I Heart Chia Seeds

For many people who were around in the 80's the popular commercial on Television was for Chia Pets.  The concept of spreading wet seeds on the pottery animal figure only to watch it grow was a novelty gift.  Today the same Chia Seeds also called Salvia Hispanica L are being embraced as the best super food around.  For those of us who are determined to embrace a healthier lifestyle this new year, we need options with optimal benefits.  There are many people who question how to ensure protein or calcium levels when eating a plant based diet, and need options.  This article is about one of my favorite options which is loaded with health benefits and has a recommended daily intake of only 1 TBS a day.  Be sure to drink plenty of water as they are high in fibre.

I Love Chia Seeds and here is my TOP 10 reasons why you should too!

1. It is 20% protein and a complete protein with all 8 essential amino acids.
2. It is super high in fibre which aids in digestion
3. It has 20% Omega ALA great for brain and heart health (8 times more than Salmon)
4. It is loaded with antioxidants (4 times more than blueberries)
5. It is high in Iron (3 times more than in spinach)
6. It balances blood glucose levels (therefore great for diabetics)
7. It is Gluten Free (for those conscious about the GMO Wheat or those with wheat intolerance)
8. It is high in potassium (2 times more than in a banana) 
9. It is high in Calcium and Magnesium (5 times the amount found in milk along with boron for absorption)
10. It is high in vitamin C (7 times more than found in oranges)

BONUS BENEFITS

1. Vegans can use as an egg replaces by adding water (Ratio is 3 Tbs Water, 1 Tbs Chia Seeds = 1 Egg)
2. Tapioca Fans can use it for that Tapioca Pudding Treat Fix they crave (1/4 cup Chia Seeds, 1 cup almond/coconut milk add your cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, 4 dates for sweetness, blend together, let sit for 90 minutes in the fridge and VOILA!!!)
3. You can add to your daily smoothie for added sweetness
4. You can sprinkle onto your cereal or oatmeal
5. You can sprinkle onto your yogurt for a nice crunch

You can sprinkle Chia Seeds onto most of your foods for the healthy benefits, and texture.  Also it is great to note that Chia seeds are excellent for healthy hair, skin and nails.  Cha Cha Cha Chia!!!

Beat the Heat with Watermelon-Strawberry Pops

This summer has been a sizzling hot & humid summer and many people have enjoyed their Fan or Home Air Conditioner.  Another way to keep cool is to stay hydrated.  Eating foods rich in water, and making refreshing juice is always a bonus.  This weeks juice was a Watermelon-Strawberry Juice.

Watermelon is high in Vitamin A, C and B6, while strawberry is an amazing source for Vitamin C.  Many of you have seen my youtube channel where I make yummy juice recipes, well what about taking your juicing to a whole new level for the SUMMER?  I used the pulp for making Raw Vegan Burgers before, but this time, we made Watermelon-Strawberry Pops.  Pour the left over pulp from the juice into a popsicle tray, add the sticks (in our case spoons because someone threw out the sticks) and wait till they freeze.  After, Voila, and amazing healthy, refreshing summer snack for everyone to enjoy!!!

Ayurveda Cooking Class

So while normally each morning is immersion into the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga (Mysore style) we had a special treat recently on our Full Moon, of an Ayurveda Cooking Class. Our daily meals are delicious Kerala style meals, with Ayurveda menu items, as suggested by our beautiful Ayurveda Doctor. Since everyone has been enjoying the meals, part of our experience included a lovely Ayurveda Cooking Class. Our amazing Ayurveda Chef, a fellow Malayalee made some amazing food items.

The menu included:

1. Beet Root Rice
2. Snake Gord Thoran
3. Pineapple Curry
4. Payassam (dessert)

The food was delicious!

Delicious Green Smoothie

Starting this new amazing year with vibrant Green Juices and Smoothies. Green drinks provide plenty of chlorophyl, and oxygenation to the cells of the body. These beverages replenish our system and energize us. Benefits include glowing skin, healthy hair, increased energy, and much more. Recently I used my brother's Vita Mix (the best blender around....pricey but worth the investment) to make the most delicious Green Smoothie. Here is the recipe....

