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 ....
Aug 30, 2015•32 min
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 ....
Aug 23, 2015•22 min
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 ....
Aug 16, 2015•45 min
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 ....
Aug 09, 2015•25 min
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 ....
Aug 02, 2015•32 min
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 ....
Jul 26, 2015•36 min
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 ....
Jul 19, 2015•27 min
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 .
Jul 12, 2015•35 min
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 ....
Jul 05, 2015•30 min
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 ....
Jun 28, 2015•30 min
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 ....
Jun 21, 2015•34 min
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 ....
Jun 14, 2015•28 min
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 ....
Jun 07, 2015•25 min
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 ....
May 31, 2015•32 min
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 ....
May 24, 2015•36 min
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 ....
May 17, 2015•23 min
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 ....
May 10, 2015•38 min
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 ....
May 03, 2015•40 min
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 ....
Apr 26, 2015•35 min
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 ....
Apr 19, 2015•31 min
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 ....
Apr 12, 2015•32 min
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 ....
Apr 05, 2015•34 min
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 ....
Mar 29, 2015•33 min
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 ....
Mar 22, 2015•41 min
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 .
Mar 15, 2015•30 min
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 ....
Mar 08, 2015•35 min
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 ....
Mar 01, 2015•32 min
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 ....
Feb 22, 2015•33 min
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 ....
Feb 15, 2015•40 min
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 ....
Feb 08, 2015•41 min
