When I was taking raw and living foods classes, one of the most important meals I learned to prepare was Energy Soup--considered to be Ann Wigmore's most powerful natural healing remedies. According to Ann Wigmore, energy soup is the most important nourishment in the Living Foods Lifestyle. Why? Energy Soup rebuilds, cleanses and detoxifies our bodies while providing [...]
Earlier in my plant-based learning journey, I studied macrobiotics and discovered the the power of healing foods for prevention as well as treatment of many diseases. Shiitake mushrooms were among the stars! These chewy, delectable mushrooms have long been prized for their healing powers. Widely cherished for their immune system support, they contain lentinan, which makes our immune system strong, helping [...]
Touted as the national fruit of China, but grown worldwide, I rarely see organic kiwifruit in my area, so I was delighted to find organic kiwifruit at a low price in my local health food store this week. Of course, I brought half a dozen home to try out and enjoy! Well known for its characteristic fuzzy skin and its unique, sweet [...]
Whenever I crave a healthy meal that is hearty, satisfying, filling but light, I reach for mushrooms. Classified as fungi, edible mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, and very low in sodium. There are so many kinds of edible mushrooms to choose from, but my favorites are shiitake, maitake, portabella and button mushrooms. Photo: [...]
Quick to make and easy to carry, collard green wraps have recently become my latest lunch obsession. When I decided to limit my consumption of sandwiches and wraps made with whole wheat flour--from sliced bread to pitas to wraps--I began to explore other ways to make light and healthy wraps. I experimented with romaine lettuce but I [...]
Meatless Monday: Curry Tofu Bok Choy Vegetable Soup One of life's great pleasures is a cherished "food ritual. One of my favorite food rituals is treating myself to an amazing meal at the popular, macrobiotic- inspired vegan restaurant, Souen, in the West Village. It is not unusual to find lots of hungry fans crowded into the peaceful, Asian-inspired space. [...]
With the high price of organic berries in my local markets and stores, shopping for antioxidant-rich berries this winter has been a little disturbing for me. So when I discovered organic blackberries for sale in my neighborhood at 2 for $5.00, I grabbed as many containers at that price as I could carry. For good reason... [...]
Quick! What do you think of when you think of cranberries? When we think of cranberries, many of us associate them with festive Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and consider cranberry sauce a staple at those meals. But cranberries are a superfood that we should enjoy all year round. Cranberries may have a tart taste to them, but [...]
While mingling with the teeming crowds on Istiklal Avenue in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul my eyes drifted to a popular food vendor rapidly pressing fresh pomegranates and extracting dark red streams of liquid for lines of eager patrons. Since I was thirsty too, I decided to try a cup. It was really delicious--to my delight! This rich, red elixir quenched my thirst and [...]
As I hurried home, bundled up, pushing purposefully through the swirling snow, one comforting thought filled my mind and warmed my soul--despite the bitter onslaught: "When I get home I am going to curl up with a bowl of herb roasted potatoes. And maybe glass of organic red wine." But it was really all about the [...]
It's officially fall. The air is crisp. The foliage is changing to orange, yellow and red. Bright, round pumpkins abound--and apples are everywhere! It's the most colorful time of the year. But that's not all... What I love best about fall is the food! I've fallen in love with so many of the delicious culinary creations [...]
Now you can avoid carrageenan and make your own organic hemp milk. For many years, I have replaced cow's milk with nondairy, plant-based milks. Of course, I am not alone. There are growing concerns about the benefits and safety of cow's milk, and many people are looking for alternatives. Also, lactose intolerance and allergies [...]
Until recently, I used to dismiss this humble vegetable as way too bland for my palate, but I have finally learned to appreciate cauliflower. And I'm so glad I did. Lately, I've been pretty busy catching up on many of the wonderful cauliflower dishes I've been missing. Just this week, I bought several fresh, firm heads [...]
It's fall at the farmer's market. Time to fall in love with eggplant again. Eggplants are at their best from August through October when they are in season. Different varieties of eggplant vary slightly in appearance, taste and texture, but most eggplant boast a pleasantly bitter taste and spongy texture. For centuries, eggplants have been a dietary [...]
A must read! This book could save a life: The Vegucation of Robin: How Real Food Saved My Life.Photo source: Web site screen shot Well known for her signature humor and deadpan style, radio personality, Robin Quivers, is truly a wise, witty and lucky lady. Long before she was faced with the need to [...]
From Farmer's Market to Table: Enjoy a seasonal favorite: Roasted Harvest Pumpkin Soup. Growing up, pumpkin was not on the menu in our home. The only time I remember encountering pumpkins was around Halloween when we carved jack-o-lanterns for holiday decorations. We didn't eat the flesh, but at least we saved the seeds, salted [...]
Have you had your hemp smoothie today? Try some of these healthy hemp smoothie recipes. For thousands of years, man has been using hemp for fiber, paper, clothing, beauty aids, food, milk , medicinals and more--making it a valuable and versatile natural resource. Hemp seeds--which are technically a fruit--taste a bit like pine nuts, but [...]
When I was growing up, "Eat your beets" was the oft-repeated mantra of caring moms and dads--including mine. Back then beets weren't my favorite, but I managed to force them down, under pressure. Since I was very anemic, beets were the blood-building "tonic du jour". Nowadays, as an enlighted veggie lover, I happily embrace the nutritional [...]
There are few foods that I like better than chewy, chunky mushrooms. So when I found some fresh, organic shitake mushrooms at my local farmer's market, I couldn't wait to get them home. Besides being delectable, shitake mushrooms are noted for their healing and medicinal properties. Next, I scooped up bunches of farm fresh, organic watercress [...]
For many years I was passionately consumed with studying, practicing and eating the Macrobiotic way. During that time if you asked me what I was having for breakfast, my answer would invariably be "a warm, grounding, bowl of miso soup" and maybe some brown rice with gomasio and greens. Made from scratch--of course--the traditional way. No [...]
When I returned home from my trip to the local farmer's market today, I unpacked the firm, fresh, organic kabocha squash and happily displayed it in a place of honor on my kitchen counter like a work of art. Everywhere I turned in the crowded, vibrant market colorful pumpkins and squashes beckoned me. But this particular beauty [...]
Whenever I feel a bit congested, start sneezing and coughing a lot, or basically feel like I'm coming down with a cold, I don't panic. I know exactly what to do. I head sraight to my healing kitchen and dig out all of my trusty cold-busting foods to get ready to cook up a pot of my [...]
In my healthy, vegan, urban-naturalista world, any time is black bean time! Whether dining out while traveling in Mexico, Brazil and the Caribbean, or trying to find a suitable vegan protein source in predominantly, non-vegan-friendly restaurants--a savory black bean dish is often on the menu in some way, shape or form. And thank goodness for that! There are good [...]
Vegan pizza recipes that are bound to please vegan and non-vegans. We all have those days when we feel kind of blue. Out of sorts. Worried. Or just plain stressed! I know I do. When I'm down and feeling needy, my favorite, soul-satisfying food is pizza. Let's face it, there is really nothing quite [...]
