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 ....
Oct 23, 2016•19 min
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 ....
Oct 16, 2016•24 min
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 ....
Oct 09, 2016•26 min
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 ....
Oct 02, 2016•25 min
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 ....
Sep 25, 2016•26 min
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 ....
Sep 18, 2016•22 min
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 ....
Sep 11, 2016•30 min
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 ....
Sep 04, 2016•25 min
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 ....
Aug 28, 2016•32 min
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 ....
Aug 21, 2016•29 min
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 ....
Aug 14, 2016•40 min
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 ....
Aug 07, 2016•27 min
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 ....
Jul 31, 2016•38 min
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 ....
Jul 24, 2016•35 min
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 ....
Jul 17, 2016•33 min
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 ....
Jul 10, 2016•36 min
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 ....
Jul 03, 2016•37 min
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 ....
Jun 26, 2016•29 min
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 ....
Jun 19, 2016•35 min
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 ....
Jun 12, 2016•32 min
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 ....
Jun 05, 2016•25 min
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 ....
May 29, 2016•33 min
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 ....
May 22, 2016•27 min
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 ....
May 15, 2016•34 min
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 ....
May 08, 2016•37 min
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 ....
May 01, 2016•22 min
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 ....
Apr 24, 2016•23 min
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 ....
Apr 17, 2016•30 min
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 ....
Apr 10, 2016•31 min
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 ....
Apr 03, 2016•39 min