Healthy Lunches for Kids

Can I be honest about something? I'm ready for the kids to go back to school. There, I said it! :)

I'm sure I'm not alone, although I feel for my teacher friends! But the rest of us are usually ready by now, right?

So, on that topic, I've started thinking about ways to send the kids off to school with some new fun lunches.

I'll be revisiting this over the next couple of weeks, but in the meantime, here's a video from our friends at Whole Foods.

Sexy Vegetarians!

I got your attention, right?

Every once in a while I like to post these videos I find on youtube that feature vegetarians we all know and love.

So there you go, beautiful people! Welcome to the club!

On a side note, I love how the person who put this together refers to all the actors as "sexy" but Bryan Adams is "popular musician from the 90's" as if that's a million years ago.

The Whole Foods Wellness Club

I wish so badly I lived closer to the Dedham, MA Whole Foods, where they have a beautiful wellness club/education center smack in the middle of the store.

Many of us have been to the store in Dedham, but have any of you attended a class or a film screening? A store tour?

Interesting Video Clip

I added this little video because I think it's really cool when we're eating plant foods like dates, we're eating something that's been around...forever! Can't say that about Trix-flavored yogurt, can you? And that's sort of the point!

Marinating: Health Starts Here

I love these quick and easy videos from Whole Foods' "Health Starts Here" campaign. Don't you agree that the right marinade can make or break a meal? Especially with all the grilling we'll all be doing in the weeks to come! Enjoy and have a great day!

Engine 2 Video

If you've followed me for a while, you know I'm a huge fan of all things Engine 2. Rip and this father, Caldwell Esselstyn are helping to change the face of veganism, a.k.a. "Plant Strong" eating. I love the term "Plant Strong" because that's really what I strive for in my diet. You can be a really unhealthy vegan, eating lots of vegan desserts and processed foods...that is NOT what we're about here :) This video features a lot of guys, which I love because plant strong is not a female thing, it's a people thing! Plus, who doesn't love firefighters?

Click right here to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kItn6Tn16rw&feature=player_embedded#!

Toasting Sesame Seeds

I love to toast sesame seeds and sprinkle them over Asian dishes or salads (especially a spinach and mushroom salad). I like to sneak them into baked goods as well, like energy bars or raw balls.

They cost a fortune if you get them in the spice aisle (don't!). Get them in BULK from your favorite natural market. Buy them raw and toast away :) Did you know sesame seeds are loaded with calcium?

What the Bulk!?!?!? Bulgur

The Engine 2 Diet DVD

You all know I'm a fan of Rip Esselstyn's "The Engine 2 Diet" book, which is the source of all things PLANT STRONG!

My father (go Dad!) brought this hour long movie to my attention, and I'm excited to say it's now available to watch (along with Forks Over Knives) right now, streaming on Netflix! I just watched it, and although I know a lot of what was covered, it served as a great reminder that I'm on the right track.

Gluten Free or Not?

I'd like to say that I do not believe I have a sensitivity to wheat, for which I am really thankful! However, I like to hear different opinions on the topic and am always interested in hearing people's first-hand experiences. What scares me is the idea of people gravitating towards gluten free products that are heavily advertised, processed and posing as "health" food. Here at veganmama I take pride in gently reminding my readers to base most of your meals around vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and beans, which I believe provide the most nutritional bang for your buck. But that's just my two cents :)

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Ch Ch Ch CHIA

I realize this video was a little on the goofy side, but it's such good information I couldn't resist! Here are my thoughts: Are chia seeds the greatest thing in the world? Since they don't really have a taste, not really! Ha, ha. But, they are very good for you, easy to find and are affordable, so there is nothing to lose sprinkling some on your cereal. Keep some floss around, however, since the seeds WILL get between your teeth! :) I use chia seeds in a lot of my baked goods, in oatmeal, in cold cereal and in smoothies. Are you a fan? How do you use chia seeds in your diet?

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau