veganism

September 21, 2015 - 3:18pm
Syracuse native Jarred Vryhof fills the need for healthy, cruelty-free food options, one block of cheese at a time.

Standing at nearly six feet tall with a brawny build and tattoos covering his biceps, Jarred Vryhof says people are always surprised to learn he is an animal-loving, plant-eating vegan. Driven by his experimental appetite, Vryhof started making non-dairy cheese last year when he and two friends were planning to open a vegan restaurant. Although Vryhof’s business partners eventually backed out, he followed his passion for cooking and improving the plant-based food options in Syracuse.

February 19, 2013 - 4:57pm
Banish some misconceptions about veganism -- and then try this delicious lentils and rice recipe for less than it costs to buy a pack of gum.

When I first announced to my family members that I wanted to adopt a vegan lifestyle, they shot me incredulous stares. “Why would you ever want to do that?” they asked, totally dumbfounded.

The decision to “go vegan” often meets many challenges, and not just the physical ones that come with completely overhauling one’s diet. Finding support for my new lifestyle has proven difficult. Many carnivores take it as a personal offense when I tell them that I won’t eat meat or any other animal byproduct. As my one friend eloquently put it: “But… bacon!”