So much anticipation over the 2012 NYC Vegetarian Food Festival, I can’t believe it’s now a week past. I’m sure it’s obvious how informative, fun, and positive the weekend was.

At the close of the second day, I stayed on hand to help break down. *little tears*…of giddiness. The guys at Chicago Soy Dairy gifted me a box of Dandies Vegan Marshmallows (oh, you’ll see the goodies I make with those bad boys) and yummy cartons of Sunsational Sunflower Milk and Earth Balance Soy Milk were left for grabs. On that day, ‘You should just take those,’ was quite a positive statement.

Over the weekend, I acquired an armful of information booklets from various organizations, like PETA, Compassion Over Killing, and Vegan Outreach. At every booth, ‘You should just take those,’ had a positive meaning. Yesterday afternoon, it took on a distinctly negative connotation.

Last week, after I sifted through for ones I wanted to keep for myself, that somehow I didn’t already have, I felt bad looking at the pile. I’m not much of a leafleter, so I pondered what exactly did I think I was going to do with these.

In the morning I grabbed an extra bag and stuffed in the brochures. When I got to work, I vacillated. Ultimately, I pulled them out and arranged them on a corner of my desk. Never saying, ‘Take one,’ my coworkers noticed my, what one of them called, “propaganda.”

The initial discourse my display produced has faded. I am aware no one is on my side, but I still found the interaction positive. However, yesterday, a female coworker walked by and announced that no one was taking my booklets and I should just take them home. To which I replied, “They’ll be there for as long as I want them to.”

Like mothers and fathers putting out pictures of their children, flower vases from Valentine’s Day, displaying sports memorabilia, or concert/show tickets and posters–all reflections of those individuals’ lives–my booklets are no different; they reflect my life and my recent experiences.

Some may be graphic once you crack the binding, but any images are true reflections of industry fueled by consumer demand. If someone chooses to take one for reading, of course I would not mind, but neither really would the father mind if you praised how adorable their children are. So, no, I won’t just be taking my booklets home with me.

On Saturday, Brendan Brazier took to the Mercy For Animals stage at the 2nd Annual NYC Vegetarian Food Festival. Brazier, an Ironman Triathlete and author, has maintained a plant-based diet for 20+ years.

When Brendan was in high school, back in 1990, he knew he wanted to find a way to run, swim, and bike–three things he really loved–as a career. At 15, he researched the training programs of top athletes and realized they didn’t train much different than regular athletes. Success was tied to good eating practices; 80% of performance was nutrition.

After trying various diets, he tried an entirely plant-based diet. He admitted that when he first started out, he made a lot of mistakes (phew, he’s human) and ended up being a starchatarian, junk food vegan, missing key nutrients like complete protein, B12, iron, and omega fatty acids. Now he wants people to learn from his mistakes.

Brazier knows a thing or two about physical fitness.

Vega, the nutrient supplement that Brazier is most well known for, is actually the powder version of the drink he made for himself while he was at the height of his training.

Some key talking points I noted:

• Health first, performance second–which isn’t the way a lot of athletes think.
• Food energy is like money; spend it and it’s gone.
• What return do you want on your food?
• We are stressed, which makes us crave stimulants like coffee and sugars.
• Eating better helps curb those cravings.
• While we cannot control all the stressful situations in our lives, more nourishing dietary choices help manage stress.
• Overconsumption is the reason for obesity.
• Our society that is overfed but under nourished.
• White bread fills your stomach but does not have the nutrients to curb the chemical signal that says you are hungry.
• Not a proponent of portion control. Eat until you are full, just eat good food.
• We take calcium out of bones by eating acid rich foods.
• Alkaline forming foods, like green leafy veggies, are the best things you can do for your bones.
• Carbs before workout = fuel
• Carbs from fruit is good
• Dates for glucose provide a quick energy release and bananas for fructose provide a slow energy release
• Protein after workout = building
• Greens after after a workout protein and anti-inflammation
• Macca root helps adrenal repair.
• Isolated soy protein and isolated whey protein should be limited or eliminated.

Connect with Brendan on Facebook.

Brazier’s talks seem to be fine tuned at this point. The talk he gave to The Vegetarian Society of Hawaii in June 2008 mirrors greatly what he spoke of at the festival, so give the video below a play. As well, check out his books:

• Thrive Foods: 200 Plant-Based Recipes for Peak Health (2011)
• Thrive Fitness: The Vegan-Based Training Program for Maximum Strength, Health, and Fitness (2009)
• Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life (2007)

The speakers were so informative. I laughed through Dr. Gregor’s lecture as he made nutrition fun.

The samples were plentiful. Vegan marshmallows, Yves sandwiches, PB, raw ice cream…just so much.

It was said, and really is true…unless you liked eating sprouts by yourself…there has never been a better time to be a veg*n.

Two days, three stages, 90+ vendors and organizations, and 1000′s of people. For me, the high points were many but five top my list.

