Archive for November, 2008
Raw Vegan – Anti Aging and Energizing Yourself Now!
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008Welcome back!
There is one way you can immediately reverse the aging process, feel better, and totally re-energize yourself, while losing fat and becoming more active as a result. It is implementing a raw vegan diet into your lifestyle.
Eating raw vegan has huge benefits which include protecting yourself against diseases which many other people seem to easily contract. Not only do you fight off disease, but you fight off aging as well.
What does becoming a raw vegan entail?
A full fledged raw vegan entails eating mainly vegetables which are prepared in the raw, uncooked state. Now, you can still get the benefits of eating raw vegan though not becoming a fully fledged committed raw food consumer.
Just by adding in raw vegetables to your current diet, while getting rid of processed food you typically consume will have very noticeable and positive anti aging effects. Matter of fact it is recommended for one starting out on the raw foods path to slowly incorporate the raw foods into their diet rather than go full throttle.
Even during this state of semi-raw food consumption the health benefits including increased energy will be felt. From there you can decide whether to implement your raw food consumption further by eliminating more of your normal meals from your diet and replacing them with raw foods.
In any event, you really can’t lose by at least trying out a partial raw vegan food program. You will likely lose weight, gain energy, and begin to see anti aging effects taking place. Usually this is enough motivation for people to continue on the raw vegan path and experience even further positive and amazing results.
Want the best Raw Vegan – Anti Aging routine available online? Here it is! Check out the before and after photos – http://www.squidoo.com/anti-aging-exercise
This is the ultimate guide for anti aging and raw foods, and includes easy to follow recipes for absolutely delicious meals. Check it out at http://www.squidoo.com/anti-aging-exercise
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chess_McDoogle
http://EzineArticles.com/?Raw-Vegan—Anti-Aging-and-Energizing-Yourself-Now!&id=1587574
From a Vegan Point of View
Thursday, November 20th, 2008By Holly Strohl
This article was submitted by Holly Strohl. Holly is 34 years old, owns her own vending business and has been vegetarian/vegan since 1987. She states, “I wrote the article basically for myself and to give those around me a clearer understanding of why I have chosen this lifestyle and how much it means to me. It was through the convincing of friends and family that I decided to share it with others. Hopefully you will feel the same.”
What do you mean gelatin is made from animal bones? Soap is made from animal fat? Waiter is this vegetable soup made with a beef broth? A far cry from those younger omnivore years of “Hey, she got the steak bone last week! Give it up! ” My parents have still not come to grips with my 11 year old dietary change. Aside from the common questions such as, “Are you eating enough? What did you eat today? What are you eating later? Eat something, but what could you eat?”, they felt it had to be a fad because it is too crazy to go without the meat centered diet we have grown so accustomed to for centuries. They have come to accept (but not understand) my food preferences over the past few years, except for the occasional meat offering from my father who claims to conveniently forget every so often.
It all began when a friend had asked me to join her at Concordia University in Montreal to watch a film entitled “Hidden Crimes”. It is an honest and frightful documentary displaying the horrific methods used by the factory farms of raising and killing animals. Everything from the debeaking of baby chicks to carcasses hanging by their hind legs, still alive squirming from the pain of being slaughtered. I could not stop visualizing these animals in my mind. Thinking of their suffering and fear that we inflict on them so that we can have that palate pleasing meal, and then not give it another thought except what to cut up and serve for the next day. Without a moments hesitation, I went home and emptied out my freezer and vowed to never ingest another food that ever had a face again. I continued to stand by my new dietary change and felt better emotionally and physically.
I began doing extensive reading on vegetarian health, recipes, associations, etc.. I became a member of several organizations and decided to learn as much about this new responsibility I had undertaken as I could. I began to learn what had originally started out as an ethical obligation to animal kind was in fact twofold. It was an obligation to myself as well. To eat healthier and take better care of my body which is what results when you follow a well balanced vegetarian diet. I experimented with new recipes and new foods. I familiarized myself with common vegetarian staples and made sure I knew of all the best health food stores. It makes me laugh when people ask, “How many ways can one person eat carrots?” It is this ignorance that will continue to exist as long as people are kept in the dark of what really goes on in the factory farms. It is true that some, whether this realization is brought forward or not, may not have the compassion to make such a change and sacrifice. Although, even if it touches just one more person, then hey – that is a lot less squirming cows to think about.
