As someone with an Italian heritage, I feel that a richly flavored marinara sauce is a must in my household. Sure, you can buy the stuff that comes in cans and jars, but a delicious, homemade sauce is just as easy to whip up, and much more satisfying.
It may be strange to my veggie-loving self, but, apparently, some people aren’t too fond of the goods that are good for you. Some people grew up not wanting anything to do with the stuff, and continue to be less than enthused by fruits and/or vegetables, even into adulthood. If you’re one of these people, I’m happy to share a few ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your meals that just might convert you into a plant-based food fanatic.
I’ve always loved to bake. During summertime, I’d bake nearly every day, out of sheer boredom. The problem was that once my older brother and sister had moved out of the house, there weren’t many people left to devour all of the tasty treats. So, I had to come up with a solution because I cannot watch things go to waste, and the calories were bound to catch up with me sooner or later; I mean I was pretty active, but definitely not that active.
Rosehip oil might sound like something you’d find in your grandmother’s cabinet, but it might actually be the secret to youth–or, at least, youthful beauty. Better known as rosehip seed oil, this special oil is a well-known facial ointment for treating everything from acne to eczema, age spots and osteoarthritis. Considered a dry oil, rosehip seed oil is absorbed directly into the skin, rather than leaving a greasy coat on your cheek or forehead, which makes it suitable for both daytime and nighttime use. Need more convincing?
What's better than a hot breakfast? Even though I usually reach for fruit in the morning, I've gotten in the habit of considering the veggie route for my morning fuel. Veggies provide a slower energy release than fruit, which, depending on your morning activities could be a good or bad thing. If you know you're going to have a more relaxing morning, veggies are perfect for that slow burn. A veggie-fied breakfast is also good for those looking to reduce their intake of sugar.
What spices do you use in your cooking?
Whether you're showcasing a single spice or embracing many flavors in a harmonious blend, spices do wonders for our tastebuds and our dosha. Each spice has different effects, but all are full of health benefits. In the case of turmeric, its pungent nature can balance out the doshas, but careful, too much can aggravate pitta and vata.
If you’re following a strictly plant-based diet, you’re probably aware of how difficult it can be to decipher whether or not a packaged food is vegan. Many people assume that products that don’t contain meat, butter, cheese, or eggs are surely vegan; however, unfortunately, it is much more complicated than that.
Did you know 'vegan' can also apply to beauty products (not just your diet)? You might have seen a skincare product labeled 'vegan' or 'cruelty-free' while out shopping. Sadly, a lot of people get confused about this. Want to know what each label really means? No worries: It's actually pretty simple to understand. Here, I explain what each term means and why they're certainly not the same thing.
It starts slowly. Icicles drip onto the sidewalks, snow mounds shrink under afternoon sunlight, and here in the Pacific Northwest, heavy, warm rains are ushered in. As spring approaches, our appetites desire light, fresh, yet still warming foods. Enter the classic vegetable soup.
Everyone in my family is fond of heavy white sauces, but not me; I’ve always been a fan of this thing called flavor. If you think you’re more of a white sauce person, think again. This velvety, luscious red sauce will even win over the hearts of Italians who think their nonna's “gravy” is the best hands down.