Veggie Hero Talks Healthy Diet for Children

Our own Veggie Hero Dr. Amy Joy Lanou has an excellent guest editorial in the Houston Chronicle today. Dr. Lanou, who served as an expert witness in the recent court case involving vegan parents who had undernourished their child, expounds on a healthy diet for children.

Check it out at:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4919336.html

Product Review: Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade

I love frozen treats during the summer but don't always want a fake non-dairy frozen ice cream-like dessert. This weekend as I was scanning the freezer case at my local grocery store, I discovered Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade. I bought two boxes, which contained four flavors: lemonade, limeade, raspberry lemonade and cherry limeade. All four are vegan but aren't exactly health food -- they are mostly sugar and contain high-fructose corn syrup. Still, each contained only 70 calories and at least 10 percent fruit juice.

I was blown away when I tried these frosty treats. They are delicoius! Creamy -- not icy -- with rich citrus flavor. Each comes in a push up container, so no spoon is required to eat them. I sat on my back deck in the sun slurping one up and it felt like summer.

Be sure to check these out. They are great!

Grade: A

Smoothie Extravaganza: Swamp Monster

It's getting hotter outside and these smoothies are tasting pretty good!

Today's featured smoothie was inspired by the "Swamp Thing" smoothie at an old-school health food store in Charleston named "Books, Herbs and Spices." In its heyday in the early 1990s before health food hit the main stream, this little shop was a local hangout for those who sought better health. And their Swamp Thing smoothie was one of the most popular items on the cafe menu. It's still one of my favorites.

2 frozen bananas
2 cups vanilla soymilk
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1-2 tablespoons Greens+ powder (or any spirulina powder)

Add all ingredients into a blender. Puree until smooth. Serves two.

Grade: *****

Smoothie Extravaganza: Berrylicious

My husband says that this smoothie tastes like a classic old-school smoothie -- whatever that means! I just think it tastes good. I hope you will, too. Be sure to let me know if you've tried any of the flavors I've posted so far and what you think of them.

1/2 fresh banana
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1 1/2 cups vanilla soymilk

Add all ingredients into a blender. Puree until smooth. Serves two.

Grade: ****

Photo credit: www.wikipedia.com
(Because I can't seem to take a decent picture of a smoothie!)

Warning: New Doritos Aren't Vegetarian!

I love crunchy snacks and fall into a bag of Doritos every now and then. I picked up the new mystery flavor "X-13D" today and discovered that not only are they not vegan, they are not vegetarian! The new flavor is supposed to resemble a classic cookout burger and have beef flavoring and beef tallow (i.e. fat). YUCK! Steer clear of these nasty snacks.

Smoothie Extravaganza: Sweetheart

The sweetheart smoothie is probably my favorite. It taste like a chocolate-covered cherry. YUMMY!! My husband agreed. He gave it the highest rating, five stars!

1 heaping cup frozen dark cherries
2 cups light chocolate soymilk

Add all ingredients into a blender. Puree until smooth. Serves two.

Grade: *****

Photo credit: www.wikipedia.com
(Because I can't seem to take a decent picture of a smoothie!)

Smoothie Extravaganza: Peaches and Cream

Peaches are the true taste of summer and this smoothie showcases them in a really delicious way!

1 cup unsweetened frozen peaches
1/2 frozen banana
2 cups light soymilk

Add all ingredients into a blender. Puree until smooth. Serves two.

Grade: *** 1/2

Photo credit: www.wikipedia.com
(Because I can't seem to take a decent picture of a smoothie!)

Animal Lovers Called to Boycott Amazon.com

I thought you might be interested in the Human Society of the United States' campaign to stop Amazon.com's sales of illegal animal fighting materials. Amazon sells both cockfighting magazines and bloody, graphic dogfighting DVDs. The company is so determined to continue selling these materials that it filed a motion against the HSUS in federal court, essentially asking that federal and state laws to protect animals be gutted to accommodate Amazon's sales of animal fighting paraphernalia.

Please ask Amazon to remove these materials from its website.

