VeganWoman

A Few Good Reasons to Go Veg!

2009-12-23T18:40:00.001-08:00

In November I reached my 2 1/2 year anniversary of eating only plant based foods! I have never felt better and have lost many pant sizes to boot! It is no longer a diet, nor does it have a label, it is simply a way of life. Going vegan is kinder to animals, the earth, and your body. Below are facts and figures that reinforce how important it is to consider a plant based diet

# Human population of United States: 270,000,000 (and counting)
# Number of human beings who could be fed by the grain and soybeans eaten by U.S. livestock: 1,300,000,000
# Sacred food of Native Americans: Corn
# Percentage of corn grown in United States eaten by human beings: 20
# Percentage of corn grown in United States eaten by livestock: 80
# Percentage of soy grown in United States eaten by livestock: 90
# Percentage of oats grown in United States eaten by livestock: 95
# Percentage of protein wasted by cycling grain through livestock: 90
# Percentage of carbohydrate wasted by cycling grain through livestock: 99
# Percentage of dietary fiber wasted by cycling grain through livestock: 100
# How frequently a child dies of starvation: Every 2.3 seconds
# Pounds of potatoes that can be grown on 1 acre of land: 20,000
# Pounds of beef that can be produced on 1 acre of land: 165
# Percentage of U.S. agricultural land used to produce beef: 56
# Pounds of grain and soybeans needed to produce 1 pound of feedlot beef: 16
# Pounds of protein fed to chickens to produce 1 pound of protein as chicken flesh: 5 pounds
# Pounds of protein fed to hogs to produce 1 pound of protein as hog flesh: 7.5 pounds
# Number of children who starve to death every day: 38,000
# Amount of total U.S. grain production consumed by livestock: 70%
# Amount of U.S. grain exports consumed by livestock: 66%
# Amount of world grain harvest consumed by livestock throughout the 1980s: half
# Number of pure vegetarians who can be fed on the amount of land needed to feed 1 person consuming meat-based diet: 20
# Number of people who will starve to death this year: 20,000,000
# Number of people who could be adequately fed if Americans reduced their intake of meat by 10%: 100,000,000
# Amount of increase in global cattle population during the last 40 years: 100%
# Amount of increase in global fowl population during the last 40 years: 200%
# Ratio of livestock to people on Earth: three to one
# Amount of Earth's land mass grazed by livestock: half
# Amount of U.S. cropland producing livestock feed: 64%
# Amount of U.S. cropland producing fruits and vegetables: 2%
# Percentage of original U.S. topsoil lost to date: 75
# Amount of U.S. cropland lost each year to soil erosion: 4,000,000 acres, the size of Connecticut
# Percentage of U.S. topsoil loss directly associated with livestock raising: 85
# Amount of original U.S. cropland permanently removed from production due to excessive soil erosion: one-third
# Pounds of topsoil lost in the production of one pound of feedlot steak: 35
# Current annual topsoil loss on agricultural land in the U.S.: over 5 billion tons
# Current annual topsoil loss on agricultural worldwide: 26 billion tons
# Time required for nature to form one inch of topsoil: 200 to 1000 years
# Historic cause of demise of many great civilizations: Topsoil depletion

Sources:
Facts and Figures : Vegan Facts on Our Impact
Pictures:
cow : Farm Sanctuary - Gluttonize
veggies : Dallas News

Simple Tempeh Burgers

2009-12-02T20:39:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, as a vegan I miss hamburgers. I do not miss the nasty hamburger patty, I just miss the act of preparing and eating hamburgers. I have experimented with many things to create a good vegan hamburger, but have been disappointed many times. The common meat substitute options made by Boca, Amy's, and others are full of preservatives and things I do not want to eat. Falafel works ok but it does not hold together that well as a patty. The other night we thought we would try tempeh. We use it a lot but have not ventured into patties. It worked! We cut the packaged tempeh below in half and then sliced each half into two slices, ending with 4 patties. We fried it in grapeseed oil and the rest is tempeh burger history. I suggest using the tempeh in the last picture - it cut the easiest into 4 patties.

Raw Garlic at the Onset of a Sore Throat

2009-11-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

It is cold and flu season and there are some nasty bugs out there. Three days ago I woke up with a very painful sore throat and knew I was in for it unless I got aggressive. I am a believer in the healing powers of garlic, but that was at the back of my for some silly reason.

DAY 1
I started with a warm tonic of cayenne pepper, honey, and apple cider vinegar to no avail. I drank many cups of green tea and sucked on throat lozenges. By the afternoon of day one it was hard to swallow and I started to feel the weak and warm, I was losing hope. I then went to Earth Clinic, a great website full of natural remedies for everything you can imagine including testimonials from faithful users. There it was! My cure! Raw Garlic! I nearly kicked myself as I have used garlic as a remedy for years - why did I wait! It was 4pm, many hours of a painful sore throat, I cleaned two cloves of garlic and immediately put them in the garlic press. I put the pressed garlic into my mouth and started chewing,sloshing it around, and reluctantly swallowed. Within SECONDS my sore throat had diminished 75%! Not only did my sore throat subside, I had an instant burst of energy and the weakness was gone. Throughout the rest of the night the sore throat waxed and waned, but the weakness and body temperature was gone. Before going to bed I pressed 2 more cloves and ingested them.

Day 2
When I woke up I could feel the sore throat, but it was a 50% change from the morning of Day 1, the weakness was completely gone. Throughout the day I took good care of myself with soups, vitamin C, vitamin D3, green tea, and my cayenne tonic. Over the course of the day I consumed 4 raw cloves of garlic. Around 7pm my sore throat reared its' ugly head and gave me a good scare, I went to bed with hope - mind over matter right?

Day 3
This morning I woke up with glee as my sore throat is only 10% there! I have normal energy levels and feel confidant that I am safely out of the woods.

Garlic was an instant cure for me, I feel that I killed the nasty bugs that were inside of me trying to take over my body and give me a full blown cold. I eat garlic in one form or another several times a week so it was easy for me to eat it raw, this may not be the case for others. Raw garlic will burn but the burn will fade. Throughout all of this raw garlic consumption I did not get heartburn or any kind of stomach aches. Contrary to common assumptions garlic does not CAUSE heartburn, some have had luck with it aiding heartburn.

