A Dog For $20?!

As a member of PETA, I receive emails about all kinds of issues going on.  Today I received an email about dogs and cats being sold for experiments.  The North Utah Valley Animal Shelter betrays it’s animals and sells them to different colleges and places that need experimental animals.  Shameful, really.  Here’s my letter to them, and you too can write one, just click here.

It’s shocking to learn that–although every other animal shelter in the state has ended the shameful practice–the North Utah Valley Animal Shelter continues to betray the animals it is charged with protecting by selling them to the University of Utah for cruel and deadly experiments. This is shameful that a person could make this irresponsible, deliberately harmful decision on behalf of animals that deserve better treatment.   How much pride can a person take in his or her job knowing that you sent innocent animals straight to a deathbed, and for a measly profit.  What happened to integrity and doing the right thing?

Taxpayers support animal shelters in the hope that the facilities will help alleviate animal suffering in this world, not contribute to it by treating homeless dogs and cats as cheap laboratory equipment for animal experimenters.  What a deplorable life you create for these adorable pets.  Please stop violating the trust of Utah taxpayers and animals and to make the shelter stop releasing dogs and cats to the University of Utah.

September 3 2010

BY tambra
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Breaking News! Good Fats Gone Bad–Banning the enemy

"Nooooo!! Not the fryer!  Help me!!!" said the eggroll...

"Nooooo!! Not the fryer! Help me!!!" said the eggroll...

True or False? Fried avocados can be part of a “Healthy Diet”.

Well, avocados are a healthy fat, so the answer must be true.

Wrong!  The answer is false.  The fact that some people can even consider this to be true, well, fries me. No pun intended.  But my dry wit aside, frying a healthy fat immediately transforms it into a harmful fat.

Olive oil is good for you.  Overheated, sizzling, stir-fried olive oil is not…yet somehow the world is still consuming overcooked and fried oils around every corner.  Thinking that the oil remains in tact and still beneficial is almost as clever as trying to market pink buckets stuffed with fried chicken as helpful in the fight against breast cancer…the fact is, fried food (no matter what) is always junk.  Even if the oil is advertised as being “Trans Fat Free”.  Once you overheat an oil, the fat becomes just as harmful as a trans fat.

Join me, as I indulge in my overactive imagination yet again…

Morning light reflecting off the newly paved asphalt makes me wince.  The sound of neighbors starting cars off to another day of work, dogs out for their morning walks, and me, yawning slightly, shuffling out in my fuzzy, white read more…

September 1 2010

BY tambra
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Vegan Sweethearts Tie The Knot

kissing-rob-at-alterA long overdue “Hello!” to all of you readers out there!  I haven’t had time recently to post because life’s been so busy.  On July 24th, I got married to the greatest guy in the world!  Rob and I had an absolutely beautiful wedding, enjoying ourselves tremendously the whole day through.  Of course, our friends and family had a blast as well.  How did two lovey-dovey vegans choose to celebrate this happy occasion?  With LOTS of vegan food!  Okay, so of course it went beyond food…but let me start from the top.

For those of you that don’t know, I met Rob in the bulk aisle in a grocery store.  He was scooping rice, looking very cute may I add, while I was trying not to look because I was a mess after just rolling out of bed that morning.  After asking if my cart was in his way, we began talking only to discover that we were both vegans, loved cooking, and enjoyed eating at the Chicago Diner.  Thankfully he had the courage to ask me out, since my guts were lost somewhere between my sweaty palms, racing heart and spinning mind…I’m not even joking when I say “love at first sight” and “soulmates” really do exist.  And trust me, I was in complete denial about both, laughing at even the mention of something so flaky.  read more…

August 3 2010

BY tambra
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Skin Saving Salad

Take a bite and see what great skin tastes like!

Take a bite and see what great skin tastes like!

