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About Eve
Internet addiction is real: the journey to recovery
When your real-life has been taken over by your online life, you have an internet addiction! Is everything lost?
Do you have any idea of a certain drug, so normalized in your life that you may not even be aware of its consequences? No, I’m not referring to sugar. Although sugar falls under this type of drug that is advertised to and given even freely to children. I am talking about internet addiction. It is easily accessed through your computer, laptop, phone, and other devices.
A new group of psychiatric disorders exists called, ‘Behaviour disorders’. ”Theses are compulsions to engage in pleasure-give, ‘non-drug-related’ behaviour” such as surfing the web, video games, pornography as well as gambling. This article states that, according to current studies, ”these addictions act on the human brain circuits the same way as an addictive drug affects the brain. Patients experience symptoms of ‘withdrawal’ when gaming ceases.”
Children & internet overuse
Growing up, what did you do without the internet and technology? For a late 80s baby like myself, I spent most of my time outside, it was how I wanted to spend my time; playing with my friends.
Nowadays, there are children who fart around at home all day, playing video games, surfing the web, and thereby, missing their childhoods. Child Psychiatrist, Dr. Philip John, in an article entitled, How the internet acts like drug states:
’’With connectivity becoming integral to our lives, children and youngsters are spending abnormal amounts of time online, studying, communicating, and entertaining themselves. For some of them, it can turn into `behaviour addiction’, like a drug addiction.’’
Children who are at most risk
- This article states the following risk factors: children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are ”restless and multi-task impatiently” (I would imagine they would include Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD) are at great risk of being addicted to the internet. However, in our fast-paced society, technology over-reliance whats causes more and more children to be diagnosed with these ‘disorders’? Is it nature or nurture? Genes or environment?
- Youngsters with learning disabilities and oppositional defiant disorder.
- Children who are obsessive and have a hard time controlling their impulses.
- Shy (not the same as introversion) and introverted youngsters (who get their energy and recharge when they are alone
- People with mobile phone addiction, as most are connected to the internet through data packages and WIFI, therefore fall under internet addiction.
- Parents and caregivers who coddle or give into children’s whims and are overly lenient is also a risk factor
- Low self-esteem in youngsters
How do you know if a child has internet addiction?
”An eight-year-old boy was referred to me before his exams. His family physician could not identify as to why he was agitated and sleepless at night, running deliriously from room to room. At first, it was suspected that he had exam phobia. It turned out that his tab broke a couple of days ago, his addictive gaming ceased abruptly and he was experiencing `withdrawal’ symptoms.
Source: How Internet Acts Like a Drug
According to Child Psychiatrist, Dr. Phillip, parents should not dismiss net binging as a phase. If a child has violent outbursts when the internet, a video game, mobile phone, or other technology is taken away, parents should help the child or get help for them. He recommends the following: ‘‘New schedules of time management, abstinence from a particular app, timing internet use, use of internet in open space are methods that need to be tried with professional assistance to resolve this problem.”
It is unfortunate for children to suffer and the truth is, they are not alone. Many adults, including myself, also fall into the trap of internet and technology abuse and misuse. WiFi is ubiquitous. Being online constantly has become a social norm. For example, a client may opt for someone else if you don’t reply to their constant emails within minutes. A friend of ours told me recently that her landlady became very angry with her when she did not respond to her text messages, instead of just knocking on her door. A long-term injury forces her to limit technology use, and she has a loved-one who the landlady should have called instead.
How internet addiction affects your brain
It can shrink your brain; the gray and white matter. This means that you will have to limit your brain’s ability to process to function as well as process emotions. ’’The brain changes are similar to those produced by alcohol and cocaine addiction.’’ (Source)
According to a 2014 study explains that Internet Gaming Addiction (IGA) occurs when a person is unable to control their use of the internet regardless of negative consequences. The findings show that participants who all had IGA showed ”significant gray matter density in the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, left cingulate gyrus, insula, right precuneus, and right hippocampus, as well as significant lower white matter in the inferior frontal gyrus, insula, amygdala, and anterior cingulate than healthy controls” The study states that previous ones link these brain regions to ‘‘decision-making, behavioral inhibition, and emotional regulation. Current findings might provide insight in understanding the biological underpinnings of IGA.”
Past studies link these brain regions to the following brain functions:
- Decision-making
- Behavioral inhibition
- Emotional regulation
The above findings provide insight as to how IGA affects on a biological level. Current findings might provide insight in understanding the biological underpinnings of IGA.”
How many people have internet addiction?
”Depending on whom you ask”, 1% to 9% of people worldwide are affected by internet addiction, based on a 2012 study published in Current Review of Psychiatry.
Signs of internet addiction
How do you know you’ve moved from overuse to addiction?
Here are ways to unofficially diagnose internet addiction, courtesy of this article.
- Attempts to limit internet use have been futile
- Feeling guilty or defensive about the amount of time spent online and what you do online
- Physical symptoms like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes, headaches, neck or back pain, sleep disturbances or insomnia, strained images, unexplained weight gain or loss
- Isolating or distancing from friends and family in favour of the web
- Losing track of time when you’re online
- Neglecting your responsibilities and staying online
- Relying on the internet to improve, bring pleasure, relief, or sexual satisfaction
Source: How do I know If I am addicted to the internet
Who is at risk for Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD)?
- Feeling lonely
- Lack of social interaction or support
- Currently suffering from other addictions (gambling, alcohol, drug, sex)
- A life-change that limits social activity or mobility such as loss of a loved one, moving, unemployment, disability, or having a baby
- Excessive stress
- People suffering from anxiety, depression, or other mental health or mood disorders
Source: How do I know If I am addicted to the internet
Sadly, people seeking to improve their mood via the internet are likely to feel worse! Existing anxiety and depression will skyrocket!
