Category Archives: Vegetarian

Breyers New All-Vanilla Non Dairy Ice Cream🍦

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Over the weekend, when I was in New Hyde Park, New York I went looking to purchase a half a gallon of Breyers Non-Dairy Vanilla and Peanut butter Swirl.

To my disappointment there were not any containers of the dessert stocked at all inside of the freezer for me to take on the way home.

Instead- to my surprise- was a load of new completely Vanilla-flavored Breyers Non-Dairy gallons of ice cream located on the shelves.

Breyers finally produced an all-Vanilla dairy-free alternative frozen dessert as I had long hoped for.

Despite the pleasantness I felt after thoroughly checking the ingredient list and nutritional facts on the item I was not too satisfied.

I left the Non-Dairy Breyers in the freezer to freeze by itself.

I am still curious of how the new product taste though.

 

“Bean Me Up!”

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Rice is a grain I have loved and never tired from.

Of course, there are times when I take a break from eating rice though I am one who can constantly eat this grain on a routine schedule.

I am a lover of beans too and incorporate these plant-based gems into my diet quite frequently.

I like to mix things up a bit.

For a long time now, I have purchased Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup mixture of fresh dried beans.

I buy the 13 bean Jack Rabbit brand of beans regularly also.

There are rich, hearty servings of navy beans, black beans, red beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, great northern beans, kidney beans, baby lima beans, large lima beans; black-eyed peas, yellow split peas, green split peas; and brown and red lentil beans.

Altogether they are extremely high sources of fiber and protein in a daily, or weekly meal.

I crave my rice and beans and they satisfy my hunger pains.

 

 

 

Skins

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The fleshy parts of fruits and vegetables are extremely healthy, but the edible skins of certain fruits and vegetables are even more beneficial to health.

The skin of potatoes, apples, cucumbers, zucchini and more contain richer amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

I love eating baked potatoes with their peels on.  

Just be sure to know which fruit and vegetable skins are suitable to eat and those that are not.

 

All Fried Out

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Shit! Excuse my language- or should I say excuse my “French?”

My mouth waters in memory just to think about it. Those crispy fried potatoes- golden, steaming hot, salty or unsalted

I use to be a French fry-acholic during my teenage and early adulthood.

I was hooked on French fries.

I stopped a long while back as I cut down on fried foods period. I never ate too much fried food frequently to begin with, though I would sometimes indulge heavily at times on certain things that I enjoyed to eat.

I was informed during early adulthood how fried foods could harden arteries yet that did not stop me from consuming those yummy fries. I took the warning seriously I just was not able to resist my favorite so-called junk food.

I was already limited in what I ate as I was a vegan/vegetarian.

A day came when the desire for French fries subsided. Then once in a while I would get the urge to peel, cut and fry my own, or go buy a frozen bag from the supermarket.

Nowadays, even though I may sometimes hunger for a fry, I do not even try.

Luckily, I am within good health, far from any heart disease and I would like to keep it that way.

I have always eaten pretty healthy and nutritiously but there are always specific foods we should be careful of and eat within moderation if not at all after a while.

Watch the fried foods, refined sugars, saturated fats and other harmful, no-good additives and ingredients.

 

 

Relief In The Bathroom

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You do not have to spend an eternity or eventually die on the toilet from a strenuous or relentless effort to relieve yourself of fecal elimination.

Bowel movements can be very difficult at times with constipation and bowels that sometimes feel confined within the intestines, refusing to come out. It often makes one feel bloated or uncomfortable.

I cured my occasional constipation issues a long time ago with Turmeric.

When I was in my twenties, I pooped three times a day with no problem. If I would eat too much starch here and there, I had to deal with the strain of emptying my bowels. From time to time or once in a while I would get a high level of constraint or restriction with a pronounced lack of ease or no ease at all. It is then that I had to take serious action. I was in my thirties when this circumstance had taken place.

Constipation is usually associated with hardened feces or large ones with softness in texture unable to thoroughly pass through the rectum completely.

When I had my severe constipation years ago where I had to literally take my finger and hand to dig out the doo-doo, I put an end to the condition by fortunately coming across Turmeric. Even after I had stopped consuming the curcuma longa supplements, I didn’t have a problem with excretion until once more years following.