Wonder what it takes to have better skin?  Youthful elasticity and a healthy glow are in reach!  Really working on the overall health of this organ can take years, but for now, consider the fact that everything you eat actually does show up somewhere–whether it be in your immune system, on the skin,  in the liver or elsewhere…the three easiest dietary tips on achieving nice skin are: 1) No Dairy, 2) No Sugar, 3) Lots of Fresh Green Foods.  Many of you out there DO eat dairy, and might think it’s impossible to give it up, but just try this promising trio for two weeks, and you’ll already see results!

Here’s a fresh, skin-saving salad to get you started.  Makes 5 servings as a main meal, or about 8 servings as a starter. read more…

June 2 2010

BY tambra
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Cow’s milk for strong bones? Nah…

I had a brief, unexpected, yet enlightening conversation about bones and calcium with two people yesterday.  One girl was complaining how downright awful she felt after eating a bowl of ice cream.  “It’s been a while since I’ve had that much dairy at once,” she said, “I wonder if I’m allergic or something.  I’m just going to give it up.”

We started talking about foods I don’t eat, dairy being one of them.   I wasn’t always vegan.  In fact, this month marks 6 years of me being a vegan.  And it was about 8 1/2 years ago that I stopped eating dairy.

The other girl gave me a puzzled look, as if I were doomed without dairy in my life.  “I eat it because I need my calcium for my bones,” she said.

I turned to the first gal.   “Did you know that you are able to use more of the calcium in a cup of broccoli than you can from a cup of milk?”  I asked.

She raised her eyebrows.  “Really?”

“Yes.  The protein content in cow’s milk is too high and inhibits us from absorbing and using most of the calcium,” I continued.  “Think about it.  Why is the United States one of the biggest dairy-consuming countries, yet we also have the highest rates of osteoporosis?  And we also have so many dairy-eating women shoving all kinds of calcium supplements down there throats too.”

She stared at me blankly, mulling over the thoughts of how true it was.

“I’ve been without dairy for over 8 years I said.  My bone density is so good, that I wasn’t even on the scale and I’m 30 years old,” I stated.  “Cows eat greens that are stocked with calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals in perfect proportions…just because you drink the dairy doesn’t mean your body can use the dairy…gives you something to think about,” I said shrugging my shoulders, getting back to my work.

“Yeah, I never thought about it that way before!  Maybe I really should give it up…”

Had I known of the benefits of getting calcium from greens before, I would’ve done it sooner too…gives you something to think about!   (If you do decide to go without dairy, be sure to check out the post called “Deciding to go without dairy?  Now what?)

April 15 2010

BY tambra
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Monterey Burger

Monterey veggie burger served w/lemon risotto rice

Monterey veggie burger served w/lemon risotto rice

Burgers, burgers, lovable burgers!  I like burgers.  But recently I’ve come to really like burgers.  No, not meat burgers…the idea of a burger.  It makes me start to wonder, is this the reason burgers in general sell so well to the public?  Is it because other people love the idea of a burger just as much as I do?

As a vegan, I can’t help but wonder, maybe typical burgers are so accepted because it’s one of the easiest ways to ignore the truth.

After all, how in the world could you possibly think of a dead cow when what you’re tasting is delectable, juicy, and bursting with flavor?

And why would anyone want to try some kind of “healthy” version of a burger when they can go out and get “the real thing” for cheaper?

But all that flavor is not native to the burger itself.  It’s marinated, doused, seasoned and spiced to death until the remains of a dead body have become convincingly something it’s not. read more…

March 8 2010

BY tambra
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Tambra’s Top Ten Picks for Worst Foods Ever

junkfoodguyLife is full of temptations, addictions, or addictions to temptations, but did you ever stop and take inventory of the dietary offenders in your life?  Are there dietary temptations that have become more than habit?  Possible addictions or patterns of dietary destruction?

So often the dietary temptations in our lives become addictions without even the slightest notice.  They creep into our lives in the form a delectable treat, or become so familiar and “normal” that they blend right in, like syrup in a latte….at that point, who seems to notice something so harmful when it’s so widely recognized and accepted?