Garlic has many potent properties and one of those is Allicin - it kills bacteria on site! The pungent smell of garlic is just a hint as to how powerful it is on the human body when taken internally. I did a blog on garlic and its' anti-cancer properties back in March Garlic Consumption a Key to Longevity? , I wish I would have taken my own advice before suffering through a whole day with a sore throat.

I saved hundreds of dollars by avoiding the mainstream doctor mill as well as skirting a nasty round of antibiotics. Yes, I panicked and wanted it to go away, but I always go to the natural cures first. I encourage everyone to visit Earth Clinic, it is a great "go to" website for ideas and testimonials on natural cures.

***I am not a doctor, if your symptoms are worsening visit your doctor.
***too many raw garlic cloves can make some light headed...tread lightly if you are not a usual garlic consumer.
***garlic will burn going down but the burning should subside.
***If a sore throat is severe for more than 3 days you should visit your doctor.
***If you do not have a garlic press you can just chew the cloves or slice the cloves.

Stay Healthy!

***********UPDATE 11/11/09
It is now day 4 from the onset of the super sore throat and when I woke up this morning there was no sore throat. I have no symptoms of a cold. I must add that I took 6000 IU of D3 on day 2 and day 3. I must say that Garlic stopped my sore throat from developing into a nasty cold.

Many Health benefits of Cherries!

2009-07-05T23:04:00.001-07:00

The health benefits of cherries are as sweet as they taste! It is that time of the summer when Cherries are in season and abundant in the grocery stores and farmer's markets. I am not talking about the dyed red cherries in a jar, I am talking about Rainier, Bing, and Chelan Cherries of the Northwest. While living in the Northwest I would look forward to this time of the year when I could get my hands on the freshest cherries around! While consuming mass amounts of Rainier and Chelan Cherries I was unaware how healthy they are. I keep a big bowl of cleaned cherries in my refrigerator as long as this party lasts - through August :)

There are two categories of Cherries - sweet and tart, both packing health benefits. Cherries grown here in America are a great Super Fruit alternative to tropical berries we do not have great access too. Cherries are often overlooked for a sweet treat but they are much more than that, showing promise in weight loss, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and much more.

Cherries (both sweet and tart) contain a compound called anthocyanins, which is of growing interest to scientists because of its' anti-inflammatory effects on the body. A study at John Hopkin's University shows that anthocyanins can reduce painful inflammation in animal studies. Cherries were shown to reduce oxidative stress, which is a cause of autoimmune disease.

Cherries are being recognized as a "Super Fruit" based on recent research indicating they have powerful cancer fighting qualities. Tart cherries were studied and found to be beneficial in reducing the risk of colon cancer. In a study with mice prone to colon cancer it was found that adding cherries to their diet resulted in a reduction in colon tumors and sizes. The compound anthocyanins may inhibit mammary cancer in rats, reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Sweet Cherries (and of course tart ones) are a good fruit for people with diabetes because even sweet cherries are lower than other fruits on the glycemic chart at only 22. The compound anthocyanins may also help those with diabetes. "In early laboratory studies using animal pancreatic cells, the chemicals, called anthocyanins, increased insulin production by 50 percent, according to a peer-reviewed study scheduled to appear in the Jan. 5 issue of the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." - Science Daily. Some people have reported checking their blood sugar before eating cherries and found that it actually went down after eating cherries!

Cherries also contain:
-Antioxidants
-Vitamin C
-Vitamin A
-Bioflavonoids
-Ellagic acid
-Perillyl
-Melatonin
-Potassium

When I do not have access to fresh organic cherries I eat Raw Cherry Pie Larabars. You can also find dried cherries or organic cherry juice in the off season :) Enjoy!

References and Interesting Links
All About Northwest Cherries

Recent John's Hopkins Cherry Information

Cherry Growers of Australia

Raw Pumpkin Seeds - The Superfood I Eat Everyday!

2009-06-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

For a couple years now raw, organic, unsalted, pumpkin seeds have been a daily part of my life. They are versatile, delicious, vegan friendly, low fat, low calorie, and most importantly a true superfood. The word "superfood" is being thrown around a lot lately, in the case of pumpkin seeds they are a PERFECT superfood! Recent studies are showing that pumpkin seeds are a vital food for that man in your life due to the protective power they have on the prostate gland. I make it a habit to have at least a handful each day as if it is a medicine. There are many health benefits of pumpkin seeds, enough to deserve their own blog post.

NUTRITION RUNDOWN
Pumpkin seeds are naturally rich in protein, zinc, essential fatty acids, magnesium, iron, and fiber. To boot they contain most of the B vitamins, along with C, D, E, and K! Pumpkin seeds are rich in the amino acids alanin, glycine and glutamic acid.

1/4 Cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds
182 Calories
10 Grams Protein
15 Grams of Fat (essential fats)
13.000 mg Iron
1.000 mg Calcium

DISEASE PREVENTION
- Native American were among the first to notice the health benefits of pumpkin seeds. They referred to them as cucurbita and used them to treat kidney problems and to eliminate parasites from the intestines.
- The high zinc level in pumpkin seeds is good for the prostate. The high zinc level is also good for the bones and protecting against osteoporosis.
- The essential fatty acids in pumpkin seeds can kill parasites and provide many other benefits. Parasites and worms are paralyzed with pumpkin seeds.
- The high protein load can provide an excellent source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.
- The fiber content helps the digestive system
- Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan, which helps keep depression at bay.
- Pumpkin seeds can help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol. The seeds have phytosterols, a compound that not only helps lower cholesterol but helps protect against certain cancers.
- Pumpkin seeds help with urinary health.