Aside from Turmeric, the second most simple solution is to just consume more high fiber foods into your diet. At least that was and is the other remedy for me.
A lot of my favorite foods happen to be fiber-rich and I go to the bathroom very frequently and with total ease and relaxation.

The fact that I have been a vegan/vegetarian for thirty-three years may contribute to my healthy digestive system, although fiber and/or Tumeric can and will do great wonders for anyone who properly balances them within their daily lifestyle.

So, gulp down copiously on healthy fruits, vegetables, seeds, beans/legumes and grains that are heavily loaded with beneficial fiber. Your body not only will be producing comfort in the bathroom, but satisfactory within overall health as well.

Fiber and Turmeric both do a body well.

You can safely and naturally choose one or the other, or both, according to one’s own different personal need, preference, and/or bodily toleration.

Healthy Fats

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I love peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts. The only thing about the walnuts is that I was kind of allergic to them.

Nuts are very nutritious and good for health the only drawback is that they all have to be eaten in moderation. Too much of these fats eaten too often can raise unhealthy cholesterol levels due to their high calorie density although they are a naturally vegan food and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Nuts are a great source of unsaturated fat but they are also high in fats altogether. A well-proportioned diet of nuts occasionally or in a small daily amount depending on the individual can lower or control blood cholesterol levels and support a healthy heart among other things. Like I said, though, be careful not to overdo it.

Nuts are delicious and we can get carried away eating them.

 

Oatmeal

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Ever since childhood I’ve been a fan of oats/oatmeal ingredients. I loved oatmeal cookies and oatmeal granola.

Now as an adult I’ve developed the taste for hot oatmeal cereal. I didn’t like oatmeal for breakfast growing up. When a lady where I worked at offered and made me a bowl months ago I was hooked.

Wheat farina is what I was raised up on and loved. Then, once I had gotten older and experimented with hot oat bran cereal I no longer desired the farina, and now that I have sampled hot oatmeal again in my latter years I don’t really want anymore of the oat bran cereal too often.

One of my aunts loves oat meal too, she’s always been a fan of the breakfast cereal, though. I fix her a bowl or two just about every day. She eats the instant. I don’t care for the instant oatmeal I eat steel cut oats and mix it in with extra thick rolled oats when I cook them, and those steel cut oats make the cereal all so delicious.

I don’t need or eat my oatmeal with any additives. I boil the oats with water without the use of sugar, milk (vegan) or fruit as the choice is just my preference.

 

 

Rice And Beans

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Whether it’s kidney, pinto, white, navy, lima (green in particular), green (string beans), peas (black-eyed) or green (string beans) beans are a wonderful tasting high-protein food. They taste great alone or enhanced by other combined meals.

The most complimenting dish, of course, is the many variety of rice and bean preparations.

White, yellow, brown or red (mixed with tomato sauce) rice specifically dressed and spiced up in numerous flavorings set those beans and peas off fantastically, especially when beans and peas create a saucy textured gravy/infusion to additional combination foods when cooked to an extended tender.

 

 

Vegan Pasta With Broccoli

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Broccoli has always been one of my all-time favorite’s food. I love broccoli with rice, broccoli with shrimp, and broccoli with spaghetti noodles dressed in garlic, olive oil and oregano.

When I first tasted vegetarian lasagna many years ago, I loved every bite of it. As a pasta lover, having the dish prepared with broccoli just added a further appeal to me. The broccoli had taken the place of the meat usually included within traditional lasagna.

Ziti is another favorite pasta dish of mine and the noodles covered, packed, and melted in vegan cheese is just a wonderful satisfaction to my taste-buds.

Vegetable, Pasta, And Grain Meal Preparations

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I had white rice and corn last night for dinner. I love rice and corn!

I sautéed the corn in a lovely sweet and tangy dressing before covering it over the rice. Corn tastes so good mixed in with rice; peas, beans, and broccoli also go delectably well with all types of rice.

Vegetables bring out the best in rice and I don’t normally eat my rice cooked with salt either. The vegetables themselves usually give my rice its own nice complimentary flavor.

Vegetables bring out the best in many other dishes too.

Vegan/vegetarian lasagna is also an inviting meal that could include broccoli and whatever other vegetables of choice that may add to a fabulous dinner. Lasagna pasta crafted and baked with broccoli, shrimp, and vegan cheese is another great idea for the ever-tempting appetite!

