Vegetarian Zen Archive (Episodes 201 - 300)

In this episode of our podcast, we talk about “upcycling” versus “recycling” and share some ways people and businesses are using upcycling. We talk about how our business, Cheery Bird Vintage, uses upcycled art as a way to repurpose materials that would otherwise be discarded.   You can listen to us discuss upcycling and upcycled … The post The Upcycled Art World of Cheery Bird Vintage (VZ 371) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

I Graduated from the Forks Over Knives Online Cooking Course! During the summer of 2019,  I started a new 90-day adventure by taking the Forks Over Knives Cooking plant-based cooking course. I will admit I was a little nervous since I was not the primary cook in the house, but I knew we needed to … The post 5 Big Take-Aways from the Forks Over Knives Cooking Course (VZ 274) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Vegan or Not Vegan? That is the Question!  When we first because vegetarians in 2013, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that yes, Fritos, one of my favorite snack foods, are indeed vegan! Note: This only includes the regular, scoops, and BBQ varieties. All others are NOT vegan. Unfortunately however, we were also surprised … The post Are Fritos Vegan? (And Other Surprisingly Vegan And Non-Vegan Foods!) (VZ 286) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

If you listen to the podcast, you know we've talked about vegetarian meal delivery services in the past. As the demand for more plant-based options goes up, businesses such as meal delivery boxes is constantly changing!   That's a GREAT … 4 Vegetarian Meal Delivery Services Compared with Danielle Fried (VZ 300) Read More » The post 4 Vegetarian Meal Delivery Services Compared with Danielle Fried (VZ 300) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

If you listen to the podcast, you know we’ve talked about vegetarian meal delivery services in the past. As the demand for more plant-based options goes up, businesses such as meal delivery boxes is constantly changing!   That’s a GREAT thing!     In this episode of our podcast, we’re talking vegetarian meal delivery options … The post 4 Vegetarian Meal Delivery Services Compared with Danielle Fried (VZ 300) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Tips and Recipes Ideas for Tasty Tofu! Back in episode 8 of the podcast, we talked “All About Tofu”, explaining what it is and sharing a few tips for cooking with it. 291 episodes later we're back with another round … How to Marinate Tofu (VZ 299) Read More » The post How to Marinate Tofu (VZ 299) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Tips and Recipes Ideas for Tasty Tofu! Back in episode 8 of the podcast, we talked “All About Tofu”, explaining what it is and sharing a few tips for cooking with it. 291 episodes later we’re back with another round of tofu talk, this time inspired by Peas and Carrots Society member Ron Kaufman-Schmick who … The post How to Marinate Tofu (VZ 299) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Intarsia, Baby Rhinos, and Baby Elephants! We've made it a goal for 2019 to share more interviews with members of our Vegetarian Zen community. This week we are happy to welcome artist Sherri Lewis to share her wonderful art and … The Art of Intarsia with Sherri Lewis of Sundog Wood Murals (VZ 298) Read More » The post The Art of Intarsia with Sherri Lewis of Sundog Wood Murals (VZ 298) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Intarsia, Baby Rhinos, and Baby Elephants! We’ve made it a goal for 2019 to share more interviews with members of our Vegetarian Zen community. This week we are happy to welcome artist Sherri Lewis to share her wonderful art and insights with us. Sherri is a woodworker who creates amazing pieces using a technique called … The post The Art of Intarsia with Sherri Lewis of Sundog Wood Murals (VZ 298) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This year, Netflix launched a new show called “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” which is based on the best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Marie Kondo is an organizing consultant and … The Konmari Method for Your Home and Life (VZ 297) Read More » The post The Konmari Method for Your Home and Life (VZ 297) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This year, Netflix launched a new show called “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” which is based on the best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Marie Kondo is an organizing consultant and “tidying expert” who visits families to help them declutter their homes.     Her system, … The post The Konmari Method for Your Home and Life (VZ 297) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Several weeks ago, we found a stray dog at a park near our neighborhood. It was a stressful experience for us because once we were able to contain him, we weren't sure exactly what we should do.  Listen to our … What To Do If You Find a Stray Cat or Dog (VZ 296) Read More » The post What To Do If You Find a Stray Cat or Dog (VZ 296) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Several weeks ago, we found a stray dog at a park near our neighborhood. It was a stressful experience for us because once we were able to contain him, we weren’t sure exactly what we should do.  Listen to our story here:     Safety first! Rescuing is awesome but you need to ensure that … The post What To Do If You Find a Stray Cat or Dog (VZ 296) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Be my Veggie-Valentine! Despite its theme of love, Valentine's Day can be a high-pressure holiday. What to give your spouse of 30 years “who has everything”? You've only been on two dates with someone—do you give them a gift? Should … 6 Ways to Celebrate a Cruelty-Free & Environmentally Friendly Valentine's Day (VZ 295) Read More » The post 6 Ways to Celebrate a Cruelty-Free & Environmentally Friendly Valentine's Day (VZ 295) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Be my Veggie-Valentine! Despite its theme of love, Valentine’s Day can be a high-pressure holiday. What to give your spouse of 30 years “who has everything”? You’ve only been on two dates with someone—do you give them a gift? Should you declare your undying love for your secret crush?? (probably not!) Being a cruelty-free, eco-conscious … The post 6 Ways to Celebrate a Cruelty-Free & Environmentally Friendly Valentine’s Day (VZ 295) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  What are Buddha Bowls? Larissa and I are busy people, as are most of the folks in our community. Full-time jobs, kids, pets, and finding time for friends and family can make it challenging for anyone to plan meals, … Buddha Bowls – What They Are and Why You NEED Them In Your Life (VZ 294) Read More » The post Buddha Bowls – What They Are and Why You NEED Them In Your Life (VZ 294) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What are Buddha Bowls? Larissa and I are busy people, as are most of the folks in our community. Full-time jobs, kids, pets, and finding time for friends and family can make it challenging for anyone to plan meals, much less plan healthy meals. The siren song of Grubhub beckons all too often when we … The post Buddha Bowls – What They Are and Why You Need Them In Your Life (VZ 294) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

