I'm a Partial Vegetarian....and Had No Idea!

Do you know what your eating style is? I knew I didn't eat red meat, but I never knew there was a name for it. I've heard of vegetarian, vegan, carnivore, etc, but didn't realize there were more. Vegan, Lacto-ovo vegetarian, ovo-vegetarian, partial vegetarian, and flexitarian are all terms for different eating styles. According to a recent article I read, flexitarian is the newest of these styles.


What's a Vegan?

• Only eat plant based food
• Avoid all food that's made from animals
• Includes avoiding: meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, cheese, honey

Eating vegan doesn't have to be hard, or taste bad. You may already eat some vegan items and not even realize it. For breakfast you could eat oatmeal, a bagel, or a fruit smoothie. For a snack try popcorn, sunflower seeds, or fresh fruit. What about lunch/dinner? Try a bean burrito, pasta with tomato sauce, veggie stir fry, or a baked potato.

Interested in finding a vegan friendly restaurant near you? Look  H E R E!!  It'll let you search for vegan restaurants all over the world.

Food, clothing, cosmetics, etc. that are Certified Vegan can carry this label. Find out more about veganism  H E R E!!

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What's a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian?

• Consume no meat, poultry, or fish
• Will eat eggs and dairy products
• According to Wikipedia, it's the most common type of vegetarianism in the Western world
• Nearly 2 million people in the US have this eating style

Examples of food you can eat: fresh fruits, brown rice, yogurt, tomato soup, whole grain rolls with butter, baked apples, collard greens, baked macaroni & cheese, pudding, veggie stuffed peppers, spinach salad, or tacos with avocado, rice, salsa, cheese, etc.

Here's  a blog on this eating style.

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What's a Lacto-Vegetarian?

• Avoids all mean, poultry, eggs and fish
• Will eat all dairy products except yogurt that contains gelatin

Here's  a blog by a lacto-vegetarian.

Examples of food to eat: egg free pasta, potatoes, soy, beans, barley, cous cous, fresh fruits, nuts, chickpeas, fruit juices, kale, tahini, whole grain cereals

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What's an Ovo-Vegetarian?

• Avoids meat, poultry, fish, and dairy
• Will eat eggs and honey
• Gelatin (made from animal bones, hooves, and tissue), rennet (can be made from stomach lining of lambs/calf's), and carmine (cochineal, or natural red 4 is a dye made from insects) are avoided

Learn more info, food substitutions, and nutritional info H E R E!!

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What's a Partial (Semi) Vegetarian?

• Avoids red meat
• May eat fish, poultry, dairy, and eggs
• No soy or gluten alternatives needed

Check out the blog of a Partial Veg  H E R E!!

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What's a Flexitarian?

• Has a flexible attitude towards food
• Eats mostly a vegetarian diet
• Includes occasional meat or fish
• About 3% of Americans are TRUE vegetarians, so if you flip flop this is you
• Called meat eating vegetarians by the Associated Press  H E R E!!
• What WebMD has to say  H E R E!!

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What's a Pesco-Vegetarian?

• Avoids all meat and poultry, except fish

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L I N K S!!

10 tips for healthy vegetarian eating

Dietary guidelines from the USDA

Build healthy eating patterns

Vegetarian resources for getting enough nutrients

Home delivery of meals made for specific eating preferences

Veg friendly recipes and info

A "Partial Vegan" blog

Learn some cultural history of vegetarianism

Blog on healthy veg lifestyle

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Do you know what a vegetarian looks like? How about a lacto-ovo veg or vegan?