• 1 cup water
• 1 head of Romain Lettuce
• 1 1/2 cup Spinach
• I cut apple
• I cup chopped Pineapple
• 1/2 cup chopped Mango

The Vita Mix will pulverize anything.....If you are interested in making Raw Vegan Cheese with Various Nuts, this is the blender to invest in. Many of my friends who are Raw Foodies, swear by this awesome appliance. The great thing about the Vita Mix is that it incorporates everything from the veggies & fruits.....no waste & optimal health value. You can make Raw Soup with this machine and it heats up just enough so that you don't lose the nutritional value of the food.....Last night I had Asperagus soup and it was AWESOME!!!

You can try this recipe with a regular blender, but you might have to spend a lot of prep time chopping your Veggies....Nonetheless make your health your priority. Cheers to Amazing Health!!!

photo: Delicious Green Smoothie......Recipe Served 5 people

Healthy Yogi Friendly Products for your Body & Home

While many people are waking up, breaking free from the hypnosis of marketing, embracing healthy eating, yoga and even adjusting their home & beauty products to a less toxic chemical selection....there are still some people who think it is conspiracy. Actually, part of becoming aware is enlightenment, not to be afraid, but rather to be aware.

Whether you want to believe that giant beauty companies, food companies, and government run factory farms are creating products with cancer causing/toxic chemicals as part of a conspiracy or not, the reality is, those chemicals have no benefit for us.

So educate yourself on the ingredient list of things that you use. Our skin is our largest organ, and absorbs everything from products to the water we drink. So if the ingredients are similar to ones that can cause rust removal (like the ever famous Coco Cola), perhaps we should make adjustments to what we put in our bodies and outside.

For a beautiful list of popular products that have cancer causing chemicals as ingredients visit the link here: www.unitedtruthseekers.com (Below are two)

• Johnson and Johnson Talcum Powder: TALC = carcinogenic and risk for ovarian cancer and lung irritation.
• Crest Toothpaste: FD&C Blue #1=carcinogenic, Saccharin=carcinogenic

If you are looking for options, you can create your own products yourself or some products that are natural and safe include:

• Cal Ben Five Star Soap Products : http://www.calbenpuresoap.com/
• Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap: http://www.drbronner.com/

Things that you can use or make yourself:

• Use Coconut Oil with Peppermint Oil/Clove Oil & a little Baking Soda for a homemade toothpaste
• Use Coconut oil/Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil for a body Moisturizer or Hair Oil
• Use tea tree oil to help prevent blemishes and keep skin clear
• MAKE REGULAR VEGETABLE JUICE for clear skin, healthy intestines and a healthy body

Choose wisely, choose consciously......

Frozen (Grapes) bites of heaven

Recently after teaching an awesome Yoga class downtown to three families on their amazing rooftop, the ever popular topic of healthy eating came up. We were discussing juicing, and healthy foods, when one of the ladies eyes lit up at the mention of fruits. They were insistent that I try frozen grapes, the kids specifically insisted on frozen red grapes. While I have had frozen fruits before, especially for smoothies, I had to admit I never froze my grapes. I was told they are like little bites of sorbet, another person insisted to call them Popsicle bites of heaven. The reality is, organic grapes can be expensive, and sometimes can go bad quick, so putting them in the freezer is also economical.

I tried, and WOW!!! My new favorite snack, that can last for long time. Since the frozen grape has a longer shelf life, their is no excuse to avoid purchasing an organic grape. For the calorie counters out there, grapes are not so high in calories, roughly a little over 60 calories for one serving/1 cup. For parents who are itching to ween your kids to a healthier lifestyle, 4 kids gave their seal of enthusiastic approval when I was informed of this awesome, healthy snack.

Grapes also happen to be an excellent source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium and vitamin A. Grapes are rich in antioxidants like flavones, tannins, anthocyanins, which scientists claim to have anti cancer benefits. Red Grapes are also a great source of Resveratol, which promotes a healthy heart.

