The Joy of Doing What We Can

It has been nearly nine months since Joy and I stopped consuming meat and animal products, began promoting a plant-based diet, and started advocating for animal rights. I can honestly say that I have never felt better physically or emotionally, even though my heart has at times been broken by the plight of animals slaughtered to satisfy the appetites of humankind.

Painfully aware of animal suffering and the harm to our environment and health as a result of factory farming, we are more committed than ever to eat vegan, consume products not made of or tested on animals, and to educate and encourage others to do the same.

More and more people are turning to a plant-based, whole food diet and we are excited to be part of a
movement that can change our world and foster peace and compassion toward all living beings.

In 2017, Joy and I plan to:

• Meet in early January with Gloucester County, VA school officials to discuss the need for better nutrition and more vegetarian/vegan-friendly options in our school lunch and breakfast menus. We know that this is a first step, that we will likely encounter opposition, and that we will have to work hard in order to effect change, but we are determined. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated as we advocate for healthier nutrition in our schools.
• Continue our work with Smithfield Pig Save, attending their monthly vigils to raise awareness and bear witness to the animals headed for slaughter at the meat packing plant at Smithfield Foods.
• Support the work of Ziggy's Refuge, both financially and by volunteering as we are able.
  We had the privilege of volunteering there in early December, meeting Ziggy and his family, and founders Kristin Hartness and Jay Yontz, who have committed themselves to providing a loving, nurturing environment where rescued farm animals can happily live out their lives without fear of being abused or slaughtered.
• Attend more vegan festivals and Save Movement events, both locally and regionally. We hope to make a trip to Toronto sometime in 2017 to participate in a Toronto Pig Save vigil.
• Publish new blogs and information on our website, as well as on our Facebook page and Instagram account. 

Doing what we can to ease the suffering of animals and to promote a whole food, plant-based diet has been  one of the greatest joys we have ever known. Joy and I are thankful for the opportunity to raise awareness and fight for the well-being of all God's creatures -- human and non-human alike.  

May God grant you purpose, peace, and good health in 2017!

For the animals, the planet, and you -- 

Dee Dee

Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com

I'm a Vegan, Not a Freak

Two months ago, before I became a vegetarian, I would roll my eyes and mumble something under my breath if someone told me, "I am a vegetarian."  In my mind I would label them "hippie," "weirdo," or possibly even "freak."  Then I became one. Oddly, I didn't feel strange or eccentric or quirky -- I just felt BETTER -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually -- about my decision to give up meat and animal products in favor of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes.

As Joy and I finish up our  free 30-day vegan challenge today I can honestly say that deciding to embark on this adventure has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Over the past thirty days I have learned so much about healthy nutrition and supplements, how to live with greater compassion for animals and people, and the effects of our choices on the environment.

The 30-day challenge is not the end, but rather the beginning for me. As odd as it may seem to those who know me -- the coffeeholic and lover of Memphis barbecue, Gibson's donuts, and southern-fried catfish -- I joyfully choose to remain vegan, taking control of my own health by making better dietary choices and doing what I can to help the planet and all of God's creatures...human and non-human...who share it with me.

I am a vegan, not a freak -- but rather a newer, improved version of the person you've always known.Be happy for me and if you dare, click HERE to take the 30-day vegan challenge. Invite a friend along for the adventure.

Joyfully,

Dee Dee



Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com

Somehow I've Always Known

My entire life I have struggled with obesity.  Despite growing up in a large family where love was plentiful and acceptance was unconditional, I was burdened with an unhealthy self-image because I tended to be big-boned and plump. I still am. So what happened to change me from the self-loathing overweight teenager I was, to the happy plus-size woman I am today?

My mom and dad worked hard to make sure we ate well. Dad's long hours on the road and Mom's skills in the kitchen ensured we (a small army) had delicious food on the table.  Dad's biscuits and gravy became a Sunday tradition we looked forward to, on the weekends he was home to prepare them for us. One of my mom's signature meals was skillet-fried hamburger steaks and home fries -- I can still hear the sizzle and smell the aroma of the best meat and potatoes on the planet! We were blessed to grow up well-fed and well-loved.

Like so many American families, our holiday celebrations centered around food. At Thanksgiving and Christmas you would find three or four generations of our family seated around a large picnic table feasting Waltons-style on generous portions of traditional favorites served with a heaping side of love. To this day those gatherings are among my fondest memories.

