Wednesday, December 14, 2011

♥ Delicious Immune-Boosting Broccoli Shiitake Edamame Salad Recipe

What if you could eat a salad that had healthy levels of protein and vitamins plus anti-tumor, cholesterol-lowering, and virus-inhibiting properties? What if I told you that salad takes about 15 minutes to make and tastes amazing?

Losing weight and staying healthy is easy when you skip the drive-thru and pack yourself a lunch filled with nutrients and packed with flavor. Here are just a few of the nutrients this salad contains:
  • Fiber
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin C
  • B Vitamins
  • Vitamin A
  • Protein
  • Polysaccharides
Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds which have been found to inhibit tumor growth.  These tasty meaty mushrooms boost your immune system and fight cancer!  According to Cancer.org:

"Shiitake mushrooms are promoted to fight the development and progression of cancer and AIDS by boosting the body's immune system. These mushrooms are also said to help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and to help treat infections such as hepatitis by producing interferon, a group of natural proteins that stops viruses from multiplying. Promoters claim that eating both the cap and stem of the mushroom may be helpful, but they do not say how much must be eaten to have an effect. They say the strength and effects of the mushroom depend on how it is prepared and consumed.
Promoters claim that shiitake mushrooms contain several compounds with health benefits. A compound called lentinan is believed to stop or slow tumor growth. Another component, activated hexose-containing compound (also known as 1,3-beta glucan), is also said to reduce tumor activity and lessen the side effects of cancer treatment. The mushrooms also contain the compound eritadenine, which is thought to lower cholesterol by blocking the way cholesterol is absorbed into the bloodstream."

Whether you are entertaining, trying to cut out junk food from your diet, or looking for a quick & easy lunch to take to work, try my Broccoli Shiitake Edamame Salad.  This salad is mostly raw, which helps you get the most nutrients out of your veggies.  Just please remember to buy organic and wash your vegetables well in a mild cleanser like Environné or Veggie Wash.
I hope you enjoy this tasty, flavorful, fun-to eat recipe.

♥ Karinna's Broccoli Shiitake Edamame Salad ♥

1/2 c Vegenaise
3 c Broccoli, chopped
1 c Edamame, cooked and shelled
2 c dried Shiitake Mushrooms, reconstituted in boiling water
3/4 c Artichoke Hearts, chopped
1/2 c Black Olives, sliced or whole
1/2 c Chickpeas or Garbanzo Beans
2 T Mustard
2 T Garlic powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional: Crushed Red Cayenne Pepper

First reconstitute your dried mushrooms by placing them in boiling water for 6-10 minutes then draining them well.  Chop your veggies while the mushrooms are reconstituting.  Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl and season to taste.   Makes 4 servings.

Pack it up for your hunny to take to work and smile, knowing you are giving them the gift of health and longevity!


♥ Karinna's Broccoli Shiitake Edamame Salad To-Go ♥


Thursday, December 1, 2011

♥ Holiday Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Cakes ♥

There's something about the smell of toasty nutmeg and cinnamon coming from the kitchen that brings Fall to life.  Your loved ones will adore my healthy pancake recipe which incorporates some of the delicious flavors of the Holiday season. My recipe is heart-healthy, high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and fiber, low in fat, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels when Agave Nectar is used.  I believe in making everyday a celebration, so try serving these as a romantic breakfast in bed treat.

This recipe is Vegan, however, if you are just making the transition or would like to try both recipes side-by-side, you can still make healthier choices:  Instead of the Apple Sauce, you can use 1 large (local) cage-free vegetarian feed brown egg.  Instead of the soymilk, you can also use Rice Milk (15% less calories), or low-fat antibiotic and hormone-free cow's milk.

♥ Karinna's Holiday Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Cakes ♥
1 c Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 c Organic Applesauce
2 tbsp raw sugar, Stevia, or Organic Agave Nectar
2 tbsp Canola Oil
1 c Soymilk
1/4 c Golden Flax Meal
1 tbsp Pumpkin Spice blend powder (cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, ginger, lemon peel, cloves, cardamom, fennel, black pepper)
Earth Balance Vegan Butter Spread for pan

Preheat your griddle or pan. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, spice blend and salt. In a medium bowl, mix together the milk, sugar, egg, and oil. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.  Cook on heated griddle for about 2.5 minutes per side. Makes about 6 medium sized pancakes. 
♥ Tasty Apricot Marmalade Grand Marnier Sauce ♥
1 c Organic Apricot Marmalade/Preserves
1/2 c Organic Orange Juice
1/2 oz Grand Marnier 
1/2 oz Hennessy Cognac

Heat the Apricot Marmalade and orange juice in a saucepan for a few minutes, stirring slowly.  Add the Grand Marnier and Hennessy, stir and remove from heat.  Drizzle over your Breakfast Cakes and garnish with fresh organic Cranberries.
These pancakes will not be very fluffy, but they will be nutrient dense and delicious! Get creative and add sliced bananas, dried fruits, or vanilla, or shape your little cakes into hearts. Deliver to your loved one in bed with some freshly squeezed juice or coffee and enjoy the day!

