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I've been vegan for almost a year, but the book definitely inspired me to go superhero and cut out all of the processed foods I've been keeping as a staple in my diet. The book is amazing, but the only concern I have is giving up the microwave. I can understand the reasoning behind it, though I'm not sure how to make it work realistically. I work during the day at a facility that has a microwave, but no stove, so if I make something in batches to take it and it needs to be heated for lunch, I don't know how to avoid using the microwave.
Should I concentrate on taking in cold dishes to work for lunch and then having hot meals for dinner? I can certainly try and cook fresh daily as much as possible to avoid this problem. In general, anything that I could batch for a few days worth of meals and is served hot, how do I make that work for me?
Thanks guys!!! 
I'm listening in here, as I'm in the same conundrum!
I have also been unwilling to give up the convenience of a microwave. I have seen studies claiming that microwaved food is a bad idea for this or that reason but the tests don't appear to be reproducible.
My poor understanding of physics doesn't help explain what it is about microwaving food that could harm it.
My attitude is, that if it's good, homemade, wholesome, vegan food reheated imperfectly, it is a better choice then anything else from take out or that was pre-packaged. Almost every restaurant uses them.
We want to avoid re-heating in plastic containers as they leach poisons when heated.
I am self employed and have a full kitchen so I don't use it much but I think that the microwave is not necessarily where we need to make our biggest efforts, it's the food itself that is what is most important, not the exact way we re-heat it.
The Microwave need not be your arch enemy. If you are only using it at work, and occaisionally at that, I don't see the problem.
Whenever I think about what new step I am going to take in my life, whether a change in my diet or lifestyle, I look to the best example of health I have ever known - my grandpa! I know I sound corny but seriously... the man lived to be 94 without any serious health issues - and he could dance right to the end! Personally I think he was just ready to go because my wonderful grandmother was making him nuts!
Anyway, his motto: "Everything in Moderation" helps me deal with these sorts of quandries. That doesn't have to mean meat in moderation, or dairy, or tobacco - if these are things you have chosen to eliminate from your life. But those other elements of your life that seem a major struggle to avoid... maybe you can accept them in realistic quantities? I agree... if you are vegan and you aren't eating processed foods you are already way ahead of the game.
Lastly... the stress from fighting with this obstacle daily will make your body acidic and may even be more likely to cause you harm! So I say relax, microwave your lunch when you have to and enjoy the vibrant health you get from being vegan!
Nicole, you make a good point. A thermos would keep the soup hot without the risks.
A thermos is the answer!
I won't even be in the same room with a microwave, let alone use it! they freak me OUT - when I'm bringing lunch/dinner (and one day a week I bring both with me) I cook them up/reheat them in the morning and then put them in their jars (I use empty almond butter jars, feel just as strongly about not putting my food in plastic containers as I do not microwaving!) and then eat them when the time comes. Sometimes its still warm, sometimes its down to room temp - they never get ice cold - and I have no problem at all eating room temp foods - works for me! The thermos is a great idea too....I have one...somewhere.....
OMG I have so much to learn.... Sigh...
I have really been fighting with the microwave thing myself!!! I dont really use it at home very often, however, I do like to heat up my leftovers for lunch. I work in an office and dont know if I like the idea of bringing cold stuff for lunch everyday. I also worry about eating foods at room temp?? Am I wrong to worry about bacteria forming?? Maybe I just need to do some more research!! I am with southernmd1969......BIG SIGH.....
Seems to me the immediate risk of eating foods that sit too long at unsafe temps is bigger than the unprovable (imo) risk of selective microwaving. Good food is good food, and there is nothing concrete to say that using a good quality microwave is going to hurt you. Now I would not buy an old micro in a garage sale with a crooked door and untight latch! But reallly... deep breath... it will be ok...
hugs!!!
And Manya is right the Dr. McDougall dry soups and Fantastic Foods (?) are pretty good too.
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