A peaceful place for vegetarians, vegans and the veg-curious to share tips for living a more compassionate plant-based lifestyle.
Are you as overwhelmed as I am by all of the different pills that claim to fight allergies? And what about all of those side effects? Sometimes I think the side effects might be WORSE than the allergies themselves. Natural …
5 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies Read More »
The post 5 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this, our 100th episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share 5 things vegetarians and vegans want people to know. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in …
5 Things Vegetarians and Vegans Want People to Know (VZ 100) Read More »
The post 5 Things Vegetarians and Vegans Want People to Know (VZ 100) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
How Does Your Garden Grow? In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about our garden…we’re getting adventurous this year and adding more than just herbs! We discuss our natural growing and pest control methods, plus our …
Simple Gardening Tips – Lessons Learned in Our Garden (VZ 99) Read More »
The post Simple Gardening Tips – Lessons Learned in Our Garden (VZ 99) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about vegan home furnishings! We’ll make you aware of quite a few common home items that you would never think are made from animals, and we’ll tell you things to …
Furnishing Your Home Like a Vegan! (VZ 98) Read More »
The post Furnishing Your Home Like a Vegan! (VZ 98) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we’ll be discussing how to shop smart at farmers markets. These venues are a great place to shop for fresh, local veggies and fruits, plus scratch-made bread and pastries, jams and …
11 Awesome Farmers Market Tips to Save You Time and Money (VZ 97) Read More »
The post 11 Awesome Farmers Market Tips to Save You Time and Money (VZ 97) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be continuing with our spring gardening theme and talking about heirloom plants and seeds. The word “heirloom” means a treasured possession that has remained in a family for generations. In today’s …
Growing with Heirloom Seeds and Plants (VZ 96) Read More »
The post Growing with Heirloom Seeds and Plants (VZ 96) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we offer tips to make your home eco-friendly. First, we let you know why “traditionally-made” furnishings such as furniture, mattresses, pillows, and linens fall short on the sustainability spectrum. Next, we …
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings (VZ 95) Read More »
The post A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings (VZ 95) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Spring is finally here, and it’s time to get those gardens in shape for a new growing season. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we’ll be talking about composting: what it is, what you can compost and what …
Your Guide to Composting 101 (VZ 94) Read More »
The post Your Guide to Composting 101 (VZ 94) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about coffee. You’ll learn about some of the purported benefits of this magic brown liquid, as well as some things to look out for. We’ll also discuss the importance of buying …
Coffee Talk with Vickie and Larissa (VZ 93) Read More »
The post Coffee Talk with Vickie and Larissa (VZ 93) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we talk about some animal sanctuaries that are doing amazing work to help animals in need. We delve a little into the mission of each group, talk about their outreach programs, and …
Animal Sanctuaries Are Making the World a Safer Place for Animals Read More »
The post Animal Sanctuaries Are Making the World a Safer Place for Animals appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we discuss buying organic vs non-GMO (and there is a huge difference!). We define each term and let you know which one is more important to consider when you’re at the market. …
Organic vs Non-GMO – What’s the Difference? (VZ 91) Read More »
The post Organic vs Non-GMO – What’s the Difference? (VZ 91) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be reviewing the documentary Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 2. Filmed 5 years after the original Fat Sick & Nearly Dead, this film updates Joe Cross’s progress, features lots of interviews of …
Joe Cross Is Back In “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 2” Read More »
The post Joe Cross Is Back In “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 2” appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
This episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast is all about coconut oil. Is it a health food or just hype? We discuss some health claims associated with coconut oil, what the research says, our conclusions, and some popular (and not so well-known) …
Coconut Oil – Health Food or Hype? (VZ 89) Read More »
The post Coconut Oil – Health Food or Hype? (VZ 89) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing diabetes and healthy plant-based foods. We briefly explain how the Glycemic Index (“GI” factor) works, talk about the factors that can affect the GI of foods, and how some …
A Discussion About Diabetes and Plant-Based Foods Read More »
The post A Discussion About Diabetes and Plant-Based Foods appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we take a look at the vegetarian and vegan offerings of several ethnic cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and more. We also make you aware of some of the …
Exploring the Diverse and Delicious Vegetarian Ethnic Food Experience (VZ 87) Read More »
The post Exploring the Diverse and Delicious Vegetarian Ethnic Food Experience (VZ 87) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be taking a look at some vegetarian and vegan apps, as well as those that may be helpful for animal lovers, and environmentally-conscious people. Thanks for tuning in to …
Top Vegetarian and Vegan Apps (VZ 86) Read More »
The post Top Vegetarian and Vegan Apps (VZ 86) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re excited to share the details of our second Veggieversary celebration! We also revisit the reasons we became vegetarians two years ago and share five quotes that best represent those reasons. …
A Veggieversary Quote-a-Thon (VZ 85) Read More »
The post A Veggieversary Quote-a-Thon (VZ 85) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing some ideas for simple 5-ingredient recipes. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen …
Simple 5-Ingredient Recipes (VZ 84) Read More »
The post Simple 5-Ingredient Recipes (VZ 84) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Not everyone lives in an area where vegan foods are readily available, which can make being a vegan a bit of a challenge. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be sharing a few resources to buy vegan food online. …
Where to Buy Vegan Food Online (VZ 83) Read More »
The post Where to Buy Vegan Food Online (VZ 83) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode, we share some of the most common tricks that food manufacturers use in an attempt to fool consumers like you into thinking their product is healthy (or at least healthier than other options). We know …
Don’t Be Fooled By Deceptive Food Labels! Read More »
The post Don’t Be Fooled By Deceptive Food Labels! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In Episode 037: Vegetarianism & the Environment, we talked about the effects that eating meat has on the environment. In this episode, we’ll share food-related tips that will help with environmental sustainability. Please note that some of the links …
Eating for Sustainability – How to Save the Planet One Meal at a Time (VZ 81) Read More »
The post Eating for Sustainability – How to Save the Planet One Meal at a Time (VZ 81) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, the last of 2014, we’ll reveal our some of our favorite episodes over the past year and a half. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! …
Favorite Vegetarian Zen Podcast Episodes Revealed! (VZ 80) Read More »
The post Favorite Vegetarian Zen Podcast Episodes Revealed! (VZ 80) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, you’ll hear way more than you ever thought you would about nut butter and seed butter. Move over peanuts…jelly wants to make some new friends! Thanks for tuning in to this episode …
Your Guide to Nut Butters Read More »
The post Your Guide to Nut Butters appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, you’ll learn that there is indeed life after dairy milk! We’ll talk about plant milks such as soy, nut, rice, and coconut milk. Thanks for tuning in to this episode …
The Delicious World of Plant-Based Milks (VZ 78) Read More »
The post The Delicious World of Plant-Based Milks (VZ 78) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we’ll share some of our favorite simple vegetarian recipes for busy weeknights. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen …
Make Busy Weeknights Easy with These Simple Vegetarian Recipes (VZ 77) Read More »
The post Make Busy Weeknights Easy with These Simple Vegetarian Recipes (VZ 77) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
If you’re like us, you go through food “phases”. You’ll find a new food, or remember one you haven’t had in a while, and you’ll eat it all the time…or at least until you get sick of it! In this …
7 Foods We’re Loving Right Now (VZ 76) Read More »
