5 Places to Eat Vegan at Universal Studios/Disney Springs!

Fi friends!
If you follow my Instagram, you may have noticed that my hubby and I, along with my parents, were recently on a vacation! We recently got back home from our first trip to Universal Studios!!  If you are a Marvel of Harry Potter fan (like we are...), this must make your bucket list! We spent 4 days at the park and two of them were spent mostly in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley!!

I tried to take as many pictures of the food I ate as I could, but sometimes I was just too hungry or the lighting was of...However, I did manage to get some amazing foodie pictures for you! Warning, if you are hungry, grab a snack; if you are not hungry, you may be after reading this post!

Diagon Alley:

• Leaky Cauldron- Ploughman's platter (serves 2)- sans the Scotch eggs or the Vegetable Platter (not on the menu)- salad with dressing of choice (Italian or lemon slices for vegan option), roasted beet salad, slices of bread (Lighting is really dark, so none of my pictures turned out...)
• Pumpkin Juice- pumpkin puree, apple juice, and apricot juice...nuf said
• Butterbeer- the actual soda is vegan, but the topping is not...I have a delicious vegan version to share this Fall!!

Hogsmeade:

• The Three Broomsticks- Most sides are vegan like steamed veggies, baked potato, and corn on the cob!

Luigi's Pizza:

• They have a pasta with marinara and a minestrone soup!

Mythos Restaurant:

• Located in Universal's Islands of Adventure, this restaurant has won "best theme park restaurant" for 6 years!  They do offer two vegan options; a Pad Thai and a wonderful Hummus Platter (may be seasonal) served with a fennel salad and olives!

Disney Springs:

• Erin McKenna's Bakery is a vegan and Gluten free bakery!  I tried the brownie cupcake with vanilla frosting and it was so moist and delicious!  You would never know it was both vegan and gluten free!

• B.B. Wolf - has an Italian Veggie Sausage that is made with eggplant and is served with peppers and marinara and homemade pickles!

And of course fresh fruits and veggies are sold at kiosks around all parks.

Most of these items I would not eat on a regular basis, but it is more than okay every now and then (aka it is vacation after all...).  It also goes to show that there are plenty of vegan options at theme parks, you may just have to ask and/or get creative.

If you've been to Universal or Disney, let me know of some of your favorite vegan foods!

Let's Get WILD!

This Tuesday marks mine and Andrew's one year wedding anniversary!

To celebrate, we decided to use some of the hotel points we received and take a day trip to Whitewater Wisconsin.  In case you did not know, Andrew and I are huge outdoor fans!  We love going on bike rides, hikes, and camping.  Any time we can get outdoors is time well spent.  For this reason, we planned a bit of hiking as well as visiting a local museum.

Our first stop, Second Salem.  After work on Friday, we drove just over an hour to get to Whitewater.  Andrew had found this brewery and they had two veg-friendly options (both are sandwiches).  We each got this delicious grilled portabella sandwich on ciabatta bread.  The sandwich and side salad both had their house dressing which was a tomato-based vinaigrette! Vegan for the win!

After filling up, we walked around town before settling down at our hotel in Fort Atkinson, WI for the evening.

On Saturday morning, we got up and had some breakfast, then planned out our day over coffee.  We started with the Hoard Museum, which had three spectacular exhibits:  1) Abe Lincoln's influence in Fort Atkinson, 2) a life size replica of the Hoard House, and 3) an exhibit about Native American Mounds.  There was also an exhibit about the history of the dairy industry, which neither of us were all that interested in...and you probably can understand why...

Before leaving the town, we found a replica of Fort Koshkonog and an awesome adventure course to try out!  I had never done one of these before and I must say, I had a blast!  I just wish we had a course like this by us...I'd workout there every day!

After learning about Native American burial mounds, we found a brochure for a set of mounds nearby!  So, after a lunch at Paddy's Irish Pub (where we also found a vegan Reuben sandwich!!!!), we drove 10 minutes to walk around and learn about the 2,000 year old Mounds. 

Needless to say, it was quite beautiful and serene.

We ended our day trip by visiting a local winery and then driving home to see Captain America:  Civil War.  All in all, I don't think we could have had a better trip.  Day trips can be so amazing because you feel like you are on vacation, but you still have time to get home and get ready for the week ahead.

Question of the Day:  If you could pick one place to take a day trip, where would it be?

Earth Bites for Earth Day

Earth Day is this Friday (April 22nd, 2016)!

Disclaimer:  Graphic pictures are used.

