When you hear the name Alicia Silverstone what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps a “Clueless” blond-headed teen sardonically spouting “as if” and “whatever?” Or maybe it’s a costume-clad superhero saving Gotham City from deadly villains. Well next month you’ll discover yet another side of the well-known actress as she adds a new credit to her jam-packed resume: that of an author.
Silverstone’s first book “The Kind Diet” will be released on October 12th and is already garnering hefty helpings of enthusiastic praise. In the book, Alicia shares the insights that encouraged her to swear off meat and dairy forever, and outlines the spectacular benefits of adopting a plant-based diet — one she has been committed to for 11 years.
In my first post for Crazy Sexy Life, I shared that it was Alicia’s speech at Farm Sanctuary’s 2006 Gala that helped push my passion to the next level and really inspired me to get involved in a more dynamic way.
A few years later, I find myself wading knee-deep in delicious activism and friendly with the person who, without knowing it, made me reexamine the whole picture. It’s my honor and pleasure to introduce Crazy Sexy Life readers to actress, activist and now author, Alicia Silverstone.
Michael Parrish DuDell: You’ve been vegan for so many years, what finally inspired you to write a book about this lifestyle?
Alicia Silverstone: I’ve been thinking about writing this book for 8 years. I kept a big file where I would put all the information I gathered (recipes, tips, etc) and it just kept growing. Over the years, I’ve been able to help friends deal with everything from ovarian cysts, to digestive & stomach issues, to irregular periods. I would send them all a packet of info and they would say to me, “This is a book!” But it wasn’t until a friend gave me the solid nudge I needed that I actually took steps toward getting it published. I finally carved out space in my life to devote to this project and I am so glad I did. I’m really looking forward to being able to share all the knowledge and tools I’ve accumulated over the years — simple and delicious ideas that will allow people to look and feel their best!
MPD: What have you found to be the most challenging part of writing a book?
AS: The hardest part has been coordinating and devoting time to doing press. The second hardest part would be the intensity of the deadlines and the “letting-go.” I care so much about what I am doing and want every single thing to be perfect, and that takes time. Plus, there is always more work to be done, more information to add — so it’s hard to finally say, “OK, I’m done!” I could have worked on this book forever!
MPD: What sort of reactions have you received from those who’ve read early editions?
AS: The reactions have been amazing. I’ve already spoken with a number of people who’ve made drastic changes to their diet. One woman had dangerously high cholesterol levels that, after following tips from “The Kind Diet,” became normal. One man lost 15 to 20 pounds and feels amazing — says he never wants to go back to the way he was before. And others are just enjoying feeling happier and healthier.
MPD: If you have to pick your favorite chapter which one would it be and why?
AS: Well, my favorite isn’t really a chapter, it’s a section called “The Journey Starts Here.” It explains why I am so inspired and passionate about this subject and it begins to lay out the many wonderful benefits of this lifestyle. My second favorite is the chapter on “Nasty Foods,” which really breaks down the medical and scientific info in a way that is fun and easy to read.
MPD: Have you found being so outspoken about veganism a challenge in Hollywood?
AS: Yes, it is sometimes challenging, but then, so are a lot of things.
MD: Who in the vegetarian community are you most inspired by?
AS: I would say I’m most inspired by anyone on the front lines — particularly those who are investigating and uncovering the truths about the state of our food systems today. But mostly I’m inspired by every person who chooses to go down this path in their own way — even if it’s through actions as seemingly simple as turning the water off in the bathroom when they wash their hands, or using canvas bags, or giving vegetarianism/veganism a try.
MD: What would you say is your one big hope for this book?
AS: My big hope for this book is to have as many human beings on the planet read it as possible, because the information contained within its pages is powerful and life-changing! I especially want people who think they could never be vegan/vegetarian to read this and realize that they needn’t make huge changes. I just want them to take in the information and realize what is possible — including improved health, a renewed sense of happiness, and a contribution toward improving the health of our planet.
And there you have it – kind words from a “Kind” author! A big thanks to Alicia Silverstone for taking time out of her busy schedule to sit down for a chat. Make sure you pick up a copy of “The Kind Diet” on October 12th.
A couple months ago I wrote my first piece for Crazy Sexy Life, offering you “A Polite Introduction” into the many hopes and dreams that make up my world. But enough about me! Today, I want to share with you a tale of a kind-hearted hero who needs our help.
Chuck Pappas began working at Farm Sanctuary in 2005 as Fulfillment Coordinator at the Watkins Glen location. Described by his friends as a man with “amazing talents, a huge heart, astounding strength and incredible compassion,” Chuck’s dedication was quickly recognized around the farm.
If something needed to be installed, repaired, built or remodeled, he made sure it got done – often by doing it himself. Plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, fencing, landscaping, and even dredging the duck pond were all in a day’s work for Chuck.
