In this episode of Vegetarian Zen, we’re pleased to welcome Gregg Rozeboom, owner of Fruitive, a 100% organic, vegan, and sustainable restaurant located in Virginia Beach and in Washington DC. 

We’re going to talk to Gregg about his inspiration for opening a 100% plant-based restaurant and about some of the yummy offerings on his menu. 

You can check out our full show notes with links to everything we discuss here. 

 

In recent years, there’s been this huge protein push with a lot of companies trying to convince us that we’re protein deficient, especially if you’re plant-based or plant-based leaning.  

While a lot of this is media hype, there is some truth to the importance of making sure you have enough protein in your diet. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re sharing some High Protein Breakfast Ideas to help you start your day with a protein-packed meal with zero animal products. 

We’re going to discuss some of the benefits of making sure you get enough protein in your meals, share some great sources of vegan protein, and of course, we’re not going to leave you without sharing some recipe ideas from some of our favorite sites.

You can check out the show notes here. 

 

April is National Garden Month, a perfect time to embrace the warmer weather, get your hands dirty, and indulge in the many joys and benefits of gardening. 

Larissa and I have experimented with vegetable gardening over the years. We’ve had some very knowledgeable gardeners on the show in the past, including our friends Augie Sanchez (The Unkempt Gardener) and Megan Cain (The Creative Vegetable Gardener). These days, however, we’re sticking to flower gardens as they are easier for us to keep up with. 

Whether you're cultivating a lush flower garden, starting a vegetable garden, or simply looking to green up your living space, this entire month of April is dedicated to celebrating the beauty that gardening brings into our lives. 

In this episode of our podcast, we discuss some benefits of gardening for you and our planet and give you 10 ways to celebrate National Garden Month.  You can check out our full show notes here. 

 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re pleased to welcome Kate Galli, a visionary vegan health coach who's been at the forefront of the fitness industry for over a decade. 

What really interested me about Kate’s story is that she focuses a lot of what she teaches on mindset, which I feel is critical to accomplishing anything…including making changes to your health. Whether you're a vegetarian ready to go vegan, a vegan who just needs a bit more motivation, or an omnivore looking to start eating less meat, mindset is key to making any long-term significant changes. 

We’re also excited to talk to Kate about how she used her own advice about changing her mindset to move from what she describes as being an “angry “vegan into choosing compassion.

You can check out the show notes here.

 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, Larissa and I will be talking about vegetarian casseroles. The reason we want to talk about casseroles is that, much like a lot of topics we discuss on the podcast, they are a big interest to us primarily because of how much time we’ve been saving by making casseroles to have throughout the week.

Meal planning and meal prep can be a big challenge for a lot of people so, much like our beloved Buddha Bowls, casseroles have come to our rescue when it comes to quick meals that can be as healthy as you want them to be.

Today, we’re sharing 10 vegetarian casseroles we’ve either tried or will be trying soon. We’re also going to talk about how to store these because being able to eat these for days is a big benefit but you want to be sure you’re storing it properly so it actually tastes good when you reheat it. 

You can check out the full show notes with all of the recipes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re going to be discussing some food and beverage trends expected this year.  Neither Larissa nor I consider ourselves “trendy” but when it comes to all things veg, it’s neat to see how much people are adapting even more flexitarian lifestyles whether it be  because of their own health, the animals, the environment, or a combination of these. 

Check out this page for full show notes. 

This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about us! One of our longtime listeners requested that we do a show letting eveyrone know what we're up to so here we are! You can get links to everything we discuss in the show notes. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re pleased to welcome Ed and Natasha Tatton, co-founders of BReD–Organic Sourdough, a 100% plant-based café and bakery in Whistler, British Columbia. 

We talk to Ed and Natasha about vegan baking and their new book, BReD: Sourdough Loaves, Small Breads, and Other Plant-Base Baking, a complete plant-based book for bakers that goes beyond just making bread. With their cookbook, bakers of all skill levels can create gorgeous vegan baked goods from cakes, muffins, and scones to biscuits, cookies, and tarts.

You can learn more about Ed and Natasha and find links to everything we discuss in the shownotes. 

In this episode of The Vegetarian Podcast, Larissa and I talk about 3 recent news articles that caught our attention. Things are moving so fast in the plant-based space that we like to discuss topics here. You can check out the full show notes and links to the articles here. 

We’re in October (already…can you believe it?!)  and smack dab in the middle of Vegetarian Awareness Month. In this episode, we discuss 8 ways you can celebrate vegetarianism this month. You can check out the show notes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share 15 vegan fall desserts. We'll also share a quick vegan baking primer to help you swap ingredients in your own favorite dessert recipes to make them vegan.  Check out the full show notes with links to all the recipes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we're revisiting the topic of high protein milk alternatives. The state of the plant-based milk industry is certainly booming so we're sharing the latest plus 5 of our own recommendations. 

In the quest to find healthy, satisfying, and delicious meals, vegetarian lunch ideas often top the list. Forget boring salads; we're talking about hearty salads, grain bowls, and so much more. This month, we've curated a list of 10 vegetarian lunch ideas we can't wait to try. These recipes are packed with simple ingredients that provide a complete meal, boasting both rich, savory flavor and vital nutrients.

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, Larissa and Vickie discuss 3 recent news articles and share their opinions and perspectives.  You can get links to the articles plus full show notes here. 

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re chatting with Stephanie Downs, CEO and Co-Founder of Uncaged Innovations, a company that creates material that mimics leather without sacrificing the characteristics that make it a desired material for the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries. 

We chat with Stephanie about her journey to veganism and her inspiration for creating Uncaged Innovations. You can check out the full show notes here. 

 

Today, Larissa and I are thrilled to have Diane Rose-Solomon on the show. Diane's an animal rescue advocate, award-winning author, filmmaker, and the creator of "What's Plant-Based Cooking Good Looking?". 

A certified Humane Education Specialist, Diane has transformed her life and others through her dedication to animal welfare and plant-based cooking. We’ll talk to her about her journey of companion animal rescue and the power of plant-based cuisine. Check out the full show notes here. 

 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re pleased to welcome Brian Kateman. Brian is the President and co-founder of The Reducetarian Foundation. He coined the term reducetarian, which we’ve often used on this show. 

A reducetarian is a person who is deliberately reducing their consumption of meat but not necessarily going all-in on a plant-based diet. 

We recently watched a documentary he produced based on his book Meat Me Halfway which explores reducetarianism through the lens of his own personal decision to eat less meat. Meat Me Halfway (2021) is a groundbreaking investigative journey that seeks to create some common ground at the dinner table. You can check out the full show notes here.

 

Over the weekend I read an article in the Vegconomist on the topic of mycoprotein. “What is mycoprotein?”, you might be asking. Mycoprotein is a plant-based protein made from a fungus, and it’s something you may want to pay attention to whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or are just looking to have less meat on your plate.

We're going to discuss how this meat alternative is shaking up the food industry by introducing a whole new dimension to the vegan diet. You can check out the full show notes here. 

 

Potluck etiquette is like the secret sauce that turns a good food fest into a great one.

Picture this: your friends, family, and neighbors getting together for a massive feast, each showcasing their kitchen prowess and favorite recipes. Sounds pretty amazing, right? It’s a cost-effective way to have a good time and indulge in an array of delicious home-cooked meals. But as with any successful gathering, a few unspoken guidelines help keep potluck parties running smoothly.

When the guest list includes vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies, these potluck rules of thumb become all the more crucial. Whether you’re playing host or bringing a dish as a guest, nailing a potluck usually boils down to common courtesy and basic manners. But let’s be honest, it can get a bit tricky at times. That’s why we’re here to share some guidance on the right potluck etiquette. Let’s dive in! You can check out the full show notes here.  And be sure to check out the 40 Vegan and Vegetarian Potluck Ideas we discuss in this episode. 

2023 marks 10 years since Larissa and I made the decision to become vegetarians and we’ve learned a lot along the way. One question we hear every now and then from people not familiar with plant-based diets is, “Is being vegetarian (or vegan) even healthy?”

Well, we thought the 10-year anniversary of when we made the decision to go veg would be a great time to discuss this and to look back on all we’ve learned so far. Check out the full show notes here with links to everything we discuss. 

Discover the world of vegan charcuterie boards! Explore creative ideas to craft stunning, mouthwatering plant-based spreads for any occasion.

You can check out the show notes for this episode here. 

If you've ever wondered, "Is yeast vegan?" this one's for you! We'll answer the question and provide some yeast health benefits plus recipes!  You can check out the full show notes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we’re going to share 10 vegan tostada ideas for busy weeknights. Larissa and I appreciate quick easy meals as I’m sure a lot of you do as well. Tostadas are a meal we have in our rotation but they can sometimes get a little boring so we’re going to share some ideas we’ll be trying soon. 

You can check out the show notes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Toni Okamoto who is the founder of Plant-Based on a Budget, the popular website and social media platform that teaches millions how to eat more plants without breaking their budget. She’s also the author of the book Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy cookbook, and the co-host of The Plant-Powered People Podcast. 

We talk to Toni about her own plant-based journey and she'll also share some tips for being plant-based on a budget.  Be sure to check out the full show notes here. 

It’s that time of year again!  The Girl Scouts of America will be out in full force, green sashes and all, peddling their delicious boxes of cookies.

But if you’re vegan, are you able to partake of this yearly deliciousness? The short answer is YES. There are some delicious vegan Girl Scout Cookies to choose from!  Let’s go over your vegan cookie options. You can check out our full show notes here. 

In this episode we share 7 tips to help you succeed through Veganuary and beyond! 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we celebrate 10 years of the podcast by reminiscing about some of our favorite guests. You can check out our full show notes here. 

Looking for some great gift ideas for your favorite vegetarian or vegan? Check out our 2022 vegan gift guide for some of our faves! You can find a link to all of the products we mention in the show notes. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re talking about something that is relatively new — vegan Thanksgiving to go! If you're not in the mood to cook your turkey-free feast this year, don't fret! Several meal delivery services now offer holiday menus that you can have delivered to your door (or available for pick-up). You can check out links to everything we talk about here. 

Larissa and Vickie discuss some hot topics in plant-based news. Check out the articles and show notes here. 

We're keeping the spooky season theme going from our last episode and sharing 20 awesome vegan Halloween Candy treats! These are store-bought candies that are pretty easy to find. 

So pop in a scary movie and get your sweet tooth ready for some of these awesome vegan Halloween candy options!

You can check out the show notes here. 

Whether you’re heading to a Halloween get-together or just want to enjoy some fun foods at home, these 12 Vegan Halloween treats will add some delicious fun to the season! Check out the full show notes here. 

This episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast is about Tofu. We talked about tofu a loooong time ago. Since then, we’ve learned a TON about cooking with tofu so we wanted to recap some of the benefits of cooking with tofu and also share 5 of our favorite recipes. 

Be sure to check out the show notes where we share more about how to press and marinate tofu. 

In This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Kobi Regev, CEO and Co-Founder of Pleese Foods, a company specializing in plant-based cheese made from a proprietary blend of bean and potato proteins. 

We talk to Kobi about his own plant-based journey and about his inspiration for creating Pleese Cheese. 

Check out the links for everything we discussed here. 

When it comes to vegan clothing and cruelty-free beauty products, the fashion industry is taking notice. How do we know this? Because the competition is ramping up when it comes to vegan products.