♥K

Friday, November 18, 2011

The TRUTH about Egg McMuffins...

Recently, Mercy for Animals conducted an undercover investigation into one of McDonald's egg suppliers, Sparboe Factory Farm, and revealed horrifying, unspeakable cruelty to animals.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, this video is worth millions.  Please watch this video and visit the Mercy for Animals Website for details on the investigation.

Take a stand against these monsters by avoiding eggs or making sure that the eggs you buy come from a local, humane egg farm and NEVER from factory farms.  Remember, most processed foods that use egg products source their eggs from factory farms like Sparboe.  Be informed consumers! Click below to access the website and video:





Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Russell Brand, Katy Perry, Ozzy Osbourne Going Vegan!

There is no doubt that once you are exposed to the truth about the food industry, you immediately begin to question your dietary choices.  People around the world are being touched by videos, films, personal accounts, word-of-mouth, and the powerfully positive energy that radiates from a truly compassionate Vegan like myself.

Five years ago, when I made the decision to eliminate ALL animal products and by-products from my life, there were almost NO resources, menu items, restaurants, or fellow vegans around me.  The fact that my conversion to a plant-based diet, fully vegan lifestyle, and globally-conscious worldview was backed up with so much passion made it easy to spread the word to everyone I met.  A few months later, feeling and looking my BEST in my life, more and more people started to notice!  My dearest friends in the community began to ask me for recipes and tips. 

Three years later, I had the pleasure of meeting a beautiful and vibrant soul named Hayley Marie Norman (@xoHayleyMarie), who's incredible passion and energy was like a shining light for the Vegan community unlike any I'd seen so far.  Through word of mouth and through this sharing of knowledge and passion, the Vegan community is attracting a lot of attention.  The energy of this movement has exponentially grown beyond powerful!

Recently, films like I am an Animal, the story of Ingrid Newkirk Food, Inc.; Forks Over Knives; A River of Waste, and others have documented the horrors of the giant food industry including the harmful effects on our environment, economy, and our bodies.  These films expose the truth behind Factory Farms and the mega-industrialization of food production. Most of the atrocities that the food industry gets away with, would be considered acts of terror if a foreign entity was committing them!  As these films hit major cable networks or Netflix, they are reaching a vast audience.  Thanks to Twitter and other social media sites, we are finding that even celebrities are touched by these issues.

Recently, Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) and his wife (@katyperry) tweeted: "I'm now vegan, goodbye eggs, hello Ellen. RT : Me & the Mr. just watched "Forks Over Knives". You can get it on Netflix!"

Ozzy Osbourne (@OfficialOzzy) is the next celebrity in the public eye to adopt the Vegan diet.  He was interviewed by the ladies of The Talk on CBS this week and credited the film Forks Over Knives for his recent transformation.

Going VEGAN is the ultimate shift to a better lifestyle. 

For more information on how YOU can live a more rewarding, energetic, healthy long life, please contact me for a consultation!

Join me on my journey to improve our food industry, educate consumers on healthful choices, and eliminate disease caused by the food we eat.  This November 5th, make a pledge to GO VEGAN for one day.  On Facebook, visit Verdelicious.com, and on Twitter please mention @KarinnaZ and use Hashtag #GoVeganforKarinna and pledge to try a vegan meal on 11/05.

♥ Thank you! ♥

(This article contains many links, please click and visit these sites!)



Friday, October 21, 2011

Food Day 2011: A Day Dedicated to Sustainable, Healthy, Humane Food

A new movement is growing in the United States which focuses on the importance of quality, affordable, and healthy food. With the epidemic rise of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and food-borne illnesses, people from all walks of life are beginning to question the giant food industry.

The foods we consume should promote good health, not lead to diabetes, tooth decay, and heart disease.  Each year, Americans spend millions of dollars on medical treatments, pharmaceutical drugs, and emergency medical attention.  Procedures like liposuction and gastric bypass are now more common than a dental exam.  Look into your pantry, how many items do you purchase based on appearance "key" phrases on the packaging like "All-Natural," "Wholesome," "Healthy?"  How often do you know where the food in that package originated from?

Unfortunately, many Americans are not aware of the true nutritional value in our foods, or whether the foods they purchase are produced in a sustainable way.