” A study of 60 adults in the United Kingdom shows that those in the high-Internet-use group had a much greater drop in their mood after logging off their computers than the those in the low-use group.”
Source: Internet addiction may be as hard to kick as drugs
Treatment for internet addiction
Inpatient Treatment at a Facility
Inpatient treatment requires that you check into a treatment centre for a period of time, 30 days to 18 months of internet-use monitoring. This is an option for those who have the time to devote to their recovery free from distractions and interference.
Withdrawal symptoms of internet restriction
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Fear
- Irritability
- Loneliness
- Mood swings
For those of us who do not have access to a recovery facility, doing so at home is the only option. It requires unplugging your modem and even having a loved one hide it. You may use it for work-related tasks, such as your job, keeping your life in order by paying your bills, online banking, etc.
Internet addiction recovery tips:
- For the first 3 days to 1 week of your recovery, do a technology detox- no screens or devices, this will give you a good start to being incorporating to use in productive ways, as a tool used moderately.
- Unplug the modem and hide It from sight.
- Start off your day by doing something that energizes you:
- Go for a jog, walk, yoga, or another workout
- Meditate (You can prepare your body first with yoga if you want)
- Keep a recovery journey and write down how you feel every day
- Tell people you are close to or live with that you are doing an internet detox. They can be of support and won’t worry about you. It’s up to you how much you share with them about what you are going through.
- ”Online is overwhelming for me and I notice that it drains and makes me unhappy. Remember that most people get that social media is toxic.”
- If you share the internet bill and will definitely be staying off for 30 days, ask if they can exclude you from the bill, only if they are close to you can afford it. Perhaps, you can surprise them with a pizza delivery to celebrate after 30 days!
- Write a list of activities you can do to occupy your mind or just have in mind what you can do whenever you feel triggered to go online
- Use this recovery to get to know yourself, practice self-love and understanding
Encouragement for internet addiction recovery
Quitting the Internet has Changed my Life.*
”First off, forgive the grammar. I’m typing this through a laptop with a covered screen.
That’s how hardcore I am. In fact, I don’t even look at computer screens anymore as it induces “third reality” syndrome. Something I made up, basically it sucks you into third reality/cyberspace.
This has been the best week and a half I’ve had in a long long long time. It’s been hard but I have to tell you the benefits are coming in slowly.
I am 30 years old and I have quit the internet, media, television, and radio for 9 days now. I am more productive, alert, and my anxiety has diminished.
‘In fact, I have decided, and have linked my anxiety issues to internet use. I have been using the internet since I was 15 year.. no.. 11 years old. Since 1996. So roughly, I have been online for about 20 years. I have also had lifelong anxiety and depression. It hit hardest late 20’s. I have linked this all to internet use.
Posted byu/[deleted]5 years ago
*Spell checked for easy reading.
Conclusion
Internet addiction is like any other health problem and should as treated right away. Parents must monitor children’s use of the internet and seek professional help when outbursts constantly occur when access is denied. Studies show that structural changes to the brain happen and can only be reversed once addiction seizes. At our peril, we need to take this seriously and monitor usage, as internet overuse can lead to internet addiction, with numerous adverse consequences like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many more.
Vegan and Keto? Review of The Key Dough
Keto is referring to a diet that is low in carbohydrates but high in protein. While originating as a medical diet, its popularly is associated with weight loss.
The Key Dough was established at the end of 2019 in Toronto, Canada by Julie Sullivan. Vegan Very Much met the friendly and kind owner at the Cabbagetown Farmers Market in October 2020. During our nice chat with CEO Julie Sullivan, we introduced our work at Vegan Very Much, and our interest in reviewing vegan companies to our readers. As November was No-Buy Month, we were unable to purchase the tempting but healthy treats. Julie kindly offered that we choose a pack of Key Dough cookies (made from The Key Dough Mix) each, so that we can try and review them for our readers.
The opportunity to interview the founder of this fairly new establishment and share it with you is thrilling. Since we like food, we like to always explore this field. We hope you learn something new and purchase from The Key Dough. We can’t wait to hear about your first impressions.
First impressions of the Key Dough cookies!
Kerly tried them first with herbal tea in hand. Her first impressions are as follows:
It’s really good! Very rich…I love the texture. It is so….thick!”
She devoured it, albeit, mindfully savouring each rich, tasty bite. After eating the healthy cookie, she exclaimed: ”That one is all I needed!” This is a big compliment coming from this sweet tooth. She felt that it has scratched her itch for something dessert-like, although it was not very sweet. The added plant satisfied the brain!
Just a quick explanation of science, the brain has receptors that attract glucose. Without this glucose, the brain cannot functions. Carbohydrates we consume concert into brain-powering glucose. The Key Dough’s One Mix cookies contain complex carbohydrates and fat, which was responsible for our feeling of well-being and satisfaction after eating just one each at first try.
On the contrary, sugary cookies require you to keep eating to feel satisfied. To lead a healthy addiction-free life, as it relates to sugar, the Key Dough health cookies are a way to go! They are keto-friendly as the clever name suggests. The denseness due to the added plant fat is good for weight loss, as fat burns fat!
My first impressions are as follows:
”Oh wow, the texture is nice. I agree that it’s very rich. Is that coconut oil? Wow, it’s very dense/ heavy, so I can see why you’re satisfied after just one!”
Still, I thought I would eat the other one, because I couldn’t stop, but also had just one. I must point out that this is very rare in our vegan household!
Vegan Very Much interview with The Key Dough
Note: We e-mailed the following interview questions to Julie Sullivan at The Key Dough.
We didn’t alter any part of this interview except for grammar check. We added our own Vegan Very Much comments to create a conversational read, as interviews are. Julie’s answers are in italics.
We asked The Key Dough to ”please put an asterisk* beside your favourite questions.”
