* Veggie Hot *

Vegetarian Workouts

2008-04-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

Juicing is great to do before or after a work out. No… I’m not talking about the kind that Jose Canseco did. I’m talking about fruit and vegetable juicing. They provide energy, and are cheap and easy to make.

If you’re looking to recharge your batteries after a long hard workout, try this:

8 oz Carrot Juice
1 clove Garlic, juiced
1 tsp Ginseng Powder

Juice the carrots and garlic and stir in the ginseng powder or granules. Ginseng is available at health and oriental food stores. Use organic carrots for the best tasting juice.

Carrot juice is a great source of beta-carotene, the famous antioxidant that protects against the damaging effects of exercise and increases oxygen in the blood, tissues and brain. Ginseng is known for providing strength and energy. Garlic, among its many other benefits, increases stamina.

Or maybe you’re looking for some stamina and endurance before you hit the gym, try this one:

1 Cup Apple Juice
1 Banana
2 Tbsp Oat, Rice or Wheat Bran
1 Tbsp Spirulina, Chlorela or Blue-Green Algae
8 -- 12 Almonds
To Taste Pure Water

Blend the banana and the bran in the juice until smooth. Add the spirulina or other algae powder. For best digestion, almonds should be softened by pre-soaking them for several hours. If you like a crunchy, chewy drink, add the almonds at the end and just chop or blend them briefly.

Banana and spirulina are good sources of potassium and important for the conversion of glucose to glycogen for energy. Magnesium (from bran, almonds and spirulina) is important for the storage and release of glycogen. Almonds are also a high energy food.

Try them and see if you can tell the difference. Cheers!

Just In Time For Summer

2008-04-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

With the summer months approaching, there are some vegetarian Bed & Breakfasts' that will be great to try while on vacation!

Tucked into the Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont, the Sweet Onion Inn, run by Kathy and Ron Heatley. It has six private guest rooms and a tasty vegan breakfast and dinner service guaranteed to melt your cares away as soon as you set your suitcases down. For breakfast, savor French toast drenched in organic Vermont maple syrup, tempeh sausage, and miso gravy over biscuits with hash browns, or sweet onion scrambled tofu with sweet potato rounds and corn bread. After a day of hiking and swimming in the White River, you'll be hungry for dinner too.

The White Pig B&B at Briar Creek Farm in Schuyler, Virginia, is a perfect weekend retreat for those who want a comfortable place off the beaten path. Innkeeper Dina Brigish left a successful career in the fashion industry to enroll at the Natural Gourmet Cookery School in Manhattan. She continues to wow others and show them how delicious and satisfying vegan cuisine can be. Briar Creek Farm is also home to rescued pigs, dogs, and cats. The food is amazing. Breakfast includes homemade waffles, chocolate-chip pancakes, and frittatas.

Chez Philippe is a new Bed & Breakfast located less than a 10-minute walk from the Papineau Metro station, and from there, it’s just a few stops away from downtown Montréal. Chez Philippe has newly decorated rooms and a large terrace where guests can relax in the summer and offers full home-cooked vegan breakfasts that even nonvegan guests rave about.

If none of these are anywhere you plan on going, don't worry! Just click here for more information on other Bed & Breakfasts' across the nation.

Vegetarian Strip Club?

2008-03-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Sure, being a vegetarian is the new hip and trendy thing to do, but can it be used to sell sex?

A Portland, Oregon strip club owner recently tried.

The Casa Diablo Gentlemen's Club featured pleather wearing dancers and a soy-based menu. Johnny Diablo, owner of the club, is a long-time vegan, and many of his dancers were vegetarians themselves.

The club is up for sale, maybe customers just don't care that much if their exotic dancers live for animal rights. But this isn't the first time, and it won't be the last, that vegans and sexuality combine.

Sex is often used to sell the lifestyle, like the many PETA ads I've posted here, which feature naked celebrity campaigns. It's creating some chaos in the vegetarian/vegan world, where many are complaining that women's rights are being trampled on, just to support animals.

