Friday, December 24, 2010

Cheesy Sauce Kale Chips


I bought my dehydrator here
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G20TCQ/ref=oss_product

This one is a great price and same temp for anything you cook so you don't have to worry about any extra steps, just place kale on tray for 1 day and just monitor how long it takes.

The sauce recipe:

In a blender

Juice of one lemon
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan salt
1 bell red bell pepper (chopped, no seeds)
1 cup cashews, soaked (Soak for 2 hours)

blend till smooth

Massage in a bowl of Kale cut up or ripped into chip size pieces! Wash Kale and make sure completely dry before adding sauce.

Place on dehydrator trays! Let dehydrate for 1 day or 8 hours, follow instructions on dehydrator because some are done differently!

Enjoy!

Keep refrigerated

Friday, November 19, 2010

Le Petit Puppy store Review: LIARS!


My dear friends Candy and Josh were in New York saying goodbye to Candy's mother who passed away. She was in mourning and deeply saddened by the loss of her mother.

They went into a pet store called Le Petit Puppy. For the first time in weeks, Candy smiled when she held an adorable puppy she named Moxie. The pet store knew about the death of Candy's mother, and was tugging on her heart strings & talking about what good therapy a puppy is, how ethical the breeders are they get their dogs from). They definitely saw them coming! They knew they were vulnerable (Candy told them she had seen the Oprah expose on puppy mills & was whole-heartedly against them.) They pumped them w/lies & took advantage of their trusting nature & ignorance during their time of grief!!

The store claims to not get their dogs from puppy mills and convinced my friends that they needed this dog. They were so happy to bring their dog Moxie home to Los Angeles. The dog went from the pet store, to the air plane, to their home, having no contact with other dogs.

Instantly upon arrival the dog started showing signs of sickness. My friends fed the dog healthy food and took care of him. He started throwing up and had severe diarrhea. They brought Moxie to the vet and they immediately put him on IVs to hydrate him and do tests.

They emailed Le Petit. The pet store told them they were concerned but do not do tests, just have the vet give him fluids. I find that odd they would tell her to refuse tests to find out what is wrong with him and just give him fluids, as if they already knew what was wrong with him.

Update: Moxie is still at the vet office and it's been over a week. $6000 of vet bills so far, and the store owner is refusing to pay. The dog is still sick, but finally progressing. Candy did research to find out that others who bought from this store were also sold sick dogs. They also were able to link this store to PUPPY MILLS!

If you live in New York City, please do not buy from this store and please share this information with your friends and family!

Even if you do not live there, please share it anyway and hopefully the word will get out, and this company will eventually be shut down. There have been lawsuits filed against this pet store, and they were forced to settle.

Please pray for Moxie who is still sick. My friends started to give him Tahitian Noni juice a few times a day and he is finally starting to get his white blood cell count up!

Thank you,
Di

The night they brought him home and discovered he was sick.



Moxie at the vet!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Yummy Breakfast


First, saute red peppers and spinach, light olive oil in a pan for 10 minutes or until spinach is soft.

Add 1 cup smashed firm (not too soft, too too firm) tofu.

a dash of sea salt

and 1 table spoon of tofu scramble seasoning mix (I buy mine at Henrys market) check with your local health store.)

I also add some already soaked black beans (add as many as your preference.

Cook together until warm all over.

Two slices of toast with Earth Balance butter.

slices of avocado on the side.

Delish!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Pumpkin Bread Muffins

I got this recipe off a blog I follow at

http://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegan-pumpkin-bread/

*this is not my recipe*

They turned out so yummy! Thank you No Meat Athlete!

I didn't have a bread pan so I made the bread into muffins! :)


Friday, October 1, 2010

The Vegan Food of Palm Springs, California

I took a trip with my husband who just got back from a 6 1/2 month deployment to Kuwait. We decided on Palm Springs and of course I did my research on places there were Vegan, or vegan friendly.

Native Foods

Twister Wrap
Organic greens, fresh avocado and cucumber salsa, creamy chipotle sauce and your choice of crispy or grilled Native Chicken.
Sweet Potato Fries on the side. Make sure you order it with the Chipotle sauce, def. adds to the great amazing taste!



Palm Green Cafe (we ate here 3 times on our trip) Amazing service and the food was sooo good!

