Zucchini Roll Ups

I purchased The 30 Minute Vegan cookbook this past Friday. I have prepared three recipes from it this weekend. I found it on Amazon.com here.

I made the Zucchini Roll Ups not thinking they would be a mediocre appetizer. Boy was I mistaken! They were a hit. I had some ingredients left over, so I made them again last night for a friend before we went out to dinner. Again, they were loved. Look at how gourmet they look!

Guess what... they only took me 30 minutes to make Saturday night and 12 minutes Sunday night with the left over ingredients. They are super easy, delicious, nutritious and too-good-to-be-true. :)

10 Must Have Items For a Perfect Vegan Pantry

http://www.ecorazzi.com/2012/07/05/10-must-have-items-for-a-perfect-vegan-pantry/

A Change: Vegan to Total Vegetarian Blog Name Change.

You may have noticed a change to the title of my blog. I want to make it clear that I support all types of vegetarianism and veganism. However, after a couple of months of research and contemplation, I feel it is fair to consider myself a Total Vegetarian instead of a Vegan. I still eat honey and wear wool. I also still wear my old leather belts and shoes. How can I justify throwing my expensive shoes away and buying new ones? That wouldn't help the planet at all.

Veganism is not just about food. It is an ethical decision. Since my main purpose in eating like a Vegan was for health reasons and not ethical reasons, I feel I shouldn't call myself a Vegan.
If I can't promote "genuine, fully ethical veganism," then I shouldn't call myself a vegan. However, I do and still try to purchase items (i.e. clothing, shoes, and etc) that were not made using animal products.
I'm sure I will throw away those leather shoes and belts some day, but until then...I'm a Total Vegetarian.
I know this change could be dangerous because some people might think, "oh, she said she's a vegetarian...that means she can eat cheese." Therefore, you will probably catch me saying, "I eat a vegan diet" if I can't or don't feel like explaining what Total Vegetarianism is. :)

Here's a great article:
http://www.vegsource.com/john-davis/why-vegans-need-total-vegetarians.html

Foodmatters

I just watched Foodmatters, which is on instant download on Netflix. I bet it's free on Hulu.com too. Did you know you can cure cancer with Vitamin C and other nutrients? Did you know that Niacin can cure suicidal depression? There's a world of nutritional science I never knew. The documentary says that the best doctor for you is yourself. You know what makes you feel good and what doesn't.

There is a guy on the documentary named David Wolfe who is an advocate for a raw organic plant based diet. He said a cousin of his lost an incredible amount of weight (I want to say it was 250 lbs...either that or he weighed 250) on this diet. He lost 15 pounds one day. All of the toxins in his body were coming out through bowel movements. He was having 12 bowel movements every day. I know that sounds disgusting, but can you believe all of his weight was coming out of him through his bowels?? He was allowing his body to get rid of the toxins on its own by eating a proper diet!

Charlotte Gerson is also in this documentary, who is the founder of The Gerson Institute. She said that you cannot expect your body to absorb healthy nutrients when there are so many toxins in your body. Some foods and all drugs are examples of toxins. By ridding yourself of these toxins, you are then able to start absorbing the healthy nutrients your body needs.

I also learned that there have been 10 deaths related to vitamins in the passed 25 years while there have been over 2,000,000 deaths related to drugs and medicines in the same amount of time. hmmm...I think I'll continue to take my multivitamins.

Cancer is on the rise, so why not consider a plant based diet? Especially since it has been proven to reverse all degenerative diseases! It's ultimately less expensive and depressing than eating meat. It takes less energy to make and consume plants.

I also learned that although living a healthy life makes since, it doesn't make money. Doctors do not learn or educate on nutritional and natural ways to cure diseases because it doesn't make money for America. There is a billion or trillion dollar industry pumping toxins in to our bodies daily. Chemo causes cancer, but it's also supposed to get rid of it...hmmm. On the other hand, Vitamin C is inexpensive and it doesn't cause any terrible reactions or side effects. Again..hmmm. Why doesn't the public know about it? They aren't supposed to know or people wouldn't make money! tricky, tricky. Another clue as to why vegans are considered terrorists (check out http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/ or just look it up on Google).