When we started the Vegetarian Zen podcast in 2013, there wasn't a ton of brands or products to talk about in the vegan lifestyle space. Sure, there were some but when you compare it to the offerings these days, it doesn't even compare. 

Even for those not living a vegan lifestyle, there is a lot more concern about the environmental impact our daily choices are making on the planet. In addition to the sustainability of products, concerns about fair trade and how workers are treated across the globe has sparked a lot of concern especially among younger generations.  

In episode 416, of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we interviewed actor, Torrey Devitto who talked about some of her favorite fashion and beauty brands so we decided to dive deeper into some of those companies and share a few of our own.

Check out the full show notes here. 

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Torrey DeVitto. Torrey is an actor and musician who has recently wrapped up 6 seasons on Chicago Med. 

In addition to being an actor, Torrey is a passionate animal advocate. We’re going to talk to her about her own plant-based journey and how she incorporates eco-conscious sustainability into her life.

You can check out some of the cruelty-free products and vegan fashion Torrey mentions in the show notes. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Monica Aggarwal, MD, co-author of the book, Body on Fire Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook: Your Guide to eating Plant Foods that Fight Disease 

We’ll speak to Dr. Aggarwal about how improving your diet is one of the most important things you can do to reduce inflammation and improve your health.

You can find the show notes here.

A common misconception about eating a plant-based diet (besides a lack of protein) is that plant-based eating is way more expensive than eating an omnivore diet.

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re sharing 8 tips for eating plant-based on a budget.

Links to everything we discuss on the in this episode can be found in the show notes.

In this episode of our podcast, Larissa and I talk about the top brands creating deliciuos non-dairy frozen desserts. We take a deeper look into our favorite brand, Ben & Jerry's.

These 15 zero waste swaps are not only great for the planet but can save you money in the long run. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Nava Atlas, author of multiple vegetarian and vegan cookbooks. We’re going to talk to Nava about her recently updated book, Vegetariana that was just re-released in it’s 4th edition.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Gabriel Zhanay, a vegan fitness coach who helps empower vegans through health and fitness. We’ll talk to Gabriel about his own plant-based journey and how his coaching program helps empower fellow vegans.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Rym Selmi, CEO of Miiro, a company that makes wholesome chocolate treats and baking goodies. 

We’re going to talk to Rym about her own plant-based journey and also about her inspiration for creating Miiro.

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome back one of our greatest inspirations for our podcast, Laura Theodore, aka, The Jazzy Vegetarian.

Laura is back to talk about her new book, “Easy Vegan Home Cooking”.

You can find all the links to the show notes here. 

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we welcome Ella Magers of Sexy Fit Vegan. Ella has been a dedicated vegan since the age of 7 and is on a mission to transform the culture of the vegan movement from the inside out. 

We talk to talk to Ella about what it was like becoming vegan at such an early age and about her coaching program to help empower fellow vegans with the tools they need to heal themselves.

Larissa and Vickie discuss 3 recent articles impacting the plant-based industry.   

As we write this in February 2022, the world is experiencing a pandemic and many people are concerned with keeping themselves as healthy as possible. It’s important to make sure our immune systems are functioning at their best. This is especially true for people with pre-existing conditions; exposure to any type of illness can further compromise their health.

One way to help ensure a healthy immune system is by incorporating immune-boosting foods into your diet. Eating immune-boosting foods regularly keeps the immune system strong and makes it better prepared to fight off sickness and infection.

You can check out the show notes for this episode here. 

Larissa and I were married in 2015 (we’ve been together since 2002). We’ve discussed our wedding here and there on this show but we thought it might be a good time to discuss how we had a vegan wedding without people even realizing that it was vegan! 

As things are starting to open (with the caution of course during a pandemic) we thought this year and this month (February) would be a great time to talk about how we planned our wedding to help anyone out there planning a plant-based wedding. 

Even if you aren’t planning a wedding anytime soon (or already had yours), these tips can also be applicable for gatherings.

Plan to Eat is definitely our favorite meal-planning app by far. In this review, we’ll explain some of the great features that have kept us loyal Plan to Eat customers for years.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Brittany Fuisz, CEO and Founder of Malibu Mylk, a sustainable, allergen-free alternative milk. 

We talk to Brittany about her background, how she created Malibu Mylk, and also, let you know where you can find MM.  Brittany also has a generous offer for our community so be sure you listen all the way through!

Vegetarian Zen LOVES to celebrate awesome plant-based businesses because we think they are a big part of what helps make life easier for vegetarians and vegans while also helping to show those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan that life is without meat is possible and, in fact, can be quite delicious! 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Jason Rosenbaum, Co-Founder of Actual Veggies, delicious chef-crafted fresh and refrigerated burgers that celebrate vegetables because they are ALL vegetables!

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we celebrate 400 episodes! Larissa and I discuss what we've learned, some of our favorite episodes, and what the future holds for Vegetarian Zen. 

The holiday season is my absolute FAVORITE time of year! For me, it's always meant Christmas Eve with family, friends, and a great Christmas meal.

Contrary to many stereotypes, being a vegan or vegetarian doesn't mean missing out on a great dinner!

Here are 14 vegan and vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas that will satisfy vegetarians, vegans, and even your omnivore family members.

Recently, a Costco opened up just down the street from our house and we were SUPER excited! In this episode of the podcast, we share 20 awesome vegan Costco finds that make the price of membership TOTALLY worth it! 

Check out links to the products we discuss in the show notes.

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share 5 tips for making AMAZING vegan tamales along with 5 recipes. 

You can find all the links to the recipes here. 

'Tis the season for gift-giving! We've curated 12 great gifts for vegans, vegetarians, and well, just about anyone who enjoys a great gift! 

In today’s episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome J. Douglas Hines, founder of Atlantic Natural Foods, a company that produces convenient plant-based products. 

Prior to founding Atlantic Natural Foods, Mr. Hines was a leader in the global seafood industry for more than 40 years. The abuse of our oceans by commercial fishermen is what inspired him to leave the fishing industry.

For more about Doug, check out the show notes!

Who doesn’t love a good cake? If you’re a vegetarian who still consumes some eggs and dairy, baking cakes at home won’t change much for you. 

However, if you’re vegan or just trying to consume fewer eggs and dairy, cake-baking can be a bit more challenging, especially at the beginning of your plant-based journey. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re going to talk about how you can easily veganize cakes you make at home including how you can take a box of cake mix and easily make it vegan.

Be sure to visit the show notes for quick links to everything we discuss. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re going to talk about 8 of the best vegan yogurt brands of 2021 as named by our amazing closed Facebook Group, The Peas and Carrots Society. With so much change happening in the plant-based space we like to keep you, our listeners, up to date on the latest and greatest so that’s what we’re going to do here today.

For complete show notes

and links to all the things we mention, head out to vegetarianzen.com/389. 

Danielle Fried (who we affectionately call “Listener Zero”) has been a friend of ours for almost as long as we’ve been podcasting. She became a vegetarian very close to the same time we did (about 6 years ago) and was one of the first people to reach out to us commenting on the podcast.  

Very similar to us, Danielle became decided to give vegetarianism a try after watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and Vedgucated along with a couple of other documentaries.

Danielle is a very active member of our Peas and Carrots Society offering friendly advice to fellow members.

In this very special episode of our podcast, we talk to Danielle to get to know her a little more and to hear her recent experience with meal kit delivery services  and their plant-based options.

  Many Americans enjoy this time of year because it means BASEBALL. While we don’t follow a team, we do love getting outside and enjoying the activity of being at a ballpark with people, watching sports, and eating some good food. Before we became vegetarians, we ate burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, and things of […]

The post VZ 264: Eating Vegan at the Ballpark appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  When we hit a financial rough patch it’s easy to cut back on non-essential expenses like extra cable channels or dining out. But sometimes that’s not enough and budgeting enough for basic food expenses can become a challenge. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll share some tips for affordable plant based […]

The post VZ 263: Tips for Affordable Plant Based Eating appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  We have recently started including aromatherapy using essential oils as part of our monthly massages and we both love it. In this episode of the Vegetarian Podcast, we discuss the basics of essential oils–what they as well as some benefits and risks associated with their use.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode […]

The post VZ 262: Essential Oils 101 appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we springboard off of a post in our closed Facebook group, The Peas and Carrots Society, about how to know if you’re eating because you’re hungry, or if you’re just bored. We share some information about how to distinguish actual physical hunger from the desire to […]

The post VZ 261: Are You Really Hungry…Or Just Bored? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be shedding (get it, shedding??!) some light on cruelty-free pet products, including food, treats, grooming products, and flea medicines.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider […]

The post VZ 260: Cruelty-Free Pet Products appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we investigate air frying. Wait…what? How can you fry something without a ton of oil? And even if you can, how many vegetarian things can you actually fry? You’re about to find out! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If […]

The post VZ 259: Air Frying – Is It Awesome or Just a Bunch of Hot Air? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re all set to wok and roll! (see what we did there?) We’ll be discussing all things wok cooking, including the types of woks, necessary tools, what you can do in a wok besides stir frying, and best practices for making great food in a wok. […]

The post VZ 258: Let’s Wok and Roll (Cooking with a Wok) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In early May, Larissa and I challenged the members of our closed Facebook Group, The Peas and Carrots Society to Dr. Michael Greger’s Daily Dozen Challenge. You might remember that Dr. Michael Greger is the founder of Nutritionfacts.org, which is a website we dedicated an entire episode of our podcast to because we thought it was […]

The post VZ 257: Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen Challenge appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share some helpful information about commercial versus homemade deodorants (and how to make your own). Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and […]

The post VZ 256: Deodorant – The Good, the Bad, and the Homemade appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  While our core mission here at VZ is to promote the positive aspects of living a healthier plant-based lifestyle, we also want to ensure we are passing along to you any opportunities you have, as a citizen of your country, to have your voice heard on behalf of animals. In this episode of the […]

The post VZ 255: Animal Abuse Legislation in the U.S. appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Widespread outbreaks of illness resulting from contaminated produce have been in the news a lot recently. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll present some facts about foodborne illness, including how it happens and how you can lower your risk of getting sick.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of […]

The post VZ 254: Some Facts About Foodborne Illness appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be talking about a new nut milk that’s poised to become a staple in plant-based households…PEANUT MILK!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us […]

The post VZ 253: Peanut Milk appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we revisit the mission of Vegetarian Zen. We’ve been podcasting now for 5 years on a weekly basis and we have learned a LOT through our own research and through our community members and listeners. Since we just rounded episode 250, and have seen our community […]

The post VZ 252: 5 Years Later — Revisiting the Mission of Vegetarian Zen appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we discuss palm oil–what it is, how palm oil production is harming our planet, and some ways you can help mitigate that damage.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please […]

The post VZ 251: What’s the Deal with Palm Oil? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about rice. We discuss some of the most common types of rice (white, brown, red, and black), the health benefits of eating rice, and also some of the warnings about eating rice (especially regarding its arsenic content). We also share some tips for reducing the […]

The post VZ 250: Rice! (Types, Health Benefits, & More) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be sharing some information about the healing properties of herbs. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please note that some of […]

