Vegetarian Star

A good  portion of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” where Oprah‘s staff went vegan for a week is now posted online.

Scenes of Oprah’s staff eating vegan in the Harpo cafeteria, getting coached by Kathy Freston, the discussion with Michael Pollan and Lisa Ling‘s glimpse into a meat processing plant are all included.

Cargill, one of the largest producers of meat products, agreed to let the cameras behind the scenes when 20 other producers refused.

There was only one graphic part that was not allowed to be shown on camera, and that was stunning the cow before it was slaughtered. However, Ling’s reaction to the ordeal was caught on camera. And it does say much.

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Michael Pollan, food activist and writer, is one of several people attaching their names to a letter written in response to the USDA approving genetically modified alfalfa.

Roudup-ready alfalfa, produced by Monsanto and Forage Genetics International, is said to yield faster-growing strands and fewer weeds with every bale, but opponents say the crops have the potential to contaminate nearby organic crops and lead to the development of herbicide-resistant pests.

Alfalfa isn’t (normally) eaten by humans. It’s primarily fed to cows. So what does that have to do with vegetarians? Pollan thinks organic milk could be in jeopardy.

“Consumers don’t eat [genetically modified] alfalfa, of course,” Pollan said, “But it’s the main feed for dairy cows. And organic milk, one of the most successful and popular organic foods, could be compromised if the organic cows eat non-organic feed.”

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In case you missed it, Oprah Winfrey hosted Kathy Freston and Michael Pollan on her show today in an episode which featured the story of how her 378 staffers at Harpo Studios went vegan for one week.

The Harpo Studios cafeteria has already implemented Meatless Monday. Could the entire staff abstain from all animal products for an entire week?

The short is answer is, most could.

Out of the 378 who signed up for the challenge, 300 successfully completed it.

Video editor Rich was overjoyed about his results. Rich lost 10 pounds as well as migraine headaches and his need for antacids. Rich said he opted for vegetables and whole grains versus simple carbohydrates.

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Oprah Winfrey impressed us a little when she went on a 21-day vegan cleanse a couple of years ago on the advice of author Kathy Freston.

Now, O has given the diet another try and she gave the order to 378 of her employees at Harpo to do the same.

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Food Rules. An Eater's Manual.

Michael Pollan is laying down some new rules and he’d like your input.

The author of Food Rules, a book containing advice for more sensible, sustainable and healthier eating, is asking readers to submit their best rules that may be incorporated into the next edition of Food Rules, which will be published next fall.

As a vegetarian, vegan or flexitarian, what food rule would you like Pollan to include in next year’s book?

We’ve already submitted two our of rules.

1. If you can chase it, don’t eat it.
2. If it can chase you, don’t eat it.

Sure hope we make the next edition!

Submit your rules to pollan.foodrules@gmail.com.

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Still in need of adult costume ideas for Halloween? Chow has put together a few ideas for foodies looking to impersonate their favorite food activists and chefs.

On the left, you have your Alice Waters costume, which, according to Chow, will require you to invest in items such as a “handmade purple hat” and “basket of organic vegetables”

Next to Alice is “sexy” Michael Pollan. Besides a bald cap, you’ll need “a book, organic vegetables and some hos [sic].” Ahem. We’re sure the typo was an honest mistake and Pollan’s just a gardening enthusiast.

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Michael Pollan spoke with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN recently about the recent recall of 550 billion eggs nationwide due to salmonella concerns.

Pollan thinks a single authority over food safety issues like the one president Obama recommended last year would help curtail these issues.

“Our food industry has fought to keep power divided and power divided is never strong,” Pollan said.

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Victoria Moran recently wrote a column in the Huffington Post on how vegetarians, vegans and those championing the local food movement seem to be moving in different directions.

Sure, all groups enjoy the thought of locally grown food and supporting small farms. But too many of the big wigs of the local  movement, like Alice Waters or Michael Pollan, aren’t budging when it comes to going vegetarian. Not that she’s pointing the condescending finger at flexitarians, either.

“I’d go to the farmers’ market at Union Square–it’s every bit as gorgeous as anybody’s Eiffel Tower or Grand Canyon–and if the farmer selling goat cheese also had glorious spring greens, I’d buy her greens. It was totally friendly. I never said, “Shame on you for stealing the milk God meant for goat babies!” and she never said, “Damn you, veg-head: buy some cheese or you don’t deserve arugula!” And the couple that provide the provisions for my CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture: you buy a share in a small farm for a season) always knew that I wouldn’t be getting eggs. I didn’t ask for anything to make up for that, but they often put in some extra potatoes or apples or a bottle of herb-flavored vinegar. It was nice. We were allies.”

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