Some individuals even like spinach or numerous other types and blends of vegetables and/or tidbits in their vegan or vegetarian lasagnas.

Grains, pastas and vegetables are such great combination foods when designed together effectively.

Pickles Delicious!

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I never liked pickle chips in any type of burger or sandwich or alone for that matter, but I always loved kosher dill pickle spears by themselves.

They were also so good to eat on the side while eating a hero sandwich; crispy potato chips always went well with a sandwich too.

Anyhow, over the weekend, my mother opened up a jar of pickles that I had bought from my local stop & shop a few weeks ago. They’d been inside the refrigerator all of this time nice and cold.

I found these particular pickles in the vegan/organic aisle of the supermarket and I could tell by the packaging and by the look of the pickles that they were of good quality. I wanted to pick up a jar for my mother also, yet there was only one jar of spears left. The others on the shelf were the pickle chips and my mother liked pickle chips but not to eat alone as a snack, so I was only able to purchase one jar of this specific brand. I just decided that my mother and I would share them.

This was my very first time ever buying these organic Woodstock brand and I must say that these kosher dill pickle spears were extremely delicious. I couldn’t stop eating them. I love them! These pickles are on the expensive side $6.99; however, they were well worth the money!

Since I was a child, I had always loved raw cucumbers. I use to go and pick our own home grown ripe cumbers from our backyard that my grandmother had planted, peel them, and sprinkle a little salt on them. Cucumbers/pickles are such a naturally healthy treat.

Here are the list of contents within the Woodstock brand:

Ingredients: Organic cucumbers, water, organic distilled vinegar, salt, calcium chloride, organic garlic chips, organic dill weed oil, organic gum arabic, organic natural spice flavors, xanthan gum.

 

 

Tea And Milk

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I love tea with milk, I use to drink the beverage this way frequently in my younger days.

I don’t drink tea too often right now, currently, lately I haven’t ingested any of those beneficial brewed leaves.

I don’t remember the last time I had a hot cup, although, I do have unopened boxes of herbal teas lingering around my home waiting to be consumed.

It’s been months back I think since I’ve had tea and It has definitely been a few years since I’ve actually had black tea. I avoid caffeine as much as possible so if I drink any regular tea it is very sparingly.

Herbal tea is, of course, naturally caffeine free, and even though black tea comes decaffeinated there is still a little remainder of caffeine left behind in the manufacturing.

However, tea with milk will always be a great favorite of mine, whether with a plant-based milk or with a plant-based cream.

There was a So Delicious brand french vanilla (my favorite flavor) creamer that I first tried last year. I drank the beverage straight out from the container with a straw. It was nice, cold, and tasty, so I know how good the drink would taste poured in a hot cup of tea. It was made with coconut milk.

 

Curry Rice And Chicken

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Last night I colored my rice with curry powder, not too much, because I’m not fond of food too spicy, just enough to give my rice a nice yellow tint.

I added some rosemary, basil, and thyme, then boiled a separate pot of two chicken thighs lightly salted and peppered.

I like my chicken, shrimp, and fish once in a while as I predominantly eat vegan.

Last night I ate pollo pescetarian and I healthily enjoyed myself.

Spaghetti, I’m Ready!

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The night before last, I made two delicious pots of spaghetti with garlic, basil, oregano, and tomato sauce.

I just love spaghetti, I buy the thin spaghetti, and I break my noodles up small.

It’s been a while since I had tomato sauce over my spaghetti as I like to change things up a bit with my food as I experiment with flavor and recipe.

Lately, I’ve been sprinkling herbs and spices over my noodles then dressing my dish in olive oil or plant butter.

I love my spaghetti noodles mixed with shrimp on occasion.

Sandwiches And Cold Cuts

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I was up and about early yesterday morning trotting around in Manhattan, New York

I had gotten my hands on a heated, cutely packaged, and healthily prepared sandwich.

The roasted onion, garlic, tomato, kale, olive oil and mozzarella melted on chicken layered inside of hero bread was what I picked out to bring as a treat home to my mother.

She praised the sandwich. “It’s on the style of a vegetarian type of sandwich”, she had said to me after eating the food.