The post VZ 249: Healing Properties of Herbs appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we provide some tips for oil-free cooking. What this episode is NOT: because we are not trained in nutrition or in the medical industry, our goal is not to convince you to either use oil in your cooking or not use it. This is something you […]

The post VZ 248: Tips for Oil-Free Cooking appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In some recent episodes, we’ve talked about how a couple of the popular diet plans, namely Paleo and Whole30, fit with a vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based lifestyle. (To hear those episodes, check out VZ 245: Can I Do the Whole30 Program as a Vegetarian or Vegan?  and VZ 241: Is a Pegan Lifestyle Right […]

The post VZ 247: Is a Ketogenic Diet Possible for Vegetarians and Vegans? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about the health website nutritionfacts.org, including information about its founder, Dr. Michael Greger, and his mission in creating the site.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, […]

The post VZ 246: The Facts About Nutritionfacts.org appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In today’s episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we consider whether the Whole30 Program is doable as a vegetarian or vegan. We explain the basics of Whole30 including some things you can take away from the program even if you decide it’s not for you. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian […]

The post VZ 245: Can I do the Whole30 Program as a Vegetarian or Vegan? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we discuss some of the changes that can occur in the body as a result of ditching animal products in favor of healthy whole plant foods.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast […]

The post VZ 244: What Happens to Your Body When You Adopt a Plant Based Lifestyle? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  While moderation in most things is always a good idea, every now and then we overindulge. One of the areas in which we can overdo it at times is the consumption of adult beverages. Many cures for hangovers call for greasy meat-based foods such as burgers or here, in South Texas, menudo or barbacoa […]

The post VZ 243: Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Hangover Remedies appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Having a healthy lunch at work or school can be difficult, particularly if you don’t have access to a microwave. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share some ideas for vegetarian and vegan lunches that don’t require a microwave. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! […]

The post VZ 242: Fresh Ideas for Vegetarian and Vegan Lunches appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be learning together about a new “mashup” eating style called Peganism. We discuss what it means to be pegan and give our opinions on this relatively new lifestyle.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in […]

The post VZ 241: Is a Pegan Lifestyle Right for You? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share tips for being a vegetarian or vegan when other members of your household are not. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and […]

The post VZ 240: Being Vegetarian or Vegan in a Non-Veg Household appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we discuss sugar addiction…a very real issue that plagues many people. We talk about how and why sugar is addictive, and some ways to help overcome this powerful problem.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in […]

The post VZ 239: Battling Sugar Addiction appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll explore the world of freezer cooking, a great way to navigate busy lives and still eat healthy. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a […]

The post VZ 238: Freezer Cooking appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be focused on health goals for 2018—both ours and those shared with us by members of the Peas and Carrots Society.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, […]

The post VZ 237: Health Goals for the New Year appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share some ideas for cheap, quick, and healthy vegan meals. The topic was inspired by a discussion in our closed Facebook group, the Peas & Carrots Society.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in […]

The post VZ 236: Cheap, Quick, and Healthy Vegan Meals appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll review what happens to the body after eating too much sugar, and offer some suggestions to mitigate the sugar crash that follows.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on […]

The post VZ 235: Counteracting the Effects of Eating Too Much Sugar appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  A recent article on plantbasednews.org discussed some inspiring stats and trends that prove veganism is going mainstream. Even in just the 5 years since becoming vegetarians, we have seen a lot of encouraging trends that demonstrate this whole veg thing seems to be on the rise. In today’s episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, […]

The post VZ 234: The Rise in Veganism and Vegetarianism – 9 Trends appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about avocados! If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that Larissa doesn’t care for avocados but, she knows most of our VZ community is crazy about them as am I. In today’s episode we’re going to give you a few avocado fun facts, […]

The post VZ 233: Avocados appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  For those new to the veg lingo, vegetarians consume some animal products whereas vegans avoid all foods and products made of or by animals (including honey). When we started out on our plant-based journey, we decided to become lacto-ovo vegetarians rather than vegans because we weren’t quite ready to give up dairy and eggs. As […]

The post VZ 232: Tips for Giving Up Dairy appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Most of us who are vegetarian or vegan have, at some point, been asked the question, “But where do you get your protein?” In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about protein–how much we really need and some great non-animal protein sources. If you do want to use a supplement, we […]

The post VZ 231: Do I Need to Add a Protein Powder to My Diet? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share our top 5 things we wish we’d known as new vegetarians. We also posed this question to the members of the Peas and Carrots Society, and we’ll share some of their responses as well.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the […]

The post VZ 230: 5 Things We Wish We’d Known As New Vegetarians appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share some tips for getting a jump on holiday entertaining, whether you’re hosting, attending parties hosted by others, or making the rounds of work, school, and community potlucks.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value […]

The post VZ 229: Prepare Now for Holiday Cooking and Entertaining appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll talk about fermented tea, commonly called kombucha. We’ll talk possible benefits, store-bought versus homemade, and how to make your own, plus share insights from the Peas and Carrots Society.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find […]

The post VZ 228: Kombucha appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we learn about the incredible versatility and nutritional value of chia seeds (proving once and for all that they should be eaten and not sprouted in goofy-looking terracotta pots). Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in […]

The post VZ 227: Ch-Ch-Ch- Chia Seeds! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we discuss why some vegetables are more nutritious cooked. We share some tips for retaining nutrients when cooking, and some factors to consider when deciding whether to cook veggies or eat them raw.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! […]

The post VZ 226: To Cook or Not to Cook? Hint: Some Vegetables Are More Nutritious Cooked! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be taking a look at some of the awesome vegetarian and vegan YouTube channels out there, as recommended by members of the Peas and Carrots Society.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our […]

The post VZ 225: Vegetarian and Vegan YouTube Channels appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Fall is almost officially here, and Fall is soup season! In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share tips for creating delicious plant-based soup.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a […]

The post VZ 224: Soup — Yes, It CAN Be a Meal! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share some tips for helping kids make healthy choices for themselves. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please note that […]

The post VZ 223: Helping Kids Make Healthy Choices appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  According to Michigan State University’s Food Fraud Initiative, food fraud is “a collective term used to encompass the deliberate and intentional substitution, addition, tampering, or misrepresentation of food, food ingredients, or food packaging; or false or misleading statements made about a product, for economic gain.” There’s a database that keeps track of thousands of […]

The post VZ 222: Watch Out for Food Fraud appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share some tasty ways to get the most out of an appliance that most people consider to be single-use: the rice cooker.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on […]

The post VZ 221: Other Uses for Your Rice Cooker appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  We’ve always maintained that living a plant-based lifestyle shouldn’t be an all-or-nothing thing. It’s better to have a meatless Monday every week and make small changes at other times than to do nothing, right? Well, the same holds true for exercise. Too often, a fixed all-or-nothing mindset prevents us from getting the exercise our […]

The post VZ 220: Exercise Isn’t an All-or-Nothing Proposition appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  It’s almost time for back-to-school. In past episodes and blog posts we’ve talked about lunch and snack ideas for younger kids; in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll focus on being a college vegetarian or vegan.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find […]

The post VZ 219: The College Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll demystify camping as a vegetarian or vegan. This has been a pretty popular topic in the Peas and Carrots Society this summer, so we’ll be sharing some tips and ideas from members for vegetarian and vegan camping foods.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode […]

The post VZ 218: Vegetarian and Vegan Camping Foods appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Over the past couple of years our Facebook group, the Peas and Carrots Society, has grown into a vibrant, engaged community of amazing people. We’ve had so many interesting and inspiring discussions with members within the group, and we thought it would be fun to have some of those discussions on the podcast! In […]

The post VZ 217: Spotlight on the Peas and Carrots Society — Talking Yoga with Chris Bishop appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we sharing some foods that will help to keep you energized throughout your busy day.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and […]

The post VZ 216: Stay Super-Charged with These Energy-Boosting Foods appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share some information about the meal delivery services that are becoming more and more popular. We discuss some pros and cons, talk about several services by name, and share some feedback from the Peas and Carrots Society.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode […]

The post VZ 215: Meal Subscription Services appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be sharing some tips for making the switch to natural beauty products.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please […]

The post VZ 214: Switching to Natural Beauty Products appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  A member of our closed Facebook group, The Peas and Carrots Society, asked for tips to help her follow a plant-based diet without feeling hungry. Our members responded with some really great suggestions, which we’ll share in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the […]

The post VZ 213: Follow a Plant-Based Diet Without Feeling Hungry appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  We’ve been seeing a lot of recipes pop up around the internet for cauliflower. It’s kind of weird…but it prompted us to do this topic. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about cauliflower, the other meat substitute.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! […]

The post VZ 212: Cauliflower: The Other Meat Substitute appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Summer is here (at least in our hemisphere!) and that means it’s time for some cool, healthy refreshment. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we sharing some ideas for homemade frozen treats.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast […]

The post VZ 211: Homemade Frozen Treats appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we learn about vegan sushi and vegetarian sushi and share tips for creating delicious sushi at home.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a […]

The post VZ 210: Vegan Sushi appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Recently, we received an email from Andy Hayes, the owner of a loose-leaf tea company in Portland, Oregon called Plum Deluxe. We were excited to hear that he learned about us from a customer, and are very happy to have him on the podcast to share the mission of his company (and it’s a […]

The post VZ 209: Interview with Andy Hayes of Plum Deluxe appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we’ll be talking about tasty ways to use hummus…because there are way more interesting uses for it than just dipping veggies and pita!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on […]

The post VZ 208: Delicious Uses for Hummus (Beyond Dipping Veggies) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss the basics of dietary supplements. We don’t delve into which supplements vegans need, or how to know if you should take a supplement; we do talk about what supplements are, what information is contained on supplement bottle labels, what those “certified by” stickers mean, […]

The post VZ 207: Dietary Supplements 101 appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we address a question posed by a member of our closed Facebook group, the Peas and Carrots Society. Kristin Baxter is eager to embrace a more plant based lifestyle but just isn’t sure where to start. Her request for help had lots of really great responses […]

The post VZ 206: New to the Plant Based Lifestyle (and sick of salad!) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  A visit to the doctor’s office, even for a routine exam or procedure, can be intimidating. It’s easy to forget that, although doctors have the benefit of years of medical training, they may not always take the time to listen, or may not understand the things that are important to their patience. There is […]

The post VZ 205: Be Your Own Health Advocate appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In the plant-based lifestyle community, there is a lot of discussion about transitioning from vegetarian to vegan. But what about going the other way? In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about reasons for transitioning from vegan to vegetarian.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen […]

The post VZ 204: Transitioning from Vegan to Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  If you’re planning to travel this summer, or even if you’re thinking of relocating permanently, you may want to take into account the availability of vegetarian and vegan resources at your desired destination. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share some of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly travel destinations.   Thanks […]

The post VZ 203: Vegetarian- and Vegan-Friendly Travel Destinations appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  “Nuts and twigs.” “What crunchy people eat.” “Dry.” “Boring.” These are just a few of the stereotypes of granola over the years. But what is granola, really? How about delicious? In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we unmask granola…we clear up some misconceptions and talk about how to make great granola at […]

The post VZ 202: Good Grief, It’s…Granola! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Six days after the passing of our beloved dog, Molly, we decided to get some “puppy therapy” at a local shelter. We thought it would make us feel better. It did, and we ended up bringing home the new light of our lives, our retriever mix, Cosmo Kramer. We like to say that we rescued […]

