Didn't love the show so much.  First of all, it was more about knowing where your food comes from, not really talking about many health benefits from being vegan.  And while disgusting, they showed the best slaughterhouse around, so those watching really didn't get a good idea of where most of their meat comes from and the animal suffering.  Michael Pollan also kept saying eating meat is okay, just not so much.  Cathy kept caving and kind of agreeing that it was just her choice.  She didn't really go into all the benefits of veganism.  She didn't really stand up to Pollan or Oprah about it.  Also, the food cathy talked about, was mostly processed meat substitutes.  Most people have this idea that all of us just eat tofu cakes, and she kind of continued that.  They talked a little about eating a whole foods diet, but not enough.  They didn't show any delicious recipes!  Last thing, Oprah said Cathy was THE vegan pioneer, advocating a kind diet!!  Uh, ring any bells?  On a positive note, it might get some people thinking a bit and to consider eating a little less meat, but they could have done a much better job!!

Ditto to what Jennifer Bonikowsky posted, and I am actually going to write to Oprah and express my feelings.  While I think it's important that the topic of going vegan is on her show, I think the benefits of a plant-based diet on your mind, body, soul and environment were lost on a show titled "Oprah and 378 Staffers go Vegan:  The One Week Challenge."  I encourage you all to copy and paste your posting into a message to Oprah!  Maybe we can encourage a follow-up show that is more informative about the benefits of consuming plants and living a kinder life.

http://www.oprah.com/contact_us.html

God bless you, Jessie of the bottom of page nine of these comments - you are a voice of balance and temperance and...TOLERANCE in a very polarizing area.  You're not alone in these comments (others really do strike the balance too), but I just wanted to say you speak for me, too.

I come to this thread, I have to say, dissapointed too...but it's not what you think.  My disappointment is in the negativity and sometimes even hostility here in this thread. And let me say that I agree with every point even the staunchest of you make (YES, it didn't do nearly enough, the focus got skewed and blurred, poor Kathy got pretty shut down, or didn't take as strong a stand as she might have, Pollan's defense of meat was shocking to me, there really must be a follow up, and much more).  BUT to condemn the show and its effort and intent is the opposite of what I feel this place stands for: KINDNESS. 

We Kind Ones more than any others know what those who want to follow a kinder, veg/vegan path are "up against".  Diet is deeply personal, powerful, and very often about  somuch more than the actual morsels going into our mouths. It's traditions and habits and emotions. I feel hard, shock-and-awe tactics are not the way to go, especially on a massive scale (i.e. millions of viewers).  And realizing how the Oprah show has to tread the minefield not only of pubiic opinion, but of legality and all that...I say bravo for taking the risk.

Oprah and ye almost 400 brave souls who TRIED, succeeded, and even followed the path well past the week - I can only applaud you for this first step and look forward to your adding many more steps, even if they need to be baby ones.  I don't know about you, but unfortunately I live in a world where effort isn't recognized and doesn't seem to matter, but me, I do see it, and it matters to me and I applaud it. Thanks for listening!

HI everyone

I applaud Oprah for taking upon this project "1 week challenge" to be aired on national tv to educate her followers and the thousands more about plant based foods.  I will send her a note of gratitude.  I too got more educated.  By introducing "Meatless Mondays" maybe more companies will embrace the same.  We will have a healthier generation one person at a time.  Congrats to the 378 staff members who not only signed themselves up -- but their families too.  Priceless.  Not everyone will convert on the spot some takes longer but all in all the show was good.  I found it too graphic (slaughter house).  Being an animal lover I could have lived without seeing that.  Congrats to the staff members who saw the pounds drop, healthier eating and willing to give this a try. 

My male friend watched the show and found the education was a good balance,  He indicated that he will reduce his own red meat consumption (he's a staunch meat, poultry and fish eating  kinda guy).  In fact he wants to go out for vegan food tonight.

Alicia congratulations for your part with behind the scenes help with the foods be photographed for the show.  They all looked delish. 

In closing I thought the show was fair. In life not everyone embraces CHANGE.  Those interviewed represent hundreds more that have been lured by food manufacturers and advertisers to eat meats.  Its no surprise why North Americans have so many health related challenges.  We can only hope that some day happens when the Wheels of Change will be edge them ever so slowly towards plant based foods.   

Nicely stated Karen:)

Karen and Jessie, I could not agree more.  I don't live in LA or New York City or Chicago.  I live in Oklahoma.  

I did not grow up vegan or vegetarian and NO ONE in my family is vegan or vegetarian.  I try to do the best I can.  I actually had a conversation with my mother-in-law the other day about trying to not eat meat at home so that you are cooking more healthy meals at home and balancing your life a little more.

When I eat out with my family members the most "kind" option is usually a grilled cheese sandwich or a veggie burger that isn't even vegan.  I would offend and alienate most of my family if I refused to eat at their homes or at restaurants they have taken me to.  

When I talked to my mother-in-law about making tacos with veggie crumbles instead of meat, she actually acted like she might try it.  To me this is a victory.  It is not a life-changing victory, but a small one.  

Maybe if we think in smaller terms we can slowly change the way people think about food.  And being tolerant and kind seems to imply that you embrace these small changes and be accepting of others.  

The fact that Oprah even tried a vegan diet is amazing to me.  And I agree that if it reached even one person it is a victory.

I think the show as at least a step in the right direction.  I live in the deep south, which is far from vegan friendly.  if you ask for something without meat, they ask you if you want chicken instead.  There is still a lot of education needed.  I have no doubt that even though they tried to put a positive spin on that slaughter house, some people had to have seen past that to the senseless killing that occurs daily.  Even without the graphic detail, tears filled my eyes.  Maybe, just maybe people who watched that show will think twice before they order that next hamburger or steak.  Even better, maybe they won't be able to eat it again at all.  Now, what about those horrible chicken slaughter houses?  One step at a time ...

I've always admired Oprah's outspokenness and her refusal to give voice to the "pure evil" in our society, but this episode censored so many truths and provided a platform for Cargill PR. It didn't feel right in my heart, and I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I tossed & turned and cried myself to sleep, but I will try and trust that Oprah understands the mainstream mindset better than I do. Perhaps this really was the best way to plant a seed of change rather than trigger a wave of people turning off their TVs and continuing on as usual...