Hello!

So as I've been reading The Kind Diet, I was sad to see that peppers are not really on the good veggie list because of the alkaloids in them. As well as the information on spinach. 

I guess I'm wondering about the "bad" veggies and if it's still okay to eat them. I feel like I'm making a mistake or not following the diet well enough, even though I've cut out meat and dairy.

Anyone else deal with this kind of stuff?

I still eat 'em.  I like them too much.  At this point, I have given up a lot of stuff (which is fine) and really love peppers, and tomatoes and so many other veggies.  So, do whatever you want; eat them now and try to cut down in a few months when you've gotten a handle on the vegan thing.  Its not just just about following some diet, its about following what you beleive in and what you think your body need.

Laura

Cutting out meat and dairy is by far the most important step to take. As far as veggies go, it depends on what your personal goals are. Nightshades are believed by some not to be good for you, or at least only in moderation, but that is more of a macrobiotic approach. More veggies no matter what they are and no meat or dairy is certainly better than the alternative. If you want to go more superhero, then do it, but nobody's saying you have to. Alicia still allows herself occasional nightshade treats (like tomatoes in season and the monthly potato she allows herself). I know that if I eat too many tomatoes my body reacts negatively. I also know I can't eat a lot of spinach because it leaves that weird film in your mouth, but I don't never eat them, I just ocassionally eat them.

In the grand scheme of things - it is far worse to be shoveling sugar and processed crap (excuse the language!) into your body that veggies that have some negative qualities. I have no doubt that there are important reasons to cut out nightshades, but in comparison to the other foods that are bad for us, its not as much of a big deal!

Anything eaten in excess can be bad for you - even the healthiest of foods!

Thank you for alleviating some of my concerns! I do eat spinach and peppers (usually a little chopped up pepper and spinach with rice) at least once at day, so I should maybe look into eating other veggies - but I do agree that just eating more veggies is a step in the right direction and I should be celebrating that :) 

I am a student at Christina Pirello's cooking school in Philly. Her words, "This country isn't in the sorry sick shape it's in because of spinach". So true. She is the best at keeping things in perspective and down to earth. If you are at the market and the choice is kale or spinach- go for the kale. But if you are craving a spinach salad then go for it. You are craving a vegetable not a Cinnabon! Just don't make the nightshades staple/everyday foods.

I'm still eating them. It would probably help me if I didn't since I have arthritis but I do not consider them a vice.