Vegan Resources, Outreach and Starter Kits

vegan society


Vegan Society

The Vegan Society is an educational charity that provides information and guidance on various aspects of veganism for new and potential vegans, caterers, healthcare professionals, educators and the media.

Click here for more information

vegan outreach


Vegan Outreach

Vegan Outreach works to educate and encourage people to put an end to animal cruelty. They offer a starter's guide to going vegan, along with recipes and substitute ingredients.

Click here for more information

vegetarian starter kit


Vegetarian Starter Kit

This guide by PETA has everything you need to go vegetarian now. It includes recipes, tips on eating out, health information, videos and more.

Click here for more information

Excellent Vegan Protein Sources:

  • Tempeh (a common meat substitute)
  • Seitan (a common meat substitute)
  • Soybeans
  • Lentils
  • Black Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Pinto beans
  • Black-eyed peas
  • Tofu (firm)
  • Bagel with Peanut Butter
  • Almonds
  • Soy Milk
  • Soy Yogurt
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Spaghetti
  • Cashews
  • Brown Rice
  • Broccoli
  • Potatoes
  • Peas
  • Spinach

Definitions

  • Vegan: A person who does not eat or use animal products of any kind (including meat, dairy and leather items).
  • Vegetarian: A person who does not eat meat products.
  • Pescetarian: A person who eats no meat products with the exception of fish. A lot of people will use this as a bridge to convert to vegetarianism.
  • Tofu: A soft, high-protein food made from soybean milk.
  • Tempeh: A food that originated in Indonesia, made from cultured soybeans. Since it retains the whole soybean (unlike tofu), it is a source of higher protein, fiber and vitamins. It also has firmer texture and stronger flavor, and is a widely used meat substitute.
  • Seitan: A meat substitute made entirely of wheat gluten. It is an alternative to soybean-based substitutes like tofu, and has texture and consistency very similar to meat.

Shopping and Lifestyle

Whole Foods

whole foods

Whole Foods is a nationwide company dedicated to selling the highest quality natural and organic products. It is a great store for vegan options, or simply for healthy living.

Local Open-Air Farmer's Markets

local harvest produce

99% of Ellen's household produce comes from farmer's markets. Buying from local growers has many benefits; the produce is fresher and healthier, and is often organically grown. You can find a local farmer's market at the Local Harvest website.

Learn About Community Supported Agriculture Near You

community supported agriculture near you

You've heard Ellen talk about all the healthy food she makes with fresh vegetables, but have you wondered where she gets them?

Ellen is a part of the Tierra Miguel Foundation's Home Veggie Delivery. It's called Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), in which people sign up to get weekly boxes of fresh, organic vegetables from a local farm.
Read more...

Continue reading "Learn About Community Supported Agriculture Near You" »

Get Daily Health Updates from 'Healthy Bitch Daily'

healthy bitch daily

You know the book "Skinny Bitch" (and if you don't, you should check it out!). It got me thinking about what I was eating. It even helped me switch to a healthier and more compassionate diet. After I talked with authors Kim Barnouin and Rory Freedman on the show, millions have since read it and it's changed their lives.

Read more...

Continue reading "Get Daily Health Updates from 'Healthy Bitch Daily'" »

Humane Society of the United States

Humane Society of the United States



The Humane Society of the United States is the largest and most effective animal protection organization. They work tirelessly to help protect animals; from working to stop animal abuse, to working with companies to end animal testing, to serving as the lead disaster relief agency for animals.

www.humanesociety.org/


Ellen's Health Guru Recommends 'Unprocessed' by Chef AJ

John Pierre, Ellen's health guru, wanted to share an interesting book called "Unprocessed." Chef AJ not only outlines some delicious meals that you can easily make in your kitchen, but also investigates why unprocessed foods are so important. You can get a copy for yourself right here.

unprocessed by chef aj

'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Cooking'

vegan book

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Cooking" by Beverly Lynn Bennett and Ray Sammartano is a great resource for new vegans who are looking to learn more about vegan cooking, and for old pros looking for fun new recipes to try. With a comprehensive look at how to change all of your favorite recipes into vegan ones, as well as fun health facts, tips on vegan ingredients and delicious recipes, this book makes a great sous chef for any kitchen.

'Eating Animals' by Jonathan Safran Foer

Eating AnimalsJonathan Safran Foer reflects on his past dietary decisions and investigates the fictions we use to justify our eating habits. He combines philosophy, literature, science, memoir and detective work to create a compelling book.

After Jonathan Safran Foer's appearance on the show this week, he sent me a sweet thank-you note, and this link. If you found him as compelling as I do, please check it out. Thanks.

'The Fifth Agreement' by Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz

the fifth agreement by  don miguel ruiz and don jose ruiz



"The Fifth Agreement" offers the help you need to return to your authentic self. Don Miguel Ruiz also wrote one of Ellen's favorite books, "The Four Agreements."

'21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart' by Neal D. Barnard, M'D

21 day weight loss kickstart by neal d barnard


Dr. Barnard is a friend of the show, and his book 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart is a great read for anyone ready to make a big change and live a healthier life.

Forks Over Knives

movie: forks over knives

This documentary explores the effects of eating a whole foods, plant-based diet. Exploring the careers of two brilliant doctors, they uncover research that indicates plant-based diets can not only halt, but reverse diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

'Veganist' by Kathy Freston

book: veganist by kathy freston

My friend Kathy Freston has written a great book called "Veganist." You may have seen her talking about it last week on "Oprah." Kathy shares stories about people who have gotten healthier by switching to a plant-based diet, and gives a step-by-step guide for making an easy switch. Portia just finished it and she loved it. If you want to get healthier and have a positive effect on your body and the world, then this is the book for you.

'Sweet Freedom' by Ricki Heller

sweet freedom
Just because you're vegan, it doesn't mean you have to give up desserts! Vegan blogger Ricki Heller loves desserts, and wanted a healthy diet without having to give up her daily treats -- so she created the "Sweet Freedom" cookbook.

With over 100 original recipes for treats made with whole, natural ingredients, you'll discover that you can have amazing desserts without eggs, dairy, refined sugars or any artificial ingredients. Find out more on her recipe blog, "Diet, Desserts and Dogs."

'The Kind Diet' by Alicia Silverstone

the kind diet
Two of the most common questions people ask when confronted with the prospect of going vegan is "Why?" and "How?" Actress Alicia Silverstone addresses both questions in her book "The Kind Diet." Filled with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your diet, the book also is full of recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts. She takes the unique approach of organizing it in categories starting with "Flirts" who are just starting to test a vegan diet, to the experienced "Superheroes." It's a great resource for anyone exploring a vegan diet.

'The Conscious Cook' by Chef Tal Ronnen

the conscious cook
Switching to a vegan diet can be difficult for someone who loves meat, as Chef Tal Ronnen knows personally. After struggling with existing vegan meals, he decided to create a cookbook filled with recipes that any meat-lover will enjoy.

Using traditional techniques with meatless ingredients, he was able to create flavorful dishes that are both healthy and satisfying. With facts, tips, and hints about vegan foods interspersed between 70 recipes, this cookbook is perfect for the beginner who is learning about vegan foods, and is a great resource for experienced chefs.