We reached out to three local musicians who've cut mean from their diets to get a feel for their eating habits and how they relate to their jobs and daily lives. The answers were rather enlightening. Here’s what Brad Gilmore — a vegetarian and vocalist, rhyme-slinger and trumpet player in Saganaki Bomb Squad & Rise of Saturn — had to say. More Q&As with Sulynn Hago and Andy Stern here and here.
Why vegetarian? Health? Spiritual/Ethical reasons?
Ethical, 100 percent. Something I think we all know, but choose to ignore, is the damage the overproduction of meat does to the environment on various levels. The clear cutting of forests to make room and or grow corn and soy to feed the massive amounts of animals. Greenhouse gasses produced and uses of nonrenewable energy sources, and I simply didn't want to contribute to that.
What are some of your favorite foods? Do you cook? If so, what do you make most often?
Tacos and pizza are two of my favorites and fortunately, vegan/veggie options are plenty. With pizza, I'll start a millet and flax crust, or a cauliflower crust, and use a pesto, top with pineapple spinach, mushrooms, and throw it in the oven.
Becoming a vegetarian has forced me to become more creative in the kitchen. I love burgers, but ground beef is off the table now. I picked up a recipe for black bean burgers, which are very simple to make, tasty and packed with protein.
How do you supplement any dietary needs?
I try to get all the nutrients I need for food. I keep hemp seeds around and will throw a couple of table spoons into various recipes to boost up the nutrients.
How vegetarian are you? Do you ever cheat?
I have never been a dairy person, so giving that up was not hard, but I do love eggs. I try to limit my consumption of them to no more than twice a week and would like to, in the near future, have my own chickens to produce them.
What about keeping in shape – how do you stay fit? Any favorite work-out songs?
I do yoga and ride my bike as much as I can, at least 20 miles a week is what I shoot for. I've lost close to 60 pounds since September and my blood pressure and cholesterol have improved greatly. “It's Raining Men, the “Theme from Rocky” and “Overkill” by Men at Work all are staples.