I have always loved this day of celebration for Earth.  It is our home, our breath, our food, and so much more.  It brings us happiness when the sun is shining warm on our face, sunsets make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and with each passing season we get to see all cycles of life.  With each passing human generation, the earth changes.  Change is and can be a good thing, but it can also lead to increased danger and disease.

The main reason I initially was drawn to a plant-based diet was for weight loss/health.  Once I began eating unlimited fruits and vegetables with loads of whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, my eyes were opened to the huge impact our diets have on the planet.  Protecting the environment is just one of the several reasons I have stuck to this lifestyle for nearly 4 years now.

According to a recent article in Science Daily, research is showing that "climate change could kill more than 50,000 adults in 2050 world wide due to changes in diets and body weight from reduced crop productivity..." (1).

Source

The good news is that by making simple changes to the food we put in our mouths several times per day, we just might be able to slow down (maybe stop or reverse when other factors are added in!!) climate change. (2)

Have you thought about the fact that it takes water and food to "raise" the animals that people use for food?  That we use tractors (that use fossil fuels and expel CO2) to plow, plant, fertilize, water, and harvest our crops?  What about all the manure produced from livestock farms?

Here are a few fun facts for you (3):

• Around 30% of the world's ice-free surface is used to grow food for livestock (pigs, chickens, cows, etc.)
• In North America and Europe, a cow consumes about 75 to 300kg (34-136lb) of grasses or grain...to produce 1kg (2.2lb) of meat produced. Seems a bit inefficient to me...
• "Each year the livestock sector globally produces 586 million tons of milk, 124 million tons of poultry, 91 million tons of pork, 59 million tons of cattle and buffalo meat, and 11 million tons of meat from sheep and goats. That 285 million tons of meat altogether — or about 36 kg (80 lb.) per person, if it were all divided evenly. It’s not — Americans eat 122 kg (270 lb.) of meat a year on average, while Bangladeshis eat 1.8 kg (4 lb)."

Beyond the fact that I don't condone eating animals, none of these things are inherently bad on their own (in terms of emissions produced).  The issue arises when there are so many of these facilities (not just farms) producing these gases in quantities our planet can just not handle.

By reducing the amount of meat and dairy one consumes (or eliminating it all together!!), the emissions produced would decrease by 1230 kilograms or 1.4 US tons per year (2)!!  If you ask me, that is a pretty simple switch.

To help you start your journey towards helping this beautiful planet we all live on together, I have created a delicious, quick, and easy recipe just for you!  This recipe can be used as a snack or even as a meal!  It is also 100% plants.  To make the recipe even more environmentally friendly, be sure to use local and organic ingredients as much as possible.  For example, instead of buying processed nut butter, buy your favorite type of nuts from a farmer's market and blend them up at home.)

Earth Day Bites

You will need:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup unsweetened dried fruit (like dates, raisins, etc.) 
• 1/2 cup raw nuts/seeds (like walnuts, cashews, or chia seeds)
• 1 tsp cinnamon

In a food processor or blender, dump in all of your ingredients and blend until sticky.  Scrape down the sides as necessary.  Feel free to add in any other flavors of choice like lemon zest, cacao nibs, or coconut flakes!   When the mix it ready,  it should be able to be molded into a ball easily.  Make several bite-sized pieces, then pop into the fridge for at least 30 minutes.  This will help the bites stay together more easily.  Option:  Before serving, roll the bites in chia seeds, coconut flakes, or cocoa powder for extra pizazz.  Share with friends! ...or not...I won't judge :)

The earth is our home.  It is the only one we have, for now, so why not take a small step towards making it as great as it can be.  Not only will eating more plants protect the animals, trees, and planet; it will also increase your own health as well!  Remember, I am not asking for perfection, but the next time you are about to make a meal or sit down at a restaurant, think about the impact your food choices have on the world...and order a veggie burger instead.

What is your favorite way to celebrate Earth Day?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Resources:

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160302204506.htm 
2. https://student.societyforscience.org/article/your-food-choices-affect-earth%E2%80%99s-climate
3. http://science.time.com/2013/12/16/the-triple-whopper-environmental-impact-of-global-meat-production/

Four Tips to Cleansing That WORKS!

I can't believe it has been nearly a month since posting!!  Time does sure fly...

But, I will now (hopefully) be back on track.  You can, once again, look forward to a weekly post every Monday from yours truly!

Now to get into what you really came here for...let's talk about cleansing!

I have several thoughts on this topic; some for and some against.  What it really comes down to is your personal intention behind cleansing and what type of cleanse you are doing.  There are so many types of cleanses out there!  Options include: juice cleansing, mono-meals, water fasting, detox drinks/supplements, and the list goes on.  But, this post is not about the different types of cleanses, instead, it is about the pros and cons of such things.