1. What would you say is the big ‘why’ for starting your business?
I’m a dreamer, I see possibilities. I thoroughly approach life with a detective’s sense and all the why’s. On a much smaller scale, when I started the Keto Diet and prepared sweets weren’t readily available – I had to make or bake them myself and I have always loved being creative in the kitchen. I was in a one-year business certificate at Ryerson, where I took my very first marketing class (at 29), still figuring out what to do with my life and having had the entrepreneurial dream many times before, I saw an opportunity that I was passionate about.
VVM: I can definitely relate to being a dreamer, which makes it impossible to settle for just any job when you know you’re capable of so much more. I also attended Ryerson, and at the time. My course mates would sneer at the business major because we saw ourselves are opposites, fast-forward, multiple Social Workers have left the field, including myself, to pursue entrepreneurship.
It is wonderful that Julie took the step to attend Ryerson School of Business, it is important to invest in yourself. Interestingly, at 29 years old, she was in her Saturn return. Have you heard of this? Saturn is a slow-moving planet that takes 28-29 years to return to where it was at your birth. At 28-29, Saturn confronts us to make moves that will better our lives; to grow up so to speak. Even without knowledge of this astrological phenomenon, many people we know have married, left their 9-5 jobs (including Kerly at 29 years old), had a baby, or even divorced.
** 2. What do you wish you knew before starting your business?
I wish I had a road map or guidebook specific to the GTA and the food industry and I intend to create something for entrepreneurs of the future.
VVM: This is a great idea! When we start a business, we look for examples of how to make it the best. It’s a great way to give back and answer the questions that were left unanswered for you.
**3. What tips would you give others wishing to start a business?
It’s a lot of work and I think it takes a certain kind of person, but if you’re willing to work hard and are that type of person (passionate, creative, a self-starter) – then go for it because, in the end, nothing else will suffice.
VVM: This is true! It’s much easier to go to work and get a paycheque even if you do the bare minimum. What is not easy is, investing our whole self into a business, working harder than you ever have, and not make any money initially… If you are currently getting a paycheque from your job, pay yourself first and save as much as you can to bring your well-researched business idea to life.
**4. What environmental choices did you consider as you started your business?
I decided to make our prepared cookies entirely plant-based because, before Keto, I was a pescetarian from my early twenties onward. I know how bad factory farming is for animals and the environment so I wanted our brand to be as considerate as I could make it.
It took longer and they cost more – but we searched long and hard, high and low to find our biodegradable packaging.
VVM: As environmental low-impact vegans, we are concerned with ingredients and packaging. We’re glad that The Key Dough took the environmental and animal impact of our food choices into consideration by making The Key Dough prepared cookies, vegan! We hope that the future sees all companies making all their products plant-based, therefore cruelty-free, without sacrificing taste.
**5. How does your brand help build community?
This is a good question. We feel like we’ve been welcomed into other communities more than creating our own thus far. Where I met you was at the Cabbagetown Farmers Market, a group of local independent food growers and producers. I use a shared-kitchen full of food startups.
I have found the keto community on Instagram to be hugely supportive. People love this diet – because it works. I feel way better on it. So it’s a genuine community of people living their lives passionately through food. The Keto community is the best. I have also had a ton of support from friends, family, and my co-workers (our earliest testers). Our retail partners are part of our community as well as our suppliers.
In the building I live in, my neighbours were my first employees and believers. They saw this thing blossom from the ground up and for that, I will be forever grateful. It’s the little guys in the beginning, who believe in you when you have nothing that is the true stars. They made all this possible. I should mention RISE Asset Development too. My first loan provider is funded by U of T’s Rotman School of Business and a CAMH partnership. There I met Steve – who was foundational in believing in me from the start, who helped me believe in myself and led me to Zain, my very first official mentor ever.
VVM: There’s so much here to comment on. It is heartwarming that many people believed in The Key Dough from the start, from friends, family to coworkers and business networks and loan provider. The journey of establishing The Key Dough illustrates the fact that community is key in any endeavour- united we stand, divided we fall.
6. Which of your products would you recommend people start with?
I think The Key Dough Mix is the place to start. Since Covid, we have seen people bake and so we pivoted to an all-purpose sweet mix. You can use it for cookies, muffins, pancakes, or pie crust.
VVM: Being creative in the kitchen is a great stress reliever, we cannot wait to try these mixes. We’ve already requested it at our local Healthy Planet!
7. What would you like everyone to know about your business/products?
Sugar is a carb so if there’s one thing we recommend, it’s lowering your processed sugar intake. The stuff is junk. It makes you feel like crap. It provides no nutritional value and it’s addictive. We want to provide a low-sugar option without sacrificing taste. It’s a healthier cookie without sacrificing flavour.
VVM: We agree, sugar is more addictive than cocaine! As adults, we have to make choices that benefit not only ourselves but our dependents. The Key Dough’s cookies that we were reviewing were very tasty without being overly sweet. The fat content from seeds and coconut oil made them very satisfying- hence the reason why we had just one each with our herbal teas. Try it for yourself- you can be healthy and have tasty treats!
Comment from Julie:
Loved these questions, ladies. Really made me think and get clear on what we’re doing. I honestly teared up in the community part because we’ve had an unbelievable amount of support throughout this journey. I can’t wait to see the article – link me!
Have a great week,
Julie.
Conclusion
Our interview with Julie Sullivan, founder of The Key Dough was mind-opening. We learned a lot, and are happy to share it with you. You can take many gems from the answers that the company provided, whether you are currently keto or not. The Key Dough cookies are 100% plant-based and are a good addition to any vegan lifestyle. If you are vegetarian or pescatarian, you can enjoy the full range of products.
Currently, you get the chance to request The Key Dough products at your local health food stores!
Here is the link!