The US Government spends billions of dollars annually to subsidize only 10% of the farms in the US.  The result is huge industrial farms which import cheap materials, treat animals and workers inhumanely (Watch Fast Food Nation and Food Inc.), damage the environment with pollution and chemicals, and prevent smaller sustainable family farms from succeeding. 


The Center for Science in the Public Interest has created Food Day, Monday October 24th, 2011, a day dedicated to bringing awareness to these issues.  The main goal of Food Day is to inspire change and educate people about 6 key issues:
  • Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods
  • Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness
  • Expand access to food and alleviate hunger
  • Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms
  • Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids
  • Support fair conditions for food and farm workers
As a green Vegan, I celebrate Food Day everyday.  I make daily food choices which do not negatively impact the environment in any way.  If you are interested in making the shift to a healthier lifestyle, lose weight or help your family members get lean, reduce your carbon footprint, or if you are just sick of the persuasive marketing campaigns which have ultimately led to an obese, diabetic, heart-diseased society, please celebrate Food Day in your own way. Or send me an email to schedule a consultation.

"Food Day is a grassroots movement made up of individuals and
organizations passionate about promoting a healthy, sustainable,
and just food system. Food Day 2011 will culminate on October
24th with thousands of events across the country that encourage
action and celebrate food. Together we will generate media
coverage in every corner the country, send hundreds of thousands
of signatures to Members of Congress supporting our national
agenda, and most importantly, begin the millions of conversations
that will lead to individual and systemic changes."
-Center for Science in the Public Interest

Friday, October 14, 2011

The Harvest - Where Does Your Food Come From?


A new documentary from Executive Producer Eva Longoria and the Producers of the Academy Award nominated film WAR/DANCE, comes out on DVD next Tuesday.  The Harvest takes a close look at the millions of children who work in the fields picking crops for Americans to eat.  This film reveals another truth behind the food industry which requires our attention.  These children earn $60.00 per week or less, and do not receive benefits of any kind.


As American consumers, we must be aware of how our food is harvested.  Compassion is a value not present in a food industry that thrives on embellishing the truth and hiding it behind cartoon characters, eye-catching packaging, and clever marketing campaigns.

"I eat food and I'm a responsible human being and if you are responsible, you have to know where your food comes from. You have to be aware of the practices that are used to get the food we are eating."  - Eva Longoria

The Harvest is another eye-opening documentary which will hopefully inspire change in the legislation to help these children live a normal life and not have to choose between school and laboring in the fields.

*  Buy Local produce when possible and know the hands that harvested your food.  *
 .

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Captivating Quinoa Kale Salad

Here is a salad recipe that goes way beyond the typical iceberg lettuce with croutons and slathered dressing. This Quinoa Kale Salad is nutrient dense, high in protein, low in fat, and contains zero cholesterol.  In fact, the phytonutrients in this salad actually help reduce levels of bad LDL Cholesterol in the body.
Not only is it healthy, it will captivate your senses!  From the tantalizing aromas and beautiful colors, to the subtle play of crunchy and smooth textures, to the delicious flavors tempting your taste buds, healthy eating has never been more delightful.

Quinoa is an ancient grain revered by the Incas as a wonder grain due to its high protein content; quinoa contains all essential amino acids.  Kale is an amazing leafy green typically used as an "inedible" garnish.  Take that Kale out from under your dishes, and get creative with it!  Kale contains high levels of Chlorophyll which is a detoxifying agent and aids in removing toxins and heavy metals from the body, it is high in fiber, it helps increase alkalinity in the body (disease thrives in acidic pH levels), it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and it contains a healthy level of calcium!  You can choose from several varieties, including Dinosaur Kale and Curly Kale.

Lightly cooking the vegetables helps retain all of the valuable phytonutrients and antioxidants; be careful not to overcook.  Shop your weekly farmers markets for the freshest in-season produce in order to support your local farmers and avoid tainted or contaminated produce from commercial suppliers.

Karinna's Captivating Quinoa Kale Salad

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups Quinoa
  • 4 cups pure water or Vegetable Stock
  • 4 stalks Kale, cleaned, de-ribbed, chopped
  • 6-8 large white button Mushrooms, sliced
  • 10 small Brussels Sprouts, quartered
  • 1/2 large white Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt, Pepper to taste
  • diced tomatoes for garnish
Use your favorite organic citrus-ginger dressing, or make your own:
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup water or Vegetable Stock
  • 1/8 cup Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar, with the "Mother"
  • 1/8 cup Tamari or Soy Sauce
  • Juice of 2 Lemons
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated Ginger
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds
First, prepare the quinoa in your rice cooker with the water or vegetable stock.  The quinoa should be ready within 15 minutes.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in the pan.  Sauté the Brussels sprouts for 2 minutes, then add mushrooms, garlic, and onions.  Add a dash of salt & pepper to taste. Once the mushrooms become tender after about 3 minutes, add the Kale and stir. Remove from heat and cover.