Last summer major flooding overwhelmed the banks in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Pig production is popular in this part of the country and many farmers abandoned their animals. For 21 days, Chuck and others braved toxic-sludge-laden flood waters, scorching sun and poison ivy as they fought to save as many pigs as they could. In the end, 69 pigs were brought back to Farm Sanctuary, thanks to the efforts of Chuck and the team.
In March of this year, Chuck Pappas was diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme – or in English, a rather aggressive form of Brain Cancer.
So far, Chuck has spent over two weeks in the hospital, had more than a dozen MRIs, gone through two major operations, given six prescriptions, and was fitted with his very own shiny pair of titanium plates, which will remain in his skull for the rest of his life. Chuck has responded well to his treatment so far, but he still faces a very serious uphill battle for survival, and doctors are unsure when, if ever, he will be able to return to work.
To help raise some much needed funds, Chuck’s friends will be walking and biking from the Taking Action For Animals Conference in DC to the Farm Sanctuary Hoe Down in Watkins Glen, NY. Visit www.giveforward.org/walkforchuck to find out how you can help. AND, for the next seven days only, one of Chuck’s Farm Sanctuary co-workers, Erin Howard, has agreed to match the first $300 in donations from readers of this blog.
To help the fundraiser identify donations from Crazy Sexy Life readers – and to give Chuck a nice boost of morale – please write “Crazy Sexy Chuck!” in the comment section. You can learn more about Chuck Pappas and this awesome fundraiser at www.Chuck300.com.
That was the question the reporter at Experience Life magazine opened with when interviewing me for The New Vegan – a piece written on the neo-traditional approach to the plant-based lifestyle appearing in their May issue.
I laughed. It was a totally fair question. Every other “expert” being featured was a published author or had a successful line of products. And then there was me. “Who are you?” The question echoed in my brain for days after.
For the record: I am Michael Parrish DuDell – the senior editor at Ecorazzi.com, the co-founder of VEGdaily.com and the founder and executive director of the brand spanking new nonprofit organization Citizens for a Compassionate Planet. Oh yeah, and chances are you’ve never heard of me.
You see, I’m the new guy on the block – the friendly neighbor who through a series of random events has somehow inherited this great big house and is now trying to fix it up just right.
I guess the first thing people notice about me is that I’m freshly 26 (which to me feels light-years old, but to others generally elicits rolled eyes and comments ending in the word “baby”). The second thing you might notice is that I love what I do more than just about anything in the entire world.
I’ve been vegan for 8 years, but spent most of those basically silent about what I chose to eat. It’s strange, really. In every other aspect of my life I’m brazen and strong, but when it came to veganism I was constantly afraid of turning people off or rocking the boat. And then something happened…
The year was 2006. I had just recently graduated from college and was volunteering at Farm Sanctuary’s 20th Anniversary Gala. It was the first animal event I’d ever been to and I was immediately blown away by how many people shared my passion. Each speaker seemed to say exactly what had been on my mind for all those years. You mean there were other people who felt this way?
Finally Alicia Silverstone came on stage to accept an award and said something that would change my life in a big way. Silverstone confessed that some people find her annoying because she speaks about veganism at every chance she gets. Still, she said, it doesn’t matter to her what they think because she’s certain her words have inspired even more people to change their life. And suddenly it hit, “Oh my God – she’s right!” It was nothing profound, but it connected the pieces in my brain and all of sudden things seemed clearer. I decided then and there to be more active in my community and never afraid to speak my mind about an issue I find so important.
Some months later I saw an ad looking for writers for Ecorazzi – a blog that spotlights all the fantastic things celebrities do for green living, humanitarianism and animal rights. I had never written professionally, but knew my way around a keyboard well enough to feel confident submitting a few samples. And the rest is history. After a year of writing for Ecorazzi, the owner, Michael d’Estries and I decided to launch VEGdaily.com.
So that’s me…almost.
During the fall of last year I decided that I wanted – no needed – to do more. The joy I get from writing for thousands upon thousands each week is mind-blowing. But what I love — what I really, really love – more than any amount of hits on a webpage is knowing that what I’m doing on a daily basis is inspiring others to help make the planet a more compassionate place. OH MY GOD! I’ve got it!
All of sudden it hit me. Citizens for a Compassionate Planet. I HAVE TO START IT! And so I did.
On March 16th, 2009 I officially launched Citizens for a Compassionate Planet – a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health, environmental and ethical benefits of a plant-based diet through the establishment of advocacy and public education programs within local communities.
Through a series of support programs, outreach initiatives and educational presentations, my goal is to inspire the young people of the world to make long-lasting, positive change towards a healthier diet and a cleaner planet.
As I march to battle to the sound of an optimistic drum beat, I am reminded of the famous quote that Maragret Mead once uttered: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
So no – it isn’t rude.
My name is Michael Parrish DuDell and I’m here to help create something wonderful.
