Monthly Archives: April 2019

The Abortion Pill

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Just as with any type of medications there are the pros and cons and possible side effects.

I’ve never been pregnant but I’m pretty sure any woman who ever considered the thought of an abortion would prefer to have a safe and legal procedure that was both non drastic and the most convenient for them.

Abortion is a controversial issue among many people, nevertheless, a woman has the right to choose what is best for her and to decide over her own body.

Unlike the emergency contraception or morning after pill that can prevent a pregnancy before it starts or from within about five days of indulging in unprotected sexual activity the abortion pill is different.

The emergency contraception pills will not injure or bring to an end a pregnancy that is already in motion and some are available without a prescription.

The abortion pill will terminate an early pregnancy for up to thirteen weeks at the most as the medications could result an incomplete finish due to the maturation of an embryo after that specific time period.

These particular abortion pills legally available through health centers aren’t that medically advanced yet therefore any later stage of pregnancy would call for a surgical abortion.

It may be a disappointment and unfortunate circumstance for those at further terms of gestation to have such a limited option of convenient measure to bring a means to an end.

With all the progress that is being made within research and study there may very well be a suitable or proper solution in the very near future.

Peanut, Nut Allergy, And Vegan Protein

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I love peanuts I just ate a bag last night the Hampton Farms roasted in the shell brand that I’ve been eating for years. They’re a vegan, gluten-free, and non gmo product.

I also love cashews, pecans, and walnuts but I know what it’s like to love food that you can’t eat because it could result in an allergic reaction. I had to limit my intake of walnuts due to the fact of eating too many gave me a terrible back pain and nausea. I had even vomited. That happened back when I was a teenager I haven’t eaten any walnuts since.

There are those whose allergic reaction to specific foods would result in much worse of a consequence sometimes even serious enough to cause death and they have to take extra special care in watching what they eat.

For those allergic to peanuts there is a substitute all natural Wow Butter spread made from plant based ingredients. I’ve actually tried the product myself which contains absolutely no hydrogenated oils. It even has more protein than peanut butter. The only thing is I wish the consistency was a little thicker and stiffer because when I packed the butter on my toast and bread it would drip over, it’s a little bit on the runny side which makes it a little messy if not careful otherwise it is a real neat product.

I’ve listed below a notice from the company website:

 

WOWBUTTER Ingredients are NON-GMO Verified (https://wowbutter.com/ingredients)

From our family to yours…we are proud to produce our WOWBUTTER using only ALL NATURAL ingredients that are all derived from Non-Genetically Modified plants.

Whole Toasted Soy: The soybeans used to produce the Toasted Soy in WOWBUTTER are from identity preserved NON-Genetically Modified soybeans grown exclusively in Canada and/or the United States and are planted, harvested, transported, stored, conditioned and packaged in such a manner so as to minimize the risk of contamination from other soybean varieties. Our soybean supplier is certified with Identity Preserved Recognition Plus HACCP that ensures identity and NON-Genetically Modified preservation. In addition, all raw soybeans are tested for the presence of Genetic Modification prior to unloading at our facility using the EnviroLogix™ QuickStix™ Kit for Roundup Ready® Bulk Soybeans, which has a sensitivity of 0.1%. Any soybeans that fail the Genetic Modification strip test are rejected.

Pressed Soy Oil: The oil used in WOWBUTTER is a fully refined naturally pressed soy oil derived from Soybeans that have NOT been Genetically Modified from USA origin. We retain documentation and confirmation from our oil supplier confirming that the soy oil we purchase is NOT Genetically Modified. The supplier is certified by The NON-GMO Project that ensures identity and NON-Genetically Modified preservation.

Cane Sugar: A little cane sugar is added to compliment the natural sugar already found in Soy. The cane sugar used is derived from raw sugar cane sources and suppliers that do not grow Genetically Modified varieties. Documentation from the supplier is kept on file to indicate the NON-Genetic Modification status of the sugar.

Palm Oil: A tiny amount of Palm Oil is added to WOWBUTTER to help prevent oil separation. The origin of the palm oil that is used comes from sources that have NOT been Genetically Modified. Documentation from the supplier is kept on file to indicate the NON-Genetic Modification status of the Palm Oil. Furthermore, the palm oil is sourced sustainably from a supplier that is part of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Sea Salt: A pinch of Sea Salt is added. There is no Genetic Modification done on sea salt.

