pumpkin Hummus

I just love pumkin and squash, which is the only reason I am ok with the summer ending and fall starting. I tend to pick up alot of butternut squash and those cans of pumpkin. Always looking for a new recipe my friend turned me onto a pumpkin hummus: My new favorite hummus
tablespoons tahini (sesame-seed paste)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon pumpkinseed kernels, toasted (optional)

Place tahini and next 7 ingredients (through garlic) in a food processor, and process until smooth. Add parsley; pulse until blended. Spoon hummus into a serving bowl; sprinkle with pumpkinseed kernels, if desired.

I skipped the parsley and extra oil and used roasted garlic and didnt have the pumpkin seeds. Still was amazing!!

Digestion times.....

Starch is digested quickly-usually within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Protein takes a bit longer-anywhere from 1½ to 6 hours to digest
Fat takes much longer. Only about 10 grams of fat can be processed by the digestive tract per hour, so high fat foods or meals can take many hours to digest.

Should we eat Nuts??

Nuts can be a healthy option but they can also be a bad option. Its easy to get confused as a consumer. It is best to choose raw, unsalted nuts! The oil roasting of nuts causes the healthy fat inside the nut to go rancid. Rancid fat and trans fat are simply fats that are no longer digestible and that spells disaster for the body. Rancid means the fat is now a "free radical" and free radicals cause cellular degradation.Roasting nuts at a temperature higher than 170F will cause a breakdown of their fats and the production of free radicals. When nuts roasted at the high temperatures used commercially are consumed, the free radicals they contain can cause lipid peroxidation-the oxidizing of fats in your bloodstream that can trigger tiny injuries in artery walls-a first step in the build up of plaque and cardiovascular disease.

To avoid this try Raw nuts- or if can not take the taste without roasting try buying raw nuts but roasting at home at a temperature of 160-170 degrees.

Its the Juice...

Jill Manning tells us all about the yoga juice in class, but i really do enjoy true juicing. I surely don't do it enough. My new favorite is Carrot Lime.

Vegan Kitties

Satan challenge

No No not satan, it seitan. And these are the 2 local seitan brands in the Philly area. Rays and Michaels. Both are for sale at Whole Foods in Callowhill. I did like both, but am partial to Ray's. Not sure why but it chunks and chunkier and the saltiness and tender texture, it wins in my book. Get the best of Rays seitan at Horizon's aparently its a special recipe.

"Seitan" is the Japanese name. “kofu” in China, and as "wheat meat" and "gluten" here in the U.S., seitan is a low fat, high protein "meat substitute"
As a protein source, seitan contains about 31 grams of protein per 4 ounce serving, provides a modest amount of B vitamins and iron and contains no saturated fat or cholesterol. A 3 1/2 ounce (100 gram) serving contains 118 calories, 18% protein and less than 1% unsaturated fat. The same amount of beef has 207 calories and 32.2% protein and is high in saturated fats.
Yes it is a processed food which I do eat sparingly. I do enjoy a good sub every once in a while..

Fakin...

I'm always puzzled when people call it fake meat, or fake this and that... Its not fake it really is seitan, or really is tofu, or something of the sort. Today I made a tofu omlet. Filled with veggies and veganrella. It was from Vegan Brunch. Good stuff. If you haven't made it get it and make it. And def use the black salt. Apparently you can get it at the Indian grocery store in Philly on Walnut and 43rd, or I ordered it online.

I have a theory

I heard this one and I won't reveal where it was from.... THe whole reason fruit exists is to get us to eat it to multiply.

Life ain't easy

I had a realization that the best things in life are the hardest and take the most work to achieve. I recently took up a meditation practice. The teacher told us that this is not an easy thing, sitting with yourself quiet trying to avoid thinking, labeling and judgement. He told us this was work. And so it is. I have been putting forth a best effort for a daily meditation practice. It is a challenge. This started me later thinking that all my life achievements thus far have been hard work. The things that we want take time, energy, effort. But they are all worth it.... I'm not sure if this seems life a common thought but in realizing that easiness is not always the best option is guiding me to a certain direction in life.

ReTurn...

I stole the capitalization from Jill. My life feels like a full turn. My official summer has come to an end. I am returning to work tomorrow full time, full duty. But still in rehab. I feel refreshed for the working world although i could get very used to not working full time. I had a great summer spending lots of time with my parents who have been amazing over the past 3 months. I would not have gotten through the rehab without her. My chauffer, my support through it all. Thanks MOM. Through all the confusing mess i had a good summer and a good tan. I am alot more thankful for every day and hope to keep this in my life as i return...

Vegan MoFo

Vegan MoFo is coming up again in October. I have never been a part of this. The idea is to blog as much as poosible about vegan food and cooking in the month. Aiming for about 20 posts- 1 for every weekday. Maybe this will get me back to blogging again......

Shark bite....

