Jamba Juice has brought it. Oatmeal that is.

Though Starbucks recently launched its hot oatmeals, Jamba Juice has now launched a similar product.

Three flavors including: fresh banana, blueberry blackberry and apple cinnamon. Around 280-290 calories per serving. Ingredients are simple: steel cut oats, soymilk and toppings.

Sounds pretty good right? Click read more to find out my one major peeve with this new Jamba Juice product...Oatmeal is healthy. Fresh fruit? Great! Soymilk instead of dairy? Great!

So I figured. Oh good-it's vegan.

But after checking on the Jamba Juice site I did not see the new oatmeal on the vegan menu items list.

What?!

In tiny print in the nutrition info I saw that the toppings/sugar crumble contains both wheat and milk!

This drives me crazy! It's like the whole vegan cheese that really contains dairy thing...

Why go to all the trouble of using soymilk if you are going to ruin the dairy-free thing with milk containing toppings?

Oh well. I guess I can eat it without the toppings.

WILL YOU TRY IT?

But the truth is that I'd rather get my oatmeal at home.

I'm waiting for JJ to bring back the Jamba soups!

Because I love a good healthy on-the-go soup.

JAMBA JUICE

On the LES of NYC, sits a tiny gem of a store called Organic Avenue. It is a brightly lit store on Stanton street, a few doors down from the popular restaurant The Stanton Social, and a few blocks up from Teany, a Moby-made-it-famous vegan tea joint on Rivington street.

Inside the store you'll find the fridge shelves stocked with made-fresh-daily pressed raw juices. Walls are lined with wellness books and gadgets. Celebrity clientele grace the pages of their press clippings. Supplements. Denise Mari, genius wellness guru, is at the helm of this ship. There are Clothes. Snacks. All raw, vegan, organic, live, you know - good-for-you. And everything is that trendy buzzword, green. Good for the planet.

Check out the Organic Avenue a la carte menu, smoothies are $10 for a large. A juice can be $6 for a relatively tiny eight-ounce swig of liquid.

How in the world is this business surviving in our bleak economy?

One word describes the success...(And no, it's not Gwyneth.)

...even though she has been one of their celebrity clients....

(read more for the scoop)

The Success of Organic Avenue

One word describes the secret to their success....

Audience.

There is indeed an audience for Organic Avenue's wellness haven!

You may read controversy about vegan diets, gossip over the danger of juice fasts or even bad press that raw vegan food tastes awful. But the truth is that the trend of health and veganism is indeed catching on. A recent survey found that in the United States, 1 in 200 kids are vegetarian. There is a huge population of vegans in NYC. And it seems to be the trend nowadays to embrace all things green. Even meat-eaters are becoming more food-conscious of the new face of today's farmer.

Newsflash: Wellness is in.

Hey it's not just little old me people. Starbucks knows wellness is in. They just launched their Tea Time featuring the London Fog tea, and healthy flowering-tea-bags.

Leading companies all over the place are going green. Health and wellness for the environment is on the top of everyone's 2009 list. And that bleeds over into health and wellness for our bodies, minds and spirits.

ORGANIC AVENUE PRODUCTS

Back to Organic Avenue and its products. It has smoothies, juices, soups, snacks, desserts, dressings and even 'burritos'. I adore their blueberry smoothie and I can't get enough of their best-in-the-city fresh coconut water. I also love their raw vegan sunfalafel.

It's all about LOVE at OA

LOVE is their main attraction. LOVE is the meal delivery program (or pick-up) where they supply all the food you need for five days. There are a range of levels to choose from. From LOVE easy to LOVE deep. You can go all juice fast, or 2,000 calorie a day food-heavy! It is around $350 for the five days. Given NYC food prices, it's not bad. If you were to buy everything a la carte it would be a lot more expensive. Oh, and they offer a membership program. I highly recommend joining to get the discount.

Organic Avenue gets my seal of approval. And for all you not-from-nycers, who are still reading and interested. Great! They do non-local delivery! You can actually order many of their delicious items online! Check it out and tell me what you think....

Cost of Health

A final word about cost. Since it is on everyone's mind and sometimes healthy food can be the first 'luxury' item to get chopped off your household budget.

$6 FOR 8 OUNCES OF COCONUT WATER MAY SOUND NUTS!

But once you try it, you'll be so in love with the way you feel, that the wellness-buzz becomes addicting. Eating food in lower quality forms will seem hard to do. And soon you'll feel and see the wellness change in your body. Really. I'm not just spewing vegan schmaltz here. Try vegan raw food at its best and experience what your body was meant to crave.

ORGANIC AVENUE

Gwyneth Paltrow is considering opening her own gym in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City.

Gwyn's Gym?

Let me ponder this one.

Is this a fab idea, or total flub...read more to get the juicy details.....

I love the idea! Gwyneth's Gym is genius.

Gwyneth is no stranger to modern healthy ideas. She discusses her life-road-to-health in many interviews.

A few weeks ago I posted a blog titled:

It's seventeen degrees outside New York City. That calls for some soup-er soups! And since I know you are all busy little bees during the week, lets take a look at my top five list of on-the-go soups in NYC. All are healthy and vegan.

5. Counter, Roasted Red Pepper
This soup is delicious, spicy and bright tomato red! It's perfectly spicy to warm you up. However, since Counter is a bit stingy on the portion size to cost ratio, they rank at number five. Their 'house' soup is also very gourmet-meets-deliciousness. Counter uses organic ingredients and is a master of using exotic spices and seasonings.

4. Atlas, Soup of the Day
At only $3.50 for a nice sized pint and side of fresh multi-grain bread, this soup hits the spot! Atlas has great lentil soup. I also love their sandwiches, by the way. And vegan cupcakes. And vegan soft-serve fro-yo. But anyways....

3. Earth Matters, soup(s) of the day or Ginger Carrot
My favorite flavor that EM makes is the refreshing Ginger Carrot. The texture is amazing and the ginger really tastes cleansing and just spicy enough. I also love their butternut squash soup. I'm not too fond of their pea or lentil soups. But most of the time EM soups are amazing. And also only $3.50 for a pint size, that's the large. And service is always fast and friendly. Also, their vegetable soup with clear broth is yummy if you want a super light soup. If I had a cold, I would buy and drink the veggie broth by the gallon! (Well, I don't think they carry that size. Darn.)

Click READ MORE to see my TOP TWO soup-on-the-go in NY!

2. Caravan of Dreams, Butternut Squash, Potato-Leek or Avocado-CoCo
I adore Caravan of Dreams. Read my Yelp.com review of Caravan of Dreams. So I love the butternut squash, it's texture is creamy yet light. I also love the raw/live/vegan/cold Avocado-CoCo soup. It almost tastes like a smoothie. But trust me-it's delicious! I'm not too fond of the Miso soup, so I suggest getting whatever the soup of the day is. And it comes with a slice of sprouted-grain bread.

1. Liquiteria, Chipotle Sweet Potato
The delicious photo for this post is indeed Liquiteria's Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup. And it is my number one all-time favorite on-the-go-soup in the city. The texture is thick and hearty, yet never heavy or mushy. They have a wide selection of fresh soups daily. Great price to size ratio. And always healthy. They even have a non-vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup that my husband soup-gasmed over. Liquiteria: smoothies when your hot, and soups when you're chilly! It's an a full-service, full-season establishment. And the service is always fast and super friendly.

Check out my recipe for a similar soup: Cheer-Worthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup.

Do you have a favorite on-the-go soup that you want to share. In NYC or even another location...?

PS- I would love to see Jamba Juice bring back their Jamba-soups. If they could get them up to Liquiteria-par, they'd have lines out the door in the middle of winter. And I'm just waiting for the Starbucks soup-of-the-day. Soup and coffee....hmmmm. Nay or Yay?

