SWEET. BABY. JESUS.
THE HEAT!!!
Summer is definitely cramping Spring’s style right now. It is 10 a.m. and already 84 degrees with about 620% humidity. If you’ve read my blog posts from way back when, you’ll know I don’t do well in the heat. I’m like dairy. If you leave me out in the heat for an extended amount of time...bad things will occur. Ever since I was little I have always dreaded summer days here in south central PA, but have always loved the cool summer nights. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of summer nights that are just as miserable as the scorching days...but they are slightly more manageable. It seems as though the last few weeks of spring have been forgotten about and summer is in full swing. Just last week Mother Nature was apparently PMSing and whipped up a tornado right down the street from me. That was not pleasant.
So on Saturday I shall be celebrating a birthday. The big two-one. For the past year or so most people hear that and tell me “I’m so taking you out to get trashed!” and all of that kind of jazz. My response? “Nah.” Call me crazy but...I would like to remember my birthday...and not be violently sick the day after. How is that celebrating? To be honest...been there, done that. It’s not for me. Do I enjoy an occasional drink? Sure. But I don’t see what the big deal is.
For my birthday I am gathering a group of my closest friends and we are having a vegan pot-luck! And then we are watching Alanis Morissette in concert on DVD (‘cause it’s MY birthday and I get to choose!). I’m really excited to see what all of my friends come up with! I know some are having anxiety attacks, but I know they’ll bring something yummy. Oh, and I told them that if they bring a salad they are “Uninvited.” Get it? The Alanis song? Oooh yeah, I went there. I really want my friends to explore different aspects of a vegan diet. I’ve already been told a few different times… “I didn’t know you could make that vegan!”
I personally have so many recipes I want to wow my friends with, but I keep reeling it in. I need to remember that it is my birthday and that I shouldn’t be in the kitchen all day. But we’ll see how that goes. One thing I am absolutely making is Watermelon Granitas. I have never made a granita, but since it will likely be hotter than the hinges of Hell and what is more refreshing that frozen fruit?...it’s a win! I’ve been thinking a lot about summertime vegan goodies. What are some of your favorites?
Well, until next time! Be kind, be generous, be cool. And enjoy this tune!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sick-O's!
“But how do you get the nutrients you need?”
That would be question number two that I am almost always asked. Then it’s usually followed up with..
“But vegetarians and vegans are always sick looking!”
Really? I mean, I think that could be said for most people in general. True-there are some vegetarians and/or vegans who don’t get the proper nutrients that they need, and they do end up becoming malnourished..but it is more than likely because they aren’t really focused on the foods they are eating. People like to zero in on the the vegetarians and vegans who are malnourished because it seems to happen so fast. But it can take years for your body to really start kicking your ass because of the horrible junk you’ve been putting into it. So, you say I can’t possibly be healthy? I say call me in 20 years.
The truth is, if you are serious about living a kind life, choosing a plant based diet, then you should have no problem getting most of the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. Some people swear by supplements, that just isn’t me. I don’t feel I should have to supplement much of anything. Nature has this really kick ass way of knowing exactly what you need. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’m against them...I just try to get as much as possible from my food.
Another questions I am often asked is how many supplements I take. I take a B12 tablet a few times a week. That’s it. For me personally, if I begin to feel run down or anything, I know I’m not eating the way I should be. If you eat the dark leafy greens, grains, and a rainbow of other fresh, organic produce...you probably shouldn’t have much to worry about!
Ever since I was a little kid, I got sick constantly. No matter what went around, I got it...and I mean I REALLY got it. Even through high school. Since becoming a vegetarian (now vegan), I’ve been sick once. In about a year and a half, I’ve been sick once. That is a miracle for me. And have I mentioned I live in a house with an 8 year old? Last November I came down with tonsillitis. IT SUCKED!!!! My tonsils looked like something not even Stephen King could conjure up. So I did some research and found that certain juices have been known to greatly help or eliminate tonsillitis. So because I don’t have a juicer (you have no idea how much I want one) I went out and purchased a bottle of organic carrot juice...downed half the bottle that evening...woke up the next day feeling amazing and my tonsils looked absolutely fine. Now I’m not saying that the carrot juice worked magic….but I really don’t know how else to explain it! My tonsils were horrible! My mother wasn’t convinced and took me to my doctor, much to my disapproval. I am very lucky to have a doctor who actually cares about my health and my beliefs. He knows that unless it is a life and death situation, don’t try to give me meds. I won’t even take them for a headache. He sat with me for an hour and talked with me about my eating and exercise habits. He then told me something that made me ecstatic. He told me that I seem to know what I am doing (duuuh!), that my body is perfectly healthy and that my body fought off the illness all by itself (which we concluded was stress induced). This was a huge sigh. Now my mother couldn’t get on my case about malnutrition.