I know these are some random thoughts, but it's what stuck out to me after watching Foodmatters. You should consider watching it if you want to get a start on learning how to live a long and happy life.

Vegan Baking Website

I'm preparing for a vegan baking party thing tonight. This website was suggested to everyone attending. Just thought I'd share since it's pretty amazing. :)
http://veganbaking.net/component/jreviews/recipes/recipes_c220/?Itemid&order=rating
yum! enjoy!

Defining "Vegan"

I found this neat site today called www.veganoutreach.org. I was reading through their definitions of vegan. The main one that stuck in my head was in the "define it yourself" section. Here it is:

"When the term “vegan” was coined, times were different, and animal products weren’t in almost everything. You could eliminate all animal products and still live a relatively normal life. Nowadays you’d have to eliminate the use of phones, books, computers, cars, bicycles, planes, etc. (all of which contain some elements of animal products) to be “vegan” by the original definition. So, since I’m assuming you’re not willing to do that, you’ll have to define your own version of veganism, and live your life accordingly."

This is how I have defined veganism in my head..I just haven't been able to put it in to words. It all depends on how much you can pay attention to and what you're willing to go through. Would you stop flying in planes because there are animal products in them?? I most certainly wouldn't. I just hope that with so many vegans out there, we could help stop the use of animal products. I know that sounds a bit ignorant and naive, but seriously... boycotting airlines? All of my family lives 2,000 miles away...I'm not going to stop visiting them because of what the plane is made out of.

Busting Vegan Myths and Stereotypes

This is a great article! I know people who think I will start to look pale and sickly soon. Some people think I've become a vegan for "hippy" or "activist" reasons. I just want to live a long, happy, and medicine-free life. (I'll take medicine if I have to, which I do now, so I'm not one of those crazies.)

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/busting-myths-and-stereotypes-about-vegans/

I went to a party yesterday where everyone was a meat eater except the host, Kevin, and myself. If it weren't for our lovely host, I would have totally given in to eat some cheese. I sat at a table the entire time with a plate of delicious cheese right under my nose. Then, when it came time to cooking our vegan burgers, I was so hungry having to wait that I almost just plopped them right on top of the beef burgers. Our host caught me and made sure there was a spot wiped clean on the grill for our burgers. I almost gave in a bunch of times to losing my "vegan powers" (a term I have learned from the Friends). Almost ironically, I read an article today on the vegansaurus blog that will help me in trying times like yesterday... http://vegansaurus.com/post/23482722215/how-to-stay-vegan

Pancakes

I just made these pancakes. We ate all of them except the two in the picture because I hadn't added the water to the batter before I put them on the pan...so that's why they don't look too appealing. The others were very yummy! I used this recipe, but added 1 tablespoon of water: http://www.food.com/recipe/5-minute-vegan-pancakes-132263 However, I will continue to come up with the best vegan pancake recipe ever. This recipe wasn't too great, but it sure satisfied my craving for pancakes!

Anniversary Dinner

I made artichokes, rotini pasta with chunky mushroom sauce, and then I cooked some seitan that then I put in the sauce. Now I know why people say, "All Hail Seitan!" Brianna and Sean were given one too many shipments from the Denver Seitan Company, so they gifted a log to us for our anniversary dinner. It was the perfect addition! It tastes amazing, so we were highly impressed.

In case you would like to make artichokes and learn how to eat them, here is a wonderful website!:
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cook_and_eat_an_artichoke/

Have a great night! Happy three years to my husband and I!

I made almond milk today!

This milk came from two cups of almonds. It tastes pretty good and was super easy. See my "neat things I learned today" post to learn how to make it yourself. I'm pretty sure this cost me about $1 or $2. I'll have to calculate it better and let you know.