I will start with the negative side of cleansing (better to end on a positive note!):

• Many times, cleanses or detox diets restrict calories/energy intake to bare minimum.  A four year old child couldn't even live off this low of calories for an extended period of time.  Reducing calories so low can put the individual at risk for a messed up metabolism in the future.  Plus, you will more than likely be cranky/hangry and no one enjoys that...
• Many cleanses/detox diets are low in fiber.  Fiber is what helps to make you feel full.  Not only that, but it is also part of your body's natural detox pathway...digestion!  The whole reason you excrete waste products is because your body is already cleaning out your blood stream and intestines to rid it of toxic waste like heavy metals and byproducts of metabolism.
• That bring me to my next point...your kidneys, liver, pancreas, gallbadder are all part of your body's cleansing mechanism.  If you want to cleanse your body, eat healthy foods and exercise so these organs stay strong and healthy and do what they are meant to do!
• The intention one sets (i.e. mindset) also plays a large role in determining whether or not a cleanse is healthy.  If someone is doing a cleanse for weight loss or other aesthetic reasons, they may be disappointed upon conclusion of the cleanse.  For example, when the body is fed such a low amount of calories, metabolism can begin to slow to compensate and reduce risk of starvation.  Once proper food intake is reintroduced, it may be hard to "control" one's appetite and excess calories are easily stored as fat.

Ok, enough with the negative, on to the positive sides of cleansing:

• Cleansing can feel great!  When done the right way (i.e. eating enough calories), cleansing can be very healthy for the body.  One type of "cleanse" that I have found beneficial is one in which unlimited fruits and vegetables are consumed.  This high fiber, high water, high nutrition way of eating brings energy to the cells and is easy to implement into an individual's normal eating pattern.
• As mentioned above, a proper mindset to cleansing is important.  Instead of focusing on weight loss or muscle definition, a cleanse is more of a spiritual journey and a way to give the body a boost of nutrition.  Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to a person's diet is just one way to do this.
• Drinking more water.  Our bodies are made up of so much water.  Staying properly hydrated (which means different amounts for everyone based on activity, climate, and body size) is one simple way to ensure body functions remain healthy.
• Exercising can be considered a form of cleansing because it gets the blood flowing, which in turn is filtered through the liver and kidneys.  This is natural detox at its finest!

If you have any other questions about cleansing, be sure to leave a comment below or on one of my social media pages (Twitter or Instagram) and I will include your questions in my first LIVE CHAT on April 23rd at 9am CST.   CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for this FREE EVENT!

Brownie Batter Overnight Oats

I coming at you today with a RECIPE!!


Do you want to know why I am so excited about this recipe?  Well there are a couple reasons:

1. It is super quick and is a perfect satisfying meal on-the-go
2. It keeps me full all morning (and it can for you too!)
3. It tastes over the top AMAZING!!!  Just like brownie batter, no joke! (Andrew, my husband, even agreed...)

Now, before I dive into the recipe, you know I have to give a bit of health information on the ingredients, so bear with me (or just scroll down to the recipe, I don't mind).

The main ingredients here are oats, chia seeds, cacao/cocoa powder, and unsweetened almond milk.  The ingredients in this recipe can be swapped for any foods of your liking, but this is the way I made it and was amazed at the results.

• Oats- These nutrition powerhouses are loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.  They are also a whole grain; double bonus!  The type of fiber found in oats is called  soluble fiber and is great for heart health, diabetes protection, weight loss/maintenance, and a healthy digestive tract.
• Chia seeds- These little guys pack a huge nutritional punch considering how small they are!  Also packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats; chia seeds are a great source of Omega-3s.  Omega-3 fatty acids are typically very low in the standard American diet, but are Essential to great health.  This type of fat can help lower blood triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and reduce your risk of cancer (plus many more...but that will be for another post).  Check out AuthorityNutrition's blog post on 11 proven health benefits of chia seeds for more info!!!

The rest of the ingredients are mainly for flavor and texture, but they all do have some great vitamins and minerals.  Ok, on to the recipe!  All you need are the ingredients, a container with a lid, and 30 seconds to assemble.

Ingredients (makes 1 serving):

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (if you are sensitive to gluten, make sure the label reads gluten free!  Although oats are naturally gluten free, many are processed in a facility that also processes wheat)
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds (any color will do)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (eyeball it...)
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Optional add-ins:

• powdered peanut butter
• chopped banana
• fresh, frozen, or dried fruit
• unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions:

• Dump all ingredients into your container of choice (I prefer a glass jar with a lid).  Shake or stir well, then you have 2 options: 1) If you are doing this the night before, place in the refrigerator and enjoy in the morning.  2)If you are doing this in the morning, pack it in your bag and after about 30 minutes to an hour, it is ready to eat (just in time for when you get to the office).