The Ultimate Vegan Tailgate Party! A few days ago, I tweeted a VegNews article about a Free Vegan Tailgating Party that will happen Super Bowl weekend in Atlanta.I received a response from a fellow tweeter, offering more info about the event; this person, … Vegan Pop-Up Tailgate Party with Kimberly Barnes of Might Be Vegan (VZ 293) Read More » The post Vegan Pop-Up Tailgate Party with Kimberly Barnes of Might Be Vegan (VZ 293) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

The Ultimate Vegan Tailgate Party! A few days ago, I tweeted a VegNews article about a Free Vegan Tailgating Party that will happen Super Bowl weekend in Atlanta. I received a response from a fellow tweeter, offering more info about the event; this person, it turns out, was the event’s organizer and host, Kimberly Barnes! According to Kimberly, … The post Vegan Pop-Up Tailgate Party with Kimberly Barnes of Might Be Vegan (VZ 293) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

The year was 2013 and I was on vacation for the holidays. Larissa and I, a steak-loving couple, decide to watch Netflix and queued up a couple of documentaries just to pass some time. For some reason, we decided on … 6 Things We've Learned in 6 Years of Being Vegetarian Read More » The post 6 Things We've Learned in 6 Years of Being Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

The year was 2013 and I was on vacation for the holidays. Larissa and I, a steak-loving couple, decide to watch Netflix and queued up a couple of documentaries just to pass some time. For some reason, we decided on “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” and “Vegucated“. By the end of Vegucated, Larissa and I decided … The post 6 Things We’ve Learned in 6 Years of Being Vegetarian (VZ 292) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What is the Call-Out Culture? Wikipedia defines “call-out culture” (also known as outrage culture) as “the social phenomenon of publicly denouncing perceived racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry. Denunciation (“call-outs') can happen in person or online through outlets … How the Call-Out Culture Is Hurting the Plant-Based Community (VZ 291) Read More » The post How the Call-Out Culture Is Hurting the Plant-Based Community (VZ 291) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What is the Call-Out Culture? Wikipedia defines “call-out culture” (also known as outrage culture) as “the social phenomenon of publicly denouncing perceived racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry. Denunciation (“call-outs’) can happen in person or online through outlets such as social media.”   For as long as we have walked the earth we … The post How the Call-Out Culture Is Hurting the Plant-Based Community (VZ 291) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

When I first became a vegetarian in 2013 I thought my sandwich life would consist of egg salad, peanut butter and jelly, and grilled cheese sandwiches.  Little did I realize that the number of vegan and vegetarian sandwich ideas was … Vegan & Vegetarian Sandwich Ideas for the PBJ Weary (VZ 290) Read More » The post Vegan & Vegetarian Sandwich Ideas for the PBJ Weary (VZ 290) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes That Aren’t PBJ When I first became a vegetarian in 2013 I thought my sandwich life would consist of egg salad, peanut butter and jelly, and grilled cheese sandwiches.  Quite honestly, even when I did still eat meat, my sandwich choices weren’t very creative. One thing that being a vegetarian has taught … The post VZ 290: Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes for the PBJ Weary appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Blackstrap molasses is something I wasn't very familiar with before I became a vegetarian. I found out about it while looking for natural foods with health benefits such as added vitamins and minerals. It's definitely a staple in our pantry and … 7 Amazing Blackstrap Molasses Benefits and Some Recipes! (VZ 289) Read More » The post 7 Amazing Blackstrap Molasses Benefits and Some Recipes! (VZ 289) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Blackstrap molasses is something I wasn’t very familiar with before I became a vegetarian. I found out about it while looking for natural foods with health benefits such as added vitamins and minerals. It’s not a staple in our pantry and is something I use pretty regularly. Listen to episode 289 of the podcast here … The post 7 Blackstrap Molasses Benefits and Some Recipes! (VZ 289) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