Personally, I don't see the problem. Sex sells, and it's marketing is used for everything. But I'm curious if any of you have beef with it? Get it..."beef" with it? :)

Do you eat meat twice a day?

2008-03-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

Everywhere you turn, you hear how bad red meat is for you, but now studies show that ANY meat can be bad.

According to the American Heart Association, adults who are healthy but eat meat twice a day, increase their metabolic syndrome by 25 percent!

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors including larger waist size, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol and high fasting glucose levels.

It's not surprising that most of the U.S. eats the typical Western-diet, which relys heavily on refined grains (white), processed meat, fried foods, red meat, eggs and soda, and light on fruits, vegetables and whole grain products.

The good news is metabolic syndrome is entirely preventable, by eating healthy. Instead of eating meat, try using some soy alternatives. And remember, nothing tastes as good as treating your body well :)

New Reasons to Eat Your Fruits & Veggies

2008-03-24T12:11:00.001-07:00

We have all heard blueberries refered to as a "Superfood," but a new study shows there may be more to deeply colorful fruits and veggies than we thought.

According to ScienceDaily.com, new studies show ingredients in purple foods, such as berries, grapes, and blue corn may prevent obesity.

The natural pigment, called anthocyanin, was found to prevent obesity in mice who were fed a high fat diet. The mice in the study also developed healthy disease fighting signs in their blood.

Thankfully, we are in berry season, and I just picked up a bunch of strawberries, three containers for $5 dollars! And you can even grow your own, many places sell either the seeds or the plant itself, whatever you do, make sure to get you daily dose :)

Local Schools Incorporating Soy

2008-03-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

This month Broward County Public Schools will finally be giving meatless options in their cafeteria's. Why now? It is in response to a growing demand among students.

We can't get students to do their homework, take their ipods out of their ears, or put down their cell phones but they have taken a stance and made their voices heard. The new option is only available at three local schools but if they test well, others will surely pick up on the vegetarian trend.

A recent study also found that the Broward County School District was a role model for schools across the nation, as it scored 85 out of 100 points for the nutritional value of its lunch program.

According to the Annual School Lunch Report, "Numerous scientific studies have concluded that vegan diets—those built from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans/legumes—satisfy hungry children and offer the most weight-controlling and disease-fighting protection of any dietary pattern."

These positive changes in children's eating habits now can have a dramatic effect on their future and I'm glad to see plant-based diets making their way into the classrooms.

Need Free Help

2008-03-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

We all need help transitioning into something new, something better and now there is a free E-book available to talk people through becoming a vegetarian.

At The Veggie Way, it takes you chapter by chapter to ease you into making the vegetarian transition. There is also a forum to discuss issues with others who may be encountering similar experiences.

I wish I knew about this site when I decieded to turn veg. It can be a difficult time, when you feel like no one else understands or supports your new diet.

Local Farmer's Markets

2008-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Farmer's markets are a great opportunity to pick up fresh, organic and locally grown produce. I've found these five to be the best in our area, remember they offer free taste tests. And whether your vegetarian or not you can definitely get some yummy hidden treasures while your there.

Check out the map below to find the farmer's market nearest you. For a brief description click on each green dot.

Here's some websites to help you along at the local farmers markets.
http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M9622
http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/markets/pompanobeach_market.htm
http://www.glaserorganicfarms.com/
http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/markets/lincolnroad_market.htm

Free Giveaways

2008-03-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have searched and found some of the best free vegetarian food this month.

Get ready for free food from Lightlife.
Veggie burgers and hot dogs made with organic ingredients, with great taste and wholesome nutrition too! Find them in the produce section.
Enter the Lightlife Sweepstakes now! Its your chance to win a bag filled with tasty Lightlife Products, Tempeh Recipe Book, Organic Cotton Tee and more,an over $100 dollar value!

Enter for a chance to win a $250 gift certificate to William Sonoma! The Vegetarian Times is celebrating Earth Day and joined with William Sonoma but hurry the offer ends March 31.

Free Popcorn from Jiffy Pop. Did anyone say movie night? All you have to do is fill out a short survey.

