Yes, Earth Day was Friday, but I just read a compelling chapter out of "The Veganist", by Kathy Freston.
Did you know that the business of raising animals for food is responsible for 18% of global warming? And, animal agriculture takes up an incredible 70% of all agricultural land and 30% of the land surface of the earth?
If every American skipped ONE meal of chicken per week and substituted vegetarian foods, it would be the equivalent of taking 1/2 million cars off US roads!!
On average, it takes more than ten times as much fossil fuel to make one calorie of animal protein than it does to make on calorie of plant protein.
Most of us become vegans for our personal health, and rightly so. But besides the animal aspect, think of the earth. We only have one, and becoming a vegan will greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
Have a fun, veggie filled day!
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Happy Earth Day!
In honor of Earth Day, I decided to share a fee of my favorite eco-friendly products.
First, one of Matt's least favorite things in my closet, Simple shoes.
These shoes are made out of recycled tires! How cool is that?! They are super comfortable and perfect for a lazy Saturday. Next on my list of sustainable shoes, TOMS vegan variety made with organic cotton :)
Anything Seventh Generation.
Every cleaning product in our house is Seventh Generation. We love it! It cleans just like those harmful conventional cleaners, but are non-toxic, use plant derived ingredients, and the packaging is made from 90% PC (post costumer) recycled waste. Not to mention, they have aromatherapy type qualities with scents like lavender, but they also come in fragrance free, as well.
Another kitchen product I adore is my Veggie Wash.
Sadly, there is no Whole Foods here, so sometimes we can't find certain produce we like in organic form. That's when we use this all natural veggie wash. It uses citrus to clean off waxes and pesticides, and smells terrific. Plus, you aren't ingesting anything harmful from the wash.
Then we have organic goodies.
USDA certified organic goods are free of toxic pesticides, as well as hormones and antibiotics (which is in every meat product that is not USDA certified). I'll try to stay off my soap box, but I stress that it is very very important that you buy certified organic goods whenever possible. Not only for your short and long-term health, but for the earth, as well as the livelihood of the farmers and manufacturers that produce these goods for us. They obviously have high standards and morals, so I want our money to go to them. Also, every time you purchase an item, it casts a vote. We should demand high quality, toxin-free produce and goods. So vote organic!
Ah, and one of my favorites, soy candles.
We burn candles nightly. It cuts electricity costs, and creates a nice ambiance. You will only find soy candles in the Cole house. They are much better for the environment, and often last longer.
Last, but not least, our compost pile. Just kidding, it's kind of gross. But I do have one more for ya...
BOOKS! You may be thinking, those are made of paper, hence, cut down trees. And you'd be correct. However, you can reduce your carbon footprint by recycling books, like buying them from used bookstores or on Amazon. I can't do the kindle thing...I need a book in my hands. So I try to purchase them second hand, whenever possible. Plus, a lot of books these days (at least the ones I've been reading on the environment and vegan whatnots) are printed on recycled paper.
It is also very important that we read up on these things. Don't you want a better planet for your grandchildren? And I'm sure God isn't happy with they way we've destroyed his/her blessed creation.
So please remember when you are at the store to consider what you are buying. You are casting a vote. Sure, you are probably going to spend a little more, but you will have a clear conscience, and your mother (earth) will thank you.
Now get outside and enjoy the day!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
First, one of Matt's least favorite things in my closet, Simple shoes.
These shoes are made out of recycled tires! How cool is that?! They are super comfortable and perfect for a lazy Saturday. Next on my list of sustainable shoes, TOMS vegan variety made with organic cotton :)
Anything Seventh Generation.
Every cleaning product in our house is Seventh Generation. We love it! It cleans just like those harmful conventional cleaners, but are non-toxic, use plant derived ingredients, and the packaging is made from 90% PC (post costumer) recycled waste. Not to mention, they have aromatherapy type qualities with scents like lavender, but they also come in fragrance free, as well.
Another kitchen product I adore is my Veggie Wash.
Sadly, there is no Whole Foods here, so sometimes we can't find certain produce we like in organic form. That's when we use this all natural veggie wash. It uses citrus to clean off waxes and pesticides, and smells terrific. Plus, you aren't ingesting anything harmful from the wash.
Then we have organic goodies.
USDA certified organic goods are free of toxic pesticides, as well as hormones and antibiotics (which is in every meat product that is not USDA certified). I'll try to stay off my soap box, but I stress that it is very very important that you buy certified organic goods whenever possible. Not only for your short and long-term health, but for the earth, as well as the livelihood of the farmers and manufacturers that produce these goods for us. They obviously have high standards and morals, so I want our money to go to them. Also, every time you purchase an item, it casts a vote. We should demand high quality, toxin-free produce and goods. So vote organic!
Ah, and one of my favorites, soy candles.
We burn candles nightly. It cuts electricity costs, and creates a nice ambiance. You will only find soy candles in the Cole house. They are much better for the environment, and often last longer.
Last, but not least, our compost pile. Just kidding, it's kind of gross. But I do have one more for ya...