Thanks Roof top Yogis for sharing the wonderful snack idea.

Yogini Kitchen - Mint Vegetable Pulao

One of my private students is actually a family affair, meaning I once taught their child and now the dad has been my long standing student as well. Because I am going to go away for some time, my student invited me to stay for dinner. They made an amazing feast of Indian Vegetarian Delights. Part of the Main Course was Mint Vegetable Pulao. Pulaou is a South Indian Rice dish, usually made with Basmati Rice and a variety of Veggies. It is very yummy and very nutritious.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups Basmati Rice - Uncooked

1/4 cup Yogurt/soy yogurt

4 carrots diced/chopped

a bunch of pearl onions or 2 medium sized Onions diced

2 tablespoons of peas

2 tablespoons of beans

8-10 Mint leaves (crushed)

6 green chillies (optional)

3 small garlic cloves (crushed into paste)

1 Tablespoon diced ginger (crushed into paste)

6 cloves

8 cardamons

3-4 Black Pepper corns

Pinch of Turmeric

1 Tablespoon oil

Salt to taste

A Whole lot of LOVE

INGREDIENTS:

Cook Rice till almost done

Heat Oil in Pan

Add Turmeric and Onions when Oil is heated

Add Cloves, Cardomon, Pepper corns and stir for a minute

Add Ginger-Garlic Paste

Add Cut Veggies

Stir and Cover till veggies are 3/4 cooked

Keep occasional stirring to avoid burning the veggies

When Veggies are 3/4 cooked lower the heat add Yogurt and Veggies (high heat will curdle the yogurt)

Cook on Low heat till water is evaporated and Veggies are cooked and finally Add RICE. Stir on Low heat.

As a Side you can add Cucumber Raita or Papadam

Serve in a dish, say Grace and ENJOY!

The beauty of South Indian Cooking is that it is rich in Flavor, Nutritious and Vegetarian. The use of Cloves, Cardomon and Turmeric are also medicinal for the Body. The combination of Legumes and Rice, improves the amino acid chain of the legumes to give optimal protein absorption.

Time For A Spot of Tea!

With the weather in NY cold and snowy, it is wonderful to indulge in some tea. Tea is calming, soothing, relaxing, and healthy. I love drinking tea. In the Indian culture, it is a tradition to have tea throughout the day. On each visit to India growing up, it would be totally normal to have a minimum of 4 cups of tea throughout the day. Hot tea in a Hot climate can be interesting to get used to but very beneficial for the body. In India tea is called Chai, which literally translates to "spiced tea" or "masala tea", it is tea leaves with additional spices like cloves, Cinnamon, cardamon etc. These spices poses many medicinal benefits. Historically, tea is considered an Ayurvedic remedy for many illnesses in India. When the British invaded India, along with many other things that they staked claim too, they adapted a love for Tea, and that is how they established phrase/custom "TEA TIME". Over here in the West many popular coffee shops have coined the name "CHAI" and used a translation for fancier sugary/flavoured types of teas.

My personal indulgence is purchasing loose bag tea from Alice's Tea Cup on the Upper West Side (occasionally they have Vegan Scones too!). Natural Green, Oolong, and Black Teas are a healthier option than the sugary laced, dairy infused other teas in your local coffee shop. Many studies have shown that tea is loaded with antioxidants polyphenol properties that are a wonderful for fighting cancer. Many teas can help reduce risk of gastric, esophageal, skin, and even ovarian cancers. Some studies suggest that green tea even lowers rates in heart disease. A research study in Sweeden took over 60,000 women ages 40-76, over 15 years found that women who drank more than 2 cups of tea a day, lowered their risk of Ovarian Cancer by 46 percent, those who drank one cup a day lowered the risk by 18 percent (results of this study were published in Archives of Internal Medicine 12/05).