The great thing about this recipe is (if you don't add any fresh fruit or dairy) it can travel with you in your bag for several hours, so it makes a perfect breakfast, lunch, mid-day snack, or even dinner!

Let me know if you try it and what add-ins you used!!

Question of the day:  What is your favorite topping for oatmeal (cold or hot)?

Flavorful Friday: I'm Addicted...

Hi Friends!

It's official, I am addicted...

I'm addicted to overnight oats...and coffee...

First things first, let's talk coffee.  I love coffee.  I drink it strong and black, and it has some wonderful health benefits!  The issue I have, is that I do not like having a need to rely on any substance (healthy or otherwise...) to feel good.  By this, I mean "I have to eat/drink X today, or else my whole day is thrown off".  Now, I do know that I tend to overindulge in hot caffeinated beverages during the winter months, but I don't enjoy the caffeine withdrawal headaches.  So here's a little side story for you:

While sitting at my desk yesterday afternoon (approx 1pm), I just finished lunch and felt a little headache in my right temple.  "Hmmm...", I thought to myself, "I must need more water, I did have a high fiber lunch..." (Note:  Yes, dietitians really talk like this to themselves!!!)  So, I walked to the water cooler, filled up my cup and drank it down.  Nope.  Didn't need water.  I then proceeded to begin reflecting on my food and beverage choices:  overnight oats, bananas, and 6oz coffee for breakfast, 2 cups of herbal tea while working, then whole grain pasta with beans and avo for lunch.  Nothing out of the ordinary...but wait!  I usually drink black tea at work, instead of herbal!  It's the caffeine!  And BAM, I instantly got a taste for a hot cup of coffee.

Caffeine addiction is crazy!  Typically, I have 1 cup of coffee and 1-2 cups of black tea while at work.  Guess I was not being very mindful of how much caffeine I was actually consuming...So now, I am going caffeine free for awhile to rid myself of these headaches.

Let me know in the comments if this is something you've gone through before!!

Currently, my go to breakfast this whole week has been my SECRET recipe for overnight oats; and I've been LOVING it!!  In honor of National Wear Red Day to support raising awareness for heart disease, I thought I'd add in some berries.  Not just one type of berry mind you, but two!!  (Mostly because it is from my favorite bag of frozen fruit from Costco...)  This recipe has blueberries and strawberries; but feel free to use any darkly pigmented fruit you'd like.

The darker the fruit/veg, the more nutrients it has!  Berries, specifically, are loaded with antioxidants.  These little guys (antioxidants) help to fight off free radicals that can increase your chances of getting sick.  Think of them as a supercharger for your immune system!  Berries are also loaded with fiber, which helps keep you full and regular.  Another great health benefit of dark, juicy berries is that the antioxidants they house can also help with arthritis, age-related memory loss, inflammation, and eye health!  Talk about getting a lot for your dollar!

Because berries can spoil so quickly, I tend to prefer to buy them in bulk from the freezer section.  This way, I know they were picked at the peak of ripeness, flash frozen, and will stay fresh longer.  They are also typically less expensive this way.

Ok, are you ready to find out my SECRET recipe for overnight oats?!  Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup frozen berries
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• Enough unsweetened almond milk to cover the oats by a 1/2 inch or so
• Maple syrup to taste

Now, put all the ingredients in a jar, cover, shake well and let it rest on your counter or in the fridge overnight.  (Note:  because I used thick, frozen strawberries, I left mine on the counter because as the berries thaw, it will keep the mixture cold.)

Sorry for the poor image quality, had to snap this one quickly...

Now all you need is a spoon!! 

I know, I know, this recipe isn't all that secret...but I definitely owe the amazing texture of these oats to my secret ingredient...chia seeds!  These seeds add great texture as well as protein and healthy fats!

What is your favorite berry?  Let me know in the comments!  Mine is definitely black berries, but I really love them all!!

Don't forget to subscribe so you can get these posts right away in your email!

Wedding Wednesday: Compassion and Love

Hi Friends!

Have you heard of the word "ahimsa" before?

Well, this is a Sanskrit word meaning "not to injure" and "compassion".  Speaking in general terms, this is why yogis are typically (but not all the time) vegetarian or vegan; bringing that sense of non-harming to their diets (i.e. not eating meat is not harming the animal).