5. Jill from Vegan Cuts knowing of my blog…holy crow.

I walked up taking pictures and Jill asked if I was a blogger. When I said, ‘Well, yeah,’ then told her my blog name, she actually remembered that I’d written something about a promotion that were having. (That’s my giddy, selfish, happy moment.)

4. Getting to know you

The atmosphere in the festival is amazing. You can get the chance to talk with speakers like Dr. Gregor and Ellen Jaffe Jones, vendors about their products, but also just strike up conversations with other festival-goers.

3. Next generation

I love kids. (Granted, it’s not always cuteness for the parents, I’m sure.) The children running around the festival, though, represent a new beginning. As McFood’s little lab rat, I’m very curious (and also excited and worried) about what the future holds for the little veg*n babies of today.

2. Vegan athletes

I’m kind of trying to soak up everything Matt Brazier and Brendan Brazier have to say. After 9+ years as a vegetarian, I’m finally catching on to the real nutritional benefits of plant-based eating and how to better fuel myself.

1. My dad

My dad actually walked over to me and was like, ‘Hey, I think I’ll go make a $1.’ He did, which he put right in the donation jar…then pulled out another dollar to by their DVD so he could take it home for my mother to watch. Then, after listening to Dr. Gregor, he turned to me and said, ‘I may never eat another egg again.’ This event can be eye opening.

The 2nd Annual NYC Vegetarian Food Festival has come to an end. It was an amazing weekend of learning, about new products and new ideas. Putting on a festival like this is no easy task…and the organizers are already looking to 2013! Ticket, please?

Co-organizer Sarah Gross (Rescue Chocolate) with well-known vegan cookbook author Terry Hope Romero (Veganomicon).

Get here if you can! So much good food and people!

Update!

Please visit my FB page as I bring you more photos from the festival! 44 pictures from the festival are currently up!

There will be plenty more to come. See you on Day Two!

The four speakers I am most looking forward to at this year’s NYC Vegetarian Food Festival are all appearing on the Mercy For Animals Stage on Saturday.

• Brendan Brazier 12-1pm

• Dr. Michael Greger 2-3pm

• Matt Frazier (No Meat Athlete) 3-3:45pm

• Ashley Byrne (PETA) 4-4:45pm

Vegan triathlete, Brendan Brazier, the force behind Vega, will likely be a big draw. One of the, if not thee, most notable faces (and bodies) on pro-vegan athleticism, Brazier’s advice on training is highly sought-after. Not really sure how the speaker series will be run, but I’m hoping to get there early just to make sure I’m in the room for his talk.

Catching up on the Our Hen House podcast, I recently listened to the ladies interview Dr. Greger. A leading physician on plant-based nutrition, you can watch his exhaustive video library on pretty much everything you every wanted to know about food but never knew who/how to ask at Nutrition Facts.org.

Matt Frazier is bringing together a community of vegetarian and vegan athletes proud to “Run on Plants” with his site No Meat Athlete. On the surface, the site is aimed at runners but it’s such a huge resource that can be utilized by all veg*n athletes.

Ashley Byrne is a Senior Campaign Organizer for PETA. Again, the ladies at OHH are a big reason I’m looking forward to hearing Ashley speak. I’ve never considered myself an activist, but their everyday activism, use the talents you have, message has drawn me in and made me more curious about other outreach efforts/tactics.

Here’s a list of 12 vendors/organizations I am looking forward to most at the 2012 NYC Vegetarian Food Festival:

Chicago Soy Dairy - Had their Teese last year but can’t find it anywhere locally.

Saratoga Peanut Butter Company – I hope they bring their Gingerbread variety.

Bixby Co – Just so curious; I want to try a Bixby bar.

Vegan Bodega – First of its kind in NYC; picked me up some Vegan Queso at the Valentine’s Shop Up a couple weekends ago and I want to see what other goodies they’re gonna stock.

Herbivore Clothing – If I could get a “My body is not a graveyard” sweatshirt, that would be very cool.

Vaute Couture – Leanne has donated one of her beautiful coats to the festival’s raffle(s) to benefit For the Animals Sanctuary. Her coats and tees are loved by celebrities like Emily Deschanel, Alicia Silverstone, and Ginnifer Goodwin. Vaute Couture will only be at the festival on Saturday because the flagship store is opening in Brooklyn on Sunday. Congratulations, Leanne! I’m hoping the “Let’s Widen the Circle” tank will be available in my size at the festival. If not, I’ll be sure to pop by 234 Grand Street in Brooklyn!

Common Ground Center (Vermont) – Jim and Carole were so sweet when I met them at the Green Holiday Festival; hope to see them again!

Mercy For Animals – Picked up one of my most favorite tees at last year’s festival and got the chance to chat with Eddie, who is always wonderful. I’ll never be able to watch one of their videos, though.

