My Mom's Trip to the Zoo
My mom is not a vegetarian, but she is considering becoming vegan. A while ago, I received a text message from her about her trip to the Los Angeles Zoo with her client and his classmates. She said that the animals were crammed together, they received no space and the giraffes did not have room to run. She was asked by the teacher if she enjoyed the zoo and she told her she did when she really didn't.
My mom wanted to know why people treat animals the way they do and I couldn't help but think about my college experience learning about why societies all over the world object women's bodies. It is the same reason why human beings do not have respect for the planets or other species on it. I told her that the western world believes that animals are objects and are for our use to do what we please with them. I also told her that only people in so-called advanced societies believe this. This is why factory farms are allowed to treat animals as objects without feelings just so Joe and his family can have a steak, or a chicken bake on their table for six o'cock dinner.
Earlier this evening ( It's April 13th), I watched a video of one of the Youtubers that I'm subscribed to. He responded to a video made by a philosophy professor about veganism. This Youtuber is against veganism. He came up with the same arguments that were supposed to look they were not. He said toward the end of his video that if an alien species saw humans and how they domesticated animals, it would be impressed by us. I disagree with that. The typical male way of thinking about the world and it's environment is how nature can be molded and shaped and sculpted to suit the needs of humanity. The zoos and factory farming are two of many examples of this.
2014 Update:
My beliefs about zoos or other places where animals are used for our enjoyment have not changed. A little over a month ago a zoo in Belgium had a giraffe that gave birth. The baby giraffe was killed in front of the children, disected and given to the lions for food. Words cannot express how disgusted I was when I read that. Anger is not a strong enough word to describe how I felt. I know that I can't save the planet or its innocent bystanders of humanity's distruction. However, I can be one less person by not bring children into this world, reducing my carbon footprint and not supporting establishments that support animal cruelty and abuse.
Friday, April 4, 2014
What I Would Do Differently If I Could Relive My College Experience (Uncensored Commentary)
I am at the twilight of my education. I made the bold decision to leave the school I was attending in another state to finish my education in my home state due to the better quality of education and cost. First, I'm writing this unapologetically and honestly, not out of anger and bitterness. These experiences are mine and it should be a privilege on my part and yours that I'm willing write what no one else will.
Things I Would Do Differently if I Lived College Over Again
1. I would only make friends that are in the same path I'm in, whether it's in lifestyle or future career choices: I didn't think of this until my "professional skills for artists" teacher discussed what to look for in an a decent art education. She said it is helpful to be surrounded by those who have the same path. I still agree with her on this. I lived in a city that was NOT supportive of the arts, despite having a small art community and an art museum and a few galleries (I'll make a post about art schools soon). The city I lived in was also not a good place for vegans or women of color (read below). From childhood we are told that everyone deserves our time and we need to be respectful and trusting of others, we tell our daughters this the most. I say you don't like someone for any reason, you don't have to let that person into your life. If you don't want non-vegetarian/vegan men or people in your life, then cut them out. I got alot of flack from people because I had a male friend who wouldn't even look at a woman who was an omni. If I did it over again, I would only have friends who are artists and vegan/vegetarian, this includes dating. Nowadays, anyone guy who eats meat is a deal breaker.
2. I would have moved back home the same day I wasn't happy: When I lived in the city I lived in, each semester I became more and more unhappy. I used to think it was me falling into depression. I didn't know why I was getting more depressed, I thought that it was because my social connections were in Long Beach as opposed to Reno. I moved backhome to discover that it wasn't me, it was the people in the city with their views that make me sad for America and humanity in general.
3. I would not live on campus: Some students love to talk about living on campus as though it's the best idea since slice bread. Living on campus can make or break your social experience in college. In this case, it made mine worse. I would not recommend on-campus living for anyone over twenty-two unless it's an art school with a diverse range of people.
4. Jumping up at the first school that accepted me: I thought because the school I went to was the top journalism school that I would have a decent journalism education. It was from taking a computer science class that I decided to make the switch to art. I should have stepped back from the computer, breathe in and done more research.
I am happy to say that I got accepted to a top school in California for their art program. In the beginning it was difficult the first semester, but students would kill to get in, that's how competitive it is.