But, this term can be defined in a more generalized term and can include all things like (but not limited to) the following:

• Ashimsa towards SELF- aka loving yourself, being kind to yourself through your thoughts, actions, and words.  Removing the self doubt, discouraging thoughts, and allowing yourself to look in the mirror and see nothing but beauty.
• Ahimsa to OTHERS- Treating others the same way you should treat yourself; with compassion, love, and understanding.  We all go through periods of anger, fear, doubt, etc. but the important thing is to breathe through those times and learn from them.  Don't dwell on issues, learn from them and move on.  Not only will this help you grow as an individual, but it may even help grow and nurture your relationships!
• Ahimsa to the EARTH- This beautiful planet we live on is literally our life-source (food, water, shelter).  Without it, we could not exist.  In bringing compassion to ourselves and others, we realize that the Earth should also be shown some compassion.  Walk with a gentle footprint by eating more plants, reducing waste (garbage, recycle, food, etc.), reducing the amount of electricity and water you use, and walk or ride a bike more often.  These simple steps, if everyone participates, can make a huge difference!

How will you bring more ahimsa into your life?  Let me know in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe!

Flavorful Friday: What I Ate Today

Hi Friends!

In respect to living a more simplified life (as noted in Wednesday's post), and reducing the amount of "stuff" I have so I can have more time and space to experience, I am giving you a What I Ate Today.  I eat a very simple diet, but I love it!  My hubby and I definitely splurge every now and then, but it is always within reason and it is rarely more than once per week (unless it's the holidays, then I feel like we are always eating out... but, I digress...).  So for your enjoyment (hopefully, because I feel like what I eat is fairly boring), I've taken pictures of my breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner from today to show you!

Now, I do want you to realize that I actually at more than pictured (as I describe below each image) and that this is not exactly what I eat every single day, although the amount it very similar.

Before we get too far:  Please let me know in the comments if this is something you'd like to see more of (I promise I can take better pictures...)!!

Note:  I'm hoping this becomes a regular thing because I can see it being very fun!

What I ate today:

I love my spotty bananas, they digest so much better than fully yellow or green ones.  I like to take my morning meal in doses as I enjoy a larger breakfast and I don't have much time in the morning. So, I had 1 banana while I was getting ready, then polished off the rest once I got to work with a big cup of tea.  I had about 5 bananas total (they were probably between a small to medium size).

Some more tea and a Clif Bar between 10:30 and 11am.  I like to snack this close to lunch because on Mondays and Thursdays, I go to a yoga class that runs right through noon.  I always start to get hungry around 11 anyways...

My hubby and I take leftovers from the previous night's dinner for lunch.  At 1pm, I enjoyed my rice with lentils.  I would have liked to get more veggies in, but produce right now is not the greatest and most of it is expensive because it is not in season right now.

I typically leave work at 4 and when I get home, I'm hungry.  So, I usually much on either more bananas, other fruit, or some raw veggies.

At 5:30 pm, Andrew and I sit down for our dinner together.  This is a bowl of millet with kale, onions, and carrots.   I ended up eating 2 bowls of this!  It was delicious!

Total Calories:  1976

Total Fat: 32 gm

Total Protein: 54 gm

Total Carbohydrates: 357 gm

I nearly met or exceeded all vitamins and minerals (although I do take a Vitamin D and B12 supplement once per week).

Would you like to see more of what I eat in a day/week? Let me know in the comments!!

Flavorful Friday: Climate Change

Hi Friends!

In these Friday posts, I plan on posting everything from light hearted and delicious recipes to heart-hitting hot topics of the time.

That being said, this first post is going to be about climate change.  Climate change- have you felt it this year?  I know, here in Chicagoland, it is very obvious.  We've hit record highs, and it didn't even feel like "winter" until the end of December/early January!  Typically, we experience coold and at least one snow in October or November! I am by no means an expert, but this topic is very near and dear to my heart.  I want a world that my grandchildren's grandchildren can live in safely and healthfully (and without assistance from wearing a space helmet).

The reason climate change is so important to me is because there are many ways each of us can take a role to help the planet.  Even if you think it is a simple minuscule event that won't make a difference; guess again!  Think about it.  If each individual around the globe recycled one plastic bottle instead of tossing it in the trash, that would be 7.5 billion plastic

In December 2015, there was an article about how climate change can impact global  food security.  I highly suggest you give it a read!  That being said, I'd like to share with you my top tips for reducing waste and saving the plant:

1. Eat more plants!!!  Whether you are 100% vegan, or a Meatless Monday kind of person, more plants are good for no only your health, but your wallet and the planet as well!
2. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
3. Recycle glass and plastics
4. Use reusable produce bags, instead of those clear plastic bags lining the produce isle
5. Use reusable grocery bags for more than just groceries (clothes shopping...etc)
6. Walk or bike instead of driving; or if you must drive, carpool!
7. Use old t-shits/fabric for wrapping gifts 
8. Buy from second-hand stores; this will save you money and reduce the already high amount of circulating fabrics
9. Buy only what you use and use only what you buy
10. Did I say, eat more plants??!! 