Links for these soups:
Liquiteria
EarthMatters
Atlas
Counter
Caravan of Dreams

Yay to ZICO brand Coconut Water.
After emailing the top three CW companies, ZICO was the first to respond, same day.

In regards to my original Coconut Water 101 post,
I received this great question-comment from a blog reader:

The Answer?!
.....Click READ MORE to hear what ZICO has to say about this excellent question!

Hi Kathy,

Great question. Since these minerals are water soluble (not directly as elements, but as ionic compounds found naturally in coconut water), taking in more than the body needs generally results in excess amounts exiting the body via urine. Granted, too much of anything is by definition not good, but the most common side effect of drinking more than the body needs or drinking on an empty stomach are mild diarrhea or gas buildup, as natural coconut water is a mild "aquaretic" that rids the body of excess fluids.

If someone leads a physically active lifestyle, drinking a liter or so of coconut water throughout the day, especially during and after exercise, he or she can actually reduce recovery time between workouts because the body needs to replace the potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and other ion salts, or electrolytes, that allow the body's nerves to smoothly pass electrical signals along nerves and to the muscles. A lack of these salts can have many negative effects on the central nervous system, the most common being cramping.

I hope that helped!!!

Namaste,

J. Ross Ferrell
Zico Operations Manager

Thanks for the Coconut Water Questions

I'll let my readers know if/when O.N.E and Vita CoCo respond as well. Keep those great comments coming everyone!

Tropicana has a new carton design, a new look. Here's what Tropicana has to say:

Tropicana's new carton, new look. Love it or hate it? 

Twilight's Taylor Lautner Packs on 26 Lbs., Nears Weight Goal:

So just what does it take to gain 26 pounds of 'pure muscle' ?

"Besides hitting the gym, 'I'm trying to eat as much as possible,' he said. 'Basically I'm supposed to eat everything I can and try to keep it lean. Lean meats and veggies.'"

Girls want to lose it, guys want to gain it. Most of the time anyways. But the interesting thing is that in both cases eating healthfully and maintaining a proper exercise routine are key! Read more about this fitness-friendly Twilight star...It was announced earlier this month that Lautner will return following weeks of questions about whether he could effectively portray his werewolf character (who grows a foot taller and looks 25 years old in the sequel). Most fans overwhelmingly wanted Lautner back.

Lautner told Us the support of Twilight has been "crazy."

"It's blown up into something we had no idea," he said, "so it's really exciting. I'm so thrilled to be a part of something like this."

New Moon begins shooting later this year.

Twilight's Taylor Lautner Adds 26 lbs of Muscle, for Sequel:
Read the complete post at US Magazine, Taylor Lautner.

If you know me, you've probably received the COCONUT WATER TALK.

Coconut water is the endosperm inside of fresh young green coconuts. Not the well known matured brown coconuts.

So, why should you try this beverage?

*Very high source of POTASSIUM--the most per serving, even better than bananas or sports drinks like Gatorade.
**Low in calories, light and refreshing. Only 60 calories per serving.
**Studies have shown that it is an isotonic beverage...
Coconut Water has the same electrolytic balance as human blood: It's Isotonic!
interesting....
**Coconut Water has a very high level of Manganese which is essential for bone growth and the body's development; 2-5mg a day is required for good health. Manganese supplements are used to treat Osteoporosis.
**Tastes delicious. Savory. "Like chips!" one of my close friends said...Coconut Water is not coconut milk. It is not white or super sweet and does not contain any fat--this is not coconut oil.
**CW shares the same electrolytic balance as human blood, and during World War II when IV solutions were scarce, CW was used as an IV drip for patients in hospitals and clinics.
Overall, I am addicted to Coconut Water.

Interesting fact. New Trend?

This study also finds that most children become vegetarians not by way of health, but by way of humanity. The love of animals and desire to help rather than hurt them is the inspiration for children to eat a veggie diet. Kids with pets are especially likely to experiment with vegetarianism.
First US count finds 1 in 200 kids are vegetarianDo you have a vegetarian child? What has been your experience?

Also, when and why did you first go veg?

I first went veggie back in junior high. I simply didn't want to keep eating animals. It didn't seem right, and the veins in the chicken legs creeped me out. I know, I know, but that's MY true story! What's yours?

Oh...and kids who eat eggs and dairy are most likely to be fine on nutrition...however vegan kids need to pay special attention to their nutrient intake.

It's been a long Monday right? And you need a healthy recharge evening.

Might I suggest: Pizza and The Bachelor on ABC!

Just make sure to get light or no cheese on your pizza, a large entree salad, and any sodas should be all natural or diet.
In NYC?
A few ideas: Viva Herbal Pizzeria, Lombardi's or even Two Boots. Fast, easy, healthy.
Escape Reality, Reality TV: who can resist The Bachelor?
I will be tuned in and chilling out.
It's Monday and we deserve it!http://www.firstpizza.com
http://www.twoboots.com
http://www.menupages.com
http://www.seamlessweb.com

Lasagna can be delicious without cheese. Bob Greene was on the Rachel Ray Show showing her how to make his no-cheese vegan lasagna.

Rachel even taste tested the recipe on-camera and vowed that she loved it!
Rachael Ray Show - Food - Bob Greene's No-Cheese Vegetable Lasagna

Click through for another raw vegan lasagna recipe from Pure Food and Wine NYC.

I adore movies. Movies make me happy.

And I adore the Golden Globes and the Oscars.

Thus, here are my top three favorite moments of the GG's:

1. Mickey Rourke winning, and then thanking his pet dogs past and present in his award speech. (I would so thank my kitty cats past and present...!)

2. Heath Ledger winning for his Joker role.

3. All things Kate Winslet. Her spew of emotion during her Revolutionary Road best actress award. So sweet. So genuine. Loved it. (And as a Titanic fan, I loved seeing Kate and Leo back together again.)

Did you watch? What did you love?

Oh...read more for my fourth fave moment...
4. Ricky Gervais on stage with his glass of beer. Ranting about not being nominated. Classic. Funny. Loved it.

Martha has a morning green juice habit.

And considering how great she looks, how much energy she has and how many ideas flood her brain, I'd give her green secret a look:

Martha Tips Here

Bananas are dying. There is no cure. They all die as it spreads, and it spreads quickly. Soon - in five, 10 or 30 years - the yellow creamy fruit as we know it will not exist." -Johann Hari, Huffington Post article: Why Bananas Are a Parable for our Times

Hari claims that the very industry who built up the beloved banana, will end up destroying it. And he says it is a parable for our times.

Selling out the banana, eh?

That's almost as bad as Rachel Ray selling out to Dunkin Donuts.

Killing the very thing that supplies you sustainability. Or in this case, profit!

Save the banana, save us all?

I don't really think that this banana situation is a parable for our times, but I do think that the system in which we produce, harvest, package, ship, sell and purchase food is a tainted one.

Chopping down acres of rainforest to re-plant banana trees seems like a bonehead idea. Where was the 'green police' way back when all this raping of nature was occurring?

TEST TUBE NANNERS

And the suggested answer to saving the banana? Genetically modified bananas? No way. I'd rather eat spinach on my cornflakes than a test-tube banana. Really.

The best answer I have found is the recent LOCAVORE trend. Supporting local farmers and regional foods. But this doesn't mean that the folks in Maine can never eat Florida's grapefruits, and vice-versa for blueberries. We don't need to be extremist abut it. But the theory makes sense on a good-for-our-planet level.

And for the bananas?

Lets save them. I'm sure Dole and Chiquita are looking into this problem. And hopefully putting some money into it. The most consumers can do is pledge their support for bananas and voice concern over lack of regulations to protect the banana's survival.

Gosh, this sounds like a banana-rights issue now???