Things I Would Do Differently if I Lived College Over Again
1. I would only make friends that are in the same path I'm in, whether it's in lifestyle or future career choices: I didn't think of this until my "professional skills for artists" teacher discussed what to look for in an a decent art education. She said it is helpful to be surrounded by those who have the same path. I still agree with her on this. I lived in a city that was NOT supportive of the arts, despite having a small art community and an art museum and a few galleries (I'll make a post about art schools soon). The city I lived in was also not a good place for vegans or women of color (read below). From childhood we are told that everyone deserves our time and we need to be respectful and trusting of others, we tell our daughters this the most. I say you don't like someone for any reason, you don't have to let that person into your life. If you don't want non-vegetarian/vegan men or people in your life, then cut them out. I got alot of flack from people because I had a male friend who wouldn't even look at a woman who was an omni. If I did it over again, I would only have friends who are artists and vegan/vegetarian, this includes dating. Nowadays, anyone guy who eats meat is a deal breaker.
2. I would have moved back home the same day I wasn't happy: When I lived in the city I lived in, each semester I became more and more unhappy. I used to think it was me falling into depression. I didn't know why I was getting more depressed, I thought that it was because my social connections were in Long Beach as opposed to Reno. I moved backhome to discover that it wasn't me, it was the people in the city with their views that make me sad for America and humanity in general.
3. I would not live on campus: Some students love to talk about living on campus as though it's the best idea since slice bread. Living on campus can make or break your social experience in college. In this case, it made mine worse. I would not recommend on-campus living for anyone over twenty-two unless it's an art school with a diverse range of people.
4. Jumping up at the first school that accepted me: I thought because the school I went to was the top journalism school that I would have a decent journalism education. It was from taking a computer science class that I decided to make the switch to art. I should have stepped back from the computer, breathe in and done more research.
I am happy to say that I got accepted to a top school in California for their art program. In the beginning it was difficult the first semester, but students would kill to get in, that's how competitive it is.
My Assessment of My Natural Hair Journey (Uncensored Commentary)
I started this, but never managed to share it because of my unccensored opinions about both sides of the black hair community: this side that continues to support conforming to the American beauty standard (non-kinky hair) and the side that chooses to embrace one's own natural beauty (real, natural Afro-textured hair). I am writing to continue and expand on this topic due to some personal experiences I've been having with my hair lately.
It is almost the five-year mark since I started my natural hair journey. It is perfectly part of the vegan lifestyle and empowerment. Although I can say that I am pretty lazy when it comes to my hair, I know for a fact that I would never, ever go back to chemically straightening my hair.
Being different and holding your own can be difficult in an environment where you are told that you are not "black" enough just because you choose friends by character over color, have an insatiable appetite for all things science fiction, fantasy and nerd culture in general and physically being trim, natural and unrefined. Since continuing my journey, I noticed several things since being natural:
1. The people who supported me on my hair jouney were not black. Instead they were other ethnicities. If anything, I've gotten rude comments from my own family members, especially my sister who I already barely tolerate. I've even gotten stares and rude comments from black men. My mom's friend suggested that I chemically straighten my hair or I flat iron it and I told her that it's unfair that everyone with curly, wavy and straight hair don't have to put chemicals in it, why should I?
2. I learned that people of other ethnicities prefer black women with natural hair. Whereas being lighter-skinned with flowing hair makes for eyecandy for some guys, being dark and natural can give black women some cultural leaverage (Lupita Ny'ongo as example). I noticed since wearing my hair natural, I've been approached by nicer, more intelligent men, although they are some to many shades lighter than me. I also noticed that if dating certain men, they care about weight and whether or not a woman is fit over something as trivial as hair. I am kinky- haired, medium brown, petite and lithe, not "curly, light-skinned, and rotund.
3. There is a hair war when it comes to beauty standards. I've seen both sides sling mud at eachother. Women in the natural hair community believe that the only correct way to wear black hair is if it'streated and women who are on the other side believe that unstraightened hair is for only curly haired, straight haired or wavy haired people and they hold on to the idea that a relaxer can give self-esteem to anyone with kinky hair.
4. In the beginning, I questioned my self-worth and beauty and how I would be accepted. I thought even though I'm vegan, there would be a snowball chance in Hades before I went natural. I believed that I have to have the self-esteem to wear my hair texture. Then I made a choice, when I was in Reno, it was either burning my scalp with chemicals or wearing my hair natural. It took a huge toll in the beginning on my self-worth. When I first went natural I thought that men didn't like it, then I realized that it's not what man wants, it's what is best looking annd feeling amazing. I'm still battling feeling confident with natural hair, especially with my texture.