8 Impressive Health Benefits of Snow Peas And How to Sauté Snow Peas
Crunchy green snow peas are a type of pea that you eat whole, shell and all. Snow peas are not to be dismissed, as they have impressive nutritional benefits not to mention, they are delicious too! Let’s explore 8 health benefits of snow peas and then jump into how to saute snow peas. Spoiler alert: It’s quick, easy, and delicious!
Immune system
The immune system helps our body prevent and fight illness. It’s important to continuously build our immunity, especially in preparation for winter and the flu season. 1 cup of these peas provides 70% of your recommended daily amount (RDA) per cup of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body produce white blood cells to prevent illness.
Cancer
Since snow peas are rich in vitamin C, consuming them helps neutralizes free radicals, the main cause of mutating cells, oxidative health, and chronic illness.
Heart health
Snow peas contain high amounts of potassium and vitamin C, which protects the heart from disease. Potassium lowers blood pressure. Vitamin C repairs arteries and blood vessels, which helps prevent coronary heart diseases.
Diabetes
Snow peas are low on the glycemic index (0-35), which categorizes food by how fast it turns into sugar in the body.
The lower the number, the slower the process, therefore, the healthier it is. Low glycemic food helps regulate blood sugar, which is key for people with diabetes. High glycemic food on the other hand spike blood sugar levels.
Weight loss
1 cup of these crunchy snow peas is only 35 calories! This makes them a tasty and crunchy vegetable for weight loss and maintenance. To boot, snow peas are completely fat-free. They also contain 2 grams of protein.
Digestion
Snow peas contain 2 grams per cup of dietary fibre. Dietary fibre helps the body digest food. It also stimulates the peristaltic motion, increases nutrient absorption, and lowers gut inflammation that can cause stomach aches.
Bone mineral density
Snow peas contain iron, potassium, manganese, and other minerals that increase bone mineral density. Even with small amounts present, it can still decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
Snow peas also contain calcium as do all green vegetables, especially dark leafy greens. Calcium is needed to build bone health.
Vision
Vitamin A is an essential antioxidant in eyesight, as it blocks oxidative retina stress. Overall, it can hold back on cataracts caused by age-related macular degeneration.
Make sure to check our Ghana oil rice recipe to which the snow peas are a great addition!
Sources:
Health Benefit Times
Healing 4 Soul
Diabetes Meal Plans
Simple Sautéed Snow Peas
Naturally sweet and crunchy, snow peas are seasoned simply to perfection. This snow peas recipe is easy, delicious, and a great side to oil rice or ''Angwa Mo'' which you'll find on the recipes page.We are always told to eat our greens, but sometimes, they don't taste how we want them to. Using spices is the best way to make vegetables tasty. Snow peas are naturally sweet, so it's a great way to have added nutrition with your meals.
Ingredients
- 227 g snow peas olive or vegetable oil
- 1/2 tbsp oil olive or vegetable
- Sprinkle crushed cayenne pepper use just a little if you don't like heat
- Pinch of sea salt or Himalayan salt
Instructions
- Wash the snow peas2. Heat a pan on medium, add a drizzle of oil (you can use water if oil-free)3. Add the snow peas and a dash of salt and pepper.NOTE: If you also use a cast-iron skillet, heat it and add the oil and the snow peas. If the skillet is hot and is cooking the snow peas nicely, turn off the heat and it will continue to cook. You don't want to overcook snow peas. Once they turn bright green and still a bit crunchy, they are done!
Video
Notes
Notes: Add your favourite spices (ie. herbs, paprika, curry, chopped garlic, etc.)
Replace the cayenne with black pepper if you don’t like spicy food.
Watch the video to see how to make this recipe!
Tried this recipe? Mention @veganverymuch or tag #veganverymuch!
Ghana oil rice, ”Angwa mo/ Anointed rice”|Vegan African Recipes
Ghana oil rice, ”Angwa mo/ Anointed rice”| Vegan African Recipes
As we say in Asante/Twi, Yɛma wo akwaaba! (We welcome you!) Oil rice is a staple a Ghanaian household; ours is no different. Since Ghana oil rice on its own is vegan, easy to make, and tasty; I usually cook it whenever I crave it! If you are curious and want to try an easy vegan rice dish to make and serve alongside your favourite veggies and vegan protein, I urge you to try this one! Nourish your belly! It will thank you!Traditionally, Ghanaians consume oil rice as the main course (not small helping/ side!) with non-vegan protein and fresh pepper sauce and shito (dark brown well-seasoned and fried pepper sauce, that is traditionally not vegan or vegetarian friendly, but is pescatarian). In a vegan household, serving your oil rice with a bean patty, tofu, bean salad or your favourite protein, along with vegetables, makes it quite nutritious and complete! If you are not from Ghana or a Ghanaian in the diaspora feeling nostalgic, here are 5 awesome reasons to try oil rice TODAY!1. Ghana oil rice is easy to make, but it is so tasty. The golden-brown fried onion, flavour the rice beautifully, making it simply delectable.2. Ghana oil rice cooks very quickly, in under 20 minutes, depending on how long you fry the onion. Also, covering the pot with foil before adding on the lid, cuts the cooking time. So if you're short on time, but still want to do more than plain boiled rice, try oil rice! 3. Ghana oil rice can be made more nutritious with brown, rather than white rice. I recommend brown basmati rice, though we have also made it with long grain brown rice. Brown rice is a whole grain, which means it digests slowly so that it does not spike up then drop your blood sugar level. Brown basmati rice also cooks faster because of finer grains.4. Ghana oil rice is a nice option for vegans and vegetarians who still want to enjoy their native Ghanaian or African food. You can add any plant-based sides and enjoy an African meal, without participating in animal cruelty and speciesism. Why not have it with chickpeas. tempeh, prepare soy protein and salad on the side? or perhaps with red (tomato) stew? It's so good, I'm salivating as I type this!5. Ghana oil rice is a simple comfort and soul food that is healthier than typical soul food, rich in fat and sodium. You can use less oil and less salt without sacrificing flavour!NOTE: If you are a visual learner, watch the video to see how Ghana oil rice is made, or simply to show your support!
