Sayward,
I just found your site a few weeks ago and have become completely obsessed- I’ve read an embarrassing amount of your archive, and am constantly nodding and right-on-ing and forwarding your posts to friends. (I totally feel you with the higher-fat diet, I swear I’d be a crazed lunatic without ample plant fats. I agree that every body has it’s own needs in terms of macro-breakdown, and it’s unfortunate how much hard-and-fast “information” is out there that can’t possibly apply to everyone.) I’m so bummed you were in NY before I knew who you were, there is a pretty good chance I would’ve run into you at Babycakes (fangirl status)! Anyway, just wanted to share some vegan love and empathize with the “oh em gee we would totally be like besties!” feeling you had with Gena (whom I also admire).

Looking forward to learning more about vegan academy, seems like an amazing program.
All best!!

Holy cow, SO MUCH! I would have been exhausted after all of that too! Sounds like a ton of informative AND inspiring talks and experiences. I’m so glad you’ve been documenting it. :)

Aw, thank you Lydia! I’m so glad you like the site, and WELCOME! =D

Thanks Camilla, yeah she really doesn’t mess around, and packs A LOT into every day. A whirlwind, a very very fun and delicious whirlwind. ;-)

I’m very much an “against the system” type of person. As anyone with a forward mind might be. I have recognized in the field of nutrition that people with degrees in Dietetics not only have more pull and respect with the public, but with government bonded specialists as well. I’m referring to people in the EPA, FDA, USDA, and government funded associations of the like. A masters degree honestly has a minimal impact (as far as pay) but it’s still on my list, along with a Phd. My method is to beat the FDA/USDA at their own game. I think it’s TOTALLY worth it, and honestly, I question myself A LOT. It’s hard, most people around me do not support a vegan diet. However, I know that by implementing myself into the root of the issue, with the credentials they recognize, I can have more of an impact on society as a whole, versus being an independently certified vegan specialist. I do desire to make changes to the way people in hospitals are treated with nutrition, and even schools, and I don’t feel that anyone without government recognized credentials can have as much of a chance in doing so. Dietetics hardly requires more nutritional schooling than getting a degree in basic nutrition. However, the FDA accredits the programs/internships required to become certified as a Dietitian therefore recognizing them as an expert. It’s very unfair, and I sometimes want to take “the easy route” in getting a nutrition degree, but based on what I have witnessed, getting a degree in Dietetics is the BEST way to have a solid impact on community, government, and private consults. I think so many people operate on mainstream ideals and regulations that sometimes we have to go that route a little bit to be recognized as reliable. It’s tough, but so worth it. I absolutely see you going this route, and it’s the one place that’s made me really learn to speak my mind. You will excell, and in doing so, it will give you grounds to speak your mind and most importantly, your arguments. It reminds me so much of your “fats” issue in New York. Bringing new/different ideas to the table is a powerful thing, and that’s why I want to be as well-rounded as possible in my professional approach to coaching nutrition! Hope my rant helps to bring perspective. :)

Wow, thanks lady! I agree with everything you said, too. Gotta get ‘em from inside the system! I really do hope to get my RD some day. Some day! Good for you, you’ll be able to do so much good. =)