My mom loves her sandwiches and I often inspire her to eat healthy.

I buy her boar’s head cold cuts to put on whole wheat bread or the stonefire brand of roasted garlic naan flatbread I introduced her to, though, I’ve never actually eaten the product myself.

I have an eye for what I know she’d probably like and she really enjoyed the flatbread so I continued to get it for her from time to time.

I always read ingredients before making a purchase, however, my mother isn’t as picky as I am when it comes to certain food, and she isn’t vegan, vegetarian, or pollo pescetarian, but she does like vegan and vegetarian dishes.

What I appreciate about boar’s head is they don’t use animal rennet for their cheese only vegetable rennet.

They also have an organic non gmo selection of natural crafted cold cuts to choose from. I purchased the “Simplicity” mild cheddar cheese and roasted turkey breast once.

 

Yellow Rice With Herbs And Spices

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I cooked and ate three plates of yellow rice that I prepared earlier this afternoon.

I colored white rice naturally with turmeric spice. I added oregano, cumin, thyme, parsley, garlic, onion and plant butter to boil along with the rice to give it a flavor.

I didn’t put in any salt as some may prefer.

The yellow rice came out nice to my liking I love all kinds of rice anyway, even plain white rice. Brown rice tastes good too if seasoned and crafted well.

Next time I am going to mix some vegetables along with the dish. Green peas, corn, and broccoli taste great mixed with yellow rice and rice pilaf.

Toast

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I went and did some more grocery shopping early yesterday morning. I needed to pick up a few items such as two loaves of bread, a bag of rice, another tub of butter, and other things.

I had to settle for Earth Balance brand of non dairy, non gmo, olive oil buttery spread which is also good (I just love their vegan non dairy white cheddar cheese puffs), for when I run out of my other tub of plant butter.

I also wanted to purchase a half a gallon of vanilla soy milk but my brand was all sold out.

I love toast and made a bunch yesterday when I got back home.

I use to make a french toast for someone where I’d crack an egg into a bowl, pour in some milk, then mix up the contents until the yolk was textured, then I’d dip in a slice of bread to get it saturated, and put the slice into a greased heated pan.

I am definitely a bread eater but without the eggs. There are other ways to doll up toast if one desires to.

I’m fine with plain old toast and butter on whole wheat bread made in the toaster oven. I don’t need anything fancy.

Country Crock Plant Butter

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I went to the supermarket yesterday to purchase my favorite plant butter made with olive oil and there was only one left on the shelf.

No one had touched any of the Country Crock Butter And original Country Crock Vegetable Spread, only the Non Dairy Plant Butter.

I had got to the store just in time. Last week the shelf was full of the plant butter when I picked up a tub.

Everybody is into Plant-Based food now I remember many years ago when it wasn’t such a widespread interest among certain folk.

I didn’t have to worry about going short on my favorite vegan foods.

Well that’s how it goes. When there’s something good or appealing to the taste buds everybody wants to jump on it.

 

Appetizers

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It’s exciting to have more options to choose from and that cater to our lifestyle, health, and special diets, nowadays, whether we are vegan/vegetarian/pollo pescetarian or just plain gluten free, and so on.

I love plant milk, preferably soy and cashew, the vanilla flavors suit me best. I don’t like almond milk at all.

I also love cashew cheese and olive oil crafted buttery spreads.

I tend to come up with ideas and tasty plans to create then to put into effort within my foods.

I’m just glad I can experiment with a variety of plant sources without sacrificing great flavor.

So go and get that plant-based milk, cheese, and butter if it’s befitting to a preference or way of living.

 

Nature’s Path Cereal

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The early part of last year I had tried Nature’s Path cereals for the very first time and I was not disappointed.

I tried the Sunrise Crunchy Maple and I loved the taste. I knew if I liked the maple I’d love the vanilla.

What attracted me to the product was that is was organic, vegan/vegetarian, non gmo, and made with an array of wholesome ingredients.

I’ll be buying more of these two flavor cereals within the future.

Sunrise Maple Crunch:

INGREDIENTS:

Brown rice flour*, whole grain corn meal*, cane sugar*, corn meal*, yellow corn flour*, inulin*, maple syrup*, quinoa*, natural maple flavor, flax seeds*, sea salt, buckwheat flour*, amaranth*, molasses*, tocopherols (vitamin E). *Organic. Produced in a facility that uses tree nuts, peanuts and soy.

Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla:

INGREDIENTS:

Whole grain corn meal*, brown rice flour*, cane sugar*, corn meal*, yellow corn flour*, inulin*, quinoa*, natural vanilla flavor, flax seeds*, sea salt, amaranth*, buckwheat flour*, molasses*, tocopherols (vitamin E). *Organic. Produced in a facility that uses tree nuts, peanuts and soy.

Silver Dollars

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I haven’t eaten pancakes in a long while now but when I use to prepare them I made them small.

I didn’t like the average size pancakes.

After mixing up the batter I’d dip in a table spoon and scoop out about the same equivalent within measure and let the slight thickness of the mixture empty into the grease of the pan.

I’d create what my family called “silver dollar” pancakes, cute and with volume.

I wouldn’t put too much milk (plant-based milk can be used) or water into the mix just enough to provide a good and preferable consistency for my pancakes to come out nicely textured.

The pancakes always tasted better cooked in a butter (plant-based butter or margarine can be used) compared to vegetable oils.

I would eat those pancakes anytime of the day, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whenever my appetite called out for them.

It didn’t matter whether or not I used syrup over the pancakes they were delicious either way.

Most of the time I ate them without any topping, and I’d fix and eat multiple silver dollar crafted pancakes until I had gotten thoroughly full.

 

Vitamin Supplements

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I highly recommend supplements that are vegan/vegetarian suitable, non gmo, without fillers, and that are labeled with legitimate seals and certifications of high quality, assuring the product consists of laboratory testing to confirm accuracy of contents as well as safety of consumption.

I was started on vitamins at a very early age.

When I got older and became extremely health conscious, I began my own independent voyage further and deeper into the benefits of supplements and their advantages.

My teenage years was spent evolving and gaining knowledge about spiritual and physical maintenance.

I consume both vitamin and herbal supplements and over my life long journey of indulging within the assistance of these fantastic tools in which consist of medicinal properties, and remedy,  I can genuinely attest to the optimal satisfaction and wellbeing these lifesavers indeed provide.

Cheesy Delight (Cheesylicious!)

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As a youngster, during my very early years, I grew up eating cheese loving and enjoying the delicious meals which are made with the ingredient.

Some of my favorites were macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, parmesan cheese sprinkled over my spaghetti, baked ziti, lasagna and cheesecake.

Once I came to know and was aware of how cheese was actually processed it was a complete turnoff  to me aside from becoming a vegan/vegetarian at the age of fourteen.

For those vegetarians who do eat dairy cheese they are able to, of course, purchase the brands that are made with vegetable rennet. I know Cabot, Boar’s Head, and Land O’ Lakes wasn’t using animal rennet (the stomach lining of calves and goats) I had phoned up these companies years ago inquiring about the matter.

Nevertheless, I only eat non dairy plant based cheese.

I love cashew mozzarella style vegan cheese.

We can still delight within our favorite dishes if we choose or prefer not to eat old fashion traditionally manufactured cheeses.

 

Homemade Popsicles

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When I was about fifteen or sixteen a family associate and I was at her home and she came up with the idea to make some ices on a stick.

So we made kool aid and filled up the ice trays with the flavored juice mix we had fixed and placed popsicle sticks within the center of each ice cube as they began to freeze to a icy texture.

When the Ice cubes froze solid we released them from the tray and delightfully sucked all the juiciness out as we held them by their sticks.

It was so cute and the dessert came out pretty good.

These days I have advanced, of course, only to use natural pure fruit juice, and the proper equipment for a richer, fuller, and more flavorful delicious experience to enjoy.

 

 

Mouth-Watering Watermelon

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Oh, the melon family. I like the honeydew and the cantaloupe, however, nothing compares to the watermelon, to me.

Watermelon is such an appropriate summer fruit, but all fruit is appropriate for the summer, and all year around too, when certain one’s are within their seasons.

I haven’t had any watermelon since earlier in the spring and it was so icy cold, tasty, and ripe.

Watermelon is also nutritious and is a natural diuretic.

