Vegan At The Table

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

2012-02-19T06:33:00.000-08:00

One of the most missed meals from my childhood is eggplant parmesan. This recipe is entirely vegan and tastes incredibly good.

Ingredients

2 Eggplant sliced 1/4" thick slices
1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/3 cup Daiya Mozzarella

Tomato Sauce 1quart

CHEESE SAUCE
1 cup firm tofu
1/2 cup Daiya Mozzarella
3/4 cup soy milk
3/4 cup vegetable broth
3 tblspn Cashew Butter or Tahini
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
2 tblspn nutritional Yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
3 tsp cornstarch

Directions

Salt the eggplant slices, let stand for 30 mins, rinse and pat dry

Broil the eggplant slices, spraying with a little canola spray until browned on both sides

Place all the cheese sauce ingredients into food processor and blend until combined

Preheat the oven to 350 deg

Spray 6"x9" baking dish lightly with canola spray and place 1/3 the eggplant slices in the bottom. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the breadcrumbs then 1/3 of the tomato sauce finishing with 1/3 of the cheese sauce. Repeat the process two more times adding 1/3 cup Daiya Mozzarella cheese and sauce to the top.

Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until lightly browned, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves.

Serves 6

Atlantic City to force horses to dive

2012-02-04T04:57:00.000-08:00

You read that correctly, dive. The owners of the Steel Pier say they are bringing back this attraction once stopped due to the concerns of the animal. The new horse dive will consist of a rider jumping the horse off a 30 to 40 foot platform into a 12 foot pool. Anthony Cananoso, the Steel Pier president, see's no risk of harm to the animals and feels its a historic and popular attraction.

Horse diving was an attraction here from the 1920's to the 1970's when it was stopped. Now the plan is to build an amphitheater and charge ten dollars a person to see a horse and rider dive. But many local residents are not happy with the return of the dive. The Atlantic City SPCA President, Nancy Beall, has said the idea is disgusting and its cruel to put the animals though this. Hopefully through efforts of the SPCA, word of this will spread and Mr. Cananoso will reconsider this cruel tradition.

News coverage video clip.

Have we stopped the Canadian seal slaughter ?

2012-01-29T08:21:00.000-08:00

The annual Canadian seal slaughter may finally see it's end. Through awareness from groups like PETA and Sea Shepherd, the public outcry on this brutal slaughter may have finally been heard by the Canadian Government. Just weeks before the slaughter is to resume Brian Cleary, a member of the Canadian Parliament representing one of the regions where the slaughter takes place, has acknowledged the public outcry and now is questioning the future of this brutal slaughter.

Cleary's statement comes just weeks after Russia has taken steps to ban the import of the harp seal fur. Polls have consistently shown the Canadian citizens oppose the seal slaughter, maybe it's time the Government listens.

Warning: Video of this brutal slaughter can be seen here.

To help, please visit this page to tell the Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, that this must end.

Help Farm Sanctuary save Tinsel & Holly

2011-12-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

Recently two calves only days old and unable to stand, were taken from a stockyard floor by Farm Sanctuary's Rescue Team and brought to the Cornell University Medical Center. The calves Tinsel and Holly were brought in with on the verge of death, found laying on the floor scared and shaking after being pushed, pulled and trampled.

Holly, the first of the two to be rescued, was too weak to stand and her fur was matted and covered with feces from being trampled by the other calves. Her most serious ailment was dehydration, deprived of the basic necessity of water.

Tinsel was so small he looked like a black and white dog. Too weak to stand, workers kept pushing and pulling the calf to prop him onto his feet -- so he would sell at a higher price. Finally he just collapsed on the floor near death. Tinsel still in critical condition, is receiving IV fluids and antibiotics.

These scared and weak animals that are fighting pneumonia and scours, are also fighting for their lives. If not for Farm Sanctuary, they would have died overnight on the cold stockyard floor scared and alone. If they make it through, they will live out the rest of their lives on rescue farms.

