Vegetarian Zen Archive (Episodes 1 - 100)

Are you as overwhelmed as I am by all of the different pills that claim to fight allergies? And what about all of those side effects? Sometimes I think the side effects might be WORSE than the allergies themselves. Natural remedies to the rescue!   In this episode of our podcast, we talk about some … The post How to Fight Allergies with Natural Remedies (VZ 32) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this, our 100th episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share 5 things vegetarians and vegans want people to know. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. [button href=”https://itunes.apple.com/review?id=666811479&type=Podcast” … The post VZ 100: 5 Things Vegetarians and Vegans Want People to Know appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

How Does Your Garden Grow? In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about our garden…we’re getting adventurous this year and adding more than just herbs!   We discuss our natural growing and pest control methods, plus our successes and some challenges we’ve encountered.     Please note that some of the links … The post Simple Gardening Tips – Lessons Learned in Our Garden (VZ 99) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about vegan home furnishings!   We’ll make you aware of quite a few common home items that you would never think are made from animals, and we’ll tell you things to look for when furnishing a vegan household.     Thanks for tuning in to this … The post Furnishing Your Home Like a Vegan! (VZ 98) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we’ll be discussing how to shop smart at farmers markets.  These venues are a great place to shop for fresh, local veggies and fruits, plus scratch-made breads and pastries, jams and jellies, honey, soap, and lots more. Shopping at a fresh market is very different (and in … The post VZ 097: How to Shop Smart at a Farmers Market appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be continuing with our spring gardening theme and talking about heirloom plants and seeds. The word “heirloom” means a treasured possession that has remained in a family for generations.  In today’s episode you’ll learn why seeds need to be treasured and preserved more than any family … The post Growing with Heirloom Seeds and Plants (VZ 96) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we offer tips to make your home eco-friendly.  First, we let you know why “traditionally-made” furnishings such as furniture, mattresses, pillows, and linens fall short on the sustainability spectrum. Next, we let you know what to look for when shopping; things like ecologically-harvested wood, bamboo instead of … The post VZ 095: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to get those gardens in shape for a new growing season. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we’ll be talking about composting: what it is, what you can compost and what you can’t, the different methods of composting, and how to use your composted materials.   … The post Your Guide to Composting 101 (VZ 94) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about coffee. You’ll learn about some of the purported benefits of this magic brown liquid, as well as some things to look out for.  We’ll also discuss the importance of buying organic, fair-trade coffee.   After doing the research for this episode we checked the coffee … The post Coffee Talk with Vickie and Larissa (VZ 93) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we talk about some animal sanctuaries that are doing amazing work to help animals in need.  We delve a little into the mission of each group, talk about their outreach programs, and share some fun facts. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! … The post VZ 092: Animal Sanctuaries — Making the World a Safer Place for Animals appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we discuss buying organic vs non-GMO (and there is a huge difference!).  We define each term and let you know which one is more important to consider when you’re at the market.     Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If … The post Organic vs Non-GMO – What’s the Difference? (VZ 91) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be reviewing the documentary Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 2.  Filmed 5 years after the original Fat Sick & Nearly Dead, this film updates Joe Cross’s progress, features lots of interviews of real people who were inspired to get healthy through juicing, and has more great … The post VZ 090: Joe Cross Is Back In “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 2” appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast is all about coconut oil. Is it a health food or just hype?  We discuss some health claims associated with coconut oil, what the research says, our conclusions, and some popular (and not so well-known) uses. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you … The post VZ 089: Coconut Oil – Health Food or Hype? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be discussing diabetes and healthy plant-based foods. We briefly explain how the Glycemic Index (“GI” factor) works, talk about the factors that can affect the GI of foods, and how some aspects of a HEALTHY, BALANCED plant-based diet may benefit diabetics. Thanks for tuning in to … The post VZ 088: A Discussion About Diabetes and Plant-Based Foods appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we take a look at the vegetarian and vegan offerings of several ethnic cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and more.  We also make you aware of some of the “hidden” non-veg aspects of foods from these cultures.     Thanks for tuning in to this … The post Exploring the Diverse and Delicious Vegetarian Ethnic Food Experience (VZ 87) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be taking a look at some vegetarian apps and vegan apps, as well as those that may be helpful for animal lovers, and environmentally-conscious people.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and … The post VZ086: Vegetarian, Vegan, or Environmentally-Conscious? There’s an App for That! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re excited to share the details of our second Veggieversary celebration! We also revisit the reasons we became vegetarians two years ago and share five quotes that best represent those reasons.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our … The post VZ 085: A Veggieversary Quote-a-Thon appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be discussing some ideas for simple 5-ingredient recipes.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. [button href=”https://itunes.apple.com/review?id=666811479&type=Podcast” primary=”true” centered=”true” newwindow=”true”]Click to Review … The post VZ 084: Simple 5-Ingredient Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Not everyone lives in an area where vegan foods are readily available, which can make being a vegan a bit of a challenge. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be sharing a few resources to buy vegan food online.     Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If … The post Where to Buy Vegan Food Online (VZ 83) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode, we share some of the most common tricks that food manufacturers use in an attempt to fool consumers like you into thinking their product is healthy (or at least healthier than other options). We know the majority of our listeners are trying to do better for themselves and for their families as far … The post VZ 082: Don’t Be Fooled By Deceptive Food Labels! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In Episode 037: Vegetarianism & the Environment, we talked about the effects that eating meat has on the environment.  In this episode we’ll share food-related tips that will help with environmental sustainability. Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a … The post Eating for Sustainability – How to Save the Planet One Meal at a Time (VZ 81) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, the last of 2014, we’ll reveal our some of our favorite episodes over the past year and a half.     Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us … The post Favorite Vegetarian Zen Podcast Episodes Revealed! (VZ 80) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, you’ll hear way more than you ever thought you would about nut butters and seed butters.  Move over peanuts…jelly wants to make some new friends!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen … The post VZ 079: Alternatives to the Peanut – A Guide to Nut Butters and Seed Butters appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, you’ll learn that there is indeed life after dairy milk!  We’ll talk about plant milks such as soy, nut, rice and coconut milks.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, … The post VZ 078: The Delicious World of Plant Milks appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we’ll share some of our favorite simple vegetarian recipes for busy weeknights.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. [button href=”https://itunes.apple.com/review?id=666811479&type=Podcast” primary=”true” centered=”true” … The post VZ 077: Make Busy Weeknights Easy with These Simple Vegetarian Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