What illusionary benefits do these dietary offenders seem to offer us in the NOW?  And what are the long term affects on our individual health?  Some people may say, “Who cares?  We’re all gonna die anyway!”

But for a few moments, let’s shift our focus and give special attention to the life in our years instead of the years in our life?  In the end, don’t most of us find a quality life more enjoyable?  Double bonus: people that kick the nasty offenders to the curb, usually end up with both quality and quantity…I ask myself, “Is it worth it?” read more…

February 14 2010

BY tambra
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Thought of the Day

Meat without the red mask on....

Meat without the red mask on....

How far is too far?  How far is a vegan supposed to go with this “vegan thing” anyway?  Morals are morals, ethics are ethics.  But facts are facts.  And no one can argue with that.  So if you’re vegan, and you know cold, hard facts about meat processing, do you share those facts at the risk of “offending” your non-vegan friends?

When I was a non-vegan, I couldn’t stand the preachy type vegans who tried to guilt me into it.  I’m horrible under pressure.  Quite resistant actually…I don’t want anyone to push me into something I’m not ready for.  But what’s a person to do when you know the health of your very close friends and family are at high risk because of the preposterous meat industry and their dirty little secrets?  Well, you take what you know to be true, hope that you find the facts condensed in a nice little email, close your eyes, cross your fingers and send it to your whole buddy list…hoping that maybe, just maybe, they’ll feel ready to skim over the info with sprouting interest and without creeping skepticism.  Information passed on by a third party seems to be a comfortable way for myself to share the truth with others without making them annoyed by me and my “crazy life choice” feeling like I’m trying to convert them.  Converting them is not what I’m after.  It’s empowerment I’m after.  The people in my life are worth the truth.  And that’s why I want them to know about the ammonia treatments.  Or the rotting flesh in disguise….these facts about animal muscle tissues are facts that can’t stand to be disguised anymore.

Check out the link to this article and read for yourself, you deserve to know.

www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-nat-meat-safety-20100121,0,288473.story?page=1

January 25 2010

BY tambra
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Super Easy Romano Sauce

So Italian, so delicious!  All that's missing is the fine music and a balcony!

So Italian, so delicious! All that's missing is the fine music and a balcony!

I had a craving for a really good Romano sauce last night.  So I went at it, and coming up with this was super easy!  If you ever want some noodles with Romano sauce, look no further…this will score some points all across the table.  And no one will ever know that the sauce is chalk full of protein from the beans!   You can even garnish with fresh basil if you’d like!

What you’ll need:

  • 1 jar of Italian Herb Sauce (I love the Whole Foods brand)
  • 1 can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup rice or soy milk
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic granules
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. vegan Parmesan cheese read more…
January 14 2010

BY tambra
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Tamale Cakes, vegan style!

dsc02506There is nothing better than taking a regular ol’ omnivorous recipe and veganizing it!  And while I’ll promise you it’s not a copy-cat recipe (sharing that version I’d be yelled at for), here’s my vegan version of The Cheesecake Factory’s Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes.  I made a few adjustments to improve the recipe’s potential.  Fluffy golden brown corn cakes atop a layer of Tomatillo Verde Sauce, garnished with Tomato Salsa and chopped fresh avocados, drizzled with Southwestern Sauce and a final squiggle of sour cream.  This batch makes enough for 9 cakes.  Serve as an appetizer or have as a meal!  This recipe is very time consuming (took me about 75 minutes) but it is so very worth it, and is beyond delicious!  It will go by more quickly if you grab a friend or two, while definitely being a fun time together!  Rob helped me for a few minutes when he got home last night and then we were pigging out in no time!  I love tamale cakes! read more…

January 6 2010

BY tambra
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Ring in the New Year, Naturally!

So decorative, you almost don't want to eat it!

So decorative, you almost don't want to eat it!

