VegBlogger - a vegan / vegetarian blog

Hitler was a vegetarian in the news. Again. Was Hitler a Vegetarian?

If you are a vegetarian or vegan you have most likely at some point had someone exlaim to you that
"Hitler was a vegetarian." I've heard Hitler was a vegetarian many times and have read a lot about it over the years. This morning there is a new "Hitler was a vegetarian" article in the Washington Post that interviews one of the ladies that was his food tasters. She taste tested his food for a decade and confirmed that during that time he was a vegetarian - one that ate some quite tasty meals according to her account.

So as a vegetarian or vegan should we be upset or hide the fact that he was "one of us" in this regard? It doesn't bother me at all. Why? Being a vegetarian doesn't necessarily make you a good or a bad person. It's one character trait out of many. And truth be told, I've come across vegetarians who are nice and many who are not. I've come across many ominivores who are nice and many who are not. I've come across plenty of omnivores who are wonderful people.

I think it's important to look at the reasons why people are vegetarian and consider that when thinking about Hitler being a vegetarian. The main reasons people become (as opposed to being raised) vegetarian are:

• Religious reasons
• Environmental reasons
• Ethical reasons
• Health reasons

I think from the stories that are out there that it is safe to say that Hitler was not a vegetarian for religious or environmental reasons. At least I have not read any evidence of that. That leaves us with ethical and health reasons for Hitler choosing vegetarianism. Let's look at these in the context of Hitler.

An ethical vegetarian choses the lifestyle out of concern for other living beings. They don't want to harm other beings, no matter what those beings are. Their compassion generally extends beyond animal consumption and they have a circle of compassion that includes all living creatures. Ethical vegetarians (which is what I am, followed by environmental reasons) believe that it is wrong to harm and cause suffering when there is no need to do so, and they make efforts to minimize their harming of other creatures.

A person who chooses vegetarianism based on health reasons is doing so for their own good. It is something that benefits them, and they may or may not at some point become concerned with the other reasons for being vegetarian. But their primary motivator is their own health and well being.

Having said that, could we conclude that Hitler was a vegetarian because of ethics? Given that he was responsible for the death of so many people and orchestrated genocide it is highly unlikely that is the case. Further evidence of this is that he had food tasters to begin with. He wanted them to keel over should their be poison in his food, merely again protecting himself. All signs point to the fact that Hitler was a vegetarian for health reasons. He did it because it was something that benefited him, made him healthier, and he didn't care about any other "benefits" that may have resulted along the way.

While not wanting to upset health vegetarians out there (I'm happy anytime someone chooses a vegetarian meal over an animal-based one regardless of the reasons), choosing health vegetarianism as the main reason for being a vegetarian is still a selfish act. It's done to benefit "me, me, me." Those who consume meat also have a selfish view, it's all about their comfort, what they want, their taste buds. Again, it's all "me, me, me." Whereas someone who chooses vegetarianism for the other reasons do so out of altruism. 

Research also suggests that those who chooose vegetarianism for ethical reasons are more likely to remain so long term. 

So in conclusion yes, it seems as though Hitler was a vegetarian for at least part of his life. But it is highly unlikely it had anything to do with ethical or compassionate reasons. He likely didn't care about the animals people eat anymore than he cared about the human animals (humans are animals, lest we forget) he was responsible for killing. Hitler was most likely a vegetarian for health reasons, hoping to maintain good health or deal with any type of intestinal issues that may have existed. This matters no more than the fact that most dangerous dictators throughout history likely consumed meat.

Hitler being a vegetarian for selfish health reasons has more in common with an omnivore who chooses to eat meat for whatever excuses they have, than it does being in line with an altruistic vegetarian.

 

 

The Dalai Lama is Not a Vegetarian? Come again...

I know the Dalai Lama is one that the world looks up to. I get that. But when the Humane Society of the United States recently launced their international division and held an event to discuss having compassion for animals I think they may have chose the wrong person, the Dalai Lama, to be their featured speaker. 