If you want to help provide urgent care to Tinsel and Holly, the two calves recently rescued from certain death at a stockyard, please visit this link.

2011-11-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

Farm Sanctuary encourages you to adopt a turkey

It is that time of year again when more than 45 million turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving. These over bread birds are slaughtered when they are only 6 months old. They are denied the simple pleasures of outdoors, raising their young, or even the freedom of movement.

Since 1986 Farm Sanctuary has rescued more than 1000 turkeys from slaughter and have either provided a home for them on their farms or have found homes for them. Again this Thanksgiving with help from you many turkeys will avoid the table and be able to live their lives. The Adopt a Turkey program allows you to sponsor a turkey for as little as $30.00. You can choose an individual turkey you wish to support and will receive a picture and a certificate with fun facts about your new friend.

For more information please go to Farm Sanctuary Adopt-Turkey.

NutritionalFacts.org Launches

2011-08-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

Dr. Michael Greger’s has spent the past year creating the website NutritionalFacts.org. His goal is that the website will grow into an authoritative source for the latest plant based nutrition.

The website features all Dr. Greger’s videos from all his past DVD’s called “Latest in Clinical Nutrition”. The videos clips are split into hundreds of short segments organized by topic. The website is free for visitors and is non ad supported, nor does he sell any products.

Starting Monday, August 18th NutritionalFacts.org will start an ambitious new undertaking. They will upload one new video every day, seven days a week, for at least the first 365 days. Dr. Greger realizes this is a large task to take on but to him its a labor of love.

You can follow the daily video feeds below.

Daily video feed: http://nutritionfacts.org/videos/feed/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NutritionFacts.org

Twitter: http://twitter.com/nutrition_facts

Pickle it

2011-07-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

This is from the Vegnews magazine.

2 quart size mason jars
1 1/2 pounds of cucumbers sliced 1/8 inch thick
6 cloves of garlic sliced thin
1/2 cup fresh dill chopped
2 tsp yellow mustard seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp fennel seeds
2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbs sea salt

Put the cucumber, garlic, dill, and spices in the mason jars. In a small saucepan heat the cider vinegar, water, and sugar until it boils. Boil for 5 mins dissolving the sugar. Pour the liquid evenly into the jars and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for two days then enjoy. The pickles will last 2 to 3 months.

2011-06-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Mexican Corn Salad

This is a easy and flavor full side dish. I mix together:

16oz. Frozen non GMO corn thawed
1 Diced red pepper
1 Diced shallot
1/2 medium red onion
15 diced black olives
1 diced jalapeno
1 tsp cumin
1tsp chile powder
1 lime juiced
1tsp salt
1tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tbs pepper sauce

Mix well and refrigerate for an hour.

Stop the attempted cover up of animal abuse by agribusiness

2011-06-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

New York state legislature is considering a measure (S.5172) that would make it illegal to film animal abuse that occurs on factory farms. This is a direct violation of freedom of speech. Whistle blowers have done more for animal welfare then any other attempt to reign in the abuse. Agribusiness would like nothing better than to hide the abuse that goes on within their facilities. The recent investigations in New York, that have shown malicious abuse of farm animals, has pushed New York's agribusiness to lobby for this measure.

Time to take action!
Please call to your New York state senator and urge opposition to S.5172. Look up your legislators' names and phone numbers.

There is a email petition to sign that is located on the Humane Society's website.

The deal with veal

2011-05-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Every person should be able to make their own choices of what they eat and know how it came to their plate. It is irresponsible when people say, I'd rather not know where my food comes from. If you're one who chooses to eat veal these days over the unlimited amount of food choices, you should understand what you are supporting.