I wonder if we would put up the same fight for brussel sprouts? I like to think, yes. 🙂

Browse thousands of recipes in my recipe index.
Snag meal plans, printables, 150+ recipe pages with photos, tips, shopping lists and so much more with the Finding Vegan Meals E-book.

I was watching the ladies on The View discuss Dr. Ian K. Smith's (photo after the jump) new diet book, The Four Day Diet. Barbara Walters didn't seem to buy the idea of a four day diet. And neither do I.

Diets don't work.
They don't.

Call it what you want, the four-day, the fat smasher, the eat peanut butter diet. There is only one way to lose weight-forever. And there is only one thing that diets are even good for.....

I'll admit that my nutrition curiosity, and my motivation to become a wellness guru, has lead me to read up and even try several diets in my lifetime. Atkins, Coconut Oil, fruititarian, raw diets, Susan Somers, sugar-free, low carb...I know the drill.

My First Dieting Book

* View My Travel Stories

We go on vacation is to de-stress, explore and get-away-from-it-all.
And vacations are often a way to feed our need for wellness.

So instead of heading to that crowded, exhausting touristy, or cheap-and-easy destination. Why not choose a destination that is all about wellness.Hey, it's your vacation. Make it worth your while and your money.

Check out my list of the top ten wellness travel destinations.

Selections include a coastal tree house retreat, an A-list celebrity wellness mecca and even a posh bikini boot camp retreat in Mexico aimed at toning your body and inspiring your spirit.
What makes a destination, wellness-focused?
Here are the qualities I seek in a wellness destination:

1. C: stimulates creativity
2. M: stimulates the mind, unusual surroundings compared to your everyday life.
3. B: Stimulates the body: Does it get your blood pumping?
4. R: Stimulates relaxation: At some point in your trip do you realize, "Hey, I can't move. My body feels as limp as jell-o. And I kinda like it."
5. H: Stimulates happiness: Smiles, giggles, glee, joy and many happy endorphins of laughter make for a successful wellness destination. (Just as long as your not laughing so that you don't cry. On say, a really bad cruise or something...Not that this has happened to me...)
6. Z: Stimulates emotional balance and Zen: Do you feel centered. Do you finally figure out the meaning of life? Or at least the focus to understand one really important goal in you life?
7. P: Stimulates relationship healing, people-connector: Do you and your travel partner(S) come away closer? More bonded. And connected on a deeper level. Or maybe you just figure each other out a bit more closely.

So taking the above factors into consideration, lets discover destinations for wellness:

1. Blue Lagoon, Iceland, Blue Lagoon Spa and Hotel
B, M, Z, H
As I have previously stated in a post about Blue Lagoon Iceland: I dream of going here. Someday. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Not only is Blue Lagoon relaxing and stimulating to the mind and body, it looks fun. Sky blue water meets dark black rocky cliffs. Creamy white puffs of steam drifting above your head as you float in the healing warm seawater of the Blue Lagoon. Plus, the on-site restaurant and hotel. And the spa with many healing services and treatments utilizing the naturally healing water of the lagoon.

Online: http://www.bluelagoon.com/

2. Miami, Florida, USA, Mandarin Oriental in Biscayne Bay
Z, H, B, R
Off the main city strip of South Beach Miami Florida, this oasis of all things zen is the perfect destination for reclaiming your wellness. There is an amazing spa, good-sized pool and pool bar, private beach with day-beds, and a top notch collection of restaurants on-site, including award-winning Azul. This hotel will leave you smiling from ear to ear. You could very well never leave the resort, even though you are in Miami! But if you do seek a bit of night-life-style energizing wellness....Ocean Drive on So Be is just a quick 20 minute cab ride away.

Online: http://www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/

3. South Beach, Florida, USA, Delano Hotel and Spa
C,B,H,P
This is the place to go if you are seeking to re-coup your wellness at one of the world's top luxury hotel destinations. Delano, a Morgans Hotel, is the place where all the A-list celebs stay when they visit SoBe. And we know why....first class everything, without 'traditional', without pretentiousness. This hotel caters to a young jet set crowd who appreciates all things creative, modern, fine, fun and fabulous. With the crystal blue SoBe waters just a few hundred yards from the property, you can either spend a day at the beach or a day at the pool. Or even a day at the newly remodeled spa, Agua. The spa features some miracle working treatments including the Vitamin Infusion facial, at $250 a pop. A special indulgence- you won't regret. Or spend all day in your room with your travel companion, and indulge in some well-deserved relationship wellness.
I have been to the Delano several times and it remains my favorite hotel in the world, so far.

Online: http://www.delano-hotel.com

4. Big Sur, California, Post Ranch Inn
C,B,Z, R
Hidden among soaring redwoods and nestled between thick forests and the crusty bluffs of California's pacific coast shoreline, lies the Post Ranch Inn. It is a tree house hotel. No, really. But don't think you will be roughing it Tarzan and Jane style, this posh resort features 40 guest rooms and private 'houses' situated among the trees of Big Sur. Celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen DeGeneres have stayed at the Inn. It is unique experience indeed, your mind, body and zen-like mood will be catered to in a luxurious organic setting. With little to do but relax, explore and spend time with your travel companion, this is the perfect wellness destination for those seeking a quiet retreat. And a bit of mother-nature-style healing.

Online: http://www.postranchinn.com

5. Tasmania, Australia, Healing Dreams Retreat
B,R,Z,P
Located in Trousers Point, this is another wellness retreat featuring Mother Nature at her finest. Connect with nature as you explore the diverse surrounding environment, including blue ocean views, sandy shores, vast cliffs, waterfalls and majestic mountains. Healing Dreams features numerous wellness style activities and services, thus its name Healing Dreams.... Beautiful vistas meets a healing retreat, away from it all. Wellness, done Aussie style.

Online: http://www.healingdreams.com.au

6. Tuscany, Italy, Fonteverde Resort and Spa
P,H,R,M
Located among charming villages, classic Tuscan vineyards and valleys, with all the delicious Italian food and wine you can eat and drink, lies the Fonteverde Resort and Spa. This old world retreat allows you to immerse yourself in the Tuscan countryside and get some true 'olive grove' wellness. Those seeking culture, relaxation and appetite stimulation will find their blissful path to wellness in the Fonteverde Resort.

Online: http://www.fonteverdespa.com

7. Canyon Ranch Spa, Multiple Locations, USA
R,B,C,Z
I must include one of the classic wellness retreat brands, Canyon Ranch. Canyon Ranch Resort and Spas are in several locations including Lenox, Massachusetts and Tuscan, Arizona. Canyon Ranch even recently completed their wellness residences in Miami, Florida. Now, you can actually own a wellness-focused lifestyle by purchasing a condo. Canyon Ranch is well-known for their all-inclusive vacationing style. All meals, activities and some treatments are included in the fee. Your meal plan will be designed by a Canyon Ranch nutritionist and chef. Your scheduled activities will stimulate both your body and your mind. Hiking, yoga, even Tai Chi are common activities at Canyon Ranch resorts. You can even take home the Canyon Ranch book and try to recreate your new wellness-focused state of mind at home.

Online: http://www.canyonranch.com

8. Belize, Chaa Creek Spa and Resort
M,B,Z,P
Choose from treetop suites or spa villas, at this hideaway wellness destination. The spa features a wide range of healing services. But the true wellness comes from the location-Belize. situated in the beautiful Belize rainforest, this retreat will stimulate your body, soul and senses. Chaa Creek is well know for its wide rage of activities including rainforest tours, horseback riding, kayaking trips, beach ventures and even dining explorations. Want to get out of a modern city and into an exotic locale? Head to Chaa, and say Ahhhhhh.