Could Chicken Be Contributing to the Obesity Epidemic?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/fat-chickens_b_1497856.html

Teacher Appreciation Week

I just have to say that it's very hard being a new vegan during Teacher Appreciation Week. Lunch has been provided every day and I haven't been able to eat any of it until today with the Mediterranean food from Saj Mediterranean Grill. As I looked at the subs, salads, and pizzas, I contemplated what was best to cheat with. I decided on a cookie. I don't know if it was made with animal products, but I assumed it was. I don't feel guilty because this was a challenging week for me and it would have been thrown away at some point.
If you are a new vegan or trying to become a vegan, it's okay to cheat sometimes.
While we are on the subject, it's also rude to turn down food, especially if people have not been informed you are vegan. This happened to me the other day at someone's house. I still ate that salad even though there was cheese all over it. (I actually tried to shake the cheese off, but I wasn't too successful.)

A Couple of Neat Findings Today

I found a couple of neat videos and articles today. I thought I'd share. :)

It's so easy to make almond milk...who knew! I can use it to make ice cream this Summer. mmmm. However, coconut milk might be better. Anyway, I'm pretty excited!
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/guide-how-to-make-almond-milk/


Did you know Bill Clinton is on a whole foods plant-based diet (aka, a healthy vegan)? Good for him...and Ellen!

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2012/05/bill_clinton_on_going_vegan_0503.php#.T6llo0ydp00.facebook


It's really interesting to read this article and then read/see the before and after pictures of these animals.
"Farm Sanctuary was founded in 1986 to expose and challenge this system and to aid its victims. We care for cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep and other animals who had been discarded in trash cans, in stockyard alley ways, on "dead piles" or who were found on the side of the road after falling out of transportation vehicles. In some cases, farm workers have intervened on the animals' behalf and brought refugees of this brutal industry to the safe pastures of Farm Sanctuary."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gene-baur/farm-sanctuary-new-york_b_1491428.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#s=more224728

Roasted Portobello and Quinoa Salad

This roasted portobello recipe is in Veganomicon, which I highly suggest you purchase. It's amazing.
"Marinade:
1/2 c cooking wine
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large or 4 small portobello caps
Combine all ingredients for the marinade in a glass pie plate or small casserole. (Anything greater than 8" will spread the marinade too thin.) You can add dried herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and basil, if you think it will go well with whatever else you're serving. Place the mushrooms upside down in the marinade and spoon a lot of the marinade into each cap to form a small pool. Preheat oven to 400•F and marinate for about 20 minutes.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, use tongs to flip the caps over, and cook, uncovered, for another 10 minutes. If you are using your portobello as a burger, just put that puppy between a bun with some lettuce, tomato, vegenaise, and avocado, and call it a day. If using for a salad, let it cool a bit and then slice the mushrooms very thinly on the diagonal to make nice meaty slices."


I got the quinoa salad recipe from a coworker.
Make quinoa (add 1 cup rinsed and drained quinoa to 1.5 cups boiling water. Reduce heat once it comes to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes.)
Add cucumber, tomato, green onion, avocado, and a can of rinsed and drained black beans.
Add cumin, lime juice, and salt to taste.
Serve hot or cold.


Just a side note, do not serve these together as a meal! They don't taste well together!!

Tonight's dinner

It's probably not healthy, but it's so good!! And all vegan. It's a fake chicken patty with vegan cheese and veganaise. Plus sweet potato fries, of course. All soy and plant products.

My dinner tonight

Quinoa is known as the super grain. It provides so many nutrients. It's delicious, elegant, and goes with just about anything. I made this in 20 minutes while talking to grandma on the phone. It's quinoa, a green pepper, a tomato, black beans, cumin, and salt. Yum! I didn't have the ingredients for the recipes I have, so I made up my own. :)

Opening Thoughts

It all began back in college when I thought I was lactose intolerant. It got worse after college, so I completely cut out dairy from my diet. I then started feeling physically sick every time I ate scrambled eggs, burgers, and chicken nuggets. My body was telling me "no!" ...so my search began...