‘Tis The Season for Vegan Baking! A cold weather day is a perfect day to enjoy a warm beverage and some yummy baked goodness!  Living a vegan lifestyle (or simply trying to reduce the number of eggs and dairy in … 8 Awesome Vegan Baking Tips and Some Yummy Recipes! (VZ 288) Read More » The post 8 Awesome Vegan Baking Tips and Some Yummy Recipes! (VZ 288) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

‘Tis The Season for Vegan Baking! A cold weather day is a perfect day to enjoy a warm beverage and some yummy baked goodness!  Living a vegan lifestyle (or simply trying to reduce the amount of eggs and dairy in your diet) certainly doesn’t mean you have to miss out!   These days there are … The post 8 Awesome Vegan Baking Tips and Some Yummy Recipes! (VZ 288) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest healing systems. It was developed in India over 5000 years ago.  The Sanskrit word “Ayurveda” means life (ayur) science or knowledge and (veda) or “science of life”.   Practitioners of … What is Ayurveda? Interview with Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner Shivani Gupta (VZ 287) Read More » The post What is Ayurveda? Interview with Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner Shivani Gupta (VZ 287) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest healing systems. It was developed in India over 5000 years ago.  The Sanskrit word “Ayurveda” means life (ayur) science or knowledge and (veda) or “science of life”.   Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that the body, mind, and spirit are intricately interwoven. Good health is dependent … The post What is Ayurveda? Interview with Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner Shivani Gupta (VZ 287) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Vegan or Not Vegan? That is the Question!  When we first because vegetarians in 2013, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that the answer to the question, are Fritos vegan is a surprising, Note: This only includes the … Are Fritos Vegan? (And Other Surprisingly Vegan Foods!) (VZ 286) Read More » The post Are Fritos Vegan? (And Other Surprisingly Vegan Foods!) (VZ 286) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What the Heck is “Mise En Place”? Listeners of the podcast may recall that I completed the Forks Over Knives Online Cooking course earlier this year. If you haven't checked out my review of the course, you can hear it … The Mise En Place Mindset (VZ 285) Read More » The post The Mise En Place Mindset (VZ 285) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What the Heck is “Mise En Place”? Listeners of the podcast may recall that I completed the Forks Over Knives Online Cooking course earlier this year. If you haven’t checked out my review of the course, you can hear it in Episode 274: 5 Big Take-Aways from the Forks Over Knives Cooking Course.     … The post The Mise En Place Mindset (VZ 285) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Research in the area of positive psychology has shown that grateful people experience both physical and psychological benefits. These benefits have a positive impact, not only on the individual level but also on a broader social level. Let's talk about … 7 Ways That Having an Attitude of Gratitude Can Improve Your Life (VZ 284) Read More » The post 7 Ways That Having an Attitude of Gratitude Can Improve Your Life (VZ 284) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

The Benefits of Gratitude When was the last time someone did something kind for you that was unexpected yet greatly appreciated. Some examples might be: Your kids or spouse helped you with a task without you having to ask Someone let you into their lane during a traffic jam so that you didn’t miss your … The post 7 Amazing Benefits of Gratitude (VZ 284) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  A Funny Thing Happened to Me on the Way to the Farm Sanctuary…Website Around this time of year for the past few years, Larissa and I head out to the Farm Sanctuary website to sponsor a turkey through their Adopt … Talking Turkey with Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary (VZ 283) Read More » The post Talking Turkey with Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary (VZ 283) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

A Funny Thing Happened to Me on the Way to the Farm Sanctuary…Website Around this time of year for the past few years, Larissa and I head out to the Farm Sanctuary website to sponsor a turkey through their Adopt A Turkey Project. An estimated 46 million turkeys are killed each year at Thanksgiving alone so … The post Talking Turkey with Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary (VZ 283) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

 Yes, the holiday season is officially upon us! So many holiday traditions are based around amazing food, and being meat-free doesn't mean that you need to miss out. In fact, there are so many meatless alternatives to the traditional “holiday … 8 Simple Vegan Turkey Substitutes That Don't Suck Read More » The post 8 Simple Vegan Turkey Substitutes That Don't Suck appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

