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DON'T THROW THAT AWAY!!!

7/29/2014

Some of my friends think that I am crazy (i.e.: Tracie...LOL).
Confession Time!

I cut lotion bottles, lip gloss tubes and whatever else open to get the last drop.
When I used to cook with canned spaghetti sauce or sauce in jars, I would put a little bit of water in the jar to get the last bit of sauce out.
I clean my plate (no exceptions).
I use my entire gift card, down to the last penny.
I don't go into stores that have bonus cards without the bonus card in hand.
On the rare occasion that I forget my bonus card, I will ask to use someone else's in line.
If there is a coupon out for a department store and I don't have it, I will beg (and I rarely beg for anything) the sales associate for it at the check out desk.

I truly believe what my Nana used to say as the gospel - waste not, want not! Is this a good practice? I dunno, sometimes I feel like my inability to let go of the last drop feeds into a deeper insecurity and a poverty mentality, but while I'm still trying to figure my issues out, please allow me to assist you with your garbage!

I'm such an upcycler! :-) Maybe not, but it sounds so chic, right? So, when the Happy Herbivore came up with this idea, I HAD to incorporate it into practice.

The point of it all?

Don't throw those veggie scraps away, boil them down and make your own veggie stock instead! Add seasonings and give those beans, greens and sauteed dreams a boost. The best part? YOU control just how much sodium goes into your broth/stock. I can't stand sodium overload and most prepackaged broths/stocks contain MSG that the body cannot process which consequently aggravates your blood pressure causing spikes that lead to unnecessary medical diagnoses.

Quit the prepackaging and make your own ish!

Take a look at the pics and put the pieces together to create something new and improved, right from your very own kitchen.

Before.
During.
After.
Veggie Scraps: Onions, Broccoli Stalks, Kale Stems, Water, Pepper

It's Nothing But A VolxKuche!

7/26/2014

A what?

VolxKuche is a German word that translates into the "People's Kitchen" in English and that's exactly what it is! Yesterday, I had the sheer pleasure of volunteering (and grubbing) with the members of VolxKuche in San Francisco. One of my reasons for moving to the west from the east was because of the high levels of innovation and community that I heard and read about in books, on blogs and through other research. I'm so pleased to report that it's true, it's true! I've felt it and nothing that I've seen so far describes it better than VolxKuche.

This wonderful group is all volunteer driven. They cook, clean, serve, laugh and intermingle with everyone. I know this because I was there doing just that. There's no hierarchy involved although some members are more seasoned than others. Collectively, they provide free (and right tasty) vegetarian and vegan meals for the people of San Francisco and NO ONE is turned away. All of the food is made from scratch (me and Stan were putting it dowwwwwwn at the wok...in between picture time) and there is no criteria involved in order for you to get a plate. Your financial net worth can be a million bucks or five bucks, it doesn't matter! Everyone sits together, eats, talks and if you're lucky, you show up in time to volunteer. On most Fridays, there is even a little live music or a comedy show that highlights local talent in the area.

Come and get your VolxKuche on every 2nd and last Friday of the month in San Francisco at St. John The Evangelist Episcopal Church.

Pass the peas, please!

From the left: Authentic Costa Rican Black Bean Soup with White Rice, Fried Plantains and Avocado. Spiced Broccoli, Carrots and Cauliflower with Coconut Milk and the fixings for the Asian Stir-fry. I'll take more food pics next time, I promise. :-)

Tomato Sushi.com: Finger-Licking Good!

7/26/2014

So, you plant lovers know that I attended the FFAC Vegan BBQ last weekend and had a blast! But, you may not have known that I did a spot for Tomato Sushi.com along with Alex Tip (my new veggie homie).

The sushi is so good and the textures are dead on without killing any little swimmers or adding mercury to my bloodstream. With authentic flavor that it had me licking my fingers (literally), Tomato Sushi is the best alternative! Afterall, there is no need to pull a hook through a fish, chop off its head, cut it open and take out its bones. For what!?!?

Check out the video and support fresh, cruelty-free, healthy and DELICIOUS food.

Now please, pass the wasabi!

Oooh Baby I Like It Raw!

7/24/2014

"Yeah Baby I like it raaaaw!" Sometimes, I just want something uncooked, simple and quick...yet full of nutrients! This is one of my favorite filling and raw vegan (nothing heated above 118 degrees) breakfast options! It's simply soaked flax seeds, bananas, strawberries and cinnamon. It doesn't get any simpler than that, now does it? The best part is, I purchased the flax seeds for $1 at the local Dollar Tree and let's not forget that strawberries are in season, so they are cheaper this time of the year. Lastly, bananas are practically free!

1. Start by soaking 1/2 cup of flax seeds overnight in a covered bowl. To soak, use a cup and a 1/2 of fresh water and add a dash of vanilla extract to the flax seeds for enhanced flavor.
2. Mix about 10 sliced strawberries and 1 or 2 sliced bananas in with the flax seeds.
3. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of cinnamon on top.
4. BOOM! Eat up and remain full for hours.
5. Don't forget to ask your favorite nagging carnivore, "So, where do you get YOUR protein?" (optional)

Vegan Inspiration: Don't wait for it!

7/23/2014

I totally understand the plight of a vegan plus size woman because I am her. She is me. We are thee!

There's secret judging (but never out loud) by your own community that think "she can't possibly be vegan". Then, there's the banter from your family and friends, "...but don't you miss chicken?" As if chicken is a person! Additionally, there's the "I could NEVER go without cheese" commentators. Lastly, there's the internal judging and wondering if you are making the right decision because you are new to veganism and let's face it, you may be hungry (as a mug).