There came a point however where I had to reflect upon my own thoughtlessness and inconsistencies. The same animals I would not put in my mouth, I would not think twice to put on my body. So out went the leather shoes, purses, belts, jackets, etc… only to find that they do make fashionable items in synthetic fibres which are just as nice, not to mention, a little cheaper. It also made me think of the treatment of laboratory animals and animals in captivity (zoos and circuses). We do not have the right to dictate what kind of existence these species are to endure. Due to the fact they cannot speak or communicate in ways in which we feel are comparable to our own, does not mean they do not feel fear. I believe we owe the same to these special species we share our world with.
Aside from the animal rights aspect of the movement, there is also an agricultural issue to contend with. How many people could be fed if we were to reduce our meat consumption by just 10 percent for just one year you ask? 60 million. Which translates into 12 million tons of grain. The arguments and facts are endless. Animal rights organizations have reported to have tremendous membership increases over the past few years which is indicative of what increasing public knowledge can do to help.
So for the peace of mind of my parents, I have never felt healthier or stronger. Gone are the days where my idea of getting my serving of protein, vegetables and fruit was a Big Mac, French Fries and an Apple Pie. (I can hear some of you saying “Sounds O.K. to me” ).
As far as raising my children is concerned, they will be raised as vegans. Although, if they ever choose to discover what meat, fish, poultry or any other animal product tastes like, they will not be refused. They will however, be reminded of what it is they are eating, and the choice will be theirs. As far as my husband to be is concerned, the chances of finding him at this point are slim pickin’s, so to think that he will be vegan to boot… I don’t think so. But I’m sure with a few concessions and several good meals, it will work itself out.
So I shall continue to irritate my dinner hosts and send waiters/waitresses into an early retirement by not closing my eyes to the callous inhumane treatment we put these innocent creatures through and hopefully, in time, others will realize the same and turn to all the wonderful food alternatives there are out there waiting to be experienced and enjoyed. So for all of you wondering how many ways there are to cook carrots, have a seat you’ve got so much to learn!
This article was published at VegWeb.com on July 01, 2006
What do vegans eat?
Saturday, November 15th, 2008All text by LK, except where noted. Distribute freely, but please link back to Vegan Info.
I don’t know about you, but this vegan eats a bunch of different food. Here’s a list of th
e staple meals and ingredients that are purchased in my home, and go to feed 2 vegan adults.
Please note: Some of this is “healthy” while some is “junk food”, so don’t use this as a nutritional planner. I am always learning more about good vegan nutrition, but I do know all of these foods are friggin delicious. For an even better list check out What the hell does a vegan eat anyway? For vegan recipes check out my website suggestions.
| FOODS |
| Fresh Fruits & Veggies – I can not over state how delicious and healthy these are. If you’re eating lots of processed and cooked foods, it will take a while for your taste buds to remember what REAL food tastes like- about 3 weeks of avoiding those foods- but shortly after… you’ll want to eat raw carrot sticks, apple slices, cauliflower florets, corn on the cob, and cabbage salads like nobody’s business. This is the mainstay of our diets. Fresh Juice – My Champion Juicer has proven to be the 2nd most useful kitchen tool (behind the food processor) and I use it several times a week to make fresh fruit and veggie juice. Carrot + apple + kale is my fave but I also love to juice up whatever organic in-season stuff is available at the farmers market. Corn Chowder – Essentially just potatoes, corn, a splash of soy milk, and spices. Easy, healthy, and so yummy! Texas Fries – spicy fries smothered in a can of vegetarian chili and an assortment of canned beans, fresh veggies, hot sauce, and spices. Creative Leafy Green Salads – salads. I know, right? Stereotypical vegan diet to some. But I’m not talking about some weak “garden salad” with a pitiful cherry tomato on a bed of iceburg lettuce. I refer to huge, luscious, colorful, nutritionally dense bowls of yum based on leafy greens like spinach, chard, etc. You can put nearly anything into a salad, but you want to include all the 5 tastes (salty, spicy, sour, sweet, bitter) to make it amazing. As a long-time creative cook I first scoffed at salad recipes, but trust me, try a handful of these and you’ll see what an art salads can be. Pizza – Start with Trader Joe’s pre-made pizza dough (in 3 yummy flavors), top with sauce, and an assortment of “cheesey” toppings and veggies. I like nutritional yeast, corn, pineapple, and squash on mine. Tofu scramble – We have perfected a scramble recipe over the past several years; curry spices, garlic cloves, salt, extra firm tofu, 2 small potatoes w/ skins, pinches of brown sugar, onions, diced red and/or bell peppers, frozen corn, and can of garbonzo beans. Sprinkle with flax seeds and hot sauce and put on a whole wheat tortilla that has a thin coat of almond butter on it. This knocks our socks off but experiement with your own version! Nut & veggie patés – Start with any raw nut, any “moistener”, and get creative. For example: raw pecans, orange juice, and dates all done up in the blender and spread