Teas like White, Green, Oolong and Black teas tend to contain the polyphenols, because they derive from the warm-weather evergreen tree known as Camellia-Sinensis. While the herbal blend teas which are usually a combination of flowers, roots, spices and herbs are generally considered more of a tisane tea, meant for calming and relaxing. A popular South African tea "Roobis" is also said to have antioxidant qualities but in realty it is in the "calming" category of teas, since it does not come from the Camellia-sinensis family of trees.

Sometimes I enjoy adding cloves and cinnamon to my tea pot. Cloves are amazing for cleansing the body, preventing infection and killing bacteria. Cinnamon is the amazing addition that everyone should add to their diet, as it helps regulate sugar levels in the body. Along with the health benefits of cloves and cinnamon, they create an amazing aroma for your home. Adding lemon or honey to your cup of tea can help heal a sore throat.

Whether it's a daily ritual like mine, or something you share with friends, take a minute to have a spot of tea! ~ Namaste

Angelica's Kitchen

This Sunday morning I had the desire to take the class of my fellow Bamboomoves Yoga Instructor and friend, Carissa. I have taken Carissa's class before, and it is a lotta fun. Normally, my Sundays were booked, but since we are starting into a New Year the Holidays have extended for some....which meant I can take class! YEAAAA!!! I thought I would try Zumba for the first time, but I had things to do, so decided to make it for the 12:30 yoga class. I head down to the Bronx, and class had started???? The class actually starts at 12. I roll my mat out next to the door and flow through with the rest of my students while Carissa leads us in an awesome class.

After class we decide to head to the city to get lunch. We start to list some yummy Vegan places we know, and eventually decide on Angelica's Kitchen. Angelica's Kitchen is an awesome Vegan Restaurant! We feasted on yummy corn bread, delicious soups, steams veggies, and more!!! Sharing laughs, fun we discussed the famous Vegan Pumpkin Moonpie that Carissa had bought for me last Thanksgiving, which I was unable to eat/enjoy due to a fast, and she graciously ate for me. This discussion prompted the decision to go across the street after dinner to Cafe Viva to get the Moonpie. So after diner we glanced at the desert menu, and then headed across the street instead. I knew I was going to try this delicious desert that everyone seems to be salivating while describing to me. It was not there!!!??? So Carissa tells us that Atlas Cafe which is maybe 5 blocks away outsources the moonpies, and while they never carry the pumpkin moonpie, they have other Vegan deserts. So we head down there, everyone is enjoying the cool weather, excited about desert, and I have it in my mind that I will taste this moonpie TODAY. We walk in, and TADAAAA!!! It's there!!! I bought two, one for me and the other for Michele. Veronica and Ricky bought some other sinful Vegan Deserts, and we all share the treats, and moan in heavenly gratitude!

For many people going Vegan or Vegetarian is a New Year's Resolution. Some people also have made the choice to have a more conscious dietary lifestyle, or even just to reduce the intake of meat. People sometimes worry that there are not as many options for eating out. While it may be true for some cities, in NYC you have plenty of options, and Angelica's Kitchen is one of the many wonderful choices! Also, some feel like they may not have the sweet tooth indulgances they enjoy, well let me assure you Vegan deserts are BETTER!!! On the way home, I was talking about how growing up I never really liked eating sweets, except my mom's chocolate cake or banana bread and my Aunt/Godmother's (who is from Austria) Christmas Cookies. Ricky stopped at some random Vegan Yummy place and brought out a Vegan Linzer Cookie, and it was actually yummy!

Choices are available, and food sources are rich in taste, vitamins, minerals, and goodness. If you are planning on making the switch it is important to educate yourself. We at Bamboomoves will be hosting our 21 day to wellness challenge in this new year, but there are also books available too! Happy Healthy Veggie Eating!!! Thank you Ricky, Veronica, Carissa, Michele and Latesha for sharing in a lovely healthy lunch!
Pictured: Ricky, Veronica, Carissa, Michele, Ambria, Latesha

Dallas does Vegan

Holiday time is a wonderful time for families to get together and enjoy. For some it is tough because family time may feel like obligatory torture, but for me and my family, it is awesome, outstanding fun and joy! This year we spent the Holidays in Dallas, and it was truly magnificent. My family in Dallas loves to laugh, loves to eat, loves to make hilarious jokes, and shares in the genetic love for a healthy sense of humor with a hint of sarcasm, which I thrive on at times. It is good to be able to laugh at yourself once in a while, and when you are surrounded by like minded people, it makes the experience so much funnier!