25 Days of Blogging- Day 19: Guide to Not Getting Sick

Hi friends!

Today's post is all about combating a cold.  Do you want to know the best way to stop a cold?...

Prevent one!!

All joking aside, this truly is the best way to stop a cold.  During the winter months, colds are more prevalent mostly due to people being in closer proximity to one another for longer periods of time...unlike in the summer when we can get more fresh air and sunshine!!

One of the best way to prevent a cold, besides eating healthy fruits and vegetables (as I mention regularly on this blog...) is...Water!

A river from the forest preserve by my parent's house!  Taken by yours truly!

Proper hydration any time of year is a key to health.  In the winter, we tend to feel as though we do not need to drink as much because we are not sweating from the heat.  As a matter of fact, we may sweat more than we think!  Heating in our cars, homes, and offices dries out the skin, which in turn, leads to dehydration!  

By drinking more water (or at least getting half of your weight (in pounds) in ounces of water per day), your skin will stay hydrated and soft and your immune system will stay strong.  Being well hydrated keeps all systems moving, making you healthier.

Vitamins and Minerals.  We all know that eating more fruits and vegetables is good for us, but do you know why? One of the many reasons plant foods are good for you is because they are a dense source of vitamins and minerals.  These nutrients are essential to health and play a role in practically every aspect of living; including metabolism, brain function, skin elasticity, and more!  All vitamins and minerals will help keep you healthy, but one to keep in mind when it comes to the common cold is zinc.

Zinc plays a large role in immune function.  Between reducing stress on the immune system as well as being a component of antioxidants found in the body, zinc is crucial to health.  Good sources of zinc include whole grains, nuts, and seeds.  Examples include pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, brown rice, and more!

There are so many more aspects that go hand in hand with a healthy immune system; like proper sleep and exercise, but let's save that for a later post, shall we?  I don't want to make these posts too lengthy, unless of course that is what you'd like to see!  Let me know in the comments!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 15: Holiday Weight Gain

Hi Friends!  We have officially gotten through 14 days of festivities that occur around the globe!  In case you missed one (or want to read through them again), this link will take you back to Day 2, for the first festival!  Let me know if you try any of the recipes shared thus far as well!!

Now, onto today’s topic:  Holiday Weight Gain.   

It is old news, really.  Many people go through the holidays eating loads of “special occasion” foods that tend to be not-so-good for our health or waistline.  Years ago, I followed this same path.  I would splurge on all of the desserts that I loved (I could honestly make a meal out of sweets if I thought it were healthy).  I would also feel uncomfortable that evening and a few days thereafter as my body worked in overdrive to clear out my blood and absorb the miniscule amount of nutrients it could find.  Now-a-days, it is a much different story...

 I have learned how to enjoy myself, feel good, and eat until I am satisfied!  Sounds too good to be true right?  Well, from my experience it is not.  But, you do have to love foods that love you back, and that can take some time if your taste buds are used to over-salted or over-sweetened, over-processed foods.  

 My number one tip to avoiding holiday weight gain: eat the whole plant foods in abundance first.  Then, if you are still craving some not-so-healthy treats (after your stomach is full of all the fiber and water from the healthy foods), go for it.  After eating like this for a few days or weeks, you may notice that you naturally begin to reach for those fresh whole foods instead of the other foods. 

 Now, since it is the holidays, be sure to enjoy yourself and don’t let a little thing like food get in the way of spending precious time with your family and friends.  The holidays can be stressful or blissful; it is all about how you view it and how you change your perception to see the bright side in all situations.

25 Days of Bloggging- Day 13: Omisoka

Hi friends!

Today's festival is a very important holiday in Japan because it marks the end of an old year and the eve of the new. 

At 11pm on this evening, family and friends gather to have a bowl of toshikoshi-soba (年越しそば) or toshikoshi-udon (年越しうどん).  This tradition relates to the association in which long noodles representing a crossing over from one year to the next. 

Before we get on to the recipe, I just want to let you all know that tomorrow is the last festival post as I am having a hard time finding more.  If you know of a winter holiday/festival that I have not yet covered, please leave a comment below and I will be sure to include it in the 25 Days of Blogging series!!

