The Secret Behind the Star Vegan Chef Who Created Liver-Flavored Dishes: Hiding Fish Under Kale

Alex Jamison’s veganism gained worldwide recognition after starring in the 2004 film Supersize Me, an influential Academy Award-nominated documentary exploring our fast food culture.

Originally working as a vegan, health-conscious private chef in New York, Jamison’s journey began after a discussion with her then-partner Morgan Spurlock (who directed and starred in the film). The film’s success propelled her to travel to 20 countries, secure a three-book deal, including Vegan Cooking for Dummies, grow a vegan recipe newsletter to over 25,000 subscribers, and land a $7,000 per hour speaking contract across the United States.

In 2012, she started experiencing cravings for non-vegan foods like burgers and salmon, which marked a significant shift from her strict vegan lifestyle. This change, influenced by her health and well-being, also sparked backlash within the vegan community she had once been a prominent figure in.

Alex Jamieson co-starred with ex-husband Morgan Spurlock in the 2004 film Supersize Me. Photo: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy

Her journey toward a plant-based diet began in 2000 due to health issues, leading her to quit her job and become a professional chef specializing in vegan cuisine. This transition defined her identity and kickstarted her career in the health and wellness industry.

By 2013, she made the difficult decision to publicly declare her departure from veganism, which triggered a backlash from the vegan community. Despite losing subscribers, speaking engagements, and facing negative reviews, she embraced her new journey and became a beacon for others struggling with the concept of strict veganism.

Now at 49, she continues to evolve, carving out a new path as a creative leadership coach, author, and activist, while openly admitting to incorporating meat into her diet. Her experience has made her more courageous and willing to embrace change in her life.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unusual extremophiles hiding in your kitchen

“May I ask what this is for?” The pharmacy assistant looks at me quizzically. I just requested some coronavirus tests, a urine sample pot, and a sterile scalpel blade. Oh, and latex gloves, please. “We want to see if there’s an extreme life form hiding inside your dishwasher,” I explain. “I see,” she said carefully, and hurried off to consult her colleague.

I admit it’s an unusual shopping list. To explain that, we have to rewind to June, when we found research on bacteria that can survive in environments that humans would consider extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, corrosive liquids, or powerful radiation. Typically, scientists head to exotic locations to find these microbes, such as the scorching hot volcanic springs of Yellowstone National Park or the frozen deserts of Antarctica. But you don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to find them, the study says. Perhaps extreme loving microbes are not only surviving, but thriving. Among the kitchen appliances.

That was it. I had to find out if my kitchen was really inhabited by microorganisms like the list of superhero powers. In the process, I gained a new appreciation for the diversity of life. And you’ll never look at a coffee machine quite the same way again.

Extremely affectionate microbes are a treasure trove for bioprospectors who explore the natural world in search of biotechnological innovations. For example, PCR tests for the coronavirus rely on a DNA copying enzyme that was first isolated from bacteria. Thermas Aquatics They live in hot springs and can withstand temperatures hot enough to poach eggs.

Source: www.newscientist.com