Whisk the dressing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl until well-blended and adjust the seasonings according to your taste.

Add the cooked quinoa to the vegetable mix in the skillet and fluff it all together.  Transfer to a container and allow to chill in the refrigerator.  Once you're ready to serve, add the dressing and top with diced tomatoes.

Enjoy living and eating healthy and lean!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

CNN Report: Sustainable Urban Homesteaders


CNN aired this inspiring story recently on the Dervaes family of Pasadena--Urban Homesteaders who live sustainably on their land. I know my neighbors probably wonder why I grow so many vegetables, fruits, and edible flowers in the backyard of my little condo in Southern California, but this family truly inspires me to do even more to live Green!



What could you do to implement some of these sustainable practices?

The Perfect Breakfast in Bed ♥



I love to start my day with something healthy and nutritious! When I think of a healthy breakfast, I think of oatmeal with berries! Oatmeal is a whole grain which the American Heart Association recommends as a great way to reduce cholesterol. Eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast can increase your longevity and quality of life.


Karinna's Breakfast in Bed Oatmeal ♥

3/4 cup whole rolled Oats

1 1/2 cups fresh filtered water

3/4 cup Rice Milk

2 tablespoons Organic Agave Nectar

1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon, powdered

1/2 Banana, sliced

Fresh Berries

Cranberry Raisins


Prepare Oats by soaking in boiling water for 4-5 minutes or microwave if you're short on time. If using microwave, place oats and water in a microwave safe bowl and cook for just under two minutes. Add the Rice Milk, Agave, and Cinnamon and stir. Add fresh fruit and raisins as garnish and place on a tray with a cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice and deliver to your honey in bed and don't forget to Smile!


Enjoy ♥

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

My Sweet & Creamy Avocado Smoothie

There's something about Avocados that makes me crave them in so many different ways! From guacamole, to tortilla soup, to sandwiches and wraps and even smoothies, they go great with just about anything. Avocados are extremely versatile and very nutritious for your body and skin.



You may not think of adding an avocado to your favorite protein shake, but once you taste this recipe, you'll fall in love! This recipe is low-glycemic and contains cinnamon which helps balance Insulin levels as well.

Karinna's Sweet & Creamy Avocado Smoothie



1 large, ripe Hass Avocado.

8 ounces unsweetened Rice Milk

8 ounces pure Coconut Water

4 tablespoons Organic Blue Agave Nectar or Stevia to taste

2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast flakes

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or 1 fresh Vanilla Bean

1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon



Blend all ingredients on high in a blender until smooth. (If using a fresh Vanilla Bean, slice in half length-wise and scrape out the vanilla bean paste.) Garnish with a berry or fresh orchid. Makes 2 servings.


Coconut water is one of the highest natural sources of Potassium and a great way to hydrate. Fortified Nutritional Yeast flakes provide a vegan source of Vitamin B-12.



Get Creative! Add a banana, kale, vegan raw protein powder, or even toss in some berries for more phyto-power.



Enjoy ♥

Friday, April 1, 2011

The Sustainable Family - Starting a Garden

In the wake of the devastating natural disasters occurring around the world, most of us are aware that we must be more prepared for an emergency situation close to home. Wherever you live in the world, natural disasters can strike at any moment with little or no warning, leaving your family vulnerable. Our best defense is to prepare our families and homes and have a plan. Above all our goal should be to become more sustainable.

Sustainability refers to the ability to sustain the use of a resource without depleting that resource permanently; and this includes minimizing the environmental effects of our daily actions.

What does Sustainable mean to you, and what are some ways you can increase your household's Sustainability?

Part one of my Sustainable Family series kicks off with Starting a Garden. There are many reasons to start growing your own fruits & vegetables and plants & flowers. Gardening is therapeutic, raises children's self-esteem and awareness of nature, improves indoor and outdoor air quality, and can provide a family with fresh, pesticide and chemical-free produce. You can start a butterfly garden, a hummingbird garden, an herb garden, or fruit & vegetable gardens.

You'll have to start with an organized plan. Sketch your vision of what your garden will look like, taking into account the amount of sunlight that hits each area of your garden. Some plants will require full sun, and some can use less sun once they have sprouted. If you have children, allowing them to be a part of this process will get them excited about nature and teach them a few things about the world around us.

