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...