Here are the facts:

1. They are going to judge you anyway...no matter what! If you aren't being talked about, you aren't making waves and your life is probably boring as hell!

2. You're hungry because you don't know what to eat to sustain yourself. I can help you with that. It's hard to go it alone and luckily, this Plus Sized and Plant Passionate Vegan has got your back!

3. You've never let other people's comments stop you before so why now? Don't allow their insecurity affect your health any longer. A lot of us are overweight because we have been holding on to other people's crap for so long. Allow yourself to be free and to cling to the best lifestyle on the PLANeT - all fresh (except for the occasional cookie), bright, beaming and life-giving produce, whole grains, nuts, seeds and delicious herbs and spices. Ooooh, sign me up!

Confession: I've had one too many drinks

7/23/2014

Venti-soy-mocha-no-whip-please! Depending on how fast you say it you'll sound like you are "spittin' your information" for the baristas. Sorority and Fraternity folks know what I'm talking about. . .

But, you should know that I've had WAY too many of these this summer, more than I care to admit but it supports my motto (really just an excuse) of "when it's hot, I need something cold."

Listen, coffee is highly acidic! Why is acid so bad? Well, I'm glad you asked young soy-whipper faux-fish snapper! Disease (especially cancer) cannot live in an acidic body. When you eliminate foods or drinks that are acidic, you lower your risk of chronic aches, pains and self-imposed conditions that doctors THINK you need pharmaceuticals for (but that's for another blog post).

While eliminating acidic foods, you are in turn alkalizing the body and creating a stimulating environment for your body to thrive and produce authentic energy. Instead of producing energy that will be here today and gone in 60 minutes (until you reach for your next cup), try something new! Reach for fresh squeezed OJ in the morning, a walk or run to get you going (yes, plus size women DO run) or even some time to meditate over herbal tea.

I've made a vow to seriously reconsider my next Starbucks run and instead go for a fresh squeezed juice/smoothie to keep myself alert or awake. OR how about just takin' my tail to sleep at night? I think THAT would do the trick!

Vegan in The Bay: Vegan BBQ sponsored by Factory Farming Awareness Coalition

7/22/2014

It's not everyday that you hear the words "vegan" and "barbecue" in the same sentence. In fact, I forgot where I was for a moment when I saw "ranch" flavored chips and passed them by. I totally forgot that everything available to me was 100% Vegan! I quickly circled back to the table once I remembered and scooped those chips by Beanfield's into my mouth. . .with the quickness. I also had the BEST burger that I've ever tasted since going vegan! Listen, please...take my word for it. Buy the Field Roast hand-formed burgers immediately and throw them on the grill, you won't be disappointed.

So, yes the food was amazing, but the best part of the whole BBQ was meeting like-minded individuals that understand how beneficial it is for our bodies and the world to go vegan! I had the pleasure of meeting a vegan woman that looks like me! She is plus sized and fabulous, only proving that this lifestyle comes in all shapes, sizes and colors! I can't wait to volunteer with FFAC in the near future.

Picture Courtesy of Factory Farming Awareness Coalition

Affordable Vegan Snacks: Annie Chun's Seaweed Snacks

7/18/2014

I don't believe that snacks should be expensive nor unhealthy but they should always be tasty! I love to snack on nuts, but I'm not sure if you've noticed...those things are so pricey. It's really ridic! This snack however will run you about $5 AND it can double as a small meal. I have eaten it for dinner many times. It's my version of cheese and crackers but gluten free and vegan!

Annie Chun's seaweed snacks are about $2 in any grocery store. They are found in the international section or just hanging out near the crackers. Pair them with in-season and succulent roma tomatoes and a "buttery" avocado and you are in business. I like to put them all together and eat it like sushi. All that's missing is the rice! Eat up people!

Vegan in The Bay: I Want Cookies!

7/17/2014

If you say this little girl is not cute, I may have to unfollow you on Instagram. She is adorable and apparently smart as a cookie! Her family's brand of cookies is called The No Cookie Cookie and they are delicious. Apparently, they are going through some re-branding because the image on my two cookie packages is different than the website.

Their office is here in Oakland, CA and I can't wait to visit. I love my fruit and veggies, but sometimes, I just want a cookie!

These are guilt free. They are vegan (no dairy) and gluten free but they are still soft and extremely delicious. I've only been in town 13 days and I've already had the Oatmeal Raisin and the Chocolate Chip! OOOOOoooh, I need to slow down! Support small businesses and definitely support great products.

For those of you concerned about calories, I've posted the deets below. FYI - you'll never catch me counting. Since becoming vegan, I've learned to give up on obsessing. Eat more fresh food than packaged food and go move your body. You'll see and feel a difference.

Deprivation is human cruelty. Eat the damn cookie!

Raw Vegan Inspiration - Dara Dubinet

7/17/2014

Dara is not the reason I became vegan (no meat, dairy or animal by-products), but she's definitely one of the reasons why I am embracing the raw vegan (fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds no warmer than 180 degrees) lifestyle. This lifestyle means a lot to me. Since becoming vegan in 2013, I have:

1. Released my allergies
2. Improved my skin tone
3. Strengthen my hair
4. Re-booted my immune system
5. And I've lost major weight. I stopped counting after about 50 lbs.

I feel so good, but I know that I can feel even better and release more weight. So, from time-to-time I eat mostly fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds. I know the benefits of doing this. I can't promise that I'll ever be 100% raw vegan, but Dara makes the lifestyle so appealing and she inspires me to test my limits. Now that I'm in California, I hope that our paths will one day cross. I would love to create in her kitchen one day. Don't believe the hype? Check out some of her videos on YouTube. Her calming presence alone will make you want to reach for a peach...and never stop reaching!