Online: http://www.chaacreek.com/

9. Tulum, Mexico, Bikini Boot Camp
B, P, R, C
I love this! Another all-inclusive resort. This eco-chic resort retreat is perfect if you are looking to kick your wellness-quest into ultra high gear. It's possible with Bikini Boot Camp. All you have to do is show up and participate with zest. And it's not that hard to get motivated for bikini-bliss, when you look at the surroundings. Tulum, Mexico is beautiful! Tropical beaches with clear blue water, beachy bungalow accommodations and a healthy dining plan are all included in your retreat. Also included are the body-sculpting activities like mega-ab and power yoga classes. One note though, these girls mean business! They highly recommend that you do a no-alcohol, no junk-food diet while you participate. And no televisions or computers means that you will have lots of time to workout, and become one with your spirit...and you bikini-ready body.

10. Hot Springs/Mineral Water Springs, USA
CRBP
(Calistoga, CA Hot Springs, AK and Warm Mineral Spring, FL)
There are a few wellness destinations that focus on my favorite thing: healing water. Both Hot Springs, Arkansas and Warm Mineral Springs, Florida are great examples in the United States. Warm Mineral Springs calls itself the original 'fountain of youth.' And Hot Springs is the place to lounge in one of the largest mineral water pools in he world. (I have been and it is both healing and fun.) Another USA location for hot springs is Calistoga, California. Located right next to Napa Valley, this small town style retreat offers some amazing vacation deals to achieve wellness. Gourmet dining, hot springs pools and vineyard tours are all a part of Calistoga's wellness experience. This was an every month retreat for my sister and mother and I when I grew up in Santa Cruz, California, and I can vouch for its wellness-qualities all the way. Calistoga, yes as in the water-brand, is a divine little wellness retreat.
Online: http://www.hotsprings.org

11. Fiji, Turtle Island Resort
B,R,Z,H
OK, so I know I said ten. But I had to include Fiji on my list. Fiji is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful locations (if crystal blue waters and white sand beaches are your idea of beauty.) Honeymooners and wellness-seekers have been traveling to Fiji for years, and it doesn't get any better than Turtle Island Resort. Healthy foods are plentiful and relaxation is par for the course. And with no noisy nightlife to clutter your thoughts, you'll be sure to feel like life is your candy store and you're a sugar-hungry kid with a few bucks. Weird analogy, I know, but Fiji really defies explanation....just go if you ever get the opportunity. Fiji is wellness.

Online: http://www.turtlefiji.com

I'd love to hear from you!
What wellness destinations have you been to that would make your list???

photos above are owned by the mentioned destinations, hotels and websites - for media purposes.

You can now order a 'natural' pizza from Pizza Hut.

My first reaction?

What the heck are people eating when they don't order their Pizza Hut pizza Au Natural???

To find out, keep reading.

The new Natural pizza is made with a 'natural' multi-grain crust, 'natural' old world sauce, 'natural' whole milk mozzarella, all-natural rustica sausage, 'all-natural' pepperoni, and a few extras like roasted red peppers and marinated roma tomatoes.

A little overuse of the word natural, but whatever.

The real question is, what the heck is in the UN-NATURAL pizza?

The answer: a whole lot of preservatives and additives, that's what.

The original pizza ingredients contain preservatives and additives such as:

ferrous sulfate, vital wheat gluten, enzymes, ascorbic acid, high fructose corn syrup, sodium stearoyl lactylate, flavorings, BHA, BHT, citric acid, modified food starch, whey protein concentrate, nonfat dry milk, and sodium propionate [added as a preservative].

The ingredients in the new Natural Pizza Rustica are:
Natural Multigrain Crust: Unenriched, unbleached wheat flour, stone ground whole wheat flour, yeast, olive oil, honey, whole grain wheat, whole grain barley, whole grain rye, whole grain oats, millet, salt, ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
Natural Old World Sauce: Tomato paste, water, sugar, salt, granulated garlic, spices, olive oil, canola oil, citric acid.
Natural Whole Milk Mozzarella with Cheddar: Mozzarella cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), Cheddar Cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, annatto).
All-Natural Rustica Sausage: Pork, seasonings (spices, paprika, sugar, garlic powder, salt, spice extractive, citric acid), water, salt.
All Natural Italian Sausage: Pork, seasonings (spices, paprika, sugar, garlic powder, salt, spice extractive, citric acid), water, salt.
All-Natural Pepperoni: Pork, beef, salt, spice, water, flavor (cane sugar, natural flavorings) flavor (oleoresin of paprika, natural spice extractives), lactic acid starter culture.
Fire Roasted Red Peppers: Red peppers.

My Thoughts:
Now don't get me wrong. I love that Pizza Hut is stepping up the nutrition side of their menu. And as my sulfites post showed, extra additives like preservatives aren't the best for our sensitive bodies.

However, it makes me wonder about the integrity of pizza in general. I can order a pizza margarita from a local NYC Italian pizza place and get an amazing all-natural pizza without the silly branding. And no, it may not be whole wheat/multi-grain crust, but I don't really want a pizza crust with thick chunky grains in it anyways. I just don't.

High Fiber Crust?? Not really.
Pizza hut says that its crust contains 8 grams of whole grains per slice, yet the nutritional info says there are only TWO grams of FIBER per slice. That's not that impressive. Especially considering that an original PH pizza crust has about 1-2 grams of fiber anyways....

The Big Picture:
Pizza is actually a very healthy food, as it is made in Italy with fresh crushed tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, herbs and freshly made dough.

So, the big question, what would you rather eat?

1. An authentic Italian style light margarita pizza.

or

2. The 'natural' creation from PH?

I understand that not everyone lives in NYC, a pizza mecca. But lets just say you do have access to a good pizza place. The choice is yours to take.

Bottom line: Go for the pizza the way the Italians eat it. And try to stay away from Pizza Hut altogether if you are truly looking to GO HEALTHY. If you just want a good old fashioned USA pizza-fast, not-too-healthy and cheap....order what you like, just don't make it a habit!

....Just don't take the joy out of pizza to save a few calories and get a few extra grams of fiber. That kind of thinking will never work long term.

(My opinion and I'm sticking to it.)

http://www.pizzahut.com

Here is a quickie recipe for the Giggling Morning Muffin Sandwich.

This will make your morning better than 'good' - you'll be giggling.

It's the perfect little English muffin style sandwich.

It's vegan. Contains protein. It's savory-sweet. And it takes 2 minutes to make.

Oh and its absolutely delicious.

Egg-McSausage-Mc-Gives-You-a-Muffin-top-Muffins...

...eat your heart out.

RECIPE:
Giggling Morning Muffin Sandwich
1 whole wheat English muffin
1 slice vegan veggie singles (any flavor)
1 thick slice white onion
3 leaves butter lettuce or spinach
1 slice vegan bacon, sausage patties or links
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
spread vegan 'butter' on each side of muffin top.

Toast muffin
Add 'butter" and cheese
heat in microwave for 11 seconds?
layer remaining ingredients

Wrap in foil for a to-go breakfast
or eat and enjoy ASAP!

Less than 350 calories, around 10-16 grams protein, 4-7 grams fat (depending on brands)

Meet Giggling Onion on The Lunchbox Bunch website...

Even if you despise whole corn, you will adore this chowder.

* vegan breakfast sandwich with eggy tofu

Do you ever feel like your breakfast is lacking?

Does this scenario sound familiar? It's Sunday morning. You are flipping a few made-from-scratch blueberry-spelt pancakes and chopping a few fresh bananas and strawberries. You pull out some maple syrup and heat up some hot cocoa or a spicy soy chai latte. But something is missing from your homemade morning feast. Fresh juice.

You open the fridge and pull out a carton of store bought orange juice. Some fresh-pressed pineapple/orange/kiwi juice would be a perfect compliment to your spread. Hmmm..isn't there a way to get fresh juice at home?