The new campaign, Eat Better America, has been striving to battle the bulge. Its website offers conseling, diet reciepes, and fitness advice. For a limited time they are also sending out Free Fiber One Cereal. All you have to do is give them your address.

Laugh It Up

2008-03-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Q: What's the difference between boogers and broccoli ?

A: Kids don't eat broccoli.

Q: Why did the tomato blush?

A: Because he saw the salad, dressing.

Q: What do you call a vegetarian with diarrhea?

A: A salad shooter.

A man had a parrot that could talk. Unfortunately, it swore a lot. In an effort to get the parrot to be quiet, he put him in a cupboard. The parrot continued swearing and after a while the man decided to put the bird in the freezer. After that, the parrot started swearing even more. After a few minutes, he suddenly became quiet. The man opened up the freezer and the parrot said, "I'm sorry, sir, it will never happen again." As the man took the bird out of the freezer he wondered what the difference was between the cupboard and the freezer. Just then, the parrot said, "So, uh, what'd the chicken do?"

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?

A: Because Colonel Sanders was chasing him

Q: What did one vegetarian spy say to the other vegetarian spy?

A: We have to stop meating like this.

A guy has celery sticking out of one ear, lettuce out of the other, and a zucchini up his nose.He goes to the doctor and asks him what's wrong.The doctor tells him, "Well, for one thing, you're not eating right."

Don't want the fun to end? Happy Cow has more.

Veggie Quiz

2008-03-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Think you know all about nutrition? Take this quiz to test your skills...

1. To get enough protein, vegetarians (especially vegans) must:

a. carefully combine beans and grains at every meal
b. eat soy products every day
c. drink protein shakes
d. eat a wide variety of foods

Answer: D. Getting enough protein shouldn't be a problem for anyone who eats a wide variety of foods. In fact, every food, with the exception of pure fats, fruits, alcohols and sugars, contains protein.

2. Which of the following provides the most calcium?

a. 1 cup of milk
b. a stir-fry of broccoli (1 cup) and tofu (1/2 cup)
c. 1 cup steamed spinach
d. a grilled cheese sandwich

Answer: B. The stir-fry contains a solid 315 grams of calcium—compared to about 285 in the milk, 245 in the spinach and 198 in the grilled cheese. Broccoli, like several other green vegetables (kale, collards, Swiss chard), is a good source of calcium. So is tofu when it’s made with calcium sulfate.

3. True or false: Vegetarians need more iron than non-vegetarians.

true
false

Answer: True. That’s because heme iron, which comes from animal sources, is more easily absorbed by the body than the non-heme iron found in plant sources. To increase absorption, eat iron-rich foods—such as legumes, soy, avocados, oatmeal and sea vegetables—with foods high in vitamin C.

4. Which of the following restaurant offerings are likely to be made with animal products?

a. refried beans and flour tortillas
b. bean soups
c. Caesar salads
d. vegetable stir-fries
e. biscuits and pie crusts
f. all of the above

Answer: F. Although many of the world’s cuisines use far less meat than American fare does, most use small amounts of animal products for flavoring. For example, Mexican food is often cooked with lard.

5. Which of the following foods do not contain animal products?

a. Worcestershire sauce
b. ketchup
c. Jell-O pudding
d. marshmallows
e. McDonald’s French fries

Answer: B. However, Worcestershire sauce without anchovies is available in natural food stores. Jell-O brand treats are made with gelatin, which is derived from animal bones, cartilage, tendons and other tissue. Marshmallows also contain gelatin, though there are a few brands of vegetarian marshmallows available. As for McDonald’s fries, besides being cooked in artery-clogging hydrogenated oil, they also contain a secret flavoring agent—beef extract.

