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.

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

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!

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!