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 ....
May 21, 2017•24 min
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 ....
May 14, 2017•28 min
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 ....
May 07, 2017•23 min
“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 ....
Apr 30, 2017•29 min
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 ....
Apr 23, 2017•36 min
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 ....
Apr 16, 2017•25 min
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 ....
Apr 09, 2017•21 min
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 ....
Apr 02, 2017•38 min
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 ....
Mar 26, 2017•36 min
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 ....
Mar 19, 2017•25 min
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 ....
Mar 12, 2017•26 min
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 ....
Mar 05, 2017•33 min
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 ....
Feb 26, 2017•25 min
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 .
Feb 19, 2017•27 min
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 ....
Feb 12, 2017•26 min
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 ....
Feb 05, 2017•36 min
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 ....
Jan 29, 2017•21 min
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 ....
Jan 22, 2017•24 min
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 ....
Jan 15, 2017•29 min
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 ....
Jan 08, 2017•27 min
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 ....
Jan 01, 2017•28 min
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 ....
Dec 25, 2016•20 min
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 ....
Dec 18, 2016•22 min
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 ....
Dec 11, 2016•31 min
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 ....
Dec 04, 2016•25 min
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 ....
Nov 27, 2016•30 min
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 ....
Nov 20, 2016•29 min
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 ....
Nov 13, 2016•38 min
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 ....
Nov 06, 2016•43 min
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 ....
Oct 30, 2016•37 min