Why Barbara Walters made me a vegetarian.

Throughout our lives, we are deeply affected by our experiences, including what we see and hear. Because of the media world's ever-expanding presence, those deeply impactful moments often involve the trusty television--an ingenious device that brings us the latest news and shows, ones that make us both laugh and cry. We are particularly affected by what we see and hear as children. For example, my mother vividly remembers the moment she first heard that President Kennedy had been assassinated: she was in middle school, and the principal's voice announced the news solemnly over the intercom. After returning home, she and my aunt and grandparents, like many other families, huddled around the TV set to watch the tragic event play out.

Luckily for me, my childhood wasn't riddled with such a newsworthy tragedy, or at least not one I understood the magnitude of at the time. However, I did clearly understand the message of one television moment I also experienced while in middle school: a Barbara Waiters' 20/20 expose on the meatpacking industry. Some of the effect came from thinking about cute cows being treated unfairly, and some came from the exposure of the unsanitary conditions in which our nation's meat supply was kept. So, I turned to my mother during a commercial and vowed never to eat meat again. And, despite her doubt of follow through on such a lofty statement from a sixth grader--particularly one who begged for a McDonald's[R] kid's meal after every ballet class--I knew that moment had forever changed me.

Here I am, fourteen years later, and not one hamburger or chicken finger has graced my lips. As I've grown, my reasons for eating a vegetarian diet have fluctuated. In high school and college, I became more interested in animal rights and proper diet and nutrition. For a few years during that time, I followed a vegan diet, ultimately to end up eating dairy again after feeling I might be missing some nutrients I needed to feel my best.

Point being, my food choices have changed over the years as my knowledge of health and nutrition, as well as knowledge of my own body, has grown. But, despite my research and long-term commitment to this lifestyle, there are still plenty of people who every time I cough or sniffle chime in with, "You're probably not getting enough protein, or B-vitamins, or Omega-3s. You know, a little fish wouldn't hurt you!"

In fact, there are probably a million opinions out there in what we at New Life Journal like to call "The Great Diet Debate." So, in this issue, we've spotlighted three popular diets or food lifestyles; we've asked their founders and followers to give you the low down on their diet's basics and benefits in order to let you determine the winner: the diet that works best for you--that works with your likes and dislikes, needs and lifestyle. We also recognize that there are many more opinions and diets out there, and we plan to bring you more of the great debate in future issues.

Also, be sure to check out our restaurant feature this month and read about all of the great local hot spots that cater to your dietary needs and beliefs about food. And, give some of the many recipes you'll find throughout the issue a try. After all, if the meal bums or the next night you're still faced with a mountain of dishes, you can always go out!

Here's to your healthy and yummy June!

Maggie Cramer, Managing Editor

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