I actually started writing this post about a week ago, but quickly became overwhelmed because there is just so much to cover! There are so many myths that people believe and so many facts that people don’t know about. I decided to hit up good ole Google, and just post a link to a site I found that pretty much covers everything on the nutrients category. I kind of feel like this is cheating a bit, but I would have an entire book written by the time I had finished with this post. If you are becoming a vegetarian or vegan, I would recommend hanging with your doctor and figuring out if you are lacking anything to start with. Brush off all of those nasty rumors about veganism causing you to become more sick etc. If anything...for me at least...it has saved me a lot of money in doctors visits!
Be kind to yourself and others. Till next time!
That would be question number two that I am almost always asked. Then it’s usually followed up with..
“But vegetarians and vegans are always sick looking!”
Really? I mean, I think that could be said for most people in general. True-there are some vegetarians and/or vegans who don’t get the proper nutrients that they need, and they do end up becoming malnourished..but it is more than likely because they aren’t really focused on the foods they are eating. People like to zero in on the the vegetarians and vegans who are malnourished because it seems to happen so fast. But it can take years for your body to really start kicking your ass because of the horrible junk you’ve been putting into it. So, you say I can’t possibly be healthy? I say call me in 20 years.
The truth is, if you are serious about living a kind life, choosing a plant based diet, then you should have no problem getting most of the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. Some people swear by supplements, that just isn’t me. I don’t feel I should have to supplement much of anything. Nature has this really kick ass way of knowing exactly what you need. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’m against them...I just try to get as much as possible from my food.
Another questions I am often asked is how many supplements I take. I take a B12 tablet a few times a week. That’s it. For me personally, if I begin to feel run down or anything, I know I’m not eating the way I should be. If you eat the dark leafy greens, grains, and a rainbow of other fresh, organic produce...you probably shouldn’t have much to worry about!
Ever since I was a little kid, I got sick constantly. No matter what went around, I got it...and I mean I REALLY got it. Even through high school. Since becoming a vegetarian (now vegan), I’ve been sick once. In about a year and a half, I’ve been sick once. That is a miracle for me. And have I mentioned I live in a house with an 8 year old? Last November I came down with tonsillitis. IT SUCKED!!!! My tonsils looked like something not even Stephen King could conjure up. So I did some research and found that certain juices have been known to greatly help or eliminate tonsillitis. So because I don’t have a juicer (you have no idea how much I want one) I went out and purchased a bottle of organic carrot juice...downed half the bottle that evening...woke up the next day feeling amazing and my tonsils looked absolutely fine. Now I’m not saying that the carrot juice worked magic….but I really don’t know how else to explain it! My tonsils were horrible! My mother wasn’t convinced and took me to my doctor, much to my disapproval. I am very lucky to have a doctor who actually cares about my health and my beliefs. He knows that unless it is a life and death situation, don’t try to give me meds. I won’t even take them for a headache. He sat with me for an hour and talked with me about my eating and exercise habits. He then told me something that made me ecstatic. He told me that I seem to know what I am doing (duuuh!), that my body is perfectly healthy and that my body fought off the illness all by itself (which we concluded was stress induced). This was a huge sigh. Now my mother couldn’t get on my case about malnutrition.
I actually started writing this post about a week ago, but quickly became overwhelmed because there is just so much to cover! There are so many myths that people believe and so many facts that people don’t know about. I decided to hit up good ole Google, and just post a link to a site I found that pretty much covers everything on the nutrients category. I kind of feel like this is cheating a bit, but I would have an entire book written by the time I had finished with this post. If you are becoming a vegetarian or vegan, I would recommend hanging with your doctor and figuring out if you are lacking anything to start with. Brush off all of those nasty rumors about veganism causing you to become more sick etc. If anything...for me at least...it has saved me a lot of money in doctors visits!
Be kind to yourself and others. Till next time!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Why not?
I’m always asked about veganism.
“What can you eat?”
“How do you get your nutrients?”
“But you can’t get any protein!”