The post 7 Foods We’re Loving Right Now (VZ 76) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
If you think vegetarianism is just a “hippie” movement from the 1960s then you’re way off! Vegetarianism developed as a philosophy as long ago as the ancient Greeks, as you’ll hear in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast. …
A Brief History of Vegetarianism Read More »
The post A Brief History of Vegetarianism appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Get ready for the ultimate gift guide for all the vegans, animal lovers, and environmentally-conscious people on your list! Need vegan gifts? No more talking…here we go! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If …
Finding Vegan & Environmentally-Friendly Gifts (VZ 74) Read More »
The post Finding Vegan & Environmentally-Friendly Gifts (VZ 74) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Is a vegetarian diet for pets safe? Some people who are pro-vegetarian diets for pet’s site the following reasons: Ethics — owners who abstain from eating animal products for reasons related to the cruel conditions on factory farms may not …
You Can Feed Your Pet a Vegetarian Diet…But Should You? Read More »
The post You Can Feed Your Pet a Vegetarian Diet…But Should You? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Sometimes I’ll get a food craving that is so strong and all-consuming that I can’t think straight. I find myself planning how and when I can go and get that food and eat it. Eat it all. Most of the …
Don’t Let Food Cravings Hold You Hostage! (VZ 72) Read More »
The post Don’t Let Food Cravings Hold You Hostage! (VZ 72) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing alkaline and acidic foods. You’ll learn what pH is and why it is important plus which foods are acidic and which are alkaline. Thanks for tuning in to this …
Wait…What? Lemons Are Alkaline? Read More »
The post Wait…What? Lemons Are Alkaline? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
One of the main reasons people give for not eating healthy is the perceived extra expense. I say “perceived” because the idea that healthy food is more expensive isn’t necessarily true. Sure, some organic, natural foods may cost a bit …
Eating Healthy on a Budget Read More »
The post Eating Healthy on a Budget appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Have you noticed, over the past few years, a trend in the grocery marketplace toward pushing products that contain “superfoods”? As in, “Buy this pancake mix containing the superfood flax!”. Or, “XYZ granola is packed with superfood ingredients like blueberries, …
Superfoods – Marketing Ploy or the Real McCoy? (69) Read More »
The post Superfoods – Marketing Ploy or the Real McCoy? (69) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Before I became a vegetarian I had a lot of misconceptions about vegan baked goods. I knew nothing about vegan baking, and I figured that vegan cookies and cakes must be filled with really weird ingredients, have a texture like …
The Joy of Vegan Baking (VZ 68) Read More »
The post The Joy of Vegan Baking (VZ 68) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode, we’ll be discussing all things gluten. You’ll learn what gluten is and what health problems can be associated with it. You’ll also hear what foods contain gluten and which are naturally gluten-free. We’ll also discuss whether or …
Gluten-Free Made Simple (VZ 67) Read More »
The post Gluten-Free Made Simple (VZ 67) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
This episode of the podcast is all about bees! You’ll find out why honey isn’t considered vegan, and learn about the five main bee products: honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and beeswax. We’ll discuss the purported benefits of each, …
VZ 066: 5 Byproducts of Busy Bees Read More »
The post VZ 066: 5 Byproducts of Busy Bees appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In Episode 64 of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we discussed what “cruelty-free” really means and how to tell if products and their ingredients are truly made without harming animals. We also debunked some myths about cruelty-free products. One of those …
Finding Cruelty-Free Products Is Easier Than You Think (VZ 65) Read More »
The post Finding Cruelty-Free Products Is Easier Than You Think (VZ 65) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Using live animals in experiments is not a modern concept. The ancient Greeks practiced vivisection, the dissection of live animals, in order to understand how living organisms functioned. Historically, animals have been used to test treatments before applying to humans, …
Cruelty Free 101 (VZ 64) Read More »
The post Cruelty Free 101 (VZ 64) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
