedicated vegan items. Each company signifies these animal-free options differentlyV, VG, Vegan, or a carrot or leaf icon are the most common. Scan the bottom of the menu to look for the key and ensure the icon stands for vegan, not vegetarian.

Jessie McCall

Chilis doesnt offer a dedicated vegan menu, but it does offer a vegan/vegetarian/allergen menu online that indicates vegan-as-is items and denotes common allergens.

When a restaurant does not label its vegan-friendly items, thats when you need to get creative and ask for help. First, look at the sides. These are often vegetable or grain-based and are naturally vegan or can be modified as such. Steamed or roasted vegetables, fries, side salads, beans, and more are usually fair game. All of these options are available at Chilis, making it easy to cobble together a filling meal if you cant find a satisfying entre option.

After scanning the sides, look at the salads, but dont get your hopes up. Many colossal chain restaurants (like Chilis) go heavy on the meat and cheese for their entre salads, and putting a plant-based spin on them may reduce a $20 salad down to sad lettuce. Modify to the best of your ability by removing any animal products, choosing a vegan dressing, and omitting croutons (they often contain dairy).

Priscilla Du Preez

The best strategy when assessing an omnivore menu is to go back to your food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein in the form of beans, tofu, or plant-based meats. Find these items, ensure theyre not paired with animal ingredients, and you can hack your way through any menu.

A note of importance: once you decide on your order and modifications, tell your server you are vegan and double-check that your request is free from animal products.

Looking at the menu and not seeing a single vegan thing? Ask the chef. Some chefs are more than happy to accommodate a vegan diet. Youre more likely to encounter a flexible chef in an independently owned, table service restaurant as opposed to a fast-casual or a large chain, but it never hurts to ask. Some people may pleasantly surprise you.

The next time you find yourself at Chilis, check out these options for a vegan-friendly meal.

Chilis

The Chilis menu is a bit of a chain restaurant smorgasbord. The eclectic selection brings to mind a taste of Outback Steakhouse, On the Border, and TGI Fridays. As such, youll find Tex-Mex staples such as guacamole and chips and salsaall of which are vegan.

Chilis

Every salad at Chilis comes with meat, cheese, or a combination of the two, but that doesnt mean you cant find a vegan green here. For a salad that has a little more to it than just chopped lettuce, opt for the Santa Fe Salad (no cheese, chicken, ranch, or Santa Fe sauce). Request a side of the Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette and avocado to add even more substance to your bowl of greens.

If youre looking for something basic to accompany a larger main, the House Salad made with romaine, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumbers is vegan when ordered with no croutons or cheese.

Chilis has some work to do in the burger department. But it does now offer a vegan burger bun and one vegan black bean patty, which is great progress. You can also order the Mushroom Swiss Burger, which comes with sauted onions, mushrooms, lettuce, and tomato, without the mayo and the Swiss cheese.

Chilis

Chilis used to offer a Black Bean & Veggie Fajita, but this has been removed from the menu. However, for a completely plant-based sizzling skillet, ask to modify the Chicken Fajitas, instead. You can swap the chicken for one of the chains vegan black bean patties, and dont forget to take off the dairy-based sauces and cheese, too.

You wont find a menu subsection with this title, but if you look under the Chicken & Seafood section, youll find the Chipotle Bowl. Its layered with field greens, Mexican rice, pico de gallo, corn salsa, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla stripsall of which are vegan-friendly. Just request no meat, pesto, cheese, or ranch, and youve got yourself a flavorful rice bowl. Add Mango Habanero Sauce for a fruity accent.

Chilis

Chilis isnt a steakhouse, but it does offer steakhouse-adjacent sides. Vegan options include steamed broccoli, plain corn on the cob, roasted asparagus, and fries. Ask for a side of the House BBQ Sauce (which is vegan) for dipping. On the Tex-Mex side, the corn and flour tortillas, Mexican rice, black beans, grilled avocado, guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo are vegan as well. You could easily build your own tacos from that hearty spread.

Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.

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The VegNews Guide to Chili's - VegNews

Investing in vegan stocks hasnt been an easy decision. Much like cannabis stocks and, to a lesser extent, electric vehicle stocks, investing in a future that seems certain can be elusive.

There are benefits of a plant-based diet that shouldnt be ignored at a time when weight-loss drugs are all the rage. Those benefits are more likely to drive this sectors growth than concerns over sustainability. But the latter is where most of the marketing effort focuses.

However, regardless of the reason, acceptance of this kind of diet ultimately comes from the product itself. How does it taste? Is it affordable? For the most part, the industry has conquered the first question. Its the second question that remains a challenge, particularly at a time when consumers are trying to make their food dollars stretch further.

That brings to light another lesson about investing in vegan stocks, particularly pure-play stocks. That is, revenue is only a starting point. To their credit, many of these companies have revenue coming in. But positive, growing earnings are the fuel for stock price growth. And many of these companies are still years away from being profitable. Some have filed for bankruptcy or carry a significant risk of that fate.

Then theres the fact that many pure-play companies in this sector, like Impossible Foods, are private companies that therefore are not publicly traded. Its a tricky sector, but one that may still have upside for patient investors. Here are three vegan stocks that maygive you different ideas for investing in the sector.

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Investing in Kroger (NYSE:KR) is likely the safest of the vegan stocks on this list. In addition to carrying plant-based foods from other companies, the company has its own private label, Simple Truth, which has a range of plant-based alternatives. Theres ample evidence that consumers are trading down to house brands to combat food inflation.

Plus, the grocery giant has over 2,800 locations in 35 states. Thats a solid base if the goal is broad acceptance. And it will nearly double once the companys planned merger with Albertsons (NYSE:ACI) which should be complete sometime in 2024.

KR stock is up just 1.23% in 2023 with just a few days left to trade as of this writing. When you look at the companys earnings report, you can see why the stock is a laggard. The results arent bad, theyre just not exciting.

However, investors may be overlooking the companys gross margin which increased by 300 basis points when the company reported earnings in November 2023. The company also strengthened its balance sheet by suspending share repurchases to build cash, pay dividends and keep its debt manageable.

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Ingredion (NYSE:INGR) gives investors another way to invest in vegan stocks. The company isnt a pure play on the sector. In fact, its best known for starches and sweeteners. But Ingredion is increasing its selection of plant-based proteins that help provide plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. Increasing the protein content of plant-based foods is considered to be one of the factors that will drive future revenue.

To that end, in 2021, Ingredion opened a facilityfocused on producing pea protein isolate and pea starch. It was the first-of-its-kind in North America and positions the company as a future leader in the sector.

INGR stock is up about 11.76% in 2023 with most of that gain coming in the market rally in November and December. That is discounting the companys strong earnings growth in 2023 which is still expected to grow around 4% in the next 12 months. Plus, investors get a dividend with a 2.87% yield that has been growing for the last 13 consecutive years.

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If you have a speculative itch to scratch when it comes to plant-based stocks, Oatly (NASDAQ:OTLY) may be a good choice. Oatly is a Swedish company that uses oats to produce dairy alternatives. One of its more common products is oat milk.

This is a small company with a $768 million market cap as of December 27, 2023. Its also a company that just over a month ago was trading for under one dollar.

However, OTLY stock is up about 45.88% in the last month of 2023. Any move of that type is worth exploring. In this case, it appears that analyst sentiment has improved. The consensus price target of $2.06 is 58% higher than the current price. And out of eight analysts offering ratings, three give it a Strong Buy rating.

Like any stock that is not profitable and generates only about $750 million in sales, there is a risk of bankruptcy with Oatly. The compelling news is that revenue is increasing, and the company is moving close to profitability. Its still a risk, but with a strong upside, it may be a risk worth taking.

On the date of publication, Chris Markoch did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

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Vegan Stocks to Watch: 3 Players Leading the Plant-Based Revolution - InvestorPlace