Sister Vegetarian

Sister Vegetarian's Media Updates: Live on Radio and featured in Veg News Magazine!

2012-02-14T21:35:00.003-05:00

Extra! Extra! Listen and Read all about Sister Vegetarian!

Listen to me on the radio LIVE!!
Read about me in an award winning magazine!

I am in Veg News Magazine's March/April Issue on Page 90!!!! A wonderful review is given of my book Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living! To find out where and when you can purchase your Veg News March/April issue, Link here to the international and award winning vegan magazine which is available in 38 countries!

I will be Live on Radio 2/29/11! I will be interviewed on Progressive Radio's “IT'S ALL ABOUT FOOD" on Wednesday, 2/29/12 from 3-4 PM ET. The show is broadcast live from their NYC location. Link here for past interviews on the Radio Show "IT'S ALL ABOUT FOOD."

~Donna Michelle Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

New Videos View Sister Vegetarian's Vegan/Vegetarian Recent Class on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel:Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs & Ham" Vegan Style

2012-02-12T16:35:00.009-05:00

Part 1 of 2: Washing Your Greens: Part 1 of 2 - Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham" Vegan Style! (link here)

Part 2 of 2 : Greens Scrambled Tofu - Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham" Vegan Style (link here)

Supplement this video with Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living Book by Donna M. Beaudoin. The book is available now via Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or LanternBooks.com

Peace and Love To You,Donna Michelle Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories and Opinions: Battzi's 2-12-12 Update

2012-02-12T13:19:00.003-05:00

Read Battzi's Weekly Vegetarian Story and Empowering Message by linking here for her 2-12-12 Update

Sister's Next Video on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel and Readers Sharing Stories

2012-02-06T19:27:00.005-05:00

Next on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel: Washing your greens and "Green Eggs and Ham" Vegan style! I'm a fan and always have been of Dr Seuss books. Green Eggs and Ham has always been my favorite Dr. Seuss story. As a vegan, this story takes on a new meaning with green eggs and ham meaning a green vegan Sunday Breakfast of Scrambled Tofu and vegan breakfast patties. I'll show you my "Green Eggs and Ham" Vegan Style in the next Sister Vegetarian Virtual Vegetarian and Vegan Classes on my You Tube Channel. Watch my channel within a week for updates, or view now for missed episodes supplemented by my book "Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living" which is available now for http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, or http://www.lanternbooks.com/

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Read Battzi's update on her vegetarian journey (link here for Battzi's 2-6-12 update)

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 1-30-12 Update

2012-01-30T17:46:00.001-05:00

Diet vs. Lifestyle

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Sisters, it has happened again. Some determined person/persons really want to get into my home. This time, they used a crowbar. I am the only resident here that this activity is touching. This has been a busy weekend. More on this later. `°•.¸¸.•°` `°•.¸¸.•°` `°•.¸¸.•°``°``°•.¸¸.•°

I noticed the food items that a woman had in my line. Veggies, fruits, soy milk, etc. I mentioned to her that I'd noticed her healthy fare. She said "I'm on a diet!" I said "please, don't call it a diet but call it a new lifestyle if you will or a new way of eating."

She was determined to call what she was doing a diet. Why did I react that way? Because every time I said that I was going on a "diet', I'd set myself up for failure and it wasn't a change at all. Now, I was happy to see natural foods in her bag and could only hope that it shall graduate from "diet" to "lifestyle" as she goes along.

I feel/believe that a "diet" is limiting. I feel/believe that a "lifestyle" is a more enduring change. You have to change the way that you look at food. You have to ascertain who holds the power in your life: the food or you. You have to put in the work of listening to your body, evaluating your emotions, determining who or what you are changing for. That is a "lifestyle" change. Your lifestyle drops what is not conducive to you and allows what empowers you in.

A "diet" lasts for as long as the undesirable condition may last. That can be 6 months to 2 1/2 years or longer for some.

When the undesirable becomes desirable, the "diet" is ditched. This, actually, begins the habit of yo-yo dieting that can do more harm to your body than can be imagined. When my dearest sister-Friend, bonnie, was killed/murdered, I was devastated beyond all measure. Her funeral drew the news stations and so many people whose lives she had touched. She had touched mine so wonderfully. I took a good look at my life after I came home from her funeral.

Battzi, what are you doing to promote life, uphold life, to touch the lives of others? Sadly, I shook my head. I haven't done anything or enough of anything to make a difference in this world. That was it for me. No more dilly-dallying. Life is here today and gone tomorrow. Sisters, we are going to be dead for eternity so we might as well live life to the best of our abilities.