Things to consider when planning your garden:





  • Place plants in an area with plenty of sunlight, 5 hours a day is ideal,

  • Take into account whether you want bees near your entry doors and plant accordingly,

  • Place Hummingbird and butterfly-attracting flowers near your windows or high-visibility areas,

  • An in-ground garden bed is the easiest way to get started but is harder to tend to and weeds may creep in,


  • A raised-garden bed requires more construction, but is easier to maintain and allows the best soil drainage and accessibility,


  • Inspect your area for burrowing pests, you may need to dig a little deeper and place chicken wire about 16" deep,


  • Plant trees - like fruit trees - 5' or further away from your root vegetables, greens, and herbs,


  • Begin composting now - even if you can't afford the personal composting bins which run about $100.00, you can compost your kitchen and yard waste in a variety of ways - keeping in mind that you need to turn it often, water it, and maintain a proper balance of brown, green, and kitchen waste to maintain the proper 50/50 Carbon/Nitrogen balance. (Home-composting is not only good for your own garden and budget, it is also a great way to be more considerate of the earth by keeping green waste out of landfills)


  • Check your local circulars for the best deals in garden soil and potting soil, and get ready to get dirty.



What to Plant:

Choosing what to plant is one of the funnest parts of the process because you get to choose what kinds of fruits and vegetables you like the most. In my case, I absolutely love all vegetables, so this is easy. Choose a variety of colorful flowers, root vegetables, squash, greens, beans, peas, herbs, berries, and citrus and fruit trees. Some of these, like citrus trees, are easiest to plant when purchased as a tree from the store. But vegetable, flower, herb, and flower seeds sprout quickly and the results are more rewarding.



Themed Gardens

If you'd like to create a Butterfly Garden or Hummingbird Garden here are some of the flowers and plants they prefer:



  • Succulents: like cacti

  • Fruits: currants, gooseberries

  • Red Thistle

  • Manzanita

  • Snapdragon

  • Honeysuckle

  • Sage, Salvia


  • Lilies


  • Fuschias


  • Zinnias


  • Marigolds


  • Verbena, Mint

  • Colorful, bright Red, Pink, Orange clustered blossoms


  • And most importantly, do not use insecticides!


Seeds to sow in early Spring (after last frost date):



  • Peas,

  • Root Vegetables (Carrots, Potatoes, Onions),


  • Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Lettuce, Arugula),


  • Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Asparagus,


  • Cherries & Berries,


  • Parsley, Cilantro, Basil


  • Chiles,


  • Flowers

What you will need:



  • 3 - 6 cubic feet of garden soil (you can start sowing your seeds in small pots first, and will need the garden soil within 4-8 weeks unless you want to sow directly in the ground if you have no pets, or rain in the forecast which can displace your little seeds),


  • 3 - 6 cubic feet of nutrient-rich potting soil mix,


  • small peat pots for starting seeds (you can sow 1-2 seeds in each and transfer straight into the ground within weeks),


  • trays for placing the peat pots while sprouting your seeds,


  • a high-sunlight area to place your seedlings ,


  • a watering can with a soft rain flow.

Sowing your Seeds


Set aside a workspace and fill your pots with potting mix, then place one or two seeds into each pot, making sure you label each and follow instructions on how deep to sow. Smaller seeds, like carrots and onions must be sown at a depth of only 1/4 inch whereas squash and garden beans can be sown deeper, between 1-2 inches deep.


Once you've filled all your pots and covered the seeds with the appropriate amount of soil, carefully water each one without directly pouring a heavy stream of water on them which will displace the seed or uproot a small fragile plant. It is important never to let them dry out completely and also never over-water them. Make sure the pots are placed in an area that gets a lot of sunlight and raised on a planter's table or racks to avoid pets or critters coming in contact with them.


In one to two weeks your greens, peas and beans, herbs, and flower seedlings will start to poke through the soil. Keep them watered, and well-drained. When your plants are about 2-4 inches tall, you can transplant them into your in-ground or raised-bed garden.


Watching your Garden Grow
This is the most exciting part of the process of starting your own garden because watching the beauty of life sprouting through soil and knowing you were responsible for it is extremely rewarding! Children take pride in watching their seedlings grow and will be more likely to eat vegetables and fruits that they grew themselves. Your children can give away potted herbs to their friends or neighbors! You can eat your basil, mint, or cilantro leaves straight from your plants!







Challenges


  • Space: If you have limited space for a garden or live in an urban setting like an apartment or have a small yard, you can still have a productive garden! Window boxes are a great way to grow flowers and even herbs. You can have large potted lettuce gardens or hanging herb gardens as well, and when you move you can take your pots with you!