Pamela Anderson- Actress & vegetarian

Leona Lewis- Singer & vegetarian

Bob Barker- Former Game Show Host & vegetarian



Albert Einstein- Vegetarian & Scientist



Edwin Moses- Vegan & Olympic gold medal holder

Andreas Cahling- Lacto Vegetarian & International body builder



Mahatma Ghandi- Revolutionist Leader & vegetarian



Forest Whitaker- Actor & vegetarian

Matisyahu- Reggae Musician & vegan

Bill Clinton- Former US President & vegan

Steve O- TV Personality & vegan

The list could go on and on. I know you've heard you can't judge a book by its cover. This applies to people and their eating styles too!! Try something new, you never know, you may like it. I personally think it would be extremely hard to be a strict vegetarian or vegan. It was hard for me to stick to my no red meat rule. I don't think I'll ever be 100% meatless, but generally speaking I don't eat much meat. When I do, it's usually ground turkey breast, and maybe chicken or seafood. Steak, burgers, and bacon are greatly missed by me!! After not eating specifically beef for so many years I'd be scared to try it for fear of how my body would react to it. My dinner plate definitely isn't empty and neither is my stomach! I've discovered tons of ways to satisfy myself when it comes to foods and different tastes that I have.

Continue to follow my blog and you'll find out how! ^_~"

Which eating style do you have? Leave a comment and let me know!

To Buy or Not to Buy Organic

To buy or not to buy organic--that can be a hard question to answer. One of the first things I notice when I'm looking at organic and non organic produce is the price difference. Cost of food is a factor when it comes to grocery shopping, and can be a deal breaker. I prefer fresh produce over canned, and frozen over canned. Obviously fresh is healthier than both, but organic is even better. I don't buy everything organic, but there are certain things I seek out to be organic for a number of reasons. With all the labels on the shelves it can be tricky when it comes to narrowing down what you'll buy. Just because a label says "organic" doesn't mean it's a better product. There are some key words to look out for.

What does Organic actually mean?

If something is labeled as "organic" it means that there are at least 95% organic ingredients. The remaining amount must be ingredients from a National Organic Program (N P O) approved list. When the requirements are met the product can carry an U S D A Organic Seal.


This label can be green (above) or black. For more detailed information check H E R E !!

There's nothing necessarily "wrong" with products that say things such as:

• free range
• natural
• hormone free

BUT these descriptions do not make the item organic! Don't be tricked into paying more just for these labels. Items that this seal may be found on include: fruits, vegetables, milk and eggs.

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There are a few other things that you should keep in mind while deciding on "organic" products to buy. Organic labels don't have to apply solely to food. Cosmetic products, for example, can also be organic and have these labels too. Some labels you may see include:

• Made with organic ingredients
• 100% organic
• U S D A organic
• N S F
• National Products Association (N P A)

Labels & Meanings:

 

A minimum of 70% of the product must contain organic ingredients. This does N O T qualify the item to carry the U S D A Organic seal.



U S D A 100% organic S E A L: 100% of the ingredients are organic. No synthetic ingredients were used in the production, contains no toxic or persistent pesticides. Water and salt are not included.


U S D A organic

The product contains 95% organic ingredients. It also must be free from toxins, persistent pesticides, heavy metals, irradiation, and G M O's



Must contain at least 70% organic materials




N P A is a U S D A created program.

 Some requirements of the N P A are:

• Product must be made primarily of ingredients from a renewable source found in nature
• Must be "generally recognized as safe" by the F D A
• Can't contain any petroleum compounds
• Include biodegradable ingredients and be packaged in environment friendly way
• Small amounts of synthetic ingredients are allowed, B U T they can't pose any human health risks and must not have a natural alternative available
• No animal testing is allowed

On the N P A site (link above) you can find info on specific products. You can even do a location check to see where to shop near you!



G M O labeling isn't mandatory. Honestly a lot of produce that's found in stores genetically modified (G M O). There are a number of organizations that support the labeling of G M O foods, and/or the removal of them. You can find out about one non profit organization and more on genetically modified organisms H E R E !!



If interested in finding out more on the guidelines, ingredients, etc. of cosmetics check H E R E !!



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According to the Environmental Working Group (E W G) there are fruits/vegetables that should be bought organic whenever possible, because of pesticide residues. Different factors can make an item contain more chemicals than others. The thickness of its skin, and the location of the food (tree, grass, dirt) grows are examples of factors.