5. I get mixed messages about what is best for my hair. I buy SheaMoisture products the curly line. I've been using it on my hair on and off for five years. When I'm not lazy, it works miracles in my hair and makes it really soft and whipped into shape. I've been told those products don't work on my hair, but I'm not given a suggestion on what will work for my hair. My sister who has soft, curaly hair tells me that I'm supposed to use LUSTER'S PINK HAIR LOTION, which is filled with lanolin, parabens, petroleum and petrolatum and whatever is lingering in the labs. I'll admit that it worked in my childhood, until I hit puberty and started breaking out from it. So, I'll be sticking with a brand that I know works for me and is completely VEGAN. When it comes to learning 4b/4c hair, the internet is my best friend whether it's YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Google.
6. My tastes in hairstyles have changed. I don't like braids anymore. I don't do twists anymore, especially since I'm trying to figure out these last few semesters of school. I don't have long to go. I've been putting my hair in a braid out high bun and it works. The only thing I would change about it is stretching the hair a bit, putting less product on it (choose oil base for blown out hair) and wrapping it at night. I've worn a twist'n'curl, that's when twists are placed in perm rods and sit over night and it creates amazing curls. When I recreate this, I'll be braiding from the root and twisting and rollersetting it with product. when I'm lazy I wear beanies, but my hair is so long that it looks like I stuffed my hair in them. I learned that braiding my hair in a circle can serve as a protective style.
7. I remember why I went natural when I flatiron my hair. I learned that manipulating my hair creates more breakage. My mom does not believe that hair can be damaged by heat. However, there are so many videos on heat damage. I think flatironing every few months to no more than 3 times a year won't hurt it. blowdrying on hot every few week won't damage the hair either.
I think if I can do anything different so far with the five years being natural, I would rely on research and support of friends who are natural with similar hair. I feel like so far, I have taken this journey forgranted by not appreciating myself physically, meaning keep up appearances. I would also use my natural hair as a means to enhance my beauty instead of seeing it as a burden, because I was conditioned to believe that straight/curly hair is better than kinky hair. For the rest of 2014, I will make this year the year that I appreciate my natural hair and care for it.
It is almost the five-year mark since I started my natural hair journey. It is perfectly part of the vegan lifestyle and empowerment. Although I can say that I am pretty lazy when it comes to my hair, I know for a fact that I would never, ever go back to chemically straightening my hair.
Being different and holding your own can be difficult in an environment where you are told that you are not "black" enough just because you choose friends by character over color, have an insatiable appetite for all things science fiction, fantasy and nerd culture in general and physically being trim, natural and unrefined. Since continuing my journey, I noticed several things since being natural:
1. The people who supported me on my hair jouney were not black. Instead they were other ethnicities. If anything, I've gotten rude comments from my own family members, especially my sister who I already barely tolerate. I've even gotten stares and rude comments from black men. My mom's friend suggested that I chemically straighten my hair or I flat iron it and I told her that it's unfair that everyone with curly, wavy and straight hair don't have to put chemicals in it, why should I?
2. I learned that people of other ethnicities prefer black women with natural hair. Whereas being lighter-skinned with flowing hair makes for eyecandy for some guys, being dark and natural can give black women some cultural leaverage (Lupita Ny'ongo as example). I noticed since wearing my hair natural, I've been approached by nicer, more intelligent men, although they are some to many shades lighter than me. I also noticed that if dating certain men, they care about weight and whether or not a woman is fit over something as trivial as hair. I am kinky- haired, medium brown, petite and lithe, not "curly, light-skinned, and rotund.
3. There is a hair war when it comes to beauty standards. I've seen both sides sling mud at eachother. Women in the natural hair community believe that the only correct way to wear black hair is if it'streated and women who are on the other side believe that unstraightened hair is for only curly haired, straight haired or wavy haired people and they hold on to the idea that a relaxer can give self-esteem to anyone with kinky hair.