  • Pests: Organic methods of pest control are best! I recommend using salt and diatomaceous earth for slugs and snails and other crawling insects. Remember that some pests control others so don't kill all the little critters in your garden--I love most of the little spiders, bees, and ladybugs I find in mine. Rodents and burrowing animals are best kept away using chicken wire laid 16" or deeper under your garden bed.


  • Soil: Use a soil test kit to test the pH balance of your soil and mix your soil with garden soil if needed. Most plants need a neutral pH to thrive.

There are so many resources available to you, from your local garden center to the many online how-to guides. You can start your own garden this Spring and begin providing your family with wholesome organically-grown produce and spend quality time together while doing so.

Happy Gardening!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

"Si Se Puede" - Celebrating Cesar Chavez, the Vegan Civil Rights Leader



Today, we honor a man who dedicated his life to fight for the rights of Farm Workers as well as Animals; Cesar Chavez actively protested the use of pesticides in agriculture, and racial and economic discrimination in the industry. Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW).


As a result of Chavez' struggle to help bring about social justice and change, our produce is now harvested and handled by workers who are treated fairly and justly across the country. Our food is now transported safely from the farms to our grocery stores; farm workers have access to restrooms and sanitary conditions; farm workers have clean drinking water in the fields and now have the right to send their children to schools as well as enjoy a break from work. His infamous "Fast" in protest of pesticide use was instrumental in drawing attention to the need for more organically grown produce for the safety of not only the consumers, but also the men and women handling the produce who were being exposed to harmful carcinogens in the fields. Cesar Chavez is truly an inspiration.


Below are a series of quotes by Cesar Chavez as well as a few celebrities who were inspired by him.


"Once social change has begun, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore."

-Cesar Chavez

"Kindness and compassion towards all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people"

-Cesar Chavez

"Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well with others."

-Cesar Chavez


"When the man who feeds the world by toiling in the fields is himself deprived of the basic rights of feeding, sheltering, and caring for his own family, the whole community of man is sick."

-Cesar Chavez


"Our lives are really all that belongs to us, so it is how we use our lives that determines what kind of men we are."

-Cesar Chavez

"We know we cannot be kind to animals until we stop exploiting them--exploiting animals in the name of science, exploiting animals in the name of sport, exploiting animals in the name of fashion, and yes, exploiting animals in the name of food."

-Cesar Chavez


"Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own."

-Cesar Chavez


"I became a vegetarian after realizing that all animals feel afraid, cold, hungry, and unhappy like we do. I feel very deeply about vegetarianism and the animal kingdom. It was my dog who led me to question the right of humans to eat other sentient beings."

-Cesar Chavez


"We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves."

-Cesar Chavez


Quotes about Cesar Chavez:



"When your children and grandchildren take their place in America, going to high school and college, and taking good jobs and good pay--when you look at them you will say, I did this, I was there...at the point of difficulty and danger.

And though you may be bent from many years of hard labor, no man will stand taller than you when you say, 'I marched with Cesar Chavez!'"


- Robert F. Kennedy


"The work of Cesar Chavez is so extraordinary it must not be forgotten. He cared about the plight of workers...and he also was the first to bring our attention to the perils of pesticides. He was a great world leader and fighting the battle of civil disobedience, fasting, and protests that caught the attention of the nation and indeed the world."

-Ed Begley, Jr.


"He gave a voice to everyone that really needed to be understood."


-Edward James Olmos


"Here was a guy who's opinions were created on the job, in the fields, with the people and evoked a spirit and a challenge to all of us to do what is right. There are so few heroes left to us, there are so few people who stand up, who win their freedom personally, who help others win their freedom at a very high price. I can't think of a more inspirational image than the spirit of Cesar Chavez."

-Martin Sheen

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Hennessy Privilége Tamarindo - Delicioso!

Tamarindo is such a delicious culinary treat; for years the tender pulp of the Tamarind fruit has been extracted to make desserts, cakes, candies, and Aguas Frescas. Hennessy Privilége mixologists have created this fabulous cocktail infusing the rich flavors of Tamarindo and Cinnamon with the classic french cognac.
Hennessy Privilége Tamarindo
2 oz. Hennessy Privilége
1.5 oz. Simple Syrup (or 3/4 oz. Agave Nectar)
1 oz. Tamarind Purée
Splash fresh Lime juice
2 oz. Club Soda
Garnish: Brown Sugar and Cinammon mixture to rim the glass and Cinnamon Stick
Pour ingredients (except for club soda) into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled glass rimmed with brown sugar and cinnamon, top with the club soda, and garnish with cinnamon stick.
Disfruta! You can see Karinna on her upcoming Cuisine & Cocktails show on the International TVC Network launching Summer 2011!
♥ *Hennessy Privilége Cognac is a Vegan-Friendly spirit ♥

Monday, February 14, 2011

Kind Flowers - Valentine's Day for the Socially Conscious Lovers

♥ Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

Sending your Valentine flowers is a sweet way to express love and appreciation on Valentine's Day. The most thoughtful gift of all is a bouquet without BLOOD on it.

