Why Do I Need a Probiotic Supplement?

Have you ever really thought about what it means to eat? For instance, when you ingest something, is it truly in your body? After all, the entire digestive system is essentially a long hollow tube. True, this highly complex tube is undeniably part of the body. Yet despite some of its varied functions, it’s primarily a series of sorting compartments. Moving through the digestive tract, the body determines that some substances are ‘useable’ and absorbs them, while others are lumped into the ‘non-useable’ category and are passed as waste. So, that brings us right back to asking, is something in your body simply by virtue of having been ingested? 

From the perspective of your gut’s microbiome, the answer is unequivocally “no”. Indeed, one very important job of these beneficial watchmen is to keep pathogens out of your body while allowing nutrients to enter. And they do a brilliant job of it. However, these colonies can succumb to negative pressures, such as a course of antibiotics, increased stress levels or a regrettable all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. When this happens opportunistic pathogens can slip by or even overwhelm and bypass our tiny friendly helpers, entering body tissues and causing havoc.

To avoid such scenarios, you should support a happy and effective microbiome, which may be easier than you think! Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can be obtained either by eating fermented foods or by taking a high-quality probiotic supplement. When these little gems are ingested and make their way to the intestines, they form a protective barrier, blocking your microbiota from onslaught and freeing it to do its important work of providing defense, fostering nutrient synthesis and absorption, and of course, reproducing.

So, when you’re hunting for the perfect probiotic supplement, consumers should look for these product attributes …

• A colony forming unit (CFU) count guaranteed through the expiration date of the product. Some probiotics are only guaranteed ‘at time of manufacture’ and may be worthless by the time of purchase.

• The ability to survive hazardous digestive acids is critical to the probiotic’s effectiveness. Make sure the manufacturer’s website includes information about the product’s viability.

• Multiple strains that perform different functions and work synergistically tend to be more effective than single-strain varieties.

• A product that is shelf stable at room temperature is not only a convenience but may indicate higher potency. This is because there is vulnerability in relying on an unbroken chain of refrigeration from manufacture, through transit, to retail and finally to the consumer.

Even though most of us never really think about what happens to food after we eat, there’s no denying the importance of maintaining a happy GI system. If you’re looking for a supplement that hits all of the quality categories mentioned above, we urge you to consider supplementing your diet with Life’s Abundance Probiotic, a 25 Million CFU, proprietary 5-strain blend. Let’s keep your microbiome operating as nature intended!

For more information on our entire line of amazing line of plant-based nutritional 

products for people, please use the Contact Me page 

or visit www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com!

Plant-Based Diet Reduces Migraine Pain

A plant-based diet reduces migraine pain, according to a new study in the Journal of Headache and Pain. Forty-two adult migraine sufferers were either assigned to consume a low-fat plant-based diet or take a placebo supplement for 16 weeks. Participants then switched groups for a second 16-week period. During the diet period, participants consumed a plant-based diet and then an elimination diet to remove foods that are common migraine pain triggers. The severity of the worst headache pain improved significantly during the plant-based diet period, compared to the supplement period. The decline in migraine pain may have been due to the elimination of dietary pain triggers such as meat and dairy products or by weight loss or hormonal changes brought on by the diet change.

Bunner A, Agarwal U, Gonzales JF, Valente F, Barnard ND. Nutrition intervention for migraine: a randomized crossover trial. J of Headache and Pain. 2014;15:69. doi:10.1186/1129-2377-15-69.

Weekend Tofu Breakfast Scramble

Rest assured that eating more meatless meals doesn't have to feel like a sacrifice!  On the contrary, choosing meatless meals merely requires deepening your focus on the vegetable dishes you already know and love, like pasta, or salad, or bean chili. You don't need to find complex replacements for meat when you allow vegetables, grains, and legumes to take the lead! 