BOOKS! You may be thinking, those are made of paper, hence, cut down trees. And you'd be correct. However, you can reduce your carbon footprint by recycling books, like buying them from used bookstores or on Amazon. I can't do the kindle thing...I need a book in my hands. So I try to purchase them second hand, whenever possible. Plus, a lot of books these days (at least the ones I've been reading on the environment and vegan whatnots) are printed on recycled paper.
It is also very important that we read up on these things. Don't you want a better planet for your grandchildren? And I'm sure God isn't happy with they way we've destroyed his/her blessed creation.
So please remember when you are at the store to consider what you are buying. You are casting a vote. Sure, you are probably going to spend a little more, but you will have a clear conscience, and your mother (earth) will thank you.
Now get outside and enjoy the day!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Happy Earth Week!
Finally, one of my favorite weeks of the year - EARTH WEEK! Every week is earth week in the Cole household, but I enjoy seeing it discussed on every media outlet, talked about in schools, etc.
And Friday is Earth Day, so we will surely be having a fun time with that.
In the past, Matt and I have celebrated by nixing electricity for an evening, spending extra time in nature, and visiting our favorite farmer's market at the Heritage Ag Fields in Auburn (we miss you!!).
But like I said earlier, we don't subject just one week to celebrating our earth. We recycle (and are happy to announce that it is German law - WAKE UP AMERICA!), compost, follow a vegan lifestyle, and don't use electricity during the day (unless computer work must be done).
Matt knew what he was getting into when he met a hemp sandal wearing "granola" in 2008, and he has been so supportive of my involvement in the movement since that day (though he hates those shoes). I set up a recycling center with instructions at his apartment, he slowly transitioned into "veganish", he has made frequent solo ventures to the farmer's market, and he does most of the composting at our house :)
It doesn't take mounting solar panels on your rooftop to be green (though most of our neighbors have them and it makes me smile). It can start with switching all of your bulbs to CFLs, or writing/calling your local congressperson about how important it is they consider the environment in heir decision-making (if I had a dollar for every call I made, we would have solar panels). Even eliminating one meat based meal from your diet a week will save energy (not to mention, extend compassion).
Want to do something good for yourself AND the environment? Become a vegan. It will change your life and send a message to factory farmers that we don't need their wasteful and cruel products.
But I digress...
This is all about our ONE planet and our children, and their children. May they see this world cleaner and more fruitful than we do.
If you are interested in any films on the subject matter, check out the list below. None of them are bias or offensive, and make great sense.
Food, Inc.
Kilowatt Hours
Who Killed The Electric Car?
Fresh
Loves!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
And Friday is Earth Day, so we will surely be having a fun time with that.
In the past, Matt and I have celebrated by nixing electricity for an evening, spending extra time in nature, and visiting our favorite farmer's market at the Heritage Ag Fields in Auburn (we miss you!!).
But like I said earlier, we don't subject just one week to celebrating our earth. We recycle (and are happy to announce that it is German law - WAKE UP AMERICA!), compost, follow a vegan lifestyle, and don't use electricity during the day (unless computer work must be done).
Matt knew what he was getting into when he met a hemp sandal wearing "granola" in 2008, and he has been so supportive of my involvement in the movement since that day (though he hates those shoes). I set up a recycling center with instructions at his apartment, he slowly transitioned into "veganish", he has made frequent solo ventures to the farmer's market, and he does most of the composting at our house :)
It doesn't take mounting solar panels on your rooftop to be green (though most of our neighbors have them and it makes me smile). It can start with switching all of your bulbs to CFLs, or writing/calling your local congressperson about how important it is they consider the environment in heir decision-making (if I had a dollar for every call I made, we would have solar panels). Even eliminating one meat based meal from your diet a week will save energy (not to mention, extend compassion).
Want to do something good for yourself AND the environment? Become a vegan. It will change your life and send a message to factory farmers that we don't need their wasteful and cruel products.
But I digress...
This is all about our ONE planet and our children, and their children. May they see this world cleaner and more fruitful than we do.
If you are interested in any films on the subject matter, check out the list below. None of them are bias or offensive, and make great sense.
Food, Inc.
Kilowatt Hours
Who Killed The Electric Car?
Fresh
Loves!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Matzo Bark
Happy Passover, everyone! Matt and I attended a Seder last night, and I toiled over what to bring for some time. Then I came across a recipe that resembled the chocolate bark my family made during the holidays. I worked with it a bit and came up with this little gem.
First, start with your favorite matzo
Add it to baking dishes, with parchment paper underneath. Then make caramel; I just put 1/2 cup of Smart Balance vegan butter-like spread and 3/4 cup of brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Melt, and when it starts to bubble, it's ready.
Then pour it on top of the matzo like so:
Spread the caramel evenly. Then it gets a little tricky. There are two different barks you can make. One is crunchy and more like toffee, and the other is like a crunchy chocolate bar.
For the crunchy, process vegan chocolate until it is fine, like tiny pebbles. Sprinkle it over the caramel matzo, and put it in a warm oven (200 degrees F or so) until it's a little melted. It should take five minutes or so. Then remove from the oven and add chopped walnuts and kosher salt to the top.
