Spice Route talks with author Dr. Will Tuttle

Spice Route talks with Dr. Tuttle, author of the book The World Peace Diet, Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the interview.

Idea of your book:

For many years I was hoping to read a book that would give the really BIG picture of veganism - how the core of our culture is the mentality of reduction, exclusion, and domination of sentient beings, and that the primary reason this dysfunctional mentality has such a strong hold on us is that we are forced from infancy to participate in meals that contain the flesh and secretions of brutalized animals.

I eventually realized that if I wanted to read such a book, I would be the one who would have to write it. So I spent five years and completed the project. It is called The World Peace Diet: Eating For Spiritual Health and Social Harmony, and it's published by Lantern Books in New York.

Are you a vegan?

Yes, I've been a vegetarian for 33 years and a vegan for 28 years.

What is your favorite dish/recipe and why?

Whatever dish I happen to be eating at the time!

What recipes will you encourage new vegans to try out first?

Foods that are vegan that they already like - noodles, rice, grains, veggies, fruits, salads, and also, if they like them, the analogs - fakin' bacon, tempeh, seitan, non-dairy milks, yogurts, cheeses, etc. I really emphasize organic and whole, unprocessed foods!!

What recipes are closer to having a texture similar to meat for carnivores who might try this book?

If people order my book from our website, we include a one-sheet recipe treasure trove by my spouse, Madeleine, entitled "Intuitive Cooking." It has lots of great recipes.

How about other members of your family? Are they also vegan?

Madeleine (my wife) is also a long-time vegan as well. Lucky me!! Both of our mothers are vegan, too, for about 10 years now, and both of our fathers have passed away. My sister is also vegan, and my brother is mostly vegan. My sister's and brother's children are either vegan or mostly vegetarian.

There is nothing more positive, healing, and transformative that anyone can do for themselves, their loved ones, and our world than to say no to causing animal cruelty and eating it. A yes to veganism is a yes to being part of the solution to war, hunger, and disease. The most important thing, though, is to understand the reasons why going vegan is so important and so transformational to our body, our mind, our spirit, and our culture.

More and more people are now starting up classes and book study groups on The World Peace Diet, and this is a very good thing! To understand the deep structure of our culture is to be able to heal it and ourselves, and let go of outmoded behavior and ways of thinking.

Each of us can be the change we want to see in our world. It all starts with our most fundamental connection with nature and our culture: food. The answer to all our dilemmas is on our plates.

Please go to my website, http://worldpeacediet.org for more information on the book, on classes, and on our Veg Inspiration For The Day.

Thanks for talking with us Dr. Tuttle.
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So, friends that was Dr. Will Tuttle we were talking with, today.

Happy Cooking!