There’s always that non-vegan dish that many of us wish to replicate with plant-based ingredients, such as scrambled eggs. It turns out that extra-firm tofu, crumbled and stir-fried, can make a tasty, satisfying alternative at breakfast. It is as versatile and easy to modify as traditional egg scrambles, and if you add a little bit of turmeric to the mix, it even takes on that characteristic yellow hue.

If the tofu scramble alone isn’t hearty enough, feel free to wrap it up in a burrito, along with some greens, avocado, salsa, and other fixings.  Or, why not add some tempeh or coconut bacon to your dish for a more complete breakfast experience. No matter what you decide, always select an extra-firm tofu for the recipe, as silken tofu and soft tofu have too much moisture to crumble.



What You Need: 
(Serves 4)

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 c onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 c diced vegetables (I like mushrooms and red peppers when they're in season, but use whatever you have on hand)
One 14- to 16-ounce block of extra-firm tofu
2 Tbsp tahini
1 Tbsp low-sodium tamari
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 c nutritional yeast
3 c baby spinach (I use fresh spinach, as frozen will water down your dish, unless you thaw and drain it thoroughly first)
1/4 c fresh parsley, minced
Black pepper to taste


What You Do:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the oil and sauté the onion until it’s soft and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for two minutes. Add your vegetables of choice, and cook until they are tender. While the vegetables cook, crumble the tofu with your hands, so that there are still some visible pieces, but it's broken up quite thoroughly. Whisk together the tahini, tamari, mustard, and turmeric. Add the tofu to the skillet, along with the tahini mixture. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly and cook until the tofu is warmed through, about 4 minutes or so. Stir in nutritional yeast and mix well. Finally, add the spinach and cook until it’s just wilted. Divide the scramble onto four plates and top each with parsley.  Serve with warm tortillas, or whole grain toast!  Enjoy!!  

Tofu Scramble w/Peppers, Onions & Spinach

Wild Blueberry Chia Oatmeal

For a super simple, quick and healthy breakfast, make the oats ahead of time.  If blueberries aren’t your favorite, change it up with another fruit, such as frozen peaches, raspberries or strawberries. Enjoy!

What You Need:

1 1/2 cups water-cooked steel cut oats (about 1/4 cup dry oats + 1 1/4 cups water + pinch salt)

2 tsp chia seeds

dash cinnamon

1 tsp ground flax seeds

1 1/2 Tbsp raw chopped walnuts

1 tsp goji berries

1/2 cup wild blueberries, frozen + 1 Tbsp hot water to thaw and plump

1/4 cup almond or soy milk

1/2 tsp agave syrup

What You Do:

* For ease, you can make the oatmeal in a larger batch (1 cup oats + 4 cups water + 1/2 tsp salt). Then use pre-cooked oats throughout the week and heat over the stove.

* You can add the chia seeds, half of the walnuts, goji berries, flax and cinnamon halfway through the cooking process if making in a large batch. Otherwise, add the pre-cooked oats to a pan with a splash of almond or soy milk, or water to rehydrate a bit. Then fold those ingredients into the oats. Simmer until warm and soft. Add more liquid as desired.

* Top the cooked oats with walnuts, the blueberries, a few more chia seeds, a splash of soy milk and agave right before serving.

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Foods for Cancer Prevention

Of the many diseases that affect people these days, cancer is among the most feared. But despite a wealth of scientific data, most people remain unaware of how they can reduce their risk of developing cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, as much as 80 percent of all cancers are due to identified factors, and thus are potentially preventable. Thirty percent are due to tobacco use, and as much as 35 to 50 percent are due to foods. It is easy to control these and other risk factors.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer begins as a single abnormal cell that begins to multiply out of control. Groups of such cells form tumors and invade healthy tissue, often spreading to other parts of the body. Carcinogens are substances that promote the development of cancerous cells. They may come from foods, from the air, or even from within the body. Most carcinogens are neutralized before damage can occur, but sometimes they attack the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and alter it. It takes years for a noticeable tumor to develop. During this time, compounds known as inhibitors can keep the cells from growing. Some vitamins in plant foods are known to be inhibitors. Dietary fat, on the other hand, is known to be a promoter that helps the abnormal cells grow quickly.