Equipment
- A piece of aluminum foil to cover the pot before the lid goes on
- Small pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cooking spoon or fork
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice When using brown or wild rice, soak beforehand.
- 1 small onion All types of onions work well, except green onion/scallions).
- 2 cups water I used tap water, but filtered, fluoride-free water is best for health!
- 2 tbsp oil Vegetable or olive oil (not extra virgin oil due to low burn point! ) You can use coconut oil if you want it to taste like that.
- 1 tsp salt Less is more, can add less if you need to.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice well and set aside in a bowlSlice 1 small onion and set aside Heat oil on medium heat in a small pot Add sliced onions and stir-fry until fragrant, golden brown and translucentAdd rice, water, salt, and cover with the foil and lidBring rice to boil on high heat (about 2 minutes), then cook on low heat for about 10 minutesRice is ready when it is semi-translucent and soft taste (not mushy)
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
3 Servings
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 189.2
- Total Fat 9.3 g
- Saturated Fat 0.7 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 5.5 g
- Sodium 670.0 mg
- Total Carbohydrate 24.0 g
- Sugars 0.0 g
- Protein 2.7 g
- Vitamin B-120.0 %
- Vitamin E 9.7 %
- Calcium 1.3 %
- Iron 5.3 %
- Niacin 5.3 %
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Please rate and comment on the recipe in the comment section below! If you this dish, tag us on Instagram @veganverymuch
We are new Toronto Food Not Bombs volunteers
We were first introduced to Food Not Bombs in the summer of 2017 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Our Couchsurfing host and friend invited us to volunteer at a Sunday afternoon gathering organized by Food Not Bombs Sofia.
It took place in a spacious wooden bungalow, where we had the overwhelming pleasure of meeting friendly and interesting people. Many of these volunteers felt strongly about veganism, food-waste, and helping people in need. Some were activists, others were not. And yet, we were all shared the common goal of getting nutritious food on the table, as we prepped and cooked veggie/vegan food to serve the impoverished community.
Our new vegan friend, an athletic weight trainer on a mission to show the world that muscles and veganism go hand in hand, was thrilled to have us there and so were we! He explained that there’s an opportunity to attend and volunteer at this event every Sunday. He added that Sofia Food Not Bombs also provides clothes, shoes, and other supplies to those in need. It is also crucial that they rent out the house to others when not in use, for income to accomplish their aim to help more people in need.
Fast forward to 2020, just a few weeks ago, Food Not Bombs, re-entered our lives. This time, across the globe in a different global climate. This time, in the city of Toronto.
What is Food Not Bombs?
”Food Not Bombs is an all-volunteer movement that recovers food that would otherwise be discarded, and shares free vegan and vegetarian meals with the hungry in over 1,000 cities in 65 countries in protest to war, poverty, and destruction of the environment. ”We are not a charity but dedicated to taking nonviolent direct action. Our movement has no headquarters, positions of leadership and we use the process of consensus to make decisions. We also provide food and supplies to the survivors of natural disasters, and people participating in occupations, strikes, marches and other protests.” PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TODAY
The above text and image below are taken from FoodNotBombs.net
Food Not Bombs is a global movement
How we became Toronto Food Not Bombs volunteers
Through a whirlwind of bref interactions initiated by Kerly, we became fast volunteers. We ended up taking over the sandwich duty for Toronto Food Not Bombs.
Through our food saving work, we contacted the Toronto Food Not Bombs team, and one passionate volunteer arrived to pick up the donated food.
After a passionate conversation and crash course of the work that our contact at Toronto Food Not Bombs is involved with, he casually asked a million dollar question:
Paraphrasing here…
”Would you be interested in making the sandwiches, as the current volunteers are returning to work and will be unavailable in 2 weeks? ”
Truth be told, once this question hit the air, we simply could not get it off our minds, but we also knew that as vegans, it would be a ”creative challenge” as our contact worded it.
Making sandwiches (as simple as it sounds) for the hungry is after all in alignment with our mission at Vegan Very Much.
Our Mission at Vegan Very Much
C r e a t e
As humans, we are creators who are capable of bringing brilliant ideas to life.
Co m p a s s i o n
Veganism is compassionate for both animals (especially factory farm animals), as well as the environment. This extends to showing compassion toward one another, as in treat others as you would like to be treated.
C o m m u n i t y
It is our intent to connect with you and create a community of not only like/minds, but also like-hearts.
As a vegan website focused on low-impact and living a less wasteful life, we abhor food waste! We agree that ”food-waste is of the world’s dumbest problem.”
The creative challenge
The goal is to make 100 sandwiches (give or take) quite a small budget. Toronto Food Not Bombs distributes these to houseless and underprivileged people in Downtown Toronto. The location is Allan Gardens (outside the Botanical Garden) on Sundays at 11 am. Packages of food are also handed out during this time.
12 Loaves of bread feeds 100
First off, we enlisted the help of café Serano (Serano Bakery) to slice the twelve loaves of Cobs Bread donated bread to Toronto Food Not Bombs. We quite simply could not make the sandwiches without them and of course our TFNB partners and donors.
According to a volunteer who picks up the bread from the bakery and delivers it all, the company aims to bake an excess of over $1000 worth of products so that they are able to donate to communities who need it most! Support them with your purchases; most of their breads and baked goods are vegan!
cobsbread.com
Week one sandwiches for Toronto Food Not Bombs: chickpea fritters
Week one’s sandwich is inspired by a food expert whose amazing and simple recipe the fritters were based on. He was kind and patient enough to walk us through the process of how he makes his chickpea fritters, answering numerous questions and giving advice based on our many adaptations to the original gem.