" The Dirty Dozen "

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Imported Nectarines
6. Imported Grapes
7. Sweet Bell Peppers
8. Potatoes
9. Domestic Blueberries
10. Lettuce
11. Kale
12. Collard Greens

" The Clean 15 "

1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapple
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet Peas
7. Mango
8. Eggplant
9. Domestic Cantaloupe
10. Kiwi Fruit
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms

How many of these do you eat regularly? Are you big on fruits and vegetables in the first place?

You can find more information on these lists, and a helpful shopper's guide H E R E !!

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At the end of the day you'll have to weigh your options and decide what's best for you. Availability of organics in your area may decide for you. Budgets for food may be another decision maker, or mobility may be another.

Tips on buying organic:

• Look for specials such as "two-fors" at grocery stores
• Clip coupons from newspapers/magazines
• Visit manufacturer websites for email lists and coupons
• Support local farmers and vendors
• Check out Local Harvest to find places near you
• Visit Farmers Markets. Many operate most of the year

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Does any of this information affect how you'll shop in the future? Were you an organic shopper to begin with? Share, I'd like to know!!

Don't forget to subscribe via email in the box at the very top!! Thanks ^_~"

Simple Semi-homemade Blueberry Honey Pancakes

I love pancakes, but haven't quite mastered the homemade ones yet. I've been practicing, sorta, but haven't gotten the flour, baking soda, baking powder ratio exactly right. When I do, and if I try again, I'll be sure to post--even if the results are bad! This past weekend I really wanted some diner style breakfast!!! Even though it was almost 1pm I needed some pancakes and eggs in my life. Fall is trying to sneak its way in around here, and I'm not liking it, so traveling was out of the question. Plus I had a slight headache, so off to my kitchen I go!!!

I absolutely adore Aunt Jamina's pancakes. I especially like the quick mix, only add water mix--you know, the don't have to fool with eggs and oil mix. Yes, it is great, easy to make, and even better to eat! Looking around I remembered I had a few eggs, small brick of cheese, but no potatoes. Sad face. No homefries this round for me. The menu I set out to (quickly and simply) make consisted of pancakes and scrambled cheese eggs. In the fridge I also saw a jar of honey jam with just a few spoonfuls left. Might as well bring that out while I'm at it!

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 bowls/containers
• 1 saucer
• Spatula, small non stick frying pan, 2 forks, 1 spoon
• Your favorite jam/jelly
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Pepper or seasonings of your liking
• Pancake Mix
• Packet of hot chocolate
• Peppermint stick

Are you surprised that I don't follow the instructions on the box? As with most things, I eyeball it and make it how I like it. For the sake of writing this, and to honor my pledge I'll try my best to give accurate details on the steps!! See--I haven't forgotten   ^_^"

Using one bowl, I poured in pancake mix, then slowly added water while stirring. Added more mix, then more water. I always do this slowly, so I don't mess it up. Continue until you have a consistency that you like. Personally, I don't want a dense pancake, but I don't want watery batter either. My mixture is thick enough to just drip out of the bowel when tilted, but thin enough to be a fluffy pancake. Once I got it right I added about 3 over flowing spoonfuls of my Blueberry Honey Jam, and stirred!!!