Fiber Fights Cancer

In 1970, British physician, Dennis Burkitt, observed that a high-fiber diet reduces diseases of the digestive tract. He observed that in countries where diets are high in fiber (that is, plant-based diets), there were fewer cases of colon cancer. Around the world, this has proven true. The highest fiber intakes are found in non-industrialized nations where meat is scarce and plant foods fill the menu. Animal products contain no fiber. The U.S. and other Western nations whose diets are based upon animal products have the highest rates of colon cancer.

While no one is certain exactly how fiber protects against digestive tract disorders, there are several possibilities. By definition, fiber cannot be digested by humans early in the digestive process. It moves food more quickly through the intestines, helping to eliminate carcinogens. It also draws water into the digestive tract. The water and fiber make fecal matter bulkier, so carcinogens are diluted.

Bile acids are secreted into the intestine to help digest fat; there, bacteria can change the acids into chemicals which promote colon cancer. Fiber may bind with these bile acids and evict them from the intestines.¹ Also, bacteria in the colon ferment the fiber creating a more acidic environment which may make bile acids less toxic.

Fiber is also protective against other forms of cancer. Studies have shown that stomach cancer and breast cancer are less common on high-fiber diets.^2,3 Fiber affects levels of estrogens in the body. Estrogens are normally secreted into the intestine, where the fiber binds with the hormone and moves it out of the body.⁴ Without adequate fiber, the estrogen can be reabsorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream. High levels of estrogen are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.

In the U.S., the average daily fiber intake is 10 to 20 grams per day. Experts recommend 30 to 40 grams per day. The best sources of fiber are whole grains, beans, peas, lentils, vegetables, and fruits. Foods that are closest to their natural state, unrefined and unpeeled, are highest in fiber.

Fat Raises Cancer Risks

Cross-cultural studies have revealed that the populations with the highest levels of fat consumption are also the ones with the highest death rates from breast and colon cancer. The lowest rates are in groups with the lowest consumption of fats.⁵ Migration studies help to rule out the influence of genetics.⁶

Many studies indicate that fat in foods increases one’s risk for cancer, and it may also adversely affect breast cancer survival rates for those who have cancer.⁷

Although the total amount of fat one eats is of concern, there is evidence that animal fat is much more harmful than vegetable fat. One study noted a 200 percent increase in breast cancer among those who consume beef or pork five to six times per week. Dr. Sheila Bingham, a prominent cancer researcher form the University of Cambridge, notes that meat is more closely associated with colon cancer than any other factor.⁸ Meat and milk are also linked to both prostate and ovarian cancers.⁹

How Fat Affects Cancer Risks

Fat has many effects within the body. It increases hormone production and thus raises breast cancer risks. It also stimulates the production of bile acids which have been linked to colon cancer.

The average diet in the U.S. is about 37 percent fat. The National Cancer Institute suggests that people lower that percentage down to 30 percent; however, studies have shown that fat intake should be well below 30 percent to have an anti-cancer affect. Ten to 15 percent is more likely to be helpful.

The Importance of Vegetables

Not only are vegetables low in fat and high in fiber, they also contain many cancer-fighting substances. Carotenoids, the pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their dark colors, have been shown to help prevent cancer. Beta-carotene, present in dark green and yellow vegetables, helps protect against lung cancer and may help prevent cancers of the bladder, mouth, larynx, esophagus, breast, and other sites.

Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, turnips, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain flavones and indoles which are thought to have anti-cancer activities.

Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and many vegetables, may lower risks for cancers of the esophagus and stomach. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing cancer-causing chemicals that form in the body. It also blocks the conversion of nitrates to cancer-causing nitrosamines in the stomach.