In Summary: We are committed to ensuring that all ingredients used in the production of WOWBUTTER are derived from ingredients of NON-GMO origin and that they will continue maintain the NON-GMO status. We further verify the NON-GMO status with 3rd party testing completed every 3 months for GMO’s at an accredited lab. Test results are available on our website or upon request.

Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Mind, Body, And Spirit

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Food (any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and growth).

Our mind and spirit also need to be fed just as well as our bodies.

Harmonic alignment within personal environment promotes physical comfort, mental stimulation, and a spiritual peace which creates balance.

It is not about what is so-called normal as much as it is about what is healthy when going about individual well-being and how a person obtains fulfillment.

If we don’t pick out and wear the correct fit within accordance to our own specific foot size in proportion to area to breathe we just make the walk unnecessarily hard to bear.

 

Milk And Cereal

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I just got finished eating four cups of dairy- free Silk alternative vanilla yogurt a few hours ago earlier this morning after I got home.

The product is so delicious. The vanilla beans are visibly mixed in with a satisfying flavor that doesn’t get boring.

I love the consistency of the product such a perfect smooth thick texture when stirred.

I hadn’t  purchased any in a while had to pick some up today along with a container of Silk vanilla soy milk that I ran out of to go along with my creamy wheat Bob’s Red Mill Farina that I eat at any time of the day.

Sometimes I’ll mix it with a portion of the Bob’s Red Mill Oat Bran those two hot cereals taste good cooked together over the stove blended in with a little brown sugar and ginger.

 

 

 

 

Just One Of Those Things

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For the most part, and in general, if one treats their body right their body will in return do unto them the same wonderful favor, and depending on how well, one may often receive the most optimal of health benefits.

In certain instances, however, there are those that heavily drink alcohol, heavily smoke, and don’t eat nutritionally that live on to have long fair (mediocre, okay, or so-so) lives without any serious health conditions. Whereas those who make a significant effort to take care of themselves sometimes fall short when it comes to major health problems and living great yet shorter lives.

For some, the circumstances are determined by genetics, environment, injury, health insurance, or fate-just a form of good or bad luck it seems when it comes to the unexplainable.

North Shore Animal League

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For us canine lovers our pets health matters too.

Aside from other puppies that were given to me by family associates when I was a child  all together I had adopted three puppies from North Shore Animal League on three separate occasions.

I adopted a seven to eight week old puppy in the year of 1986 from North Shore Animal League.

It was one of the happiest days of my life. I was ten years old.

The shelter gave us free dog food, bowl, leash, coupons for more food, and future appointments to periodically get our pet her free shots.

It was totally free to adopt a cat or dog from North Shore Animal League back then.

There was no out-of-pocket cost for anything.

Seven to eight years later in 1994 my dog came down with a serious life threatening bacteria infection called Pyometra (a result from my dog not having been spayed a veterinarian had acknowledged to me and my family).

At the time we didn’t have the money that it cost to pay for our beloved pet’s operation.

As a last resort, we called up North Shore and explained our dire situation. They told us to bring in our dog’s adoption papers and that they would conduct her surgery for free, and indeed they did.

They said all that mattered was saving our dogs life.

All they asked for in return was if we could one day send them a donation to contribute to help out the other animals.

This was such a nice act of kindness and a blessing given unto us.

It’s a different day and age now but I still remember after all of these years how caring and helpful the staff members and volunteers of that time were at North Shore toward our beloved pet, and toward her total well-being.

If it weren’t for their shelter we would have lost her.

She lived a life of seventeen full years.

 

Lifestyle

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People that observed me, especially many within my work environment, have stated to me and others that “I eat very healthy”.

Even those who hadn’t been around me very long would mention and make reference to how I take care of myself.

It’s just the way I’ve always been at one time in my youth I had the desire to become a dietitian. My mother had even purchased a professional medical book on the subject to get me more informed and prepared if that was the field I decided to actually go into.

During my teenage years when my mother purchased my first Hamilton Beach juicer, not too long after, she bought me a book on juicing that included tons of detail and facts about fruits, vegetables, vitamins and how they utilize and how our constitutions benefit from them, and more.

My mother was always supportive and encouraging toward whatever I wanted to do.

Well-being is what’s in and it is delightful to point that out.

When I go to Whole Foods down at 59th Columbus Circle in Manhattan, New York that place is constantly packed with people spending a small fortune on a host of befitting items. And I have been shopping at Whole Foods from time to time for years now.

Yesterday, I had a great tasting meal of white rice and beans with a savory sauce.

I like to put my own creative ideas together.

