January 26, 2020

From Gerald R. Lucas

Recipe and Diet

Today, I posted my recipe for my Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese. We made this for last New Year’s and it was excellent. It also made quite a big batch, so we ate it for a few days after. It’s one of those dishes that get better in subsequent days. Just heat it up in a pan with a bit of milk.

Animal Rights march in Berkeley, California (2016).

Speaking of recipes and nutrition, I’m really interested in getting back into a plant-based diet. A couple of things have been motivating me in this direction.

First, its my health. There’s just no denying that a plant-based diet is a healthier diet. While it might be initially a bit inconvenient because it’s unfamiliar, I think I’ll be able to get into the groove quickly. Plus, I’ve been craving pasta lately...

Next, as part of my trying to be more mindful and at peace, I’ve been reading about Buddhism again—particularly work by Thích Nhất Hạnh. Among other practices for engaged Buuddhism, he advocates a nonviolence toward animals.

Likewise, I saw an interview with Ingrid Newkirk on Real Time last Friday. Her new book, Animalkind: Remarkable Discoveries About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion, sounds like something I’d like to read. Her passion for animal rights just seems correct. Besides, the meat industry is destroying the planet.

Animals should be our friends, not our food. This position seems like the most evolved one, and therefore a plant-based diet seems really the only way forward.