Veal comes mostly from the unwanted male dairy calves. The Dairy Association has done a great job selling their illusion of how a liquid fat "milk" is good for you to consume. The "Milk Does a Body Good" and the "Got Milk" campaigns, with promotions from celebrities, helped to increase dairy sales. Keeping dairy cows pregnant and producing milk is the dairy farmers goal. Fifty percent of the babies born are females who go back into the dairy production business until they are no longer needed. The other half are males sold off to veal farms for the appeal of tender meat, all fat and no muscle. To accomplish this the baby calves are taken from their mothers at birth and chained to a veal crate. Some farms tether the calves so tight to the crate that they can hardly move.The only thing the calve can do over the rest of it's life is eat. Walking or grazing on grass could produce muscle build up that would ruin the tender meat. The usual veal calf will be slaughtered at 22 weeks old, a little over 5 months, unless its Bob Veal where the calves are slaughtered only a few days after birth.

When you choose to eat veal you are supporting this process. All animals should have a chance to live a cruelty free life. People can vote with their grocery or dining money to support this animal cruelty or to send a message that this is unacceptable.

Banning Veal Crates:

The UK banned the use of veal crates in 1990

In the Unites States:
Maine- ban by 2011
Arizona- ban by 2012
Colorado- ban by 2012
California- ban by 2013
Michigan- ban by 2013

To help:
Say No To Veal - A Farm Sanctuary Campaign

Vegan Cinco De Mayo

2011-05-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Black bean enchiladas with pepper jack Daiya cheese and spanish rice. Oh and of course a couple of margaritas. The only thing I forgot was the guacamole.

Let me know your favorite Cinco De Mayo dishes.

Forks Over Knives to open May 6th

2011-04-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Forks Over Knives, a new documentary that examines the claim that it is possible to control and even reverse most modern diseases through a plant based diet, is scheduled to open on May 6th. The film highlights two highly established researchers, Dr. T Colin Campbell, a nutritional scientist at Cornell University and author of The China Study and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a top surgeon and head of the Breast Cancer Task Force at the Cleveland Clinic. Both Dr. Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn have been pioneers in promoting the healing powers of a whole food, plant based diet.
In the film the idea of food as medicine is put to the test. Cameras follow real patients who suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease & diabetes. The doctors teach these patients how to change to a plant based diet in an attempt to treat their conditions. The film reveals their challenges and triumphs throughout the process.

The film premiers May 6th. For special group pricing on tickets please contact: Jackie@ForksOverKnives.com.

Locations

MAY 6

LOS ANGELES, CA

Sunset 5 (Laemmle), 8000 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Regent (Landmark), 1045 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Monica 4 (Laemmle), 1332 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Playhouse 7 (Laemmle), 673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101

Edwards University Town Center 6 (Regal), 4245 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612

NEW YORK, NY
Sunshine Cinema (Landmark), 143 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002

MAY 13

ATLANTA, GA
Midtown Art Cinema (Landmark), 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308

AUSTIN, TX
Arbor Cinema (Regal), 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin, TX 78759

BOSTON, MA
Kendall Square Cinema (Landmark), 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139

CHICAGO, IL
Webster Place 11 (Regal), 1471 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Century Theaters (Cinemark), 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston, IL 6021

DALLAS, TX
The Magnolia (Landmark), 3699 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75204

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
Sunrise Cinema at Sunrise 11, 4321 Northwest 88th Avenue, Sunrise, FL 33351

HOUSTON, TX
Edwards Greenway Palace 24 (Regal), 3839 Weslayan, Houston, TX 77027

MIAMI BEACH, FL
South Beach Cinema 18 (Regal), 1120 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33139

SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Bridge (Landmark), 3010 Geary Boulevard at Blake, San Francisco, CA 94118

Shattuck Cinemas (Landmark), 2230 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

Santana Row (Cinemark), 3088 Olsen Drive, San Jose, CA 95128

SEATTLE, WA
Varsity Theater (Landmark), 4329 University Way, N.E., Seattle, WA 98104

PHOENIX, AZ
Camelview 5, 7001 E. Highland Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

WASHINGTON DC

E Street Cinema (Landmark), 555 11th St NW. Washington, DC 20004

Shirlington 7 (AMC), 2772 South Randolph St., Arlington, VA 22206

MAY 20

DENVER, CO
Chez Artiste (Landmark) 2800 South Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80222