Later today, before I head to work, I’m going to prepare and fix myself a few plates of thin spaghetti noodles dressed in onion, garlic, oregano, rosemary, basil, a little pepper, and olive oil.

My Killer Muffins

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Dave’s killer bread products are one of the healthiest on the market and the only primary bread that I purchase for myself.

There is also an interesting back story about how Dave’s Killer Bread developed.

The breads are organic, whole grain, vegan, and non gmo project verified.

I love the classic organic whole grain english muffins and organic whole grain plain bagels.

When I prepare my muffins I split them, sprinkle garlic, onion, oregano and rosemary on them, drip olive oil on them and toast them in the toaster oven!

American Flatbread Vegan Harvest Pizza

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I travel frequently around New York through my occupation in the health care field.

When I worked In Manhasset, New York I’d stop off at a Whole Foods that was located in the area before going to my job or heading on home.

This particular market is a nice size but not large as the ones I’ve visited within other areas.

One day I stopped off, wheeled a cart through the aisles waiting for anything in particular to jump out and catch my eye, then I spotted the American Harvest Vegan Flatbread Pizza that I had read about online.

My local Stop and Shop carry’s the American Harvest Flatbread pizza just not the vegan kind so it had been hard for me to find.

I had been looking for a non dairy pizza for some time because most imitation cheese won’t cut it for me. I haven’t tried too many, however, the few I did sample wasn’t appealing at all.

The Field Roast creamy original vegan chao slices were the only brand to come close to the real thing with a suitable taste. To me, It was on the style of swiss cheese when it came to flavor. I only purchased that once upon a time, though.

The Daiya cheese slices were disgusting to me that is why I was so surprised when I bit into the vegan harvest pizza (as I read on a later produced box daiya was mentioned as the source of alternative cheese texture).

I must have had a different version of the daiya, maybe the mozzarella shreds are better or more tolerable than the cheddar slices.

Anyhow, I brought home four boxes of the pizza. It tasted like a delicious appetizer. The regular price is usually around $7 a box in the frozen food aisle.

I’ve caught it on sale a couple of times and stocked up on them. I can eat the whole cute pie all by myself!

American Flatbread Vegan Harvest pizza is preservative free and GMO free! Here is a list of the ingredients:

Ingredients: crust: 100% organically grown wheat, good mountain water, organic wheat bran, kosher salt, fresh yeast. toppings: tomato sauce (organic tomatoes, fresh organic onions, fresh organic carrots, fresh organic celery, organic garlic, organic red wine, organic maple syrup, organic extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, fresh organic herbs, organic black pepper, organic red pepper flakes), vegan mozzarella style shreds (filtered water, tapioca starch, coconut oil, non-gmo expeller pressed: canola and/or safflower oil, vegan natural flavors, sea salt, potato protein isolate, tricalcium phosphate, lactic acid (vegan), whole algal flour, konjac gum, xanthan gum, yeast extract), fresh parsley, herbs, kosher salt. Contains: wheat.*

 

 

 

 

Pure Fruit Juice

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There are quite a few good juices on the market to choose from.

What I look for in particular is all natural fruit/plant derived ingredients with no added sugars.

I’ve often purchased the Honest Kid’s Organic juices packs. The juice now comes in 59-ounce plastic bottles. I noticed that the ingredients to the larger size container differed a little compared to the pouches and small boxed juices.

I wanted to purchase the product but was concerned about the “natural flavors” listed on the label. So I called up the company while at the supermarket.

The representative put me on hold but was unable to give me an immediate response and I was too impatient at the time to wait to receive an email from customer service as I was ready to make a purchase.

So I went for the Apple and Eve Organics. I purchased four containers, two of the Apple and two of the orange pineapple flavors. I’ve already been purchasing their 100% apple juice for my mom.

Apple and Eve also are forthcoming and explain where their natural flavors are sourced from:

“Our Organics line of juices contains only certified organically grown fruits. The fruits in our other juices, while not organically grown, do not contain any detectable pesticide residues.

Pesticides are either not being used on the fruit we purchase or the vigorous washing and scrubbing process they receive leaves no detectable residue.

Natural flavors contain the natural essences, extractives, essential oils, distillates and proteins derived from the fruit. They do not contain MSG or any artificial ingredients”.

All of Apple and Eve’s juice are Non GMO:

“No.We do not use any ingredients that have been produced through biotechnology.”

So I felt more comfortable and confident in choosing the product and I was not at all disappointed. The juices were so delicious, especially when served icy cold.

I also love Dole brand products. Their pineapple juice is 100% natural and non gmo.

