Vegan Living Magazine - September 2017

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Read Your Labels: ANIMALDERIVED INGREDIENTS COMMONLY FOUND IN HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Vegging Out:

Four Vital Steps in Transitioning to Veganism

Smashed White Bean and Avocado Club Recipe Seed to Supermarket:

The Six Stages Most Vegetables Go Through Before We Purchase Them TURNIP FOR WHAT:

SIX SEX SECRETS ONLY VEGANS KNOW

GLOBALLY LOCAL: THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT THE WORLD’S FIRST 24/7 VEGAN DRIVE THRU

#Vegan:

SIX INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW FOR RECIPES AND INSPIRATION


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Seed to Supermarket: The Six Stages Most Vegetables Go Through Before We Purchase Them

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Wilde and Free: How Olivia Wilde’s Eating Habits Has Stopped Her from Aging

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#Vegan: Six Instagram Accounts to Follow for Recipes and Inspiration

16 Damn Radishing! Rounding Up Six of the World’s Hottest Vegans 21 Globally Local: Three Things to Love About the World’s First 24/7 Vegan Drive Thru 24 More Than Curds: Tasty Tofu Fries with Homemade Ketchup Recipe 27 Vegging Out: Four Vital Steps in Transitioning to Veganism 30 I Give a Guac: Smashed White Bean and Avocado Club Recipe 32 Turnip For What: Six Sex Secrets Only Vegans Know 36 Read Your Labels: Five Animal-Derived Ingredients Commonly Found in Household Items 39 Beat the Monotony of Monday Dinners with A Golden Beetroot Risotto Recipe


A BEAUTIFUL PLATE OF COLORFUL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IS MORE THAN JUST SOMETHING THAT REPLENISHES US. EACH PIECE OF PRODUCE THAT YOU BITE INTO HAS A STORY TO TELL - A HISTORY OF SORTS, AN ORIGIN STORY OF WHERE IT CAME FROM.

We usually take these things for granted considering everything is so easy to buy in nearby shops and supermarkets but every single ingredient that came from the earth has a unique story to tell.

Seed to Supermarket The Six Stages Most Vegetables Go Through Before We Purchase Them

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Believe it or not, the ingredients that make up your vegan meals go through a very long and tedious process before it even reaches your plate, let alone the busy aisles of a grocery store. These don’t magically appear in the shops and knowing the process will help you fully appreciate the food you eat and more importantly, the people who grow them. To get a clearer understanding of the “history� we are talking about, take a look at the different stages every vegetable goes through to make it to your dinner plate. 2


1. Growing The thing about vegetables is that someone has to intentionally plant them so they will grow. However, since the turn of the industrial revolution, and everything being commercialized these days, planting is more than just placing a random seed in soil and hoping it would bear fruit. Now, advanced technology and modern techniques are needed in making sure farmers grow the same vegetables of the same size and weight each time. This also helps in pricing their items and making sure they’re able to sell it quickly to their buyers.

2. Processing Processing means changing plants into what we recognize and buy as food. Processing involves different steps for different kinds of foods. For produce, processing can be as simple as cleaning and sorting, or it can involve trimming, slicing, or shredding and bagging. Nuts may be roasted, chopped, or ground (such as with peanut butter).

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3. Delivery

4. Distribution

To get the vegetables closer to its consumers, they are places in stacks and rows of vegetable crates and delivered across cities all over the world. This explains a lot as to why some vegetables may be more expensive than others. The farther you are from the farm source, the more expensive the produce becomes. Deliveries are done around the clock to make sure every harvest is maintained fresh and in season when it reaches the grocery shelves.

Similarly, distribution means getting food from the farm or processing plant to the consumer or a food service facility like a restaurant, cafeteria, or hospital kitchen. This step might involve transporting foods just once, such as trucking produce from a farm to the local farmers’ market. Or it might involve many stages. For instance, tomatoes or even something as popular as potatoes might be trucked from a processing plant to a large supplier, stored for a few days in the supplier’s warehouse, trucked again to a local distribution facility for a restaurant chain, and finally delivered to an individual restaurant.