Walking around in this leg brace for the past 9 weeks has led me to much attention. Everyone and anyone feels the need to comment or talk to me about my knee. I have heard from the worst "that suck" to the many, many, many stories of others injuries. Alot of people want to know how i did it, sometimes i am impeled to tell the truth other times i agree with what they ask and walk away. But the best happened to me today sitting on the beach. A man walked by and plainly said "Shark bite"..... I quickly agreed and he kept walking. i used it later when someone asked as i was leaving the beach.

Puzzled...

I received an email in my inbox today which i subscribe from diseaseproof.com. They send frequent emails about health reports and evaluations of recent literature and findings. I receive on today that got me thinking of how people pick and choose the "health" aspects of thier life. This one piece of literature stated that vegatarians and vegans are 12 percent less likely to develop cancer than meat eaters and the advantage is particularly marked when it comes to cancers of the blood, which becomes a shocking 45% less. OK that speaks to me... How about you??
It brought me to thinking about how this fact does not effect others. 45% LESS. People are not willing to sacrifice but they do like to add things to their already established habits. ie. My dad will not change what he eats- but will add vitamins daily- a whole handful and those nuts with the "good fats" for an evening snack. He reads all about the literature to find the best vitamins but the glaring evidence about not eating meat and having a overall 12% chance less likely to develop cancer. Why wouldn't you change this???? Think about it.

The 411 on SPF

Nutrition Action newsletter arrives in my mailbox bimonthly. The most interesting, newsfulled, health and diet magazine full of facts and all the "juice" i love. The feature this time was "The Skinny on Skin". It takes about how there is no evidence of antioxidants on skin aging, age is no the cause of wrinkles- sun exposure is, sugar does no cause wrinkles, sunscreen is safe.

The best feature of the article is the explanation on the SPF number. I have heard so many things about what that number really means. A sunscreen with SPF ( sun protection factor) of 30 is twice as good as an SPF 15, right... WRONG. If applied properly a sunscreen with SPF of 15 blocks about 94% of sun's UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and one with 45 blocks about 98%. It also says how much to use.. Apply half a teaspoon each to your head, neck and each arm, and at least a teaspoon to your chest back and each leg = 6 teaspoons. A 6-8 oz bottle should only last a few days. Be careful of UVA and UVB, SPF only protects against UVB. The UVB causes sunburn, suntan, and skin cancer. UVA can cause skin aging and skin cancer. UVA sunscreend must contain 1 of the 5 following ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. As much as I love the sun, and a suntan, i do not want wrinkles.

Looking for the inspiration with perspiration

So most of you wo read my blog know what has been occuring with my knee over the past few months. If not here it is in a nutshell. On the beach in Costa Rica day 2 of 8 for a yoga retreat with wake up yoga and a macaw lands on my back and i freak out and try to run away. A twist and snap I knew my menicus was torn. Made it through the rest of the week and 1 month til I couldn't take it anymore. MRI positive for lateral meniscus tear and no view of the ACL Went back to old durgeon from '01 when I did this the first time (on an inflatable obstacle course). Went under the knife for a scope and possible-menisectomy, ACL revision, or repair... Turnned out to be a lateral meniscal repair with bone grafting after old hardware removal. Walk in extension for 7 weeks... took up swimming....lifing weights and alot of life modification. Havent' worked in 7 weeks and it is a weird feeling. Have been working on my tan hard. I have been looking for the inspiration due to times of depression throughout the 7 weeks. Found most of it while at the gym and pool. -The laady swimming next to me for over an hour was 90 on one side and the man on the other side had both knees replaced. - next day met a man who is in remission from cancer and works out at the gym everyday.
So many people have over come more than me, but the truth is when it happens to you it just plain old sucks and i want a pity party. The inspiration has helped but there is always that minute bit of selfishness. I am on the upswing now. Just has surgery #2 yesterday to reconstruct the ACL. Surgeon seems to feel positive, so should I......

I am the taste in water..

I AM THE TASTE IN WATER. I Read this quote breezing through Bhagavad Gita this evening as i had trouble sleeping. I thought about what this taste is.... Pure, simple, yet a complex compound of hydrogen and oxygen H2O. clean, wet, satiating, composition necessary for sustaining life.

In travel this weekend my south jersey accent often comes out in the pronunciation of this word. WADER_ WOuDER- WA ter... Makes you realize where you are from - my composition, your nature from nurture,,, Also right and wrong in pronunciation. Does it exist? What is existance??

Inspiration

After a happy- miserable weather morning at the art museum. For breast cancer they held an outdoor yoga class on the steps of the art museum, still rainy and cold. It was very sweet and made me think about how much i take for granted and need to aprieciate what i have in my life. It turnned to be a lazy day. I made apricot BBQ sauce from VCON and Happy Herbivores Carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Great recipes- was a tough decision to choose the cream cheese over the maple frosting. But i was initially inspired by having the Toffuti in the fridge. Check out this recipe! Vegan, no refined sugar, whole wheat and no oil.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup raw sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 heaping tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 large peeled carrot, shredded
1 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 generous tsp vanilla
1/2 - 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional but recommended)
* you can use raisins too.