We believe that a plant-based lifestyle should never be an all-or-nothing proposition. When we became vegetarians, we did it all at once and it was a bit of a struggle. Some people may be fine with a quick change, however. …
Tips to Help You Transition From Vegetarian to Vegan (VZ 63) Read More »
The post Tips to Help You Transition From Vegetarian to Vegan (VZ 63) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In an ideal, natural-food world, ingredient labels on food would be really, really short. A label on vegetable soup might read like this: vegetable broth onions potatoes carrots tomatoes green beans Instead of this: …
How to Read Food Labels Read More »
The post How to Read Food Labels appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
I once thought of raw foods as pretty much just wheatgrass shots (thank you, Sex and the City), really big salads, and snacking on carrot sticks. Truth be told, these things are just the tip of the iceberg (lettuce) when …
Going Raw – It’s More Than Just Wheatgrass Shots and Big Salads Read More »
The post Going Raw – It’s More Than Just Wheatgrass Shots and Big Salads appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
I love stir fry. It’s fresh, simple, quick, and lends itself so well to a vegetarian lifestyle. The fact that I love stir fry made the fact that I wasn’t very good at making it kind of sad. I, like …
How to Make Amazing Vegetarian Stir Fry Read More »
The post How to Make Amazing Vegetarian Stir Fry appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
It is a widely-held misconception that the terms “vegetarian” or “vegan” and “athlete” don’t belong together. Plant-based athletes? What is that? Isn’t it true that athletes need a lot more protein than other people, and that animal protein is the …
Nutrition Secrets of Plant-Based Athletes (VZ 59) Read More »
The post Nutrition Secrets of Plant-Based Athletes (VZ 59) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
As a vegetarian or vegan, attending social events can present a challenge. What if you’re invited to a birthday party…at a steakhouse? How about a Fourth of July cookout with burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and baked beans full of pork …
How to Handle Social Events as a Vegetarian or Vegan (VZ 58) Read More »
The post How to Handle Social Events as a Vegetarian or Vegan (VZ 58) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Summertime and the grilling is easy…with the helpful vegetable-grilling tips you’ll hear in this podcast episode. There are many vegetables, fruits, and meat alternatives that do great on a charcoal or gas grill, but there are some tricks to getting …
How to Grill Like a Vegetarian (VZ 57) Read More »
The post How to Grill Like a Vegetarian (VZ 57) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a very personal choice. Some may have ethical reasons, some health, some environmental. If you follow a plant-based lifestyle, you may or may not choose to share your reasons with others. This episode …
Explaining Vegetarian Choices (VZ 56) Read More »
The post Explaining Vegetarian Choices (VZ 56) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Scenario #1: You’re interested in adopting a plant-based diet, but you have kids who may or may not jump enthusiastically on the veggie train. Scenario #2: One day, out of the blue, your child announces that (for whatever reason), …
Kids and Vegetarianism (VZ 55) Read More »
The post Kids and Vegetarianism (VZ 55) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
“Fed Up” is a powerful new documentary from Katie Couric, producer Laurie David, and director Stephanie Soechtig. The premise of the film is both simple and complex: what if everything we’ve been told about diet and exercise for the past …
“Fed Up” Documentary Review (VZ 54) Read More »
The post “Fed Up” Documentary Review (VZ 54) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
To soy or not to soy, that is the question! Soy is an ancient food source. It’s been used in Asia for 5000 years. 3000 years ago, fermentation techniques were developed that helped to make soy more easily digestible, in …
The Soy Controversy Read More »
The post The Soy Controversy appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing sugar. By the time we say goodbye, you’ll have learned about the six different types of sugar and some of the negative effects that sugar has on our …
6 Types of Sugar and How to Tame Those Sugar Cravings (VZ 52) Read More »
The post 6 Types of Sugar and How to Tame Those Sugar Cravings (VZ 52) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Detox and cleanse diets are all the rage these days, and the idea behind them can be very enticing. Who doesn’t want to think that your insides are squeaky clean and healthy? We bathe to keep our outsides fresh, so …
Help Your Body to Detoxify Naturally Read More »