4. In the beginning, I questioned my self-worth and beauty and how I would be accepted. I thought even though I'm vegan, there would be a snowball chance in Hades before I went natural. I believed that I have to have the self-esteem to wear my hair texture. Then I made a choice, when I was in Reno, it was either burning my scalp with chemicals or wearing my hair natural. It took a huge toll in the beginning on my self-worth. When I first went natural I thought that men didn't like it, then I realized that it's not what man wants, it's what is best looking annd feeling amazing. I'm still battling feeling confident with natural hair, especially with my texture.
5. I get mixed messages about what is best for my hair. I buy SheaMoisture products the curly line. I've been using it on my hair on and off for five years. When I'm not lazy, it works miracles in my hair and makes it really soft and whipped into shape. I've been told those products don't work on my hair, but I'm not given a suggestion on what will work for my hair. My sister who has soft, curaly hair tells me that I'm supposed to use LUSTER'S PINK HAIR LOTION, which is filled with lanolin, parabens, petroleum and petrolatum and whatever is lingering in the labs. I'll admit that it worked in my childhood, until I hit puberty and started breaking out from it. So, I'll be sticking with a brand that I know works for me and is completely VEGAN. When it comes to learning 4b/4c hair, the internet is my best friend whether it's YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Google.
6. My tastes in hairstyles have changed. I don't like braids anymore. I don't do twists anymore, especially since I'm trying to figure out these last few semesters of school. I don't have long to go. I've been putting my hair in a braid out high bun and it works. The only thing I would change about it is stretching the hair a bit, putting less product on it (choose oil base for blown out hair) and wrapping it at night. I've worn a twist'n'curl, that's when twists are placed in perm rods and sit over night and it creates amazing curls. When I recreate this, I'll be braiding from the root and twisting and rollersetting it with product. when I'm lazy I wear beanies, but my hair is so long that it looks like I stuffed my hair in them. I learned that braiding my hair in a circle can serve as a protective style.
7. I remember why I went natural when I flatiron my hair. I learned that manipulating my hair creates more breakage. My mom does not believe that hair can be damaged by heat. However, there are so many videos on heat damage. I think flatironing every few months to no more than 3 times a year won't hurt it. blowdrying on hot every few week won't damage the hair either.
I think if I can do anything different so far with the five years being natural, I would rely on research and support of friends who are natural with similar hair. I feel like so far, I have taken this journey forgranted by not appreciating myself physically, meaning keep up appearances. I would also use my natural hair as a means to enhance my beauty instead of seeing it as a burden, because I was conditioned to believe that straight/curly hair is better than kinky hair. For the rest of 2014, I will make this year the year that I appreciate my natural hair and care for it.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Vegan Burgers With Garbanzo Beans (Gluten Free)
Vegan Burger: The Patty
Ingredients
1 can Garbanzo beans, drain, rinse and mashed into crumbles or 2 cups freshly cooked Garbanzo beans, drained rinsed and mashed
1/2 Green pepper, chopped
1/2 Onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 Tbsp dried cilantro, to taste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
3 Tbsp water
3 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast flakes
1/4-1/2 rolled, quick cooking oatmeal
2 Tbsp tapioca starch, cornstarch, potato starch, rice flour or Ener-G egg replacer
Oil for Pan frying
Method
1. Drain, rinse and mash garbanzo beans into crumbles. Some can be mashed into a paste consistency, just don't leave whole chickpeas. The mixture might be too dry to hold other ingredients so add enough of the water to make wet, but not so wet that it looks runny or too moist.
2. In a separate bowl, add the oatmeal, tapioca starch and nutritional yeast. Stir until well combined and add the dry seasonings.
3. In a skillet, heat up the onions and bellpepper until carmelized and add to the chickpeas.
4. Add the dry ingredients into the chickpeas (garbanzo beans) onions and bellpepper and mix until the dry ingredients are well absorbed.
5. In a skillet add about 1-2 tablesppons of oil. As the oil is heating shape the bean mix into flat patties about the size of the palm of the hand.
6. Cook the patties until they are golden brown on both sides.
Making the Burgers
There aren't many breads out there that are gluten free. However, there are great recipes and alternatives for those who are gluten intolerant or want to eat clean.
The burgers can be served in pita pockets, on buns or between two slices of bread topped with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and alfalfa sprouts. Vegan mayo or mustard make great condiments for this as well as vegan sour cream and vegan yogurt. Fruit and vegetables chopped as a salad will make a great side as well as vegan potato salad.
Ingredients
1 can Garbanzo beans, drain, rinse and mashed into crumbles or 2 cups freshly cooked Garbanzo beans, drained rinsed and mashed
1/2 Green pepper, chopped
1/2 Onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 Tbsp dried cilantro, to taste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
3 Tbsp water
3 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast flakes
1/4-1/2 rolled, quick cooking oatmeal
2 Tbsp tapioca starch, cornstarch, potato starch, rice flour or Ener-G egg replacer
Oil for Pan frying
Method
1. Drain, rinse and mash garbanzo beans into crumbles. Some can be mashed into a paste consistency, just don't leave whole chickpeas. The mixture might be too dry to hold other ingredients so add enough of the water to make wet, but not so wet that it looks runny or too moist.
2. In a separate bowl, add the oatmeal, tapioca starch and nutritional yeast. Stir until well combined and add the dry seasonings.
3. In a skillet, heat up the onions and bellpepper until carmelized and add to the chickpeas.
4. Add the dry ingredients into the chickpeas (garbanzo beans) onions and bellpepper and mix until the dry ingredients are well absorbed.
5. In a skillet add about 1-2 tablesppons of oil. As the oil is heating shape the bean mix into flat patties about the size of the palm of the hand.
6. Cook the patties until they are golden brown on both sides.
Making the Burgers
There aren't many breads out there that are gluten free. However, there are great recipes and alternatives for those who are gluten intolerant or want to eat clean.
The burgers can be served in pita pockets, on buns or between two slices of bread topped with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and alfalfa sprouts. Vegan mayo or mustard make great condiments for this as well as vegan sour cream and vegan yogurt. Fruit and vegetables chopped as a salad will make a great side as well as vegan potato salad.
New Year, New Diet
I am rushing in the New Year with some changes to my already
unique lifestyle. Feeling sometimes disappointed in my way of living made me
wonder where I can start to being a better vegan and a better person. On my own
time over the course of last semester, I watched videos of raw vegans who made
recipes and documented their experiences. A while ago, I made a post somewhat
criticizing the raw vegan diet because some raw foodists have a
“holier-than-thou” mentality against anyone who isn’t raw foodists and now I’m
learning that Paleo dieters have mentality toward non-meat eaters. I figured
that people who embrace labels are the very ones who are looking for a group to
belong to, clinging on to others for their own personal worth and happiness.
For this reason, I won’t embrace the “raw vegan” label. Also, I won’t be fully
raw because it is unrealistic, considering that there are cooked foods that are
just as healthy as raw fruits and vegetables.
I decided to at least partially embrace the raw vegan diet
at around sixty to seventy-five percent. I am doing this for several reasons:
1.
People who are wholly raw vegan seem happier
with their diet than people I’ve seen on any other diet. They have a bond with
other raw vegans that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Their motivation is being a
better individual and they are more focused on health than saving the world.
I’m not saying that animal rights and saving the world are not important, these
things matter to be very much. However, a healthy mind is a healthy body and a
healthy body is a healthy planet.
2.
This is something I always wanted to do, even as
a kid. When I was a teenager, I told my mom that when I become an adult I want
to eat only raw fruit and vegetables for the rest of my life. She told me that
I read too many books and I should be more realistic. When I was even younger,
I also didn’t think that I would ever go through life without eating animal
flesh and here I am, not eating any animal products. Now, almost thirty, I get
to embrace something that I always wanted to do.
3.
I need more energy. For the past semester, I
haven’t been too careful with my health and wellbeing. I was starting to look
and feel feral. Caring very little about my appearance and how I felt due to
school. I thought it was a good idea to get my energy fix through Starbuck’s
Refreshers that are sugar-laden, caffeinated and dehydrating. I was not
realizing how overtime this can be dangerous.
4.
I need to give up sugar, whether it’s processed
or not. Sugar is poison. It will also be the hardest product to take out of my
diet. Another food I must give up is wheat products. This will also be
difficult to give up. It is possible to live a life without sugar and wheat. I
will also have to give up processed foods unless they are the vegan nutritional
powders that can carry over as meals.
5.
Lastly, I want to have great skin and great
hair. Crap falls into my eyes, even when I wear glasses. It is usually dead
skin that I have to exfoliate pretty much everyday. Not to mention that certain
skin types require more care than others. The people who are on the raw diet,
they have great skin, nice hair (regardless of texture) and well-toned bodies.
These are things I want as I reach my thirties.
What a 60% raw menu looks like on a Saturday (no school):
Breakfast:
-A nutritional smoothie made of Vega protein powder or more
economical brand mixed with cashew milk (or raw almond milk or Almond Breeze),
apple juice (freshly juiced) and ice blended together. A bit of chai tea can be
blended into the soaked cashews to create milk infused with chai.
Lunch:
-A pita pocket filled with homemade veggie burgers (recipe coming
soon), lettuce, tomato avocado, alfalfa sprouts with vegan mayo or mustard.
This can be served with FullyRawKristina’s lunch box menu (the first
suggestion).
Dinner:
-Raw vegan spaghetti with marinara sauce (raw), simple salad
and cut fruit.
-For a light dinner, another smoothie with a vegan nutrition
bar (healthy alternative to Cliff bars) can make for a light meal.
There are other suggestions for blending raw meals and cook
meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am experimenting on this. Some might
argue that going fully raw will be taxing on the pockets, but being partially
raw vegan can help keep food costs low. Another suggestion is comparing the
prices of junk food such as chips, sodas candy and desserts and process foods
with fresh fruits and vegetables, bagged beans and nuts. I bought a bag of apples for about $0.79 a
pound. A large bag of plain Lays are about $3.99. At a reasonable store, $4 can
purchase a pound of apples, bananas and a bag of beans. At a dollar store, a
bag of beans is under a dollar, so is a bag of rice. Not to mention that I put
back some veggie patties in the grocery store because this past weekend I made
a large batch from scratch and put them in the freezer for future meals. Being a broke artist, it is possible to live
on a high raw vegan diet and still have money for art supplies.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Earth Day and Food Waste
Written 4/22/13:
Today is designated as the day we celebrate our planet and begin to make changes in our lives to make our world better for today and tomorrow. However, each day it is becoming more difficult as we are heading toward rapid population growth and food shortages all over the world. Because of this, major corporations are cashing in and using biotechnology as a means to produce a crop that will withstand drought and insect damage.
The only thing we can really do is make sure that our own food supply is not tainted with artificial additives and our vegetables are not GMO's. One way we can do this is be a part of the change by not wasting food.
At some points in our lives we have wasted food. I am guilty of this, despite being vegan and food conscious. I bought two eggplants that I was supposed to cook and they are turning soft and wrinkled. I bought bread a while ago that I forgot I was supposed to refrigerate, because it's organic. The other day I made a sandwich with the bread and it turned out that it was covered with mold. I got really sick from my mistake of not doing my part of buying only what I need and ended up discarding slices of bread that could have made three sandwiches.
Food waste is a serious problem in the West and this problem contributes to the millions of people in the world that could have a bite to eat.
Here are ways to save money and end food waste:
1. Set a budget according to number of people in household, income and schedule during the week. For example, a one person household with a college budget could probably spend at most $40 a week on groceries. I try to spend no more than $20 on groceries.
2. Make a list of favorite foods: I made a list a while ago of all the foods I like and that list is evergrowing.
3.Try not to eat out when possible. Packing lunches is hard to remember, easy to forget.
4. Think about the kind of grocery stores you get your food from. Try to shop different places that are the least expensive and most accessible for healthy organic foods.
5. Farmer's Market trips: Farmer's markets are the best places to get inexpensive, local and in-season produce and they are usually held once or twice a week.
6. Make use of leftovers: on a budget, leftovers are your best friend. Just make sure they are not spoiled.
7. Gow vegetables at home if possible: Chain grocery stores tend to spray pesticides and other chemicals onto fruits and vegetables. Growing produce at home ensures that the food you eat is fresh and one hundred percent natural.
Today is designated as the day we celebrate our planet and begin to make changes in our lives to make our world better for today and tomorrow. However, each day it is becoming more difficult as we are heading toward rapid population growth and food shortages all over the world. Because of this, major corporations are cashing in and using biotechnology as a means to produce a crop that will withstand drought and insect damage.
The only thing we can really do is make sure that our own food supply is not tainted with artificial additives and our vegetables are not GMO's. One way we can do this is be a part of the change by not wasting food.