6. True or false: It is dangerous to have a vegan pregnancy or raise a vegan infant.

true
false

Answer: False. The American Dietetic Association (ADA), the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, released a position paper in 2003 stating the following: “It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases
7. True or false: Vitamin B12 is found only in animal products (meat, dairy, eggs).

true
false

Answer: False. This important vitamin, which helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, is naturally found in foods that come from animals, but vegan sources are readily available. Many cereals and some breads are fortified with your daily requirement of B12. Nutritional yeast, which can be added to foods like pasta sauces or tofu scrambles to impart a cheesy taste, is also a great source of B12.

Ready for another one? Just click here.

Don't eat the Easter Bunny!

2008-03-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Spring has officially begun, with the start of the new season it’s also a great time to try something new at the dinner table. Celebrate Easter with a different twist on a traditional dish: soy-based faux ham.

This glazed “ham” is not only delicious, it’s rich in heart-healthy soy protein and dietary fiber, plus it’s 100 percent cholesterol-free. Which means its perfect for those family members who might be on diets with bikini season right around the corner.

Serve it up with some veggies like asparagus, green beans, or collard greens and don't forget the mashed potatoes! Happy Easter everyone :)

Awesome Quotes

2008-03-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Just thought that I would share some great quotes I've came across...you may recognize some names!

"I wouldn't eat a chicken if it dropped dead in front of me holding up a sign that said, Eat Me."

-Ricky Williams

Jay Leno - “McDonald's announced it’s considering a more humane way of slaughtering its animals. You know they fatten them up and then kill them. You know the same thing they do to their customers, isn’t it?”

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." -Gandhi

"I will not eat anything that walks, runs, skips, hops or crawls. God knows that I've crawled on occasion, and I'm glad that no one ate me." - Alex Poulos

"All those animals live a pretty dreary life, then they get chopped up and put on a griddle."

-Alec Baldwin

"Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." -Albert Einstein

"To become vegetarian is to step into the stream which leads to nirvana." -Buddha

We all love animals. So why do we call some “pets” and others “dinner?” - Me :)

Another One Bites the Dust

2008-03-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

I have just found out that one of my good friends just became a vegetarian. Hooray, the world is down one more meat-eater, and its all because of me :)

I'm not just happy that he choose to eat better, live better, train better, and better love animals - I'm happy that I was the reason for his change of lifestyle! His name is Scott and he plays football for Brown University. I know what your thinking... He's a big football playing, meat-eating- beer-guzzling, ivy league , college frat boy, but no.

His stats used to be 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, which is normal for an NFL lineman, but since becoming a vegetarian he weighs in at 265 pounds and is faster than hell! I couldn't believe it! It amazes me that something just switches on in our heads and we change our ways.

Scott had a funny comment about gorillas, they are the strongest animal in the jungle, yet they only eat fruits and veggies, and so Scott began his journey aboard the vegetarian bus.

New Book- Veganomicon

2008-03-14T12:26:00.001-07:00

I have just picked up the new vegan/vegetarian cookbook that is suppose to be all the rage- Veganomicon. At the moment it seems many of the recipes are a little complicated for me, being that I'm a time-constricted college student who is usually too tired, broke, or hungry to make a good meal.

Since I've been slacking, here are some culinary delights of others from Veganomicon. This one is the "Hot Sauce-Glazed Tempeh" from the Urban Vegan. Next time your in the mood for something spicy try this one out.

The book also features a wide variety of desserts- which I might just make first. Here is "SmLove" which is a pecan lovers dream. Its a chocolate, caramel, pecan, brownie pie.

I can't wait for the weekend, when I can finally have some time to try out some recipes. If anyone has any recommendation on what I should try first, let me know. Thanks.

Veggie Aphrodisiacs

2008-02-28T07:16:00.000-08:00

We know veggies are loaded with vitamins and nutrients but they can also crank up your sex drive! A lot of this healthy food contains chemicals that boost you and your partner's arousal and performance. Here's a list of some of the foods to bring into the bedroom.

Bananas: A fruit with a sexy shape, bananas are said to contain chemicals that can lift your mood and make you more confident. Bananas are high in potassium,which aids in sex hormone production and boosts energy.

Berries: The perfect foods to feed your lover, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are high in vitamin C, which is important for making sex hormones and neurotransmitters.

