Dose Of Vegan

Your Daily Dose of Veganism!

Cool Finds: Nate’s Meatless Meatballs

Written By: admin - Jul• 14•11

So all you vegan and vegetarian readers have you ever wanted to serve a fake meat item to some of your meat eating friends and see if they notice the difference? Well, I did just that with Nate’s Meatless Meatballs and it was fabulous! I cooked some of the meatless meatballs in a crock-pot with some pasta sauce and spices and served it at a party. Everyone loved it and nobody was the wiser! I say awesome….people thought they were eating red meat when instead, they were simply eating healthy plant based protein. YES!! These meatless meatballs come in 3 delicious varieties Zesty Italian, Savory Mushroom and Classic. I like the zesty Italian and classic the best, but all are tasty! Now if you go searching for the website don’t get discouraged by the lack of pizaz,z because they have definitely put their focus in the meatless meatballs rather than their web presence! Yum…try them out. Many local grocery stores carry them in the frozen foods section.

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Vegan Friendly Places to Eat: Sweet Surrender Dessert Cafe

Written By: admin - Jun• 27•11

I was recently visiting the Louisville, KY area for a friends wedding and whenever I am in new places I always search out vegan friendly places to eat because they are everywhere. Despite, the traditional southern charm of Louisville, KY I was able to find a couple of great places to eat. One of which was Sweet Surrender Dessert Cafe. This cafe is located in a cute old white house and you can sit out on the front porch to eat and people watch…which I did because if outside seating is an option I almost always chose it. Anyways, Sweet Surrender serves lunch until 2 each day, but you can get vegan desserts any other time. Now, not all their food is vegan and you have to specify that you are looking for vegan options, but I had no problem picking among the many vegan friendly dessert options that I called lunch! Yumm…vegan desserts for lunch :) …I say every once in awhile substituting dessert for a meal is a great treat!

Anyways, I had a a berry pie, a peanut butter cookie (that reminded me of my mom’s!) and a no-bake chocolate cookie! All were tasty and all made for a great lunch!  Btw they looked so good I started eating them before I remembered to take the picture. Sorry!

So, if you ever make your way down to Louisville, KY I suggest you stop into Sweet Surrender and say hello…if you want lunch just be sure to make it there before 2, but if you just want dessert for you meal you can stop in anytime you won’t regret it!!

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Facts/Health: Vegan Vitamins

Written By: admin - Jun• 07•11

Okay, I grew up in a household where getting the different assortment of vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis was very important. You see, my dad is a PharmD, or a Doctor of Pharmaceutical Medicine and a drug information specialist….and an all around smart guy. :) My dad’s thoughts are that it doesn’t hurt to take a multivitamin to help ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need, because it is likely you will not always consume everything you need. Now, some doctors do not believe in vitamins, but I stand with my dad because I know I don’t always eat well-round, well-balanced meals on a daily basis….So, as a supplement to my diet I add in a regular multivitamin. The problem is, most multivitamins are not vegetarian, let alone vegan. Multi-vitamins often contain gelatin, fish-oils, milk bi-products, etc. Therefore, when I started looking for vitamins I went on a hunt for vegan suitable ones, because what’s the point in eating a vegan diet and supplementing with a none veggie vitamin?! Over the last few years I have been taking Rainbow Light brand multivitamins. A couple different types of Rainbow Light multivitamins exist whether you are a women, a senior, a man or pregnant. Rainbow Light offers multivitamins options with the VeganGuard, which means the product was screened for animal products and is suitable for vegans.

 Now, I went to the store about a week ago to get more multivitamins and all they had were the type without much iron…so I decided since I am a young women to add an iron supplement to my diet just in case. I tried the VegLife Vegan Iron Chewable and I must say it was tasty and packed with vegan iron.

Now I realize vitamins are not for everyone and it is always better to get your vitamins and minerals from the food you eat; however, if you decide you want to try a vegan multivitamin the Rainbow Light brand is one I like. Also, the iron tablets may be new to me, but they have the certified vegan symbol on the label which makes me a satisfied consumer!

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Meals: Tempeh and Veggies

Written By: admin - May• 25•11

Last night I made up another delicious and healthy vegan meal using the contents of my refrigerator and some of Light Life Three Grain Tempeh. I had some squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, edamame and boy choy. I sliced up all these veggies and sauteed them in a pan with a little soy sauce and chili paste. To achieve the flavor I wanted Igenerally keep tasting the vegetables. :)  It you don’t like spicy foods then go light on the chili paste, because it can increase the spiciness rapidly. While these veggies were cooking together I heated up sliced pieces of tempeh in a frying pan with a little olive oil, chili paste and soy sauce. Once the tempeh was heated I add it to the sauteed veggies and served them over a bead of brown rice. See it is as easy as that! You can make this using whatever vegetables you have in your kitchen (even the frozen kind)!

The nice thing about tempeh is that it is not only loaded with protein, but it generally also has a considerable amount of fiber and fiber is vital for a healthy diet! The tempeh I used to make this dish had about 9 g of fiber and 20 g of protein per serving. So, when looking for vegan protein don’t forget to think about tempeh as an option!

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Opinion: What is Vegan Anyway??