Did you know that most flowers available from the large florist companies are purchased from third world countries who "employ" women and children and pay substandard wages? In some cases these female workers are abused and even raped and severely mistreated. Personally, I prefer potted flowers that I can keep alive!
However, giving bouquets has become a tradition.
Websites like Fair Trade Resource Network and Rainforest Alliance provide links to valuable information for you to make an informed decision about where to buy your flowers.

A flower is truly beautiful only if pain and abuse was not involved in the trade. Another option is to find a local farm in your area where you can purchase your flowers and know that the workers are treated fairly.

Question Everything! Be informed consumers. Your dollars make a vote each time you spend them! I vote to ensure women and children around the world are treated fairly and earn a decent living. How are you spending your dollars?

♥ Peace and Love this Valentine's Day ♥

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Southern California's Wine Country - A Romantic Destination

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love in Southern California's growing Wine Country region where crisp cool Pacific Ocean breezes meet the warm valley climate creating the ideal conditions which define this region's terroir.

This February 14th, travel off the beaten path to discover a hidden gem nestled in a lush, pristine valley just 2 hours southeast of LA, 45 minutes east of the OC and north of San Diego. Isolated from the stress of rush hour traffic, honking cars, angry drivers, smog infested air, and big city troubles, Southern California's growing Wine Country in the Temecula Valley has become this year's Hottest Destination for lovestruck couples looking for a romantic and peaceful getaway.

From the first date, to the wedding, to the 50th Anniversary, Temecula offers the perfect retreat for lovers. With over 30 boutique wineries, world class resorts & spas, fine dining, hot air balloon rides, golf resorts, dancing, lounges, beer gardens, legendary theatrical plays and musicals, high end shopping, and outdoor recreation, Temecula Valley Wine Country is all inclusive while maintaining the small town atmosphere of Old Town Temecula. Visitors can still walk up to the Old Town Temecula Jail, and almost hear the gunfights that rumbled Old Town Front Street well over one hundred years ago. Boutique shops, Wine Tasting Rooms, and casual or fine restaurants line the streets of Old Town. There is always something fun going on in Temecula.

There is no better way to spoil your Valentine this year, than to take a day trip or vacation to one of California's little known treasures. Temecula Valley's dynamic wine region includes two major wine trails with wine tasting rooms abound: The Rancho Calfornia Road Wine Trail, which is home to several mega wineries, and the smaller but equally impressive De Portola Wine Trail as well as some other great wineries located in the Murrieta Valley and Fallbrook. The Prime shopping district at the Promenade in central Temecula offers high end and boutique shops such as an Apple Store, Coach, Williams Sonoma, Macy's, CHICO's, Pottery Barn and more.

A fabulous romantic getaway destination with plenty of entertainment and fun, the Temecula Valley Wine Country should be on your list of places to visit while traveling to Southern California or escaping from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For more information on all Temecula Valley Wine Country has to offer, please visit Taste of Temecula's links to Things to Do, Dining, Shopping and more.

Cheers!

Here's my latest video from TasteofTemecula.net at Ravioli's Osteria in Murrieta.




Be sure to stop by Babydollz in the Bel Villagio center for sexy lingerie, clubwear, bikinis, and don't forget to treat your sweetheart to a little something naughty from the secret shop in the backroom! Babydollz is giving away a free panty to all my readers who sign up for their email list! Please let them know Karinna sent you and enjoy!


Karinna

Monday, January 31, 2011

Kathy Freston's Veganist will Change Lives!


In 2008, just a few months after I went Vegan overnight, Oprah's 21 day vegan cleanse episode introduced me to Kathy Freston's book Quantum Wellness. In the book, Freston kindly introduces a new way of living incorporating all aspects of health and wellness including a plant-based diet.
Kathy Freston's new book, Veganist, Lose Weight Get Healthy Change the World, will be available in stores tomorrow, and I predict that along with the exposure from Oprah's Vegan Challenge episode airing the same day, it will change lives!

PeTA's Sexy New Superbowl Ad

Warning: Content may not be suitable for meat-eaters of all ages.

PeTA's New Superbowl Ad. I love it, I think it could be shortened a lot for the Superbowl, but if Carl's Jr can show sexy women dripping juicy hamburgers all over themselves, and Go Daddy can show sexy girls fighting, then PeTA should be able to air this commercial! Go behind the scenes here. Go Veg!