Chili Peppers: These sizzling veggies will spice up your meal and your evening! Adding chili peppers to your dishes gets your heart pumping and produces neurochemicals known as endorphins, which make you happier.

Chocolate: Every thing is better smothered in this. Chocolate contains the chemical phenylethylamine, which stimulates romantic feelings by making you happy and excited. Its natural caffeine provides an added boost by giving you more energy.

Ginger: Seasoning with it will enhance blood flow to all parts of your body as long as your arteries aren’t clogged up from eating meat.

Licorice: A fun food to hand-feed your lover, researchers have found that the smell of licorice mixed with cucumber is the most sexually stimulating scent for women. Licorice is widely believed to produce feelings of love.

Nuts: Men should eat cashews, pecans, almonds, walnuts, and other nuts to take in a healthy amount of zinc, which keeps men potent and prevents prostate problems. Nuts are also high in protein, which gives you the energy to keep you going throughout the night.

Stock up on them and see if you end up spending more time in the sack.

Going Green

2008-02-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

It seems like everything has a "go green" campaign linked to it these days. Vegetarians are also promoting a greener earth. A report by the United Nations stated that raising animals for food is “one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global." Adding that "livestock’s contribution to environmental problems is on a massive scale."

Animal poop gives off gases like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia which poison the air around farms, and don't forget the methane and nitrous oxide that are major contributors to global warming. Forests are being torn down to make more room for factory farms, this destruction causes soil erosion, allows for species to go extinct and lose their habitat.

What about this, studies show that humans who live near these factory farms have become very sick from the pollution. Where's Erin Brocovich when you need her?

Need another reason to go green? A vegetarian saves more than 100 animals and 1 acre of trees every year! Here's just a little more information on it. http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/01/28/eating-less-meat-may-be-eco-friendly/

Here We Go Again

2008-02-27T17:43:00.000-08:00

Another beef recall! This time it was the largest one in history, just happening last week. 143 million pounds of beef was recalled after an undercover investigation showed animal abuse. Sick and injured cows that couldn't walk were being shoveled into slaughter by forklifts, which not only a hence act but also illegal.

E-coli, salmonella, and mad cow are diseases that weaken the immune system of animals therefore when they are sick it is extremely important not to use them for human consumption.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that the majority of the meat went to schools and thankfully no illnesses have been linked.

When news like this comes out , I worry for my family and friends, I just hope that others will see that there is a serious problem here. These companies in charge aren't looking out for Americans health, they are in the business to make a profit, the more they can make the better. Even if that means putting a "downer" cow through to slaughter.

How much longer will we continue to push our luck with weak enforcement of federal food safety regulations?

For Love or For Food

2008-02-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

Could you fall in love with a meat-eater or vegetarian? Which ever category you fall into, would you be able to date or marry someone from the other?

I don't know if it would be an issue for me, although my boyfriend jumped right on the vegetarian bandwagon when I did. Food is definitely a get-together event, but would you let it cost you your love life?

Tons of people have different dietary preferences, allergies, fad-diets they may be on, etc. It truly depends on how strongly your beliefs are, food can be a major issue if you make it a major issue.

The New York Times featured a article on this topic, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/dining/13incompatible.html?_r=1&ex=1360731600&en=e85604a49214fa61&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin

Even if in your relationship you compromise and understand each other, it can be entirely different when family and friends get involved. Trust me, you don't want his mother yelling at you on Thanksgiving for "converting her son from eating her famous turkey dinner."

Love is love, and you never know if your missing out on someone just due to petty differences.

Warning- Cloned Meat Coming To a Store Near You!

2008-02-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

Recently, scientists have cloned animals for consumer consumption, and the Food and Drug Association (FDA), are agreeing that it is safe for us. But are you willing to be the guinea pig generation to eating cloned animals?

Think of just how many unnatural things have been added to a cloned cow, pig, chicken, etc. The FDA also says they're not requiring this type of meat to be labeled. I don't know about you, but I know I would like to know if and when I were eating a cloned animal.