I remember when my family use to buy whole fresh quality watermelons straight from the trucks in travel from down south. They use to be the best. Nowadays, anything could be low-grade off those particular trucks.

I never get tired of eating good watermelon I’m going to get me some real soon.

The local grocery where I go keeps the watermelon stacked on ice and I bring the melon home to store in the refrigerator to get further chilled to my likeness.

I usually slice the large fruit in half and eat it with a spoon, it’s less messy to eat it that way, and it is also a convenient approach or method.

Oh, I can’t wait to get my hands on some great mouth-watering watermelon!

 

I Dream And Scream For Ice Cream Alternatives

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When I went to one of my local supermarkets months back to buy a few pints of vanilla Almond Dream non dairy frozen dessert I found out the store had discontinued the item.

I liked the product yet maybe the item didn’t sell very well there.

The other non dairy frozen desserts I also like is made by So Delicious brand. Their cashew milk vanilla and soy vanilla ice cream alternatives taste very nice and refreshing.

They’re all non GMO vegan products.

I wish there was a non dairy and non GMO vegan toasted almond frozen dessert bar out there on the market if there isn’t one out there already that I’m unaware about. I’d like to eat one made from natural ingredients and top quality preparation.

 

Vermont Bread Company English Muffins

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Of course, one can’t always judge a book by its cover though I usually have a good eye and judgement for what is of quality.

As living the life of a vegan or vegetarian at times gets quite expensive I often catch and look out for sales.

There was some Vermont Bread Company brand english muffins that are constantly priced at $5.00 for two packs at one of my local Stop and Shops.

I had never purchased or ate any of the Vermont company breads and would pass up on their items. About three weeks ago, I had a relative shop with me and convinced me to try out the English muffins due to the price of five dollars for each that were six in a pack.

I only relented because it’s hard to commonly find vegan non gmo breads unless you’re at a store which specializes in those type of products.

So she bought two packs, one whole wheat and one white, I bought two whole wheats.

Those muffins stayed inside my fridge for two weeks before I went to open them up. I was hesitant as something within me just didn’t have a desire or attraction for them. If they had have been Dave’s Killer Muffins I would have been all over them the instant I brought them home.

On the day I finally decided to give the Vermont whole wheat English muffins a go I dolled them up with some herbs and olive oil and when I put them inside the toaster oven to heat they gave off an unpleasant smell which stunk.

I was even more hesitant to eat these muffins after that. After I took two or three bites of those disgusting english muffins I threw them into the trash.

I read reviews (which, of course, is not wise to always go by) about how good the Vermont Bread Company english muffins were even though I personally doubted I’d like them from the way they had appeared. I honestly don’t know what those people were talking about maybe they were paid to post that shit.

They’re always 2 for $5 for a reason.

Sometimes one has to pay a little extra for the good stuff when it’s not running a course of a discount.

I was so happy to recently get my usual Dave’s Killer Bread organic classic english muffins that smell and taste so good I even bought my relative a pack and she loved them and agreed that they were much better than that nasty tasting Vermont shit.

 

Juicy Fruit

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The weather has finally begun to mimic summer temperatures lately here in Queens, New York and usually when it gets hot and humid I like to eat light.

The fruit I had bought came in handy during the weeks. I picked up these big and beautiful bag of oranges from my local Stop And Shop they were worth the $7.99 that I paid as they were flawless, sweet, and juicy. I ate the oranges ice cold. I left them in the refrigerator a few days before I began to consume them.

Along with them I had purchased some Granny Smith green apples which I also let get ice cold before eating.

Everything taste so good cold especially in the heat of the environment. When I was thirsting for something other than water I drank ice cold apple juice. All soothing and healthy to the body.

 

Popcorn Galore!

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I just got finished popping kernels in olive oil. I love popcorn and whenever I get the taste for some I prepare it myself instead of purchasing pre-packaged.

Popcorn is a healthy snack.

I’d usually buy Bob’s Red Mill white or yellow kernels. Before that I had tried Arrowhead Mills brand.

Right now, I have in my home Jolly Time white kernels.

All of them are non gmo, vegan, or organic and the products are of excellent or outstanding quality. The popcorn smells and comes out so fresh tasting and delicious to the point where I have to pop out a couple of batches just to satisfy my appetite.

