It's day four of my first VeganMoFo and I am so excited to be participating with Urban Naturale. VeganMoFo is a grassroots event that evolved from an international community of vegans who love to cook, and are passionate about sharing their love of vegan food with the rest of the world. This worldwide event features vegans hailing from [...]
Who loves smoothies? I do--and so do millions more! Fruits and vegetables are a great source of nutrients for the body. And what better way to eat them than making smoothies? Many people who choose to eat a healthy diet add smoothies to their day because this allows them to easily get a regular serving of [...]
A "Buddha Bowl" is the affectionate name given to the hearty and delectable grain, vegetable and protein combos that I first experienced at one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants. Their "Bowls" usually featured brown rice, seasonal greens and root vegetables, seaweed, and tofu. Over the years, I have experimented with my own Buddha Bowls at home--using whatever fresh seasonal, organic [...]
Summertime is cookout time! People have often ask me what vegans eat at picnics, cookouts or BBQs. In fact, some of them say this with pity in their eyes saddened I assume by the idea of me missing out on all of those hot and juicy burgers on the grill. Well, believe me when I tell you that I never miss a beat or [...]
Most of you have probably heard the catchy jingle "Cha Cha Cha Chia" used to advertise those popular Chia pets. I've even received one or two as grab bag gifts which I never actally used, I must admit. Well, instead of growing your chia seeds into a pet, why not try eating them instead. They are so healthy and [...]
For as long as I can remember, lentils have been my go to source for a healthy, hearty, clean and satisfying plant-based protein meal. This delicious legume is a versatile base for all types of flavorful soups, stews, chillies, patties and burgers. Lentils are rich in dietary fiber, folate, vitamin B1, and minerals. With about 30% of their [...]
I'm crazy for quinoa because it has become my best ally in my efforts to eat well and also lose a few pounds. If you have not tried quinoa yet, and are trying to stick with your weight loss goals, then this may be the perfect food to add to your diet. Because of the high amounts [...]
Who loves quinoa? I do! These healthy and delectable quinoa veggie patties are a favorite in our home due to their rich flavor and chewy texture. I prefer them baked rather than fried--but they are still the perfect crispy consistency. I served them for lunch during my book club meeting with an arugula, tomato, red onion and avocado salad and they [...]
It all started with that Thai Peanut Dressing at our cozy little local Thai restaurant. After that delectable meal, I couldn't get enough of that flavor. So lately, I have been craving peanut butter a lot. That' s why many of my recent food preparations involve peanut butter. From peanut butter smoothies to peanut butter oatmeal to peanut butter sauce [...]
I am so delighted to participate in the Crave Eat Heal Cookbook Blog Tour and to chat with author, Annie Oliverio about her vegan journey, lifestyle and especially, her new book! I have personally struggled with overwhelming cravings for salty or sweet comfort foods on many occasions, so I know how powerful that experience can be--as well as how important it [...]
Guest post by Camile Sardina Eating meat contributes to global warming, pollution, the destruction of forests, overuse of grain and fossil fuel. According to Farm Sanctuary's site Plate to Planet: "The majority of global warming is caused by the gases carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. According to the 2006 United Nations report, Livestock's Long Shadow, animal agriculture [...]
For me, green smoothies are so healthy, energizing and delicious, that giving or receiving a smoothie is a truly an act of love. I mean, what better way to show someone you care! On several occasions, I have gifted friends and family members with a gaily-wrapped mason jar full of smoothie goodness along with a little note and a recipe [...]
We all know that seasonings, herbs and spices can either make or break a dish--so it’s always worth knowing which ones can "make the dish" and increase the taste of your favorite foods--and which ones to absolutely avoid. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill and mint can bring powerful new tastes to your palate. Why not try [...]
When I was growing up, I never liked oatmeal--or other creamy hot cereals for that matter. It didn't help that my mother's oatmeal was lumpy and hard to swallow. I remember many tearful mornings trying to get that porridge down under my mother's cool glare. She meant well because my mother knew that oatmeal was good [...]
When my food-loving girlfriend spontaneously called to say that she wanted to stop by to catch up, I peered into my kitchen to see what I had on hand to make a simple, tasty healthy meal for us to share. I decided to whip up a healthy, hearty, textured vegetable, bean and grain salad. It's a quick and easy way to [...]
Urban Naturale is pleased to present the first in a series of Naturally Speaking Interviews. Our guest is Dr. Brenda T. Bradley, PhD and author of Kale Yeah Cookbook Dr. Bradley is an energetic and engaging certified health minister. Through her work and passion for healthy eating and living, she decided to answer the call to become a [...]
Baby it's cold outside in my neck of the woods! How's the weather in your town? When it's chilly outside and there's snow on the ground, one of the first things I want to do when I come home is get warm! And what better way to warm our insides than with a hot, spicy bowl of vegan chili. This [...]
Guest post by Stephanie Dreyer, founder of VeegMama As a vegan mom of three, I am always looking for new, healthy recipes to delight my family. When I adopted a vegan diet almost 5 years ago, there was a steep learning curve to build a new repertoire of recipes and familiarize myself with vegan products. In my [...]
Tempeh is an excellent source of vegan protein, so I have always wanted to incorporate it into my plant-based diet more often. Although I have eaten a few tempeh dishes in local vegan restaurants, I have never been a big tempeh fan. And I have never cooked tempeh at home. So I was delighted when The Purple Carrot, [...]
Guest post by Camile Sardina America’s food system is slowly building a healthier base, and in the process, health expert, Rich Goldstein, owner of Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts, is always up to plate. After learning the power behind food, Goldstein created a “healing cuisines” experience for his students at Natural Epicurean. It improves health [...]
I love to cook wholesome, plant-based meals for myself and my family. And I enjoy trying new recipes, so when the people at The Purple Carrot offered to send me a sample of their healthy plant-based meals--with all of the ingredients included--I couldn't resist. Eating a whole foods, plant-based diet may sound challenging to some, but [...]
Staying healthy and beating hunger pangs throughout the day is a must so that you can live your life well, but when you’re on the move you often don’t have time to whip up delicious vegan meals. Luckily, there are some tasty and nutritious vegan snacks you can carry with you. Salted Chickpeas Forget peanuts—chickpeas are [...]
Guest post by Stephanie Dreyer, VeegMama I am so excited to be on Urban Naturale today! If you are in the process of deciding if vegan is the right lifestyle for you, or just feel overwhelmed with overhauling your diet, read on! It took me 6 months to hit my stride after going vegan overnight almost [...]
One great reason for loving winter is the abundance of fresh, tender, organic collard greens in the market. Softened by the frost, they taste so much better than summer collards to me. Plus, they are done and ready to eat in a few minutes. I am a big fan of steaming so although I often saute [...]