This made about 6 medium sized pancakes

**** T i p s ****

~~~Not sure if you got the batter quite right. Do a test pancake!

~~~Don't like blueberry? Just add your favorite jelly or jam to the mix! Experiment.

~~~Don't like preserves? Try chocolate chips, or fresh fruit.

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Side note:

I'm in love with Roger's products. They're from a local bee farmer who sells products at local farmer markets and shops around the city. There's honey, wax, candles, jams, combs, classes for new bee farmers--a ton of things available through them! If you ever have the chance you must try it!! Even if it's a honey stick, which comes in many flavors. The jam I used is made the traditional way, except the sugar is substituted with honey!

Quick Honey Facts: 

• It's a natural alternative to sugar 
• Can be used in tea, pancakes, on toast, for a sore throat, or even to heal a cut
• It's a natural antiseptic and pure honey never spoils
• Local honey is from bees that took pollen from local plants. If you have seasonal allergies eating local honey can help prevent them. 
• Honey made at different times of the year taste different depending on what's in season. The taste comes from plants that the bees pollinated.
• Clover (common honey found in Ohio) honey, is honey that bees made by taking pollen from clover flowers.
• Try apple honey (from apple blossoms), there's also citrus honeys, and many more!

Interested in learning more about honey, or Roger's? Check this out :  Support Local!

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Once the mix was...mixed, I set it aside. Six eggs was what I had, so I decided to use them all. Why not? After cracking all of them I changed my mind about the scrambled cheese eggs. An omelet sounded better to me!!! Six eggs is a lot for just 1 omelet, and my small non stick frying pan. Two omelets were made this time. I'm very paranoid about cross contamination. I mixed the eggs so I could be done with them, and wouldn't have to touch them again once I started cooking. Washing of the hands was next!

Pan preheated on medium and I'm ready to pour! There are some pancake flipping guru's out there, but I am not one of them. One pancake in my can at a time please and thank you! It took me a very long time to be able to flip pancakes (or eggs) without jacking them up. Practice makes perfect...or at least presentable. It's ok if you mess up just keep going. You have a whole bowl of batter to get it right! One thing I wanted to point out was syrup wasn't really needed for these pancakes. The honey used in the jam gave a subtle sweetness to them.

**** F l i p   T i p ****

~~~~Watch for bubbles on the uncooked side of the pancake. See bubbles = time to flip

~~~~Loosen all edges gently with a spatula before flipping

~~~~Get as much of the pancake under the spatula before lifting

~~~~Keep pancakes a small to medium size-- it'll make flipping easier 

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Eggs simply seasoned with ground black pepper

This is about 1/4 of a brick of cheese. Divided, one 1/2 went into one omelet.

My non stick frying pan was wiped clean, then placed back on medium heat. As if I were making scrambled eggs, I poured some of the mixture into the non stick pan. Poured until about half was in the pan, and the bottom of the pan was covered. I left it alone for a few seconds while the bottom cooked. Using my spatula, I gently lifted a side of the omelet, then tilted the pan so that any uncooked egg would run under it. I repeated this on all sides of the pan until most of the egg was gone from the top. This helps speed up the cooking process.

After doing that I let the egg sit for a few more seconds, so that the egg I just tilted under would cook. Next I put half of the cheddar cheese on one side of the omelet. Once this was done I gently lifted the opposite side with my spatula. The lifted side was then folded over, and pressed together lightly. Remember that there's still egg inside that's not fully cooked!! I let the omelet continue to cook for about 3 minutes on both sides before serving.

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The hard part is now complete! For the grand finale: Peppermint Hot Chocolate!!!!!!! Could you hear the announcer and echos?? Ok ok..I'm done ^_^*

Quick Peppermint Facts:

• Mint essential oils are used in wines, sauces and as an antiseptic
• Can help nausea, indigestion, toothaches, cramps, and tension headaches
• A number of stomach ailments are aided by peppermint. This is why they're often given after meals, and why non prescription meds are flavored with it.
• The oil can be used as a rub for sore muscles
• There are more than 20 variations of mint; all have benefits
• The herb as calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A, C, and many other nutrients

It was a cool drizzly day and I felt like hot chocolate was missing from it. To make it I heated water on the stove, then poured it into a cup. One packet of Swiss Miss was emptied into the cup, then stirred. I'm not big on pills, so to help calm my headache I added a peppermint stick to my hot chocolate. The stick melted from the heat of the drink adding a sweet comforting flavor.

***Variation***

I like rich hot chocolate on cold days!! You can substitute the water for milk to achieve this. Yum!!

Possible Substitutions:

• Add veggies like spinach, onion, tomato, olives, or carrots, to your omelet
• Need meat? Add precooked ground sausage to the omelet
• Try an egg white omelet
• Spice it up with pepper jack cheese or a little chili powder
• Try wholewheat or gluten free pancake mix
• Add fresh bananas or apples to the pancake mix
• Try cinnamon in your batter
• Fancy? Add a dab of sour cream and salsa to your omelet
• Use sugar free jelly in the mix

Do you know any other variations for this? Have a recipe that's similar...comment below!!