I consume a lot of soy. Soymilk, tofu, edamame, tempeh, Boca Burgers, Soy Crumbles and other veggie “meats,” soy slices, soy nuts, soynut butter… the list goes on. I’ve never been one to believe that soy is evil or bad for you (though I plan to keep an eye on what the anti-soy-ians are saying)- in fact, more research is piling up revealing how good it is for you (good source of protein, cancer-fighting, heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant…). But I do think it’s important to get a balanced diet. So I’m trying to substitute some of my soy for other healthy alternatives.
I’m trying out new milk products. Wild Oats has quite a variety. I bought hemp milk the other day. Hemp is a great source of omega 3 and 6. Hemp milk is rich tasting. It’s not bad but I think it’s going to take some getting used to. But then, I didn’t love soymilk immediately. And now I crave it. Supposedly it takes two weeks of consuming something before you are used to it. I also bought Rice Dream milk. I’m not gonna lie. It tastes like rice. Which is fine- but when I’m thirsty, rice isn’t generally a taste I’m looking for. I think my next attempt will be almond milk. It sounds soothing. Maybe oat milk. I love Oatscream (sold at Whole Foods), so perhaps I’ll love the milk. Here’s an article I found on some different milks, their pros and cons, and best uses.
I love soynut butter, but it might be a nice idea to branch out and try other nut or seed butters, like almond butter (my mom really likes it), hazelnut butter, cashew butter or pistachio butter. I tried sunflower seed butter. It’s a little bland, but not too bad.
I encourage you to take a closer look at the vegan foods you eat to see how much soy you’re getting. You may be surprised. And be aware that, like any processed food, highly processed soy products contain less of the original nutrients. If a large percentage of your diet is soy, try to branch out a little bit. Try more non-soy items. You might discover some new favorites!
Paula Crossfield Says:
I am happy to see vegans interested in branching out a bit from soy. It is so highly touted in the US because it is a big business here. But little known is the fact that 50% of soy is genetically modified. Admittedly, we don’t know what this could mean until enough time has passed, but I don’t want to be a guinea pig.
I’ve published a bit on my blog about soy – and a recipe for nutmilk, which I make often in my kitchen. Its delicious, and makes a great alternative to soy milk.
There is also a detailed article on possible risks involved with soy here: http://www.utne.com/issues/2007_142/features/12607-1.html
Hope you find this informative, soy is a hot button topic for me. My mom is overdosing on it because of its purported benefits to menopausal women, but it worries me because I think everything is best in moderation.
Thanks for the post!
Paula
October 6th, 2007 at 6:15 am
Bekabug Says:
Hello! I stumbled my way here and wanted to say that I like your blog. Nice photos and thoughtful, well written posts. I’m a brand new vegan (day 7!) and have been mostly veg and dabbling in veganism for a long time now. Hard to believe but I’ve not had any soy/tofu products since Monday whereas normally I would have at least one thing a day…at least. I tried quinoa for the first time tonight and I think I’m in love.
Going vegan has definitely made me want to branch out as far as I can and eat as many different and new things as possible. That will probably fade away as soon as I find some new favorites, but for now I’m enjoying things I never thought about trying. Like kale. Mmm.
My favorite alternative milk is almond milk. I can’t really tolerate unsweetened soymilk in large quantities, but I could drink unsweetened almond milk all day long. The flavor is just lovely to me. I use it in my cereals, smoothies, and coffee too. I don’t like it in cooking though so there will always be silk in my pantry.
~bug
October 6th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Karen Says:
Hi, I wanted to share something I’ve only just become aware of – apparently, what a lot of women in this country suffer from is not a lack of estrogen but rather too much estrogen. Between all the soy in our processed food, the hormones they give cattle and other animals for growth, birth control and hormone replacement therapy, it seems that estrogen overload is becoming common. I wish I could point you to some sources but I haven’t really bookmarked them, just keep running across them while surfing. Anyway, the reason I’m mentioning this is because of course soy has estrogen effects.
Some of the symptoms of too much estrogen are extreme PMS, weight gain, tender breasts, anxiety, depression..wish I could remember them all. Anyway, I’ve been a vegetarian since 1979, but the last few months I have been limiting my soy intake because of this.
Nice blog, I’ll be checking back!
October 18th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
katrina Says:
oooo i LOVE almond milk. i usually have the almond breeze unsweetened, its soooo good as i usually find most “alternitive” milks way too sweet. ive also tried an organic unsweetend almond milk, i think by pacific something which was really good, but i kinda tasted like extreamly diluted almond butter. im new to your blog and love it! i turned vegeterian in april of 2007 but havent eaten cow or pig for like 5 years and aint missing it!!!
katrina
October 24th, 2007 at 4:47 am
Nia Fiscella Says:
very good, thank youu
March 5th, 2010 at 1:13 am
Major Pass Says:
I really enjoy reading your posts, i just used this website Swap my Seeds, as a way of giving away my unused seeds. Anyone know what I can sell them for? I have maybe 60 geranium seeds left.
March 21st, 2010 at 5:48 pm
contraceptive methods Says:
Great post! STICK WITH IT!
June 6th, 2010 at 5:26 pm