Thanks for Four Years of Awesome
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish
Blogged Around Philly: Farewell Edition
Photoist
We're going to tell you up front: We're neither doctors nor scientists here at Philahealthia. Staggering, we know. We're just normal citizens trying to get the most thorough information possible. So for the sake of balance, we should mention that some nutrition experts think SB is BS, with faulty science, a whole lotta preying on female insecurities about weight, too much profanity, and an unexpectedly aggressive push toward a vegan diet.
Truthfully, when we read the books, we were surprised by the vegan slant. It's a little much, especially for two girls who have accepted cheese as their personal savior. (There's also a gut-wrenching chapter about meat production, after which we couldn't even look at meat for a day or two.) Plus, as Phillyist Leigh pointed out, it's not that hard to be vegan in Los Angeles. It's probably harder to be a carnivore. Here, however, in the real world of 30 inches of snow, seasonal root vegetables (not seasonal avocados and yummy citrus) and a society that, frankly, accepts that we're all just a little fat, it's pretty difficult.
The science, again, we can't vouch for, which is why we linked you to people who can. You can judge that for yourself. As for preying on insecurity, we didn't get that. True, this is probably not the ideal book for anyone who's prone to disordered eating habits, but you could make that claim about any diet book, any ad campaign, or any show on the CW.
Yes, the book uses very strong language, which may or may not be your cup of tea. And aggressive? Definitely. But we didn't pick up a diet book with the word "bitch" right on the cover because we wanted to get coddled. It's called Skinny Bitch, not Skinny Fluffy Cuddly Bunny. We needed an ass-whoopin', and that's what these self-proclaimed bitches give you. The books are a quick read, and their message is clear: You eat crap, you're going to look and feel like crap. The tone is conversational, and we laughed out loud at parts. Come on, soda is "liquid Satan!" These books are for the average person, the person who knows what s/he's supposed to be doing—eating right, exercising, avoiding processed food—but is not actually doing it, for whatever reason. It's the end of the line for your excuses.
After the jump, check out what Kim had to say about veganism, being a new mom, and the Bitch empire:
What kind of advice do you have for people trying to move toward veganism in areas where the food is not readily available?
Hang in there, it won't be long! It is really amazing how regular grocery stores all across the country are carrying meat and cheese alternatives, as well as organic products. For those who don't have many restaurant options yet, I would suggest good old-fashioned home cooking! There are tons of great veggie cookbooks on the market now to make healthy, animal-friendly cooking a breeze.
Do you think vegetarianism and veganism have become more common in the past few years, especially with so many books written about it recently? (Skinny Bitch, The Kind Diet, Eating Animals, etc.)
Yes, luckily it is a topic that isn't so weird and hippy-ish anymore! Skinny Bitch was marketed the way it was to make veganism more approachable and mainstream. It came at a time when people were ready for it, and thankfully landing it in Hollywood helped up the cool factor! Now there are tons of resources for vegans; even Ellen DeGeneres talks about being a vegan!
A lot of the criticism of Skinny Bitch/Bastard was about the language and the tone. What made you and Rory decide to be so aggressive about addressing your readers?
It was a very conscious decision to write the book like we talk normally. Yes, it's a little harsh, but our country is in a health crisis. There isn't time anymore for hand-holding. We wanted to wake people up and make them sit up and take notice about what's in their food and how it gets to their plate. People are always telling me that because of the language, they were able to learn a lot of information and actually retain it and understand it. We talk to readers like they are our girlfriends: yes, a little potty-mouthed, but meant to be funny, not insulting.
A lot of recipes you use in the books include lots of fresh fruits and veggies, which is awesome. What do you suggest those of us who live in real wintertime climates do during the colder months when fresh fruits and veggies are less readily available?
