fluxionz

Hey, just want to say I worked for a nephrologist for a year and a half (also in CA), met/knew a few younger patients who were on regular dialysis like yourself.

It is incredible the shit you guys go through, the way you feel, how tied down you are, how exhausting the lifestyle is. Even so, many of the patients I knew were some of the most interesting, mentally, emotionally developed people I've ever met because of the extreme challenge presented by their circumstances, and the way they faced that challenge each and every day.

I will say that during this time, I saw many patients get their transplants. Most of them were not expecting a kidney anytime soon, either. It was a complete surprise to them, to the office. I recall one got the call on Christmas eve, the whole situation was too perfect for words, she was beaming.

Keep it up man, you'll get yours, stay strong.

Hey, thanks so much for this AMA, as some others have mentioned, you've done more for PETA's PR in 4 hours than they've done for themselves in 10 years.

I don't approve of PETA's methods, they're insane and extremely offensive, and I'm amazed, that after being active for so long, they are still just as gimmicky as ever, too. BUT, I have to say- I originally went vegetarian about 13 years ago because of a PETA pamphlet, and after ~1 yr, went militant vegan (for around 4 years) because of PETA videos. I may just be a pescetarian now, but in this respect, I appreciate what they do. One pamphlet single-handedly convinced 9 friends/family to go vegetarian or vegan 13 years ago, and none of these people has returned to their old dietary habits since. Most of us have (as amazing cooks!) encouraged others to adopt more plant-based diets too. You can't really measure the amount of animal suffering that single pamphlet averted. Anyway, I have a few questions for you before this AMA becomes overwhelming to you!

• Have you ever tried Big Franks? I swear on my kitty's honor, best veggie dogs in the entire world. Best damn DOGS in the entire world. Probably among the best fake meats out there. My husband eats meat, his friends are omnivores too, but they can't get enough Big Franks. So fucking good! What's your favorite analog product?
• Adding to this, what's your favorite vegan recipe/dish? :)
  
• If you have the statistics handy, how much animal testing is from the cosmetics industry versus medical? Medical is one thing, I pretty much agree with your stance on it- cosmetic is another thing entirely. The amount of pain some of these creatures endure is enough to make any empathetic person vomit. It's truly horrifying :(
  
• What food do you miss most?
  
• Are there any other animal rights organizations you do support? That you feel "do it right"?
• What are your feelings on non-factory farm meat? Old-fashioned ranches, free grazing grass fed cattle, etc. I'm adamant about where my husband sources his meat, and we're going to go tour the farm in a month or so, but my impression from a lot of these places is that the animals lead pretty full lives. I have no desire to eat meat anymore, you probably know how that feels, but do you feel this is something of an ethical exception?
  
• Similar question to the above: small farm eggs and milk? If you raised your own hens, hypothetically, would you eat their eggs? Ethically speaking- I'm guessing you have no desire to eat eggs.
  
• Would you marry an omnivore, or do you feel there's too much of a lifestyle/ethical disconnect?
  

Not a vegan myself, pescetarian (vegetarian all but 1-2 fish meals/month), and I've been doing powerlifting for 2 years with great success. I'd say about 30-40% of my meals are vegan. I sincerely think my training would not suffer if I went full on vegan.

As someone who also strives to balance her figure and love for food, I truly appreciate your response. It's terribly hard work but SO much more rewarding to be in shape with a great appetite. There is no seasoning quite so effective as a strenuous workout!

I'm so glad you were cast as the host for Top Chef, you fit the role perfectly as a beautiful, articulate and talented woman with a sincere passion for food. Being so gorgeous, it would be easy for me to be jealous of you, but you were just too awesome and like-able for that!

Thanks so much for participating in this AMA!

Linking my reply from another thread, since there are way too many vegans here who are being unhelpful in their insistence that the only possible solution is a 100% plant based diet...

From the perspective of a non-vegan (however, a former vegan) who is willing to accept that there is, in fact, a grey area for those who want to improve their sourcing but not cut out meat altogether...

The answer is: certainly, and they are growing in popularity. Do your research on local farms and consider paying them a visit. Good farms usually grow produce as well and love visitors. You can see the animals conditions for yourself and decide if you want to support their business. The meat is more expensive so you can't eat it as often, or you have to be judicious /creative with cheap cuts, but it's worth the peace of mind. I don't eat meat myself, but my husband researches his sourcing and has visited several meat producing farms. That said, he only eats meat maybe once/week. We both do powerlifting so we get our protein primarily from tofu/tempeh/grains and legumes.

Some local farms allow young to wean naturally, others expedite the process and do not permit the young to see the parents into maturity. Some source their chickens from hatcheries that grind up male chicks, others handle birth on the farm. Some sell the male livestock, some raise the male livestock. Some utilize slaughterhouses with poor practices, others utilize slaughterhouses with better practices.

It really varies. We did a ton of research and we are happy with our choices. My husband does have the luxury of working in primarily organic produce and dairy distribution so he has visited dozens of small farms in our area and seen the conditions and processes himself. Some of them are really exceptional, they raise all young themselves and the only inhumane part of the process is the slaughter, which he can accept. They live better lives than we do. I wouldn't hesitate to eat the meat if I still had a taste for it. That said, there are some local farms he visited with less than ideal processes. You have to research thoroughly and know what questions to ask.