So this is what I am doing. I dropped all sodas(again) and fruit juices in cans/bottles. Who needs all that extra sugar anyway? I'm eating more soups and drinking water with lemons in it like crazy!;) I use hummus as a sandwich spread in my pitas. Try it...it may surprise you. Spinach is my green choice for my pita along with sliced tomato and onions with some green beans on the side. Omg! I love it so much, I sometimes eat it for breakfast or dinner.

Re-reading sister's book and "veganist" by kathy freston, perusing the black girl's guide 2 weight loss website along with "veggin' out with christa", frugivore magazine(online), I'm improving, learning, having insights. I'm listening to my body more than ever now. It tells me what it likes or dislikes when it comes to certain foods. Meats and dairy is too heavy for me. I become sluggish as well as sleepy when I eat this so I don't. I need to be alert at work and at home(what with what has been taking place lately, I can't afford to be sleepy/sluggish).

Since I work at night, here's a sample of what I eat. My breakfast starts at 8:00pm. I drink a 16 oz. Glass of water first. I may eat a bowl of soup
Or eat a small salad. I take my multivitamin(high potency, whole food energizer, made from 26 fruits and veggies plus resveratrol and Lutein) and I'm set for the start of my work. At midnight(first break), I may eat an orange, apple or grapes or celery with some peanut butter on them. Yep, I have my water with me at all times.

Between 2 or 3am, it's lunch time. I may have my pita sandwich or hummus with whole grain crackers or soup. Whatever I wanted to delight in. Yes, water. 5am is my last break. I may have another fruit or just walk around the store or read.

At 7am, I head for home. When I enter the house, I, first, have to love my baby, bandit and play with him. Afterwards, I take care of his needs, shower and either eat some raw veggies or just go to sleep.

Not great but not too bad either. This is just a sample of what I'm doing. Keep in mind, every day is new year's day. You can start your own journey to health at any time.

My goal? To show love to this body that has been given to me and to spread that love to all aspects of my life. Doing this, may I honour G-d, family, friends, the whole of humanity, the earth, animals, Sister Vegetarian and Bonnie. Lastly, to honour myself. I know it may sound stupid but it's the path that I'm walking on.

I wish you peace, joy, love as you begin/continue your journey. Honour yourself!

Your Sister,
Battzi Ơ̴̴͡.̮Ơ̴̴̴͡ .

Donna's Tuscany Peasant Soup

2012-01-23T17:49:00.002-05:00

Donna's Tuscany Peasant Soup

The Tuscany region in Italy is known for eating many heart soups and stews with beans. Various types of white beans and cranberry beans can be found in their soups. On a cold rainy Sunday and the last of the championship NFL games before the Super Bowl 46, I decided to have a hearty, warm and filling Tuscany Peasant-Style soup that even cold weather teams The NY Giants and The New England Patriots Football players would probably agree would keep them energized, warm, and filled up in practice for the Super Bowl.

I basically took what was in my refrigerator and cupboard...grabbed a couple of fresh mixed with 1 bag of frozen vegetables...and made a peasant-style soup. After all, peasant style;e soups are made from whatever we have available, and this is what I did to make a hearty and economical soup at .68 cents per large 2 cup serving each. I was able to get 10 LARGE servings from this soup! Compare this soup to purchasing soup for your day lunch at maybe $3.99 for a small soup you heat up in the microwave. I placed this soup in individual containers and stored in my refrigerator for a quick lunch or dinner.

Donna's Tuscany Peasant Soup
cost: $6.80 for total soup
servings: 10
cost per servings: .68 cents per serving
Cooking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:
1 Lb bag of dry mixed navy beans (white beans) and white pinto beans (rinsed and soaked overnight)
10 cups of water
2 medium cucumbers, skin peeled and diced
1 14-1/2 oz. can of Italian Style diced tomatoes
1 6 oz. can of tomato paste
5 medium carrots, (cleaned, skin left on, chopped)
3 medium-large russet potatoes (cleaned, skin left on, diced)
5-6 oriental peppers, diced
12 oz of frozen green peas
1 cup of chopped celery
1 small onion chopped
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 lb mustard greens (washed and chopped roughly) *note: mustard greens are added to the soup the last 15 minutes of simmering

Directions:
1. Rinse beans and drain after soaking overnight
2. Place beans in large pot with 10 cups of water and boil
3. After beans start to boil, add all the above ingredients except the mustard greens
4. Let the mixture come to a boil, then let simmer for 45 mins.
5. after 45 mins, add the mustard greens and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Serve in Italian style pasta/soup dishes or your favorite bowl. I also served my soup with my Mexican Style cornbread found in my book Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living.

Sister's Reader's Sharing Their Stories: A motivational and empowering update from Battzi!

2012-01-22T20:46:00.001-05:00

Every Day is New Year's Day

Today is the 1-month Remembrance of my beloved Sister-Friend, Ms. Bonnie Clarke-Marrow and Sister Vegetarian's Father. How we miss you. How we long to hear your voice and your laughter. You are in our hearts and minds....forever!
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Sisters, so much is taking place in this world that it has become a job in itself to keep abreast of the events.