The Wall Street Journal reports that mass animal cloning could lead to breeds that are more susceptible to disease. An extra side of E-coli anyone? "Cloning is a natural extension of the animals," states the FDA. I, like many, don't see any thing natural here at all.

When the FDA was asked why they would not be labeling the cloned meat, they explained that the food safety system in the US is designed to catch meat and milk for hazards, regardless of the where the meat came from.

I am not surprised here, but my question is why spend the money to clone animals just to eat them? It's not like there's a shortage of animals at the slaughter houses. Here CNN reports on this issue.

Comfort Food

2008-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

In the mood for some comfort food? Look no further. Burgers, pizza, sloppy Joe's, and french fries can be a healthy treat, as long as you cook them this way.

Here is a teriyaki "burger", a chick-pea patty loaded in teriyaki sauce and cooked til golden brown, smothered with caramelized onions, served on a bed of lettuce and a thick bun.

A pesto pizza can hit the spot. It's topped with fresh veggies like tomato, black olives, garlic, basil, onion, and slices of tofu. Don't feel limited when it comes to pizza, just about any vegetable can be added to it.

Any kids favorite has got to be a good old-fashioned sloppy Joe. Be prepared to get messy as the goodness spills out the sides of this sandwich. You can use a mixture of purred beans and faux meat crumbles with a packet of sloppy Joe pre-made seasonings and tomato sauce.

And who can forget the fries, bet you can't tell they're tofu! Yep, these tofu fries would make a great side for any meal, or just eat them as your meal.

And if you still don't think you can swallow some tofu, read this article.

http://fitsugar.com/212701

Most Vegetarian- Friendly Colleges

2008-02-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

Peta released the list for the top 10 vegetarian- friendly university. While the college I attend is not on the list, I'm proud to say one from Florida is at #10.

#1 Northwestern University
#2 Yale University

#3 University of California- Berkeley
#4 Humboldt State University
#5 University of Puget Sound
#6 Brown University
#7 Indiana University
#8 Boston University
#9 Georgetown University
#10 University of Florida

Schools should always make a variety of options open for their vegetarian students. Students have to also stand up and voice their needs when they are not meet by Universities. Who knows, by these colleges leading the way maybe more students can put off gaining those pesky freshman 15.

If you aren't satisfied with your dining hall food, letters and signed petitions will do wonders for your school to re-think their menu.

Did You Know...Part Two

2008-02-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

1. 1/2 of the water in the U.S. goes to raising animals for food! According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chemical and animal waste runoff from factory farms is responsible for more than 173,000 miles of toxic polluted rivers and streams.

2. Most people regard pigs as dirty, lazy animals but that's completely false! They are extremely intelligent animals. Pigs “have the cognitive ability to be quite sophisticated. Even more so than dogs and certainly [more so than] three-year-olds,” says Dr. Donald Broom, a Cambridge University professor. So think about that next time your scarfing down a bacon, egg and cheese. Here's an article that goes into detail. http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Science/story?id=771414&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

3. A vegetarian diet reverse heart disease! The top killer in the U.S. If you switch from the standard American diet to a vegetarian diet, you can add about 13 healthy years to your life, says Michael F. Roizen, MD, author of The Real Age Diet: Make Yourself Younger with What You Eat. “Consuming saturated, four-legged fat allows for a shorter life span and more disability." Animal products clog your arteries, zap your energy and slow down your immune system. Check this story out for more information. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/895_vegdiet.html

Superbowl Is Here!

2008-02-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

It's Superbowl Sunday! Yay! For those of you who don't know me, I LOVE sports! Especially football. I grew up watching and thinking that it was normal for everyone to yell at the television screen, God knows my family always did. I even work in the sports deptartment at NBC, which is a dream come true.

The big question is what to do about the annual Superbowl party we have? I mean none of my friends are vegetarians and an important part of the Superbowl is the food, besides the beer, of course. So what's a girl to do? Make vegetarian food that no one even knows is vegetarian.