While I maintained my vegan diet, and stuck to my daily yoga every morning, I used the opportunity to enlighten my omnivore relatives to leave the dark side and come to the healthier, higher energy, youthful glow, energized, global consciousness, animal loving side for good - vegetarian, I did experience backlash. Luckily for me, the Indian diet has many healthy, delicious vegan options, and my family members are amazing chefs. Since I have many family members who do eat meat, I have always been compassionate and understand how habits, marketing and comfort can dictate a persons dietary habits. While you may not want to read every label, it doesn't hurt to be more aware of what we are putting into our bodies. Also, when facts prove that the acidity level, toxicity level, hormone and chemical processing that goes into an omnivore diet can affect your complexion, your ability to withstand sickness, increase your chances of cancer, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and heart disease....well it doesn't hurt to eat some veggies once in awhile. I enjoyed the ribbing from my family, and was happy to highlight the long term benefits from a more alkalized diet, especially since I could use myself as an example. I have to admit I ate more than I usually consume during the Holidays, and loved every vegetarian bite. My amazing cousin Roshni (our designated family chef) was kind enough to bake delicious vegan brownies for me one night which I enjoyed and shared. Thanks Roshni! We had a great organic market called "Sprouts" literally down the block from the house, and my cousin Ambily took me there so I could stock up on my favorite foods: Kale, Spinach, Avacados, nuts, Cucumbers, grapefruit, bananas, berries, and of course Coconut Ice cream from "So Delicious" in Peanut Butter Chocolate swirl!!! Yea, I said Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl folks!!! Even my hard core Omnivore relatives enjoyed that one!! I may have enjoyed it a little too much myself, as I seem to have come back with a 5lbs extra winter coat, but worth every delicious inch.

On my last day in Dallas, my Amazing cousin Ambily, took me to a cute, wonderfully delicious vegan restaurant in Dallas, called Spiral Diner. Thanks Ambily! Although they had amazing food options, we went after lunch, so we ate dessert and had yummy Coconut based Vegan Strawberry ice cream, and took vegan dark chocolate peanut butter cups, and vegan snicker doodles (which I never knew what a snicker doodle was until now), and vegan pumpkin cheese cake, in a take away box. That evening 20 of us ventured to the Cheesecake factory, so while I feasted on my salad & sweet potato fries, I also got to enjoy some Vegan Cheese cake when it came to desert time. Thanks to my family, Y'all made the Holidays such an amazing experience!!! Haven't had a christmas this good in years!!!

Pictured: Ambily and myself at Spiral Diner in Dallas!

Asparagus cure for Cancer

So as my girls and I at Bamboomoves embark on the 21 days to wellness, my brother recently sends me an email about how Asparagus is a cure for cancer. My brother is in no way a vegetarian, but since we lost our mother to Cancer we are both interested in the natural cures out there, so I was really happy when he shared this with me. I LOVE ASPARAGUS! It is loaded with vitamins and minerals including Folic Acid, B Vitamins, and Glutathione (which is an antioxidant and anticarcinogenic phytochemical). Glutathione helps in detoxification by binding fat soluble toxins (metals, solvents, pesticides) and converts them into a water-soluble form that can be excreted in Urine. Asparagus has a good supply of a protein called "histones", which are believed to be an active part in controlling cell growth. The Glutathione content in Asparagus is good for anti-aging as well. Our natural foods are so full of nutrients, so before you reach for the package of food with an Ingredient list full of chemicals you don't recognize, eat some asparagus, eat an apple, eat some green beans, eat some melons, eat some spinach, kale, collard greens, avocados, walnuts...the healthy choices out there are endless. While many believe that it is expensive to eat healthy, find a bodega, or by your fruits and veggies at a local farmers market, because the cost of your health is and should always be greater. Think long term. I was telling my lovely yoga students, they spend millions of dollars marketing "Coke", "McDonalds" "Milk" and various other foods loaded with sugar, sodium, hormones, various cancer causing chemicals and most importantly...no nutrients, but you rarely see a commercial for Kale. All these companies have serious stock in Pharmaceuticals, so lets claim our wealth back, by taking over our health. EAT HEALTHY FOLKS!