Selenium is found in whole grains and has the same antioxidant effects as vitamin C and beta-carotene. Vitamin E also has this effect. Caution is advised in supplementing selenium, which is toxic in large doses.

Alcohol

Excessive intake of alcohol raises one’s risks for cancers of the breast, mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. When combined with smoking, these risks skyrocket. It also raises risks for stomach, liver, and colon cancers.¹⁰

Vegetarians Are Better Off

All the evidence points to a low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, as being the best for cancer prevention. Not surprisingly, vegetarians, whose diets easily meet these requirements, are at the lowest risk for cancer. Vegetarians have about half the cancer risk of meat-eaters.¹¹

Vegetarians have higher blood levels of beta-carotene. They consume more vitamin C, beta-carotene, indoles, and fiber than meat-eaters. Vegetarians also have stronger immune systems. German researchers recently discovered that vegetarians have more than twice the natural killer cell activity of meat-eaters.¹² Natural killer cells are specialized white blood cells that attack and neutralize cancer cells. Also, vegetarians tend to eat more soy products than meat-eaters. Soybeans contain many substances that are anticarcinogens, including lignans and phytoestrogens. A diet that is rich in soybeans may be one reason for the lower incidence of breast cancer in Asia.

Conclusion

A cancer prevention diet is one that is high in fiber, low in fat (especially animal fat), and includes generous portions of fruits and vegetables. It also minimizes or excludes alcohol. The best diets are pure vegetarian diets.

Source:  PCRM

References1. Kritchevsky D. Diet, nutrition, and cancer: the role of fiber. Cancer. 1986;58:1830-1836.
2. Risch HA, Jain M, Choi NW, et al. Dietary factors and the incidence of cancer of the stomach. Am J Epidemiol. 1985;122:947-959.
3. Lubin F, Wax Y, Modan B, et al. Role of fat, animal protein and dietary fiber in breast cancer etiology: a case control study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1986;77:605-612.
4. Goldin BR, Adlercreutz H, Gorbach SL, et al. Estrogen excretion patterns and plasma levels in vegetarian and omnivorous women. N Engl J Med. 1982;307:1542-1547.
5. Lan HW, Carpenter JT. Breast cancer: incidence, nutritional concerns, and treatment approaches. J Am Diet Assoc. 1987;87:765-769.
6. Minowa M, Bingham S, Cummings JH. Dietary fiber intake in Japan. Human Nutr Appl Nutr. 1983;37A:113-119.
7. Wynder EL, Rose DP, Cohen LA. Diet and breast cancer in causation and therapy. Cancer. 1986;58:1804-1813.
8. Bingham SA. Meat, starch, and non-starch polysaccharides and bowel cancer. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988;48:762-767.
9. Rose DP, Boyar AP, Wynder EL. International comparisons of mortality rates for cancer of the breast, ovary, prostate, and colon, and per capita food consumption. Cancer. 1986;58:2363-2371.
10. Breslow NE, Enstrom JE. Geographic correlations between cancer mortality rates and alcohol-tobacco consumption in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1974;53:631-639.
11. Phillips RL. Role of lifestyle and dietary habits in risk of cancer among Seventh-day Adventists. Cancer Res. 1975;35(Suppl):3513-3522.
12. Malter M. Natural killer cells, vitamins, and other blood components of vegetarian and omnivorous men. Nutr and Cancer. 1989;12:271-278.

How to Clear Your Mind, Body & Soul . . . .

"How can I become more energetic and clear-minded?", you may ask or meditate on. The answer is for you to stop eating animals and animal products. “Why?” you ask, not understanding the connection. Well, when you eat the animal who has suffered, you are eating the energy of suffering. This is lowering your energy and spiritual frequencies. If this is difficult for you to understand, you truly need to take the time to research how animals suffer needlessly for food products that are not necessary for us to consume. Our survival and our lives do not depend on consuming animals, however the animals lives sure do!