Cookies, candy cane brownies, and ginger bread houses leave you feeling gross after the holidays?  I’m not big on refined sugar, so when I do eat it, it takes it’s toll on me.  Every year, I love decorating a ginger bread house.  But since I’ve been vegan, I don’t buy a kit.  I make the dough from scratch and cut my own walls and roof.  Then I use all natural colors and vegan candy to make it look cute.  Sure, it’s “natural” and cute, but it’s still sugar…

Sugary foods are super addicting and are also some of the most damaging.  This year, I made my gingerbread house with 25% less sugar, but it was too much anyway.  After eating the chocolate door, a few gingerbread people, a couple gum drop bushes, and part of the roof, I felt ready to cave in.  Of course this binge was spread out over the course of a couple days, but still, eating sugar makes you want more sugar.  read more…

January 4 2010

BY tambra
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Building a Titanium Immune System

sickpic1Ever wonder why people get sick left and right in the winter time?  Is it really because of all the germs?  Or is it because of the stress of the holidays?  Is it because of the lack of exercise?

Biochemical individuality changes circumstances for each of us.  Becoming ill is a multi-layered process.  Could be the germ, could be the host!  Could be the stress, could be the crumby diet!  All four?

During the holidays we do encounter lots of stress, good and bad.  And that means that more stress equals more strain on the adrenal glands.  The poor little things are pushin’ out cortisol more quickly than we can roll cookie dough, decorate a tree, or carol to the reindeer.  Cortisol is a hormone that helps keep our balance during periods of stress.  It is supposed to work well during periods of acute stress rather than prolonged stress however.  So when we do have long periods of stress, it is most likely that the cortisol is more overworked than Santa’s elves.  Producing too much cortisol destroys T-cells, and therefore our immunity becomes compromised.  Combine that with excess sugar, fatty foods at Christmas parties, a few cups of Christmas cheer and very little sleep and this is a great set-up for all things yucky.  Our elimination systems go into overdrive; lungs coughing out the junk, sinuses becoming inflammed, digestive systems running amuck, and all the while our intestinal flora is at its lowest, we’re desperate for some enzymes and our adrenals are screaming for help…. read more…

December 17 2009

BY tambra
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Pumpkin Pie

Cruelty free Thanksgiving...Thankful to be vegan!

Cruelty free Thanksgiving...Thankful to be vegan!

I know that this has been turning into a major recipe blog lately, but it’s because I’m putting up all these recipes that are going into my book, My Teenage Rejection of Death Products, due out soon.  I have a habit of cooking without measuring and have acquired many favorites, all of which my friends and family like and none of which I can pass on since I never bothered to write them down!  So, I’ve been cooking up a storm lately–stuffed shells, french toast, etc.–all for the sake of the book…and of course for my friends, including you!

Seeing as how Thanksgiving is right around the corner though, why not bake a pumpkin pie for your family?  Or yourself?  Or both?  :)  Enjoy. read more…

November 23 2009

BY tambra
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Hearty Zucchini Loaf

 

Golden brown zucchini loaf right out of the oven!  Mmm!

Golden brown zucchini loaf right out of the oven! Mmm!

This is a wonderful nutritious choice to serve with a hearty dinner—maybe mashed sweet potatoes and stew. The applesauce lends a subtle sweetness and adds some great fiber as well!

What you’ll need:

2 c. whole wheat flour

1 c. gluten free all purpose flour*

1 Tbsp. baking soda

1 tsp. Baking powder

½ t. salt

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. Nutmeg

1 tsp. Cloves

*NOTE: Sometimes I use oat flour or any all purpose flour read more…

November 19 2009

BY tambra
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Fancy Schmancy French Toast

Stack up your morning with scrumptious french toast!

Stack up your morning with scrumptious french toast!

Deluxe, yet relatively simple, this tasty morning delight is perfect for anytime…holidays, special occasions, breakfast in bed or just because.  A triple layer treat with unforgettable goodness–enjoy!