on sprout toast or teeny crackers. Every week we make Valya’s Spicy Almond Cheese with leftover almond milk pulp, and another recipe that tastes almost just like pizza! We dip veggies or baked chips into these or make a “quesadilla”. Bean Dips – Hummus (a chickpea paste) goes good with fresh pita bread, baked chips, fresh veggies, or just about anything to dip in it. But don’t stop there; get any bean and you’re halfway to an amazing dip. A Taste of Vitality has so many excellent recipes. Baked Squash – slice almost any kind of squash in half, bake face down, and top with spaghetti sauce, or margarine, brown sugar, and/or pure maple syrup. Decadant Fruit Smoothies – Peachy Keen and fozen bananas + almond milk + lemon juice & zest + vanilla + dates + carob are our favorites. Basically fruits plus other flavorful ingredients rather than adding ice chunks or soy milk. Hearty no-cheese nachos – A layer of tortilla chips covered in refried beans, black beans, corn, chickpeas, and hot sauce. Optional: add mac & “cheese” sauce! Hot Cereals – Oatmeal can be so amazing when you add a few ingredients! I like to use fruit juice instead of water and add raisins, flavored stevia, and fruit to mine. Other super whole grains like amaranth, barley, and whole wheat can be prepared similarly. Cold Cereals – Whole grain cereals with low sugar are the perfect way to start your body off for the day. Amaranth flakes with strawberries or banana with almond milk is the best! Curried Chickpeas – Lots of Indian spices, some olive oil, and a can of chickpeas served over rice. Curried Veggies – Coconut milk + spices + veggies. Frozen Potatoes – Fun occasional treat. We get fries or tater tots as long as they don’t contain trans fats. All brands at a health food store should be OK. Mac & “Cheese” – A nutritional yeast version of this favorite meal. The sauce is good for a million other foods as well. Cheesy Good (aka: Colby Cheese Dip) – Get’s its name from UCB episode #307, and is sort of the gourmet cousin to Mac & Cheese sauce. VERY GOOD chip dip. Bread And – Top sprouted grain bread with anything for an immediate snack. I love it with tahini, apple butter, margarine + nutritional yeast + garlic salt, all fruit jelly, nut butter + raisins, maple syrup… Sweet Mash – We really love potatoes, and this is a sweet variation of regular mashed potatoes that contains lower GI sweet taters and coconut milk. Veggie Burgers – The frozen patties kind. Excellent when topped with teriyaki sauce, lettuce, and a pineapple slice. Other faux meats – Nice for an occasional treat, but watch out for those ingredients. Lots of silly companies add egg whites and dairy and crap. Hot Soy or Almond Cocoa – Creamier than the regular stuff. I like a cup of this before bed. Ice Cream – I won’t lie, I adore non-dairy ice cream. It’s much higher in sugars than I am after, but I still loves me some Rice Dream Mocha Pies! Sometimes I will get a half pint (or 2) of whatever vegan ice cream is on sale because my local health food stores have so darn many choices. I make lots of recipes from the Vice Cream book, too, and you don’t even need an ice cream maker! Banana Bread – Moist, flavorful, and uses a ton of yummy bananas. Pumpkin Bread – This version is preferred by omnivores and vegans alike. Sugar rush! Pumpkin Cookies – These are sort of spongy, very light, and are heavenly with maple frosting. Fluffy Cranberry-Orange Cookies – Lightly sweet & fruity with wonderful puffy mouth-feel to them! |
| INGREDIENTS (organic whenever available) |
| Almond Milk: homemade from raw almonds and water (and sometimes dates or agave) 100% Fruit Juice: orange, apple, or whatever mix is on sale Soy Milk: vanilla Wild Oats brand Fresh Veggies: carrots, broccoli, summer & winter squash, cauliflower, zucchini, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, celery Fresh Fruits: bananas, apples, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, plums, pluots, dates, oranges, lemons, limes, grapes, blueberries, tomatoes Raw Nuts: almonds, avocados, cashews, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin, pinenuts Beans: canned garbanzos/chickpeas, black beans, northern beans Grains: bulk oatmeal (slow cooking), amaranth, quinoa, whole wheat couscous, barley Tortillas: whole wheat Wild Oats brand & sprouted Food For Life brand Bread: sprouted grains by Food For Life Frozen Veggies: mixed, peas, corn, potatoes/fries Soy Margarine: Earth Balance brand Nutritional Yeast: bulk B12 enhanced Egg Replacer: Ener-G brand powder, applesauce, silken tofu Rice: brown & parboiled Tofu: extra firm & silken Raw Carob Powder Coconut Milk: canned Chips: baked corn tortilla or baked potato Nut Butter: almond & peanut mostly or whatever is on sale Oils: extra virgin olive, toasted sesame, and safflower or sunflower Condiments: pure fruit jelly, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce/liquid amino acids, lemon juice, homemade dressings (occasionally store bought) Sweeteners: agave nectar, dates, raisins, blackstrap molasses, maple syrup, stevia powder, flavored liquid stevia, evaporated cane juice Spices: turmeric, cumin, coriander, asafetida, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne/white/black peppers, garlic cloves, garlic powder, garlic salt, salt+pepper, dill, “poultry” seasoning, sage, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, dry mustard… |
Vegan Diet
Monday, November 10th, 2008By Eddie Tobey
A person on a vegan diet does not use any item produced out of the parts of animals like furs, leather etc. A vegan diet has a lot of variety. It includes the intake of lots of fruits and vegetables, especially green vegetables, nuts, whole grains, seeds and legumes.