TIPS
- The way to get the most out of pumpkin seeds is to eat them raw and organic
- Sprinkle them on top of a salad or cereal for extra crunch and protein
- Roasted Pumpkin seeds can actually raise cholesterol with the very high bad fat content ...just eat them raw
- You can find them in your bulk aisle at most grocery stores.
- Some mainstream grocery stores have them in their bulk aisle raw BUT made in China and not organic. I stay away from those.
- Pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed year round.
- Pumpkin seed oil is available in capsule and packs a super punch of nutritional value.
- The cost at my organic grocery store is 3.99/lb and that can last me a week,
- Add them to raisins, nuts, and coconut flakes and you have your own trail mix.
- Make it part of your daily life!

LINKS
Pumpkin Seed Oil and Prostate Health

An Ode to Peas - Protein for Vegans

2009-05-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Eat your peas! Grandma was right! Many times I am asked "How do you get any protein???" as if I am going to fall over from lack of protein at any moment. First of all, there is a debate as to how much protein we actually need. Where did this obsession with protein come from, it is not as if we are all hunters and gladiators? Second, vegans have plenty of resources for protein in plant based foods- this brings me to peas. When I read about the health benefits of peas I was shocked, especially with the high protein content.

Peas are of the same family that beans are - Legumes. Legumes are high in folate, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, calcium, and selenium, and B6. Peas pack a super punch with 8 vitamins, 7 minerals, dietary fiber and protein (lots of it). I had no idea that peas contained fiber OR protein! In one cup of peas you can pick up 35% of your daily fiber and 6.4 grams of protein - that is more protein that 2 tbsp of peanut butter! Many foods high in fiber and protein are also high in calories, peas are a great source of protein and fiber without adding pounds.

There are now studies being done on protein in the diet and in particular too much protein. In the December 2006 Issue, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, findings indicate that those consuming less protein have lower levels of certain hormones that have been linked to cancer. If you are concerned about protein do some research and most important - relax and eat your peas!

TIPS
- Canned peas are not only gross but they also contain a ton of sodium and most of the nutrients are missing after all the processing - best to eat them raw.
- Dried peas retain their fiber and protein content and are still very nutritious.
- Yellow peas are a must try
- Asian markets are a great source of snap peas all year round

MEDICAL RESEARCH
Medical Study on Peas and High Blood Pressure
Too Much Protein Increase Cancer Risk?

Pineapples - Powerful Digestion Aide Full of Enzymes

2009-05-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

Pineapple is one amazing fruit often taken for granted. I had a photo shoot with my pineapple the other night and thought I would share. In the process of turning away from western medicine I find it important to dig deep into the health benefits and scientific evidence of plant based foods put here on earth. Nature did not intend for humans to heal in the form of a pill from a warehouse - everything we need comes from the soil and the ocean. In my research I found out many things about Pineapples that make me love them even more and include them more in my life. This fruit is more than a Vitamin C load!

What stood out the most for me is the enzyme load in pineapples over many plant based foods. . I did a post a few weeks back on the power of raw foods to deliver the enzymes our bodies need to stay alive. Food Enzymes Biggest Cancer Fighter While doing research on enzymes I found out that Papaya and Pineapple are the top two fruits for enzymes due to Bromelain. Bromelain has widely been investigated for its' digestive enzymes. These enzymes particularly target the breakdown of protein which eases digestion. A raw cup of pineapple is full of this goodness! Pineapple enzymes are also good for the blood and are thought to be anti-inflammatory. It is suggested Pineapple enzymes limit the tendency for blood clots and also improve circulation through the arteries.

PINEAPPLE SOURCES & LINKS
Research Shows Promise of Pineapple for IBS
WHFoods: Pineapple

TIPS
-Pineapples are in season May - June
-Let your pineapple ripen before eating
-Select a pineapple that is already turning golden
-1 Cup of pineapple has 94% DV of Vitamin C
-Organic tastes better and is better for you
-Frozen Pineapple still contains the enzymes
-Do not eat it out of a can.
-The health benefits of Pineapple are plentiful!

Ignite Weight Loss and Glowing Skin with a Sauna Detox!

2009-04-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Time to sweat! I have been using the sauna 3-5 times a week for the last 6 months and the health benefits are remarkable. My skin is radiant, my weight loss has accelerated, and my work out capacity has increased. Yes, it is possible to speed up weight loss by sweating and the sauna is the best place to do it. This is not about the water weight you lose during the session, it is about detoxing your body over time creating a great atmosphere to lose weight. During a sauna session one can lose up to 10 pounds of water weight but as soon as you drink water it comes right back - this is not about the water loss. The documentation on the health benefits of saunas is immense and goes far beyond weightloss. I encourage you to check out the links at the bottom of my post.

BLOOD PRESSURE
What happens in a good sweat out in the sauna is the awakening of all of your capillaries to dilation which actually lowers blood pressure - one might think it would raise blood pressure but that is not the case. Finnish people are known sauna users and they do not suffer from high blood pressure at the rate of westerners.

DETOXIFICATION
Our bodies have a few ways to dispel toxins but the biggest vessel is the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and the sauna is the best way to make that organ work for you! A sauna session actually puts you in fever mode which forces the body to dispel toxins through your pores, similar to what happens when you are sick. Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine wrote more than two thousand years ago "Give me the power to create a fever, and I shall cure any disease." During a fever the functioning of the immune system is stimulated, and the growth of bacteria and virus is forced to slow down. Fever is the body's defense against bacteria, microbes and consequent infection. It is believed that the sauna can also remove heavy metals from the body and this is more important than ever with all of the sources of mercury that surround us now (high fructose corn syrup). When you detoxify your body of all of the pollutants of everyday life you create a great environment for accelerated weight loss and good overall health.

CALORIE BURNING & CARDIO EFFECTS
A good 30 minute sauna session will burn between 300-500 calories similar to rowing for 30 minutes. Some may say "what about the cardio" - the sauna works your heart! Your heart rate increases in a 30 minute session similar to running or speed walking but without the stress on joints.

FAT DETOX
Some of us plateau with weight loss and will need the extra boost by detoxing those fat cells. Perhaps it is the build up of toxins in our fat that prevents further weight loss. Weight loss occurs because body fat becomes water-soluble at 43ºC and the body can sweat it out. Sweating removes fat stored (lipophilic) toxins. Often weight loss cannot be accomplished unless these toxins are first removed.

