Neal Barnard challenges mayors Gregor Robertson and Rob Ford to try vegan diet

I think everyone should try this diet. It's not about what "I can't have" it's more about accommodating a variety of healthier choices into your meals. We put too much emphasis around meat in every meal when the emphasis should be on fruits, veggies and spices. I've cut meat out of my diet for the last 7 months and not only has my energy and overall well being improved, but I've learned to love certain veggies/legumes/spices that I never even tried when I was on a meat based diet.

A vegan diet is completely unnatural and is only possible because of modern food transportation methods. Vegans also require vitamin supplementation which is only possible in our modern society. As well there are no historical presidents for veganism, it is a modern adaptation, you only find examples of vegetarianism which is different then vegan.

A much more sensible diet is one comprised of a small amount of only organic and naturally raised animal protein and organically or naturally grown fruits and veg.

I'm not big on the whole vegan thing, I will admit to enjoying a slab of meat. But must we always go to extremes? Seems these days you are either eating meat three meals a day or you don't let it pass your lips. Healthy eating is enjoying all the variety of foods available to you in a portion that is healthy. The biggest problem we face in our collective diets is the lack of variety. Removing potential food from you diet can't possibly be productive in the long run.

I really can't see Rob Ford doing this... I agree with a lot of the points above on both sides. On average I think we do consume a lot more meat than we should (or the wrong types of meat) but I've always thought moderation and balance to be the best for me, but whatever you choose to eat is your business ultimately.

Diet related heart disease is killing more people in the world than suicide, traffic accidents, pulmonary disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, war, AIDS and premature infant death combined. Do you know how you get heart disease? By eating animal products. It doesn't matter whether the meat you eat is red, white or skinless, it contains cholesterol that clogs the arteries (this type of cholesterol only comes from animal foods). Yet compared to this, eating fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds is considered "extreme". When people are dying in epidemic proportions due to their love of animal products - now THAT's extreme.

What we choose to eat has a serious impact on more than just the individual who chooses to eat it. People have to wake up to the fact that humans are contributing significantly to the suffering of billions of animals worldwide (in factory farms, in slaughter houses) because of their selfish habits. The consumption of animal flesh and dairy products is unnecessary in today’s diet and the environmental impact of rearing livestock also detracts from feeding grain and plant matter to starving populations in underdeveloped countries. Also the attitude of “what I choose to eat is my business” does not take into account the billions of taxpayer dollars that goes into healthcare for those who stupidly and selfishly disregard this sort of health advice. I have never eaten so well and such a varied and exciting diet now that I no longer have meat or dairy. It is so easy and ultimately better for all affected if humans just made the effort to adjust their way of thinking and lead a more compassionate lifestyle. If we can live a happy, healthy and rewarding lives without harming others than why on earth wouldn't we?

when our food is ruined by hidden sugars, high fructose corn syrup, GMOs and hydrogenated fats, you can't point the finger at animal food consumption as the sole contributor to heart disease and obesity. let's not get ridiculous here.

veganism is fantastic for people that it works for, and ruinous for those that it doesn't. it's also very trendy nowadays to be vegan. but the bottom line is that your biology will win out every time over some kind of ethical/philosophical ideal or financial standpoints. for some people, a month's worth of veganism is perfect, for others, it's lifelong. but it's NOT for everybody.

I'm speaking as a former vegan, btw. this was a diet that I followed for 2 years RELIGIOUSLY, and was vegetarian for 8 years more. it would have been nice to keep eating that way, but my body just wouldn't have it.

Danica - Sounds like you were a junk food vegan!

Why were you consuming high fructose corn syrup, GMO and hydrogenated fats? Sure you can survive on chips and soda and call that vegan. But anyone in their right minds would know that is not good for you. And why would adding animal products in your diet eliminate your bad habit of consuming junk (I don't dare call those things food)? If you were vegan and ate only fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds then your biology would have enjoyed a vegan diet. And that is precisely what Dr. Neal Barnard is trying to promote.

BTW high consumption of sugar may give you diabetes but it does not give you high cholesterol and clogged arteries. Read up on your biology.

wake up:

I'm afraid you misread Danica's post.

wake up people, I wasn't. I was a careful (probably 90% of the time, but conscious of animal products 100% of the time), organic food eating, varied-diet having vegan. I'm speaking about the population in general (who aren't into reading labels or health). I was careful. and it sounds like YOU need to read up on some non-vegan-funded, neutral party health research. plus, you COMPLETELY misread my post.

the vegan diet simply is NOT for everyone in the long term, and the more militant vegans (I was one, I can say that) would have a better rep if they'd accept that. bless the ones who do, I'll make you a lentil/rice dish that'll knock your socks off.