METHOD
Preheat 350 F
Mix flour, baking powder, soda, sugar, salt & cinnamon in a medium bowl
in a large bowl, mix applesauce, vanilla & carrots
Add dry mix to wet mix 1/2 cup at a time
Mix well before adding the next 1/2 cup of the flour mixture
Once blended, fold in walnuts
Fill muffin pan (greased or use paper cups) to the top
bake 15-17 minutes - fork check

MAKES 12 ‘cakes

Low Fat Cream Cheese Icing
INGREDIENTS
1 container non-hydrogenated tofutti cream cheese, room temp
1 generous tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
2 - 4 cups vegan confectioners sugar

METHOD
Use hand mixer to whip tofutti, vanilla & salt
Add 1/2 cup sugar at a time on low
Test after 2 cups, if its not sweet enough for you, add another 1/2 - 1 cup
(will be soupy)
Spoon icing on top of ‘cakes - will run naturally
(you should have some icing left over for a future batch)

For a thick icing, keep adding sugar until thick (4 cups or so)
* the icing is not soy free (the cake is)

Fat Free Maple Icing
INGREDIENTS
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tbsp maple
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS
using a hand mixer,
whip 1 cup of sugar, maple, cinn and vanilla
add more sugar if necessary to get right consistency
whip until fluffy and combined

Whole wheat Crepes with Cashew cream and macerated berries

Ahhh the thin pancake from France. I made it my signiture of Mothers day brunch today. Traditionally made using eggs and milk. Of course I made the whole wheat, with the recipe from Veganomicon.
WW crepes- makes 8
1.5 cups rice or soy milk- i used rice this time but soy last and soy was better
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup ww pastry flour
1/4 cup AP flour
1/4 cup chickpea flour
1 tbsp arrowroot flour
1/2 tsp salt
dash of agave
Combine all in food processor or blender. Pour into an airtight container and store overnight!! Best this way.
Stir when ready to use. Heat pan and spray with non stick spray. ladle 1/2 cup into center of pan and spread into a thin layer by rotating the pan. When ready top will be dry abd center bubling with browned edges. Flip and cook 2nd side about 30 sec. Fold and top!
I went for the sweet option this time.

Raw Cashew cream

1 cup cashew
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup agave
Blend in food processor until fluffy. It is specacular.

Macerated Berries Use acid, and alcohol!!
My great friend Linn is a baker and I was looking for inspiration on topping this was her suggestion.
Soak berries in lemon juice, sweetener (she suggested sugar- I used agave), and Gran Marnier.

My mom is a chocolate fiend so i had to add this to the crepes.

They were a big hit at brunch. This is the only crepe recipe I have tried and it hasn't failed me. Maybe next time i will venture to another one. As for the berries and the cashew cream they were fantastic toppings. I will be using the cashew cream for a long time......

world's happiest places

10. Belgium
9. Norway
8. New Zealand
7. Switzerland
6. Canada
5. Ireland
4. Sweden
3. Netherlands
2. Finland
1. Denmark

The report looked at subjective well-being, defined as life satisfaction. Did people feel like their lives were dominated by positive experiences and feelings, or negative ones?

To answer that question, the OECD used data from a Gallup World Poll conducted in 140 countries around the world last year. The poll asked respondents whether they had experienced six different forms of positive or negative feelings within the last day.

USA not even close to the top!

83 year old yoga teacher

She has been teaching yoga for over 40 years. At 83, a grandmother and an amazing lady who has written 3 books about yoga and arthritis.

The perfect watermelon

One of my coworkers picked a great watermelon and he decideded to share his tactic. he says the bigger the spot where the vine grew the better the watermelon. Hmmm. I decided to explre this a little further and found the following tips to picking a watermelon. They don't ripen after beeing pick so make your choice count!
-symmetrical in size
-yellow or white spot where it was in contact with the vine -light green=unripe
-THUMP test- just so go ahead and thump aparently a hollow sound is good
-scratch the surface- a greenish white color beneath the rind=ripe
-little contrast between the stripes

Although the end seems to be the best indicator the only thing i found is to look at the collow white- yellow.

Just an opinion

I went to my car this morning to go to yoga and a piece of paper with the following was on my car "You are worsening the US Economy by driving foreign automobile. Many american workers losing their job, because you and many other un-patriotic b**tards buying foreign car. You should be ashamed of yourself"
I was shocked first who who walk laround the city doing this. I did not think that this was the right way to go about it. SHould i go sell my car now and buy an american car?? Opinions are just that opinions and should be kept to yourself not on my windshield. My opinion....

You know you have done it...

I googled my name this morning and this is what I found
-a women in IL who just lost her husband and looking to meet people :(
- myself on facebook
-owner of Mckesson Corp. - CA - wholesaler of drugs and sundries
-someone with the same name who graduated from Delran HS in NJ
-an aqua and YOGA instructor with the same name for people with MS in FL
- a Diana Duda Mongo (her name is even cooler)
- stuff in spanish (i think Duda means doubt)
-a Diana Duda who went to Villanove law school's resume
-A diana Duda from Glenwood IL who is a yoga teacher- I'm not sure if its the same one- I emailed her

Green smoothies...