SKIN
The sauna stimulates a deep cleansing of the pores which results in clean, glowing, radiant skin. This keeps acne at bay as well as giving a more youthful appearance. Sweating is truely the best way to clean your pores. Cleansing does not come from the outside, it has to come from the inside pushing out!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAUNAS LINKS
In Depth article on the Health Benefits of Saunas
Sauna & Health: Sweat Bathing...
Sauna - Wikipedia (History and Tons of Info)

******Steam bathing in a hot tub or bathtub have similar health benefits because of the sweat level.
******Please check with your doctor before beginning a sauna program.
******If you don't have access to a sauna you can still get the benefits of sweating through a hot bath in your own bathroom. Grab a good book and sweat like crazy for 30 minutes.
******If you start feeling dizzy or light headed get out of the sauna.
******Start small with 10 minutes.
******Hydrate well before going in and upon coming out of the sauna.
******Do not drink alcohol before a sauna session.

Cantaloupe - Super Fruit packed with Health Benefits

2009-04-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

I eat cantaloupe at least four times a week for vision health, lung health, and a super dose of vitamin A, C, and B6. The cantaloupe originates from the Italian village of Cantalup and was cultivated around 1700 A.D. This powerful fruit was put here on earth for the many natural healing properties it contains. I can only imagine the wonderful surprise when the human first cracked open a cantaloupe and saw the sweet bright orange flesh! I was not aware of all of the health benefits until I researched it. Cantaloupe is a great cancer fighter!
CANTALOUPE FACTS
1 Cup = 56 Calories
1 Cup = 112.5% daily value of vitamin C
1 Cup = 103.2% daily value of vitamin A
1 Cup = 15% daily value of vitamin B6

*Cantaloupe is a natural source of fiber, folic acide, niacin, and thiomine.
*Cardiovascular! -Cantaloupe contains adenosine, which is used in patients with heart disease as a blood-thinning agent, and also as a relief from angina.
*Cancer Fighter! - Cantaloupe contains SOD (Superoxide dismutase)and studies have shown that SOD promotes a healthy cellular environment by protecting against oxidative cell death (that is cancer!)
*Diabetes Fighter! - The Superoxide dismutase properties of cantaloupe help diabetes by reducing oxidative stress and kidney cell damage.
*SMOKERS NEED CANTALOUPE! - Because of the high amount of Vitamin A, smokers can benefit from eating cantaloupe. Many studies have been done on the relation of Vitamin A to lung health, smokers that had a rich diet of Vitamin A had a much lower incidence of emphysema. Cantaloupe everyday may save a smokers life. No hating on smokers here - we all have our vices, if not we are NOT human.
*Menstruation problems! For women, eat cantaloupe around the time of menstruation and it will help reduce heavy flow and clots. It has natural blood thinning properties.
*Cataracts! The Beta-Carotene in Cantaloupe provides natural Vitamin A which is vital to eye health and preventing Cataracts.

TIPS
1.Wash the outside of the cantaloupe well before cooking
2.Once you cut the cantaloupe you start losing nutrients - eat up!
3.Immediately store uneaten cantaloupe in the fridge to conserve nutrients.
4.Cantaloupes are in season June - August

Kombucha - Super Health Elixor

2009-04-12T14:06:00.001-07:00

Two years ago I saw a new drink stocked at the Metropolitan Market in Seattle called Kombucha (pronounced kom-BOO-cha) and my curiosity was instantly in action. There were many flavors - grape, guava, green, plain, etc. My attention was grabbed by this statement on the bottle:

"G.T. Dave began bottling Kombucha in 1995 after his mother's success from drinking it during her battle with breast cancer....".

I took the green one home and began googling Kombucha and was amazed at what I was reading, the health benefits are immense. Kombucha is a handmade tea that is cultured for 30 days and during that process something magical happens. Kombucha is essentially sweetened tea or tisane that has been fermented using a macroscopic solid mass of microorganisms called a "kombucha colony". Kombucha is alive! Kombucha is a colony or culture of yeast and other microorganisms embedded in a pure cellulose "pancake." When the "pancake" is grown in a blend of tea and sugar, it transforms the liquid into a refreshingly lightly sparkling, sweet and sour drink with a fruity fragrance full of health giving acids and nutrients. The Kombucha culture feeds on the sugar and, in exchange, produces other valuable substances which change into the drink: glucuronic acid, glucon acid, lactic acid, vitamins, amino acids, and antibiotics. Kombucha is also great for vegans because it provides natural B12 which is lacking in the vegan diet. The bottle above contains 40% of the daily value of B12.

Reading straight from the bottle:
KOMBUCHA SUPPORTS:
Digestion
Metabolism
Immune System
Appetite Control
Weight Control
Liver Function
Body Alkalinity
Anti-Aging
Cell Integrity
Healthy Skin & Hair

There is more demand for Kombucha now more than ever so it is appearing in natural sections and natural stores everyday. Last week the grocery store near my house just added it, I was driving 1.5 miles to get it before. There are a few companies to choose from but I prefer G.T.'S. or High Country out of Colorado. The price varies from $2.75 - 4.20. Many people make it by hand but there are many precautions to take in that process. My goal is to make my own and I would love to hear from others that do :)
****Don't be afraid of the floaties, drink them up!
****The picture below is handmade kombucha with growing organisms it. I found this picture at google images here.\

Quinoa - The Mother of All Grains

2009-04-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

         Quinoa (pronounced "keen wah") is truly one of the most spectacular grains on the planet. Most grains are good for you but Quinoa is a step above all and I am gradually turning to Qunioa as my main grain source. This grain was used by ancient Incas and was referred to as "the gold of the Incas". Quinoa has also been referred to as the "Grain of the Gods" and "Mother Grain".
         Quinoa is considered a complete protein which means that it includes all nine essential amino acids (including lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair). The World Health Organization has actually stated that the protein in Quinoa is as complete as the protein in milk! The protein content in Quinoa is 16% which is the highest of all grains - 2% more than wheat. In medical reports it has been found that women eating grains more than 6 times a week cut their heart problem and Quinoa is the best grain there is. Quinoa also packs in fiber, antioxidants, manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus.
         At first I was shy with quinoa but once you start using it you reaize how easy it is to use. I cooks up a lot like rice and you can turn it into a hot or cold dish. I have been substituting it for couscous in my favorite salad to make Fresh Easy Cous Cous Salad. I am also trying to eat mostly alkaline foods and Quinoa is up there on the alkalinity chart. You can find Quinoa in your bulk aisle and you can also get it boxed at Natural Markets or online. Don't be shy - cook it, eat it, and enjoy the health benefits!