Sneaky, I know, but look at the food I served this year. For starters, we had nachos. The seven layers surely didn't miss the meat. I used:

"Boca" meat crumbles
black beans
salsa
guacamole
cheese
lettuce
tomato
onion
black olives
jalapenos

Next, we had boneless "buffalo wings." These are spicy thick slices of tofu that I breaded then baked and cut into triangles, serving them up with some celery and blue cheese.

Here are my lettuce wraps. They are stuffed with "chicken", veggies, and a creamy dressing.

For sandwiches we had grilled portobello, zucchini, eggplant, and tofu on a crispy loaf.

The biggest hit at the party was definitely the lollipops. I made BBQ tofu lollipops. I shaped the tofu with cookie cutters, marinated them in BBQ sauce and grilled them. I placed them on sticks and they went like hot cakes.

Finally, for my favorite part, dessert. The options were plentiful. These are my normal chocolate chip cookies that I make with whole wheat flour, applesauce instead of butter, splenda and egg whites.

I tried a new apple pie pudding cake, it could have been better. I used canned apples, cinnamon, vanilla pudding, and white cake mix. It was gooey-goodness.

Well that was the Superbowl spread this year. Needless to say- there were no leftovers!

Vegetarian Food Porn

2008-02-04T10:27:00.001-08:00

I haven't had time to do any yummy vegetarian cooking for myself but I love getting inspired by seeing what other are cooking up at home. Warning- the following could cause uncontrollable drooling!

In the mood for some Chinese food, take a look at these great options. "Beef" Szechuan, tofu is marinated in szechuan sauce with steamed rice and vegetables. "Chicken" stir-fry, tofu sauteed in soy sauce and cut into strips and mixed with crunchy veggies. Who can forget the Lo Mein? This one is just as good as take-out, simply replace your meat with tofu and your good to go.

Each week I'll pick a new cuisine to give you some ideas of what to cook. Remember, everything can be modified to your liking.

Questions to ask yourself...

2008-01-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

There are many decisions we make everyday that determine who we are, how we live, and what we eat. Here are some questions that are difficult to answer but we should all really consider.

Why are humans the only species on earth who continue to drink milk after their own mother stops producing it? Okay, cow's milk tastes good but so does soy milk. Were cows meant to produce milk for human consumption? A free cow would produce 5 liters of milk a day while cows hooked up to sucking machines produce 44 liters a day!

Did you know that the grain used to feed animals for slaughter could be used to feed children that are dying of starvation elsewhere? 70 percent of U.S. grain is used to feed animals raised for human consumption. There are 7 billion animals for slaughter in the U.S., eating five times as much grain than is consumed by humans. If this grain were traded, it would boost the U.S. economy by $80 billion a year.

If you happen to drink milk, you should take a look at this eye opening video.

Myth Busters

2008-01-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

There are tons of myths and stereotypes about vegetarians! The thing is, people will tell you their feelings about your choice to your face ... unlike other bias' in the world. In my short (one year) vegetarian experience, I feel like I have heard it all...I 'm sure it is just beginning though.

Lets clear the air on some common misconceptions.

MYTH: How do you get enough protein? There is NOT a problem getting enough protein! In fact, the average person takes in too much protein. When have you heard of someone dying from being protein deficient? Our portion sizes are too big, serving sizes for protein should be the size of a deck of cards. Here is an article that will further explain. http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/12/21/getting-enough-protein/
MYTH: Vegetarians are crazy, hippie, animal freaks. While many vegetarians love animals, there are a million different reasons why they went vegetarian. Many have not, and never plan to, participate in angry protests, run off to a hippie retreat in their tie-dye shirts, or push others into converting. Here's some info on this issue. http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/11/27/want-to-go-meat-free/

MYTH: What do you eat? Obesity is an epidemic in the U.S., people aren't eating the recommended amount of fruits and veggies. They are relying on fast food, and hormone-packed meat products. If more people adopted a vegetarian lifestyle we could turn back the damage. http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/01/29/you-are-what-you-eat-the-soy-saga/

Restaurant Crisis

2008-01-26T09:14:00.000-08:00

It was difficult for me to find good vegetarian restaurants here in south Florida. Of course you can go to any place and order up a side of veggies but what about a real meal? After some hunting, I have found my favorite spots.