Now, onto the recipe!:

Ingredients:
Noodle soup
1.5l dashi stock (the base used for miso soup- can contain fish, so although not traditional, you can substitute vegetable stock)
200ml soy sauce
100ml mirin
1tbsp sugar
300ml tsuyu (optional)

Noodles
200g soba buckwheat noodles
100g spring onions
20g tempura flakes

Recipe and Picture Link

Directions:

1. In a large pan, make your dashi stock. Next, add the mirin and simmer gently for a few minutes. Now add the sugar and let it dissolve before adding the soy sauce. This makes the soup for your soba noodles.
2. In separate pan bring 1l of water to the boil. Add the soba, stir them slightly to make sure they’re all spread out around the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for around 8 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your noodles, so check the instructions on the packet.
   
3. Drain the noodles and rinse them in cold water, gently rubbing the noodles to remove any excess starch on the surface. Next, thinly slice the spring onions and any other garnishes.
4. Gently re-heat the stock and pour into bowls, then add the noodles and garnish with your spring onions and tempura flakes.

25 Days of Blogging- Day 11: Kwanzaa

Hi friends!

Today's celebration is Kwanzaa.  It is a week long celebration from December 26th through January 1st and honors African heritage in African-American culture.  The unique aspect of this festival is that it has seven core principles that celebrants abide by and each of the seven days is dedicated to one of these principles:

1. Unity (Umoja)
2. Self-determination (Kujichagulia)
3. Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima)
4. Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa)
5. Purpose (Nia)
6. Creativity (Kuumba)
7. Faith (Imani)

During this week, there are many decorations, bright colors, music, and of course a feast!  Traditional foods include traditional African dishes as well as dishes that include ingredients brought to the US from Africa; such as sesame seeds, peanuts, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and spices.

One very traditional African recipe is Peanut Soup.  Like many traditional foods, each home makes their own version.  This version is from Congo Cookbook.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 cups broth
• one small onion, minced
• one small green pepper, minced
• one clove garlic, minced
• salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste
• one hot chile pepper, minced (optional)
• one carrot, minced, or one sweet potato (boiled and mashed)
• one or two tomatoes, minced
• one cup natural unsweetened peanut butter (or crush your own peanuts)

Directions:

• If using homemade peanut paste, simmer it with the broth for fifteen minutes, then add all other ingredients and simmer over low heat until everything is thoroughly cooked. Stir often. Soup should be thick and smooth.
• If using peanut butter: Combine all ingredients except the peanut butter and simmer over medium heat until everything is tender. Reduce heat, add the peanut butter and simmer for a few minutes more. Stir often. Soup should be thick and smooth.

This recipe is a very comforting and delicious meal!!  Let me know what you think!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 10: Boxing Day

Hi Friends!

I am getting used to this daily blogging thing!  I hope you are all enjoying reading it as much as I am researching and writing it!!  Please leave a comment for me, letting me know your favorite post thus far.  I really love getting comments...they make my whole day!!

Now, on to today's festival:  Boxing Day!  This celebration traditionally follows the day after Christmas (so December 26th on the Gregorian calendar), when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts known, as a Christmas box, from their employers.

This tradition began as early as the Middle Ages and is still a custom in some countries including Canada, Australia, England, and Ireland.

I could not find many recipes for this holiday, as it revolves around giving a gift.  So here's my gift to you:   

 5 people who subscribe to either this blog or my main website will receive a signed copy of my book, Medieval Feats and Marvelous Treats!!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 8: Hanukkah

Hi Friends!

Today's festival is celebrated in many different countries, and there are many traditions and customs involved.  I am talking about Hanukkah, an 8 day Jewish holiday to celebrate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the 2ns century BCE.

This holiday lands on the 25th Kislev on the Hebrew calendar.  Some rituals include lighting one candle on the Menorah on each of the 8 nights, signing songs, reciting psalms, and exchanging presents.

One of the most famous of the traditional foods is the potato latke, right next to matzo, that is.

Here's a whole list of latke recipes, with a vegan recipe (and picture) below:

Picture and Recipe Link

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup quick-cooking oats or quinoa flakes
• 6 medium-large potatoes, grated
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 medium onion, grated
• ½ cup matzo meal (or ½ cup additional quinoa flakes)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• Safflower or other high-heat vegetable oil for frying
• Applesauce and Vegan sour cream, optional

Directions:

In a heatproof bowl, combine the oats or quinoa flakes with 1½ cups boiling water. Stir and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.

Use a food processor to make the grating of the potatoes, carrot, and onion, much easier and quicker!

Combine the grated potato, carrot, and onion, and matzo meal in a mixing bowl. Stir in the oatmeal, then season with salt and pepper.