The post Help Your Body to Detoxify Naturally appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Wow! It’s hard to believe we’ve reached 50 episodes of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! In this episode, we take a look back at how far we’ve come. We revisit our purpose for starting this journey and discuss some of the …
50 Episodes of Vegetarian Zen (VZ 50) Read More »
The post 50 Episodes of Vegetarian Zen (VZ 50) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Summer is nearly upon us. Down here in South Texas, it’s already steamy and hot. We all know that staying hydrated is important, and even more so during the warmer months. But, besides drinking plenty of water, did you know …
Fruits and Vegetables That Will Keep You Hydrated (VZ 49) Read More »
The post Fruits and Vegetables That Will Keep You Hydrated (VZ 49) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
If a food doesn’t contain chunks of meat it’s vegetarian, right? Not necessarily. Being vegetarian or vegan isn’t just about going “meatless”. There are some foods that have hidden animal products in them that you’ll want to be aware of if …
Foods That Seem Vegetarian (But Are Not!) (VZ 48) Read More »
The post Foods That Seem Vegetarian (But Are Not!) (VZ 48) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Summer is nearly here. A time for picnics, grilling out, spending time outside with family and friends. For many, some of our best memories are tied to summertime and food. When you were a kid did you enjoy fat slices …
Summer Fruits and Vegetables (VZ 47) Read More »
The post Summer Fruits and Vegetables (VZ 47) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Let’s get straight to the point…YES! A plant-based diet can DEFINITELY help alleviate seasonal allergies. But how you ask? We’ll tell you why in this episode of the podcast! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian …
Can a Plant-Based Diet Help Alleviate Seasonal Allergies? Read More »
The post Can a Plant-Based Diet Help Alleviate Seasonal Allergies? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we are happy to be joined by Farnoosh Brock, founder and president of Prolific Living, and author of The Healthy Juicer’s Bible: Lose Weight, Detoxify, Fight Disease, and Live Long. In this …
Prolific Living with Farnoosh Brock Read More »
The post Prolific Living with Farnoosh Brock appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Healthy fats for vegans and vegetarians aren’t terribly hard to find. Whether you are plant-based or not, fats are essential for energy, cell function, and to vitamin absorption. You can listen to our discussion of healthy fats here or read …
The Skinny on Healthy Fats for Vegans and Vegetarians (VZ 44) Read More »
The post The Skinny on Healthy Fats for Vegans and Vegetarians (VZ 44) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
With all of this going through your head as you turn out the lights at night, sometimes sleep just doesn’t come. Maybe you partied just a little too hard…the alcohol you enjoyed might prevent a restful night. Smoker? Did you …
Sleep Well Naturally (VZ 43) Read More »
The post Sleep Well Naturally (VZ 43) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
We love cooking with fresh herbs. They provide amazing flavor for just about any dish you can cook and, if you grow them at home, cost very little. In this episode, we provide a high-level overview of herb gardening. We …
Herb Gardening with Vegetarian Zen! (VZ 42) Read More »
The post Herb Gardening with Vegetarian Zen! (VZ 42) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Acclaimed actress, accomplished neuroscientist, awesome mom, and full-time vegan Mayim Bialik has now created a vegan cookbook, aptly called Mayim’s Vegan Table. Packed with over 100 recipes plus four chapters full of helpful tips and guidelines, this book is …
Our Review of Mayim’s Vegan Table (VZ 41) Read More »
The post Our Review of Mayim’s Vegan Table (VZ 41) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Two of the biggest obstacles to eating healthy meals during the week are time and effort. How often do we come home tired from a long day at work and end up eating pre-packaged, easy to cook foods or take-out fast …
Meal Planning 101 (VZ 40) Read More »
The post Meal Planning 101 (VZ 40) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
One of the biggest arguments against eating fresh, wholesome, healthy foods involves time. After a long day at the office and a long commute home, many people say it’s just too late to make a healthy meal and still eat …
Meal Prepping Shortcuts (VZ 39) Read More »
The post Meal Prepping Shortcuts (VZ 39) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Did you know that when “Super Size Me” was filmed back in 2004 only seven McDonald’s menu items (hash browns, sausage, chicken McNuggets, coffee, tea and diet coke) did not contain sugar? How about the fact that a today’s ten-piece …