DETROIT, MI
Main Art Theater (Landmark), 118 N. Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067

MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Lagoon Cinema (Landmark), 1320 Lagoon Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408

PHILADELPHIA, PA
Ritz at the Bourse (Landmark), 400 Ranstead Street. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Ritz Center, 900 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043

SAN DIEGO, CA
Hillcrest Cinemas (Landmark), 3965 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103

The multicolor radishes are in

2011-04-09T05:10:00.001-07:00

GMO foods still are not labeled

2011-04-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

GMO's, Genetically Modified Organisms, either in plant form or animal form are on the rise. GMO agriculture started with experimental planting in the 1980's and was first approved for large scale consumer consumption in the mid 1990's. The process involves the insertion or deletion of genes within the organism.

Monsanto, an agricultural biotechnology company, has genetically altered seeds that could survive being sprayed with their product Roundup, killing the weeds and leaving the crops unharmed. GMO fish have been altered to increase the rate and size of which they grow. As of today GMO foods have not been proven to be safe for consumption for humans or animals. There is a lack of testing and what data there is comes from the companies that promote and benefit from GMO's.

Knowing this it should be obvious that GMO foods are labeled right? Well they are not. This is an incredible injustice to consumers who unknowingly consume these products on a daily basis. Again, the companies that promote and reap the benefits of the GMO foods have deep pockets and have lobbied against labeling. They say this will add cost to the consumer and create unnecessary concern.

I believe this an injustice being forced onto the citizens of the United States. We have the right to know where our food comes from and how it was made. The government has to start protecting people over the practice of protecting big business. Please sign the petition and speak out against this injustice.

Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary "Run for Animals"

2011-03-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

The 8th Annual "Run for the Animals" hosted by Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary is on Sunday, May 15th. Sign up now for this 5K run and be a part of "Team VSDC" (Vegetarian Society of DC) to help us win the coveted Pigasus trophy. Runners of all levels are encouraged -- only the top two or three times for men and women count, so no need to worry about holding the team back, the more the merrier!

Join hundreds of runners, or participate in the 1-mile fun walk. An assortment of delicious vegan refreshments will be provided. Although dogs cannot participate in the run, they are more than welcome to come out and join the walk.

WHEN: May 15 at 8:30 am (actual race start time)
WHERE: Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
PRICE: Before Apr 18: $25.00; then it's $28.00; $30 on race day - registration fees benefit Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary

Easy tofu scramble

2011-03-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

There was a time when I was hesitant to try this dish. Now it has become a weekend staple. The taste and consistency is "scrambled eggs" and I would even say it taste better.

Servings 2

Ingredients:
1/2 Onion
1/3 Red Bell Pepper
10 oz. Firm Tofo
2 tbsp Olive Oil or Grape Seed Oil
1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
2 Kale Leaves
2 Green Onions
1 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Curry Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos

-In a frying pan heat finally chopped onions and red peppers in 2 tbsp of olive oil for about 5 mins on medium, until they soften.

-Rinse and dry the tofu then crumble it into the frying pan, tossing the pieces with the veggies & oil.

-Let the tofu cook for about 10 mins, moving it around with a spoon, until it starts to darken.

-Add 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast, after 30 seconds mix it in.

-Add the tumeric, cumin, garlic powder, curry, and pepper. Stir it in well.

-Add the chopped kale & green onions

-Add the Braggs Liquid Aminos

- Turn the heat off and keep slowly mixing together all the ingredients for 2 mins.

Total cook time is about 18 mins.

Once you make this you can customize it with other vegetables and spices.

Let me know your feedback if you tried this or have a similar recipe.

The Artichoke

2011-03-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

I admit, the artichoke looks quite challenging compared to the neatly packaged artichoke hearts sold in the grocery store. This should not stop you from enjoying the vegetable that is one the highest in antioxidants.

The artichoke, which originated in North Africa and still grow in the wild there, comes from the Arabic term Ardi-Shoki meaning "ground thorny". They are grown in warm areas in a hardiness zone 7 and above. Once harvested they can stay fresh for 2 weeks or longer.