Sublime, located in Fort Lauderdale, serves dinner only. It is beautiful and strictly vegetarian, with a full bar :) Reservations are recommended. http://www.sublimerestaurant.com/

Sara's Kosher Restaurant, located in Hollywood, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We mostly do take-out from here, as the restaurant is quite small. http://miami.citysearch.com/profile/menu?id=2446157

Emunah Cafe & Tea Bar, in Fort Lauderdale, open for lunch and dinner. Very tranquil, zen-like atmosphere. You will feel like your eating in a spa. http://www.myemunah.com/

See, you can still go out to eat, enjoying your food, company, and surroundings. Also, I'll keep you posted on any upcoming festivals, farmers markets, or other vegetarian activities around!

You all know a Skinny Bitch

2008-01-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

So I guess I'll tell you how and why I became a vegetarian. I picked up a book that many of you have probably heard about - been on the best-sellers list for a while now - "Skinny Bitch." Having no intention of becoming a vegetarian, hell, I didn't even know any vegetarians.

Skinny Bitch is a raunchy, no-nonsense, hilarious book that seriously switched on a light bulb for me! Tons of celebrities have also been seen with this book.

It is written by two former models, hate them already, I know. Without a doubt, it promotes a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Eating meat is explained as the "dead, rotting, decomposing flesh diet."

I was on the verge of vomiting as they describe the way our meat is grown, feed, and treated.

The book gives tons of advice, recipes, and ideas. I Promise you won't go hungry! Read the book- be skeptical, I was- then research it, it is all true!

Want more? Click on the link below to enter for a chance to win a free copy of the book, but hurry it ends on Jan. 31 !

http://www.peta.org/feat-skinny_bitch.asp

Faux Meat Worth Trying

2008-01-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

After reading the book "Skinny Bitch," I vowed to at least try vegetarianism. And, a year later, I'm still a vegetarian, I found no reason to go back to eating meat. I have, on the other hand, found a reason to learn how to cook, save money on eating out, and ways to eat healthier.

Now, don't get me wrong, I grew up eating all that great fried chicken, steak, and hamburgers. I haven't gave them up completely, I just use meat substitutes. Nowadays, grocery stores, restaurants, and even fast food cater to my needs!

I'm sure everyone has seen all the Boca burgers, and vegetarian offerings in the frozen foods section of grocery stores. But next time your there, do some investigating for other vegetarian alternatives, such as faux:

Lunch meat
Sausage
Chicken
Steak
Seafood

Check them out and you'll find yourself loving the taste without the heavy feeling you get after eating the real thing! Here's some brands to look for that are great, if you can't find them in your local store, just order them online.

http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/

http://www.amys.com/

http://www.bocaburger.com/

http://www.lightlife.com/

If you still aren't sold on trying faux meat, watch this.

Hot Vegetarian Celebrities

2008-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

Did you know that some of the hottest celebrities are vegetarians? Carrie Underwood, Alicia Silverstone, Christie Brinkley, Naomi Watts, Mary Tyler Moore, Pink, Alyssa Milano, Jared Leto, Prince, Ricky Williams, Russell Simmons, Rob Zombie, just to name a few. Here is an article on why sexy Natalie Portman choose to be vegetarian. http://fitsugar.com/246225

It's no wonder how these sexy celebs got their bodies, a vegetarian diet is full of fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Not processed, heart-clogging meat products that can cause heart attacks, cancer, not to mention the thought of contamination, mad-cow, or additive hormones. Here's Alicia Silverstone's, too hot for tv, peta commercial. It was pulled from airing, so enjoy!

It's crazy how easy it is to live and eat this way! Peta offers a free vegetarian starter kit, it answers all of the questions that are racing through your mind. And it comes with a bunch of free goodies, like food and recipes. To get started go to http://www.peta.org/
Your inner hottie awaits! :)