Between the falling European economies, the laughable pre-Election Campaigns ran by both political parties, job loss, foreclosures, Occupiers, draconian measures and laws, it's a wonder anyone is sane! Then to read that Paula Deen, the "Whole Stick of Butter" Queen has Type-2 Diabetes and has had it now for 3 years(according to her. Personally, I think she has known about it for a bit longer but who am I to belabour a point?)She knows now and so do all of the folks who watched her show.

Some of those viewers are hoppin' mad with her. She has decided to be the Spokeswoman for a pharmaceutical company pushing some Diabetes drug. Paula, Honey, is what they paying you to endorse their drug worth your health? You haven't answered the offer of help from PCRM or Physicians Committee for Responsible Health(http://www.pcrm.org). Paula, take the offer. You have everything to gain AND your life.

Sisters, diet-related ailments afflict our communities. Look around you!!! Open your eyes, for once, and see what is in front of you, surrounding you. We are bloated, out-of-breath, suffer from swollen ankles, high blood pressure, obesity in frightening numbers. I'm not talking about others. I'm speaking strictly to Black folks and especially Black women.

WE hold the next generation in our hands. WE are carrying the future movers and shakers in our bodies. WE are the chefs of our families in many instances. Black men, you are NOT off the hook. How can you help to create children with potential when your sperm is lacking the nutrients to produce another Coretta Scott King? Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Harriet Tubman? Gil Scott-Heron? Fannie Lou Hammer? Marian Anderson? Josephine Baker? Louis Armstrong? Duke Ellington? Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson? Barak or Michelle Obama? You get my drift! It ain't all up to the woman. You have a hand in this as well.

We have to take our own health into our hands. Nobody can love you like you! Do you understand me? Do you really "hear" what I am saying? No other person can love you like you!!! Remember that!!! It is all up to you. You can pray until the cows come home but if you do not put actions to those prayers, all you are doing is wasting G-d's time.

You make one step and He'll make two. Come on, now. Let's get real. Sister Vegetarian has taken the time to write a book to lay out the basics to take back your health. What is the problem? Little money or no money? I understand that. Believe me, I really do but I do what I can. I nice veggie or bean soup, spaghetti with sauce...use your imaginations to come up with ideas. Have no home? I was homeless for 2 1/2 years. Many times, I was so hungry that I ate what I could, when I could. Do what you have to do to be safe first of all and then seek help from relatives(this aspect can be tricky), religious auspices, governmental agencies. Get together with like-minded women and men. Get a group together and learn from each other. Seek people to give demonstrations, lectures to help you and your communities.

For the longest time, I have advocated churches getting some land or asking a farmer to use some of his/her land to plant food for their congregations. No takers of this idea have come forward. Why? Don't you care about your congregations? Don't you want them to prosper as you do and have done for many years? It's a two-way street, people.

OK. How to start. Sit down and write out a plan to eat as well as you can. Make a promise to yourself to help yourself. Make a simple meal plan especially if you are still blessed to have a job these days. Fix meals, etc. ahead of time and that'll save you money as well as time.

Do a Potluck with family, friends to come up with new meatless dishes. You may be surprised at the creativity within you. Ask a Nutritionist, a person from the local Natural Foods Store to come give a talk. GET SISTER VEGETARIAN'S BOOK and go for it. Do something!!!

I am tired of seeing the suffering the "Paula Deen's" in our communities go through. Diabetes can either be genetic or through lifestyle. Even if genetic, we can do something to lessen the burden.

When I came from Bonnie's funeral, I was a changed person. No more excuses. As Susan Powter always stated, "Stop the Madness!"

I still have my same problems of finding a new home for Bandit and me, trying to rob Peter to pay Paul, etc. but I still have to be on my game.

I'm formulating a new policy for my health. I'm the CEO, the CFO, the President, the First Lady of this life that G-d gave me. I must do what I can to help me and allow Him to be my anchor. Don't believe in a Higher Power? Questioning about Him? Let me ask you: Do you believe in yourself and your abilities? If so, you have won half the battle.

Every day is New Year's Day when it comes to you and your health. Meditate on that.

This is the Change All of Us Can Strive For,
Battzi Ơ̴̴͡.̮Ơ̴̴̴͡

P. S. Check these out:

http://pcrm.org/media/commentary/paula-deen-diabetes-vegan-kickstart

http://www.pcrm.org/media/blog/jan2012/we-are-all-paula-deen

http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/ (Awesome site with some great recipes. Meat also included but the veggie ones are good)

http://vegginoutwithchrista.blogspot.com/(A great site for information as well)
.