One morning I had a Tofu scramble breakfast burrito. Included Tofu scramble, black beans, and salsa served with a whole wheat tortilla.



For Dinner the following day I ordered the
Vegan spinach lasagna with vegan ceasar salad. Probably one of the best lasagnas I have ever had!!!
They use Daiya Cheese

Desert I had a Raw Cinnamon apple pie slice with cashew whipped cream, again, to die for!


Another meal was a tofu omelet with a side of potatoes but I dug into that meal so fast that I forgot to take a before picture! it too was delish!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Sage Cafe- Salt Lake City, Utah


Vegan Chicken Tacos! Very good! check this place out. They have a wide variety of American, Mexican, Breakfast menu and desserts!!




Saturday, August 14, 2010

Doesn't hurt to add more nutrients to your meals


Grapenut (100% whole grain) cereal. I added about 2 tablespoons of rolled oats. A little bit of stevia for sweetness, with unsweetened Almond milk!
Delish!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Zucchini pasta with marina sauce


Take a zucchini. Slice off the skin with a potato peeler. Throw away skin. Then take potato peeler and shred strips of zucchini till you get to core then stop. Cook over olive oil till soft. Add your favorite sauce!

:)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Interesting Article. THIS , I did not know

7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Agave Syrup

Is Organic Raw Agave Syrup a Healthy Sweetener?

Agave syrup is a sweetener derived from agave, a desert plant found in the western and southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Agave is more popularly known as the plant used to make tequila but agave syrup (also known as agave nectar) has actually been used for thousands of years as a food ingredient. Mexicans call it aguamiel or “honey water” because it is about 40 percent sweeter than sugar.

Because of the increasing awareness of the dangers of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), people have turned to “healthier” sugar alternatives, which is what food manufacturers are marketing agave syrup to be. But don’t be fooled, Dr. Joseph Mercola warns, because agave syrup is actually WORSE than HFCS!

Before anything else, why is fructose so unhealthy for you? First, your body metabolizes fructose very differently from glucose, the form of sugar every cell in your body uses for energy. Fructose is broken down in your liver in the same way as alcohol and is directly converted into dangerous fats, making you, well, fat. Consuming too much fructose is a major risk factor for obesity and weight gain, spikes your uric acid levels and impairs your appetite control mechanism, among other things, Mercola explains.

Here are the reasons why Dr. Mercola believes you should avoid agave syrup like the plague:

  1. Agave syrup contains the highest amount of fructose – anywhere between 70 to 97 percent, depending on the brand – among all commercial sweetener s, which is FAR HIGHER than HFCS (55 percent on average).
  2. Agave syrup is a highly-processed sweetener. Food manufacturers would like you to believe that agave nectar flows from the agave plant to the jar when in reality, the syrup is produced similarly to how cornstarch turns to HFCS. A natural agave syrup is available in Mexico but it is too expensive to produce. What you gets to the States is either the light or dark syrup – due to poor quality control, some of the product gets burnt and turns dark amber in color.
  3. Agave syrup is highly addictive because it’s basically a sweeter and highly-concentrated form of sugar.
  4. Agave syrup may be a highly sprayed crop. The FDA has rejected shipments of the product due to excessive pesticide residues.
  5. Agave syrup has no nutritional value. It is not whole food or a live one. Processing has stripped it of the nutrients contained in the agave plant, and of natural enzymes to prevent it from fermenting into tequila.
  6. Agave syrup contains large amounts of toxic steroid derivatives called saponins, which are associated with diarrhea, disruption of red blood cells and vomiting. Saponins also stimulate blood flow to the uterus, which is why pregnant women should avoid agave products due to the possible risk of miscarriage.
  7. Agave syrup may contain an organic, heat-formed contaminant called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which has suspected toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects.

Dr. Mercola advises a severely reduced consumption of sugar if you want to improve your health. But if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, there are healthier alternatives to HFCS and agave. Pure glucose will set you back about a dollar per pound and does not have the harmful effects of fructose when used in moderation. You can also try other health products and natural sweeteners like Lo Han and stevia. Again, the keywords are use in moderation.

Resource: http://www.drmercola.com/2010/03/7-reasons-why-you-should-avoid-agave.html

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Healthy Snacks


Raw hummus bought at Sprouts grocery store and Rice crackers!