I have been away a while. Traveling and struggling with some GI invaders... aka PEPE... I have can back with an inspiration that I call the green smoothie. Postpunkkers have inspired me as breakfast is always a struggle. I go to the gym every morning and don't like to eat before-- or after as a matter of fact. But I do love my fruit. Gillian McKeith's You are What you Eat says to eat fruit alone first thing in the morning and not in combo with protein. SO I have been doing that with lots of berries. I do have my afternoon fruits though- without protein. See the last blueberry blog for the latest research. I now have discovered green smoothies. Tons of fresh fruit in the blender with a mix of fresh baby spinach. It is a true morning awakener. i have never felt so alive- I'm not sure whether it is the jolt of sugar or the chlorophyll kick but i feel good. I have been having it after my morning workout, but by thursday I need a morning kick so i had most of it before the gym with great results.
The combos are endless
Monday- pineapple, mango,honeydew, strawberry,orange, banana, spinach
Tuesday- pineapple, mango, strawberry,honeydew, banana, spinach
Wednesday- Pineapple, mango, honeydew, banana, spinach
Thursday- Pineapple, banana, strawberry, spinach
Friday will be strawberry, pineapple, mango, blackberry, spinach

best of the best

Best of the bunch
We all know that whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables should form the basis of any diet, but if you want to earn a gold star in nutrition, read on for Dr. Greger’s picks. The healthiest variety of your favorite food may not be what you expect.

Mushrooms
1. Porcini
2. Button
3. Morel

Nuts
1. Pecans
2. Walnuts
3. Hazelnuts

Beans
1. Black beans
2. Lentils
3. Kidney beans

best of the best

Best of the bunch
We all know that whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables should form the basis of any diet, but if you want to earn a gold star in nutrition, read on for Dr. Greger’s picks. The healthiest variety of your favorite food may not be what you expect.

Mushrooms
1. Porcini
2. Button
3. Morel

Nuts
1. Pecans
2. Walnuts
3. Hazelnuts

Beans
1. Black beans
2. Lentils
3. Kidney beans

Colon Cleanse

I'm on Day 3- officially halfway through my colon cleanse from Blessed herbs. I feel good so far- everything moving along just well. It gets the toxins from the colon. Drink apple juice with a toxin absorbing fiber powder 5 times a day. It was reccomended by a whole body person at whole foods, so i gave it a try. Other cleanses are out there including the master cleanse- lemon, maple syrup, and cayenne. If you arent ready for the entire 9 day cleanse or others of the sort- try encoporating theses into your diet for detox.
Cauliflower: Members of the cruciferous family, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all known for their cancer-fighting properties.

Cayenne: Enhances blood circulation, stimulates the digestive system, and protects the body with its antioxidants from the effects of harmful chemicals.

Cinnamon: Helpful for reducing intestinal gas and aids in increasing blood circulation. This spice is also known to treat diarrhea, nausea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and Candida.

Garlic: Antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, and antifungal, garlic is used to treat ear infections, influenza, blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It eliminates toxins from the body and is antiparasitic.

Ginger: Used to improve circulation, aid detoxification, and improve the cleansing of the kidneys and bowels. Also used to treat colds, motion sickness, nausea, and morning sickness.

Miso: Helps to protect the body from radiation, cancer, air pollution, and environmental toxins. A wonderful digestive aid and protein source.

Nori: This sea veggie is great paired with fried foods since it emulsifies fat and aids in its digestion. Rich in vitamin A, protein, B vitamins, calcium, and iron.

Quinoa: This simple seed is a complete protein, and also boasts high calcium and lysine contents.

Turmeric: Found in most curry powders, this mustard-colored spice is high in beta carotene, strengthens the immune system, and helps to dissolve cysts and tumors.

Winter Squash: A warming food, these sweet squashes are a good source of vitamins A, C, and potassium.

orthorexia....

This term was defined to describe people with health food obsession. A new york times article talked about how this obsession can be compared to eating disorders of anorexia and OCD. He says that orthorexics are anorexics in disguise. Hmmm. While there is no clinical criteria for diagnosis it is a wide term that is being thrown arounds. I think that they do have a point to an extent. I would diagnose myself with orthorexia. I love healthy foods, eating them, reading about them and blogging about them. Do i have a disorder???

Wine for health or for cancer.....

I don't really drink too much or too offten but when i do my ususal choice is red wine. The phenols in red wine and grapes are supposed to have antioxidant properties to help your. But sorry ladies, it just got worse. A new study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found women who drink 1 glass of wine each day raise their risk of certain cancers, like throat, breast and liver cancer, by as much as 22%. Experts examined survey answers from 1 million women in the U.K. and 68,775 cancer diagnoses over 7years. Findings also revealed drinking 2 glasses of wine day doubled risk; The Daily Telegraph reports.
That really sucks- i guess i'll just stick to the grapes

Victoria Secret is vegan?