What you’ll need for the French Toast:

  • 3/4 c.  + 1 Tbsp.  rice milk
  • 1/2 c. cashew butter
  • 1/4 tsp. cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. allspice
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil (I use safflower)

Additional ingredients:

  • Bread (2-3 pieces per person depending on how hungry you are)
  • Strawberries (3 per layer, see note)
  • Pecans, chopped (1 Tbsp per serving)

NOTE: If you create a triple layer french toast stack using 3 slices of bread, you need 6 strawberries, sliced. If you are only using two pieces of bread, you’ll have one layer of strawberries; so use 3 strawberries, sliced. read more…

November 16 2009

BY tambra
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Italian Stuffed Shells

dsc023303I’m not super big on tofu, but since I love stuffed shells so much, this dairy-free version is much healthier.  These little morsels are so delicious; you’ll never miss the cheese.

What you’ll need:
1 box of shells
2 blocks of tofu
1 Tbsp. tahini
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
½ tsp. Sea salt
¼ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced (or about 4 tsp. Minced)
2 tsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Basil
1 tsp. Parsley flakes
1 Tbsp. Parma or nutritional yeast
4 grinds of pepper (or to taste)
1 package Follow Your Heart mozzarella cheese
1 ½ jars of pasta sauce (I like a cabernet marinara) read more…

November 11 2009

BY tambra
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Cranberry Walnut Muffins

 

cranberry-walnut-muffinsEver want to capture the taste of Autumn in a tiny little muffin?  Now you can!  With cranberries, raisins, walnuts and a hint of citrus, these delicious treats are great to pack in a lunch, wake up to in the morning or pair with some hot tea late at night.  Unwrap the yum :) read more…

November 5 2009

BY tambra
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Begin Your Day with a Breakfast Burrito

Veggies, protein, and layers of flavor will all be great reasons to get yourself outta bed for this creation.  Inspired by my Best Burrito Ever, this breakfast version is a close cousin yet has a uniqueness all of it’s own!  So dig into nutrient packed morning goodness and give the cereal a break!

What you’ll need:

  • 1 package of giant tortillas (I use brown rice tortillas)dsc022812
  • 2 packets of Road’s End Organics Mushroom Gravy
  • 1 can Navy Beans
  • 1 Russet potato
  • 2/3 Block of extra firm tofu (divided in half)
  • 1/4 c. Sesame Tahini
  • 1 tsp. Tamari Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic flakes1/2 tsp. Savory Seasoning (I use Frontier brand)
  • 2 Tbsp.  Olive Oil
  • 1 small Yellow Onion, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen Stoplight Peppers
  • 2 cups Chopped Spinach
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped parsley
  • 2 small tomatoes, chopped read more…
October 29 2009

BY tambra
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Scrumptious Hummus Triangles

You can have your fat and eat it too.  Healthy avocado tops off a wonderful protein-packed hummus spread, with layers of deep, well-rounded flavor, that will leave you happy and satisfied.  Garbanzo beans are a perfect blend of steady carbs, adequate fiber, and palate-pleasing protein, so don’t wait any longer–indulge in that Vitamin A and iron.  Strength never tasted better!

Balanced fats, proteins, and carbohydrates--the perfect triangle!

Balanced fats, proteins, and carbohydrates--the perfect triangle!

Ingredients:

1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

2 Tablespoons Tahini

Juice from ½ lemon*

½ teaspoon dried garlic flakes

¼ - ½ cup olive oil**

1/8 teaspoon celery salt

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

2 teaspoons parsley read more…

October 15 2009

BY tambra
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Balanced Veganism=Youthful Hair

Healthy Hair grows from the inside, out!

Healthy Hair grows from the inside, out!

Don’t look to the hair care aisle to treat your tresses…what you need is right there in pantry.  And if it’s not, here’s what you can stock up on to let those locks shine!

A balanced vegan diet supplies all the nutrients necessary, while keeping the offenders away.  Here’s what I consider to be the top 6 picks for healthy hair:

read more…

October 12 2009

BY tambra
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