If you’re like us, you go through food “phases”.  You’ll find a new food, or remember one you haven’t had in a while, and you’ll eat it all the time…or at least until you get sick of it!  In this episode of the podcast, we tell you about 7 foods we’re loving right now.   … The post VZ 076: 7 Foods We’re Loving Right Now appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

If you think vegetarianism is just a “hippie” movement from the 1960s then you’re way off!  Vegetarianism developed as a philosophy as long ago as the ancient Greeks, as you’ll hear in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast.   We’ll discuss the first vegetarian societies, the influence of nineteenth and twentieth century writers and … The post VZ 075: A Brief History of Vegetarianism appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Get ready for the ultimate gift guide for all the vegans, animal-lovers, and environmentally-conscious people on your list!  Need vegan gifts?  No more talking…here we go!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a … The post VZ 074: Finding Vegan & Environmentally-Friendly Gifts appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

You may want to feed your pet a vegetarian diet (or vegan, even) for a variety of reasons: Ethics — owners who abstain from eating animal products for reasons related to the cruel conditions on factory farms may not want animals to be eaten, even by other animals Pet health — “logic” would dictate that … The post VZ 073: You Can Feed Your Pet a Vegetarian Diet…But Should You? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Sometimes I’ll get a food craving that is so strong and all-consuming that I can’t think straight.  I find myself planning how and when I can go and get that food and eat it.  Eat it all.  Most of the time, of course, my craving is for something that is bad, bad, bad for me, … The post Don’t Let Food Cravings Hold You Hostage! (VZ 72) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing alkaline and acidic foods.  You’ll learn what pH is and why it is important plus which foods are acidic and which are alkaline. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen … The post VZ 071: Wait…What? Lemons Are Alkaline? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

One of the main reasons people give for not eating healthy is the perceived extra expense.  I say “perceived” because the idea that healthy food is more expense isn’t necessarily true.  Sure, some organic, natural foods may cost a bit more than their conventional or processed counterparts.  There are things you can do, however, to … The post VZ 070: Eating Healthy on a Budget appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Have you noticed, over the past few years, a trend in the grocery marketplace toward pushing products that contain “superfoods”?  As in, “Buy this pancake mix containing the superfood flax!”.  Or, “XYZ granola is packed with superfood ingredients like blueberries, acai berries, and chia seeds!”. So, is there really such a thing as a “superfood”? … The post VZ 069: Superfoods – Marketing Ploy or the Real McCoy? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Vegan Baking…Is It Possible? Before I became a vegetarian I had a lot of misconceptions about vegan baked goods.  I knew nothing about vegan baking, and I figured that vegan cookies and cakes must be filled with really weird ingredients, have a texture like cardboard, and taste, well…funky.   Boy was I wrong!! Even though … The post The Joy of Vegan Baking (VZ 68) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode we’ll be discussing all things gluten. You’ll learn what gluten is and what health problems can be associated with it. You’ll also hear what foods contain gluten and which are naturally gluten free.  We’ll also discuss whether or not a gluten free diet is a good choice. Thanks for tuning in to … The post VZ 067: Gluten Free Made Simple appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This episode of the podcast is all about bees! You’ll find out why honey isn’t considered vegan, and learn about the five main bee products: honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and beeswax. We’ll discuss the purported benefits of each, plus the risks.  We’ll also share a few places you can find cruelty-free bee products. … The post VZ 066: 5 Byproducts of Busy Bees appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Vote with Your Dollars! In Episode 064 of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discussed what “cruelty free” really means and how to tell if products and their ingredients are truly made without harming animals. We also debunked some myths about cruelty free products. One of those myths is that they are hard to find.   With … The post Finding Cruelty Free Products Is Easier Than You Think (VZ 65) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Using live animals in experiments is not a modern concept.  The ancient Greeks practiced vivisection, the dissection of live animals, in order to understand how living organisms functioned.  Historically, animals have been used to test treatments before applying to humans, and this practice continues to this day.  This cruel, unnecessary practice.   In this episode … The post Cruelty Free 101 (VZ 64) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