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5. Inventory

6. Waste

Every single vegetable, as soon as it reaches its main seller, will have to go through an inventory check by the buyer. Inventory is more than just counting and sorting. This stage also includes making sure that every piece is good enough to sell. As a consumer, we always buy with our eyes first and every shop and grocery store must make sure their display of vegetables is always enticing and pleasing to the eye. This process involves removing pieces of fruits or vegetables that either look different from the rest of the bunch or some that may have deteriorated over the long travel.

Unfortunately, some, or perhaps even most of these produce end up being waste. However, the good thing is that they can be turned to compost. Although, this doesn’t remove the fact that because of industrial farming, we are producing so much food waste that it’s really not practical for our environment. This is important to take note of the next time you buy fruits and vegetables in the market. Make sure that when you buy, you buy responsibly enough that you consume your purchase immediately. If you own a grocery store or even a small produce stand, it’s good to know so you won’t hoard for your store knowing that most of it will end up as waste.

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Wilde and Free How Olivia Wilde's Eating Habits Has Stopped Her from Aging

When the words “hot” and “sexy” come to mind, no other image manifests than that of Hollywood actress, Olivia Wilde. Olivia Wilde is an actress that men fantasize about but at the same time, women want to emulate - a rare breed in the industry. 6


W

ilde has always been known for her sharp, edgy look, her beautiful complexion and of course, her hot bod. She is best known for appearing in the hit TV show House and films like Tron Legacy, Her and Drinking Buddies.

Since she was 12 years old, Wilde has been a vegetarian, transitioning into a full vegan for the past five years. For her, having a good support system for this particular lifestyle is the most important thing. If you search Wilde’s pictures online, you’ll see no visible change in her skin as it always looks so naturally tight and blemish-free - something every girl dreams of when it comes to skin care. Thanks to her plant-based diet, Wilde is able to maintain a younglooking physique with amazingly clear complexion as well.

Wilde is a vegan who backs causes such as the Fair Foods campaign in the US and Artists for Peace and Justice, which provides education and health services in Haiti. Conscious Exclusive is the Swedish retailer’s ethically-minded line, which produces more sustainable products and is made up of organic materials (organic silk, cotton, linen, Tencel, recycled polyester and conscious leather). 7


She is also the face of H&M’s 2015 Conscious Exclusive collection which proves that sustainability can be stylish as well. Being that sustainable lifestyle is something this momof-one is passionate about, she is thrilled to represent brands that have the same ideals as hers. Olivia Wilde is not shy about her lifestyle choice. Her website, Wilde Things, features a page about her veganism. Though she briefly abandoned her vegan lifestyle for health reasons during her pregnancy, she resumed her vegan diet again when the baby was delivered. Her rawness and honesty is one reason that makes the star a great vegan role model.

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Six Instagram Accounts to Follow for Recipes and Inspiration Veganism is so widespread that it’s popping up everywhere - even on social media. Now, not only can you stalk celebrities and perhaps, old lovers, but thanks to Instagram hashtags and their special algorithm, you can now be inspired by everyday vegans all around the world. These six Instagram accounts will make you wish you were a vegan (if you aren’t still) and would

make you feel good about the choice you made (if you already are). Their accounts are filled with easy-to-do recipes, eye catching photos and light captions that will definitely inspire you even more as you journey on into becoming a vegan. Check out these accounts and don’t forget your napkins as you’ll be salivating for everything vegan as you browse through them!

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@thedreamyleaf Just browse through the first five photos of Maya Sozer’s vegan-dedicated account, and you’ll be a convert in no time. If you’re already a vegan, this account will convert you into a stay-home vegan, ever so willing to make his own meals right in at the comfort of your own kitchen. No only is she a plant-based recipe developer, she’s also a photographer which is the perfect combination for a beautifully curated Instagram account. Maya definitely puts the dreamy in @thedreamyleaf!