Vegan diets are very good sources of proteins, as they have a variety of food types that can be eaten. Protein levels can be maintained with the intake of good, balanced calorie levels. A vegan diet also assists you in keeping fat levels in total control. Vegan food is basically cholesterol and fat free. This helps to resist disease and keeps you away from chronic ailments like heart attacks and cancer. Such diets are store wells of calcium and zinc that are found in green vegetables and legumes.
Vegan diets are preferred around the world. Some of the many reasons include the health benefits, animal right’s issues and it is universally available in large quantities and varieties.
A vegan diet is especially recommended for infants and children. It works as an excellent diet from birth through adolescent. This diet also builds the immunity system of children and adds to their psychological well being. It is also noticed that the growth of children is more gradual in those who follow a vegan diet.
An individual can avail of a vegan diet online or can consult a dietician or health advisor.
There are also many recipes available on the net for an individual who wants a vegan diet.
Diets provides detailed information on Diet, Diet Pills, Diet Programs, Diet Plans and more. Diets is affiliated with Herbal Diet Products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegan-Diet&id=302429
Vegan Dieting – The Way to Losing Weight
Saturday, November 8th, 2008With the influx of quite a number of products that are advertised to be the best when it comes to losing weight and all those excess fats in the body, many people now are not bothering to do some proper dieting at all. Even if they do want to lose weight, they don’t like the idea of hampering their desire to eat the foods that they want, thereby making them go for whatever pill, patches, pudding, candy bars and others that are now out in the market, which promise instant weight loss. After spending great amounts of money, these people realize, way too late, that they were just duped in buying these products.
Losing excess weight is not an easy thing to do. In fact, it could be the hardest thing that a person could go through in his life, especially if he is already at an age when his metabolic rate has slowed down to a crawl. However, the mission of losing weight is not an impossible task to accomplish. With a proper vegan diet and the right amount of exercise, shedding off some pounds won’t be that way off the charts.
Eating foods with less bad carbohydrates and fats is one of the best approaches to proper dieting. With strong will and determination, anyone can accomplish this by eating lots of fruits and vegetables as well as other foods that are rich in fiber. Foods rich in protein like beans and legumes are also good if you want to have a proper diet. Junk foods and animal products are absolute no-no’s if you want to lose some weight.
Taking in lots of water and other healthy liquids is also part of proper dieting. This is because water is very important in keeping the body hydrated and would give anyone the feeling of being full, thereby avoiding the chance of overeating. Water can also aid in retaining the elasticity of the skin, which is very important so as not to get loose skin upon losing weight.
Aside from a vegan diet, the right amount of exercise should also be done to lose some pounds. This is because physical exertion could not only burn some calories and fats but could also speed up the metabolic rate of a person. Among the most enjoyable activities that could be done as part of your exercise routine to lose weight are jogging, walking, jumping rope, swimming, biking and even gardening, among many others. Time at the gym could also be an excellent way to do some physical activities.
So, losing weight might be difficult. But, there are many ways like adherence to a vegan diet and exercise that could help anyone achieve the kind of weight that he or she could want. With a great deal of determination and a commitment to the vegan lifestyle, getting a slim body could be closer than anybody could think.
Clifford Young is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about weight loss ideas, please visit Vegan Eating for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clifford_Young
http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegan-Dieting—The-Way-to-Losing-Weight&id=1325700