They took polls and surverys to find out importance amoung its consumers- "think pink, live green" is the motto
From the press release,

"INTRODUCING PINK BODY, a unique line of skin-loving and earth-
friendly products created specifically for the pink girl. She spoke.
We listened. The result? A more personalized approach to everyday
body care using organic and vegan ingredients, powerful natural
formulas and eco-friendly packaging. With three dermatologist- tested,
solution-specific collections, each designed to pamper pink girls
from tip to toe: nourishing for dry skin, energizing for dull,
sluggish skin and soothing for extra-sensitive skin. Plus, four
additional essentials that everyone can use and love. It's all about
finding ways to look good, feel good and do a little good, too."

Good for Victoria's secret for realizing organic, vegan and bio friendly is important- I would try their products

10 facts i liked

Reccomendations for healthy vegan eating/things to keep in mind

1) 14 to 20 g: recommended maximum fat grams per day by Drs. Ornish, Esselstyn, Barnard, and McDougall

2) 12 to 14 g: amount of fat grams in 1 TBL of oil

3) 100 to 120 calories: amount of calories in 1 TBL of oil

4) 16 TBL: number of TBL in 1 cup of oil, Earth Balance, Soy Margarine, etc., (240 g of fat)

5) 24 g: fat grams in one serving (2 TBL) of most oil-based dressings

6) 10 percent: recommended daily percentage of calories from fat (Ornish, Esselstyn)

7) < 2000 mg: recommended sodium per day (Esselstyn)

8) 2400 mg: amount of sodium in 1 tsp of salt

9) 445,687: number of deaths (US) from coronary heart disease in 2005... the single leading cause of death in America today (source)

10) 17,000,000: number of people killed by heart disease and stroke a year, which is almost one-third of all deaths globally (source)

Lotus

The lotus flower grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. At night the flower closes and sinks underwater, at dawn it rises and opens again. Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolizes the purity of heart and mind. The lotus flower represents long life, health, honor and good luck.
The Lotus root is the rhizome of the flower and is edible popular in Asian meals. I went to China town this weekend with my mama and we picked up a few things including
the lotus root. The Chinese ladies shopping were helpful with our annoying questions on what the heck to do with it. So pretty inside but so ugly outside. What a reflection of inner beauty just like the lotus flower.

To cook- cut the knobs off the ends and peel. Cut into sections. Steam (I used my
steamer basket) around 10 minutes. i then added the baby bok choy, mushrooms for another few minutes. Stirfry with tamari or soy sauce and ginger for a few minutes. enjoy

2009 trends

I found this article on trends of the ....no not fashion food.
-Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower ( I just made roasted brussel sprouts yesterday- most people are not a fan but give 'm a chance people. They are cruniferious veggies and fight cancer! proven fact to reduce cancer risk but people wont eat them. Try the cauliflower or brocolli then. My 2 fav ways to eat cauliflower are steamed and mashed with roasted garlic. Trust me good i even fooled my anti veg brother into this one. Or steamed with curry.

-Flavanols- in lots of fruits, veggies, chocolate and red wine.
-Apples- The most trusted fruit in my book. Local, sweet, hardy, travels well. What a dependable fruit. I eat one after my salad everyday for lunch. I must eat them organic though the wax on non-organic freaks me out
-Pomegranates- so 2007 but its making a comeback i guess. I found the best way to eat from Martha cut in half stick in a bowl of water and pop out the seeds. they sink the layers float.
-Fish Rich in Omega-3-Fats- No fish for me but see previous posting for vegan sources- walnuts, flax, chia seeds
-Vegetable Proteins so all food is made of 3 main sources carbs, protein and fat. Your foods are made of one of these. Veggies have protein- legumes, beans, soy products.
-Flax Pasta- Havent tried this yet. I'm not a huge pasta lover, not big on starchy carbs. let me know if you've tried and worth it
-Cooking from "Scratch"- An always in my book
-Crock Pots & One-Pot Meals- I like soups alot

Vegan eating in Disney

I went to Disney world for the first time in 10 years. And the first time being vegan. Actually vegan eating in Disney was great. We stopped at a grocery store on the way to the hotel and picked up fruit, veg, water hummus the necessities. I ate granola bars and fruit for breakfast, hummus and pita with carrots for lunch and fruit for day snacking. We had dinners out. Surprisingly they have alot of veg options in the parks, vegan options were a little more rare but existed. The first night in the Magic Kingdom we ate at Cosmic Ray's starlight cafe- who had a veggie wrap and a great topping bar to which i made a salad from. Sat night we ate at the steakhouse in canada at Epcot- the chef came right out to the table and asked what i liked. I saw they had mushrooms, asparagus and root veggies- he made me a fantastic stir fry roated ensemble which was delishious. Sunday night we ate at Mamma Melrose and I had another chef come to the table who made another veggie assortment with eggplant, peppers, onions- a little cold but still good. The great people at Disney were more than accomodating in all aspects. Sunday night was the night of departure and we ate in the land after a great behind the scenes of the greenhouses. Very cool stuff goes on back there. We ate at the counter service at the Land building. Lots of vegan options there. I had a roasted beet salad- they gratefully left off the goat chesse and added way more beets. What a great eating experience. They made it more than easy and were so accomodating everywhere. Don't hesitate to eat at disney when vegan just dont forget to talk to the chef. A few time I inquired about some soups- made with fish or chicken stock like the miso in Japan and veggie chili in the magic kingdom. I was surprised to see many fresh food options also lots of salads, fruit, and veggies in the parks! Check out this site for a little help