We believe that a plant-based lifestyle should never be an all-or-nothing proposition.  When we became vegetarians, we did it all at once and it was a bit of a struggle.  Some people may be fine with a quick change, however. Same thing goes for transitioning from a vegetarian to vegan lifestyle.  It may be that you’re … The post VZ 063: Tips to Help You Transition From Vegetarian to Vegan appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In an ideal, natural-food world, ingredient labels on food would be really, really short.  A label on vegetable soup might read like this: vegetable broth onions potatoes carrots tomatoes green beans Instead of this:               What are “disodium guanylate” and “disodium inosinate”?  And don’t even get me started on … The post How to Read Food Labels (VZ 62) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

I once thought of raw foods as pretty much just wheatgrass shots (thank you, Sex and the City), really big salads, and snacking on carrot sticks.  Truth be told, these things are just the tip of the iceberg (lettuce) when considering the realm of raw foods. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we … The post VZ 061: Going Raw – It’s More Than Just Wheatgrass Shots and Big Salads appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

I love stir fry.  It’s fresh, simple, quick, and lends itself so well to a vegetarian lifestyle.  The fact that I love stir fry made the fact that I wasn’t very good at making it kind of sad.  I, like many other aspiring stir fry chefs, labored under several common misconceptions about this type of … The post VZ 060: How to Make Amazing Vegetarian Stir Fry appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

It is a widely-held misconception that the terms “vegetarian” or “vegan” and “athlete” don’t belong together.  Isn’t it true that athletes need a lot more protein than other people, and that animal protein is the best (or only) viable source?  And what about calories?  How can a person possibly consume enough calories to support a … The post Nutrition Secrets of Plant-Based Athletes (VZ 59) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

As a vegetarian or vegan, attending social events can present a challenge.  What if you’re invited to a birthday party…at a steakhouse?  How about a Fourth of July cookout with burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and baked beans full of pork bits?  It really can be enough to make you just want to stay home!   … The post How to Handle Social Events as a Vegetarian or Vegan (VZ 58) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Summertime, and the grilling is easy…with the helpful vegetable-grilling tips you’ll hear in this podcast episode.  There are many vegetables, fruits and meat alternatives that do great on a charcoal or gas grill, but there are some tricks to getting them to turn out just right, with minimal sticking, burning, or falling through the grate. … The post How to Grill Like a Vegetarian (VZ 57) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a very personal choice. Some may have ethical reasons, some health, some environmental. If you follow a plant-based lifestyle, you may or may not choose to share your reasons with others. This episode of the podcast is based on listener responses to the question “How do you explain your … The post VZ 056: Explaining Vegetarian Choices appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Scenario #1: You’re interested in adopting a plant-based diet, but you have kids who may or may not jump enthusiastically on the veggie train.   Scenario #2: One day, out of the blue, your child announces that (for whatever reason), she wants to be a vegetarian.   In either case, what do you do? How … The post Kids and Vegetarianism (VZ 55) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

“Fed Up” is a powerful new documentary from Katie Couric, producer Laurie David, and director Stephanie Soechtig. The premise of the film is both simple and complex: what if everything we’ve been told about diet and exercise for the past 30 years is wrong?   The research that went into “Fed Up” is extensive and … The post “Fed Up” Documentary Review (VZ 54) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

To soy or not to soy, that is the question!   Soy is an ancient food source.  It’s been used in Asia for 5000 years.  3000 years ago, fermentation techniques were developed that helped to make soy more easily digestible, in the form of miso, tempeh and tamari.  Tofu came along in China in the … The post The Soy Controversy (VZ 53) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing sugar.  By the time we say goodbye, you’ll have learned about the six different types of sugar and some of the negative effects that sugar has on our bodies.  You’ll also discover many sources of “hidden sugars” in the foods we eat and … The post 6 Types of Sugar and How to Tame Those Sugar Cravings (VZ 52) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Detox and cleanse diets are all the rage these days, and the idea behind them can be very enticing.  Who doesn’t want to think that your insides are squeaky clean and healthy? We bathe to keep our outsides fresh, so why not “bathe” internally as well?  It was in the name of freshness and health, … The post Help Your Body to Detoxify Naturally (VZ 51) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.