This is just one case from the article my brother sent me:

Case No. 3, a man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sewed him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it. By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared. He is back at his regular business routine.

Eat Your Greens Workshop @ Bamboomoves

An update on the successful "Eat Your Greens" Workshop....Thank you ladies for coming out to learn more about a better diet, and also your Dosha as it relates to Ayurveda. Regardless of what we choose to eat, it is important to be aware and informed. These brave ladies learned about the Food Industry with the film Food Inc, some insightful handouts that I distributed to them, and a wonderful discussion after. We also had a preview movie called "Chew On This" from the people at Peta, provided by Carissa. We ate some yummy Kale, mixed veggies, green smoothies and healthy snacks. Thanks Ladies for sharing your time, your insight and being receptive. When we make a commitment to learn, we grow and shine, and that light that shines is an example for all who we come into contact with. You are all shinning stars! Since I am typing this on my brothers laptop in Canada, pictures will be posted when I get back to NYC ~ Namaste

My favorite Indian Restaurant, Spice Village

Growing up eating the yummiest of yummy Indian Food, from my mom's home cooking, to my relatives, and the best of Indian cuisine during my frequent trips to India, I consider myself to be a good resource of TASTE quality. Unfortunately, many people think that Indian food is just spices which translates into heat and indigestion. It is actually flavor heaven. Indian dishes use Spices that are meant to add flavor and enhance the health benefits of the food. We use turmeric which is a common spice in Ayurvedic medicines, we use cinnamon which helps regulate blood sugar, cumin & coriander which add flavor and help to strengthen the stomach lining, as well as promote a healthy colon. While I can go on and on listing the health benefits to various ingredients in Indian food, this post is about my favorite Indian Restaurant. Spice Village in Tuckahoe, NY (take the Metro North West to Tuckahoe and you will find it) is by far the most authentic Indian Restaurant I have been to. Most times when I go there, I speak with the friendly staff in Malayalam which is the Indian dialect that both they, and my parents speak, this adds to the homey atmosphere for me. But the taste of the food.....WOW!!! The chefs are from my parents hometown area (Kottayam, Kerala, India) and make everything taste delicious, and very much like home cooking. This is THE BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT to go to. They offer a wide variety on the buffet with both North and South Indian items. Both vegetarian and non vegetarian options. The food is healthy and tasty. I have been to many Indian restaurants and found that the food was too spicy, too salty, too creamy and I could taste if it was fresh or not. This restaurant is PERFECT! As I type this blog post, I am joyfully digesting another amazing lunch from Spice Village. While my stomach is adjusting to coming off my 30 day fast, I make the sacrifice and "take one for the team" as they say when it comes to this place. If you want to eat Indian food and love it, go to Spice Village. Everyone I have sent there so far, have gone back repeatedly, brought friends and been so grateful to have found this cuisine treasure. For Holidays they tend to offer more items on the buffet so here are some pics of my Valentines Day lunch. Some of my favorite items include cabbage thorin, masala dosha, vada & sambar, gulab jamun, dal, and the chilly cauliflower dish that is on my plate in the picture above ~ Peace & Hugs, Ambria

Pictured:

1) Ambria with a plate of masala dosha, mouth watering strawberries, chilly cauliflower, mushroom curry, okras and a giant smile of delight on my face.

2) the wide variety of delicious buffet items

3) the Valentines Holiday Indian Dessert table (THE BEST & FRESHEST sweets you will enjoy)

Know Your Food - Food Inc.

