No ‘Pink Slime’ in My Meat, Please!

Gerald Zirnstein grinds his own hamburger these days. Why? Because this former United States Department of Agriculture scientist and, now, whistleblower, knows that 70 percent of the ground beef we buy at the supermarket contains something he calls “pink slime.” “Pink slime” is beef trimmings. Once only used…

via 70 Percent of Ground Beef at Supermarkets Contains ‘Pink Slime’.

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Love this Chipotle commercial!

Plant Based Food Fuels Good Mood!

Here is a great article, courtesy of Mercy For Animals, about how meat affects our stress levels and moods!

“Thanks to nutrition experts and films like Forks Over Knives, we already know of the strong link between animal-based foods and preventable diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Now, a groundbreaking study published in Nutritional Journal finds that meat in our diet can also affect our mood. 

 

Researchers asked nearly 40 meat-eaters to try one of three diets: all-vegetarian, some fish, or daily meat consumption. After just two weeks, the people eating a completely vegetarian diet showed a significant drop in stress, while those eating animal products did not. 

 

According to the researchers, these results “suggest that consuming a diet high in meat, fish, and poultry may negatively impact mental state.” They also advised exploring this connection further “as reductions in dietary meat [consumption] … would not only reduce health risks but could benefit the environment as well.” 

 

As science continues to shed light on the many health benefits of plant-based diets, common sense tells us that vegetarian eating is also good for the billions of animals who suffer on factory farms and in slaughterhouses each year. 

 

Ready to help animals while reaching greater levels of physical and mental health? Visit ChooseVeg.com for delicious recipes and tips on getting started.”

Veg out!

These are some easy ways to add more fruit and vegetables to your diet via www.everydayhealth.com. Enjoy!

• Top your breakfast cereal with sliced bananas or fresh strawberries or blueberries.
• Blend some fresh fruit, yogurt, and honey for a delicious breakfast smoothie.
• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and peppers to an omelet.
• Have a piece of fresh fruit with your lunch or as a snack.
• Add a green salad to your evening meal. Simple additions like yellow peppers, tomato, or avocado can make it more interesting.
• Use vegetables as a topping for easy meals like pizza or pasta.
• Keep some dried fruit handy as an energy-rich snack.

It’s National Heart Month!

Here’s a great article from Meatless Monday linking red meat to heart disease.

“Did you know that cutting back on meat can help heart health? Studies have shown that eating lots of red and processed meats (like ground beef, steak, hot dogs and cold cuts) increases your risk of heart disease. That’s because saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet can raise your body’s bad cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk.

Thankfully, even a moderate reduction in consumption can make a difference.Women especially can significantly reduce their risk for heart disease by swapping some red and processed meat with leaner protein sources like nuts and beans. That’s where Meatless Monday comes in: by going meatless one day a week you’re reducing your saturated fat intake by about 15%, which can help you maintain healthier cholesterol levels.”  Read more…

Go meatless in honor of national heart month!

Quinoa Polenta with Basil, Tomato & Mozzarella

Here’s a quick ‘n easy recipe I created using a chub of Quinoa Polenta. I chose the Heirloom Red & Black and fell in love with it. Slice the chub into 1/2″ thick circles. Place in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil and fry/sauté over medium flame. Flip and fry the other side until golden brown on both sides. Remove from skillet. Place a fresh, ripe, juicy slice of tomato on top. Add a thin slice of fresh mozzarella (or a clump of shredded mozzarella), a few basil leaves (or thin basil shreds) and sprinkle with shaved parmesan. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and enjoy!

Variation: Instead of pan frying or sautéeing, place under broiler and brown both sides.

 

 

Use this as a main course offering two, three or more topped slices per serving. Add a small portion of chicken, beef, pork or fish on the side along with your favorite vegetable.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Being vegetarian, the number one question I get asked is, “What do you eat for protein?” This smoothie is just one example of how easy and delicious it can be. Tofu is a great source of protein, and can be used as a substitute for dairy. If you’re not used to eating tofu, this is an easy way to introduce it to your diet.

Blend:

1 banana, frozen

1 cup strawberries, frozen

8 oz orange juice

1 5.3 oz package of soft tofu, approximately, depending on brand (I like Sunrise Coconut Tofu Dessert, but plain tofu is good too)

Serve in a glass, top with fruit or granola if desired. Makes one 16 oz smoothie.

Meatless Bean with Bacon Soup

Growing up, bean with bacon soup was one of my favorite meals. You know, the Campbell’s soup in a can? Mmm mmm good. I still battle cravings to this day (for nostalgic reasons, I’m sure)  so I challenged my sister, the chef, to recreate a vegetarian version. It was delicious! Much better than canned soup, and healthier too.

This is her recipe:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
2 large carrots, finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 sprig thyme, leaves only
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup V8 or tomato juice
3 16 oz cans small white beans
4 slices vegetarian bacon, cooked and crumbled
salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery, and cook until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the thyme leaves and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the broth and tomato juice, stir. Add 2 cans of the beans. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until heated through and slightly thickened. Puree with an immersion blender to thicken, soup should still be chunky, not perfectly smooth. Add the remaining can of beans and the bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Yields 4 to 6 servings

Creamy Vegetable Soup

Meatless version : Try this quick and hearty recipe that starts with a can of your favorite potato soup. Add water or milk per directions on the can. To that add cut carrots, celery and broccoli. Cook over medium heat until bubbling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Cool for a few minutes before serving. Makes a delicious, creamy meatless dish. Serves 3-4.

Less Meat version : Prefer this to be a less meat dish? Add 1-2 cups cooked chicken.

Meatless Pasta Sauce

Here’s another quick and simple meal that can go meatless, yet still be filling and delicious!

Recipe :

1 lb. angel hair pasta

1 container Cibo Naturals Basil Pesto

1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain. Add basil pesto sauce to taste, blending thoroughly. Serves 6-8.

Variation : Substitute basil pesto with alfredo sauce, mizithra cheese, peanut sauce, etc. for more quick and easy additions to your weekly menu plan.