Be a Skinny Bitch!

Whether it's shopping for food, talking about food, thinking about food, dreaming about food, cooking food, or eating food, the pair can't get enough and devised the Skinny Bitch plan so they could have their cake and eat it, too! Mojgan recently had the opportunity to talk to Rory and is thrilled to share her insightful conversation with the BOYT community.

BOYT: What inspired you to write Skinny Bitch?

RF: Sixteen years ago I was like everyone else on the planet, living my life and working. I reached a place that I felt unhappy and unfulfilled. One day, I received a magazine in the mail featuring an article about factory farming and slaughterhouses. I considered myself an animal lover – that is how I most identified myself – and when I began reading the article and saw the pictures, I was very upset, not feeling like an animal lover at all, more like a hypocrite. In that moment I decided to become a vegetarian. Following that decision, I began researching and reading everything I could about factory farming, vegetarianism, and the inhumane treatment of animals. The more that I learned, the more compelled I was and felt my decision was best not only for the animals, but also for my health. I also began to learn more about the impact that animal agriculture has on the environment. The more I recognized the positive changes with my own health, I realized the importance of spreading the message to others.

BOYT: There are a large number of books currently on the market regarding the benefits of a raw and vegan diet. Why do you feel your book was such a success?

RF: There are so many amazing books available, but unfortunately, people are reluctant to read and discover the reality of factory farming and slaughterhouses. Change is scary, and change requires effort, and often it's easiest to continue doing what you've always done rather than make changes. Skinny Bitch may have succeeded where others failed because of the title, the cover art, and the presentation of the book having an allure so that people aren’t necessarily aware of the subject matter when they buy it. It presented itself as a quick, fun and easy read, when, in actuality, it also provides some very compelling information. I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist, I'm simply a woman who enjoys food and also loves animals, and I don't want animals tortured and slaughtered for my benefit. The first piece of feedback I receive from readers is that the book changed their life and they read the book in one sitting.

BOYT: What are the benefits of a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle?

RF: Developing this lifestyle is like discovering the fountain of youth. You feel happier, lighter, more compassionate, increased energy, you feel younger, your body looks better, and you develop a greater awareness of what you put in your body.

BOYT: Do you find it difficult at times to you “practice what you preach” in terms of diet?

RF: I don't experience moments of weakness anymore. It's been enough years; I've seen enough images; and I've learned enough about the health ramifications of meat and dairy. The products don't hold an allure for me anymore. However, when I first became a vegetarian, it was challenging. I missed what I was accustomed to eating. I feel that when anyone develops a habit, it is always difficult to break. I was absolutely addicted to meat and cheese; I consumed them on a daily basis. I see things in a different perspective now, and those foods are revolting. The great news is my taste buds have changed and the foods that I used to find disgusting, like vegetables, I now love and crave.

BOYT: What feedback or testimonials have you received from readers of Skinny Bitch?

RF: Thousands of e-mails from all over the world, men and women everywhere, have expressed they've read the book and it's changed their lives. The information is universal because it's one of compassion, self-care, and love. One amazing story we received was from a reader named Lisa Tabari who lost over 180 pounds after reading Skinny Bitch. It not only changed her life, but it changed the life of her family and three young children. It's a very compelling story and she is so articulate about what it was in the book that spoke to her, and why it was easy for her. She tried everything else before reading the book but expressed that Skinny Bitch really resonated with her.

BOYT: What was your biggest "aha" moment?

RF: I would have to say my “aha” moment was when I received the magazine in the mail with the article about factory farming and slaughter houses and I just could not believe what I was seeing. I had no idea that cows, chickens and pigs were treated in such unspeakable ways just so that I could eat them. At that moment, I desperately wanted to change the abuse that occurs for all animals on the planet. However, I knew the first change needed to come from me.

BOYT: We read that prior to becoming an author you were an agent with Ford Models. Was it a difficult career shift for you?

RF: I think when I started my path 16 years ago, and became a vegetarian, the shift occurred then. When I pursued my passion, things began to fall into place for me. I was in a great position, was making tons of money, owned a house, but still felt unsatisfied and unfulfilled. I had a fantastic job with a prestigious agency, but at some point I stopped feeling compelled by what I was doing. I was at a conference one day that focused on factory farming and, despite being a vegetarian for years, I wasn’t face-to-face with the reality of what was happening all over the world. Being confronted with the reality, literally within minutes, I turned to my friends and vowed to quit my job on Monday and take an active part in animal rights activism. I was scared to make such a major and risky change, but truly felt that I was on my path and that things would fall into place for me because I was following my heart.

BOYT: One of the biggest questions people have is about the best sources of protein for someone who follows a vegan diet. What are your thoughts on this theory?

RF: I'm so glad that you asked. One of the biggest misconceptions that exists is that vegans don’t get an adequate amount of protein in their diets. This is absolutely untrue and, actually, many people over-consume protein in an attempt to meet dietary requirements. Vegans are in fantastic health, and providing they have a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and grain, will get all of the nutrients necessary.

BOYT: Is a vegan diet healthy for children?

RF: I've actually written a book titled Skinny Bitch, Bun in the Oven that addresses just this. It begins by offering information for women while pregnant and progresses to speak about children who grow up completely healthy on vegan diets. This is recognized by the American Dietetic Association and considered completely healthy for children in utero and in all stages of life. I encourage people to do the research and make a confident decision when electing to change their own, or their family’s, diet. I find it very interesting that women receive such criticism for choosing a healthy, vegan diet for their children. Often times, it’s other parents who are judgmental, yet they elect to feed their children soda, fast food and processed foods containing excess sugar and unhealthy ingredients.

BOYT: Do you have a favorite vegan food?

RF: I love cupcakes and cake and don’t feel guilty about eating my "indulgences" because they are all healthy and have fresh, natural ingredients. What’s great is that so many restaurants now offer "vegan-friendly" options.

BOYT: In your book you mention that if you do choose to have a glass of wine on occasion you recommend consuming organic wine. What is the benefit to consuming organic wine over non-organic wine?

RF: I do mention wine in my book; however, I want to be clear about the health risks associated with consuming alcohol. It's been proven that women who consume a high amount of alcohol have an increased risk of breast cancer. I do recommend, before I advocate drinking, that a women consider if the consumption and frequency is healthy, and if there is any question, to contact a doctor or Alcoholics Anonymous. For those who do drink responsibly, certainly organic and sulfate-free wines are a much better choice. One thing I would like to stress about a vegan lifestyle is that it's not about deprivation and it doesn’t have to be stressful or an obsessive approach to anything. Take what works for you and leave the rest behind. Skinny Bitch and so many other books offer guidance and suggestions, but ultimately it's an individual choice as to what you put in your body.

BOYT: We would love to tell our readers something they may be surprised to know about you. Is there anything you would like to share?

RF: For people who say, "I could never give up meat," I would disagree. I loved meat so much that I ate canned dog food, and I'm not talking about when I was two years old. I was definitely old enough to know better. I liked meat so much that I liked the taste of my dog's canned, meaty dog food. It's disgusting, but I think it's hilarious and revolting all at once.

For more information on Rory Freedman, to purchase Skinny Bitch, and for other great products visit www.skinnybitch.net