The post VZ 201: 5 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Pet (Plus Helpful Adoption Tips) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we reflect on the 199 episodes that have come before and share some of our listeners’ favorite things about the podcast.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please […]

The post VZ 200: Celebrating 200 Episodes of Vegetarian Zen appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share some ways to make creamy vegan sauces without using nuts. The idea for this topic came from a question posed by a member of the Peas & Carrots Society on Facebook!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! […]

The post VZ 199: Don’t Sacrifice Creaminess — How to Make Creamy Vegan Sauces appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share some tips to organize your pantry, fridge, and freezer to make it easier to prepare and store healthy meals and snacks.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, […]

The post VZ 198: Organize Your Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer for Easier Healthy Eating appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Back in November of 2015, we did an episode called Ask Vegetarian Zen Anything. Since it’s been a long time since then, we thought we’d do another installment. We asked members of the Peas & Carrots Society for their questions…here they are, along with our best responses.   Thanks for tuning in to this […]

The post VZ 197: Another Round of “Ask Vegetarian Zen Anything” appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  The idea for this episode came from a member of the Peas and Carrots Society, our closed Facebook group, who asked for ideas for meat replacements for filling plant based lunches to take to work. In our discussion, we focus more on the “staying full” aspect, and not exactly on replacing meat with “meat […]

The post VZ 196: Plant Based Lunches That Will Keep You Fuller Longer appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In the last episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we shared information about why conventional household cleaners are so bad (for us and for the environment) and offered some tips for making cleaning more environmentally-friendly and less hazardous to health. In this episode, we’ll be talking specifically about making your own cleaning products, including […]

The post VZ 195: Homemade Cleaning Products appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about the merits of using green cleaning products above conventional ones and share a few green cleaning tips. (Next week, we’ll be talking about making your own green cleaners, so be sure to stay tuned!)   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of […]

The post VZ 194: Spring Cleaning? Green Cleaning! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  This episode of our podcast, “Smoothies for Everyone!” was inspired by two active members of our Peas and Carrots Society Facebook group, Crystel Aguilar and Katy Dunn. We’ll talk about tips for making great smoothies, ways to salvage smoothies gone wrong, and some favorite ingredients from our community.   Thanks for tuning in to […]

The post VZ 193: Smoothies for Everyone! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we learn about sorghum, an ancient grain that is gaining in popularity these days for a number of reasons (it’s gluten-free, for one!).   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on […]

The post VZ 192: Sorghum appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Most people are familiar with mung bean sprouts (the kind used in Asian cooking) and perhaps alfalfa sprouts, but did you know that the sprouts of many other kinds of beans, seeds, and grains can be eaten as well? In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll explain exactly what sprouting is, why […]

The post VZ 191: The How and Why of Sprouting appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Spring will be here before we know it, so it’s time to start planning this year’s gardens. With that in mind, on this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome back Megan Cain, otherwise known as the Creative Vegetable Gardener. Megan first visited with us on episode 113, way back in August of […]

The post VZ 190: The Creative Vegetable Gardener’s “Smart Start Garden Planner” appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we take a look at some plant based food trends for 2017.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please note that […]

The post VZ 189: Plant Based Food Trends for 2017 appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be talking about becoming a vegetarian later in life.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please note that some […]

The post VZ 188: Becoming a Vegetarian Later in Life appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll learn about the different types of mushrooms and talk about mushroom nutrition and health benefits.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating […]

The post VZ 187: Mushrooms (There’s a Fungus Among Us!) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast was inspired by a question posed by one of the members of the Peas & Carrots Society regarding what to eat when you’re not up to cooking. We share some simple meals to make to get you in and out of the kitchen with minimal fuss and […]

The post VZ 186: Simple Meals to Make When You Don’t Want to Cook appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share some insights into the power of meditation with regard to both physical and mental health. We also give some tips for establishing a regular meditation practice–it’s not as difficult as you may think! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen […]

The post VZ 185: The Power of Meditation appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Did you know that adopting an attitude of gratitude can improve your quality of life?  Being grateful can boost your physical, mental, and emotional health; change the way others perceive you, and make you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. And expressing that gratitude to others around you will make them feel […]

The post VZ 184: On Being Grateful appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Sometimes you just need to soothe your soul with a helping of your favorite food, whether it’s a steaming bowl of soup, a satisfying helping of plant-based shepherd’s pie, or a serving of your favorite dessert (or a plate of crunchy, cheesy nachos!). This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about plant-based […]

The post VZ 183: Healthy Plant-Based Comfort Foods appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing those times when you just “gotta have” that “bad for you” junk food. Are donuts your weakness? Potato chips? We’ll talk about why we have these cravings, how much it’s okay to “indulge” them, and how you can mitigate them.   Thanks for […]

The post VZ 182: Junk Food Indulgences appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  A member of the Peas and Carrots Society, our closed Facebook group, asked recently about suggestions for good homemade salad dressings, and other members didn’t disappoint! In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be sharing some of their great ideas and favorite recipes for homemade salad dressings.   Thanks for tuning in […]

The post VZ 181: Homemade Salad Dressings appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  The holidays are upon us! If you’re a vegan, receiving non-vegan clothing or accessories from well-meaning gift-givers can become an uncomfortable situation. Many people don’t realize that vegans typically do not use products made from animals (leather bags, belts, or wallets, suede clothing, jewelry made from ivory, etc). Also, it can often be hard […]

The post VZ 180: All About Vegan Fashion – Just in Time for Holiday Shopping appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Books and the Internet aren’t the only way to learn about plant-based recipes and tips or cruelty-free products. Magazines can be great resources as well. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll share some popular vegetarian and vegan magazines.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! […]

The post VZ 179: Best Vegetarian and Vegan Magazines appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  For those of us in the US, Thanksgiving is nearly here. It’s a time for feasting and family and football and, well…feasting. For vegetarians and vegans, Thanksgiving and other food-centric holidays can be a challenge. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll share some tips from our wonderful friends in the Peas […]

The post VZ 178: A Very Vegetarian Thanksgiving appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Can you believe it’s almost time for the holiday travel season…again?? In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share some tips for creating healthy habits for happy travels. Included in our tips are some great suggestions from members of our closed Facebook group, The Peas and Carrots Society.   Thanks for tuning […]

The post VZ 177: Healthy Habits for Happy Travels appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about the health benefits of fermented foods. Kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, natto, and other fermented foods can be very beneficial for gut health and other bodily functions. We learned a lot from researching this topic, and hope you’ll learn something new about fermented foods when […]

The post VZ 176: The Amazing Health Benefits of Fermented Foods appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about grains. What are grains, exactly, besides the stuff that gets ground into flour? We talk about the types of grains and elaborate on the importance of including plenty of whole grains in your diet.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the […]

The post VZ 175: The Great Grains Breakdown appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  October is Vegetarian Awareness Month, so in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we share 5 ways you can celebrate!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please […]

The post VZ 174: 5 Ways to Celebrate Vegetarian Awareness Month appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we talk about one of our favorite subjects…pets! Specifically, did you know that owning a pet (or even just interacting with animals) can have positive effects on your health? Not to mention the good it does for them.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode […]

The post VZ 173: Health Benefits of Pet Ownership appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  You’re a veggiesaurus living with one or more meatasauruses…what do you do? This is a topic that comes up often for vegetarians/vegans and their families, so in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we share some ideas for making a multivore household work.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the […]

The post VZ 172: Maintaining Peace in a Multivore Household appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we take a look at energy bars and nutrition bars. We discuss the difference between these two types of convenience foods, what you should look for when reading labels on store-bought bars, and how you can make your own.   Thanks for tuning in to this […]

The post VZ 171: Bar Wars – The Ins and Outs of Energy Bars and Nutrition Bars appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re getting spicy! Spicy with jalapenos, that is! We’ll learn all about these popular peppers, including some possible health benefits and some delicious ways to use them.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our […]

The post VZ 170: The Mighty Jalapeno! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be discussing something that, while it may not apply to many, is still an important issue to consider: how to gain weight on a plant-based diet.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our […]

The post VZ 169: How to Gain Weight on a Plant Based Diet appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll take a look at a witty and original cookbook, The Taco Cleanse, which pokes fun at “cleanse” diets while at the same time giving the reader some truly inspiring and yummy recipes for all things taco.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of […]

The post VZ 168: The Taco Cleanse – Most Delicious “Detox” EVER! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In today’s episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re going to talk about something that is very close to us…the problems associated with restrictive eating. While not technically classified as an eating disorder, restrictive eating can be very damaging and very hard to address and overcome.  Vickie will share some personal experiences, as well […]

The post VZ 167: Restrictive Eating and a Vegetarian Lifestyle appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Parents and kids are gearing up for back to school, so in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be talking about some ways to make school lunch planning and prep easier. We’ll also share some lunch suggestions from members of our Facebook group, the Peas and Carrots Society (What Up, Peas & […]

The post VZ 166: Planning for Healthy Back to School Lunches appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss the importance of having a strong support system, whether it is for your lifestyle choices, a chronic illness, emotional issues, or any other issue that might be important to you. In this day and age, it is very easy to find support online, and […]

The post VZ 165: The Importance of Having a Strong Social Support System appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll help you get ready to head out to the farmers market by sharing some good questions to ask the farmers and other vendors.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen […]

The post VZ 164: Questions to Ask at the Farmers Market appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share some information about vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options at fast food and casual restaurant chains.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating […]

The post VZ 163: Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant Chains appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we continue our discussion of resources for living a plant based lifestyle. Last week was all about where to find vegetarian and vegan recipes; this time we’re sharing where to look when you have questions about health and nutrition.   Thanks for tuning in to this […]

The post VZ 162: Resources for Living a Plant Based Lifestyle – Health & Nutrition Edition appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share some terrific sources for amazing vegetarian and vegan recipes, as recommended by members of the Peas & Carrots Society.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please […]

The post VZ 161: Where to Find Awesome Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we revisit a topic we first discussed back in episode 88 – living with diabetes. Larissa has continued her struggle since that episode aired in February of 2015, and we talk about setbacks and how to deal with them.   Thanks for tuning in to this […]

The post VZ 160: Re-examining Living with Diabetes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be going on a virtual plant-based summer picnic with the Peas & Carrots Society, the closed Facebook group for our listeners and friends. We asked the group to share their favorite picnic take-alongs, and we’ll be passing them along to you today.   Thanks for tuning […]

The post VZ 159: The Peas & Carrots Society’s Plant-Based Summer Picnic appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be sharing some tips for making the best veggie burgers ever! For our American listeners, Fourth of July is next week, and you know what that means…cookouts! And for unprepared vegetarians…a big plate of potato salad and coleslaw. Let us help you round out that […]

The post VZ 158: Best Veggie Burgers appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be talking about some healthy, whole foods you can feed your pups and kitties. Not all fruits and veggies are safe for animals, so we’ll be sharing both the safe and unsafe ones, plus some tips for introducing your pet to plant-based snacks.   Thanks for […]

The post VZ 157: Whole Food Snacks for Pets appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we talk about something that has become quite popular of late…the meal in a bowl. It seems like every fast food joint and chain restaurant nowadays has at least one “bowl” on their menu…the “Southwestern Fajita Bowl” or the “Asian Fusion Bowl” or the “Breakfast Smoothie […]