Yes! Hop on the at-home juicing bandwagon! You won't regret it.

Juicing Research. Just google "juicers" and "reviews" and you will come up with an entire web world of juicer reviews and information. The hardest part about juicing is choosing a juicer. The quality and prices range from extremely basic $40 juicers, to hardcore extreme at-home juicers for up to $2,000.

After much research, my family settled on the Super Angel juicer. It was an investment purchase at around $900, but it has been well worth it. I juice at least 3x a week and making my own juice (as opposed to getting it from a juice bar) is priceless. Frankly, I much prefer to choose, chop and handle my own fruits and veggies. And at home juicing lets me have my very own juice bar in my kitchen, open 24/7.

My Juicers:
*SuperAngel
*Orange X Manual Press Juicer
...I love and recommend them both.

UPDATE: My current juicer (2019) is a Hurom juicer and I LOVE it. You can browse their juicers on Amazon. Amazon Hurom Juicer Store.

How to Juice
Once you have decided on a juicer, the fun part begins.

Stock up on organic fruits and veggies.
Head to a farmers market or organic food market and stock up! I highly recommend juicing with organic fruits and veggies. A few of my favorite items to juice are:
apples
oranges
grapefruit
ginger
carrots
kiwis
pineapple
celery
parsley
pears
beets
bell peppers
leafy greens (of all sorts)
lemons
pomegranate
stir ins: cayenne, cinnamon, spirulina, pepper

There are many more options, but these are just a few of my favorites.

Foods that do not juice well are anything that is mushy, dry or overly tender. Bananas and peaches can sometimes mush up in my juicer, although a half a banana is sometimes a nice addition. But don't try making banana juice with a whole bunch...it just won't work.

Juicer Food Prep
Wash all your items very well! Remove stems, seeds are usually fine to juice. However, citrus seeds (especially lemons) can be quite bitter.

oranges grapefruit citrus-remove the outer peel
apples pears-slice, juice the entire fruit (seeds and all.)
Ginger-peel slice off the skin, otherwise your juice will be brown and grainy.
veggies-wash well! You can juice whole. (De-stem if needed.)

RECIPES

*Need Juicing RECIPES? Check out my Juicing for Fun and Health Recipe Series - includes my favorite delicious, healthy morning juice, diet juice and energizing juice recipe!!*

Here are a few of my favorite produce combos to juice:

apple/ginger
*add a cayenne sprinkle for a spicy kick
apple/ginger/carrot
grapefruit/orange
straight up orange
lemon/apple/pear
apple/parsley/celery
celery/pear
grapefruit/ginger
apple/ginger/cinnamon
kiwi/green apple/celery
banana/orange/pineapple
straight up OJ
straight up grapefruit
straight up pomegranate

*Juice/Smoothies Recipe Index here*

As I have written about before, fruit juice is a highly sensitive food item. To ensure the most active enzymes and nutrients in the juice you drink, you should juice/drink it fresh. Vitamin C is incredibly delicate. Some studies have shown that Vitamin C content decreases by 2% every day after it is first juiced.

Juicing is one of the best ways to boost your weekly intake of healthy nutrients. You can easily get a few full servings of fruits and veggies in one glass of juice.

And the best part....it tastes amazing! You've probably paid $3-$7 for fresh squeezed orange juice at a restaurant. Well now you can make it yourself and drink it in your pajamas.

If you have any questions about juicing or types of juicers, feel free to comment.

Buying a Juicer? Harvest Essentials is a great resource. It has a wide range of juicers available and even a juicer buying guide which explains the differences between types of juicers. This is also the website that we bought our juicer from. I was pleased with the quality and delivery of the juicer. Check out my fave juicers below:

JUICER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are willing to spend at least $350 on your juicer, I would definitely get a twin gear juicer. Otherwise, there are cheaper options that may not perform as well, but will still be adequate. Most store bought inexpensive juicers are centrifugal. They grind the fruit to a pulp and the juice is strained through a grinder. However some studies show that less nutrients and enzymes are kept in tact due to the high rpm and 'processing' of the foods. Also, centrifugal juicers are not capable of efficiently extracting juice from wheatgrass, leafy greens, or herbs. But if you are new to juicing, you may want to work your way up to an expensive twin gear model. A good juicer will have around a ten year warranty, and thus the cost is high. But juicing newbies should first make sure that they are going to enjoy juicing and actually use the machine.

Here are a few juicers I like:
SuperAngel- twin gear, $800-$1200 (*best counter top)
Omega Model 9000- centrifugal Juicer, $199
Green Star 3000- twin gear, $469
Champion 2000- single gear, $219-$369
Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer™- centrifugal, $99+
Hurom Juicer - new fave!

Orange X Manual Press Juicer: I also own a manual press juicer for juicing orange, grapefruit and even pomegranate juice. It's super easy to clean and squeezes my fruit bone dry. Fresh OJ in a snap.

Browse thousands of recipes in my recipe index.
Snag meal plans, printables, 150+ recipe pages with photos, tips, shopping lists and so much more with the Finding Vegan Meals E-book.

* not-coffee lattes

As a Starbucks gold card member I received this lovely little coupon book today to try Starbucks new line of Handcrafted Tea Beverages.

A few of the new creations include:

• Black Tea Latte, a bold, invigorating combination of black tea and freshly steamed milk;
• Vanilla Rooibos Latte, a naturally caffeine-free infusion of botanicals that unites South African rooibos (ROY’-bus), Tahitian vanilla, sweet spices and freshly steamed milk;
• London Fog Latte, an intriguing blend of black tea, citrusy bergamot, French lavender, vanilla and freshly steamed milk.

The London Fog Latte sounds very yummy, and what a great name. This sounds like an Earl Gray variation beverage.
Black Tea Latte sounds a bit boring, but I'll try it.

I've never been a fan of Roobios, but I'd still like to try it prepared with a Starbucks kick I'm sure. Lets just hope that all these beverages can be prepared with soymilk, vegan style.

....but I'm still waiting on Starbucks to create the Soy Chai Frappachino.... now that would be a TeaTime I would be very excited about!

Browse thousands of recipes in my recipe index.
Snag meal plans, printables, 150+ recipe pages with photos, tips, shopping lists and so much more with the Finding Vegan Meals E-book.

Post-holiday or even post-weekend, it seems most of us are looking to detox, hydrate, zen-out and gracefully slip ourselves back into the daily grind, all while staying happy, healthy and hydrated.

Wellness Rx: Coconut H2O. I can't wipe your to-do list clean, but I can help you out in the area of hydration. My solution: coconut water! I've already sipped my way through one coconut water today, and it won't be my last. Coconut Water Facts...

Coconut Water for Hydration

*Potassium. Very high source of potassium-more per serving than bananas or sports drinks like Gatorade.

*Healthy Lifestyle. Low in calories, light and refreshing. Only 60 calories per serving.

*Isotonic Beverage. Studies have shown that it is an isotonic beverage. Coconut Water has the same electrolytic balance as human blood: It's Isotonic!

*Manganese. Coconut Water has a very high level of Manganese which is essential for bone growth and the body's development; 2-5mg a day is required for good health. Manganese supplements are used to treat Osteoporosis.

*Hangover Remedy. Coconut water is the perfect beverage to chug the day after (or day of) an induglent night of dehydrating alcohol. Why? It naturally adds electrolytes like potassium back into your system, without adding unwanted sugary flavors or colors like other "hydration beverages" contain. Plain and simple: Coconut water is hydrating, and alcohol can dehydrate you. Water is also a fine choice for hydration, but it doesn not contain the same extra beneficial nutrients that coco water does. Try it once and you may be hooked on coco water to bring you back to life, naturally.

*Tastes delicious. Drink ice cold for best taste results.

*Human Connection. CW shares the same electrolytic balance as human blood, and during World War II when IV solutions were scarce, CW was used as an IV drip for patients in hospitals and clinics.