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@plantbased_pixie Food blogger and author of the book The Wellness Rebel, Pixie Turner is definitely inspiring many vegans through her Instagram account. Her bird’s eye view photos of super delicious meals are really exciting to see. The vibrant colors, the freshest ingredients and the simplicity of every dish will inspire anyone who has ever dreamed of making vegan meals at home.

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@wtfveganfood Author of best selling book Will Travel for Vegan Food, Kristin Lajeunesse shares vegan places across the U.S. Hoping to make her own vegan travel show, Kristin showcases many restaurants that serve vegan offerings on their menu. Although her account has virtually no recipes shared, she truly inspires every vegan to go out there and be adventurous when it comes to trying new places. Her account is living proof that veganism is widely spreading and there’s no need to worry about where to eat anymore, when going out to town.

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@veganwhat Stephanie Williams not only shares easy recipes, she also gives important tips and tricks in the kitchen that will truly inspire any cooking novice. The photos in this account will leave you salivating for more as you can’t help but click that red heart each time. It is filled with vibrant colors and beautiful food combinations that truly inspire.

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@talinegabriel This account represents Hippie Lane, a mobile app and online cookbook based in Australia. Her account is clean yet colorful with a lot yummy looking dishes any vegan would want to make at home. It has a very cool vibe to it and she makes veganism look effortless and hassle free. If you want to transport yourself to another world, this is the account to follow.

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@veganfoodshare This account is perhaps the parody of all vegan accounts - a mix of good vegan photos, vegan memes and inside jokes that any vegan would definitely appreciate. Besides, anyone who takes themselves too seriously will never be happy, right? This account reminds each and every vegan that it’s okay, you’re not alone, your struggles are real and more importantly, it is perfectly fine to laugh about it once in awhile.

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Damn Radishing! Year after year, the number of vegans all across the globe rises. It is proof that veganism is neither fad or trend but rather a universal way of living which more and more people seem to grasp. PETA or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is famous (or infamous?) for making known to the public the reasons why anyone should make the big switch. Be it by gruesome videos of animals being tortured and abused or by showcasing vegan celebrities, PETA has always done its job in spreading the positive side of this lifestyle.

Rounding Up Six of the World's Hottest Vegans

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However, tortured animals and unattainable celeb bodies may not be so attractive to the general, and perhaps younger masses. This is why PETA has also come up with the contest called Sexiest Vegan Next Door and the line to get in is getting longer by the year. Each year, PETA selects everyday folks - men and women alike who have beautiful faces and irresistible physiques. This is to emphasize that anyone can be a vegan and that they live and breathe among us - not to mention, they’re looking mighty fine in their ordinary, everyday jobs. The best part about the contest (apart from the sizzling hot bods, of course) is that it is an international contest and everyone has the chance to vote. So feast your eyes because it’s about to get steamy in here. Here are our six fave Sexiest Vegan Next Door finalists and some past winners as well. 17


1. Asher Hailing from LA, California, Asher is a director and producer than runs a creative agency which makes videos and influencer content for brands around the world. His entire office is vegan friendly and he has produced and directed over 200 videos for plant-based brands and nonprofits across the globe. Image Source: http://www.peta.org.uk

Image Source: http://www.peta.org.uk

2. Alexis After the “big C� scare, Alexis, who is originally from Illinois, switched to veganism to try to save her health and ultimately, her life. Currently she is a piano and guitar teacher and she uses her position as an educator to spread the information on the benefits of veganism and the cruelty of animal-driven shows for entertainment. She is a true animal activist who joins circus and rodeo protests to make a stand. 18


3. Anthony A firefighter, technician and model all rolled into one beautiful man, Anthony seems to be the perfect guy next door. For Anthony, the line between housing and caring for pets and eating meat was blurred when he realized most humans actually practice the two. This is what triggered him to become a vegan and he went on to win the title of PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door in 2015.