Apart from walking us through every step of how to make the perfect chickpea fritters, our food expert told us about Toronto Food Not Cops. This movement feeds the houseless in the city delicious and nutritious vegan food!
Here are some of the images of the process captured with a phone camera by Kerly, (Kerly Ilves Photography)
How can you support the work of Food Not Bombs?
- Donate If you can give back in this way, donate to your local chapter of Food Not Bombs. If you reside in Toronto, you can donate to Toronto FNB You can also donate to the global chapter PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TODAY
- Both individuals and companies can donate monetarily and/or in-kind (supplies, groceries, food, etc.)
- Volunteer at Toronto Food Not Bombs or your local chapter
- Find out if Food Not Bombs in your city, if not, mobilize the community to create a chapter
- If you live in Toronto or the GTA, contact TFNB to volunteer, as many more of us are needed, now more than ever! Website, Facebook, Instagram
- Donate food that you don’t want or need to FNB to provide free meals to disadvantaged people.
- If you are vegan and interested in supporting our sandwich making workshop on Saturdays, please contact us.
- Do you have delicious budget-friendly sandwich ideas for the Toronto Food Not Bombs sandwich team? Comment below, DM us on Instagram or contact us on this site.
Share your thoughts:
What do you think of the work that the grassroots organization Food Not Bombs is doing across the global chapters?
Boost your immune system while social distancing
Probably by now, many people have done a fair share of staying home and practicing social-distancing. But how do you boost your immune system during these changing times?
It is a little known fact that humans (even introverts) need to have people around them to be well…human! We are not meant to be alone. Babies who are devastatingly starved of socialization do not develop healthfully. Prisoners in solitary confinement even for hours come out mentally changed from when they went in… We are not any different from them as during quarantine and social distancing times, we need to boost our immune systems to make it.
Based on a true story film that we just had the opportunity to watch, Just mercy, a wrongfully convicted Walter “Johnnie D” McMillian suffered life-long repercussions after solitary confinement and 6 years on death row, till he died long after his release. The human spirit needs positive socialization in order to support life. While our social-isolation during this global panic-attack is a far cry from what people on death row. (Did you know that at least 1 of 9 are wrongfully convicted due to poverty and race?) Endure, we still need to maintain or immune system to ward off illness and maintain hope that things will be OK.
Here are 5 ways to boost your immune system during these challenging times.
Eat whole foods to boost your immune system
While others scramble mostly for pasta, rice, canned food, and toilet paper…as a vegan, stock up on fresh fruits:
- lemon,
- orange,
- kiwi,
- kumquat,
- berries,
- banana,
- apple, etc.
and vegetables:
- carrot,
- eggplant,
- spinach,
- tomato,
- pepper,
- cucumber
- zucchini and other squashes etc.
You can cook, steam, bake, stirfry, and freeze them if needed. Ensure that you eat colourful fresh produce and limit refined starch that will surely add your waistline especially if you’re not active. Whole foods also include whole-grains, legumes, healthy fats like (extra-virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds. These foods contain vitamins and minerals such as the following:
Vitamin C
Vitamin c is the main vitamin that boosts the immune system.
Foods that contain vitamin c: orange, lemon, kumquats, sweet peppers
Vitamin B6
Foods that contain vitamin B6: Leafy greens, chickpeas)
Vitamin E
An antioxidant that fights off infections.
Foods that contain vitamin E: Spinach, nuts, and seeds.
Limit stress and anxiety to boost your immune system
Stress weakens your immune system, so whenever you’re feeling stressed, ask yourself this: “Can I do something about this right now?” If so, make a plan on what you will do about it. If you answer no, then rub your hands together and shake it off your hands.
Stress ball of light practice
- Rub your hands together to create warmth and friction, then open them as wide as you want, to create an energy ball. Do you feel the energy between your hands?
- Imagine that your energy ball is made of golden-white light. Now, one by one put in everything that is stressing or worrying you in this energy ball. It can be a colourful ball of light if you want.
- Now, release the ball to the sky and let the universe or God or source take care of it, transmuting it into light energy.
Prioritize physical activity to boost your immune system
It is easy to become a couch potato or for some of us, to go on being one, but does this make you feel good? Probably not. While it is good during self-isolation to do nothing and return back to your human-beingness, rather than doing, it is also important to move your body. The energy that flows through your body needs ways to express itself, so exercise is an important way to do this. you can make it fun and follow along to a dance video online.
A friend of ours sent us a dance video which we have enjoyed and I even looked for more. Not only is it fun to dance (you don’t need to be good at it, just focus on getting the moves somewhat). The interesting thing is, when your attention is turned to dancing and how your body feels, you give your mind a break from all pointless thinking, therefore, relieving stress.
You can also go for a walk if your garden or backyard or in nature to walk your dog. Keep in mind that your state police might come looking for you…even if you are not near anyone…This should not last very long hopefully. David Icke’s son, Jamie Icke took his dog for a walk in the countryside and when he got back to his car, there was an office there who questioned him on what he was doing…clearly not about health but about power.
Do something creative to boost your immune system
Not that we need expert advice on the obvious, but experts agree that creativity is healthy!!! Creating something out of nothing is a great feeling whether it’s cooking, art, a dance, a story, music. You don’t need to create the wheel, just do something your way or not. Something that gives you a finished product in the end. We are powerful beings on this earth to play with energy and create things. Our creations with the right intentions, fulfill ur spirit and the spirit of all.
I hope you are all doing well during this time. It’s important to do things that light a spark within you. Avoid the news because it is fear-based and will affect your immune system and well-being. Be hopeful that you don’t have to carry anything on your shoulders. Return to this list when you feel negative. It’s fine to allow yourself the space to feel everything without judgment, but don’t dwell there. Come out for some air or open the windows.