At some points in our lives we have wasted food. I am guilty of this, despite being vegan and food conscious. I bought two eggplants that I was supposed to cook and they are turning soft and wrinkled. I bought bread a while ago that I forgot I was supposed to refrigerate, because it's organic. The other day I made a sandwich with the bread and it turned out that it was covered with mold. I got really sick from my mistake of not doing my part of buying only what I need and ended up discarding slices of bread that could have made three sandwiches.
Food waste is a serious problem in the West and this problem contributes to the millions of people in the world that could have a bite to eat.
Here are ways to save money and end food waste:
1. Set a budget according to number of people in household, income and schedule during the week. For example, a one person household with a college budget could probably spend at most $40 a week on groceries. I try to spend no more than $20 on groceries.
2. Make a list of favorite foods: I made a list a while ago of all the foods I like and that list is evergrowing.
3.Try not to eat out when possible. Packing lunches is hard to remember, easy to forget.
4. Think about the kind of grocery stores you get your food from. Try to shop different places that are the least expensive and most accessible for healthy organic foods.
5. Farmer's Market trips: Farmer's markets are the best places to get inexpensive, local and in-season produce and they are usually held once or twice a week.
6. Make use of leftovers: on a budget, leftovers are your best friend. Just make sure they are not spoiled.
7. Gow vegetables at home if possible: Chain grocery stores tend to spray pesticides and other chemicals onto fruits and vegetables. Growing produce at home ensures that the food you eat is fresh and one hundred percent natural.
Monday, April 22, 2013
New Recipe: Lentil Soup
Lentil Soup with Vegan Sausage
Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups soaked brown lentils, drained and rinsed*
2 vegan sausages, chopped into disks, add more to taste*
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 Tbsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 8 ounce can diced tomatoes with liquid
6 cups veggie broth*
Sea Salt or Kosher salt to taste
Method
1. In a large pot, add olive oil, chopped onions and chopped vegan sausages. Stir until onions are soft and sausages are browned.
2. Add the broth, canned tomatoes and soaked lentils and stir until well incorporated.
3. Add the garlic powder, dried basil and parsley and turn the heat low and simmer for about
forty minutes or until the lentils are soft and still whole and the flavors are melted together.
4. Serve with brown rice or pasta.
*Note:
-Tofurky vegan sausage is great for this. It costs about three dollars at Trader Joe's and I
still have enough left to make another recipe calling for them.
-I also soaked the lentils for 24 hours and they turned out great. If you have some left over, it's best to
freeze them and use them when needed.
-For the broth I used the six cups of water and a vegan bullion paste (about a tablespoon)
-Although I made this recipe with what I had on hand, I recommend fresh herbs, whole garlic
and for a more filling soup adding green vegetables such as kale and broccoli.
I made this soup the other day and it turned out to be amazing. It got an omnivore approval and it
can be tailored to the taste of anyone who wants a vegan soup that is still healthy and filling.
Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups soaked brown lentils, drained and rinsed*
2 vegan sausages, chopped into disks, add more to taste*
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 Tbsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 8 ounce can diced tomatoes with liquid
6 cups veggie broth*
Sea Salt or Kosher salt to taste
Method
1. In a large pot, add olive oil, chopped onions and chopped vegan sausages. Stir until onions are soft and sausages are browned.
2. Add the broth, canned tomatoes and soaked lentils and stir until well incorporated.
3. Add the garlic powder, dried basil and parsley and turn the heat low and simmer for about
forty minutes or until the lentils are soft and still whole and the flavors are melted together.
4. Serve with brown rice or pasta.
*Note:
-Tofurky vegan sausage is great for this. It costs about three dollars at Trader Joe's and I
still have enough left to make another recipe calling for them.
-I also soaked the lentils for 24 hours and they turned out great. If you have some left over, it's best to
freeze them and use them when needed.
-For the broth I used the six cups of water and a vegan bullion paste (about a tablespoon)
-Although I made this recipe with what I had on hand, I recommend fresh herbs, whole garlic
and for a more filling soup adding green vegetables such as kale and broccoli.
I made this soup the other day and it turned out to be amazing. It got an omnivore approval and it
can be tailored to the taste of anyone who wants a vegan soup that is still healthy and filling.
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