Image Source: http://www.peta.org.uk

4. Jenna 2014 winner Jenna won everyone over with her big heart and great looks. At the age of five, Jenna was moved by the story of Babe (yes, the pig) and had consciously stopped eating meat by then. Now, Jenna is a proud animal rights advocate and she continues to encourage and inspire the people around her to adopt a healthy and compassionate diet and overall lifestyle.

Image Source: http://www.peta.org.uk

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5. Toby Toby is a personal trainer which clearly shows in his ripped and shredded physique. As a fitness professional who is powered by plants, he is sending a clear message to everyone that being a vegan is more than enough to sustain a lifestyle. More importantly, it is all you need to get ripped and shredded like he is. He spreads this good news among all his clients and he makes sure to encourage them to go vegan as well no matter what their workouts may be.

Image Source: http://www.peta.org.uk

6. Hristo You can’t expect a guy who has such a badass name like Hristo to just be sitting on the sidelines. This amateur skateboarder has been a vegan since 2002. He is also a musician and uses hiphop to spread the message of animal rights under the moniker El Freegano. This exotic boy-next-door is both interesting and endearing all at the same time. Image Source: http://www.peta.org.uk

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Globally Local:

Three Things to Love About the World's First 24/7 Vegan Drive Thru Imagine it’s 2AM. You’re wide awake, you just got in from a night out with friends and you’re hungry.

Fortunately, Londoners who find themselves in such sticky situations will no longer have to worry.

Oh, and also you’re a vegan and basically, you’re out of options. So what do you do? You force yourself a cold vegetable stick just to get by through the night.

Thanks to Globally Local, Brits can now enjoy delicious vegan food onthe-go at any time of the day. Behind this new and exciting food idea is James and Lia McInnes who started out as a vegan couple who would share their vegan recipes on Facebook.

Sound familiar? The scenario is chilling. Surely, almost every vegan has been in a situation where late night cravings struck and there was no place to go to satisfy them.

Since they received massive response from their social media posts,

they started selling vegan meal kits to people who were interested. Four years later, they have built a fast food centered restaurant, a food truck and now, a drive-thru fast food restaurant that is 100% vegan. The McInnes are proving to the world that vegan food can not only be delicious, it can be fast, cheap and fun too - and we are totally on board with that philosophy. Here are three more things we love about Globally Local! 21


1. It’s fast, it’s easy

2. It’s 24/7

What’s better than fast food? Healthy fast food! For the McInnes, it’s all about providing healthier options no matter what kind of food you are eating. If someone were in a hurry to go someplace else, chowing down good, clean, vegan food like that of Globally Local’s would be so much better than just getting whatever is available. This is the real mission of Globally Local and this is what pushed them to set up a drive-thru fast food vegan restaurant. They also want to be approachable enough for non-vegans and a drive-thru fast food concept is something familiar and universal. This is their contribution to the vegan community and to the world.

Late night cravings are not a new thing. It’s a reality of life - even for vegans. Operating 24/7 is one of the major things that set Globally Local apart from any other vegan restaurant in the market today. This way, they can accommodate every vegan, any time, any day and it’s really comforting to know they’re there whenever you feel like having some yummy vegan food.

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3. It’s comfort food Globally Local is all about eating food that non vegans would think vegans can’t have such as burgers which they’ve now coined as the Vopper or the vegan Whopper. Globally Local is all about comfort food and it understands what you’d want to be eating at any time of the day - whether you’re happy, stressed out or perhaps, even heartbroken. Vegan ice cream, anyone?

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More Than Curds: Tasty Tofu Fries with Homemade Ketchup Recipe

Make everyday fries day, because tofu is here to save the day! Tofu is one of those amazing ingredients that’s really versatile and easy to prepare. It comes in two forms, silken and firm depending on your dish and how you want to prepare it. Tofu is also easy to season since it doesn’t have that distinct flavor that’s overpowering.