Happy new year

Was such a nice day- i couldnt help but take advantage of the city and the weather. It was also the celebration of the Chinese new year. In celebration down in China town they closed off a few block. Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. 2009 is the year of the ox. Those born in the year of the ox are patient, determined, easygoing, hardworking, and tenacious and determined to get the job done. In tradition is the Lion dance. The dragon travels to each of the stores and lights off fire crackers. Fire crackers were used to chase away the mythical monster, Nian, which once terrorized the people. But over time, their loud noises have been used to create the jovial, holiday mood. There is also a head of lettuce at the top which i believe was feeding the dragons that visit.
FYI i was born the year of the dog. Dogs possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other peoples confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders----actually this describes me pretty well!

How do you get your Omega 3's

Fish, flax, walnuts, or chia seeds??? Yes- like your chia Pet--- Chia seeds are said to have:

*2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,

*5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones,

*2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,

*3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries

*3 times more iron than spinach

*copious amounts of omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential fatty acids


They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fibr. Chia is highly hydrophilic: the seeds absorb water and create a gel. They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and they absorb it very rapidly.
Chia seeds typically contain 20% protein, 34% oil, and 25% dietary fiber. The oil from chia seeds contain a very high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acid - approx. 64%in the oil.
Chia has been called a dieter's dream food because when added to foods, it bulks them up, displacing calories and fat without diluting the flavour. Thus, someone can eat a typical serving, yet only consume about half the calories they might have eaten, because the food has been bulked up with chia. Chia's hydrophilic structure holds water, so when mixed with sauces, drinks, yogurt, salad, dressings, cream cheese, jellies and preserves, salsa, hot/cold cereal, dips, puddings, soups, etc., it displaces calories and fat! In addition to extending foods by 50% - 75% calories now needed in the economic times. Fat has been reduced without compromising flavor, with an ingredient that is 90% water.

How to eat you ask- Make into a gel (1/3 cup of seeds (2oz) to 2 cups of water store- Mix into other recipes. Or sprinkle onto salads ( my preference).
You can also spout to make your PET of choice....Scooby....

OR Chia Britney?

Chia Britney - The Movie - video powered by Metacafe

8 things to eat everyday

I have seen many lists. These are cited as the 8 things to eat everyday
Spinach
Yogurt
Tomatoes
Carrots
Blueberries
Black Beans
Walnuts
Oats

Yogurt being the only non-vegan one i guess soy can replace it. I do pretty much eat the rest if not daily every other day. Oatmeal or berries for breakfast. Spinach salad with other veg for lunch. I have been eating more nuts and beans....

Blueberries....and Milk

Today a report came out about blueberries and the combined consumption with other foods. Food combos have been a source of dispute for a while now. this most recent study was quite interesting. Now popular being it is the dead of summer below the equator we can get blueberries now from Chile- not the same as Jersey fresh but decent (sometmes). Blueberries are high in antioxidents but the study found that combine with milk they lose its efectiveness. A new study reported in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine investigated whether antioxidant properties of blueberries were dimished by protein. They assessed the bioavailability of phenolics after consumption of blueberries with and without milk. Phenolics are the active compounds in plants that give blueberries their antioxidant potential.

While I dont drink milk---This study suggests that the best way to gain maximum benefits from blueberries and other fruits eaten for their polyphenol content is to consume them either one hour before protein is consumed, or two hours after.

PETA and the Superbowl

This was an ad that PETA wanted to use for a commercial at the superbowl. Kinda Riskee. at 3 mil a 30 sec commercial...
http://www.peta.org/content/standalone/VeggieLove/Default.aspx?c=pbsaec09

natural cures

I was having an issue with dandruff this week. Ewh gross I know- first time ever and I love to wear black. I guess it just is a dry scalp. I consulted my whole body friend who know loads. She told me to use apple cider vinegar on my scalp and wrap it up for 30 min. Turns out i just bought a new bottle last week! (very strange coincidence) She says it can be from a pH balance usually to acidic. I did have a diet change this week- I was eating way too much fruit = too much sugar= too much carbs. I just switched back to eating more and more greens and more protein with less fruits and carbs. Hmm we seem to think it may have been due to diet, or the 10 degree weather, or the really hot showers!! I tried it tonight and used my cucumber and almond mask from India on my face. Skin feels greats awaiting results from the apple cider viegar. Thanks for the advice! Tomorrow I am wearing Grey or is is gray??