Turmeric - Powerful Natural Health Benefits

2009-04-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

            When I was overweight my body was more suceptable to infections from being run down by mainstream food and medicines. Things took longer to heal and I would often turn to a mainstream hospital to get a round of antibiotics and an $800 hospital bill. The antibiotics worked but something would always come up again. I started to research alternatives and came accross the many health benefits of Turmeric. I was becoming aware of the dangers of taking too many antibiotics which our country is currently in the habit of. When we take too many antibiotics it can throw off the good bacteria system in our guts and acidity can take over - believe it or not promoting more weight gain! What I discovered about Turmeric shocked me. It is incredibly powerful and people on various health message boards reported curing many ailments by ingesting Turmeric. Yes, Turmeric is often thought of as a dye for mustards and curry dishes but it is so much more.
            Turmeric is a bright yellow powdered root and relative of the ginger plant. It is popular in Middle Eastern foods and is often used as a natural yellow dye. The powerful element in Turmeric is Curcumin and increases the secretion of bile by stimulating the bile duct. It also protects the liver by detoxification, stimulating the gall bladder and scavenging free radicals and free radicals are what promotes a cancer environment. The list of what Turmeric is huge so I grabbed an easy to read list of 20 reasons from healthdiaries.com:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

            I take turmeric everyday. It is sold in your spice aisle at your local grocery store and you can also find it in the bulk section. The price is tiny compared to hospital bills and pharmaceuticals. I treated something that I incurred a $800 hospital bill with turmeric for about $3. When I had the infection I immediately started taking a large amount of tumeric in hot water (1-2 tbsp) 3 times a day and within 2 days the infection was subsiding. Believe me, I was nervous to put my faith in a spice from the grocery store rather than go to the doctor for immediate treatment but it worked and it was worth it. That was 2 years ago and now I incorporate turmeric in my daily life via cooking, drinking it in hot water, and sometimes taking capsules that I fill myself. All one has to do is google "turmeric health benefits" to see the evidence that is piling up. The interest in Turmeric as a medicine is prompting Universities and Cancer centers to further study it.

MY TIPS:
-get vegan capsules from health food stores and simply fill the capsules with turmeric from the store. This is an easy way to consume it if you are busy.
-start using it in cooking. I throw it over tofu to make the tofu turn yellow, I pour it over veggies I am sauteing.

SOURCES:
20 Health Benefits of Tumeric

Garlic Consumption a Key to Longevity?

2009-03-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

          To me garlic is not stinky and pungent. To me garlic is aromatic and a strong healer. I eat tons of garlic! I try to eat it everyday and I try to consume it mostly raw. Everytime I unwrap a clove of garlic I remember a story my mom told me about my Great Great Aunt and her long life with garlic. This woman consumed several cloves of garlic a day, apparently the smell of garlic would seep through her pores and be on her breath. She was stinky but she lived into her 90's healthy and doctor free. I am sure that her garlic consumption gave her the longevity that we would all love. This is not new news of course...several books have been written about garlic and it is sometimes referred to as "the stinking rose".
          The source of the stench and bite of garlic is exactly what makes it so good for us - sulfer compounds. Garlic is in the Allicin family along with leeks and onions. Scientists are very interested in Allicin in regards to cardiovascular health, cancer, and bacterial issues. Garlic is excellent for the cardiovascular system and our blood as well as being very powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. The reason books have been written on garlic alone is no mystery. I was very happy to find a lot of info about garlic as a cancer fighter. It is truly stunning how much garlic can shave down the chance of getting cancer. I am taking the following stats from a study of Southern European populations (Galeone C, Pelucchi C et al, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition):

Study participants consuming the most garlic had a 39% reduced risk for cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, 57% reduced risk for esophageal cancer, 26% reduced risk for colorectal cancer, 44% reduced risk for laryngeal cancer, 10% reduced risk for breast cancer, 22% reduced risk for ovarian cancer, 19% reduced risk for prostate cancer, and 31% reduced risk for renal cell cancer, compared to those eating the least garlic. Similarly, those eating the most onions showed an 84% reduced risk for cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, 88% reduced risk for esophageal cancer, 56% reduced risk for colorectal cancer, 83% reduced risk for laryngeal cancer, 25% reduced risk for breast cancer, 73% reduced risk for ovarian cancer, 71% reduced risk for prostate cancer, and 38% reduced risk for renal cell cancer, compared to those eating the least onions.

          Eating garlic raw is the best way to get the benefits. Some people may be sensitive to this so make sure to check with your doctor before starting daily consumption. I put raw garlic in anything you can think of or sometimes just pop a clove in my mouth and eat it!

Source:
WHFoods: Garlic

Grapeseed Oil - a Super Oil with many uses.