Another great thing about tofu is that it is a great source of protein that is plant-based. If you’re #teamTofu then you’ll definitely love this recipe. Its crisp, it’s light, it’s super tasty and more importantly, it’s vegan. Dip it with homemade ketchup and you’ve got yourself the perfect snack for either a movie night in, or just something to munch on before heading out the door. 24


TASTY TOFU FRIES

Ingredients 1- 14 oz extra firm tofu 1 tbsp olive oil Salt Black pepper chili powder

Directions 1. Drain water from tofu and squeeze as much water as possible. I place tofu block in between two plates and put heavy objects such as canned beans and use paper towel to squeeze water. Leave it for 30-45 minutes. 2. Preheat the oven 375F. 3. Slice tofu into thin sticks resembling fries. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat tofu slices with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and chili powder. 4. Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the fries one half way. 5. Before removing from the oven, broil for 1-2 minutes on each side if you have difficulty getting them crispy. 25


HOMEMADE KETCHUP Ingredients 1 2/3 cup tomato paste 1 1/4 cup water 4 tbsp cider vinegar Heaping 1/2 cup sugar 2 1/2 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 1/2 tsp onion powder 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions 1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and slowly heat while stirring, until all the sugar has dissolved. 2. Fill some thoroughly washed bottles or jars with ketchup and seal. 3. Stored in the fridge it will keep for about one month.

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With every decision we make in life, following through is the most important. This is why shortcuts never work. When you decide to take on something new and something big, you need to go through a sometimes grueling process in order to succeed. Such is the same with switching to veganism. Veganism is more than just cutting meat off from your meals.

Vital Steps in Transitioning to Veganism

Veganism is an overall lifestyle that requires commitment, discipline and full understanding of the objectives behind it. If you are in a transition period, it can be difficult to adjust to your new lifestyle. This is why these four steps are vital to any new vegan’s survival through her journey into veganism. They are meant to serve as reminders for every vegan that it takes hard work and dedication to see this lifestyle through. If you focus on making one change at a time the progression to veganism will feel quite natural. It’s important to go at your own pace and to decide on a method that works best for you. 27


1. LEARN THE BENEFITS

2. LEARN ABOUT NOURISHMENT

Learning about the benefits of veganism can be that push you need from time to time when you feel like everything is so tough. Educate yourself about vegan practices and costs so that you can expect anything and everything - this way you’ll be prepared. Also, this is where you can begin to identify as to why you want to switch to veganism. Although this reason may change overtime, it’s good to have one now that will help you further yourself in the program.

Since you will be cutting out a lot of things your body has been used to over the years, reading about proper nourishment is very important. You need to fully understand how to optimally nourish your body on a plant-based diet so you don’t get sick in the process.

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3. LEARN ABOUT LABELS Now that you’re a vegan, it would be good to familiarize yourself on ingredients that are good for you and that are not good for you - although this is actually something every person should practice, whether they’re vegan or not, but more so if you are a vegan. Start reading lists off bottles and cas and learn how to tell if a product is vegan or not.

4. LEARN ABOUT UP AND COMING VEGAN SHOPS AND STORES AROUND YOU Community is the most important part of veganism. Surrounding yourself with fellow vegans will definitely help you feel less like an outsider. Along with this, be on the lookout for vegan products at your local stores and research nearby vegan vendors and vegan friendly restaurants that might encourage you to stay on this path. 29


A

great meal can be as elaborate as three or four dishes spread out across the dinner table or it can also be as simple as a handheld sandwich.

I Give a Guac Smashed White Bean and Avocado Club Recipe

However, that doesn’t mean the latter isn’t as fulfilling or elaborate as the first one. A sandwich with all the right ingredients can be satisfying and not to mention, super healthy too. This easy-to-make sandwich is packed with nutrients and it’s darn tasty too! The full bodied

flavor of beans and avocado paired with the freshness of red onion and sprouts can be a really exciting sensation for the taste buds. So if you’re looking for a satisfying on-the-go meal, look no further. Follow the recipe below and enjoy!

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Ingredients 1- 20 oz cans white beans, rinsed and drained 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp kosher salt Ÿ tsp black pepper 12 slices multigrain bread 1small red onion, thinly sliced 1 pc cucumber, thinly sliced (peeled, if desired) 5 oz container sprouts 2 pcs avocados, pitted and thinly sliced

Directions 1. In

a medium bowl, combine the beans, oil, salt, and pepper. Roughly mash the mixture with the back of a fork.