Whole artichoke preparation is easy.

The stem is trimmed off to the artichoke can sit flush
Some outer thorny leaves are removed
About an inch off the top is cut off with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors
The artichokes then steam for 50 to 60 minutes in water with cut up garlic

Once they are steamed the leaves easily peel off. You drag the leaves between your teeth eating the pulpy flesh. You can prepare vegan hollandaise or lemon dipping sauces to add flavors. This is done until you reach the center. Carefully cutting away the base stem you pull out the center of the artichoke, or the artichoke heart and this is eaten entirely.

I hope you will give the artichoke a try if you havent. Besides from being so tasty they are packed with healthy antioxidants which we all need on a daily basis.

Ah The Sauce!

2011-02-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

Picture of our traditional yearly sauce making. It is so easy to do and the sauce lasts for the entire year. This is the first year we used a pressure cooker to seal jars. We bought 2 bushels of roma tomatoes, tomato paste, and the industrial size bags of garlic and onions.

The tomatoes are put through the juicer to remove the skin and seeds. The onions are cooked slow until translucent and then the garlic added until they start to brown. Then the tomatoes and paste are added and cooked on a simmer for about 3 hours. Add a little salt, pepper, and red wine and you end up with sauce. We ended up cooking 5 batches over 2 weekends.

Once you you start making our own sauce you will never go back to jarred sauce again!

Natto?

2011-01-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

Have you tried Natto? Yes Natto, a traditional Japanese food made from soy beans fermented with bacillus subtillis. It's a popular breakfast rich in protein and good bacteria.

I found it local, sold in a Japanese market. It comes frozen in a styrofoam 3 pack. Through research I was weary of the smell and taste people were talking about. After a few servings this past week, I can say it actually tastes good and the fermented odor was not offensive at all. To eat Natto you open the styrofoam to find a small mustard package, soy sauce, and the Natto. You add the mustard and stir the Natto vigorously until it looks foamy. I ended up using my own shoyu in place of the supplied soy sauce. I added some chopped green onions and served it over rice.

The Health Benefits

Natto has pyrazine that has been shown to reduce blood clots, which may help to prevent heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.

Natto has nattokinase which has the ability to degrade amyloid fibrils, which suggest it may be a preventative treatment for Alzheimer's.

Natto contains large amounts of Vitamin K2 which is involved in the formation of calcium binding groups in protein, fighting against osteoporosis.

Natto contain Vitamin PQQ, which is very important for the skin. PQQ in human tissues is derived mainly from the diet.

Have you tried Natto? Are you going to? Let me know your opinion if you do, your body will thank you for it.

The Taiji slaughter continues

2010-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

Have you ever swam with the dolphins? Have you been entertained by the amazing intelligence of a bottlenose dolphin at an aquarium show? These activities support the inhumane killing going on in Taiji, Japan.

Dolphins are chased into a cove by fishermen which is then netted off to prevent the dolphins from fleeing. Fisherman pick out "show quality" dolphins to sell to aquariums at up to $150,000 each. The dolphins that won't sell are herded deeper into the cove out of sight and slaughtered one after another turning the cove waters red with blood. The meat is sold for human consumption.

Ric O'Barry, Campaign Director for Save the Dolphins, has spent the last 38 years rallying agains this slaughter. Mr. O'Barry first recognized in the 1960s for capturing and training the five dolphins that were used in the well-known TV series Flipper. He made a radical transition from training dolphins in captivity to fighting against the captivity industry soon after Kathy, one of the Flipper dolphins, died. According to Mr. O'Barry, she died in his arms in what he believed was a suicide due to depression. Dolphins unlike humans have to consciously breath, she swam onto his arms and just sank, not trying to come up for air.

Mr. O'Barry was also involved in the full length documentary The Cove. This film released in 2009, centers on Taiji in Japan, bringing attention to the hunt of over 2,000 dolphins taking place there every year. Currently it is available for free on Netflix streaming.