Here is a link for more information and how to send a letter:
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_2007_amazon_fighting3?rk=g1zcur51R8-dW

Smoothie Extravaganza: The Velvet Elvis

Summer is here!

When hot weather hits, most of us hate to think about cooking, but of course we still need to nourish ourselves and our families with delicious food. One easy answer is smoothies. These thick, refreshing drinks make a great breakfast, after day camp snack, or before bed treat. Even grownups love to drink them when heading out the door for a busy day.

I've decided to share some of my favorite innovations. I asked my sweet husband to grade them on a scale of 1-5 stars, with 5 being the highest score. I hope you'll try a few out this summer.

Velvet Elvis Smoothie

A yummy concoction honoring the King's favorite sandwich combo: peanut butter and banana. And because it is dark in color, it reminds me of a velvet Elvis painting!

1 1/2 frozen bananas
1 tablespoon smooth-ground natural peanut butter
2 cups light soymilk or cow's milk

Add all ingredients into a blender. Puree until smooth. Serves two.

Grade: ***

Red Lentil Dahl

What are you cooking for dinner tonight?

How about a culinary journey to India for a taste of a simple dahl -- a mildly spicy lentil stew? Try serving it with naan (an Indian flatbread available in the freezer of ethnic markets or natural food stores), a green salad, and some tropical fruit, like pineapple or kiwi. Yummy!

1 teaspoon expeller-pressed canola oil
1 teaspoon organic butter or soy margarine
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon mustard seed
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons curry powder
4 cups water
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup dried red lentils
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

In a large saucepan, warm canola oil and butter over medium heat until melted. Add onions and sautee until translucent and soft – about five minutes.

Add garlic and spices. Sautee until fragrant – about 1 minute.

Add water, salt and lentils. Cover. Bring to a boil, boil 1 minute, reduce heat and let simmer until lentils are soft – about 30 minutes.

Stir in cilantro and lime.

Serve hot. Makes about 4 servings.

In the News: The Facts about Soy Protein and Heart Health

Newswise (03/29/07) — Recent controversy has surfaced regarding the efficacy of soy protein consumption in reducing serum cholesterol. Of primary concern is whether a 1995 meta-analysis (which generated considerable excitement in the medical community) accurately estimated the impact of soy consumption on cholesterol lowering. Following are the facts you should know about soy and heart health.

FACT: Experts agree soy protein lowers cholesterol
A 2006 American Heart Association (AHA) research review found that soy protein lowers blood cholesterol above and beyond that realized from a low fat, low cholesterol diet. This finding is consistent with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizing that soy protein lowers cholesterol by between 3 and 8 percent.

FACT: Experts agree soy has additional heart health benefits
The AHA report noted that soy foods are heart healthy because of their high content of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and low content of saturated fat, making them an ideal substitute for less healthy foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The FDA and, similarly, the AHA have agreed that soy foods appear to modestly lower triglycerides and raise HDL (“Good”) blood cholesterol levels.

FACT: Eight governments recognize the heart health benefits of soy
Authorities around the world have approved health claims supporting the consumption of soy protein and a lowering of blood cholesterol, including the USA, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. These claims were approved based on an extensive review of scientific literature to determine that the relationship between soy protein and lowered cholesterol was well established. It’s the weight of this scientific evidence that led so many government health authorities to approve soy/heart health claims.

FACT: Soy protein is a food, not a prescription drug
Soy foods have the unique ability to both lower LDL (“Bad”) cholesterol and lower triglycerides, but not to the degree expected from cholesterol-lowering medications. That soy products have been found to lower blood cholesterol even a small amount, however, has the potential to dramatically impact public health. One may argue whether a 3 – 8 percent reduction in cholesterol is “clinically significant,” but the bottom line is that heart disease prevention depends on small life changes. Neither pharmaceuticals nor soy foods are by themselves panaceas for a healthy heart.