*Trendy! Coconut water has made its way to all the trendiest celebrity parties, events and sports events. If you're not drinking coconut water, you're just not sipping-it with the 'in crowd'.

*Mainstream Availability. You can easily find brands like ONE, ZICO and Vita CoCo at mainstream supermarkets like Whole Foods. If you want the very freshest of coconut water beverages-simply buy one of those large white fresh young coconuts, crack it open, insert straw and sip your way to coconut water hydration.

More Coconut Water Posts...

5/10 ZICO Defends Brand Changes
5/10 ZICO Goes Plastic...and from concentrate..
9/09 ONE Coconut Water with a Splash of flavor
4/09 ONE Beverage Line-up: Coconut, Acai, Cashew...
4/09 Coconut Water Ice Cubes: Best Smoothie Tip!
4/09 Frozen Coconut Water, Hydration Perfection. So refreshing!...
1/09 Coconut Water from a fresh coconut!

Have you stocked up?...

Amazon.com Widgets

It's a new year and if you or a loved one is looking to GO VEG in 2009, by experimenting with a vegan or vegetarian diet, this is the post for you!

These are 6 tips to help you along your road to veggie living.

It takes some solid nutrition know-how to avoid any nutrient deficiencies in our new veggie diet.
Iron, vitamin E, protein, calcium, vitamin D and the dreaded vitamin B12 must all be closely monitored in your new diet.

Here are a SIX TIPS to get you through a successful "GO VEG" year!

1. Choose New Protein Foods
When you are removing meat from your diet, you will need to be adding new protein-heavy foods. So here is a list of protein-rich, nutrient dense veggie foods. Choose a few and research them:Tempeh (recipe here)
Tofu
Seitan
Almond Butter
Soy, hemp or rice milk
Vegan Singles Cheese
Quinoa
Beans (soy, black, red, pinto, garbanzo)
Brown Rice
(Bean and rice combo makes a complete protein)
Spirulina"Fake" Meat Brands (Boca, VeggieDogs, Gardenburger, etc.)

2. Eat Your Favorites
The only way  you will ever stick to a veggie lifestyle is is you are eating foods that you like. So, take your five favorite meals and modify them to suit your new lifestyle. Use the protein rich foods from above to change out the meat items for veggie friendly items.

3. Get Your B12!
B12 is the hardest vitamin to get if you are going veg. Vegans have a most tricky time since most animal products contain b12, but few veggie sources exist. Here are a few ways to get your b12:
Take a vitamin. B12 vitamins are easy to take and easy to fine.

Eat these foods:
Spirulina

My favorite source of B12 is the natural kind,  aka spirulina.Add a few scoops to a smoothie and you are set!

Fortified foods: soy milk, cereal, vitamin waters: You can actually get your RDA of b12 from a quality fortified soy milk. Read the label and adjust your intake as needed.
Not going vegan? You can get b12 from dairy and egg products.

4. Iron, vitamin E, vitamin D, protein, calcium and iodine oh my!
Look out for these nutrients when going veg!

These are most likely going to be your trouble areas.
Vitamin E and iron:

Leafy greens are an excellent source of both. You can also purchase an iron skillet and cook your veggies in it to add a bit of iron the old-fashioned way.
Iodine: Iodine can be found in seaweed/kelp/sea vegetable products. Also, iodized salt. Non vegans can get iodine from yogurt, cow's milk, cheese and eggs. Strawberries even have a good amount of natural iodine in them! You can get 10% your RDA of iodine from a cup of strawberries.

Vitamin E: Eat your greens! If you are eating a few servings of dark leafy greens a day you will be fine.
Calcium: Calcium fortified soy milks are a great source of calcium. Read that label and don't skimp on purchasing a good fortified brand of soy milk. Silk, Eden Soy, VitaSoy, and even the 365 Whole Foods brands are great. Almond, rice and hemp milk are also available in fortified versions. Another great source of natural calcium? Greens!
It's true, broccoli and other greens are actually better sources of calcium than cow's milk.

Arugula: 1,300 mg Watercress: 800 mg Spinach: 450 mg Broccoli: 387 mg

Vitamin D: Sunlight. Yes! Especially in winter, make sure you get some natural D from the sun. And again, fortified soymilk.
Protein: See tip #1. Any of these foods will be highly concentrated in protein. Two Boca spicy chik'n burgers a day will give you 22 grams of protein. Add a few glasses of soy milk (maybe that soy chai at lunch and soy latte before work (around 6-11 grams each), and you are already at around 40 grams of protein.

Protein Needs:
People always ask me where I get my protein. Tempeh, grains, veggies, tofu, seitan, hemp, soy, rice, pea and more are all amazing protein sources. I like around 50 grams of protein a day, but your needs will vary depending on your lifestyle, age and body type/structure.

5. Stock Up o the Right Tools: Books, Vitamins, Menus/Dining Options

MENUS/DINING: Google vegan, dining and the name of your town. You should have at least a few vegan/veggie friendly dining options in your town. Get a copy of a few of these menus and do a taste test!
Order that 'grilled seitan' dish and the 'fried tempeh' appetizer or try the 'tofu-pesto sandwich'. A great online resource is vegdining.com and also if you are in NYC, supervegan.com.

A few of my favorite NYC dining options for a veggie diet:
Candle 79, Josie's, Blossom, Caravan of Dreams, Chipotle, Pure Food and Wine, Organic Avenue, Counter, Liquiteria, Earth Matters, Le Pain Quotidien, Spring Street Natural, Viva Herbal Pizzeria and even Starbucks for an easy bagel/almond butter/soy chai breakfast.

BOOKS: Get a few good vegan/veggie lifestyle books to learn more. (I'll let you know when I finish writing my book...)  My long-time favorites are: Marilu Henner's "Total Health Makeover", Rebecca Woods, "Whole Foods Encyclopedia" and a great cookbook is "Veganomicon". For kids,  Marilu Henners "Healthy Kids" book is fabulous. I am even quoted in the college students life section-from way back in the college days. Yay.
VITAMINS: I would highly recommend taking a vegan friendly multivitamin supplement (pill or powder form), at least until you get used to your new diet. I like The Ultimate Meal Shake Mix by Ultimate Life. You can find it at Whole Foods. There are a plethora of vegan multi vitamin pill brands out there. Whole Foods also has a great selection.

6. Take it One Day at a Time

I get it. Going vegan/veggie is hard! A life without double cheeseburgers and bacon? Try a vegan version of your favorite meat recipe and you might be surprised... If you are in LA, NYC of SanFran,  definitely dine out at one of the top vegan restaurants and let a pro chef show you how its done. Trust me,  one seitan cutlet from Blossom in NYC and you will be forever changed.

When I switched from vegetarian to vegan, I thought I couldn't do it. I was a major Frozen Yogurt addict. Big time.

A life without cookies and cream fro-yo from The Big Chill in West LA?

No way. Can't do it!
But eventually I found that the benefits of my new dairy/meat/egg free diet outweighed the negatives. And I would never go back to my old ways again. Plus, there are some amazing soymilk frozen yogurts and soy creams out there.

...Soy Delicious brand Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough...yum...enough said.

So congrats on your attempt to go veg in 2009. If you need any more tips or advice simple add some comments and I will respond with a helpful and honest answer or even just some more encouragement.

PS...I know that a vegan diet is not for everyone. I wish it was, but I am a realist. I see how far our society is from fulling accepting veganism as the majority diet.

So I encourage anyone who thinks they can't give up animal products to at least try to eat more vegan-style foods as listed in tip #1. Cutting back on animal products will serve your body very well.