Read more about Save the Dolphins and sign the petition. These intelligent marine mammals need your support.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

This was the first year of a truly vegan Thanksgiving. First we adopted a turkey "Daphne" from Farm Sacntuary and then we prepared a feast without any animal products.

Our new traditional meal consisted of:

Tofurky Roast
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Stuffing
Brussels Sprouts w/ Caramelized Onions
Cranberry Sauce

I must say everything tasted wonderful, even the following days leftover sandwiches.

Recent studies show that for every year a person eats vegan, 58 animals live.

Think this doesn't happen in America? think again

2010-11-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

Help End Factory-Farming at AnimalsAustralia.org

Adopted Daphne

2010-11-17T11:05:00.001-08:00

Help save baby Riley

2010-11-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

Of all the tiny, shaking piglets in the crowded pen at a recent stockyard auction, Riley
was the smallest, and clearly suffering. This poor baby was too sick to stand upright,
his head awkwardly tilted to the side, and one of his eyes was nearly swollen shut.

As the auction went on, and bystanders did nothing, little Riley was left to die –
stumbling in the corner of the pen. But thankfully, Farm Sanctuary’s Emergency
Rescue Team was there to protect this fragile baby and lift him out of this heartless
scene.

Like you, we wanted to reach out and hold him. We couldn’t just stand by and
watch this tiny piglet suffer and die, so we rushed him to safety.

Now Farm Sanctuary is doing everything we can to give Riley the urgent care
he needs to survive. Please help by joining Farm Sanctuary now.

His condition is critical. Severe infection has left his eye badly injured and his
ear filled with fluid, causing him intense pain. Immediate surgery at the Cornell
University Hospital for Animals is necessary to relieve the pressure in his ear and
begin the healing process. And while we remain terribly concerned about his
prognosis, his improved appetite and balance give us reason for hope.

Join now to help baby Riley receive the specialized care he needs to beat the
odds and heal from this horrendous neglect and sad start in life. Your donation
will also help ensure that Farm Sanctuary can respond to the next emergency, no
matter where or when it occurs.

Tragically, Riley never needed to become so sick. His illness likely began as nothing
more than basic pneumonia. But because those who were supposed to care for him
neglected to help him, his infection worsened. Now he is fighting for his life.

Please join Farm Sanctuary today to help give Riley the love and care he should have
received from the start.

Although we cannot guarantee Riley’s recovery, with your emergency donation,
we can guarantee that this precious baby will know nothing but loving hands, a soft
bed and gentle care as we work to bring him back to health.

Help us show Riley that humans are not all cruel, that his life matters, and that relief
and comfort can await him. Join now to help Riley and ensure we are ready to
respond to the next emergency call.

If there was ever an animal who needed your support, it’s Riley.
Please be generous.

Kraft mac & what?

2010-11-04T03:08:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Kraft Mac & Cheese is made differently for certain parts of the world? Did you know that Americans are getting the unhealthy version?

In 2008 Kraft took out the the artificial coloring (Yellow dye #5) and artificial sweeteners like Aspartame for distribution into Europe and Australia. They have not done the same thing here in the United States. Studies have shown a link in these ingredients to hyperactivity and asthma in children.

I am not advocating eating Kraft Mac & Cheese, but if it wasn't bright orange would that make you stop eating it? Kraft please stop distributing these unnecessary chemicals.

Click the link below if you wish to send a letter to the Kraft CEO requesting these chemicals be removed in the US.
http://action.momsrising.org/cms/letter/campaign_27297/

Like milk? Think twice

2010-10-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

Why humans should not eat meat

2010-10-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Help to "REALLY" save a turkey this year

2010-10-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Every Thanksgiving, the president of the United States extends a pardon to two turkeys. Since 2005, these turkeys have been sent to live at Walt Disney theme parks, where many have died within one year. Turkeys are intelligent, sensitive animals, not attractions. We can help give this year's pardoned turkeys something they can truly be thankful for. I just signed a petition urging President Obama to send them to Farm Sanctuary, where they can lead a more natural life. I hope you will sign it too. They must submit the petition by November 15 to be heard in time, so please sign today and ask all your friends, family and co-workers to do the same!