I highly recommend these three kernel snack brands as they are far better than any store bought and movie theater pre-popped popcorn.

 

Singer Prince And Society’s Veneration

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The radio station is still continuing to celebrate The Purple Man’s life throughout the weekend since his birthday was yesterday.

People keep reminding the public that Prince didn’t celebrate his birthday because he was a Jehovah’s Witness. One female dee jay even praised Prince for having had to receive a sort of enlightenment from “above” for the instance.

I was twelve years old when I stopped celebrating my birthday and I was born with a Caul/Veil. I became a vegetarian at that age also, and I knew what life was all about back then as I avoided partaking in the so called “worldly things” of society as I had no desire to, and I’m forty-four now and have so much peace.

Many of us have already experienced revelations, have known things, and have lived accordingly to our spiritual alignments far before mainstream society became aware or fully aware of particular things, before the media reported findings or developments of certain things, and before many famous people came to know and incorporate circumstances into their own lives, yet because these people are in the limelight they receive special credit when all along there were people like us at earlier stages within our lives who were the ones to make the same discoveries.

I am not at all knocking Prince, nevertheless, I also have to mention that if Prince was a woman he would not be receiving all of this favorable attention and celebration as he had once lived a scandalous lifestyle. As sexually promiscuous and provocative as Prince was during his early days on up to the point where it eventually haunted him he would never have gotten so far with approval.

Of course, he had haters and those who weren’t fans of his just like others because everyone has their own preferences and taste, however, if Prince was female he would have been called every derogatory name in the book, and considered unacceptable to be revered in such a positive way for his talents and achievements.

If a woman behaved in the manner in which Prince did the instance would not have literally taken anything from her. She’d still have all of her faculties whether mental or physical but with the ridiculous double standard all her value would have just been focused on how many times she used her vagina and with how many different men.

To me, there is no difference because I am realistic. It is not always what someone does it is why they do what they do that justifies or excuses the situation.

I don’t care what anyone does with their body as it is of no concern to me, though, a man, in my opinion, who has many sexual escapades and encounters is not someone that is projected as maintaining his worth in comparison to a woman who is suppose to lose her’s within my eyes.

I am one who never went along with society’s bullshit and what is deemed as acceptable or appropriate.

This society is in no position and does not have the knowledge or authority to define what it is to be a woman and what contributes to her value and worth as only an individual within her own is able to define her own true identity.– miss latoya

 

 

Snack Attack Tip

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&Follow my blog with Bloglovin;

I love potato chips and cookies and cake once in a while yet I’ll only eat those within vegan and non gmo form.

The sweets have to be made on the healthy side and a homemade preparation is usually the best suitable route on desserts when it comes to optimal nutrition since one is inserting their own actual ingredients.

Nevertheless, everything within moderation and within personal tolerance is the way to go.

What I mostly enjoy snacking on above all else is fresh fruits, I love all kinds from green apples to grapes, watermelon, oranges, bananas, pineapples, honeydew melons and plenty more.

Fruit tastes delicious and is so good and beneficial to the body and I constantly incorporate these foods into my meal plan as well as a healthy snack tip to myself when I get hungry for a quick bite.

 

 

Dole

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I loved Dole products, to me, they were one of the best brands out there on the market when it came to quality I had been buying their items for years.

I just bought a few containers of Dole Pina Colada juice drink the other day and I loved the taste of the beverage where there was actual strong real coconut flavor with no added sugar to the natural mix the fruits were a perfect blend.

I had tried a few other juice variety by Dole but this was my first time trying the Pina Colada. I haven’t drank Pina Colada in years as certain other brands tasted too watered down for me within the past.

Within additional categories of food I preferred to eat Dole bananas over any other type of brand, I also loved their raisins, fresh bags of salads and etc… I love their fresh pine apples that I use to buy constantly back in the early nineties.

Del Monte sold good fresh pineapples too.

I have purchased Dole and Del Monte products that were labeled Non GMO yet I have indeed read about how Dole and Del Monte were listed as one of the many companies that are geared toward anti GMO labeling and hiding GMO ingredients by intentionally misleading consumers with, of course, the “natural flavors” disguise .

In fact, companies that may surprise many of us are alleged to also be a part of the campaign in an effort not to lose money as a lot of us don’t really want any genetically modified foods within our diets.