My mom and I would have phone conversations about what we eat and how it affects us. She would send me recipes (I have made most of them). She really made me think about what I was eating and how it made me feel. I felt sluggish, lazy, tired, and unhappy because of my diet. I ate mostly processed foods, pre-made pizzas, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fast food, and etc. I bought this terrible diet book that basically takes carbs completely out of your diet. I followed it for a week and then found out how dangerous it was to a person with hypoglycemia. ..yeah..I didn't think about that one. I threw the book away and continued my journey. Every diet book seemed to say the same things and I realized I didn't want a terrible diet regimen to stick to. I wanted something that would define me positively. For example, if I had to tell someone I was on a diet, I wanted them to understand what I could and could not eat.

My friend's Brianna and Sean went vegan a little over a year ago. I was excited to bake and cook things for them. It was always fun cooking/baking/eating new recipes (I mostly baked and ate new recipes..I hated to cook). A couple of conversations we had made me start thinking about WHY I was eating these foods that made me feel so horrible. I think I asked one too many questions because I was legitimately curious. The main thing that stood out to me was that Americans overuse their resources.

I decided to add meat to the list of items I shouldn't eat too often. However, I was still eating tuna, chicken, and the occasional beef. I thought I could make at least a small difference if I had one vegan meal per week. Once I was actively baking and cooking vegan once or twice a week, a whole new world opened up for me (and cue "A Whole New World" sung by Jasmine...just kidding).

I attended a lecture recently by Dr. Melanie Joy. She presented an argument about the psychology behind what we eat. If you'd like to learn more, search her name on Youtube.com and you'll find exactly what she spoke about at the lecture. "Carnism: why we love dogs, eat pigs, and wear cows." I know that a few things she's passionate about are a bit radical, but Kevin and I walked out of there saying, "I will never eat meat again." We never thought about why we pet our cat while eating a pig.
She did present a couple of disturbing images and a video, but we have seen Food Inc. and heard about the mistreatment of animals. We know to eat less corn products, reduce our dairy and meat intake, and take our multivitamins every morning. However, it never greatly affected our food choices until now. We still ate meat whether animals were mistreated or not. We just ate less.

Soon after this lecture, I did some intense research about vegans, vegetarians, and the effects of eating meat. I found numerous websites dictating how the government has control over animal products. They send FBI agents in to vegan potlucks, animal rights associations, and etc to label them as "terrorists." I also found out that these "terrorists" are at the top of the FBI's list. They are the number one most-wanted terrorist in the USA....... what?! What about the people who bomb abortion clinics...or fly a plane in to a tower killing people??? Did you know there are no records of any protesters or vegans killing another person?! http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/

I recently watched a documentary called Forks Over Knives, which is about the health reasons to eat a whole foods plants-based diet. It follows two doctors who researched this diet and the effects of eating animal products. They found that every degenerative disease we have can be reversed or prevented. They argue that there is no reason why anyone should have heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and etc. You can watch it free on Hulu or Netflix... http://www.hulu.com/watch/279734/forks-over-knives?src=sem-plus-google&cmp=205&gclid=CPfB8Lfa268CFeNeTAodPFC5_g

I have now chosen to eat vegan. My main reason is because it is healthy. However, if you must know, I have also added the following reasons to my list:
-I do not want to get cancer (my mom and brother both had cancer)
-I do not want diabetes or heart disease (my grandfather and uncle both had these diseases)
-The majority of animals in America are bred to be abused and mistreated (because we eat and use too many animal products) http://bit.ly/ntq0Ul
-Even free range animals are treated inhumanely. http://www.cok.net/lit/freerange.php
-We are not designed to eat meat. http://www.tierversuchsgegner.org/wiki/index.php?title=Taxonomy
-The people working on farms are treated poorly. Even the undercover agents. http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/interview-undercover-investigator-ag-gag-factory-farms/5848/ AND... http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/workers/
-It's fun cooking/baking vegan! http://www.theppk.com/

I have successfully been eating vegan for a week. Aside from the detoxing (I felt dizzy earlier this week), I have more energy and feel slightly happier. I rode my bike alone today to Whole Foods... that's kind of a big deal for me especially since I have been struggling with anxiety attacks and a lack of energy. I have had a gym membership since September or October of 2011 and have only been about five times (it's almost May 1st).

I am really excited about this new journey. I hope you are excited to learn.
Anyway...Check out the links and documentaries! Enjoy. :)