A Review of the Documentary “Super Size Me” (VZ 38) Read More »
The post A Review of the Documentary “Super Size Me” (VZ 38) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Raising animals for human consumption has a tremendous negative impact on our environment. Grazing animals such as cattle, sheep and goats release harmful gases into the atmosphere as part of their digestive process. The estimated number of cattle currently being …
Vegetarianism and The Environment (VZ 37) Read More »
The post Vegetarianism and The Environment (VZ 37) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
So, you’ve been juicing for a while now (like we have), and you love it (we do too). But how do you know for sure you’re “doing it right”? Are you prepping your fruits and veggies correctly? What should you …
More About Juicing Read More »
The post More About Juicing appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
One of the questions most persistently asked of vegetarians and vegans is “How do you get enough protein?” As any veg*n will tell you, this question gets old fast. But how do we, especially at breakfast, which really is “the …
Breakfast Protein Options for Vegetarians (VZ 35) Read More »
The post Breakfast Protein Options for Vegetarians (VZ 35) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
I’m sure many of you have had that ugly, burning feeling in your stomach or throat. You know the one, where it feels like acid is burning holes in your gut. This is a fire that water doesn’t put out, …
Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux (VZ 34) Read More »
The post Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux (VZ 34) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Despite the decades-long campaign that milk and other dairy products are essential for a healthy body, current evidence shows exactly the contrary. The fact that humans are the only species that drink the milk of other animals should be a …
Reasons Why You Should Eat Less Dairy (VZ 33) Read More »
The post Reasons Why You Should Eat Less Dairy (VZ 33) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Lessons We Learned During Year 1 The beginning of a new year is a good time to reflect on the wins and losses of the previous year. Because this month is also our one-year Veggie-versary, we thought it would be …
Lessons Learned in a Year of Being Vegetarian (VZ 31) Read More »
The post Lessons Learned in a Year of Being Vegetarian (VZ 31) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a big decision, one which family and friends may or may not agree with. In the end, of course, it is completely personal but as with any major life change, having the support of …
Coming Out As A Vegetarian Read More »
The post Coming Out As A Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
From the time we are kids we hear about New Year’s resolutions. Adults make them…and break them. Kids emulate their parents and make them…and break them even faster! What kid wants to actually keep a resolution to clean her room …
New Year’s Resolutions (VZ 29) Read More »
The post New Year’s Resolutions (VZ 29) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
This episode features our very first interview, with none other than the voice of our podcast intro track, voice actor Tim Paige! In our interview, we talk to Tim about his vegetarian/vegan journey, his wife (who is also vegetarian) and …
Love Your Leap with Tim Paige Read More »
The post Love Your Leap with Tim Paige appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
We’re all busy during the holiday season. Buying and wrapping gifts, making cookies, attending and/or hosting parties, making airport runs, keeping the kids busy, and so much more. With so much going on, sometimes pets can fade into the background …
Keeping Pets Safe And Healthy During the Holidays Read More »
The post Keeping Pets Safe And Healthy During the Holidays appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Note: This coaching plan is no longer active. Recently the folks at Lift introduced a new feature called the coaching plan. By creating a coaching plan, any Lift user can establish a set of step-by-step instructions to help their fellow …
Our Lift Coaching Plan (VZ 26) Read More »
The post Our Lift Coaching Plan (VZ 26) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
We all want to protect our kids from harm. We teach them to not talk to strangers and to look both ways when crossing the street. We feed them healthy foods and encourage other healthy habits. We want them to …
Tips for Avoiding Toxic Toys Read More »
The post Tips for Avoiding Toxic Toys appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