It’s like we cannot trust nothing or too much of anything in what we eat from these companies these days even while they may falsely profess otherwise.

Hesitant it seems to just take a chance once in a while.

I’ll Pass On The Gas

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I love granola bars yet it was hard for me to find ones acceptable to the ingredients that I’m finicky about eating and that was vegan.

Those in which I had come across within the past were either too sugary or not good enough within taste.

I use to love Nature’s Valley’s peanut butter, maple, and oat granola bars but they weren’t labeled as vegan even though the ingredients showed no visible indication that they weren’t, however, I wasn’t so sure about how the sugar was processed so I had stopped eating them.

Not to mention how some products are prepared with hidden content.

I not too long ago discovered a box of Kashi peanut butter vegan granola bars and was satisfied with the ingredient label.

I had read online reviews though about how nasty Kashi peanut butter granola bars had gotten upon the new recipe change and how people no longer desired the product.

I had never tasted the original recipe as I took notice of the product at a later time so I went further online to come up with what was first listed within the ingredients when the granola bars had first hit the market.

Once I found a listing of the old contents I was disappointed in the recipe and would not have chosen to buy Kashi as I didn’t prefer those other ingredients.

When I ate into the new and improved version of Kashi peanut butter granola bars I loved them!

I didn’t agree with the majority of online reviewers opinions of the now changed product.

I don’t know what they tasted like before but they weren’t hard in texture or nasty within flavor to me. They were soft and good, and delivered a satisfying peanut taste.

And I also like how they butchered the unnecessary non vegan contents that were in there prior.

I purchased and ate quite a few boxes of Kashi peanut butter granola until one day I passed a little gas after consumption and an odor shot out with the smell of a rotten hard-boiled egg.

The same thing happened with my favorite Late July brand multi-grain vegan tortilla chips. I use to eat a lot of them too until they also had me fart out a rotten egg smell.

I knew something was wrong after that and left both products alone because I don’t usually pass gas with a reek as such.

I haven’t let out a stench like that since then either.

 

Wow! For WowButter!

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I recently wrote a post that mentioned wowbutter, a peanut butter substitute that is plant-based and how the product was good but a little runny within the consistency and that I wished the butter made from soy was thicker and stiffer.

Well I just purchased another jar of wowbutter yesterday and just opened it up today and noticed how thick and stiff the texture was and I was thrilled.

So either the product was improved or I just happened to buy a particularly oily batch last time around. It could have also been the temperature during shipping or within the supermarket that had made it runny and drippy.

Nevertheless, I spread the wowbutter on lightly toasted thin vegan slices of Dave’s Killer Organic multi-grain bread and enjoyed every bite.

I like the wowbutter better than peanut butter I love how it’s not sweet or sugary tasting. The product has its own unique similar taste, and like I said before, the soy within wowbutter has more protein than actual peanut butter making it an even healthier choice of preference.

Natural Pain And Discomfort Relief For Menstruation And Constipation

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Taking a plant-derived turmeric capsule supplement is how I stopped my severe constipation years ago.

I tried Nature’s Way brand at first before using Solgars brand they both worked and were very good in aiding my bowel movement out unrestricted and with ease.

Those turmeric supplements would push me to poop just as if one would get pushed with the urgency to urinate and that had never happened to me before starting the turmeric capsules. So I knew that I was onto a correct natural method.

Aside from Turmeric helping to prevent me the burden of being constipated I had noticed the herb/spice prevented menstrual cramps and pains during my monthly period cycle.

I had already discovered MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) as a source of natural pain relief from the discomfort of menstruation but then I had Tumeric along with another prior discovery of pain relief from the probiotic strains of good bacteria within a supplement that I also took on occasions.

By taking all three for their own specific beneficial purposes within the body they each became helpful to me within other ways making them a valuable asset in my collection of vitamin selection.

I know that every individual is different and that what might work for one may not result in the same for another, however, I’ve never experienced any more of the bad period discomfort of the menstrual cramps and shooting and aching pains since taking MSM.

And it was good to know that I had natural alternative choices as back up just in case I was in need or ever ran out with the ever so wonderfully useful benefits of Turmeric, Probiotics, and MSM supplements.

 

 

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

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!

 

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.

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!