Hearty Meals

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Most of my family and people who I know are meat eaters and I’m fine with that. To each his or her own.

Everyone isn’t cut out to be vegan, vegetarian, or polo pescetarian (one able to eat chicken and seafood through a modified vegetarian diet yet strictly does not eat any form of red meat or pork).

My mother loves her burgers and pork chops!

We come from a family of farmers from down south Halifax, Virginia where my great-grandmother (my mother’s mother’s mother) and her husband and children would produce and sell their own original goods.

Born into a bloodline of hardworking southern cooks who genuinely dolled up and prepared healthy, nutritious, hearty meals that well-fed the entire household put a stamp on what we was accustomed to and till this day there is no exception.

As long as my mother eats healthy I’m happy for her and just make sure to pick out quality choices when I do the grocery shopping.

Just because an item is labelled vegan/vegetarian doesn’t at all mean that it is necessarily good or nutritious.

My mother does love some of my vegan and vegetarian selections though and agrees that their better than the other traditional products in certain areas. And a few have become her favorites!

 

Bob’s Red Mill

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I love cornbread and corn muffins but a lot of corn products on the market are made with genetically modified organisms and I’m not fond of that at all.

I’d also prefer a cornbread mix that is prepared without any dairy, beef, or lard derivatives and also one without any artificial and harsh unpronounceable additives.

So I was excited when I came across Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free corn bread mix because the gluten-free version didn’t have any thing listed in the ingredients that I wasn’t able to eat from what I read on the bag.

Bob’s Red Mill is a brand that I purchase regularly.

I brought home two bags of the cornbread mix. I happened to check on their website before I attempted to make any cornbread and noticed that under the advertising of the product there was no “vegan” acknowledgement.

There was the statements assuring that the mix was gluten-free and kosher, but that was it.

So I got curious and called up the company and explained my concern and they told me that the vegan statement wasn’t listed due to the sugar probably being processed through bone char.

That explained it! It hadn’t dawned on me about the sugar.

In return, I was reimbursed for the $12 dollars that I had spent on the cornbread mixes.

I expected to receive a check in the mail but instead I received a ten-dollar bill along with two ones and a professional letter from Bob’s Red Mill company.

I appreciated the gesture.

Alternative Plant Based Yogurt

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I was a kid when I first tasted yogurt back in the eighties. I wasn’t crazy about it back then and never became a fan of the product.

I also didn’t like strawberries as a child but sometimes as life goes on our taste buds change and as I got older I came to love what I now consider a delicious piece of fruit.

It was Dannon and Light and Lively yogurt that was popular when I was coming up and I didn’t like the particles of fruit mixed in with the dairy blend.

Last year, as I shopped at Target I saw a display of Silk dairy free vegan alternative yogurt all on sale. It was something new in their line of products.

I’ve already been hooked on their vanilla and organic vanilla soy milk for a while now so I was curious to try out these desserts.

I bought the vanilla, peach mango, and pineapple flavors and they were all delicious!

I don’t make a habit out of eating them but I take advantage of the fact that it is a tasty product made for vegans-and of course, non gmo that I can eat happily.

The item is always sold out at one of my neighborhood groceries, especially the vanilla. You have to grab it when you see it!

Luckily I don’t have to go too far to find it elsewhere.

I’ve also tried the Forager project vanilla cashew yogurt made with organic plant-based ingredients.

What attracted me to the product was their company’s stance on contributing to the betterment of our planet through promoting a more natural way of living to keep us healthier and more sustainable according to what I’ve read up on at their website.

However, their alternative yogurt was a bit on the watery side for me, just my opinion, but cheers to what they set out to accomplish and the options they have made available to us vegans, vegetarians and health fanatics.

Candle Cafe

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I don’t like eating out at restaurants. I use to go a lot when I was in my twenties, however, now I’m more cautious about where and what I eat.

Two years ago while I worked the overnight shift in Manhattan I ordered from a strictly vegan restaurant called “Candle Cafe”.

A lady had told me about it when I mentioned to her my finicky eating habits. She told me her friends liked the place and said that their dishes was good.

I looked through a menu and googled some reviews before I took a chance then tried the place out for my self.

Though I never actually visited the restaurant that was located just a few blocks away from where I worked, I had my order delivered.

The very first time I purchased steamed broccoli, corn, and potato wedges which I enjoyed.

The second time I bought the same thing.

On the third occasion I dug into a Seitan burger loaded with tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, cashew cheese and tempeh bacon, and it was delicious and filling.