In the News: Black Raspberries May Slow Growth of Colon, Other Cancers

NEWSWISE (03/28/07) -- For several years, our laboratories have studied the ability of freeze-dried berries (black raspberries, strawberries and blackberries) to inhibit cancer in the esophagus, colon and oral cavity. Berries contain a number of agents that prevent cancer including vitamins A, C, and E; calcium and selenium; ß-carotene, α-carotene and lutein; and many phenolic compounds which have high anti-oxidant potential. The most abundant phenols are the anthocyanins which give berries their color. In general, dark berries have higher contents of anthocyanins and anti-oxidant potential than light berries. The addition of powdered berries at 5 and 10% of the diet of animals reduces their risk for development of cancer in the oral cavity, esophagus and colon by 45-80%.

Berries function to reduce the amount of genetic (DNA) damage produced in these tissues by chemical carcinogens, including carcinogens in tobacco smoke and in the diet. They also reduce the growth rate of precancerous cells, in part, by reducing the expression of genes associated with cell growth. Berries also inhibit the expression of other genes associated with cancer development including genes involved in inflammatory processes and in the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).

In a preliminary trial in humans, berries were found to be well tolerated at doses similar to those used in animals. They reduced cellular damage caused by oxidative radicals which is consistent with their anti-oxidant potential. In view of these results, several human clinical trials are ongoing to determine the ability of freeze-dried berries to inhibit the development of precancerous lesions in the oral cavity, esophagus and colon of humans. Preliminary results suggest that berries influence the expression of many of the same genes in humans as they do in animals. An apparent advantage of this “food-based” approach to disease prevention is the relative absence of toxicity associated with the long-term consumption of berries by humans.

In the News: Pomegranate Juice May be Good for the Prostate and Heart

Few American men have heard of the pomegranate, and fewer still have eaten this curious-looking fruit loaded with red seeds. But new scientific findings suggest that pomegranates may one day find a place in healthful diets, reports the April 2007 issue of Harvard Men’s Health Watch.

Two recent studies suggest that pomegranate juice may help fight prostate cancer. In one study, scientists grew cells from highly aggressive cases of human prostate cancer in tissue cultures. Pomegranate fruit extracts slowed the growth of the cultured cancer cells and promoted cell death. The researchers then implanted the cancer cells in mice. A group of mice that received water laced with pomegranate juice developed significantly smaller tumors than the untreated animals. In a preliminary study of men with prostate cancer, pomegranate juice lengthened patients’ PSA doubling time (the longer the doubling time, the slower the tumor is growing) from 15 months before treatment to 54 months on the juice.

Preliminary results in test tubes, animals, and humans suggest that pomegranates may also have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. Studies show that pomegranate juice can protect LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidative damage. The juice has also been shown to slow the progression of plaques in mice with atherosclerosis. Results from two small clinical studies are even more intriguing, showing that carotid artery thickness decreased and cardiac blood flow improved in pomegranate juice drinkers. However, preliminary research also suggests that pomegranate juice may interact with certain medications, much like grapefruit juice does.

The bottom line: Early studies raise hopes that pomegranates may have potential benefits for prostate cancer and heart disease, but more research is needed to determine whether these hopes are justified.

Product Review: Silk Plus Fiber

Seems like fiber is popping up in the most unlikely places recently -- fiber-enhanced orange juice, fiber-rich yogurt and now soymilk with fiber.

Silk brand soymilk recently released a vanilla flavored soymilk with five grams of fiber per serving. It's a convenient way to boose your fiber intake while enjoying your favorite breakfast cereal or smoothie.

The Silk Web site reminds us that "fiber is a nutrient vital for health and well-being. It adds bulk to your diet and encourages healthy digestion by aiding in elimination and helping to maintain proper pH levels in the digestive tract. Fiber has also been shown to help promote healthy cholesterol levels."

I don't think too many vegetarians are lackly in fiber. And this "special" Silk cost nearly a $1.00 when I purchased some last week. I used it for smoothies and it tasted great -- pretty much like other Silk vanilla flavors. So unless you feel like you need some extra fiber, don't spend the extra money. For those veg-heads who need a bit more fiber action, check out this new product.