If we have a brand new Mercedes Benz, we would be sure to put premium fuel in it, and the best oil because we know that diesel fuel would do damage to our lovely car. In the same manner we should know what the food is that we put into our bodies. For many people who practice yoga in the West we come across the debate to be Vegan, Vegetarian, Eat Meat, Eat Fish etc. In India many people practice a Vegetarian diet because Yoga originally was a Hindu practice, and in the Hindu faith they abstain from eating meat. Many yogis also avoid the consumption of meat for the principal of Ahimsa or non harming.

While most of my life I ate a primarily vegetarian diet, I have also eaten meat. Growing up, I was used to fresh, farm meat (we actually had our own chickens) at the dinner table. Along with that, on my many trips to India, all the meat served was fresh, never from a grocery store refrigerated package, rather from the backyard. The meat was small or I should say normal size, compared to the turkey size chickens that are filling the grocery store meat sections today. While the meat may have been healthier when from a non GMO farm, my love for animals was the reason why I gravitated to the vegetarian dishes.

Getting back to the topic of knowing your food...whether you eat meat, or not, it is important to know where your food comes from. Educate yourself on the reality of factory farming in the West. If it doesn't bother you that animals are manufactured in the way that they are, at least you can make an informed choice. You should know your food before you put it in your body. People may not want to admit publicly that there could be a link with our genetically modified meat products and the rapid rise in various diseases, because this is a billion dollar industry that has a lot of government support. However, it is every individuals right to investigate, educate and then come up with the best decision that meets their health goals. Here are some excellent resources that can better highlight the Western food industry:

• Food Inc. (a brilliant documentary)
• Eating Animals, By Jonathan Safran Foer (a novel style account of the food industry)
• The Omnivores Dilema, By Michael Pollan
• In Defense of Food, By Michael Pollan

When we do things with a purpose, our lives are better, and our world is better. In the same manner, when we eat with a purpose, our bodies are better and our world is better. Perhaps I could tell everyone to drop the fast food burgers, fried chicken, decrease salt and sugar intake, and replace it with fresh veggies, fruits, legumes, and advise people read the labels avoiding the excessive soy, soy lecithin, high fructose corn syrup products...but I think it is better for people to make the choice on their own, but it should be an educated choice. Treat your body, like you would your Benz, and use only the best! ~ Peace & hugs

YUMMY YOGINI - Eating Veggies

Vegetables are low in calories and fat and loaded with fiber.  It is no secret that many people who practice Yoga are vegetarian/vegan.  I myself practice a vegetarian lifestyle. Growing up, my mom used to prepare a lot of vegetarian dishes since she also preferred the veggies, and her and my daddy grew their own in our garden.  Taste and veggies go hand in hand in Indian culture.  With the right spices to give yummy flavor, not necessarily "heat" but flavor and a whole lotta LOVE....anyone can create some yummy veggie dishes.  With any recipe, LOVE, should always be the key ingredient, only then will you and your guests want more.

Two of my favorite dishes - "CAULIFLOWER POWER" & "EGG VEG"

CAULIFLOWER POWER (my personal knock-off version of mommy's aloo gobi)

3 cups organic vegetable broth

1 Cauliflower (made into mini flowerets)

1 potato (cubed)

1 onion (small/diced)

4 garlic cloves (diced)

1 tsp curry powder

4 tsp tumeric

4 tbs sour cream or vegan substitute

Add Sea Salt & Pepper to taste

Add Love

GARNISH: 1 leafy stem of cilantro & a few narrow pieces of ginger cut julianne style

STEPS: 

Sautee garlic, onions.  Add Spices and potato.  Add Broth till potatos are soft then add flowerets.  Cook till soft.  Add sour cream at the end or Vegan substitute.  Add love & remove from stove top.  Finally, share with people you love and ENJOY the YUMMINESS!!!!

EGG VEG is also in the picture but it is a family secret, that I am sworn to secrecy for....all I can say is.....YUMMINESSSSS!!!!!!