2. Place 8 of the bread slices on a work

surface. Divide the mashed beans among them. Top with the onion, cucumber, sprouts, and avocado.

3. Stack

the open-faced sandwiches on top of one another, avocadoside up, to make 4 double-decker sandwiches. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread.

4. Slice

each sandwich in half, if desired, and serve. 31


Turnip For What:

Six Sex Secrets Only Vegans Know According to Wikipedia, approximately 0.2% to 1.3% of the US, and between 0.25% and 0.4% of the UK populations are vegans. It seems like a small number when you put it that way but that’s a bigger number than what we had 5-10 years ago which can only mean one thing - the numbers are rising. And we have a feeling

those numbers will continue to rise when people find out that vegans are better in bed than regular meat eaters. Although is no actual scientific evidence that it is so, a true vegan knows what this is all about. Fortunately for you, we’re about to reveal these secrets to you in this article and we’re not holding back.

Check them out here!

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1. Vegans are more relaxed Because everything a vegan eats is allnatural, it doesn’t have ill effects on the body. Therefore, vegans are generally calmer and more relaxed. They do not easily stress. This makes vegans great in bed because we all know a relaxed body means an open vessel that is committed to the act of love making.

2. Vegans taste sweeter It is suggested that a vegan diet changes the body’s overall chemistry. Therefore, body secretions smell (and taste) much sweeter. Since we really are what we eat,

and since vegans eat only the good stuff, the rest of it naturally follows.

3. Vegans are more comfortable naked When you know what goes inside your body, there is no doubt the outside will follow as well. This is why vegans generally have no issues posing naked or being naked because they are confident in what they feed their body and they know it manifests physically. Participating in a vegan, plant-based diet typically results in slimming effects on the shape of the body. This occurs simply because many meats are high in fat, when compared to a healthy and balanced vegan diet. 33


4. Vegans have more energy Because of the rich nutrients found in fruits, nuts and vegetables, vegans have more energy during the day without any artificial ingredients or animal fat slowing them down at any point. This boost in energy will naturally translate in the bedroom and in your personal relationships.

5. Vegans are just more disciplined Every minute of each day, a vegan is forced to make more conscious decisions all the time considering we still live in a meat-centric world. Vegans discipline themselves not just on what they eat but how they live in general. This says a lot about a vegan’s commitment to her decisions and it shows that a vegan will not easily give up - not in life and certainly not in the bedroom. This form of discipline makes a vegan very attractive and you are likely to attract like-minded individuals to share your bed with.

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6. Vegans eat libido-enhancing food Veganism isn’t just about the food, but the food you eat definitely plays a big role in your overall sexual performance. Researchers have found that certain foods cause a chemical reaction in the body that increases the libido in both males and females. Your morning dose of oatmeal not only boosts the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream, it also keeps you rock solid.

The science: Oats are packed with L-arginine, an amino acid that works with nitric oxide to reduce the stiffness of blood vessels. This amino acid has been used to treat erectile dysfunction, because it helps relax muscles around the penis’s blood vessels. That way, when they expand, blood flow increases so you can keep an erection. Foods with large levels of zinc and vitamin B complexes are said to elevate testosterone levels and boost sexual desire. Many common vegan foods that are rich in zinc and vitamin B are: basil, figs, pine nuts, avocado, almonds, asparagus, celery, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and bananas.

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Read Your Labels:

Five Animal-Derived Ingredients Commonly Found in Household Items Every vegan has her own reason as to why she is vegan. Some do it to better their health, others do it to fight disease, some to stay slim and others do it to protect the animals and save the environment. Whatever the reason is, most vegans choose to be vegans in every aspect of their life. This is why cruelty-free companies continue to make products that do not make use of any animals and their by-products. These items include household items, clothing and even shoes and beauty products.

veganism is more that just a diet. It is a lifestyle that aims to remove the use of all animal products in one’s life. Possible? Definitely. So if you are down with cruelty free living, it may come as a shock that even the most mundane household items

contain animal products in them. Even though you may be cutting meats from your diet and clothing, you should also watch out for these ingredients that are usually found in the ingredients list of some of these items you use everyday at home.