Grade: B+

Asparagus Potato Soup

March weather calls for soup but it's the time of year when we are ready for some new tastes and flavors. In my part of the world, new potatoes and asparagus are beginning to show up in the market. This quick and easy soup makes quick use of these wonderful spring vegetables. Leftovers keep well -- and in fact get better with age.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups thinly sliced leeks

1 1/2 pounds of red potatoes, quartered and thinly sliced

6 cups vegetable stock

3 large sprigs fresh thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces

1. In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add leeks and cook until soft -- about 5 minutes.

2. Add stock, potatoes, thyme, salt and pepper. Cover and cook and simmer over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Add asaparagus. Cover and cook 5 minutes.

4. Adjust salt and serve hot.

Veggie Hero: Joel Schantz

Joel Schantz is the C.E.O. of Tree Huggin' Treats. This 30-something businessman lives and works in Asheville, N.C., and recently won "Best in Show" in the vegetarian food category at the prestigious Expo West. Tree Huggin' Treats rules and are wheat-free and vegan! Watch for more info on this great company in the next issue of VegNews.

Vegetarian or vegan?
Vegan

How long have you been veg*n?
11 years

What inspired you to go veg?
It just made sense. It became obvious to me that a vegan diet was a great way
to extend gratitude to mother earth and all her magic. yada yada yada

What's your best story of trying to find veg food?
It's been easy for me. I've always found a way. I wish I had a good story to tell.......sorry.

How do you handle family holiday dinners?
I eat my Tofurky and ignore everyone.

What's your favorite veg food?
Heiwa tempeh avocado rolls, Rosetta's Veggie Burgers, Mamacita's citrus tofu burritos, (all yummy foods from Asheville spots), Crispy Cats (of course!) fake meat, fake cheese, veganaise, Tofurky products, all fruits and veggies (for the most part). I'm easy. I'll eat just about anything vegan. Quality does have some importance though.

Do you have a favorite veg book?
"Vegan with a Vengance"

Tofu or tempeh?
Tofempeh

What did you have for breakfast today?
Banana, almond butter and rice milk.....yee haw!

Luna Tea Bars

I really like Clif Bars' line of Luna bars -- these tasty vegan treats are expensive but are terrific when you need a snack that can travel well.

The company's newest offering is the Luna Tea Cakes. These nutrition bars look and taste more like a soft cookie. The cakes combine Clif Bars' typical organic ingredients, vitamins and minerals with tea from the Republic of Tea and innovative additions like pomegrante puree and goji berries.

They taste great and are superb with a mug of complimenting tea or a tall, cold glass of soymilk. You'll definitely want to check them out -- if you can find them. I've been able to purchase Luna Tea Cakes at only one store in town.

Grade: A

Asheville Rocks the Vegan Candy Market

My home town of Asheville is a veggie mecca. And just this week a great local firm helped make that point: Asheville's own Tree Huggin' Treats won "Best of Show" in the vegetarian products category at Expo West in Anaheim, Calif. Their organic, vegan Crispy Cat candy bar won the hearts of the 45,000 attendees and 2,500 exhibitors.

The award was presented by San Francisco-based VegNews magazine, which will feature the company and its dark chocolate over crispy rice confection in its next issue. Crispy Cat comes in mint coconut, roasted peanut and toasted almond flavors.

Mad props to Joel Scahnt, Tree Huggin' Treats founder, and the rest of his crew!

Check out the full story at: http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770315131

Sorry for the Hiatus

Sorry for the blogging hiatus... life gets busy sometimes! But I'm back and ready to spread some veggie news, interviews and recipes to you loyal readers.

Thanks for standing by!

Top Designers Caught Selling Real Fur Labeled as Fake

The Humane Society of the United States says its investigation has turned up coats — some with designer labels, some at higher-end retailers — with fur from dogs. Some retailers were set scrambling to pull the coats from shelves, take them off Web sites and even offer refunds to consumers.

The Humane Society of the United States said it purchased coats from reputable outlets, such as upscale Nordstrom, with designer labels — Andrew Marc, Tommy Hilfiger, for example — and found them trimmed with fur from domestic dogs, even though the fur was advertised as fake.

Read the full story at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17298301/