Good luck in 2009. If you want to try some super foods and wellness tips, check them out in my posts below!
Top Ten Wellness Tips for 2009

Top Ten Superfoods for 2009

Browse thousands of recipes in my recipe index.
Snag meal plans, printables, 150+ recipe pages with photos, tips, shopping lists and so much more with the Finding Vegan Meals E-book.

RECIPE:
Cheer-Worthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup
vegan, serves two

ASSEMBLY:
Microwave or bake the sweet potatoes until soft.
Mash them in a bowl. Set aside.

Lightly saute the onions, bell pepper, drizzle of olive oil, chipotle chile, mushrooms, pinch of salt and ginger.

Combine the mashed potatoes, soy milk, olive oil, maple syrup, veggie broth, harissa, black pepper, cayenne, cinnamon and remaining salt in a blender or food processor.

Blend on high until smooth.

Add potato blend to soup pan, add sauteed ingredients. Cover pan. Allow to simmer for twenty minutes. Stir occasionally.

(Optional) Add additional oil, cayenne, maple syrup, salt and pepper to taste.

GARNISH:
Serve by garnishing (to taste) with a dollop of Veganaise, a dollop of harissa, a few diced tomatoes and a few pinches of freshly chopped cilantro.

CUSTOMIZE IT:
Spicier - add more cayenne or harissa
Sweeter - add more maple syrup
Zestier - add more pepper
Heavier - add more salt and oil

Browse thousands of recipes in my recipe index.
Snag meal plans, printables, 150+ recipe pages with photos, tips, shopping lists and so much more with the Finding Vegan Meals E-book.

Here are my top ten wellness tips for you try in 2009. Click on the tip headlines to read more. I hope you try and add at least a few of these to your wellness routine.

They all make great New Year's Eve resolutions too!

10. Epsom Salts
A must have item for your medicine cabinet is epsom salts. These salts help sooth aching muscles and are a great everyday wellness item to keep your body happy. Plus they are dirt cheap.

9. Breathing
Many of us forget that oxygen is the most important chemical in your body. 70% of our bodies 'waste products' are removed through breathing. Deep breathing exercises have always been 'trendy' but few people actually do them! They really do enhance your overall wellness, so remember to breath.

8. Re-think Meat
In the coming year, it would be a good idea to consider ditching meat in favor of the many meat alternatives and plant-based protein sources out there. Fun fact: Did you know that one bunch of broccoli contains 17g protein!

7. Take the Hard Road -Test Your Limits
You know you limits right? And sometimes your just A-OK with taking that easy road to get to your destination. Well this year, take the hard road a bit more often. Now push it to the next level. You say you can't do it??? ....but you just did.

6. Try Hot Yoga
Hot yoga is a powerful detoxifying and balancing way to improve your health.

5. Take a Lunch Break Detour
Do it! Take a detour! Go to a one o'clock play, peruse a museum at noon, take a long drive up the coast - all on your long lunch hour. It will clear your head refresh your mind to know that while you bask in culture and calm, everyone else is grinding away trying to catch up on those fifty new unread emails and ten blinking voice mails.

4. Skin Brush
The skin in the largest organ in the body and is responsible for 20% of the detox process (70% through breathing, see tip #9, and 10% through your digestive system.) Skin brushing is an easy activity to add to your daily routine.

3. Drink More Tea... or just less caffeine.
I've said that I recently switched from triple soy lattes to chai's at Starbucks. And I feel so much more balanced and less on-edge. I challenge all of you to do a two week coffee detox and see how you feel. Even limiting yourself to one or two coffees a week will create a sense of calm that you can feel. I now only get one latte a week, at Le Pain with a nice Sunday brunch. It is now a treat as opposed to a necessity.

2. Water is a great Healer
Water heals. Drink more water, hydration is a cornerstone of good health. Hot water baths are very healing as well. And for the ultimate water therapy, try the hot/cold immersion technique. Take a hot bath, then do a cold shower- ice cold - then switch back to hot. Do this a few rounds and you will feel your circulation soar!

1. Eat Thanksgiving Dinner more Often.
So this is my favorite wellness tip for the coming year. Eat a Thanksgiving Meal more often. What do I mean? Well as I explained in a recent post, the foods we eat on Thanksgiving are actually quite healthy. On what ordinary night do you eat five types of veggies on one plate?

So that's the first reason, healthy foods! The next reason is that Thanksgiving meals are made from scratch. You are not eating some half-warmed up, processed enzyme-deficient food. It's fresh food, packed with nutrients.
And lastly, on Thanksgiving, you eat at the table, you interact with your family and you are eating mindfully. You are not simply stuffing your face while watching that DVR episode of Grays' and updating your facebook status.

So in 2009, why not try to eat like its 'Thanksgiving' everyday. Or at least on weekends.

Happy wellness in 2009!

Browse thousands of recipes in my recipe index.
Snag meal plans, printables, 150+ recipe pages with photos, tips, shopping lists and so much more with the Finding Vegan Meals E-book.

* tempeh bacon

Tempeh is an amazing superfood. You can spend an hour chopping veggies, sauteing perfectly marinated tempeh, maybe its corn crusted or BBQ glazed. Yum. But if you are like me, time is precious and sometimes I am craving a tempeh sandwich or side in just say, two minutes.

Here it is, my two minute tempeh recipe.

(note, this is not the optimal preparation for tempeh, but I find it perfectly tasty for a quick snack or meal.)

Two Minute Maple Marinated Tempeh

Slice into thin strips, one half package of plain tempeh

Toss tempeh and the following ingredients into a microwave-friendly lidded dish.

Add ¼ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, a rough 2-3 tablespoon drizzle of maple syrup (honey works too)

Cover lid tightly and shake the container to disperse the ingredients on the tempeh.

Microwave container on high for 1.5-2 minutes. (toss a bit mid-way)

You're done! This tempeh is great for a quick sandwich or salad topper.

Tempeh is a soy product made by fermenting whole soybeans.

Tempeh is a super food.

Sadly, I've found many people have never even heard of tempeh! Wha?! How?! It's so yummy! It's a must try curious cooks..

But be warned, tempeh is the underdog of vegan protein products.

Why?

Well just look at it! Instead of a friendly, silky smooth, shiny texture tofu-esque texture - tempeh is bumpy, hard and sometimes discolored in shades of cream, brown and gray.

But don't let it's rugged exterior looks fool you.

In a tofu vs. tempeh battle, I'd put my money on the gnarly looking bumpy stuff...

Before you judge - do a taste test..

Tofu is Great. Yes tofu is a healthy, vegan, soybean product. But tempeh has a few health benefits that tofu does not:

Tempeh Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits

1. Whole beans - Tempeh is made from whole soybeans.

2. Easier to digest - The tempeh fermentation process changes the properties of the soybeans. As a result, tempeh can be much easier to digest for some individuals. Enzymes and fermentation also release and 'pre-digest' some of the nutrients and allow the good stuff like zinc, iron and calcium to be more easily absorbed by your body.

3. High fiber content - One serving of tempeh contains more fiber than most peoples consume in one day. Around 7 grams per 4 ounces, a ½ cup.

4. Nutty Flavor - Tofu is bland ...some people say. Tempeh has a unique nutty/savory/bitter/fermented flavor and texture that many people, including me, love. If you have a super picky eater, try EVOO/maple syrup sauteed tempeh sticks with flavorful, familiar dipping sauces - and they will love it. Tell them it's like fries, only healthier.

5. Low Sodium - Tempeh is extremely low in sodium, which is rare for a fermented soy product (like miso).

6. Natural antibiotics - Rhizopus moulds produce natural, heat-stable antibiotic agents against some disease-causing organisms. Indonesians who eat tempeh as a regular part of their diet recognize it as a medicine for dysentery and rarely fall victim to the intestinal diseases to which they are constantly exposed.