If you prefer a less crunchy version, make a ganache by adding boiling rice, almond or hemp milk to the chocolate pieces, and proceed to blend with a fork or whisk. Then pour it over the caramel matzo, and finish off with chopped walnuts and salt. Put it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you are making it for an event, prepare it a day before.
YUM!
Crunchy matzo bark
This is the perfect sweet, salty, crunchy treat for all year round, but is especially fun at Passover. I hope you enjoy it!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Cous Cous and Asparagoose
We're on a cous cous kick. I gave Matt the option of bulgar, cous cous, or quinoa, and guess what he picked? No surprise there. I'm a quinoa fan, myself, but I do enjoy a hearty plate of cous cous.
Last night we baked butternut squash, cubed it, and mixed it with fresh red bell pepper (gotta get that vitamin c!) and cous cous. I'm a cumin and curry fan, so I added a bit of that as well. Yum tum tiger!
White asparagus, or "spargel" as it is called in Germany, is very common this time of year in Northern Europe. It is quite popular, and I have seen it several times at the local grocer, so yesterday I decided to pick it up. I always like to add something green to the plate, but whatevsies. It's pretty!
Besides being good to look at, wikipedia has this to say about asaparagus:
"It is a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, rutin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. The amino acid asparagine gets its name from asparagus, the asparagus plant being rich in this compound."
As I read in "The Beauty Detox Solution" by Kimberly Snyder, our body craves protein based on it's need for amino acids. And it seems that asparagus is rich in this, as well as many other delicious vitamins. Please please read this book!!
The more books I read, and the more I evolve my diet, it seems my body feels lighter, more compassionate, and less diseased.
I used to be the girl that had chronic sinusitis. I mean, nasty clogged up nose, mucus overload, neti-potting 5 times a day...it was miserable. Finally I resorted to steroids which made me have hot flashes, crazy spells, and added about 20 lbs to my petite frame. Ew. But I couldn't breath, and even the neti-pot, nasal strips, and apple cider vinegar were of no use. Talk about one hot mess...
But besides sinusitis, in one year, I came down with strep, the flu, and pneumonia. I was so sick!
Then I became a vegetarian. I honestly haven't been sick since becoming a vegetarian. To have optimal relief, I knew dairy would have to go. But the cheese stood alone.
I easily gave up milk, and slowly transitioned icecream and yogurt out of my diet. Yet the cheese remain. Now I know that it was the casein that had me under it's spell, but try telling that to a cheese fiend!
This time of year I would typically be up all night, gasping for air, even with my sexy chic nasal strip, possibly resorting to Afrin just to get some rest, and then snotting all over myself during the day. It's a pretty picture, yes?
No more! This once very very sick girl has been free of all that nonsense since becoming a Veganista! It's just funny because I still find myself going down the drug aisle at the commissary, then realizing, I need not :)
So if you have chronic sinusitis and are weary of letting dairy go, let me assure you, if it's not for the animals or the environment, this life change is for YOUR health! And you can be free of sleepless nights and mucus filled days.
Graphic? Maybe. Have a great day!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Book and Some Grub
If you frequent this blog, or personally know me, you are probably aware of my obsession with books. More specifically, books on health and veganism. Well folks, I found another one. And of ALL places, it happened to be on a shelf in the BX (base exchange).
First I see this cutie, combined with "beauty" and I'm like, "Huh, what is this about?". Then the stamp of approval - Dr. Oz. Anything that Turkish Delight of a health wiz recommends might as well be part of the Holy Grail. So yes, I pick it up and start thumbing through. Five pages in I decided to take it home, or I'd be at the bookstore all day.
Kimberly breaks down how to eat foods (for example, only eat fruit on an empty stomach), and how to optimize your overall health, as well as outward beauty. Fantastic!
I've also been trying new dishes, as of late. Adding nuts to my diet has been high on the list. I want to make sure I'm getting enough protein! So I picked up some almond and sunflower seed butters at the commissary. Mid-morning I either eat oats or a wholewheat english muffin with a nut butter and fruit preserves.
PB& J for adults!
And Matt LOVES cous cous. We both do, really, and it has been a while since we've had it. So last night we made garlic cous cous with roasted cumin sweet potato chunks.
And my good friend, Melanie, sent us an all vegan package, include udon (DROOL!), teas, and miso soup.
I honestly have the GREATEST friends in the entire world. Thanks Mel!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Great Breakfast
This morning I had steel cut oats (or Irish oats) for breakfast. It is amazing! I was full off 1/3 cup and it kept me going until 2!!
You can add all sorts of fixins to it, too.
I recommend craisins :)
I was skeptical, as I recently tried muesli and equate it to eating tree bark and dirt (sorry muesli lovers!). But this was divine, and I think it's my new go to breakfast food.
And just to make you smile, a photo of our pup, Patton, well on his way to be coming a vegan. Here he is munching on yummy collard greens!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
You can add all sorts of fixins to it, too.
I recommend craisins :)
I was skeptical, as I recently tried muesli and equate it to eating tree bark and dirt (sorry muesli lovers!). But this was divine, and I think it's my new go to breakfast food.
And just to make you smile, a photo of our pup, Patton, well on his way to be coming a vegan. Here he is munching on yummy collard greens!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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