It was my very first “real” veggie/meatless burger!

I once purchased a black bean soy veggie burger at the grocery that didn’t even compare to that seitan blast, other than that I had never had a meatless burger before.

(I also had my first meatless soy meatballs in a spicy sauce from the hot food bar at whole foods a few months ago and they were great. Better than what I expected.)

The second time I ordered the Seitan burger I tried the zucchini fries along with it but my taste buds couldn’t tolerate them so I just stuck with the potato wedges instead.

I love zucchini prepared in other ways, though.

The burger was expensive, about $13 dollars I think it may be $18 now depending on the platter. It has been two years since I’ve ate from them.

I had read a lot of good reviews about Candle Cafe I never got to try the Chimichurri citrus herb seitan skewers that I’ve heard about but from my own experience yet the food was pretty good.

Candle Cafe has three different locations within Manhattan, New york.

Vegan Sweet Treats

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I’m not a big sweets eater but I do at times acquire a taste for some treats.

I love Dr. Lucy’s cookies. I have been eating them for a while now, in fact she is the only brand of vegan cookie that I’ll eat so far.

I’ve tried the lemon, oatmeal, ginger and cinnamon flavors. The lemon and oatmeal are my favorites the ginger is not gingery enough for me but I love what goes into each batch of goodness.

All natural sources and dairy free. A vegan gluten-free non gmo verified product.

The cookies include garbanzo beans, chickpeas, sorghum, fava and other acceptable ingredients that I agree with.

 

 

 

Certified Cereal

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I’m not into eating morning breakfast. I just eat when I get hungry yet I do like breakfast foods that I’d eat at any time of the day if or when I get a taste for it.

As I’m a very picky eater I just don’t eat any type of breakfast food that is on the market. I look out for certain things along with quality.

I tried two dry cereals by “One Degree” organic food brand a year or two ago. I bought a box of the sprouted brown rice crisps and the sprouted ancient maize flakes.

I ate the rice crisps in a bowl with soy milk and the flakes right out of the box as a snack.

I loved that the product wasn’t sugary.

I feel more comfortable and at ease eating from companies that make an effort to cater to those of us out there with special diets or meal plans. For me its been a way of life for a long time now and I’ll keep up with being choosy.

I haven’t bought anymore of the cereal since because I’m not a big cold cereal person but I would buy the product again if I get the taste for it.

I also picked up a pouch of the sprouted vanilla chia granola when it was on sale two for the price of one at my local Stop and Shop.

Love that One Degree specializes in transparent nutritional and beneficial ingredients by farmers and taking special care within the environment.

I also love that their labels have some of what I look out for such as the Non GMO project verified, the USDA organic seal, and even though I don’t have a problem with gluten they’re certified gluten-free and Bio Checked Non Glyphosate certified.

So there’s to happy healthy eating for those that like One Degree products or who’d like to try it out.

The company also offers veganic ancient and other variety breads, sprouted oats, organic sprouted flours, organic lentils, kernels and seeds.

The Journey Begins

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Thanks for joining me!

“As I love different types of music including contemporary jazz. To me, music is one of the most beautiful “instrumental tunes” on the earth.

Everyone can find variety in selection and entertainment, so full of pizzazz! -excerpts taken from my one of my other owned blog post also titled Authentic Expression!” (https://misslatoya.wordpress.com/2016/01/13/authentic-expression/)

Pizzazz I state in the reflection of Vigorous spirit; energy and/or excitement. Along with that corresponding reflection of flair: A special or instinctive aptitude or ability for doing something well!

Right now I want to take my high-spirited/bubbly nature and get excited about what I in my own words have a “Jazzy pizzazz” for, and that is food!

Good eating, Good living, Good well-being.

Welcome to my blog that focuses on Mind, body, and spirit. Specifically maintaining the beauty and vibrance of the “Temple” the shell of our bodies. And to me, one of the most pleasing to the senses is what comes in the form of grub!

Who isn’t tempted by various selective foods that look good, smell good, taste good-and better yet that is good for you!

I am no expert chef just a health nut one with over thirty years now of being a vegetarian to strict vegan, a vitamin junkie, a cautious investigator of what is being put into our foods and very particular about ingredients and the preparations in which our foods undergo.

I’m into non GMO, a lot of organic products, sugars that do not undergo the process of bone char filtering, real olive oil that displays both harvest and expiration dates and that is quality seal certified, and so on.

I’m the food police and food criminal as I inspect, arrest, and consume!