Somehow, though, I've always known that as delicious as my diet was, it wasn't always a balanced diet. Long before the Food Pyramid existed I learned about the four food groups. Even though I realized that cookies, cakes, and ice cream were literally "off the chart" I consumed more than my fair share.  I learned that there was a correlation between how much I ate and my size, and that the choice to overeat was mine, and mine alone, yet that knowledge had little effect on my dietary choices for the first eighteen years of my life.

What I didn't know, however, is the animal cruelty that occurs and the devastating environmental impact of animal agriculture, just to put food on our tables.  What I didn't know was the direct correlation between a whole food, plant-based diet and better health.  Who knew, for instance, that all a person's protein needs can be met by eating whole grains, vegetables, nuts and seeds?   What I didn't know is that there are so many options available to us, not only for food but also for cruelty-free household and laundry products, personal care, and cosmetic items -- better options for our planet and for the animals that occupy it with us.

Now that I know these things I can't imagine going back to the status quo -- a meat-based diet heavy on calories but lacking in the nutrients I most need and reliance on other products at the sacrifice of creatures unable to defend themselves.  My choice to go vegan is about so much more than my physical well-being.

I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said to me, "I could never give up meat." Recently I attended two Memorial Day weekend gatherings, both which featured traditional cookout fare, and managed to find enough menu options (some provided by myself) to leave me satisfied without consuming any meat products. Much to my delight my hosts and the other guests didn't treat me like some two-headed alien from another planet. In fact, my choice to adopt a vegan lifestyle generated some lively conversation. And did I mention they loved the vegan brownies we took for dessert?

Somehow I've always known that I could do better for myself. For the first time, perhaps, I am hopeful that I'll also be able to some good for some of God's other creatures in the process.







Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com

Where's the Beef?

"Why on earth would you want to give up meat?"  That's a question that every new vegetarian will be asked. After all, you can't have a balanced diet without meat, right? Don't we need meat in order to get the right amount of protein? Well, the answer to that question is no. There are plenty of sources of protein in plant-based foods.

On April 6, 2016, I decided to drop all meat from my diet and become a vegetarian. Not once have I wistfully looked at my plate and cried, "Where's the beef?"  On the contrary, one night I dreamt that a friend invited me over for dinner and the only thing on my plate was the beef, and it wasn't even cooked!  Talk about a nightmare.

Four weeks into this adventure...

• I feel great! -- with more energy, a greater sense of well-being, and excitement about trying new foods and discovering new information. I am convinced that part of my increased energy is a result of not having to digest foods I probably shouldn't be eating anyway, including meat, refined foods, and sugar.
• I feel empowered to finally be able to take control of my weight and my health. My whole life I have struggled with being overweight. As a middle age menopausal female, this has been especially bothersome. To add insult to injury, a recent physical revealed that my cholesterol is elevated and I am considered obese. Now that I have cut meat (and most dairy) out of my diet, the needle on the bathroom scale is moving in the right direction! I have hope that by the time I have my next physical I will have lost the 20 pounds the doctor told me to lose and my cholesterol reading will have improved significantly.
• I have discovered there are things I can do to help the environment and show compassion to our animal friends. Did you know that animal agriculture generates a lot of methane (a greenhouse gas) and results in the destruction of the planet's rain forests? Those poor cows have to graze somewhere! Have you seen the inhumane methods used to produce the meat we eat? If not, watch Vegucated, the film which was the catalyst for my decision. It might just make you think twice about picking up that package of steaks in the meat section of your grocery store.
• I enjoy grocery shopping now! Each trip is an adventure and an education experience as I read labels, try new foods, and check out with a cart full of healthy fare.
• I am genuinely happy!  Happy to be on my way to better health. Happy to be doing something positive with my life, in partnership with my daughter, for the benefit of mankind, our animal friends, and our planet.

Maybe you don't think the vegetarian lifestyle is for you. After all, it's kind of hard to imagine giving up that favorite cut of steak or chicken. Or, maybe you aren't aware of the health benefits of a plant-based diet or the environmental impact of animal agriculture. If that's you, I pray you will take a look at the information linked on our Links &  Resources page and begin doing some research of your own.

We aren't here to sell you a product or make you any promises regarding your health, but rather our desire is to educate you so that you can decide in your heart what action you need to take. It's up to you to make the choice.