Some of you may have stopped eating red meat long ago, due to health or dietary concerns, however you might still eat chicken and fish, along with dairy products, thinking that these are the "healthier" option. As a long-time vegetarian who still ate eggs, dairy and sometimes fish, I finally realized that aside from the fact that these things were clogging my energy, making me tired, sluggish and blocking my spiritual channels, these products were also the cause of incredible suffering for the animals that produce them. If you follow this page (or many of my other postings), or read up on the factory farming industry, you will hopefully realize how evil the meat and dairy industries truly are. Chickens, turkeys, cows and pigs are some of the most abused and terrorized animals on the planet. Once the eco-friendly lightbulb came on for me, it was all crystal clear. I could no longer support these industries with my hard-earned money, nor could I continue to ingest this energy of suffering. I was on a mission to clear myself and clean up my universe by finding appropriate vegan substitutes for these foods that I had been consuming.

There are two ways to change your diet and stop eating meat and other animal products. One is to wean yourself off slowly over a 30 day period, eliminating one food group at a time. The other is to jump in feet first and take the plunge! When you stop eating animals and animal products, you will notice a pretty immediate and profound improvement in your overall health, your energy levels and your clarity!

Next to go was leather. After all, I was ALWAYS against wearing fur . . . and leather is essentially furless-fur. I also learned that the leather industry is not a by-product of the meat industry. Cows are raised and suffer solely for leather. The chemicals used in leather tanning factories are horrible for the environment . . . much worse than the plastic industries! Fortunately, there are LOTS of non-leather options from sources that sell faux leather and vegan shoes and purses. You only need to be an informed consumer to find these amazing products, which are truly high-quality!

I used to be somewhat of a quiet vegan until one day, something triggered my outrage more than usual. The more I paid attention, the more I heard about the overwhelming cruelty, inhumane treatment and horror stories from the world of factory farming. I immersed myself in books and videos to educate myself further as to the suffering of these sentient beings. I became incredibly angry that this was going on day in and day out . . . right under our noses, yet behind closed doors hidden away from public view. If more people would take the time to understand where their food actually comes from and what happens to these precious animals on these factory farms, they would become physically ill and stop eating meat altogether. Or, if they paid a visit to a farm animal sanctuary and spent some time with these individual animals and learned that they each have their own distinctive personalities, feelings, emotions, intelligence, and a sense of community . . . people's (and animals) lives would be changed forever!

Equally disturbing is the fishing industry . . . dolphins, whales, tuna and scores of other kinds of fish. This industry is causing not only the suffering of these sensitive sea animals . . . it is also destroying our oceans and the delicate balance of the eco-system. Then there is the horrific act of capturing animals for zoos, aquariums, circuses and theme parks. This is no different than the horrendous way that millions of chickens, turkeys, pigs, cows, lambs, sea animals and other sentient beings are tortured and slaughtered each day! This realization made me want to leave the planet. I can’t even fathom how people can be so cruel and cold-hearted to kill and exploit these beautiful animals! I honestly wondered just how I would be able to remain here, stay grounded and finish my spiritual mission amongst so much brutality. I wrestled with this for a long time. My answer came after much prayer and meditation, when I got the very clear message to educate others as to the benefits of a vegan lifestyle . . . or, for those of you who misunderstand the meaning of the word 'vegan' . . . a plant-based diet, which is really not a 'diet' . . . it’s a way of life.

The only way I can keep going on this planet is by trying to bring counter-balance. It is estimated that vegans each save between 50 to 200 animals lives per year with their plant-based diets. They also help the environment, because livestock are the largest consumers of water, and the largest polluters of the ozone layer. You may want to read: “Diet for a New America” for more information, or watch the documentaries, "Forks Over Knives" and "Vegucated".