And the one question, the one word that is always asked…
“Why?”
And without trying to sound like a total smartass (ok so it’s hard sometimes!) I simply reply with…
“Why not?”
I then go on to rattle off some benefits.
You’re greatly reducing your intake of saturated fats..which pretty much benefits your health in every way AND helps you shed that pesky extra lbs you may have collected over time.
Vitamin world! No not that place at the mall where people go to buy 643 different supplements. By eating a plant based diet...you get a powerhouse of vitamins! When you’ve cleaned your body of all of the nasty animal products...a banana alone becomes an energy bar! Oh yea...and bye bye doctors visits! (Hello saving money! More on doctors later).
Disease prevention! Everyday we hear about diseases and other health problems. We all know people who have dealt or are dealing with these health problems. In my family alone...just about everyone who has died has died from a form of cancer. This scares the hell out of me. I’ve watched so many loved ones suffer. Here are just a few things that a vegan diet can prevent-
Cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
Many cancers including prostate, colon and breast
High blood pressure
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
And the list goes on!
Physical benefits!
As I mentioned..you drop the extra pounds!
A massive boost in energy! Before I was vegan..even vegetarian...I had NO energy. I was always tired! Now I have so much more energy and don’t get tired as easily! In today's world...who doesn't need more energy?!?!
Healthy skin- get rid of nasty animal stuff...get rid of nasty skin. As simple as that! My face looked like an italian entree in high school. While my face isn’t completely clear...it looks SOOOO much better than it did, and let me tell ya...there is definitely some added confidence there.
Bad breathe/ bad B.O.- getting rid of meat and dairy reduces the nasty odor rolling off of you AND your breath. Going vegan means smelling good!
Hair/Nails- Many people report that their hair and nails become stronger while on a vegan diet. While I have heard this from many people...I don’t pay enough attention to notice personally. Though I will say this...as a baby I had very curly hair, then from about the age of 4-18 my hair was completely straight...not a wave in sight. Now my hair looks like something straight out of the 70’s...as in mega wavy and curly. Now, this doesn’t mean it has anything to do with a vegan diet, but it does make sense!
PMS- Ladddiieeeees! This is for you. Apparently studies have been done that show women have much lower or no signs of PMS at all. Now there are a lot of women in my family and most of my friends are of the female gender...I have experienced the wrath….spare us.
Allergies-I have heard time and time again that switching to a vegan diet has greatly helped those who suffer from allergies...I am one of them. As a child I had tests run on me and the docs told me I was allergic to everything but dogs. I was pretty miserable at certain times of the year! But now I hardly have and problems at all! Sure a sniffle here or there...but that’s it!
Migraines- Just about my entire family suffers from migraines, including me. Or at least I did. Since becoming a vegetarian and now vegan, I have had ONE migraine, and that was stress induced. I had been given medications by doctors, and none of them worked. That is one of the many things I am greatly thankful for with becoming vegan.
As you can see...I could go on and on and on. Adopting a vegan diet not only improves your health and your life SO much, but it helps the planet in many many ways! (I will save veganism and the planet for a whole separate post.) When I tell people of all of these benefits, I usually don’t go into detail about all of them, I let whoever it is take control of the conversation from there. If they want to know more, I tell them...if not, hey I tried! I have talked to so many people who say
“I get it, but it’s not for me” or
“I could never do that” or
“It’s too expensive”
The excuses go on and on.
It is for everyone. Yes you can do it, you owe it to yourself, to your family and friends and to this planet.
And do some math...take what you spend on meat and all the processed nasties you buy...now add up how much it would cost you to buy nutritional, organic, cruelty/animal free products. It’s not that big of a difference. Trust me when I say I live on a very tight budget. I’m lucky if I can gather up $100 a month for groceries, but I make it work. I make it work because I don’t give myself any other choice.
Over the next week or so my posts will be focused on answering the questions I stated above, all of the concerns people have about being vegan and what all it really means. Usually by the time my conversation ends with the person asking me the question, they ask me where they can find vegan products and certain ingredients. This has happened many times at where I work, and it makes me feel amazing because I know they are doing themselves and the planet a huge favor. As always, thank you guys for all of the feedback you give me...keep it coming! I hope the next week or so proves to be at least a little inspirational! And if you have any questions, comments or concerns...fire away!
Be kind to yourself and each other...and ask yourself…”Why not?”
“What can you eat?”
“How do you get your nutrients?”