Vegan Drinks Philly

Release November 6, 2008-- Philadelphia now joins New York City , several counties, and the state of California in passing a strong menu labeling requirement for chain restaurants. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, chain restaurants with more than 15 outlets will have to disclose calories on menu boards, and calories, saturated and trans fat, sodium and carbohydrates on printed menus

Edamame

Just recently i have rediscovered edamame. I have had these green veggies in the past but refound them in my life as an afternoon snack. I was too frequently snacking on fruit and decided I was getting in too much sugar. I bought the edamame frozen, they come in and out of the pods. So what are these delishious things---SOYBEANS. From Asia and frequently found in japanese restaurants along with your sushi (mine vegan with miso always). The word Edamame means "Beans on Branches," and it grows in clusters on bushy branches. In Asia, the soybean has been used for over two thousand years as a major source of protein. It is a complete protein containing all 8 amino acids not produced by the body. Proteins have also been shown to stabilize blood sugar, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to combat depression
Edamame are also a fiber-rich food with a higher levels of abscisic acid, sucrose, protein than other types of soybean. They also contain a high source of vitamin A, vitamin B and calcium and the magic word isoflavones.Although still debated about the benefits of soy- certain proteins in soy protect against cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis
Here's what you'll find in a half-cup serving of shelled edamame (or 1 1/8 cup edamame in the pods):

120 calories
9 grams fiber
2.5 grams fat
1.5 grams polyunsaturated fat (0.3 grams plant omega-3 fatty acids)
0.5 gram monounsaturated fat
11 grams protein
13 grams carbohydrate
15 mg sodium
10% of the Daily Value for vitamin C
10% Daily Value for iron
8% Daily Value for vitamin A
4% Daily Value for calcium
Pick some up today!

Dinner and a Movie

Last night A and I went to dinner and a movie after work. Dinner was at Adobe cafe in Roxborough. A fantastic Mexican rest with great food and tons of vegan options. They have a 2 page menu for just veg. They have tofu sour cream and soy cheese. I got he portabello fajitatas! Whatever spice they use is delish. I usually skip the tortillas and just eat the stuff with a fork. I like Mexican food a whole lot.
Then we went to see Gran Torino in Bala Cynwyd. Its a old fashion movie theater which shows 3 movies- usually not the Blockbuster hits. I also saw Slumdog millionare there 2 weeks ago. Gran Torino was a great movie- not onlyon the point dealing with stereotypes, racism, and the gap of generations but funny in a non comedic way. Clint Eastwood did a great job. It was thought provoking and put things into perspective. Def. check out both the dinner and movie.

Adobe Cafe- 4550 Mitchell st Roxborough PA
If you look it up with Citysearch.com there is a $5 off coupon

The 11 best foods you aren't Eating!

(This post was originally published on June 30, 2008, and recently appeared on The New York Times’s list of most-viewed stories for 2008.)

Nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden has created several lists of healthful foods people should be eating but aren’t. But some of his favorites, like purslane, guava and goji berries, aren’t always available at regular grocery stores. I asked Dr. Bowden, author of “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth,” to update his list with some favorite foods that are easy to find but don’t always find their way into our shopping carts. Here’s his advice.

Beets: Think of beets as red spinach, Dr. Bowden said, because they are a rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters.
How to eat: Fresh, raw and grated to make a salad. Heating decreases the antioxidant power.
Cabbage: Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.
How to eat: Asian-style slaw or as a crunchy topping on burgers and sandwiches.
Swiss chard: A leafy green vegetable packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes.
How to eat it: Chop and saute in olive oil.
Cinnamon: May help control blood sugar and cholesterol.
How to eat it: Sprinkle on coffee or oatmeal.
Pomegranate juice: Appears to lower blood pressure and loaded with antioxidants.
How to eat: Just drink it.
Dried plums: Okay, so they are really prunes, but they are packed with antioxidants.
How to eat: Wrapped in prosciutto and baked.
Pumpkin seeds: The most nutritious part of the pumpkin and packed with magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for early death.
How to eat: Roasted as a snack, or sprinkled on salad.
Sardines: Dr. Bowden calls them “health food in a can.” They are high in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins.
How to eat: Choose sardines packed in olive or sardine oil. Eat plain, mixed with salad, on toast, or mashed with dijon mustard and onions as a spread.
Turmeric: The “superstar of spices,” it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
How to eat: Mix with scrambled eggs or in any vegetable dish.
Frozen blueberries: Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil; associated with better memory in animal studies.
How to eat: Blended with yogurt or chocolate soy milk and sprinkled with crushed almonds.
Canned pumpkin: A low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories.
How to eat: Mix with a little butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Only 1 of these are not vegan- SARDINES- and i wouldn't miss them. I can get my Omega 3's from walnuts. I think i ate 3 of these just today. Eat up!

Homemade PEanut butter

I have been known to make my own nut butters b/c I am a freak about where my food comes from and the less processed the better. I can't believe more people dont do it. I buy raw nuts- roast them for 20 min in the oven at 350. ANd thrown them into the food processor until creamy... Peanut, Almond, Cashew, Macadamia, Walnut... endless possibilities.

I now add that I make my own PB and now I hear there was an outbreak of samonella in PB. 474 people as of Friday Jan 16 in 43 states (PA and NJ included) were sickened- which makes me sickened! King Nut recalled 1000 cases of PB. This is 2 years after Con Agra recalled its Peter Pan brand peanut butter, which had been linked to at least 625 salmonella cases in 47 states.