Flavors for Hummus (Cayenne pepper and Cilantro Jalapeno)

Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar


Another trip Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar in Encinitas, California!
I did a light dinner this time. Their chili was very good with soy cheese and a side of bread. I wasn't too impressed with the bread but the chili was great. I wanted corn bread but the corn bread is not vegan (contains eggs)

(note) I realize the spoon should have been in the chili but I didn't notice it till after I uploaded the picture at home lol! sorry :)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Recipe by Veggievibes.net

http://www.veggievibes.net/

and

http://www.rawfoodsandiego.com/p/recipes.html

Hey Sweetie! Granola Bar

Wrap it up and take it to the gym, work, school or anywhere! This is pure natural energy that has been shaped into an easy to go bar, made with powerful ingredients such as maca powder from Peruvian Andes, wild raw honey and Turkish figs, full of antioxidants and amino acids. Pure, complex and tasty!

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups walnuts
1 cup pecans
1 cup chopped Turkish figs
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tbsp maca powder
¼ tsp vanilla powder
1 pinch sea salt
¼ cup raw honey
2 tbsp raw agave nectar

PREPARATION:
Place all the ingredients except for honey and agave nectar into a food processor and grind until you get a crumbly consistency. Add in the honey and agave nectar and keep blending until the mixture becomes soft and pasty.
Put the batter on a cutting board and start shaping granola bars.
Yes, it’s that easy!

Recipe by Chef Perkunas
©

Monday, July 12, 2010

Health Benefits of Going Vegan

Nutrition

All of the following nutritional benefits come from a vegan diet full of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and soy products.

Too Much in the American Diet

The typical American diet not only consists of too much food, it also relies on too much of unnecessary food products or toxins. The following list explains how a vegan diet can eliminate these problems.

Animal proteins. The average American eats twice as much protein as necessary for a healthy diet and much of that is from red meat. Getting protein from beans and grains is much healthier and reduces the risk for osteoporosis

Cow’s milk dairy. The human body is not designed to digest cow milk and cow milk dairy products, yet the idea of milk being healthy is pushed through advertising. As many as 75% of people in the world may be lactose intolerant and many people suffer from undiagnosed milk allergies or sensitivities. By eliminating cow’s milk from your diet, you are improving your overall health.

Eggs. Many nutritionists believe that the number of eggs in the American diet is too high. While sometimes disputed, it has been shown that eggs can raise cholesterol levels.

Mercury. Most of the fish and shellfish consumed has mercury in it. While some fish have less than others, it is almost impossible not to be putting mercury in your body when you eat fish.

Sugar. Most people have heard that Americans consume way too much sugar. Relying on other sweeteners that are not synthetic, processed, or derived from animal products is a healthier way to eat. Many vegans do not eat processed sugar due to the fact that most of the cane sugar is refined through activated charcoal, most of which comes from animal bones.

SOURCE: http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/19/57-health-benefits-of-going-vegan/

Meet Your Meat

The pH Miracle: Balance your Diet, Reclaim your Health


In many ways, The pH Miracle is reminiscent of an earlier generation of diet books. Much of the focus is on an intestinal cleansing program, followed by a diet that is 70 to 80 percent vegetables, coupled with a tremendous selection of supplements that authors Robert and Shelley Young recommend to everyone, no matter what their age, gender, or state of health.

The Youngs point their fingers at candida as a main culprit in the poor health of many people. Unfortunately, they back up their claims with only vague references, such as "a 1991 study" and "a leading cancer researcher." Many readers may wish for more specific evidence, but instead will have to make do with enthusiastic recommendations, alphabetized lists of vegetables, and pleasing chapters with vegetarian recipes that taste good no matter how you feel about the diet as a whole.

Sprinkled throughout the book are short testimonials of people who were able to reverse cancer, improve their digestion, and lower their cholesterol by following these recommendations, and it's hard to argue with the cholesterol-lowering results that a 70 percent vegetable diet will achieve. Still, the medical value of much else in the book remains hotly contested, and as always, it's wise to check with your doctor before starting off in search of miracles. --Jill Lightner --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

My Vegan in Pasadena, California


Chocolate soy ice cream with fried banana.

My Vegan had a variety of Asian, American and Italian dishes.