It’s darkest before the dawn and
a new day is on the horizon and
it’s bright!
References:
The Scientific Reasons Why Being Creative Can Make You Happier
Covid-19, the environment and us
Covid-19 is storming our consciousness, and its impact will not be forgotten. The environment has a break, as this virus has a positive impact on nature.
The world has been both reacting and responding to the novel coronavirus Covid-19. People are storming grocery stores to hoard food, toilet paper, and other essentials. To be honest, I never imagine I’d experience this reality in my life. As Y2K or year 2000 came and went and some of us still had the matched, candle and dwindling food supplies.
We are temporarily emitting less CO2!
Through a human effort to contain or better yet, mitigate the infectious virus, CO2 emissions have decreased by a quarter in the largest, most polluted economy – China. Unnecessary productions across the globe have been halted, and people should self-isolate, work from home and practice social distancing. While these things are great in slowing down the spread of coronavirus, it is amazing that humans can see a difference in the environment by simply putting a stop to the activities that negatively affect the planet. It’s unfortunate that production will speed up to catch up on what was missed after the corona nightmare is over.
What if we continue to do some of these things even after coronavirus is no longer a hot topic at the forefront of our collective mind? I hope we will think about the pandemic according to WHO (World Health Organization). And realize that our hearts and minds were changed because of this shared experience of vulnerability. I hope that we will be more careful and conscious consumers. That we’ll use our purchasing power wisely. Acknowledging that is just as important as voting for salespeople politicians if not more.
The power of health these days
At this time, many of us are keenly aware of the power of our health. Some of us did not take it so seriously just months ago last year. We eat what we want even if it is slowing killing us. Now is the time to eat vegan as it’s the safest way to make sure you don’t eat raw animal products. Since Covid-19 needs a human or animal host to grow and spread. The origins of this virus have been linked to lizards, bats and alive animal market in Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus since December 2019.
How our actions affect everything
What if we continued to drive less, buy less, take our health seriously knowing that it could be taken away at any time? No, living in fear is not the answer. But our very survival as humans on earth is threatened each and every day by the decisions we make or fail to make. Covid-19 is unknown and scary, while global warming has neem known for decades while we live in denial of it.
What should I do during this time…?
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (optional: while singing your favourite song in your head to spare others)
- Avoid panic buying (more than your share of supplies, i.e., food, water, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and masks), but do get your meds!
- Avoid large crowds and work from home if possible!
Update: Many places of work are now operating only remotely.
- Beware of important topics that are slipping by, laws that may be being passed behind our backs because of hyper-focus on the coronavirus…ie. China’s re-education camps for 1 million Muslims
- Have compassion for other humans- you probably don’t need 24 packs of yeast..if someone asks you for one to bake a cake for a child’s birthday party, give her one put some back! (crazy story a colleague shared, *SMH*).
- And most importantly, hold dear a vision of a better tomorrow for humanity; one that honours all life!
- meditate t centre yourself
- Stay away from people who want to argue with you for not wearing a mask.
The high impact of full-time work
In 1926, Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford made a groundbreaking change: 40-hour weeks with five working days became a must. Full-time work was born.
Full-time work is classified as 35-40 hours in the West. Having this kind of work commitment especially outside of the home means that you trade a lot of your waking hours for money. But if we are completely honest with ourselves, full-time jobs take away from the hours you spend out of work.
Ways that full-time work trickles into your life
Your commute to and from work adds additional time, preparing your work clothes adds more time. The unpaid work you take home adds more and more time, and finally, all the mental, emotional and spiritual strain robs you of your peace and time.
We rarely just go home and switch off the work problems mode- we take our day with us home whether it’s good or bad. Imagine that you got promoted or had an amazing presentation or secured a client at work, chances are you think of these successes as a reason to celebrate after work! In the same vein, if you have a bad day at work, you may also want to indulge after work, unless you’re a master of compartmentalizing your life and accompanying emotions.
Working during most of the week also means you have less time to live your life purposely. You may be living on auto-pilot and going through the specified motions required to survive each day. Here are some ways that working 5 or more days at a 9-5 has a high impact on you and the environment.
Food choices
Before work, you may buy a packaged breakfast such as granola, yogurt, and fruit or a tofu sandwich and a coffee (your own travel mug would be the best choice but you probably forget it).
At work, you may order in lunch or go out and grab take away in plastic and packaging. Styrofoam, for instance, does not ever disappear unless burned, which causes fumes that are unhealthy for all.
You may order in more often because you don’t want to spend the time you have before bed cooking (even if you like to cook), which means you’re using more packaging. More packaging equals more pollution in the oceans and more trash in the landfills.
Transportation
The distance you travel to work and the area you live determines how you will travel to work. While many in Europe are able to bike to work in cities like Copenhagen which is the bike capital of Europe and Berlin where we’re currently based which is ironically the vegan capital of Europe. However, when it comes to green transportation, those who live more than 30 minutes from work often drive in heavily toxic traffic or use public transportation. Driving over an hour a day increases gas emissions, which has a high impact on the environment.
Children and transportation
Having children is by far the highest impact choice we can have on the plane, but still, we are all here and are grateful.
As a driver, your time spent in car increases as you shuffle kiddos back and forth from school and hobbies, not to mention the resources needed to raise a new human.
Mind you, working full-time then coming home to work further is exhausting and takes away from raising the innocent children you brought into your life.
Those who ride their bikes with children are truly magical and they really help the environment; along with cloth diapers, wooden toys etc. But personally, aside from the latter fun stuff, I know that I would not be able to ride with a child in tow, because I’m comfortable on a bike as it is, especially for long periods of time with the pressure of being a valid source of transportation needed to get us from point A to B.
