Oddly enough, this comes soon after Travis Barker testified that he went from vegetarian to meat eater after doctors recommended more protein (instead of protein substitutes) from meat in order to ensure his recovery after his horrible burns. He says he doesn't regret it, either.

Posted by: Jessica | October 9, 2008 08:03 PM

Bless her! She is really helping save animals!

Posted by: SASHA | October 9, 2008 10:10 PM

Kudos to you, Shanna.

Posted by: lynda downie | October 10, 2008 12:14 AM

Jessica,

What's a protein "substitute"?

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | October 10, 2008 11:07 AM

As others have probably stated- Travis Barker did in fact start eating meat again to help him heal "faster". Third degree burns mean that a person was burned below the skin. However, I think Travis Barker could have found another way to get his daily protein. We do after all live in 2008. Not 1900.

But good for his ex-wife.

Posted by: Brandie | October 10, 2008 01:38 PM

Mike--I am not sure what they meant. I read it in an interview. Perhaps they meant proteins that already come complete or something, or perhaps they wanted him to eat more. I don't know. I just happened to have read that before I read this.

Posted by: Jessica | October 10, 2008 03:52 PM

Thanks, Jessica.

I agree, Brandie, but most doctors receive very little nutritional training, and probably don't know better.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | October 10, 2008 06:37 PM

Okay, so can someone help me out here? I am new to the whole PETA thing and think it's very important to join the "go veg" movement, but I'm not sure how to effectively implement this as a sustainable lifestyle. Can any of you help me out?

Posted by: Travis | October 11, 2008 03:54 AM

dear shanna- good for you! i just became a vegetarian, and i love it, it's such a healthy lifestyle. i feel like i have more energy, and i feel so much better. i love peta. love-lori

Posted by: lori deulen | October 11, 2008 03:02 PM

Hi Travis,

There are plenty of good veg resources and sites on the internet (PETA has their own goveg.com site). You could also ask ask specific questions on the PETA Forum boards.

Their are some great podcasts on animalvoices.ca and compassionatecooks.com.

And two good books (among many) that pull no punches are "Becoming Vegetarian" and "Becoming Vegan" by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | October 12, 2008 10:02 AM

Travis--it is the only "sustainable" lifestyle in that if all the food that we feed to livestock to produce meat was given to starving people instead, it would end world hunger. Now obviously, it isn't that simple; (when was the last time you sent your leftovers overseas?) and I'm sure the "sustainability" in your question refers to you on a personal level anyway.

I'm vegetarian and trying to phase out all animal products. Cutting was not difficult for me; getting rid of eggs, cheese, milk, and everything containing these things is. You can go cold-turkey or take small steps; but get in the habit of looking for plant-based sources of protein right away. Beans have partial protein; rice has a partial protein; beans and rice together make a complete protein. This is the most basic example; you can look up different ways to combine foods and make a complete protein, but as long as you're eating a good variety of vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, etc., chances are you're getting the nutrients you need. You can take a multivitamin if it makes you feel better.

The next thing that may help you to keep in mind is that most recipes (and even restaurant meals) that contain meat can easily have it substituted or completely omitted. For example, grill a portabello mushroom (or veggie patty, or a big slice of eggplant, or strips of tofu...) when others are having burgers. Bread with herbed olive oil tastes as good or better than bread and butter, and it's better for you too--and that goes great with spaghetti & marinara (if you're used to meatballs, play around with mushrooms or meatless ground substitutes)! If you're going full vegan though, watch out for eggs or dairy in the bread or pasta. Some brands use it, some don't.

Most restaurants offer at least a couple vegetarian items; but don't feel silly asking for 3 or 4 veggie sides, or a beef burrito "no beef sub guac", or a burger with everything hold the burger...you get the idea.

I read somewhere that vegetarianism and/or veganism isn't about purity or perfection; it's about compassion. If you slip up and have some meat or eggs, don't beat yourself up over it. Realize that you have a choice to make every meal of every day; not just today once and for all.

Posted by: Julie | October 12, 2008 12:59 PM