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
http://action.farmsanctuary.org/site/Advocacy?s_oo=XoHQS1JoO6kiCFYie31UsA..&id=349
If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.

If you no longer wish to receive email messages sent from your friends on behalf of this organization, please follow the link below:
http://action.farmsanctuary.org/site/TellFriendOpt?action=optout&toe=181d2f3e98db07c10a2df5f30754384cebcbc7435140ece1

Day 30 - Mission complete, or is it?

2010-10-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

OK so I have reached day 30 eating a vegan diet. Mission complete? Time to move on? No, I don't think so. For starters I have never felt so good, both physically and ethically. Second, through some well chosen books from the library I have found a bunch of great cookbooks. They have brought to the table new and exciting meals I never would have tried before and I am positive there are many more to be found.

I have decided to continue this blog with the focus on eating vegan and spreading the awareness of the plight of the factory farm animal. Two issues that go hand in hand. I know I can't force my beliefs on everyone. My only hope is that people will take the time to research what they eat, where it comes from, and what damage is done by it.

Day - 26 Farmsanctuary.org

2010-10-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my wife and I participated in The Farm Sanctuary Walk for Animals event in Washington DC. Farm Sanctuary is a great organization that is active in protecting farm animals from cruelty and inspires change in the way society views and treats farm animals. Gene Baur is the founder of Farm Sanctuary and he attended the walk in DC. They have a 175 acre farm in New York and a 300 acre farm in California, where these abused animals get to live out the rest of their life in tranquility. Below are a couple of videos from this past Saturday. One is Gene's speech before the walk and one is a snippet of all the caring people who turned out to raise money and to participate. Below you will see posters of Boba the chicken, Fiona the pig and Snickers the cow. Sadly Snickers passed away this year living into his teens.

Day 23 - Antibiotics

2010-10-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Antibiotics the "Miracle" Drug

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging threat that has accelerated in recent decades. The rise of the so-called "superbug" has struck fear in the heart of anyone who understands the consequences of over prescribed antibiotics.

Physicians, veterinarians, patients and their families all know the danger:
Overuse antibiotics at the public's peril.

Still, that hasn't stopped the animal agriculture industry from feeding chickens, cattle, and pigs their daily dose of antibiotics. Aimed at promoting growth and preventing disease, the use of antibiotics in farm animals has been the magic formula to animal agriculture. Animals grow bigger and faster keeping them healthy enough to reap the benefits. For a farmer, it’s simple: Animals cost less when we pump them full of antibiotics to prevent diseases.

1. Up to 70% of U.S. antibiotics go to animals raised on industrial farms that aren’t sick, to offset crowding and poor sanitation. The practice promotes the development of deadly strains of drug-resistant bacteria that can spread to humans.

2. Food-borne bacteria are more dangerous because they are harder to treat and may require multiple antibiotic treatments, longer hospital stays and other treatments before finally being eliminated.

3. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria cost the U.S. health care system an estimated $4 billion to $5 billion per year.

4. Each year 300,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths are caused by food contaminated by dangerous pathogens and bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, which are increasingly becoming antibiotic resistant.

On the way to eating vegan, I stopped supporting the industrial farms and bought local pastured meat. Animals that were raised with compassion and without antibiotics or growth hormones. Every time you shop, purchase, and put food into your mouth you have a choice and a voice.

Day 16 - Black Bean Burritos

2010-09-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Day 16 and it just keeps getting easier. I've been finding many local vegan markets and restaurants. This has made finding new food ideas easy. I made the recipe below last night and I can say that I will be definitely be making it again soon.

Many studies have shown that a low-fat diet improves health. You don’t have to put a lot of time and effort into making a nutritious reduced fat meal that tastes great too. Black beans contain cholesterol-lowering fiber and they’re packed with high-quality, fat-free protein.