2009-03-23T11:48:00.001-07:00

          When trying to lose weight many people fear oils for the high calorie content and saturated fat content, but are missing out on a vital source of lubricants and nutrients for the body. Good oils will not make you gain weight - some of them actually promote a healthy atmosphere in your body to lose weight. I left the world of the standard oils for cooking over 2 years ago and found out about other oils that have a high cooking temperature and are not as harmful as the standard oils.
          Canola and vegetable oil are common in the western kitchen but they are the worst! Canola is not even an oil! It is a Genetically Modified Organism from the Rapeseed plant which is in the mustard family. Worse yet, the Rapeseed plant is toxic to all living things but makes a great pesticide. One would wonder why Canola oil is used so heavily at home and at restaurants if it is actually toxic to humans. Hmmmmmm....
          I now cook almost entirely with Grapeseed Oil. It has no cholesterol and low saturated fat. It is one of the highest oils in Linoleic Acid - Linoleic Acid is an omega-6 essential fatty acid which is good for your heart. Some people even take Linoleic acid as a supplement but you can get it right here in Grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil is also mild tasting as compared to Olive Oil. Because of the high level of Vitamin E it is stable under a high cooking temperature, it can be heated to 485 degrees. Beyond cooking you can also use Grapeseed oil as a body massage oil or all over moisturizer.
          Grapeseed oil is more expensive than the usual oils but anything that is good for you is expensive these days. I order it online at Vitacost because they usually run it at 40% off at $6.72 for 16oz which is much cheaper than your local stores. It is worth it in the end to get a better oil and use it sparingly.

Malt -O Meal all Jazzed up a Vegan comfort food!

2009-03-21T14:03:00.001-07:00

If you want an easy, delicious, nutritious comfort food for vegans then Malt-O Meal is a great way to start or end the day! This is often thought of boring but it can be played around with in many delicious ways. Malt-O Meal or Cream of Wheat contains wheat farina. Wheat Farina is so good for you as it is a good source of Folic Acid, Calcium, and Iron. Folic Acid is a great heart protector and calcium and iron are a plus too. In just three dry tablespoons of wheat farina you get 60% Iron, 20% B6, 100% Folate (Folic Acid). It is satisfying and easy to make. In the picture is my jazzed up version. I replace water with chocolate soy milk or regular soy milk. In this case I used chocolate which colored the farina brown. Here are the ingrediants for the picture:
1 handful of raw pumpkin seeds
1 handful of coconut shreds
2 tbsp walnuts
2 drizzles of honey (there is a hot debate amongst vegans whether this is vegan or not- I have to eat it while in the healing phase of losing weight and getting back to normal. I do not think bees are harmed in the process)
2 cups cooked Malt-O Meal
1 good splash of soy milk
Notice no dairy milk or butter - still yummy farina but without the dairy!

The Mathematical Vegetable - the Romanesco

2009-03-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Look carefully at this beautiful vegetable...you will see patterns, spirals, and perhaps fractals. The Romanesco is not only beautiful and nutritious, it is also mathematically perfect. What you are looking at is Fibonacci's code. Fibonacci was a mathematician from the 1200's also know as Leonard Pisa. Fibonacci's code is rather simple but complex in that many things on earth and the universe contain it. Fibonacci's code goes like this - The first number of the sequence is 0, the second number is 1, and each subsequent number is equal to the sum of the previous two numbers of the sequence itself, yielding the sequence 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc. (Wikipedia). It is perfect in itself and so is everything that contains it. Anything that is spiraled - look at a picture of the galaxy, a daisy, a pine cone, leaves, seeds, and many more. Something this perfect and beautiful was put here for us to consume. Compare this vegetable to the label on a bag of Doritos, Doritos were not put here for us to consume...nothing about them is perfect or good for you. The Romanesco is in the cauliflower family and extremely good for you. Cauliflower, as well as other cruciferous vegetables, such as brussel sprouts and cabbage, contain indole-3-carbinol, a substance that can affect the metabolism of estrogen in the body, and prevent breast and other female cancers. My suggestion is to just eat it raw and put Fibonacci's code and the rest of the galaxy in your stomach!

Sohpia Loren's beauty secret - Olive Oil

2009-03-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

         In 2006 Sophia Loren at the age of 72 was voted World's Most Naturally Beautiful Woman beating out younger competitors such as Catherine Zeta Jones. Yes, the picture above is actually Sophia in her late 60's! In an interview she was asked what her secret is and she said the "Love of Life" and "Olive Oil". Loren takes virgin olive oil baths and uses it as a moisturizer. This would make sense that she was driven to do this because her ancient Roman ancestors did as well. Bathing in Olive Oil was a sign of power and wealth. The good news is that the modern woman can find it at the local market and use it as well.
         Because the oil's fat composition is very similar to that of human skin, it rarely causes allergic reactions. In addition, it's absorbed quickly and helps lock in moisture in the skin. The high percentage of unsaturated fat and vitamins A and E, helpful in preventing sun damage, also work on the outside to soothe and replenish, particularly sensitive skin. It is also pure, and unmixed with anything but water, unlike other oils.
         I started using olive oil in place of moisturizers 2 years ago and would never think of buying moisturizer again! I buy Extra Virgin Olive oil cold pressed because regular olive oil and light olive oil have been chemically processed.. Now, you may think it would be a mess and not possible but it is actually quite easy. Olive oil absorbs quickly into the skin and after 15 minutes there is no trace of it. Simply put some in your hands and start rubbing it over your entire body and face. I was at first afraid of clogging pores and causing acne but that has not been an issue. I honestly feel that it has slowed the aging process and pumps up my skin. I get several compliments that my "skin is glowing" and I am always excited to share my secret. There is only one ingrediant in olive oil...olive oil. Go into your bathroom and check out the ingredient list on your moisturizer, why use something with that many ingredients when you can just use a naturally occurring oil. Men, this is also for you - my man uses it everyday.

Not an Urban Legend - Celery is a negative calorie veggie!

2009-03-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Nope, it is not an urban legend that celery is negative calorie veggie. A stalk of celery is about 6 calories and it takes more than 6 calories to burn that very stalk. I couldn't ask for more than a delicious vegetable that actually works well beyond nutrients and goes into burning calories. Celery also has nutritional values being high in vitamin K and containing active compounds called phthalides and coumarins. These are thought to lower cholesterol and be cancer fighting compounds.
If you slab almond butter or sunflower butter on the stalk of celery you instantly lose that negative calorie action. I love to put sunflower butter on it and top it off with Zante Currants! The best thing to do is just wash a stalk and eat it!

Cabbage - a powerful veggie that I eat daily!

