Adopting a Vegan Life Style

Dr. Will Tuttle, author of  The World Peace Diet, in his article entitled ""What Then Should We Eat?" had this to say about veganism: 

"VEGANISM – STRIVING TO minimise our violence towards animals – is indeed an idea whose time has come. Veganism reflects our true nature. Veganism is simply seeing all living beings as sentient beings to be respected rather than seeing them as commodities to be used and consumed. The motivation underlying veganism is compassion.  As each of us awakens to the power of this idea, we will reduce animal cruelty and suffering as well as our abuse of the Earth. Our personal, social and spiritual health are all connected."

The challenge for those of us who might be new to the vegan life style is in changing the way we cook, and shop for food.  Robin Robertson's book Vegan On The Cheap offers a wealth of information on saving money, when preparing foods that are healthy, fresh and delicious.

For even more information and recipes on vegan cooking check out the following titles:

1000 Vegan Recipes
Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food
Supermarket Vegan

No time for breakfast!

If you are one of those people who just can't seem to find time for breakfast before heading off to work; here's an idea for making sure that you never have to miss breakfast again.  The following is a list of ingredients that you can keep in your desk at work.

You will need:
Quaker Instant Oatmeal - the box contains three flavors
    (maple brown sugar, cinnamon and spice, apples and cinnamon). 
Raisins and/or dried cranberries
Walnuts, almonds, or pecans
Fresh apples

Microwavable Bowl
Paring knife
Spoon

Empty one package of oatmeal into a bowl and generously cover the dry ingredients with water.  Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.  While the oatmeal is cooking wash the apple and cut into bite size chunks.  Once the oatmeal is cooked, add the apples, a generous helping of dried fruit and nuts.  If you like a creamier oatmeal you can also add milk of your choosing - whole milk, soy or almond.  My personal favorite is almond milk.  I find the taste to be much fresher, and it still has the creaminess of whole milk. 
Stir the warm oatmeal blending it thoroughly with the other ingredients.  Enjoy! 

You will have a healthy breakfast that you can eat at your desk.  By giving your body a nutritious breakfast you might find that you are less likely to snack on junk food throughout the day.  If, however, you still feel like snacking you can munch on the apples, nuts, and raisins in your desk. 

The Loving Hut - Fabulous vegan food

I am always looking for vegetarian and vegan recipes to prepare at home for myself and daughter.  As much as I enjoy cooking, sometimes I like to eat out also.  When I do eat out I don't want to sacrifice quality and freshness.  Recently I've discovered the most wonderful vegan restaurant.  The Loving Hut serves food that is wholesome, fresh, and very delicious.  The following quote was taken directly from their website.

"Loving Hut is created with a vision that all beings can live in peace, love and harmony with each other and the planet. Loving Hut chain restaurants are newly opening around the world. It is an invitation to gourmet cuisine made with wholesome, vegan ingredients, and it offers an accessible starting point for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet."

The food at Loving Hut is made even more delicious by the beautiful people who work there.  I've never encountered a more loving, generous group of people working in a restaurant setting.  The food is always fresh and delicious, and that nourishes the body.  As if  that were not enough I leave the Loving Hut feeling spiritually nourished by the warmth and love of the staff.  They seem to really understand the value of the mind-body connection.  If you really want to feed people you have to give them more than food. 

As a parent I am concerned about good nutrition for myself and my daughter.  I am also concerned about the quality of life for all sentient beings.  For that reason I have made a conscious choice to abstain from eating meat.  I have been a vegetarian for the past three years.  The vegan food at Loving Hut really appeals to my taste buds and to my conscience.  As yet I have not embraced entirely the vegan diet, but I am certainly consuming fewer and fewer animal products.  Cheese and yogurt are slowly being replaced by the newer plant based alternatives.  Thanks to The Loving Hut it's becoming easier to make the choice.  They have introduced me to wonderful vegan dishes that I might not have encountered had I not tried them there.  The variety of food choices on their menu helps to expand my consciousness to the possibilities that are available.

My favorite dish is the grilled vegetable panini.  It's a sandwich made with sauteed vegetables, vegan cheese, organic mustard and veganaise.  For those who may not know veganaise is a mayonaise like product made without eggs.  The sandwich is served with organic corn chips.  It is very hearty and so delicious!