Written By: admin - May• 12•11

So, what does it mean to you to be vegan anyway? I feel, that despite the clear cut definition of veganism many different levels of veganism exist. Vegans range, from those that read every ingredient and only eat out a restaurants that label there food vegan; to those people who call themselves vegan, but may eat ingredients such a honey on occasion. And, my opinion is, that all these people are vegan…despite the variations. When we take things down to the nitty gritty of the definition we can lose sight of the bigger picture. As we try to classify, and  over-classify the lifestyles people chose we begin to battle with ourselves and the very same people who are working with us to change the world for the better. I think it is important to focus less on the classification of vegans and questioning what each person puts in their mouth or on their body. Focus on what others and you are doing to make the world a better place. Instead, of condemning your fellow vegetarian or vegan for not living as much of a cruelty-free lifestyle as you do…I challenge you to thank them and be grateful for the steps they are taking. It is important to remember we are all on different steps of our journey and it is better to help people take steps forward with love and support rather than making people feel bad and ashamed, sending them backwards. AS much as I wish that everyone on this earth would eat and use only cruelty-free, animal-free items I thank every person who has every given up meat, showed an animal compassion and love or started on a food journey to find the most compassionate way to eat. So, next time you are thinking about focusing on the details try to stick to the bigger picture of what we are trying to make better together…this world!

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Cool Finds: Smart Strips® Chick’n

Written By: admin - May• 06•11

Smart Strips® Chick’n are one of my favorite replacements for chicken in meals. I have used these chick’n strips as a topping for pizza, as a replacement for chicken in more traditional recipes, and I especially like to use them to make chicken fajitas. These vegan chick’n strips contain only 80 calories per serving and zero grams of fat. They don’t fall short on protein either, with 14 grams per serving. Even if you eat chicken you may want to try out Light Life’s Chick’n strips simply because of the ease at which you can work with them. These strips come in a sealed package and are already formed into little white breast chicken-style pieces. You simply add the strips to any meal or dish and you have a Chick’n meal. No cleaning up deadly bacteria or preparing chicken. Also, these strips can cook and be ready to eat in a few minutes. So next time you want to spice up a vegan meal, or eat a healthier chicken meal try using Light Life’s Smart Strips Chick’n you won’t regret it! Also, Light Life has many other amazing vegan products for you to check out! www.lightlife.com

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Vegan Whos/Who: Russell Simmons

Written By: admin - Apr• 14•11

Veganism is not limited to any one culture, identity, industry or group. You can find vegans from many different backgrounds and professions. In the case of Russell Simmons, he was a hip-hop bad guy who changed his life and went vegan. He realized that becoming vegan meant protecting animals and it made him feel better about himself; he felt healthier. Simmons states that becoming vegan is not something you should or can do overnight; It’s a gradual process you have to work your way up to and get used to, but once you do you will like it better. Simmons talks more about his veganism and his life in this article.  http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/04/12/fame-bites-russell-simmons/

Now, Simmons is not the only musically talented hip-hop artist to go vegan. Andre 3000, of Outcast, has been vegan for a number of years. Andre 3000 stands apart from others in his industry in both his music, attire and diet. You may not think these two are vegan at first glance, but soy milk and tofu are in fact some of their diet staples.

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Cool Finds: STL Cardinals Veggie Food

Written By: admin - Apr• 09•11

Sporting events  and a veggie diet and lifestyle do not usually go hand-and-hand, but more and more ballparks and stadiums are serving veggie friendly options. The St. Louis Cardinals, my favorite team, has veggie burgers and veggie chicken patties at different locations throughout the stadium. To top it off, the coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, Tony La Russa, is a vegetarian. He went vegetarian many years ago. In addition, to being a vegetarian La Russa founded the Animal Rescue Foundation in California. So, if you are going to lead a veggie lifestyle and still remain a fan of a sport you may want to support the St. Louis Cardinals. This team will not only provide you with veggie options while you are at the ballpark, but the long-time coach will also partake in the veggie meals with you! ;) GO CARDS!

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Meals: Vegan Nachos

Written By: admin - Apr• 05•11

Vegan nachos are a quick and satisfying meal for any crowd- and they are much healthier than their meat-based alternative. Here’s how I make them: First, I take my favorite vegan chips and spread them onto a baking pan. Then, I cover the chips with an assortment of beans, soy beef crumbles, salsa, jalapenos and vegan cheese shreds (I like Daisya brand). I bake the nachos in the oven at around 375 degrees for about 10 minutes and then presto, dinner is served! Great for a game day, party food or just to satisfy your craving!

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Did You Know: Go Daddy Supports Animal Cruelty

Written By: admin - Mar• 31•11

Ever since the sexy commercials for GoDaddy aired a couple of years ago I was unsure of the company, and thought their advertising was off. But they were a well established company and for web hosting a very safe site. Well now I couldn’t care less about the web hosting they offer and I realize my initial assessment of their company was correct. They care little about anything other then themselves and will engage in stunts that appear to help others, but occur at a great cost and feed only their narcissism. I am speaking of  the CEO of GoDaddy, Bob Parsons, who recently slaughtered, or more appropriately murdered, an elephant in Zimbabwe. Mr. Parsons even filmed the kill!! YUCK! The kill of the elephant seemed enjoyable to Mr. Parsons. Enjoyable. And as disgusting as that is he then went on to down play the slaughter by arguing that it was done to benefit the local farmers who’s crops are often ruined by elephants. To this I say; Oh, please! Mr. Parsons, there are much better ways to help deal with the problems farmers in Zimbabwe are having and I am sure the amount you spent to hunt and kill that elephant could have fed the local farmers for many, many months!  A person’s character can be measured by the way they treat animals. Mr. Parsons, your character is not looking good.

So, if I were you I would divert all my web hosting funds and find a new host for my site.  Remove your sites from GoDaddy please!

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