I know what you are thinking... of course he is the right person to speak about compassion, right? That's what I thought as well. Until I read the HSUS blog, where they explain that the Dalai Lama is NOT a vegetarian at this time and has always wavered back and forth in being one. Considering he spoke about having compassion for animals and the fact that a vegetarian diet is the best, it's a little odd that he isn't a vegetarian. But that's what they report! Here's what the HSUS says (highlighting and underlining is mine): 

"Today, in his extended public remarks on animal issues, he mentioned that he’s been back and       forth on his vegetarianism through his eight decades, and is not a vegetarian now. But he       condemned factory farming, and specifically the rearing of hens in battery cages. He said that       being vegetarian is better for us and better for animals, and that South Indian vegetarian food is his favorite cuisine."

Surprised? I was too. It's odd for a man who lives his life speaking about compassion and doing a talk on the virtues of a vegetarian diet to, well, not be practicing what he preaches. He's not a vegetarian. Perhaps the HSUS should have gotten someone to speak who is actually living the virtues that he is preaching. It's just a thought...

You can read the HSUS full recap on this event here.

Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day! Review and Interview

Who doesn't love a good sandwich? We have been eating sandwiches since toddlerhood. Perhaps your
culinary preferances have moved beyond PBJ, but if you are like most people you get in a rut. You don't know what kind of sandwiches to make and you don't want the same old things time and again. Well, there's a new vegan cookbook you will not want to miss!

"Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day" by Celine Steen and Tamasin Noyes is a 191 page cookbook dedicated to... the vegan sandwich! Need I say more? This is way beyond cool! I received a review copy of this cookbook in the mail and was excited. The book looks great, has some color pictures throughout, and has more vegan sandwich ideas than you ever thought were possible. 

There are so many that I plan to try, including the "Out for the Count of Monte Cristo," which is a breakfast sandwich bagel that has sauekrat, the "Onion Ring Ranchocado," which features an onion ring, and "Dagwood's Special Sandwich." I have to try that last one simply because it reminds me of my great grandmother, who used to call every high-stacked sandwich a Dagwood. 

This book makes a great addition to my vegan cookbook collection. I look forward to making a few lunch sandwiches and having friends over to nosh down on them. Two thumbs up!

After getting this cookbook I wanted to ask the authors a few questions, so here is the Q&A that I did with them (find their Facebook page here):

 

(TAMI) Where did you get the idea to do a cookbook on vegan sandwiches?

My husband and I were eating a lot of sandwiches one summer, and I realized that there was the potential for a ton of variety. Nobody likes a sandwich rut, so I started coming up with different combos. I figured others might feel the same and it took off from there.

 

(CELINE) What is your favorite sandwich recipe from this book and why?
My response to this varies constantly because it's hard to pick just one! Currently, the carnitas sandwiches are a favorite here. My husband had been asking me to make them again ever since we finished writing the book, so I finally caved in. Jackfruit isn't my favorite thing to look at and work with, but the results make me forget all of it when it's time to have a big bite, or twelve. I love the way the super flavorful marinated jackfruit pairs up with the spicy crème and the avocado spread/guacamole. 

 

(TAMI) Which sandwich in the cookbook do you think is a favorite for kids?

 Probably the Plum-tillas with Vanilla Dipping Sauce. You get to eat with your hands, have a dipping sauce and a sweet plum filling. Although the Peanut Butter Brownie Sandwiches and the Oreo Wafflewiches are right up there, too.

 

(CELINE)Which one is going to surprise people the most once they take their first bite?
I go on and on about the From Russia With Love every time someone gives me a chance, and I have to talk about that one again. I think that when folks see the sandwich, they won't expect as much awesomeness as their mouth will get. The flavors are unbelievable (think caraway, sauerkraut, marinated tempeh, pumpernickel bread), and the texture is brilliant. Tami truly outdid herself with that one. 

 

(TAMI) If a non-veg friend was stopping by for lunch and I wanted to make her one of these sandwiches, which one would you suggest to impress?

 This is a tough one! I guess it depends on how open-minded the friend is. The Asian Eggplant Sandwiches would be my choice for a not-so-vegan-curious friend. It doesn’t scream vegan at the top of its lungs and has a ton of flavor and a perfect crunch. If the friend is vegan-curious, I’d go with the Tempeh Arugula Caesar Wraps. The cashew-based dressing sets off the baked tempeh and arugula salad so well. The sunflower seeds truly put this one over the top.