The post VZ 156: Meal in a Bowl appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we learn a little about Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA. We’ll hear from some of our Peas & Carrots members about their experiences with them as well!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our […]

The post VZ 155: Your Guide to Community Supported Agriculture Programs (CSAs) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we talk about something that we both deal with, along with many, many other people: joint pain. Yes, there are lots of medicines and other medical treatments available for arthritis and other joint issues, but there are also lots of great natural treatments. We elicited the […]

The post VZ 154: Natural Relief for Joint Pain appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  We’re changing up the format of the Recipes segment of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, so that each episode will feature a recipe recommended by one of our listeners. In order to introduce this change, this entire episode will feature recipes recommended by members of the Peas and Carrots Society, our closed Facebook group. Thanks, guys! […]

The post VZ 153: The One Where the Peas and Carrots Society Shared Amazing Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we discuss the dreaded “M” word…menopause. We share some natural alternatives to the hormone replacement therapy that is regularly prescribed by doctors, specifically some whole food options for managing menopause.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value […]

The post VZ 152: Whole Food Options for Managing Menopause appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss the possibility of being a low carb vegetarian (yep…you can totally do it). Special thanks goes out to Andrea Gaietto and Elizabeth McGrath for suggesting this topic in response to a request for topic ideas that Vickie posted in the Peas and Carrots group on […]

The post VZ 151: The Low Carb Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In last week’s episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talked about the importance of iron to our diets, what happens when we don’t get enough, and some foods that are good sources of iron. We continue the nutrient education trend in this episode, this time for vitamin B12.   Thanks for tuning in […]

The post VZ 150: Vitamin B12 – Yes, Plant-Eaters, You May Need a Supplement appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll share what we’ve learned about iron as a result of Larissa’s recent diagnosis of severe iron deficiency.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us […]

The post VZ 149: The Importance of Iron (and How to Get Enough When You Follow a Plant-Based Diet) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be sharing 9 “ingredients” that you can easily make instead of buying the processed versions.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating […]

The post VZ 148: 9 Ingredients You Can Make Instead of Buying appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we clarify exactly what the words “natural flavors” mean in ingredients lists for processed foods.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and […]

The post VZ 147: What’s Hidden Behind the Words “Natural Flavors”? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss our latest and greatest acquisition for our kitchen – a pressure cooker. We explain how pressure cooking works, share which cooker we purchased, what we’ve made in it (so far), and our opinions of pressure cooking and our cooker.   Thanks for tuning in […]

The post VZ 146: Using a Pressure Cooker to Create Healthy Vegetarian Food appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  This episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast is all about brain-boosting foods for vegetarians.  Vickie became interested in this after we recorded our last episode on MSG and really began to analyze some of the foods in our pantry. Much to our dismay, we still found more junk food than we cared to admit. […]

The post VZ 145: 8 Brain-Boosting Foods for Vegetarians appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be discussing MSG, a pervasive and toxic food additive that can pose potentially serious health risks.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a […]

The post VZ 144: MSG – What Is It Good For? Absolutely Nothing (Say It Again!) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  It’s time for high tea! This episode of the podcast contains all things tea – the types of tea, possible health benefits, types of tea to avoid, and the importance of buying organic.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and […]

The post VZ 143: Tea Time with Vegetarian Zen appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Recently in the Peas and Carrots Society Facebook group a member posted a question about nutritional yeast. What followed was an amazing discussion among members about these mysterious yellow flakes, including some really yummy-sounding and creative ways to use them. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we demystify nutritional yeast and share […]

The post VZ 142: Nutritional Yeast – Just What Is This “Nooch” Anyway? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we wrap up our 4-part series on plant-based meals. This time, we’ll be sharing some plant-based dessert and snack options.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a […]

The post VZ 141: Plant-Based Dessert & Snack Options appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we continue our 4-part series on plant-based meals. This time, we’ll be sharing some plant-based dinner options.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating […]

The post VZ 140: Plant-Based Dinner Options appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Plant-Based Lunch Options In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we continue our 4-part series on plant-based meals. This time, we share some plant-based lunch options. The amazing thing about all of the lunch ideas we talk about is that they are really limited only by your imagination and your tastes. There are […]

The post VZ 139: Plant-Based Lunch Options appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we kick off our 4-part series about plant-based meals by talking about what is often referred to as “the most important meal of the day”: breakfast.  We’ll discuss some of the many plant-based breakfast options, as well as share a few easy planning tips.   Thanks […]

The post VZ 138: Plant-Based Breakfast Options appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Of all foods and beverages, you would think that alcohol would be on the list of vegetarian- and vegan-approved foods, right? Well…only partially right. Animal-derived products are used during the refining or clarifying process of many types of alcohol. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we answer the question: Is Alcohol Vegetarian-Friendly?   Thanks for […]

The post VZ 137: Is Alcohol Vegetarian-Friendly? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  We’ve talked a lot about tofu, tempeh, and seitan in past episodes, but we’ve never put them all together side by side in a single sitting. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about all three of these popular meat alternatives: what they are, what health benefits they may have, and […]

The post VZ 136: Meat Alternatives – The “Big Three” (Tofu, Tempeh, and Seitan) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss the importance of keeping the air inside your home (or office) fresh and clean. We share some of the ways in which poor indoor air quality can affect your health, and let you know about some of the most common indoor air pollutants. We […]

The post VZ 135: A Healthy Home Starts with Good Indoor Air Quality appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Lately we’ve been seeing a lot of our Peas and Carrots Society members sharing their stories of becoming vegan. Lots of great discussions have happened as a result of these stories. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be talking about going vegan…sharing some tips, common questions, resources, and more.   Thanks for […]

The post VZ 134: Becoming Vegan appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we continue our discussion of the wide world of salads that we started back in episode 130.  That episode was all about green salads; now we’ll talk about all the delicious salads you can make without greens.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the […]

The post VZ 133: Salads Without Greens – How to Make Delicious Salads with Pasta, Grains, Shaved Vegetables, and More appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we take a look back at 2015, both personally and in the world of vegetarian, vegan, and animal news.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving […]

The post VZ 132: 2015 – A Great Year to Be Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Cookies!  There’s really nothing more to say about this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast except…cookies!!  We talk about our favorite holiday cookies, share some resources for vegan, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly cookie recipes, and some tips for veganizing cookie recipes.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If […]

The post VZ 131: Holiday Cookies – Vegan, Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly and More appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  “Salad-eater” tends to be the stereotype by which vegetarians are defined. And in general, it’s probably a fair guess to say that most people’s idea of “salad” in this instance is some lettuce in a bowl with a few tomatoes, maybe a cucumber, and some dressing. While we would venture to guess that most […]

The post VZ 130: Anatomy of a Salad appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we present our 2015 vegetarian and vegan gift guide for the holidays.  It’s jam-packed with great gift ideas, and you’ll find direct links to many of the products and companies we mention in the notes below.  And if we missed some of your favorite goodies, be […]

The post VZ 129: To the Holidays and Beyond! 2015 Vegetarian and Vegan Gift Guide appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we do some tart talking…all about vinegar. You’ll hear about the types of vinegar, some ways to use it in cooking, the purported health benefits of apple cider vinegar, and some ways to incorporate it into your green cleaning routine.   Thanks for tuning in to this […]

The post VZ 128: Vinegar Is Amazing! (Don’t Let the Sour Disposition Fool You) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we share some tips for preparing delicious plant-based slow cooker recipes. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please note that some […]

The post VZ 127: Slow Cooker Recipes and Tips for Vegetarians and Vegans appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  We recently put out a call to you, our listeners and readers, to ask Vegetarian Zen anything you wanted to know about us. You did not disappoint! You came up with some really great questions, and in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we do our very best to answer them.   Thanks […]

The post VZ 126: Ask Vegetarian Zen Anything appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we tackle vegetarian cooking for one (and vegan cooking, too!). Just because it’s just you doesn’t mean you should cave in to fast food, or maintain a steady diet of breakfast cereal!  We share some simple tips to keep you eating healthy meals.   Thanks for […]

The post VZ 125: Vegetarian Cooking for One appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss what you can do if you are a vegetarian craving meat. Yes, it does happen and it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Many of us were raised on meat and it’s natural to crave it both in the physical sense and in the social/psychological […]

The post VZ 124: Help! I’m a Vegetarian Craving Meat! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we discuss calcium intake, a subject that concerns many people, vegetarians AND omnivores alike. There is a myth that in order to get enough calcium from our diets, we must consume milk from animals.  This is simply not true! We’ll talk about this misconception and share which […]

The post VZ 123: Vegetarians and Calcium – The Truth Revealed! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we have fun recapping Vickie’s wildly successful TED-like presentation called “Zen and the Art of Being Me”.  She delivered this 16-minute speech to a group of 300 peers from her corporate job, and did a fantastic job!  Once the video clip is made available to her […]

The post VZ 122: Zen and the Art of Being Me appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast you’ll learn all about tempeh, one alternative to tofu when it comes to making tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes.  We’ve mentioned it in other episodes, but we had a listener request to devote an entire episode to tempeh, so here we are!   Thanks for tuning in […]

The post VZ 121: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Tempeh appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Happy World Animal Day!!! This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is dedicated to animals everywhere! In it we share lots of information about World Animal Day: what it is, how it got started, and ways YOU can get involved. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you […]

The post VZ 120: Happy World Animal Day! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  We were fortunate to be able to attend a screening of the documentary PlantPure Nation this past week. The film was directed by Nelson Campbell, son of renowned researcher and whole-plant-foods advocate T. Colin Campbell.  As Campbell (the younger) explains, PlantPure Nation is a grass-roots movement aimed at changing the way America eats by […]

The post VZ 119: Building a PlantPure Nation appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be talking about something that’s pretty new – vegan butcher shops! In the past couple of years these businesses have slowly been starting to pop up, and it’s really great news for the vegetarian and vegan community.  We’ll talk about where you might find a […]

The post VZ 118: Vegan Butcher Shops – Yes, They DO Exist (and They’re Awesome!)! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss a topic that was suggested by a listener. She wondered if some people who became vegetarian or vegan for reasons pertaining to animal welfare suffer from depression because they feel that they are not making a difference with vegetarianism. We address some reasons for these feelings […]

The post VZ 117: Making a Difference with Vegetarianism appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll tackle a topic that thwarts many people in their attempts to go completely vegan: CHEESE. We’ll talk about some dairy-free ways to satisfy your cheese cravings, plus take a look at what goes into making vegan cheese.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode […]

The post VZ 116: The Vegan Cheese Episode appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we discuss thyroid issues and iodine deficiencies, and why they are of special interest to vegetarians and vegans. Vickie discloses a personal story and shares why thyroid and iodine issues recently became important to us. Disclaimer: Everything we discuss is based STRICTLY on our own research […]

The post VZ 115: Are You Getting Enough Iodine? Your Thyroid Might Not Think So! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be talking about how to use frozen vegetables and fruits in ways that go way beyond just giving them the boiling water treatment.  In fact, boiling water is actually bad for your frozen veggies…we’ll tell you why!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the […]