It is for these reasons that I post about a compassionate vegan lifestyle and it's why I wrote this article and continue to advocate for the animals and for the planet. Please know that it is NEVER about trying to make you feel guilty and I am truly NOT judging any of you. I am simply presenting facts, and the opinions of those whom I admire and respect, as well as my own passionate opinions and experiences. If you feel guilty upon reading my posts, please meditate upon why that is. If you feel I am judging you, please meditate upon why you feel that way. You’ll find that those feelings are because somewhere inside you, you agree with me, but you’re just not ready to make the change. Also, PLEASE understand that I must teach about living a compassionate, vegan lifestyle in order to keep MY sanity while residing on this violent planet.

What about those who say that their health (as well as their perceived pleasure) depends upon eating animal products? Well, I'm not sure where those justifications come from or who might be telling you that, so, to that I would say please read the book, "The China Study", by T. Colin Campbell (and perhaps "The Engine 2 Diet", by Rip Esselstyn, for a different perspective) and then make up your own mind. The China Study is an amazing compilation of scientific studies that show how cancer, tumors, and other deadly health conditions all come from eating animal products, and how those same conditions reversed themselves when a vegan diet was introduced. Visit: TheChinaStudy.com. The Engine 2 Diet is written by former tri-athlete and current Texas firefighter, Rip Esselstyn, (son of the world renown cardiovascular surgeon, Caldwell B. Esselstyn), who compiled the amazing plant-based 28-day Save-Your-Life Plan. Visit: Engine2Diet.com.

Please love and respect yourself and respect all life on this planet by choosing a plant-based, vegan lifestyle. 

(The accompanying photo is of a mother cow and her baby, which shows the deep love that animals feel for their families. Does she not deserve to be with her baby, just like we do? In the incredibly cruel dairy industry, her baby is taken away from her at birth and killed, or raised in a tight pen so it won’t develop muscle. That baby is called “veal,” which is a by-product of us spending money on milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. To me, no amount of pleasure from eating dairy is worth giving this mother and her baby so much pain . . . and eventually a horrific death.)

Recipe ~ Guacamole Reinvented :)

Once the flesh has been scooped out, halved avocado skins make pretty single-serving cups for guacamole; serve them on saucers, surrounded by tortilla chips. They make a tasty preamble to a vegan chili supper or a Mexican-style vegan stew.

What You Need:

3 small avocados
3 small oranges
2 cups radishes, diced
1 ½ cups finely chopped romaine lettuce
6 green onions, finely chopped (1 cup)
3 drops YL Lime Essential Oil
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1–2 drops hot sauce, optional

What You Do:

1. Halve and pit avocados. Score each avocado half 7 times lengthwise and 7 times crosswise to dice. Scoop out with soup spoon, and place avocado dice in large bowl. Reserve avocado shells.

2. Cut peel and pith from oranges with knife, then slice each orange into 4 slices. Cut each orange slice into 6 small triangular pieces. Add to bowl with diced avocado. Add radishes, romaine, green onions, Lime essential oil, cilantro, and hot sauce (if using) to bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and gently toss to coat.

3. Scoop avocado mixture into avocado shells. Serve immediately.

Serves 6 ~ Enjoy! 

How to Share Your Conscious Values (Without Putting Others Off!)

Relationships can be somewhat complicated, and may require a delicate balance, as well as a certain amount of compromise when it comes to individual lifestyles.  New friendships can also be difficult to negotiate in the beginning. Expressing your opinions and conveying your values early on is tricky, as you may not wish to come off as moralizing or shaming, however you also wish to remain steadfast in the practices that you have established in your life, and that have brought you personal joy.  Here are some kind and effective ways to let your family and friends understand who you are and what is important to you:



1. Share Beautiful and Inspiring Pictures . . . . 

Take advantage of our visually influenced culture by sharing images of your healthy, happy, nature-loving lifestyle by posting on social media with just a short, descriptive caption. Try not to go overboard, as we all have friends who do just that.  We may have even done it ourselves.  So, if it feels too much like "work" to promote and share your values, or if you are trying to hard to convert others, it’s probably safe to assume this will backfire and have the opposite effect of what you had intended.  Sharing should bring joy to you, as well as those you are sharing with, and it should reflect who you are as an individual.  You are not your designer clothing, your lunch entree, or the car you drive, so try to find things that are more personal and speak to what makes you unique.