The China Study


Referred to as the "Grand Prix of epidemiology" by The New York Times, this study examines more than 350 variables of health and nutrition with surveys from 6,500 adults in more than 2,500 counties across China and Taiwan, and conclusively demonstrates the link between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. While revealing that proper nutrition can have a dramatic effect on reducing and reversing these ailments as well as curbing obesity, this text calls into question the practices of many of the current dietary programs, such as the Atkins diet, that are widely popular in the West. The politics of nutrition and the impact of special interest groups in the creation and dissemination of public information are also discussed.

Great Book to Read if choosing to go Vegan

By far one of my favorite books (explicit language so parents you may want to read this before your child does)

Very education on the vegan lifestyle.

Here is a quote from the book!

"Not your typical boring diet book, this is a tart-tongued, no-holds-barred wakeup call to all women who want to be thin. With such blunt advice as, "Soda is liquid Satan" and "You are a total moron if you think the Atkins Diet will make you thin," it's a rallying cry for all savvy women to start eating healthy and looking radiant. Unlike standard diet books, it actually makes the reader laugh out loud with its truthful, smart-mouthed revelations. Behind all the attitude, however, there's solid guidance. Skinny Bitch espouses a healthful lifestyle that promotes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and encourages women to get excited about feeling "clean and pure and energized." "



Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tofu scramble Delight



A little lunch I put together 210 calories

Smash very soft tofu up. Get a tofu scramble kit from the store or you can make your own with online recipes using peppers and seasons. Cook over stove with a little bit of water to mix the scramble seasoning kit up if you use the packets or a little olive oil if you decide to do peppers and make your own seasoning.

Put over Ezekiel bread toasted (Earth Balance butter on there lightly)

Add a few slices of avocado or to cut more calories use cucumbers instead, but with avocado your lunch is 210 calories!

Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar

Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar veg-friendly restaurant
765 S Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, California

The most amazing softest cupcake I have ever had!



Little Ones Taco

Make sure you specify "mock" chicken or tempeh and ask for soy shredded cheese (its an item MADE vegan)
I chose not to eat my chips and put the salsa for the chips on the taco, it was amazing.

All of The Above Bakery

Temecula, California brings you All of the Above Bakery off Ynez.

All their items are gluten-free with a few vegan options.

*Quinoa Mexican Salad
*Soft Pumpkin cookies (they will even warm them up for you)
*Vegan Hot cocoa




Chocolate mini cupcakes

Di's vegan chili

In a crockpot or regular pot (best if cooked for 5 hours)

* 2 Cans kidney beans (organic if you can)
* 1 can black beans
* 1 can white beans
* 1 can great northern beans
* 1 can petite tomato chunks
* 1 can tomato paste
* 1 can(small) sliced olives
* 1 &1/2 packet chili seasoning ( picture below)



You can use one but add a half if the seasoning isn't as strong as you want.

* chili powder (amount per your taste)
* Half bag of the ground "beef"



Mix all those together in a crock pot for best flavor (5-7 hours)

In a pan:

* 1 red pepper
* 1 green pepper
* 4 garlic gloves
* half onion (prefer brown onion)

Chop up in food processor
saute for about 10 minutes in olive oil then add to crock pot

serve over corn chips! Natural brand!

picture of final project :)

Earth Cafe Raw Cheesecakes



These cheesecakes are amazing. Many different flavors. My friend Candi is the owner and she has introduced me to an amazing desert that I don't feel bad indulging myself in! You can get them at several different health food locations. I buy mine at Whole Foods!

Snack options- Hummus with veggies




My favorite healthy snack is I cut up a cucumber, and some baby carrots and I get this amazing Hommus Tahini from Henry's market and dip away

Native Foods- Costa Mesa


Native Foods
The best vegan pizza by far has been at Native Foods, They use daiya cheese which is amazing. Melts great and taste sooo good!

Temecula, California and Vegan friendly

PIZZA FUSION OFF WINCHESTER ROAD



I really miss living where there are vegan restaurants! I have to drive to Orange County or San Diego to get anything decent.
The are health grocery stores such as (Trader Joes, Henry's and Sprouts) ...I really wish they would build a Whole Foods out here.

One place that I enjoyed is Pizza Fusion. They have a soy cheese (100% vegan) pizza