The post VZ 114: How to Take Frozen Vegetables from Frosty to Fabulous appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  On this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we interview Megan Cain of The Creative Vegetable Gardener. She has been featured in Apartment Therapy, The Organic Gardner Podcast, the Art of Non-Conformity blog, and the PBS’s Victory Garden Edible Feast. Megan is an urban gardener and garden educator, and is the author of two books: […]

The post VZ 113: Interview with Megan Cain, AKA The Creative Vegetable Gardener appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be delving into the mystifying world of fatty acids. We’ll have a little primer to help understand what fatty acids are before we delve into the heart of the topic, the essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of […]

The post VZ 112: Demystifying Essential Fatty Acids – Omega-3 and Omega-6 appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we talk about some natural alternatives to sugar for sweetening your foods.  None of that artificial, made-by-scientists stuff like aspartame or Splenda…what we’ll be discussing was all made in Mother Nature’s laboratory.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If […]

The post VZ 111: 10 Natural Sweeteners (Besides White Sugar!) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss compelling reasons to transform your yard into an edible paradise using foodscaping. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please […]

The post VZ 110: Using Foodscaping to Maximize the Deliciousness of Your Yard appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing a familiar concept with a new name. What exactly is a reducetarian and why is being one a good thing? We’ll find out! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and […]

The post VZ 109: You May Be a Reducetarian (and not even know it!) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Summer is here, and vacation season is in full swing. While travel is fun for us, it takes its toll on the environment in some pretty big ways. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share seven tips for eco-friendly travel.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian […]

The post VZ 108: 7 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be taking a look at different types of cookware. More specifically, we’ll examine why non-stick pans are really a bad idea, and offer some other, healthy cookware options. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in […]

The post VZ 107: Is Danger Lurking In Your Kitchen Cabinets? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re getting ready for a Fourth of July vegetarian cookout.  We’ll talk about all the great foods you can grill BESIDES meat, as well as some strategies for going to cookouts away from home. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! […]

The post VZ 106: Vegetarian Cookout with Vickie and Larissa appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Today’s episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is a listener request. Rachel asked us if we would explore the topic of vegetarian and vegan men. Here is what she said: I have an idea for a future podcast. I think a lot of vegetarians and vegans are women.  Why aren’t there many guys who […]

The post VZ 105: Why Aren’t There More Vegetarian and Vegan Men? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  We talk often about eating “in season” to help you save money and find the freshest foods, but how do you know what is in season in your area? In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be offering some resources to help you figure out what’s available to you and when. Thanks […]

The post VZ 104: Resource Guide – How to Find In-Season Produce appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be talking about stress.  We’ll discuss some foods that can exacerbate stress levels and which foods may give you some relief. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider […]

The post VZ 103: Food and Stress – How to Eat Properly to Stress Less appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we revisit a topic we first discussed back in episode 70.  We’ll be discussing the cost of following a plant-based diet: whether it is more expensive than an omnivore diet, and some things you can do to eat plant-based for less. Thanks for tuning in to this […]

The post VZ 102: How to Save Money When Following a Plant-Based Diet appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be snacking, vegan-style.  We’ll talk about pre-packaged snacks and ones you can easily make at home.  Yum!! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a […]

The post VZ 101: Attack of the Vegan Snacks! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this, our 100th episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share 5 things vegetarians and vegans want people to know. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please note […]

The post VZ 100: 5 Things Vegetarians and Vegans Want People to Know appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about our garden…we’re getting adventurous this year and adding more than just herbs! We discuss our natural growing and pest control methods, plus our successes and some challenges we’ve encountered.  Listen for some simple gardening tips we’ve learned from growing our own herbs and vegetables. […]

The post VZ 099: Simple Gardening Tips – Lessons Learned in Our Garden appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be talking about ways to veganize your home. We’ll make you aware of quite a few common home items that you would never think are made from animals, and we’ll tell you things to look for when furnishing a vegan household. Thanks for tuning in to […]

The post VZ 098: Vegan Home Furnishings – Tips to Veganize Your Home appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we’ll be discussing how to shop smart at farmers markets.  These venues are a great place to shop for fresh, local veggies and fruits, plus scratch-made breads and pastries, jams and jellies, honey, soap, and lots more. Shopping at a fresh market is very different (and in […]

The post VZ 097: How to Shop Smart at a Farmers Market appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be continuing with our spring gardening theme and talking about heirloom plants and seeds. The word “heirloom” means a treasured possession that has remained in a family for generations.  In today’s episode you’ll learn why seeds need to be treasured and preserved more than any family […]

The post VZ 096: Growing the Future with Heirloom Seeds and Plants appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we offer tips to make your home eco-friendly.  First, we let you know why “traditionally-made” furnishings such as furniture, mattresses, pillows, and linens fall short on the sustainability spectrum. Next, we let you know what to look for when shopping; things like ecologically-harvested wood, bamboo instead of […]

The post VZ 095: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to get those gardens in shape for a new growing season. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we’ll be talking about composting: what it is, what you can compost and what you can’t, the different methods of composting, and how to use your composted materials. Thanks […]

The post VZ 094: Composting 101 appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about coffee. You’ll learn about some of the purported benefits of this magic brown liquid, as well as some things to look out for.  We’ll also discuss the importance of buying organic, fair-trade coffee. After doing the research for this episode we checked the coffee we […]

The post VZ 093: Coffee Talk with Vickie and Larissa appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we talk about some animal sanctuaries that are doing amazing work to help animals in need.  We delve a little into the mission of each group, talk about their outreach programs, and share some fun facts. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! […]

The post VZ 092: Animal Sanctuaries — Making the World a Safer Place for Animals appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we discuss buying organic vs non-GMO (and there is a huge difference!).  We define each term and let you know which one is more important to consider when you’re at the market. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find […]

The post VZ 091: Organic vs Non-GMO appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be reviewing the documentary Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 2.  Filmed 5 years after the original Fat Sick & Nearly Dead, this film updates Joe Cross’s progress, features lots of interviews of real people who were inspired to get healthy through juicing, and has more great […]

The post VZ 090: Joe Cross Is Back In “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 2” appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast is all about coconut oil. Is it a health food or just hype?  We discuss some health claims associated with coconut oil, what the research says, our conclusions, and some popular (and not so well-known) uses. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you […]

The post VZ 089: Coconut Oil – Health Food or Hype? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be discussing diabetes and healthy plant-based foods. We briefly explain how the Glycemic Index (“GI” factor) works, talk about the factors that can affect the GI of foods, and how some aspects of a HEALTHY, BALANCED plant-based diet may benefit diabetics. Thanks for tuning in to […]

The post VZ 088: A Discussion About Diabetes and Plant-Based Foods appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we take a look at the vegetarian and vegan offerings of several ethnic cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and more.  We also make you aware of some of the “hidden” non-veg aspects of foods from these cultures.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode […]

The post VZ 087: Exploring the Diverse and Delicious Vegetarian Ethnic Food Experience appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be taking a look at some vegetarian apps and vegan apps, as well as those that may be helpful for animal lovers, and environmentally-conscious people.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and […]

The post VZ086: Vegetarian, Vegan, or Environmentally-Conscious? There’s an App for That! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re excited to share the details of our second Veggieversary celebration! We also revisit the reasons we became vegetarians two years ago and share five quotes that best represent those reasons.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our […]

The post VZ 085: A Veggieversary Quote-a-Thon appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be discussing some ideas for simple 5-ingredient recipes.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please note that some of the links […]

The post VZ 084: Simple 5-Ingredient Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Not everyone lives in an area where vegan foods are readily available, which can make being a vegan a bit of a challenge. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’ll be sharing a few resources to buy vegan food online.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If […]

The post VZ 083: Where to Buy Vegan Food Online appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode, we share some of the most common tricks that food manufacturers use in an attempt to fool consumers like you into thinking their product is healthy (or at least healthier than other options). We know the majority of our listeners are trying to do better for themselves and for their families as far […]

The post VZ 082: Don’t Be Fooled By Deceptive Food Labels! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In Episode 037: Vegetarianism & the Environment, we talked about the effects that eating meat has on the environment.  In this episode we’ll share food-related tips that will help with environmental sustainability.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please […]

The post VZ 081: Eating for Sustainability – How to Save the Planet One Meal at a Time appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, the last of 2014, we’ll reveal our some of our favorite episodes over the past year and a half.     Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us […]

The post VZ 080: Favorite Vegetarian Zen Podcast Episodes Revealed! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, you’ll hear way more than you ever thought you would about nut butters and seed butters.  Move over peanuts…jelly wants to make some new friends!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen […]

The post VZ 079: Alternatives to the Peanut – A Guide to Nut Butters and Seed Butters appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  This BONUS episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast was inspired by a question posted by Jeff Jackson in The Peas and Carrots Society: Friends of Vegetarian Zen Facebook group: Does anyone have any suggestions for a vegan side dish, chilled or room-temperature, to bring to a lunchtime holiday party at the office? Needs to […]

The post Bonus 02: Bonus Episode – Simple and Delicious Vegetarian Potluck Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, you’ll learn that there is indeed life after dairy milk!  We’ll talk about plant milks such as soy, nut, rice and coconut milks.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, […]

The post VZ 078: The Delicious World of Plant Milks appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast we’ll share some of our favorite simple vegetarian recipes for busy weeknights.   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please note that some […]

The post VZ 077: Make Busy Weeknights Easy with These Simple Vegetarian Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

If you’re like us, you go through food “phases”.  You’ll find a new food, or remember one you haven’t had in a while, and you’ll eat it all the time…or at least until you get sick of it!  In this episode of the podcast, we tell you about 7 foods we’re loving right now.   […]

The post VZ 076: 7 Foods We’re Loving Right Now appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

If you think vegetarianism is just a “hippie” movement from the 1960s then you’re way off!  Vegetarianism developed as a philosophy as long ago as the ancient Greeks, as you’ll hear in this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast.   We’ll discuss the first vegetarian societies, the influence of nineteenth and twentieth century writers and […]

The post VZ 075: A Brief History of Vegetarianism appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Get ready for the ultimate gift guide for all the vegans, animal-lovers, and environmentally-conscious people on your list!  Need vegan gifts?  No more talking…here we go!   Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a […]

The post VZ 074: Finding Vegan & Environmentally-Friendly Gifts appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

You may want to feed your pet a vegetarian diet (or vegan, even) for a variety of reasons: Ethics — owners who abstain from eating animal products for reasons related to the cruel conditions on factory farms may not want animals to be eaten, even by other animals Pet health — “logic” would dictate that […]

The post VZ 073: You Can Feed Your Pet a Vegetarian Diet…But Should You? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Sometimes I’ll get a food craving that is so strong and all-consuming that I can’t think straight.  I find myself planning how and when I can go and get that food and eat it.  Eat it all.  Most of the time, of course, my craving is for something that is bad, bad, bad for me, […]

The post VZ 072: Don’t Let Food Cravings Hold You Hostage! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing alkaline and acidic foods.  You’ll learn what pH is and why it is important plus which foods are acidic and which are alkaline. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast! If you find value in our podcast and listen […]

The post VZ 071: Wait…What? Lemons Are Alkaline? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

One of the main reasons people give for not eating healthy is the perceived extra expense.  I say “perceived” because the idea that healthy food is more expense isn’t necessarily true.  Sure, some organic, natural foods may cost a bit more than their conventional or processed counterparts.  There are things you can do, however, to […]