2009-03-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

          Cabbage! This vegetable is often ignored and thought of as boring and smelly! I am here to suggest that this vegetable was meant to be consumed by all humans on every corner of the planet often! It grows in nearly all countries! It is time to give the cabbage family the respect it deserves! If you think I am going to talk about the faddish "cabbage soup diet" you may want to move along. For the last four months I have been including raw cabbage into my daily life. I get a red and green cabbage at the store and throughout the day I will cut some off of the head and simply eat it. Cabbage will keep in your fridge for a good amount of time and always remains crisp. Cabbage is also friendly on your wallet and found in abundance at the market during all seasons.

          I came across a couple of articles that blew my mind about cabbage! Cabbage contains super cancer fighters with the phytochemicals called Indoles. Indoles are what gives cabbage its' funky smell when you cook it. Indoles are great for women and the fight on breast cancer. Indoles can inhibit estrogen and estrogen is being found as a major culprit in breast cancer. I can actually inhibit new cancer growth. Researchers have found that men that eat more cabbage have lower rates of prostate cancer as well.

          Beyond being a cancer fighter cabbage is high in vitamins K, A, and C, and magnesium. Surprisingly cabbage is also a good fiber source and there are even little amounts of Omega-3 Fatty Acids!

          Need I say more? This vegetable must must must be eaten. It is low calorie and may keep you cancer free. Put this veggie in your mouth and eat it!

Sources:
Cabbage Gets high praise....
Health Benefits of Cabbage

Horses are Vegan Too!

2009-03-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of a beautiful, strong, white horse near my house that I visit everyday in the summer and spring and feed various green herbs and plants. I have always loved the majestic nature and sheer power of horses. If you look at a horses teeth they look a lot like human teeth and behave very similarly. How is it possible that this beautiful, strong, lean, powerful animal is so strong when its' diet is plant based? This is often asked about veganism. Are vegans weak? Are horses weak? No and No! People often ask me in bewilderment how I get all of my "protein" or how I stay strong as if there is no possible way that a diet void of meat could possibly keep me alive. Bringing up a horse and their teeth often helps. Elephants are another great example - elephants manage to survive as strong, giant, residents of Africa on a plant based diet. There is just no argument that vegans cannot be strong because of the lack of meat and dairy. I have managed to actually build more muscle tone than I had when I was a meat eating athlete years ago. So, the next time someone argues that vegans are weak quickly refer them to the muscle mass of a Thoroughbred horse. If you are attending the Seattle VegFest at the end of March you will find a booth there of vegan body builders. If you are not in Seattle check out your local vegetarian sources for your vegetarian festival.
LINKS
Seattle VegFest 2009
Vegan Body Building

Serrano peppers to extend Life!

2009-03-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

Oh Serranos! This is my favorite hot pepper because of its heat power and ease of use. Serranos look like jalepenos but are half the size. Two years ago I started venturing into the surprisingly healthy world of chile peppers. After I pop a raw serrano I get an instant energy burst and a super dose of vitamin C. Chile peppers are an all season veggie, very easy to find, and very cheap!! Hilary Clinton is now known for her use of hot peppers and her belief that it is what keeps her from the doctor. During the campaign we found out that Hilary Clinton has always been sickness free and does not have a health record 2 pages long. Here is a quote from her with CBS's Katie Couric:

“I eat a lot of hot peppers,’’ she told CBS News anchor Katie Couric, who had asked her how she maintains her stamina on the campaign trail. “I for some reason started doing that in 1992, and I swear by it. I think it keeps my metabolism revved up and keeps me healthy.”

HEALTH BENEFITS
The magic chemical in peppers that is catching scientists' attention is Capsaicin. Capsaicin triggers the brain to kick out a flood of endorphins, those natural pain killers that promote a sense of well being and stimulation. Capsaicin also survives freezing and cooking! This chemical is as powerful as it is hot!
Beyond capsaicin hot peppers contain an impressive amount of vitamin C surpassing citrus fruits. There is some research going on with the premise that capscaicin can kill prostate can cancer cells. This is from Wikepedia and can be found with a google search:

The American Association for Cancer Research reports studies suggesting capsaicin is able to kill prostate cancer cells by causing them to undergo apoptosis.[13][14] The studies were performed on tumors formed by human prostate cancer cell cultures grown in mouse models, and showed tumors treated with capsaicin were about one-fifth the size of the untreated tumors. There have been several clinical studies conducted in Japan and China that showed natural capsaicin directly inhibits the growth of leukemic cells

HOW I USE THEM
-Go all out and throw a whole one in your mouth. This sounds crazy but I eventually got used to it. This is especially great to do when you are sick.
-Mince them and throw them in everthing! I put them in pasta sauce, with potatoes, in my own pico de gallo, in black beans, vegetable soup, and many more.
TIPS AND MYTHS
-Hot peppers are thought to cause ulcers. Untrue! Hot peppers do not cause, irritate, cure, or aggravate ulcers. Hot peppers can cause heartburn if you are susceptible to it. I do not get heartburn from peppers. I actually have not had heartburn since eating hot peppers 2 years ago.
-Wash your hands after handling them...especially the seeds! If you touch your face or your eyes after handling them your eyes will close for 20 minutes and pour tears out your eyes!
-When mincing them don't worry about separating the seeds...they are edible too.
-Have water handy if eating them raw.
-The burn will go away after about 5 minutes if you are popping them raw and whole.
-The smaller the pepper the more capsaicin because of the amount of veins.
-Hot peppers keep a long time in the fridge. For me over 2 weeks.
Sources:
Hilary Clinton article about hot peppers!