When we come together to celebrate the holidays, food is, usually the focal point around which we gather. Further, the centerpiece of most of our holiday meals is meat. Turkey for Thanksgiving. Turkey or goose for Christmas. Ham for New …
Thanksgiving Tips for Vegetarians (VZ 24) Read More »
The post Thanksgiving Tips for Vegetarians (VZ 24) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Even the most dedicated fitness fanatics sometimes find it challenging to get the job done. For those who don’t enjoy it in the first place, the challenge can sometimes be overwhelming! In this episode, we discuss tips to help keep …
Exercise Hacks for People who HATE to Exercise! (VZ 23) Read More »
The post Exercise Hacks for People who HATE to Exercise! (VZ 23) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Unfortunately, GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have become pervasive in our society today. Often under the guise of increasing crop yields, drought tolerance, or nutritional values, biotechnical companies have created “Frankenfoods” that have delivered on none of these promises. Instead, the …
Oh No! GMO! Read More »
The post Oh No! GMO! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Do I Need to Buy Everything Organic? “Buy organic” seems to be a popular buzz phrase these days. With all the talk about genetically-modified foods, the overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, and the connection of these chemicals …
The Importance of Buying Organic (VZ 21) Read More »
The post The Importance of Buying Organic (VZ 21) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Kids love candy, adults love candy…Halloween is awesome! We all know that candy and other sweet treats are not exactly nutritionally valuable, so in this episode we discuss ways to make Halloween activities a little more healthy for you and …
Tips for a Healthy Halloween (VZ 20) Read More »
The post Tips for a Healthy Halloween (VZ 20) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
The Fall season brings us a bounty of wonderful, healthy fruits and vegetables. From the many varieties of winter squash (including the Halloween vegetable mascot, the pumpkin) to apples, pomegranates, cauliflower, root vegetables and dark, leafy greens, Mother Nature provides …
What’s In Season? Fall Fruits and Vegetables (VZ 19) Read More »
The post What’s In Season? Fall Fruits and Vegetables (VZ 19) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
It’s all too easy to blame our moods on purely external circumstances beyond our control. A bad day at the office caused you to be irritable. You’re tired because you didn’t sleep well last night, or maybe you’re just bored. …
Food and Mood (VZ 18) Read More »
The post Food and Mood (VZ 18) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Beans and other legumes just may be the vegetarian’s and vegan’s best friends. Pinto, kidney, red, pink, Great Northern, lima…no matter which one you choose, you’ll be picking a winner. Beans — as well as other legumes such as peas, …
All About Beans (VZ 17) Read More »
The post All About Beans (VZ 17) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
National Kale Day is coming up on Wednesday, October 2, and Vegetarian Zen is on board to celebrate it. As NKD ambassadors, we are spreading the word about kale far and wide. To that end, this episode of the podcast …
Let’s Celebrate National Kale Day! (VZ 16) Read More »
The post Let’s Celebrate National Kale Day! (VZ 16) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
The Forks Over Knives documentary was one of the first documentaries we watched on our plant-based journey. The documentary was very eye-opening and it’s one we watch again from time to time to help keep us motivated and reconnect with …
Our Review of the Forks Over Knives Documentary Read More »
The post Our Review of the Forks Over Knives Documentary appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode, we take on some of the most common myths about vegetarianism and veganism. Before becoming vegetarians, we actually held some of these beliefs ourselves. Once we made our lifestyle changes, we began to learn how mistaken we …
Our Favorite Myths About Vegetarianism (VZ 14) Read More »
The post Our Favorite Myths About Vegetarianism (VZ 14) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Common sense tells us that skim milk is healthier than whole milk, correct? Less fat equals healthier. But what is healthier than skim milk? How about plant and nut milks: soy, almond, hemp, rice, or coconut? Generally lower in fat …
This for That – Healthy Recipe Substitutions (VZ 13) Read More »
The post This for That – Healthy Recipe Substitutions (VZ 13) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