It’s That Time of Year Again! Yes, the holiday season is officially upon us! So many holiday traditions are based around amazing food, and being meat-free doesn’t mean that you need to miss out. In fact, there are so many meatless alternatives to the traditional “holiday roast” and meat-based sides these days that you might … The post 8 Simple Vegan Turkey Substitutes That Don’t Suck (VZ 282) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

How I Stumbled Across the Idea of Combining Certain Foods for Health Recently, while doing some research for one of our podcasts, I came across an article that mentioned the health benefits of combining turmeric and black pepper. I had … 10 Easy, Powerful Food Combining Tips that Actually Boost Your Health! (VZ 281) Read More » The post 10 Easy, Powerful Food Combining Tips that Actually Boost Your Health! (VZ 281) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

How I Stumbled Across the Idea of Combining Certain Foods for Health Recently, while doing some research for one of our podcasts, I came across an article that mentioned the health benefits of combining turmeric and black pepper. I had recently begun incorporating turmeric in some of my cooking after learning about its health benefits … The post VZ 281: 10 Easy, Powerful Food Combining Tips that Actually Boost Your Health! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

When most people think of chickpeas they likely think of great-tasting hummus, without knowing exactly thinking much about the health benefits of chickpeas. Read on to learn more about chickpeas, including their nutritional value, health benefits, and recipe ideas.    … Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Vegan Chickpea Recipes That Aren't Hummus! (VZ 280) Read More » The post Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Vegan Chickpea Recipes That Aren't Hummus! (VZ 280) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

There’s More to Chickpeas Than Meets The Tastebuds When most people think of chickpeas they likely think of good-for-you, great-tasting hummus, without knowing exactly how healthy they are. Read on to learn more about chickpeas, including their nutritional value, health benefits, and recipe ideas.    What are Chickpeas? The chickpea is a member of the … The post Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Vegan Chickpea Recipes That Aren’t Hummus! (VZ 280) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Trying to decipher between cage-free vs. free-range vs. all of the other confusing labels on eggs can be SUPER confusing! In this episode of our podcast, we hope to help shed some light on the different types of eggs so … Cage-Free vs. Free-Range vs. Pasture-Raised Eggs : Demystifying Egg Labeling (VZ 279) Read More » The post Cage-Free vs. Free-Range vs. Pasture-Raised Eggs : Demystifying Egg Labeling (VZ 279) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Demystifying Egg Labels As we’ve discussed many times on the show, food labeling needs a BIG TIME redo. Trying to decipher labels at the grocery store can be an exercise in frustration. Many companies intentionally try to mislead consumers, and the egg industry is no exception. Cage-free vs. free-range vs. pasture-raised? What do they all … The post VZ 279: Cage-Free vs. Free-Range vs. Pasture-Raised Eggs : Demystifying Egg Labeling appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What is Holistic Healing? “Holistic healing” is still somewhat of a mystery to many people. Essentially it is an approach to health and wellness that considers humans as a “whole,” and seek to restore balance by taking into consideration all … Holistic Healing – Delicious Healing with Dr. Tumi Johnson Read More » The post Holistic Healing – Delicious Healing with Dr. Tumi Johnson appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What is Holistic Healing? “Holistic healing” is still somewhat of a mystery to many people. Essentially it is an approach to health and wellness that considers humans as a “whole,” and seek to restore balance by taking into consideration all of the internal and external factors that affect us. Dr. Tumi Johnson – Holistic Medical … The post Holistic Healing – Delicious Healing with Dr. Tumi Johnson appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

I'd heard about CBD oil for arthritis but hadn't really done much research into it until our dog, Cosmo, developed issues with his leg which may require surgery. As we do with any major decision (and some minor ones!),  Larissa … CBD Oil – What is It? Is it Legal? What are the Benefits and the Risks? (VZ 277) Read More » The post CBD Oil – What is It? Is it Legal? What are the Benefits and the Risks? (VZ 277) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

I’d heard about CBD oil for arthritis but hadn’t really done much research into it until our dog, Cosmo, developed issues with his leg which may require surgery. As we do with any major decision (and some minor ones!),  Larissa and I are doing a lot of research about his condition, including treatment options, before … The post CBD Oil – What is It? Is it Legal? What are the Benefits and the Risks? (VZ 277) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Fake meats, yes they are actually making some people very angry! Why? I was really curious about this after having read some angry comments on a Tweet where someone shared a picture of a vegan brisket. While most of those … Fake Meats Are Making Some People Very Angry! Here's Why (VZ 276) Read More » The post Fake Meats Are Making Some People Very Angry! Here's Why (VZ 276) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.