Ingredients:

1 15-oz. can vegetarian refried black bean
4 flour tortillas
2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
2 tomatoes, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup salsa

Directions:

Heat the black beans on the stove or in a microwave.
Warm tortillas, one at a time, in a large dry skillet, flipping to warm both sides until soft.
Spread warm tortilla with approximately 1/2 cup of bean mixture.
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and salsa.
Roll tortilla around filling and enjoy.

Day 8 - Corn Sugar???

2010-09-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Well it's been one week eating vegan and I can say I feel great. Last night I had whole wheat pasta with fresh made sauce from the garden.

I woke up today and read that the Corn Refiner’s Association said in a press release posted on its website that it has asked the Food and Drug Administration to allow manufacturers of high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, to use the name "corn sugar" instead of high fructose corn syrup. The FDA considers HFCS as natural, even though critics point out that this sweetener consisting of both glucose and fructose is in reality, not found in corn. This product is made by enzymatically converting some portion of glucose, which is derived from corn starch, into fructose.

It has been directly linked to obesity and Type-2 Diabetes.The good news is that with all the attention by the media and public figures, Americans are consuming less of the sweetener than we have in 20 years. So not surprising with the drop in sales the CRA is looking to change the name. How sad that they try to trick the American public, if people dont self educate they suffer.

How can you avoid HFCS? "Corn Sugar"

Avoid processed foods.
Avoid foods that contain added sugar.
Choose fresh fruit
Avoid soda.

Day 4- The Milk Myth

2010-09-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

It's shocking to see when you look at our food system how much is controlled by a handful of large companies. Looking deeper you will see how these companies donate large sums of money to political campaigns and keep a large staff of lobbyist at work. The Dairy Farmers of America are no different. The dairy farm of today is much different than even 50 years ago.

The Milk Machine

Female calves born are kept for the dairy industry. They are inseminated at 15 months to start their grueling life as a milk machine. The male calves are just by-products of milk production. Many are shot at birth because the cost to raise them for meat is not economical to the dairy farmer. By the end of the dairy cow's short life, she will be physically exhausted. Happy healthy cows can have a long life of around 25 years, the dairy cow is cut short in just 4 or 5. They will be sent to slaughter, where many cannot even stand up anymore.

The Question

Now what is all this for? Milk. Let’s think about this in pure basic terms. Humans are the only creature on this earth that drinks another animal’s breast milk. Not only as babies but for a lifetime, most other mammals wean off breast milk after a few months. We just assume to keep on this path because it’s how we’ve always done it?

The Dangers

Now the dangerous health risks. Studies, such as the famous China Study have proven that the casein protein in milk has a direct relationship to cancer development and growth. Also, milk is liquid fat. All animal fats are converted into cholesterol in the body contributing to heart disease.

The Alternatives

There are plenty alternatives to dairy, my favorite being almond milk. There is also soy milk and many other nut milks. The taste is the same if not better, and they do not contain the harmful ingredients contained in the dairy products.

Here are a couple of links to research further:

http://www.notmilk.com/

http://www.thechinastudy.com/

http://www.foodincmovie.com/

VATT - Vegan At The Table

2010-09-08T18:34:00.001-07:00

I am starting this blog as I embark on a new phase in my life. As I type and you read this, I am on day one in my quest to get to 30 days eating vegan. What you say, why would I do this when there are such scrumptious, comfort foods that do not fit into a vegan lifestyle? I have 2 motivating factors. The first is health and the second is awareness for the humane treatment of animals. In later blog posts i will go into each one in greater detail. I have been eating a mostly vegetarian diet for the past 7 months. I can see some small hurdles moving to a vegan diet such as the hot cheesey pizza slice and the incredible butter-cream frosted birthday cakes , but in the end it all boils down to one thing, animal fat. So here it is, a quest for 30 days and this blog to hold me to it. What will I do once i reach 30 days? Well that you will have to stay tuned for, but I know whatever happens will be for the best.