Raven at Sunset ~ Great Lakes Region

2. Share Personal Stories . . . . 

There's a saying that goes, "facts tell, but stories sell" . . . . not that I'm trying to sell you anything here.  My point is that people relate to personal stories much more deeply than they do with a list of facts.  Yes, facts are definitely important, however when you are able to open up to someone about an experience that transformed your life for the better, you will have a far greater impact on that person.  Perhaps you found yourself stuck in a deep rut of unhealthy eating habits, a stressful environment, or drinking to excess as a way to loosen up.  What did you find was your catalyst for change?  Or, perhaps you read an article about the horrific practices within the food industry that caused you heartache and got you thinking about the foods you consume and where they come from. Whatever your reasons for adopting your current values and clinging to them with tenacity, make sure your story is a story about you ~ what changed (or helped maintain) who you are and how you feel ~ and not a sermon on why someone else should change or feel the way you do.  Also, you may want to use this conversation as a good time to learn about others' values.  When we open our hearts and our minds, we never know what we may learn.



3. Share Amazingly Good-For-You Recipes & Food by Hosting a Get-Together . . . . 

If you're already on the path of eating a healthy, plant-based diet, or, if you are still in the process of learning how, I believe a really great way to share (and perhaps learn from others!) is to invite friends and family to a casual get-together which highlights plant-based foods.  I have done this in the past without revealing that every dish was plant-based, and even the toughest crowd was amazed at how good everything tasted.  This gives you a fantastic opportunity to introduce others to hearty, yet healthy veg dishes without coming off as “radical” or “picky” about food. With this one really fun event, you are opening up your home, offering great-tasting noms, and perhaps a new way of thinking about food. On the other hand, if you are invited to someone else's shindig, offer to bring a plant-based dish. This will give you the opportunity to share not only what you have prepared, but also one of your important values . . . . and, you will be sure that there is something for you to eat, in case the menu is limited otherwise.

White Bean Dip w/Toasted Pita Triangles

4. Share Your Fitness Pursuits . . . . 

Perhaps there is a yoga class you have been wanting to try, or maybe you are looking for a walking partner to keep you motivated.   Doing these activities together can help strengthen an existing relationship, or help a new friendship blossom quickly.  If you both have a desire to exercise and eat healthily, together you can seek a variety of workout activities, as well as delicious plant-based fare. The choices are unlimited . . . . walking, biking, swimming, going to the gym, yoga, pilates classes, or even team events like softball or volleyball.  While the yoga thing may not be your favorite bonding activity, you may eventually decide to pursue one-on-one yoga instruction as a means to find both peace and fitness in your life. You never know the effect another person's values (or your own!) may have until you invite people in.



5. Sharing Gifts that Reflect Your Values . . . . 

If an opportunity for gifting is in your future, use it as an avenue to express to your friends and family a little something about yourself. Put some thought into a gift that both reflects your values and will be useful to, or appreciated by your friend. If  plant-based, healthy eating is important to you, bake something amazing and slip a little recipe card in with it.  Or, if you’re passionate about recycling, make or seek out eco-friendly or upcycled creations to present to your friend.  If reducing your carbon footprint is an important issue to you, consider planting a tree, or giving carbon credits in someone’s name.  Many years ago, my fiance (God rest his soul) and I started doing things to offset our carbon footprint by planting trees, getting our homes off the grid with solar, geothermal and wind power, driving hybrid vehicles, donating to the carbon offset fund, etc.  Every little bit makes a difference, so share these ideas with others who feel the same way you do!

Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas

Using some or all of these methods to express your individual values can help set your relationships with your family and friends on a new and inspiring path, and can also create great opportunities for bonding and learning more about each other. May all your relationships flourish and endure!