Note: I live an hour away from work and there are not appropriate bike lanes for those kilometres, even if I was able to cycle for 2 hours in traffic.
Time spent transporting at least twice a day to and from work means that you have less time to make conscious choices about the impact of your daily activities on the earth. But we can’t underestimate the rippling effects of a happy employee – someone who makes a positive difference through their work. On the other hand, having less time and energy to devote to looking at your life for what it is and changing what you don’t like means you continue doing the same thing that is bringing the same results of headaches and a lack of flow. This may lead to illness which uses up even more resources.
YOU are part of the environment
Are you happy with your job? If you are, then congratulations. You are living by example. If not, then you are the only person who can do something about it. Seek counsel from your boss and if nothing changes– move out of the environment because you are not a tree. You can move when something doesn’t work!
Your mood, your health or lack of affects the greater whole. Your choices to consume and create waste affects the world. The environment at work affects you. Are you contributing to a healthy environment or adding to an unhealthy one?
Normalizing fasting for better health
Fasting is as natural as breathing. Imagine how healthy our relationship with food would be if we didn’t give ourselves access 24/7?
From the moment we wake up, we use energy that we are not even aware of thinking of what we’ll eat and when. This time and energy we spend thinking about eating, preparing food, and eating can be used for something else! Perhaps it is time to try fasting?
Let’s first look at the amount of nutrition one needs to stay alive and healthy. Privileged people practice fasting (while many starve…), so there must be a hidden gem when it comes to giving ourselves a break from ALL things food. Give your hands a break from preparing food and your body a break from the hard work of breaking down the food you consume.
What is fasting?
Fasting is quite simply abstaining from eating any food for a period of time that can range from a few hours to a few months (under medical supervision!) The latter end of the range may be extreme. But we naturally fast for at least 8 hours every single day when we sleep. As we sleep, the body is focused on internal housekeeping and night-only repairs, since during the day, it is breaking down food for energy.
In the West where we have 24/7 access to food, we have become addicted to overfeeding ourselves. It’s recommended that we eat 3 square meals every day–breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The word breakfast literally means to break from the fast. We have been taught that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and yet this is the easiest time for some of us to continue fasting. Many people can skip breakfast, but to skip dinner is much harder since we naturally fast when we sleep and falling asleep on an empty tank is hard– again, acknowledge your privilege.
Snacking between meals
If we snack in between meals, we are loading our body with more food before it has the chance to digest our bigger meals ”square meals”. In doing so, we are sending the wrong information, which keeps our digestive systems working less than optimal.
It’s not a surprise that as society has become more consumerist, eating more during the day is encouraged and normalized. Snacking has become a serious business. There are many companies that make millions every year selling us snacks full of salt, sugar and saturated fats. What if we started eating our 3 meals a day and nothing else? Would we die of malnutrition? Of course not! Many people don’t know when their next meal is coming.
Why should I fast?
There are many benefits to fasting, both health and lifestyle-related.
- Gives your body a break so it can heal, repair, and discard defective cells.
- Get a mind vacation from thinking of food, grocery shopping, preparing and finally, eating.
- Food can be costly if you are “feed the beast” every few hours.
- The more you eat your feelings, the more you rely on food for emotional numbness over your plates.
- Time to explore other interests.
- It challenges you to meet your friends for something other than food. Your wallet will thank you because you can eat before meeting up.
- It can provide mental clarity and space to communicate with a higher power.
- Teaches you discipline, mind over matter.
- Lose weight.
- Appreciate the food you eat. When you don’t over-feed, you appreciate the food you eat more.
- It makes you a better person as you know what hunger pains feel like, so you’re more likely to help those who need it.
Vegans and fasting
Many people reduce veganism to JUST food. This is not accurate for many who enter this lifestyle out of compassion for animals, the environment, and health. While vegan food is great, if we eat mindlessness whenever we want, we step on our own toes. Avocados, for example, use a lot of energy to produce and yet they have become a defining point for online veganism. You can do something about this by not buying avocados because even the people whose native food it is can often not afford it because we are obsessed with it.
My fasting experience
I have done intermittent fasting for many years without knowing. The longest I have ever done so is 1 day, not including fasting during the night. It hasn’t been easy once my stomach starts rumbling and churning, but once I keep at it, it gets easier.
On Sunday night, we watched a documentary on fasting. It educated us on all types of fasting. Including intermittent fasting, water-only fasting, religious fasting, weight loss, chronic disease like cancer, hypertension, diabetes and more. The one that stood out to us was intermittent fasting because this is the one that is most common. Have you ever had to fast before doing bloodwork? This is intermittent fasting because you don’t eat after dinner, then go straight to the doctor when you wake up on an empty stomach. Water is the only permissible drink during such fast.
Giddily after our movie dinner and dessert, we jumped right in and fasted from 7 pm Sunday to 4 pm Monday. 2020 herald a 4 day work week for me, with Mondays off. We worked out for 1 hour 45 minutes including the walks to and from the park.
It was easier than we thought! We continued fasting during the week–after dinner at 7 or 8 pm until lunch between 1:30 to 2:30 pm. On Friday, I finally succumbed to the crepes that my wife had lovingly packed for me as an emergency lunch at work.
My Positive side effects of fasting
- Not thinking about food so much.
- Fewer cravings.
- Body positive – it helps that my stomach stays flat throughout the day as I work off my holiday food of yesteryear.
- Enjoying food more when I have it.
- Eating slower.
- Being satiated with one full serving instead of eating more and more, until I feel like I’m about to explode.
- Taking my 10k steps seriously and being overall more healthy
- Drinking more water and herbal teas to cleanse and feel less empty, especially teas in the morning which warms me.
With all the above benefits I have experienced, I will continue intermittent fasting for as long as it feels good for my body as I feel that normalizing fasting for better health is important.