Favorite Tempeh Recipes:

My Smoky Tempeh Wrap
TMT Pita (the vegan blt)
Sunny Mushroom Tempeh Bagel
Napa Valley Salad with Lemon Pepper Tempeh Croutons (lemon pepper crouton pics shown in this post)
Olive Tapenade Tempeh Vegan Sandwich
Broccoli Jack Soup with Mapoltle Tempeh Croutons
Cheezy Chili Bread Bowl with San Marzano Tomatoes and Tempeh
Tempeh Bacon Shiitake Jalapeno Stuffing

or try the super easy recipe below...

Easy Tempeh Triangles Recipe:

basic ingredients:

tempeh
EVOO
maple or agave syrup
apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
salt/pepper

Directions:

1. slice tempeh into triangles - slice thin.

2. Soak tempeh triangles in a marinade of EVOO, maple syrup or agave syrup, lemon juice or vinegar, sea salt and pepper.

3. Saute on high or grill until edges brown.

4. Remove from heat - drizzle leftover marinade over top - pinch of salt/pepper and serve!

Serving Suggestion: I love adding these easy tempeh triangles to the top of a big green chopped salad.

Browse thousands of recipes in my recipe index.
Snag meal plans, printables, 150+ recipe pages with photos, tips, shopping lists and so much more with the Finding Vegan Meals E-book.

* acai bowl

Here we go...from the top!

Here are my top ten superfoods of 2008, all picks that you need to add to your diet in 2009!
At number ten.......

10. Nuts
We saw nuts (and not just peanuts) make a comeback this year. Maple almond butter showed up as a side condiment at Starbucks, and new research showed that kid nut allergies just might be avoided by eating more nuts! I love them. I am nuts for nuts. And you should be too. In 2009, why not try a few new nuts - brazil, macadamia, hazel or pistachios.

9. Probiotic Yogurts and Drinks
We've all seen that Jamie Lee Curtis commercial where she grasps her tummy and says she just doesn't feel right sometimes...and so with the plethora of probiotic drinks and yogurts options, we can all boost our immune systems and improve everyday digestion! Read my post on the top five probiotic products here.

8. Spirulina
It will make a comeback in 2009! It will! Higher in complete protein than ANY meat or soy product, spirulina is a super duper food. Add it to your smoothies. Greener color, little change in taste. Kids love a green-slime-monster smoothie.

7. Acai
More brands of acai juice seemed to pop up the shelves of my Whole Foods Market in 2008. And acai has even become a favorite Jamba Juice smoothie flavor! Now lets hope that Trader Joe's can come up with a high quality knock off version because those $3.69 a piece bottles are killing my wallet.

6.5. Sweet Potatoes
This is super food number six and a half because I simply had to squeeze sweet potatoes in somewhere...and this seemed like a good spot!

Yes, I'm obsessed.

A personal favorite for not just 2008, 2009 and beyond, but for always! I remember reading in a college anthropology class that certain cultures of Aztec Mayans would have root vegetables like sweet potatoes as their primary food source - and build meals around them every night. Ahhh to be born into that society! At least I can still pretend and add sweet potatoes to basically everything.

6. Goji Berries
Yes raw, whole goji berries CAN be delicious, we discovered in 2008. No more of that ghastly goji berry juice that makes us run for some easy to drink Tropicana blend. Mind you, goji berry juice is way to expensive to taste that bad. But WHOLE berries can be eaten with joy...and we discovered how. Yay us.

5. Green Tea, White Tea, Chai and Herbal Tea
Yes I know, tea has long been a super food. But I just had to give it a top ten billing because it continues to succeed in its message of antioxidants, anti aging and all around wellness! Tea drinkers have a sense of zen and calm about them that those triple venti red-eye cappuccino drinkers just don't have. I should know, as I was a twice daily, triple venti soy latte drinker for a long time. I've recently lowered my coffee drinks to just once a week. (I switched to chai at Starbucks) And I really do feel more balanced. Need a resolution? Less coffee, more tea in 2009. I'm so helpful.

4. Spicy foods and the Ginger-Lemon-Cayenne detox
Spicy foods. We all need a jolt of something these days. Get it from some hot spicy stuff! Ginger, jalapenos, chilies, habanero. A trendy concoction I kept hearing about is the ginger-lemon-cayenne juice detox/cleanse. Haven't tried 'the cleanse' plan myself, but I adore hardcore ginger juices from my favorite juice bars and at-home juicer. So I'll give it a mention. If you are into a detox of some sorts, this tonic sounds much better than any diet pill or caffeine enhanced diet/detox beverage.

3. Mineral Water
It's all about the minerals. In 2009 lets all get use to drinking sparkling mineral water with our meals. Why??? Because mineral water has a lot of fabulous natural stuff in it that's why! My favorite brands are Gerolsteiner, San Pellegrino, San Faustino and of course my all time favorite, VOSS.

2. Mushrooms
I love mushrooms. I love them sliced thin and raw in salads, I like them marinated in oil and garlic, I like shiitakes in my spicy noodle soup. Repeat, I love mushrooms. Craft in NYC, Tom Colicchio's restaurant (Top Chef dude), serves the best shrooms I've ever had...FYI. Oh, and ever since I saw Dr. Weill chatting about how mushrooms were the next 'it' superfood on Regis and Kathie Lee a few years back, I knew that mushrooms would be a great food to get into. Dr. Weill was right again! But then he sold out to Origins. Sort've. I still adore his wellness advice.

1. Coconut Water
Are you sick of me and my coconut water obsession yet? Have you tried coconut water yet? Yes? Fabulous. You know that it has 16 times more potassium than in sports drinks. And only 60 calories a serving.
No?? You haven't tried it?! Get your NYC self down to Organic Avenue. Or head over to Whole Foods and try ZICO, ONE or Vita Coco brands in the tetrapaks. Run, now! You'll need it New Years day....

FYI, coconut water is the ultimate hangover remedy. Since this is a New Years Eve list...

Happy Superfooding in 2009!

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Blue Lagoon, Iceland.

I want to go.

Someday.

Crusty black volcanic rock meets icy clear blue water.

White puffs of salty steam rise from the still pools of blue.

The vast lagoon is dotted with floating wellness-seekers, braving the below zero temperatures outside, for the warming geothermal seawater.

After a long (45 minutes max they say) detoxifying dip in these ancient healing waters, you'll be up for a little nourishment. Well here it goes....

They have a bar.

And a restaurant. It's called Lava Restaurant. They serve things like this:

And if you know about my obsession for sweet potatoes, you know this dish sounds like heaven to me.

HOT COLD THERAPY meets GEOTHERMAL BLISS

I've long been a fan of the hot/cold therapy thing. As well as Hot Springs/Geothermal seawater type things in general. The Blue Lagoon sure beats the dinky pools or man-made hot springs filled pools in Hot Springs, AK or Calistoga, Cali, where I have frequently traveled. (Though both lovely USA born hot springs sites...) But this place, with its icy blue good looks, seems like my little version of cold-fun, hot-healing-water heaven.

(No, I'm not comparing it to say, a warm island off the coast of Fiji. Different categories of heaven.)

The Blue Lagoon pitch about its amazing waters:

"Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater is a part of a unique eco-cycle where high technology and nature work in perfect harmony in Iceland's extreme environment, bringing us Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, known for its active ingredients and healing power.The origin of the seawater is from 2000 meters beneath the surface.In its travels through porous lava, a blend of sea and fresh water undergoes mineral exchange and then near the surface, concentration occurs, due to vaporization, evaporation and finally, sedimentation."

So I think one day, I will go there. To the lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Iceland. I am so going one day.

..oh wait, I went! My Iceland Adventure

..Silica Hotel that I stayed in on my second visit to the Blue Lagoon. Loved that hotel. The rooms were super clean and moder and the breakfast was amazing and super vegan-friendly.