Compassion Over Killing – They rock it co-organizing the D.C. VegFest and tirelessly working for animals. Hoping to finally meet Erica Meier and Katie Shamp.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society – On the seas, this society’s efforts are documented in the Emmy-nominated reality series Whale Wars. On shore volunteers are integral to the society’s efforts. Be sure to chat with them to find out more.

CLLCTV – With Dan Mims (The Ethical Man) and Megan Rascal (Vegansaurus.com) on staff, I’m curious to find out more.

Vegan Cuts – Partnering with companies to bring you deals on vegan products.

Last night I attempted to do a shout out for the Green Holiday Festival…epic fail…at this month’s Vegan Drinks. I kind of got tripped up on the question, “What do they get for $20?” Honestly, I didn’t really know what to say. Once I saw the Green Holiday Festival, and that it was being organized by the ladies behind the 1st NYC Vegetarian Food Festival, I was like, ‘Where do I sign up to help?’ I had such an amazing time last April…even with the 3+ hour wait.

Essentially that’s what the $20 is for: to weed out the line so those who really want to be there get in. (Free admission for kids under 10yrs.) It’s basically going to be the same concept as NYCVFF, but with a focus on eco-conscious and environmentally positive lifestyle choices.

NYCVFF was pretty much food and animal and dietary organizations centered. Eating vegan is green, literally. It not only saves animals but cuts down on pollution. Animal derived materials are used for more than just food, though. The GHF will give attendees a chance to see past their plates, to animal-free alternatives to clothing and more, as well as sustainably made products.

And it’s perfect timing! Since you’ll be buying gifts for the upcoming holidays, why not browse the amazing companies at the festival and buy a good gift that’s good for the environment.

I misspoke last night and said that Vaute Couture would be at the festival. That was my wishful thinking. However, a dozen+ amazing businesses and organizations are already confirmed to participate in the event from 10am-5pm on Dec 11th.

The current participants include:

Angell Bar
Big Skinny Wallets
Black Sheep Heap
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Common Ground Center
Compassion Couture
Dolphin Organics™
Earth Presents
Edward & Sons Trading Co
For The Animals Sanctuary
Gneiss Spice
Green Mountain Energy
Gristle Tattoo
Healthy School Food
Kombucha Brooklyn
KurSuperfoods
Little Green Tees
Mercy For Animals
Moso Natural
PALO
Raw Ice Cream Company
Regal Vegan Inc.
Rescue Chocolate
Runa
Sacha Vida
Science of Spirituality
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Sivatree
Sweet Cheeks Vegan Bakery
Sweet. by jana
T. Colin Campbell Foundation
The Roving House
The Tea of Life Health
Two Shes Productions
U.S. Veg Corp

CHECK BACK FOR MORE!

And don’t forget the EVENTS!

11:00-11:45    —-     Jared Koch
12:00-12:30   —-    Roberto Negrin
12:45-1:45      —-    Steve Meyerowitz
2:00-3:00      —-    Victoria Moran
3:15-4:00       —-    Chloe Jo Davis

The first NYC Vegetarian Food Festival was amazing…once (if) you got in. Both Lauren of Gnosis and Eddie of Mercy for Animals have mentioned that there will be a second NYCVFF.

However, it turns out there will be two events! The Green Holiday Festival will be held December 11, 2011 and the 2012 NYC Vegetarian Food Festival will be held March 3rd and 4th (yes, two days!). Both are slated to again be held at the infamous Altman Building; the festivals will reportly be in a larger area, though. (We’ll see how that works out.)

A potentially good and rewarding strategy for getting in? Volunteer! These events don’t just come about with the flick of a wand. Either volunteer for the U.S. Veg Corp who puts these events together or find out early on if an organization you heart is going to be at the festival, like Mercy For Animals or Sea Shepherd, and ask if they need volunteers. Get engaged!

Sandwiched between the good eats and sweet treats at the 1st NYC Vegetarian Food Festival, were a number of organizations. Potentially overlooked between the decadent cupcakes and vegan fast food, groups like these are the backbone of veg*ism; some putting in the long hours to fight through the red tape around sanctioned animal cruelty. Here are just a few paving new roads to the future and fueling our minds.

NY CLASS Horse drawn carriages in NYC were necessary…a hundred years ago. If you feel the mean streets of the city are no place for these creatures, this organization is for you.

Mercy For Animals Battling cruelty to farmed animals by encouraging a vegetarian diet and policy reform.

PETA The machine pumping out information about everything from recipes to undercover investigations.

Sea Shepherd Standing their ground between the whales and the whalers. Watch Whale Wars on Discovery and get on board.

Natural Gourmet Insitute Offering mostly-vegetarian chef training and public classes. Alumni include Alexandra Jamieson and Amanda Cohen, owner of NYC’s Dirt Candy.

Meetup The more we know, the more we grow. So hop on and find veg*n meetups in your area.

In the end, “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – Dolly Parton.

I want her button!