The Sausage Principle....

"If you love something, never find out how it was made" -John Oliver

This quote is from a segment on the John Oliver Show in reference to the FIFA soccer organization. A sport that John Oliver loves but upon further investigation, realized that FIFA is nothing more than a money hungry corporation, willing to take advantage of the fanaticism of the spectators while abusing the weakness and desperation of small countries and third world populations. This principle eludes that sometimes, things are too good to be true. That ignorance truly is bliss. That if you love something, that love might actually blind you from seeing what it really is or to even question it. This phrase has become significant to me over the last year. There are many things I once thought (or didn't think about at all), but new information and a new perspective has changed my mind. Even though I feel like some of my world has been completely turned around (as change so often does), the world is actually making sense and I have a deeper realization of my life and purpose. I have more compassion for human beings and all creatures. I have found a greater hope in mankind as I see so much good being done, and believe anyone can make a change from within.

Which is why I will not stop speaking up for the things I believe in. If you know me, you can imagine I take the sausage principle quite literally, in that you seriously do not want to know how they make sausage lol. I do not want to ignore facts just because it is easier, or because it is what the majority is doing, and especially when it causes suffering. I have not eaten animal flesh for over a year for this very reason. I believe most humans have compassion and empathy for animals. Why else would veterinarian doctors exist or laws be created that make cruelty for domestic pets illegal?

In addition to compassion and empathy, there are many health reasons why factory farms are simply no good. (click the news headline for a great comprehensive article on these reasons!)

Avian Flu Outbreak Among Chickens—What This Disaster Can Tell Us About Our Food Production

Food really is a personal choice and I am accepting of whatever choices people want to make. But it is different when that choice contributes to the suffering of another creature. The key is education, awareness and small changes. First world citizens do not need to eat meat at every single meal of the day, or even every day, or even at all, because we have access to any kind of food we want. Yet we are meant to believe that eating meat so frequently is normal. It is natural to have that desire and even necessary for good health. Given all these justifications and the fact that people just plain LIKE the taste, makes it easier to ignore the repercussions of supporting an industry that takes devastating shortcuts in order to meet demand and increase profit. Shortcuts like the overuse of antibiotics, steroids, and the deliberate pain and suffering of innocent animals who happen to be as clever, loving, and loyal as the family pet. The laws can and certainly should change so that they no longer protect the corporations. But before that happens I believe in changing the hearts of the people, after all, that is where the profit comes from. First step is to reject the sausage principle!

Fruit/Veg Detox

Hubby and I did a three day fruit and veg detox last week. Its been a while! But even just three days is a good way to reboot the old system. I was really good day 1 and took pictures of almost everything I ate. I made a goal this time to eat only raw foods until dinner time. 

Day 1

1. Raw Carrot Apple Orange Kale juice

2. Two bananas with 1 cup frozen raspberries

3. Carrots, cucumber, and grape tomatoes dipped in avocado

4. 6 raw dates

5. Bowl of watermelon

6. Dinner was spaghetti squash and a good quality organic pasta sauce w/sautéed veggies in it, and a side of lettuce. I had a second large plate of the spaghetti squash and sauce (not pictured)

7. Night time snack (not pictured): 3-4 cups Homemade Popcorn (kernels popped in coconut oil and sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt)

 Day 2

Headache day lol. Both me and the hubs had headaches all day, which is common when your body is trying to flush out those stubborn toxins. I didn't keep track of every single thing, but did manage to take a picture of dinner which was oil free fries seasoned with herbs, salt, and pepper and a big salad on the side. I had a big second plate of the fries too.

 Night time snack we opted for these smoothies. Banana, frozen strawberry, frozen raspberry, a little coconut water and thats it!

 Day 3

Headaches were gone and we were feeling great! Didn't document everything but got a few photos from that day. Made another juice that morning... I think this one was celery, carrot, kale, cucumber, apple, and orange.

 Three bananas with frozen raspberries. I actually eat this a lot, even when I'm not detoxing. 

 Didn't eat raw till dinner time that day as I decided to have these leftover fries for lunch. 

Dinner I made a huge pot of vegetable soup with a side salad which really hit the spot! I had two huge bowls. And that was the last day! A detox is so much easier than you might think. For one, you get to eat unlimited. Whatever you like just eat that! I think on day two I had 6 bananas for a meal. It was filling and totally acceptable for this kind of detox! Just make sure you plan ahead and buy enough volume and variety of fruit/veg so when you are hungry there is plenty to eat. I would love to hear from anyone who has tried this or is maybe planning on doing one soon!

Hearty Vegetable Chili

I whipped this up a couple nights ago because I didn't have ingredients for one of my usual go-to dinners. It was so good I had to make a recipe and share. The best part is you can add any vegetables you have on hand! I think sweet potato or squash would go really nice in it. Perfect for those days you need to get rid of what's left in the veggie drawer.