Tomorrow at Wholefoods Callowhill

Tomorrow... Tomorrow is only a day awayyyyyyyyyyyy....... A few Wednesdays a month Wholefoods in Callowhill has a tasting night where they feature different foods and recipes with a theme. Tomorrow is VEGAN tasting night. Check it out if you are in the 'hood from 6-8. Fortunatly I live 2 blocks away. I work till 630 but will stop on my way home round 7. Hope they dont run out. Vegan food is tasty no matter what you have heard...

Too fat to fly in India

This week, 9 female flight attendants for Air India, who could not meet the company’s weight standards, were fired. The crew members were said to be significantly overweight and had been given time to lose weight, but did not. The airline cites fitness and efficiency concerns for the weight standards, but the lawyer for the flight attendants calls the firings illegal and plans to file paperwork with the Supreme Court; CBS News reports.
You should see the attendants on King Fisher Airlines!

There are BUGS in your food!

The FDA is cracking down on the use of carmine or cochineal extract, which makes red, pink, orange and purple food coloring. Yes this comes from female BEETLES!Currently these are usually listed as "artificial color". They are now being banned because they can cause allergic reactions. YUCK!

Food for thought (or drink)

My friend was telling me today that she is suffering from congestion and is going to try to stop dairy for a while. Knowing i was vegan she knew she would have my support. Human breast milk is fantastic for INFANTS (human that is) while cows milk is meant for baby cows-NOT HUMANS. We are the only species to consume another mammals milk after infancy. HMMM
Try drinking- soy, almond, rice, oat, hemp milk all for the same satisfaction minus the unneeded hormones from another animal.

Veggie Chili

Today I made Veggie Chili- a blend I learned from 2 of my coworkers (M&R)
1 sweet onion- diced
1 bell pepper diced- I used an orange
3 carrots- diced
3 cloves of garlic- crushed
1 green squash
1 fresh ear of corn
1 28 oz can of organic diced tomatos
1 15 oz can of chili beans- i used a blend of pinto, kidney and black
3tsp of chili powder
2 tsp of cumin
1-2 tsp of oregano
2 tsp of cinnamon- Secret ingredient

Saute all veggies - add garlic then tomatoes and beans add spices plus salt and pepper to taste
Simmer 30 minnutes

One of my favorite foods- BANANAS

I subscribe to many blogs and mailing especially about healthy foods- The worlds healthiest foods sends me info and or recipes everyday. Check it out at. I learned about bananas today. SOmeone asked a question about if you should refridgerate them or not. I dont fridge mine. They get all brown and if not ripe stop them from ripening. I like mine mid ripe but if they get too ripe I peel and freeze them to make banana "ice cream"- reipe to follow.
Bananas are best for their potassium 467mg to 1 mg sodium..which may prevent against high BP and athlerosclerosis documented in many studies.They are also high in vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese.

Other disease prevention includes- prevention against stomach ulcers with antacid effects (i def suffer from this daily). Improve elimination (pooping), protect eyesight, improve bones by absorbing calcium, promote kidney health from its antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Banana tips: If you need to hasten the ripening process, you can place bananas in a paper bag or wrap them in newspaper, adding an apple to accelerate the process.
For the most antioxidants, eat fully ripened fruit A key to this process is actually the color change and how the chlorophyll is used.

Besides raw my favorite way to consume bananas is frozen and pureed to make banana ice cream. With a overripe banana peel and freeze. Simply place frozen banana in food processor until thick and creamy and enjoy=Banana ice cream


Due to the pectin in the banana they are also great for baking vegan cakes and desserts in replacement of EGGS. Try banana bread- One good recipe from Veganomicon is the lower fat banana bread which I make as muffins becuase I am impatient.


If you love bananas like me check out mine and Jill's fav from trader Joes-NOTHING BUT BANANA FLATTENED

2009

As 2009 is just beginning I want to do the cliche and set my resolutions or my goals for the year. As of Jan 2, 2009 here is how they stand
-Start blogging regularly
-Do one thing a day that scares me (stole for LULULEMON)
-Create an understanding of my personal finance
-Learn and Teach about healthy living
-Appeciate myself
-Volunteer in some capacity
-Live a greener life

These will be changing as life goes on....

Everything Changes....

Let me start my new blog by introducing myself in a few words. I am in my 20's living in one of the largest cities in the US- Philadelphia. I grew up in south Jersy- Washington Township. I earned my Masters in physical therapy in 2005 from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia began working at MossRehab and earned my doctorate in Physical therapy in 2007. I am also a certified yoga instructor but more of a student- not currently teaching. I have been vegan for over a year now and vegetarian for over 3ish years. I have a strong desire to both teach learn and share. I have a huge interest in health, nutrition and fitness. I want my blog to reflect the knowledge that i learn and want to share with others in all of these fields.
My life has changed over the past few years in both good and challenges....it has made me who i am RIGHT NOW...