This is why

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PLASTIC BAGS Many plastics, including shopping bags, contain “slip agents,” which reduce the friction in the material. What are those made of? Animal fat. In a more technical explanation from Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News: “Although polymers are manufactured from petroleum feedstock, plastics manufacturers often use additives of animal origin to improve material properties and/or to aid in processing of raw polymers.”

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SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

According to PETA’s list of chemicals that contain animal products, there are over 20 potential animal-derived chemicals that can be found in your shampoo or conditioner. Keratin, for example, is something that is found in animal hooves, scales and horns and are extracted to supposedly keep human hair healthy.

TOOTHPASTE Glycerin is a common ingredient in many toothpastes and what gives the pastelike quality to it. Turns out the glycerin (which can be derived from plants), is cheaper to derive from the fat taken out of animal bones. Basically, you’re brushing your teeth with bone marrow which is utterly disturbing. Your safest bet is to go for cruelty-free companies that make natural toothpaste for everyday use. 37


FABRIC SOFTENER

CONDOMS

Your most beloved Downy contains Dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, which comes from the cattle, sheep and horse industry. So while it keeps your clothes and blankets soft, keep in mind, at what cost? Is still worth it? There are other fabric softeners and laundry detergents available in the market such as Method, Honest and Ecover.

Although the primary ingredient in most condoms – latex – comes from plants, most condoms also contain casein and glycerin. Casein is derived from a milk protein and glycerin, as noted above, is derived from the fat in animal bones, not sexy ingredients by any means. Not to mention there is also the option of lambskin condoms made from the intestines of sheep. There are cruelty-free options, though. Glyde has a 100% vegan product and there are other options as well.

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Beat the Monotony of Monday Dinners with A Golden Beetroot Risotto Recipe Risotto is proof that with hard work and patience, you can expect nothing but the best in return. This creamy and delicious Italian rice recipe is a classic and can be a vegan’s best friend any time, any day. The starch released from the

arborio rice as you stir it constantly, lends to the intense, creamy quality which makes it so yummy to eat. It’s definitely a comfort dish that any vegan would enjoy. It is also gluten-free and considered to be one of the easier rices for the body to break down.

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Pair this with the golden beetroot vegetable which has a tamer flavor, texture and color as its red beet cousin, and this meal becomes a nutritional powerhouse that’s perfect in every bite. It may take longer to make than your usual vegan meals, but take our word for it, it’s really worth making! Enjoy!

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Ingredients 1 ½ tbsp coconut oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 large shallots, finely diced 2 cups peeled and finely diced golden beets 1 cup arborio rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth ½ tsp sea salt or to taste black pepper, to taste 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 1 tbsp hemp seeds

Directions . Pour vegetable broth into a stock pot and heat over low.

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2. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add in the garlic, shallots, and beets and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the beets just start to become tender. 3. Add in the arborio rice and toast for 5-7 minutes or until most of the grains are translucent with just a small fleck of white in the center. Stir continuously throughout this process. Take your time with this step as it’s important to break down the wall of the grain so that it can absorb more liquid as it cooks. 4. Add white wine to pan to deglaze and cook for 1-2 minutes. 5. Slowly add in a half ladle of vegetable broth. Stir the rice continuously as it absorbs the broth. When nearly all of the broth is absorbed, add in another ladle full. Repeat this process, stirring constantly, until all of the broth has been used. This will take 20-25 minutes, but keep stirring and you will end up with a super creamy and rich risotto. 6. When the last bit of broth is just about absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in sea salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, and hemp seeds. 7. Divide the risotto up in bowls and garnish. This recipe makes enough for 4 first course portions or 2 main course portions. 41


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