When we first became vegetarians, we simply stopped eating meat without changing our other bad eating habits. Consequently, we discovered that we did not initially feel as great as we thought we would. We had fallen into an all-too-common trap…we …
Tips to Avoid Being a Junk Food Vegetarian (VZ 12) Read More »
The post Tips to Avoid Being a Junk Food Vegetarian (VZ 12) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Football season is once again upon us! Whether you’re an NFL fan, a college follower or both, you’ll need to have good strategies in place to maintain your vegetarian or vegan lifestyle while attending tailgate parties, fantasy draft parties, or the games themselves. …
Surviving Football Season as a Vegetarian (VZ 11) Read More »
The post Surviving Football Season as a Vegetarian (VZ 11) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Getting ready for back-to-school is hectic, no doubt. Lots to do, too little time to get it all done. Summer was too short (for the kids, anyway!). On top of shots, new clothes, school supplies, and convincing the kids that …
Back To School the Healthy Way Read More »
The post Back To School the Healthy Way appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
When we first became vegetarians, we also became juicers. We did a lot of reading online, of course, but the first book we bought was Farnoosh Brock’s The Healthy Juicer’s Bible: Lose Weight, Detoxify, Fight Disease, and Live Long. It …
Why We Love “The Healthy Juicer’s Bible” (VZ 9) Read More »
The post Why We Love “The Healthy Juicer’s Bible” (VZ 9) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
What’s The Deal With Tofu? Tofu…often the first thing that comes to the mind of an omnivore when introduced to a vegetarian; as in, “So, do you eat that tofu stuff? What exactly is that stuff, anyway?” In this …
All About Tofu (VZ 8) Read More »
The post All About Tofu (VZ 8) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
“If you don’t eat animal products, how on earth are you getting enough protein in your diet?” This is one of the most commonly asked questions regarding living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Meat, eggs and dairy products provide …
Getting Enough Protein as a Vegetarian or Vegan Read More »
The post Getting Enough Protein as a Vegetarian or Vegan appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In this episode, we discuss two favorite pastimes during the summer season: vacationing & grilling. We offer some great tips for grilling vegetables and fruit, such as marinating, grilling times, and other techniques. We also discuss ways to maintain …
Vacationing & Grilling, Vegetarian-Style (VZ 6) Read More »
The post Vacationing & Grilling, Vegetarian-Style (VZ 6) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In the previous episode, we discussed the differences between juicing and blending and reviewed the juicer we use, the Omega VRT350. In this episode, we offer a review of our blender, the Vitamix 1365 CIA Professional Series. The Vitamix does …
Living Healthy with a Vitamix Blender Read More »
The post Living Healthy with a Vitamix Blender appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
What is juicing and what’s the difference between juicing and smoothies? Is one better than the other? This episode of the podcast is all about juicers and juicing. Vickie explains the differences between juicing and blending, and why they are …
What is Juicing? Read More »
The post What is Juicing? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
One of the most often-used excuses for not living a healthy, active lifestyle is that “there’s not enough time”. In this episode, we offer lots of helpful, time-saving tips for healthy eating, fitting exercise into your daily routine, and being …
Time is On My Side…Making Time for Exercise Read More »
The post Time is On My Side…Making Time for Exercise appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
In the first part of this episode, we discuss the many benefits of spices and herbs and the ways they can be used. Although we mention others, we focus specifically on four: ginger, cinnamon, rosemary, and lemon balm. We talk …
A Life of Spice – Tasty AND Good for You! (VZ 2) Read More »
The post A Life of Spice – Tasty AND Good for You! (VZ 2) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.
Our First Podcast! Wow! It’s finally here…the very first episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast… our launch! We’ve been working hard to pack each episode with amazing, informative and entertaining content for you, so here goes! In this first episode …
Here We Go! The Vegetarian Zen Podcast Launch is Here! (VZ 01) Read More »
The post Here We Go! The Vegetarian Zen Podcast Launch is Here! (VZ 01) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.