The post VZ 070: Eating Healthy on a Budget appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Have you noticed, over the past few years, a trend in the grocery marketplace toward pushing products that contain “superfoods”?  As in, “Buy this pancake mix containing the superfood flax!”.  Or, “XYZ granola is packed with superfood ingredients like blueberries, acai berries, and chia seeds!”. So, is there really such a thing as a “superfood”? […]

The post VZ 069: Superfoods – Marketing Ploy or the Real McCoy? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Before I became a vegetarian I had a lot of misconceptions about vegan baked goods.  I knew nothing about vegan baking, and I figured that vegan cookies and cakes must be filled with really weird ingredients, have a texture like cardboard, and taste, well…funky. Boy was I wrong!! Even though we are not full-time vegans, […]

The post VZ 068: The Joy of Vegan Baking appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode we’ll be discussing all things gluten. You’ll learn what gluten is and what health problems can be associated with it. You’ll also hear what foods contain gluten and which are naturally gluten free.  We’ll also discuss whether or not a gluten free diet is a good choice. Thanks for tuning in to […]

The post VZ 067: Gluten Free Made Simple appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This episode of the podcast is all about bees! You’ll find out why honey isn’t considered vegan, and learn about the five main bee products: honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and beeswax. We’ll discuss the purported benefits of each, plus the risks.  We’ll also share a few places you can find cruelty-free bee products. […]

The post VZ 066: 5 Byproducts of Busy Bees appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In Episode 064 of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discussed what “cruelty free” really means and how to tell if products and their ingredients are truly made without harming animals. We also debunked some myths about cruelty free products. One of those myths is that they are hard to find. With that in mind, in this […]

The post VZ 065: Finding Cruelty Free Products Is Easier Than You Think (We’ve Got Sources!) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Using live animals in experiments is not a modern concept.  The ancient Greeks practiced vivisection, the dissection of live animals, in order to understand how living organisms functioned.  Historically, animals have been used to test treatments before applying to humans, and this practice continues to this day.  This cruel, unnecessary practice. In this episode of […]

The post VZ 064: Cruelty Free 101 – An Animal-Lover’s Guide to Finding Products Not Tested on Animals appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

We believe that a plant-based lifestyle should never be an all-or-nothing proposition.  When we became vegetarians, we did it all at once and it was a bit of a struggle.  Some people may be fine with a quick change, however. Same thing goes for transitioning from a vegetarian to vegan lifestyle.  It may be that you’re […]

The post VZ 063: Tips to Help You Transition From Vegetarian to Vegan appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In an ideal, natural-food world, ingredient labels on food would be really, really short.  A label on vegetable soup might read like this: vegetable broth onions potatoes carrots tomatoes green beans Instead of this:               What are “disodium guanylate” and “disodium inosinate”?  And don’t even get me started on […]

The post VZ 062: How to Read Food Labels – The Bad & Ugly of Processed Foods appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

I once thought of raw foods as pretty much just wheatgrass shots (thank you, Sex and the City), really big salads, and snacking on carrot sticks.  Truth be told, these things are just the tip of the iceberg (lettuce) when considering the realm of raw foods. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we […]

The post VZ 061: Going Raw – It’s More Than Just Wheatgrass Shots and Big Salads appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

I love stir fry.  It’s fresh, simple, quick, and lends itself so well to a vegetarian lifestyle.  The fact that I love stir fry made the fact that I wasn’t very good at making it kind of sad.  I, like many other aspiring stir fry chefs, labored under several common misconceptions about this type of […]

The post VZ 060: How to Make Amazing Vegetarian Stir Fry appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

It is a widely-held misconception that the terms “vegetarian” or “vegan” and “athlete” don’t belong together.  Isn’t it true that athletes need a lot more protein than other people, and that animal protein is the best (or only) viable source?  And what about calories?  How can a person possibly consume enough calories to support a […]

The post VZ 059: Nutrition Secrets of Plant-Based Athletes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

As a vegetarian or vegan, attending social events can present a challenge.  What if you’re invited to a birthday party…at a steakhouse?  How about a Fourth of July cookout with burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and baked beans full of pork bits?  It really can be enough to make you just want to stay home! Fortunately, […]

The post VZ 058: How to Handle Social Events as a Vegetarian – Listener Feedback appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Summertime, and the grilling is easy…with the helpful vegetable-grilling tips you’ll hear in this podcast episode.  There are many vegetables, fruits and meat alternatives that do great on a charcoal or gas grill, but there are some tricks to getting them to turn out just right, with minimal sticking, burning, or falling through the grate. […]

The post VZ 057: How to Grill Like a Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a very personal choice. Some may have ethical reasons, some health, some environmental. If you follow a plant-based lifestyle, you may or may not choose to share your reasons with others. This episode of the podcast is based on listener responses to the question “How do you explain your […]

The post VZ 056: Explaining Vegetarian Choices appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Scenario #1: You’re interested in adopting a plant-based diet, but you have kids who may or may not jump enthusiastically on the veggie train. Scenario #2: One day, out of the blue, your child announces that (for whatever reason), she wants to be a vegetarian. In either case, what do you do? How do you […]

The post VZ 055: Kids and Vegetarianism appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

“Fed Up” is a powerful new documentary from Katie Couric, producer Laurie David, and director Stephanie Soechtig. The premise of the film is both simple and complex: what if everything we’ve been told about diet and exercise for the past 30 years is wrong? The research that went into “Fed Up” is extensive and revealing, […]

The post VZ 054: “Fed Up” Documentary Review appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

To soy or not to soy, that is the question! Soy is an ancient food source.  It’s been used in Asia for 5000 years.  3000 years ago, fermentation techniques were developed that helped to make soy more easily digestible, in the form of miso, tempeh and tamari.  Tofu came along in China in the second […]

The post VZ 053: The Soy Controversy appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll be discussing sugar.  By the time we say goodbye, you’ll have learned about the six different types of sugar and some of the negative effects that sugar has on our bodies.  You’ll also discover many sources of “hidden sugars” in the foods we eat and gain […]

The post VZ 052: Sugar appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Detox and cleanse diets are all the rage these days, and the idea behind them can be very enticing.  Who doesn’t want to think that your insides are squeaky clean and healthy?  We bathe to keep our outsides fresh, so why not “bathe” internally as well?  It was in the name of freshness and […]

The post VZ 051: Help Your Body to Detoxify Naturally appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Wow!  It’s hard to believe we’ve reached 50 episodes of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast!  In this episode, we take a look back at how far we’ve come.  We revisit our purpose for starting this journey and discuss some of the many lessons we’ve learned along the way. Of course all of this would have been […]

The post VZ 050: 50 Episodes of Vegetarian Zen appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

If a food doesn’t contain chunks of meat it’s vegetarian, right? Not necessarily. Being vegetarian or vegan isn’t just about going “meatless”.  There are some foods that have hidden animal products in them that you’ll want to be aware of if you’re trying to maintain a strictly vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. In this episode, we’ll clue […]

The post VZ 048: Foods That Seem Vegetarian (But Are Not!) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Summer is nearly here.  A time for picnics, grilling out, spending time outside with family and friends.  For many, some of our best memories are tied to summertime and food.  When you were a kid did you enjoy fat slices of juicy watermelon out on the porch?  How about grilled corn on the cob, seasoned […]

The post VZ 047: Summer Fruits and Vegetables appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Funny story: when I was researching the topic for this episode, I went out searching for information about how eating meat could make you more succeptible to seasonal allergies.  I thought surely that would be true.  I mean, eating meat is bad for your body in so many other ways, right?  Why couldn’t it make […]

The post VZ 046: Can a Plant-Based Diet Help Alleviate Seasonal Allergies? appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we are happy to be joined by Farnoosh Brock, founder and president of Prolific Living, and author of The Healthy Juicer’s Bible: Lose Weight, Detoxify, Fight Disease, and Live Long.  In this interview, Farnoosh shares with us some insights from her newest book The Healthy Smoothie Bible: […]

The post VZ 045: Interview with Farnoosh Brock appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Fat is bad for you, right?  Otherwise, why would food companies produce items labeled “low-fat”, “reduced fat” or “fat free”?  Despite the implications of many popular diets, we do need some fat in our bodies.  Fat helps protect our organs from getting banged around when we move, and the right kinds of fat are important […]

The post VZ 044: Healthy Fats appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

“I have a big report due at work tomorrow.” “Where did I leave my keys?” “I need to pick up the dry cleaning in the morning.” “Where did I leave my keys?” “Kayleigh needs 3 dozen cupcakes for school on Friday.” “WHERE DID I LEAVE MY KEYS?” With all of this going through you head […]

The post VZ 043: Sleep Well Naturally appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

We love cooking with fresh herbs.  They provide amazing flavor for just about any dish you can cook and, if you grow them at home, cost very little. In this episode, we provide a high-level overview of herb gardening.  We discuss which herbs are annuals and which are perennials, the benefits of growing herbs in […]

The post VZ 042: Herb Gardening appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Acclaimed actress, accomplished neuroscientist, awesome mom and full-time vegan Mayim Bialik has now created a vegan cookbook, aptly called Mayim’s Vegan Table.   Packed with over 100 recipes plus four chapters full of helpful tips and guidelines, this book is easily a must-have for every vegan kitchen. Join us in this episode as we offer […]

The post VZ 041: Our Review of Mayim’s Vegan Table appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Two of the biggest obstacles to eating healthy meals during the week are time and effort.  How often do we come home tired from a long day at work and end up eating pre-packaged, easy to cook foods or take-out fast food? In this episode of the podcast, we offer seven meal planning tips that will […]

The post VZ 040: Meal Planning 101 appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

One of the biggest arguments against eating fresh, wholesome, healthy foods involves time.  After a long day at the office and a long commute home, many people say it’s just too late to make a healthy meal and still eat at a decent hour.  It’s much easier and faster to go through a drive-through, pick […]

The post VZ 039: Meal Prepping Shortcuts appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Did you know that when “Super Size Me” was filmed back in 2004 only seven McDonald’s menu items (hash browns, sausage, chicken McNuggets, coffee, tea and diet coke) did not contain sugar?  How about the fact that a today’s ten-piece order of chicken McNuggets contains 470 calories, 30 grams of fat and 900 milligrams of […]

The post VZ 038: Discussing the Documentary “Super Size Me” appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Raising animals for human consumption has a tremendous negative impact on our environment.  Grazing animals such as cattle, sheep and goats release harmful gases into the atmosphere as part of their digestive process.  The estimated number of cattle currently being farmed worldwide is 1.5 billion.  Add to this number billions of other grazing animals, both […]

The post VZ 037: Vegetarianism & the Environment appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

So, you’ve been juicing for a while now (like we have), and you love it (we do too).  But how do you know for sure you’re “doing it right”?  Are you prepping your fruits and veggies correctly?  What should you peel, and which peels are okay to leave on?  Which foods are beneficial for which […]

The post VZ 036: More About Juicing appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

One of the questions most persistently asked of vegetarians and vegans is “How do you get enough protein?”  As any veg*n will tell you, this question gets old fast.  But how do we, especially at breakfast, which really is “the most important meal of the day”. In this episode, we discuss how some traditional breakfast […]

The post VZ 035: Breakfast Protein Options for Vegetarians appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