“But you can’t get any protein!”
And the one question, the one word that is always asked…
“Why?”
And without trying to sound like a total smartass (ok so it’s hard sometimes!) I simply reply with…
“Why not?”
I then go on to rattle off some benefits.
You’re greatly reducing your intake of saturated fats..which pretty much benefits your health in every way AND helps you shed that pesky extra lbs you may have collected over time.
Vitamin world! No not that place at the mall where people go to buy 643 different supplements. By eating a plant based diet...you get a powerhouse of vitamins! When you’ve cleaned your body of all of the nasty animal products...a banana alone becomes an energy bar! Oh yea...and bye bye doctors visits! (Hello saving money! More on doctors later).
Disease prevention! Everyday we hear about diseases and other health problems. We all know people who have dealt or are dealing with these health problems. In my family alone...just about everyone who has died has died from a form of cancer. This scares the hell out of me. I’ve watched so many loved ones suffer. Here are just a few things that a vegan diet can prevent-
Cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
Many cancers including prostate, colon and breast
High blood pressure
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
And the list goes on!
Physical benefits!
As I mentioned..you drop the extra pounds!
A massive boost in energy! Before I was vegan..even vegetarian...I had NO energy. I was always tired! Now I have so much more energy and don’t get tired as easily! In today's world...who doesn't need more energy?!?!
Healthy skin- get rid of nasty animal stuff...get rid of nasty skin. As simple as that! My face looked like an italian entree in high school. While my face isn’t completely clear...it looks SOOOO much better than it did, and let me tell ya...there is definitely some added confidence there.
Bad breathe/ bad B.O.- getting rid of meat and dairy reduces the nasty odor rolling off of you AND your breath. Going vegan means smelling good!
Hair/Nails- Many people report that their hair and nails become stronger while on a vegan diet. While I have heard this from many people...I don’t pay enough attention to notice personally. Though I will say this...as a baby I had very curly hair, then from about the age of 4-18 my hair was completely straight...not a wave in sight. Now my hair looks like something straight out of the 70’s...as in mega wavy and curly. Now, this doesn’t mean it has anything to do with a vegan diet, but it does make sense!
PMS- Ladddiieeeees! This is for you. Apparently studies have been done that show women have much lower or no signs of PMS at all. Now there are a lot of women in my family and most of my friends are of the female gender...I have experienced the wrath….spare us.
Allergies-I have heard time and time again that switching to a vegan diet has greatly helped those who suffer from allergies...I am one of them. As a child I had tests run on me and the docs told me I was allergic to everything but dogs. I was pretty miserable at certain times of the year! But now I hardly have and problems at all! Sure a sniffle here or there...but that’s it!
Migraines- Just about my entire family suffers from migraines, including me. Or at least I did. Since becoming a vegetarian and now vegan, I have had ONE migraine, and that was stress induced. I had been given medications by doctors, and none of them worked. That is one of the many things I am greatly thankful for with becoming vegan.
As you can see...I could go on and on and on. Adopting a vegan diet not only improves your health and your life SO much, but it helps the planet in many many ways! (I will save veganism and the planet for a whole separate post.) When I tell people of all of these benefits, I usually don’t go into detail about all of them, I let whoever it is take control of the conversation from there. If they want to know more, I tell them...if not, hey I tried! I have talked to so many people who say
“I get it, but it’s not for me” or
“I could never do that” or
“It’s too expensive”
The excuses go on and on.
It is for everyone. Yes you can do it, you owe it to yourself, to your family and friends and to this planet.
And do some math...take what you spend on meat and all the processed nasties you buy...now add up how much it would cost you to buy nutritional, organic, cruelty/animal free products. It’s not that big of a difference. Trust me when I say I live on a very tight budget. I’m lucky if I can gather up $100 a month for groceries, but I make it work. I make it work because I don’t give myself any other choice.
Over the next week or so my posts will be focused on answering the questions I stated above, all of the concerns people have about being vegan and what all it really means. Usually by the time my conversation ends with the person asking me the question, they ask me where they can find vegan products and certain ingredients. This has happened many times at where I work, and it makes me feel amazing because I know they are doing themselves and the planet a huge favor. As always, thank you guys for all of the feedback you give me...keep it coming! I hope the next week or so proves to be at least a little inspirational! And if you have any questions, comments or concerns...fire away!
Be kind to yourself and each other...and ask yourself…”Why not?”
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