There is a great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in season in the winter. Just because it's cold out doesn't mean you have to give up these foods! Even if it comes from a state or two away, it's still better than importing fruits from another country, which can raise the cost of the food due to shipping, and it's not what Mother Nature intended for us to eat in the winter. We need hearty foods that will keep us warm! There are clementine and mandarin oranges, grapefruit, pears, persimmons, lots of root vegetables such as turnips, sweet potatoes, and rutabagas. Leeks, kale, fennel, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, and radicchio!
Can you share your favorite vegan recipe with us? Something that will convert the nonbelievers?
That's a hard one! I have tons of great recipes, but where do I start? I am going to be a bit broad and push Italian food! It's my favorite. There are so many amazing, hearty dishes that are vegan, but you would never feel deprived of flavor! All you need is some good-quality pasta, homemade tomato sauce with lots of garlic, warm French bread, and a glass of red wine. Need I say more?
Phillyist has done a couple of articles reviewing Vegan Treats Bakery here in Pennsylvania. Do you have a favorite vegan junk food?
I looked at their website and my mouth is still watering! I could eat everything on their menu. I do have an obsession with desserts. My favorites are cupcakes and cakes. Lucky for me, there are great vegan dessert cookbooks as well as great bakeries. One of my favorites is Babycakes in New York!
While you're in Philly, do you plan on visiting any particular restaurants that cater to vegans?
I haven't been to Philly since I was a kid, when I wasn't a vegan, so I plan on going on happycow.net and finding local vegan restaurants. That's the best resource for when I travel. I know I'm going to find that dessert place you mentioned!
Doing research for our health column, and trying to cut down on our own meat consumption, we've noticed a great deal of animosity coming from both sides of the vegan/vegetarian vs. carnivore debate. Why do you think there's so much anger on either side?
People that follow each diet are passionate about their food choices. Meat eaters could never understand why someone would give up meat, they think it's silly and unhealthy, and veggies can't believe that people would voluntarily eat a dead animal! People get scared of what they don't know, and they are scared about change. Meat eaters feel threatened that someone is going to try to "convert" them away from meat, it's what they grew up with. Most veggies know the difference between eating both ways, and once you know and feel for yourself the health benefits of a meat-free diet, it's hard to imagine why someone would still be eating meat!
Tell us about HealthyBitchDaily.com. How long have you been doing it, what's the goal of the site, anything else you want to share?
I started my own website last summer as a spin-off to Skinny Bitch. I was always focused on food, then I became a mom and I started to learn the importance of reading product labels as well. I found some pretty scary ingredients in my son's sunblock. I wanted to bring a healthy lifestyle resource to women that would be funny and informative. It's important to have a healthy lifestyle, not just diet. I talk about food, fitness, eco-friendly products, home, and beauty. I am very careful about the products and companies I endorse, it's all eco-friendly, healthy, organic, chemical- and preservative-free.
What are some of your favorite products/companies that are in line with the ideals presented in the Skinny books and on Healthy Bitch Daily?
I love The Healing Seed brand, they have face creams, shampoos and conditioners, all pure ingredients. Naturalcandystore.com: I like to be able to get some sweets that aren't filled with red dye number whatever! They have a huge selection of more natural candies. I have a kid, I need this website! Daiya vegan cheese is amazing, it's one of my kitchen staples. I love the website localharvest.org; it's an online community that helps you locate sustainable local farmers in your area, [so] now there's help for eating local and in season. I tend to shop online more now that I'm a mom—less time to browse the stores, so I love ecostiletto.com: they bring you eco-friendly fashion, and it's a beautiful website!
The Skinny empire has covered men, women, pregnancy, and exercise. Should we look for any more products in the future?
You can always expect something new from the Skinny Bitch empire! Right now, I am finishing up a cookbook that will hit the shelves in November. I have become quite the wannabe chef! It's important for me to help people eat healthy. It's not enough to talk about health, I want to help people actually eat good food as well. I want to inspire people to cook; not only is it a healthier way to eat, but it is a great way to keep the family connected by sitting down to dinner together at night!
Kim Barnouin on Skinny Couple in a Box
Tuesday, 2/23/10, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia Free Library Central Branch (1901 Vine St.)
FREE
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