What’s that, you say?  Chocolate is good for you? Okay, okay…before you go out and load up on Whitman’s Samplers at the grocery store, there are a few rules.  Many children (and I was one of them) long for the “I can eat anything I want” aspect of adulthood,imagining, perhaps, swimming pools full of Skittles and […]

The post Bonus 01: Bonus Episode – Health Benefits of Cacao & Chocolate appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

I’m sure many of you have had that ugly, burning feeling in your stomach or throat.  You know the one, where it feels like acid is burning holes in your gut.  This is a fire that water doesn’t put out, and don’t dare drink milk, which is a notorious acid-producer! Of course modern medicine has […]

The post VZ 034: Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Despite the decades-long campaign that milk and other dairy products are essential for a healthy body, current evidence shows exactly the contrary.  The fact that humans are the only species that drink the milk of other animals should be a pretty big clue that it is not meant for us. In-depth research has proven that […]

The post VZ 033: Reasons to Eat Less Dairy appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

The season of nasty colds, ugly flu viruses and winter allergies is upon us.  Coughing, chest congestion, itching and achiness conspire to make us miserable.  Television, magazine ads and conventional medicine have taught us to rush to the drugstore and load up on cough syrups and drops, pills for congestion,itching, sniffling and sneezing, medicines to […]

The post VZ 032: Fight Illness and Allergies Naturally appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

The beginning of a new year is a good time to reflect on the wins and losses of the previous year.  Because this month is also our one-year Veggie-versary, we thought it would be the perfect time to record a retrospective episode of sorts.  We discuss the things we think we did well as new […]

The post VZ 031: Lessons Learned in a Year of Being Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a big decision, one which family and friends may or may not agree with.  In the end, of course, it is completely personal but as with any major life change, having the support of those around you can make the transition easier. Certain stereotypes about vegetarians and vegans exist […]

The post VZ 030: Coming Out As A Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

From the time we are kids we hear about New Year’s resolutions.  Adults make them…and break them.  Kids emulate their parents and make them…and break them even faster!  What kid wants to actually keep a resolution to clean her room or be nice to his little brother? Although the practice has its origins in pre-Christian […]

The post VZ 029: New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

This episode features our very first interview, with none other than the voice of our podcast intro track, Tim Paige!  Besides being a fellow vegetarian, Tim is the co-host, with John Lee Dumas, of the Love Your Leap podcast.  Love Your Leap is focused on helping individuals make the transition from a corporate job to […]

The post VZ 028: Tim Paige Interview appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

We’re all busy during the holiday season.  Buying and wrapping gifts, making cookies, attending and/or hosting parties, making airport runs, keeping the kids busy, and so much more.  With so much going on, sometimes pets can fade into the background a bit.  Not that we don’t love them less during this busy time, of course, […]

The post VZ 027: Keeping Pets Safe & Healthy During the Holidays appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

It’s official…we’ve published our very first Lift Coaching Plan, aptly entitled “Eat More Vegetables and Fruits“!  We’ve discussed the Lift app before on our podcast, and Vickie wrote a comprehensive blog post, “Three Reasons I Love the Lift Habit-Tracking Application for iPhone”, back in October explaining exactly what Lift is and how it works. Recently […]

The post VZ 026: Our Lift Coaching Plan to Eat More Vegetables & Fruits appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

We all want to protect our kids from harm.  We teach them to not talk to strangers and to look both ways when crossing the street. We feed them healthy foods and encourage other healthy habits.  We want them to be happy and entertained, so we buy them fun and educational things they want to […]

The post VZ025: Tips for Avoiding Toxic Toys appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

When we come together to celebrate the holidays, food is,usually the focal point around which we gather.  Further, the centerpiece of most of our holiday meals is meat.  Turkey for Thanksgiving.  Turkey or goose for Christmas.  Ham for New Year’s and Easter. Barbecue for Memorial Day, Labor Day and the Fourth of July.  We can’t […]

The post VZ 024: Thanksgiving Tips for Vegetarians appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Even the most dedicated fitness fanatics sometimes find it challenging to get the job done.  For those who don’t enjoy it in the first place, the challenge can sometimes be overwhelming!  In this episode, we discuss tips to help keep you motivated and moving toward your fitness goals. We include a wide range of exercise […]

The post VZ 023: Exercise Hacks appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Unfortunately, GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have become pervasive in our society today.  Often under the guise of increasing crop yields, drought tolerance, or nutritional values, biotechnical companies have created “Frankenfoods” that have delivered on none of these promises.  Instead, the primary advantage of these genetically engineered crops is that they are resistant to the […]

The post VZ 022: Oh No! GMO! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  “Buy organic” seems to be a popular buzz phrase these days.  With all the talk about genetically-modified foods, the overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, and the connection of these chemicals with deadly diseases such as cancer, understanding the importance of buying and consuming organic foods is crucial. In this episode, we explore […]

The post VZ 021: The Importance of Buying Organic appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Kids love candy,  adults love candy…Halloween is awesome!  We all know that candy and other sweet treats are not exactly nutritionally valuable, so in this episode we discuss ways to make Halloween activities a little more healthy for you and your family. From trick-or-treating strategies to healthier candy options for giving (as well as […]

The post VZ 020: Tips for a Healthy Halloween appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  The Fall season brings us a bounty of wonderful, healthy fruits and vegetables.  From the many varieties of winter squash (including the Halloween vegetable mascot, the pumpkin) to apples, pomegranates, cauliflower, root vegetables and dark, leafy greens, Mother Nature provides us an endless supply of healthy meal and snack options. Join us on this […]

The post VZ 019: What’s In Season? Fall Fruits and Vegetables appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  It’s all too easy to blame our moods on purely external circumstances beyond our control. A bad day at the office caused you to be irritable. You’re tired because you didn’t sleep well last night, or maybe you’re just bored.  Even positive moods are generally thought to be caused by things that happen to us […]

The post VZ 018: Food and Mood appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Beans and other legumes just may be the vegetarian’s and vegan’s best friends.  Pinto, kidney, red, pink, Great Northern, lima…no matter which one you choose, you’ll be picking a winner.  Beans — as well as other legumes such as peas, lentils and peanuts — are amazing sources of protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates as […]

The post VZ017: All About Beans appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  National Kale Day is coming up on Wednesday, October 2, and Vegetarian Zen is on board to celebrate it. As NKD ambassadors, we are spreading the word about kale far and wide.  To that end, this episode of the podcast is all about kale and its special day. We introduce listeners to the brains […]

The post VZ 016: Let’s Celebrate National Kale Day! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Are foods derived from animals the only source of protein for humans?  Is drinking cow’s milk necessary for humans in order to get enough calcium?  If you answered “no” to both of these questions, you would be correct. You would also be among a small segment of the American population who agrees with you. These […]

The post VZ 015: A Review of the Documentary Film Forks Over Knives appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode, we take on some of the most common myths about vegetarianism and veganism.  Before becoming vegetarians, we actually held some of these beliefs ourselves.  Once we made our lifestyle changes, we began to learn how mistaken we were.  For example, we’ve learned that these common misconceptions just aren’t true: Vegetarians do not […]

The post VZ 014: Our Favorite Myths About Vegetarianism appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Common sense tells us that skim milk is healthier than whole milk, correct?  Less fat equals healthier.  But what is healthier than skim milk?  How about plant and nut milks: soy, almond, hemp, rice, or coconut?  Generally lower in fat content (although coconut milk has a high fat content, it is plant-derived, not animal) […]

The post VZ 013: This for That – Healthy Recipe Substitutions appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  When we first became vegetarians, we simply stopped eating meat without changing our other bad eating habits. Consequently, we discovered that we did not initially feel as great as we thought we would.  We had fallen into an all-too-common trap…we had become Junk Food Vegetarians! Healthy vegetarianism and veganism are about more than just […]

The post VZ 012: Tips to Avoid Being a Junk Food Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Football season is once again upon us!  Whether you’re an NFL fan, a college follower or both, you’ll need to have good strategies in place to maintain your vegetarian or vegan lifestyle while attending tailgate parties, fantasy draft parties, or the games themselves.  You can even play host to a party or two yourself without scaring off […]

The post VZ 011: Surviving Football Season as a Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Getting ready for back-to-school is hectic, no doubt.  Lots to do, too little time to get it all done.  Summer was too short (for the kids, anyway!).  On top of shots, new clothes, school supplies and convincing the kids that this year is going to be GREAT, you want to ensure that you feed […]

The post VZ 010: Back To School the Healthy Way appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  When we first became vegetarians, we also became juicers.  We did a lot of reading online, of course, but the first book we bought was Farnoosh Brock’s The Healthy Juicer’s Bible: Lose Weight, Detoxify, Fight Disease, and Live Long.  It quickly became our go-to reference for all things juicing, from selecting a juicer to […]

The post VZ 009: Why We Love “The Healthy Juicer’s Bible” appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Tofu…often the first thing that comes to the mind of an omnivore when introduced to a vegetarian; as in, “So, do you eat that tofu stuff?  What exactly is that stuff, anyway?” In this episode, we demystify those little white blocks by providing a short lesson about how tofu is made, the different types […]

The post VZ 008: All About Tofu appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  “If  you don’t eat animal products, how on earth are you getting enough protein in your diet?” This is one of the most commonly asked questions regarding living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.  Meat, eggs and dairy products provide the majority of protein for omnivores.  In Episode 007, we explore this issue, focusing on […]

The post VZ 007: Getting Enough Protein as a Vegetarian or Vegan appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In this episode, we discuss two favorite pastimes during the summer season: vacationing & grilling.  We offer some great tips for grilling vegetables and fruit, such as marinating, grilling times, and other techniques. We also discuss ways to maintain a vegetarian lifestyle while on the road, including making the most of a great online […]

The post VZ 006: Vacationing & Grilling, Vegetarian-Style appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In the previous episode, we discussed the differences between juicing and blending, and reviewed the juicer we use, the Omega VRT350.  In this episode, we offer a review of our blender, the Vitamix 1365 CIA Professional Series.  The Vitamix does so much more than what a standard blender or smoothie-maker does.  Tune in to this […]

The post VZ 005: Living Healthy with a Vitamix Blender appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  This episode of the podcast is all about juicers and juicing.  Vickie explains the differences between juicing and blending, and why they are both important, albeit for unique reasons.  We go on to discuss the different types of juicers, exactly how each type works, and the benefits and shortcomings of each. We then launch […]

The post VZ 004: Juice It Up! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  One of the most often-used excuses for not living a healthy, active lifestyle is that “there’s not enough time”. In this episode, we offer lots of helpful, time-saving tips for healthy eating, fitting exercise into your daily routine, and being more productive at work and in your personal life. Larissa presents some simple ways […]

The post VZ 003: Time Is On My Side appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  In the first part of this episode we discuss the many benefits of spices and herbs and the ways they can be used.  Although we mention others, we focus specifically on four: ginger, cinnamon, rosemary and lemon balm.  We talk about how using herbs and spices has helped us to keep our diets interesting […]

The post VZ 002: A Life of Spice appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

  Wow!  It’s finally here…the very first episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, aptly entitled “Here We Go!”.  We’ve been working hard to pack each episode with amazing, informative and entertaining content for you, so here goes! In this first episode we introduce ourselves (and spill a little secret!).  We share our journey to becoming […]

The post VZ 001: Here We Go! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.