Hearty Vegetable Chili

1 Tbs Coconut oil (or oil of choice)
1 red onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup green beans, diced
4 slices vegan bacon (I used Lightlife Smart Bacon)
2 tsp home made taco seasoning (I really like THIS one)
1 can tomatoes, (blend slightly in food processor)
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced green chilies
Juice from 1 lime
1 1/2 cups water (can add more if there is not enough liquid)
1-2 Tbs homemade "chicken" broth seasoning (start with one Tbs and add more to taste)
1 cup frozen corn
1 can Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Salt and Pepper
Fresh cilantro (coarsely chopped) and extra lime wedges for serving

Heat oil on medium/high heat in a large pot and sauté onions until soft. Add carrots and celery and sauté another 5 minutes. Then add bell pepper, garlic and green beans, sprinkle with the homemade taco seasoning and sauté an additional 5 minutes. It is always a good idea to toast your seasonings a little to bring out their aroma and flavor before deglazing the pan with liquid ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients (except cilantro/additional lime) and stir to combine. Bring everything to a boil then reduce to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve topped with fresh cilantro and lime juice!

"Chicken" Broth Powder

My sister Lucy shared this recipe with me a couple months ago and it is my new favorite seasoning. I use it in everything from soups to seasoned veggies. It is SO GOOD and really does taste like chicken! But unlike the store bought powder this is vegan and doesn't have any nasty additives like MSG and GMO corn syrup. If you make nothing else that I post on this blog please do yourself a favor and make this one!

"Chicken" Broth Powder

2 cups nutritional yeast 

1/2 cup real salt

2 Tablespoons onion powder

1 Tablespoon turmeric

2 teaspoons dried dill weed

2 teaspoons marjoram

2 teaspoons dried powdered lemon peel

1 teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 tsp powdered thyme

1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley 

Blend all ingredients except parsley in a food processor until powdered and mix together. Add 1 tablespoon parsley and pulse to chop. I used all dried herbs since I already had them on hand but if you use fresh (for the basil and parsley) it would be even more amazing! Store in an airtight glass jar. Original recipe can be found HERE.

Easy Lunches

I tend to eat more simply now. I'll put a little more effort into the dinner since I want my husband to enjoy it, but during the day I keep my meals easy and fast. Of course I still love to indulge (and do so quite often) but for the most part I stick to simple meals made from whole foods from the earth. Here are some really easy and delicious lunches I've had over the last few months.

A huge salad is always a winner! 

 Big bowl of grapes

 Went a little fancy one day with some leftover pasta. Sautéed zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, snap peas, grape tomatoes, and spinach in a little coconut oil then tossed with leftover whole grain pasta. SO SO GOOD!

 Smoothie bowl with granola on top...really easy and so filling.

 Another easy salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sweet potato, and pepitas)

Lunch on the go. I remember I was in a big rush that day but still managed to throw together something tasty and fulfilling to take to work. 

(2 gala apples, snap peas, fresh dates, and walnuts)

Happy New Year!

Ugh. Its pathetic that I haven't posted on here in MONTHS! Sorry to the 3 people that read this! I've actually taken tons of pictures of stuff I want to post but just haven't got around to putting it on here. I caught up with a really good friend of mine a few weeks ago and I told her how I didn't eat meat anymore. She was astounded (in the funniest way possible) and she just kept asking "HOW? But seriously how do you do that?" It is so much easier than you think! People always ask if I miss eating meat and I really don't. Socially I felt a little weird around the holidays skipping the tradition of eating turkey on Thanksgiving or ham on Christmas, but I don't actually crave or desire the taste of it. I also really enjoy going to the grocery store and not having to venture down the meat isle surrounded by all that blood and dead animal flesh (saves my wallet a whole bunch too). Even going out to eat there are so many options these days. At my 30th birthday sisters breakfast I had a huge vegan breakfast burrito that was amazing! Before you turn your nose up at the word tofu, you just have to try it before you judge. Over the last 6 months I've learned I'm not a huge fan of tofu, but as a scrambled egg substitute in this burrito it was so good!

Last week I was in Cancun at an all inclusive resort with the hubby. All inclusive means UNLIMITED food. Which might sound like a waste that I didn't take advantage of all that meat around but I really didn't mind since they had lots of vegetarian options. Like this veggie wrap...

 Every morning for breakfast I would raid the buffet of their fresh fruit including berries, papaya, and a type of guava found in Mexico. Plus lots of other plant based options like french toast, pastries and cereal. 

This year I'm hoping I can use this blog to show how easy it is to eat plant based and maybe even bust some of the myths that surround a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Stay tuned!

Banana Blueberry 'Nice'cream with Rawnola

This is my FAVORITE food lately. Loni Jane's banana nice-cream with rawnola. I don't have a link for her recipe but you can find her on instagram. So simple and yet so delicious, filling, and loaded with nutrients. 

All you need is...

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup coconut flakes

10-12 raw dates (I used dried ones for the above photos and it was still really good)

1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen blueberries

Pulse oats, coconut and dates in a food processor until mixed well. I recommend using raw dates because the mixture will be more pasted together and have a chewier texture/richer flavor. 

Next pulse bananas and blueberries in a blender or food processor until creamy (add a little water as you go if needed). Short on berries? I frequently eat this with bananas only and it is still to die for! Top nice-cream with rawnola and enjoy!