Converting Cow Waste into Energy!

Blue Spruce Farms in Vermont uses new technology to convert dairy cow waste into electricity that powers over 400 homes in the community.

As long as people will be eating and drinking animal products, I hope to see more farmers treating their animals humanely and using innovative technologies to be more efficient and help the environment.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Oprah Goes Vegan!

...For One Week!


Karinna Zarate on Vimeo.


That's right, on February 1, 2011, tune into Oprah for an excellent episode highlighting the BENEFITS of Going Vegan. She's not only going Vegetarian, she and 378 of her staff members are making a full Vegan lifestyle shift...for 7 days!!

Oprah will feature Lisa Ling going into a Meat Packing facility, Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma and narrator of the documentary Food Inc, Kathy Freston author of Quantum Wellness, and much more!

I have personally been vegan for 4 years, and the Vegan frenzy is beginning to stir more and more individuals to adopt this kind, compassionate, healthy, green lifestyle.

Thank you Oprah, for focusing on such an important topic which promotes a healthful and peaceful way of life!

♥Kari

Monday, January 17, 2011

Vegan Foodie Adventures in San Francisco


I recently had the pleasure of dining at Michael Mina San Francisco with a few clients in town for the Winter Fancy Food Show. It was absolutely amazing! Visit my Facebook fan page for pictures from our evening.

Look for my Yelp and Citysearch reviews soon!

Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In memory of one of the most inspirational, groundbreaking, and peaceful individuals in our history. Thank you Dr. King. May your message live on and transcend all the unrest and chaos in our society.

Please take a few minutes out of your day, TODAY, to really listen to Dr. King's speech. In 2011, we have a new environment of racial injustice toward hispanic immigrants that MUST be addressed. I dream of a future filled with peace, compassion, and kindness toward all races.



Planting Seeds for a Healthy Future

A Garden in Every Public School in New York City.

This is the Mission of Grow to Learn NYC, an initiative established by the Mayor's Fund and Grow NYC. The program helps establish and promote sustainable gardens in each and every public school in New York City.


Grow to Learn NYC from Grow to Learn on Vimeo.

While planting seeds in the soil, the children will be planting seeds for a healthier future! Children are much more likely to eat healthy fruits and vegetables if they were involved in the growing process.

I hope this program inspires more cities and communities to implement school garden programs!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Living Healthy in the New Year!

Most of us commit to making resolutions in December only to find ourselves off track by February. Some of the most popular resolutions are: exercising more and losing weight, eating less fatty foods or sugar, spending less and saving more, meeting business goals, or quitting unhealthy habits. Affecting change in order for resolutions to improve our lives requires making goals and then taking action!

One of my recommendations for living healthier in 2011, is to implement Meatless Mondays. This is a simple and realistic plan which can make a difference not only in your health and lifestyle, but also makes a positive impact on the environment and peace-promoting efforts.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is an organization founded in 1985 dedicated to promoting preventive medicine, and encouraging higher standards in ethical practices in research. Dr. Neal Barnard, President of PCRM is an advocate of health and provides a 21-day Vegan Kickstart program through the PCRM Website with informative links, articles and medical resources.

Eliminating meat and animal products from your diet can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. If you can't commit to going vegetarian or vegan, start out with Meatless Mondays. A plant-based diet provides all the nutrients you need to live a long, strong, healthy life. Vegan Diets are the healthiest of all, and furthermore, a Vegan diet helps eliminate a wide range of diseases and conditions that affect many people later in life.

Here are just a few examples of what you can eat on Meatless Mondays:

Breakfast

  • Oatmeal with ground flax, cinammon, agave nectar and soy, rice, or almond milk
  • Fresh fruit juices
  • Whole wheat vegan pancakes
  • Berry Smoothies
  • Cereals with soy, rice, or almond milk
  • Breakfast Burritos with veggies and fresh salsa
  • Tofu Scramble

Lunch

  • Veggie wraps made with Vegenaise spread and Tofurky deli 'meats'
  • Tempeh 'tuna-style' salad
  • Portabello Mushroom or Boca Veggie Burgers with spinach, spring mix, tomatoes and avocado slices

Dinner

  • Pasta with veggie-packed Marinara
  • Gardein chik'n fajitas, spanish rice, black beans, salsa y guacamole
  • Quinoa stir fry with bok choy, bean sprouts, and Teriyaki Tofu
  • Vegetable Sushi Handrolls made with brown rice
  • Potato and chicken style seitan enchiladas

Live Smart, Live Healthy!

May you meet all your goals in the New Year!

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