Delicious - Fresh - Versatile CousCous salad

2009-02-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

I make this dish every week. I created it myself from trying different versions and this one is the best. Cous Cous is a friend to a vegan. It is a good for you grain that can satisfy for hours. I make a big batch of this and it keeps for about 3 days at its' freshest. We love having this in the fridge because it is full of raw veggies and easy to put in a bowl for a quick lunch. You can add toppings to this but it is great just the way it is!
Things you will need
3 Cups couscous
1 pint organic grape or cherry tomatos
1 large bunch organic cilantro (or two small ones)
2 bunches organic green onions
1 bulb garlic (yes the whole bulb!)
1 large organic cucumber
extra virgin olive oil
lemons
1-2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
large cooking pot
a great knife!
a great cutting board!
Preparation
VEGETABLE PREPARATION
*Have a large bowl ready to throw all vegetables in
-Cut grape tomatos in half and throw in bowl
-cube cucumber and throw in bowl
-chop green onions in to rings and throw in bowl
-cut stems off of cilantro bunch chop of the leaves - throw in large bowl.
-mince the whole garlic! put in small bowl
COUSCOUS PREPARATION
prepare couscous as directed by your box or if you are using bulk couscous. I use 1 1/4 cup water for every cup of couscous. Boil the water then put the couscous in. Immediately pull off the stove trown half of the garlic in and cover with the lid. Keep checking it for the consistancy you like after the firt 5 min. Let the cous cous cool entirely. I put it in the fridge so it stops cooking.
FINAL PREPARATION
Squeeze 2 leamons into the couscous. Put 1/2 cup olive oil in the cous cous. Now put all the vegetables and stir for consistancy. Your couscous salad is ready to pack and put in the fridge - make sure to eat some right away!
TIPS
after I dish it up I sometimes freshly squeeze a half a lemon and drizzle a bit more oil. I also add currants and a dolip of vegan sour cream. You can really do anything with this dish!

Brazil Nuts - great way for a vegan to get nutrients!

2009-02-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

I always associated Brazil Nuts with filler for mixed nuts. Often they are picked out first because they are large and have a mild flavor. Until I really looked into them I had no idea how full of nutrients they are. As a vegan I rely on nuts as a good source of nutrients and protein. A handful of nuts can be as satisfying as a turkey sandwhich to me now. I consume Brazil nuts often but in small amounts. To get the full effect of the nutrients I get them raw when I can. Trader Joe's has a great price on a bag of raw Brazil Nuts if you are lucky enough to have a TJ's in town. What really keeps me eating them is the fact they are high in selenium which may help prevent breast cancer. I eat just 2-4 and that seems to be enough to get a good amount of the nutrients. There are a lot of studies that have been done on Brazil nuts and googling them you will find all you need to know about them.
From Nature News:
Brazil nuts are the best way to add selenium to your diet. A recent study at the University of Otago in New Zealand found that eating just two Brazil nuts a day is as effective in increasing selenium status and enhancing glutathione peroxidase activity as a recommended dosage of selenomethionine. Inclusion of this high-selenium food in the diet could avoid the need for fortification or supplements to improve selenium levels.

Lemons & Apple Cider Vinegar

2009-02-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Both lemons and apple cider vinegar are great for health but they also both make cheeks pucker...so I thought would group them together. I eat them both everday.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
HISTORY:
Vinegar is said to have been used for ailments for at least 10,000 years. The Babylonians first converted wine into vinegar in 5000 BCE using date palms, grapes, and figs, and believed vinegar had exceptional healing properties. Hippocrates is said to have used vinegar as an antibiotic.
INTERNAL BENEFITS:
* Rich in enzymes & potassium
* Support a healthy immune system
* Helps control weight
* Promotes digestion & ph Balance
* Helps soothe dry throats
* Helps remove body sludge toxins
EXTERNAL BENEFITS:
* Helps maintain healthy skin
* Helps promote youthful, healthy bodies
* Soothes irritated skin
* Relieves muscle pain from exercise
Source: Braggs website braggs.com
I have a tbsp. of apple cider vinegar everyday. I use Braggs "with the mother". ACV without the mother is not as good as with. Sometimes I just take a straight shot or I put it with water. It was hard at first but I eventually got used to it.
LEMONS
I use lemons for everything! If I spot a blemish I immediatly put lemon juice on it and it dries it up quickly. It acts as an antiseptic to the skin. I put it on my cheecks to bleach any discoloration. I also consume it - put it green tea, in water, anyway that I can get it. It shocked me how high it is in vitamin C. Lemons are also very high in potassium. I eat the rind sometimes because that is where the essential oil of the lemon resides. Becareful, it is bitter and make sure they are very very clean. When you are in a bad mood take the lemon rind and bend it in front of your nose and it is instant aromatherapy. Lemons are a daily part of my life - a true superfood!

Red Potatoes and Tempeh or Tofu

2009-02-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

This is a good weekend dish when you have time to cook. This was originally thought up by my partner. He started with tofu in stead of tempeh - the tempeh is even better than the tofu! The top picture is with tofu and the picture at the bottom of the post is tempeh. Tempeh is one of my favorite ways to get protein and manganese as well as many other nutrients. This dish is a great protein and carb dish great before a day of hiking, biking, shopping, etc. I usually just need a piece of fruit for lunch if I have had this for breakfast. This is also an economical dish and goes a log way. I love to eat with heat so this is a hot dish. This dish is really easy to alter yourself based on your own tastes. The recipe will serve two adults and will satisfy hunger for hours :)

THINGS YOU WILL NEED
6-8 red potatos
1 package of Tempeh(garden vegetable or multigrain)
1 table spoon crush dried peppers
1 table spoon cayenne pepper
1 table spoon tumeric
sea salt and pepper to flavor
1 cookie sheet med. to lg. size
1 fying pan
grape seed oil or oil of your choice
hot sauce for garnish
half of a sweet onion

PREPERATION
Preheat oven to 450 degrees
potatos
-cube potatos (the size of suger cubes)and rinse and dry them well
-in a pan with a lid for shaking generously coat potatos with grape seed oil
-pour in cayenne and crushed peppers
-shake it all together to coat potatos
tempeh
-cube the raw tempeh about the same size as potatos
-put 1/4 inch grape seed oil in frying pan and slowly heat
onion
-dice onion

COOKING
-put potatos on ungreased cookie sheat and bake for 30-40 minutes depending on how crispy you want them
-put tempeh in frying pan and coat it with the oil
-sprinkle the tumeric and start gently stirring to coat the tempeh with the tumeric
-grind some sea salt and black pepper to taste.
-cook tempeh on low-med heat for 15 minutes turning tempeh every 5 minutes or so.
-add onions and cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve with hot sauce as a side.