To fry: Heat just enough oil to coat the bottom of a large, nonstick skillet or griddle. Drop enough potato batter to form 2½- to 3-inch pancakes. Fry on both sides over medium-high heat until golden brown and crisp (alternatively, see baked variation following).

To bake: See Baked Latkes variation below recipe box.

Drain briefly on paper towels and place in a covered container to keep warm until serving. Serve warm with applesauce and the optional sour cream.

Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/vegan-latkes-potato-pancakes/#emFx8XF5M6Zvu8U3.99

25 Days of Blogging- Day 6: St. Lucia Day

Hi Friends!

Today's festival is a Swedish tradition celebrated on December 13th.  St. Lucia's Day comes from stories told by the Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden.  More of the traditions of this holiday come from the story, rather than food (but there is a good recipe I'll share with you!)

The story goes like this:
Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred in 304 AD.  She would secretly bring food to persecuted Christians in Rome.  In order to keep her hands free to carry things, she would wear candles on her head.
In today's world, Lucia is celebrated by a girl wearing a white dress with a red sash around her waist and a crown of candles on her head.  The crown is made of lingonberry branches to symbolize new life in winter.

A popular dish eaten are Lussekatts, which are St. Lucia's Day buns flavored with saffron and dotted with raisins and to be eaten at breakfast.

Recipe and Picture Link

This recipe is from Sweden, so the measurements are by weight and not in volume measurements...

Ingredients:

• 150g dairy free butter
• 500ml dairy free milk
• 50g dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1g saffron powder
• 1.3L plain flour
• raisins or sultanas

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250C/ 480 degrees F
2. Melt the butter and add the milk to it. Heat until warm with the saffron (37C / 98F)
3. Dissolve the yeast with the milk/butter liquid in a big bowl. Add salt, sugar and around 2/3 of the plain flour.
4. Work the dough until shiny and add more of the flour as needed; saving 1-2dl (½-3/4cup) for the rolling of the dough later on. 
5. Sprinkle with flour and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Leave to rise in room temperature with out a drag until the dough has doubled in size. (approx. 45-60min)
6. Once your dough has risen, put it on a floured work bench and cut into 30-40 pieces.
7. Roll each piece into a sausage shape as thick as a finger and shape into the classic lussekatt-shape. (or shape of your choice, but remember that size will effect how long it has to be baked.)
8. Place evenly on oven trays with baking paper and leave to rise until they almost double in size.
9. Brush with dairy free milk and gently push a raisin/sultana in each swirl on the buns.
10. Bake each tray in the middle of the pre-heated oven for 8-10 minutes. Until just golden.
11. Enjoy your Swedish Saffron Buns.

I hope you enjoy and don't forget to check out The Vegan Swedes, where I found this recipe!!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 5: Fiesta of Our Lady Guadalupe

Hi friends!

Today's festival is a Mexican-Catholic holiday beginning the week before December 12th.  Celebrations go all the way to the eve of December 12th, when the height of the celebration happens.  On this day, conchero dancers gather in the atrium of the church Basilica of Ville Madero.  Here, there is dancing, music, and singing to honor the Señora de Guadalupe.

 One of the many traditional recipes enjoyed on this day (December 12th) is Sopa de Espinaca (Spinach Soup).  This traditional soup has an additional special ingredient...macaroni noodles!


Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb spinach
• 1/4 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.2 onion, minced
• 1/2 can tomato paste
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Boil the spinach and macaroni separately, then rinse and drain. 
2. Brown the onions in oil, then add the tomato sauce.  Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes, then add the broth.  
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the macaroni.
4. Add spinach and simmer 5 minutes.  
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 2: Ramadan

 

 Hi friends!  Welcome to Day 2 of 25 Days of Blogging!

Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert with these holidays.  I find culture and festivals wonderfully fascinating, so I wanted to share some of my basic research with you!  These posts are just the basics of the holidays and a lot will be missed.  If you have more information on any of the holidays/festivals presented in the next few weeks, feel free to leave a comment or email me directly.  Thank you!

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer.  Each day, during Ramadan, followers do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset and break their fast by sharing special meals with family and friends.  At the end of Ramadan, a three day festival known as Id al-Fitr is heald and is known as one of Islam's major holidays.

Picture Link

Typical foods to break the fast include water, dates, and milk.  There are several essential foods to prepare and consume during Ramadan, one of those being Amar el Deen. To make this drink, sheets of dried apricot are soaked in water for several hours.  Once soaked, the mixture is drained and then blended with enough fresh water to make it smooth.

Picture Link

Do you celebrate Ramadan?  Have you tried Amar el Deen before?  Let me know in the comments! (I read and reply to every one of them!)