3 Sister Vegetarian Vegetarian and Vegan Virtual Class Videos Now Available on Sister's You Tube Channel

2012-01-17T20:37:00.006-05:00

Now on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube TV Channel! The Sister Vegetarian Virtual Video classes illustrate how being a vegetarian or vegan compliments your lifestyle to provide a drama-free, healthy way of living that also contributes to preserving the environment and animals.

Part 1 of 3: "BE YOURSELF" Sister Vegetarian's Intro to Vegetarianism and Veganism

Part 2 of 2: Using Pots, Pans, and Kitchen Appliances in Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking

Part 3 of 3: Sister Vegetarian's Budget-Friendly Vegan Sour Cream Recipe

Supplement this video with Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living Book by Donna M. Beaudoin. The book is available now via Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Lantern Books.

Questions about these videos: email me at : sistervegetarian@aol.com
website: http://www.sistervegetarian.com/
blog: http://www.sistervegetarian.blogspot.com/

Thank you,
Donna Michelle Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

INSPIRATIONAL message to help you in your vegetarian or vegan journey

2012-01-10T06:22:00.004-05:00

INSPIRATION!!!

Maybe your New Year's Resolution is to be a vegetarian or vegan. Maybe you have been on this path for a few weeks, days, or months. Maybe you are transitioning to this lifestyle. My message to you is if you fall..GET RIGHT BACK UP! DO NOT feel sorry for yourself. You are a winner when you get up and start again. It's okay to make mistakes...just don't roll around in misery and walk in those mistakes feeling sorry for yourself...get back on the road to VICTORY because you are VICTORIOUS!!! Here's an inspirational poem below from one of my favorite 1950s and 1960's writers and poetics, Langston Hughes. Let it inspire you to get right back on track! Also, don't forget about my book Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living available now for purchase.

ORDER THE BOOK NOW :
Lantern Book's Link for my book: Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living
AMAZON: CLICK HERE TO ORDER
BARNES AND NOBLE: CLICK HERE TO ORDER

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Well, son, I'll tell you:

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

It's had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time

I'se been a-climbin' on,

And reachin' landin's,

And turnin' corners,

And sometimes goin' in the dark

Where there ain't been no light.

So, boy, don't you turn back.

Don't you set down on the steps.

'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.

Don't you fall now—

For I'se still goin', honey,

I'se still climbin'

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 1-8-12 update

2012-01-08T18:04:00.003-05:00

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Read here Battzi's 1-8-12 update. Battzi instructs us to be the change we want us to be and see. What a great message from Battzi for 2012! I take that message to heart myself as I am trying to come off of an emotional rollercoaster myself as my dad's caregiver assisting my mom in his dad's final stages of pancreatic cancer,witnessing his death, and his passing away to another life on 12-22-11. It's been a long rough ride for me also and I thank Battzi for that message. Her message is like a calming wind to me. Thank you Battzi :)

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

A Vegan and A Love of Hockey...especially today's NHL Winter Classic Game

2012-01-02T16:06:00.005-05:00

Watching the NHL Winter Classics...NY Rangers vs Phillie Flyers!!! I raise my wine glass to my team...NY Rangers! GO RANGERS!!!! Phillie has the hosting props this year...too bad it was not at Yankees Stadium...that really would have made my Monday!...but what can be better for me on a Monday than watching the Rangers play outdoors against Phillie...on my sofa..with Shiraz Wine at 3 PM! GO RANGERS!!!

What am I snacking on with my Shiraz Wine? Day 12 Recipe (Don't Mess With My Pesto) on crusty Italian garlic bread, drizzled in extra virgin olive oil and Spanish Green Olives on the side. Day 12 's recipe is in my book Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living.~ Donna Michelle Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

2012 Inspiration: Venus and Serena Williams go Vegan to start off 2012!!!

2012-01-01T14:30:00.002-05:00

INSPIRE!

Read the article from "Vegetarian" Online Magazine of Venus and Serena's journey to veganism as of 1/1/2012! (Link here for article)

Start the New Year off with my book's Day 7 recipe: Celebration Black Eye Peas!

2012-01-01T14:02:00.006-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012 WILL BE AN AWESOME YEAR FOR US ALL!

Start the New Year off with my book's Day 7 recipe: Celebration Black Eye Peas!

Did you know that in Judaism and Southern African-American tradition, pea eye peas are cooked on New Years Day to bring luck and greens (collards, turnip, or mustard greens) are cooked for monetary wealth through the year! This tradition was actually started in the middle east around 500BC by Judaism! Celebrate 2012 today with this recipe on Day 7 in Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living Book!

If you have not ordered the book as yet to start off 2012 with a healthy resolution to take back your health and active life, it's available now via Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or Lantern Books website.

~ Donna Michelle Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Thank you for a wonderful 2011!

2011-12-24T17:34:00.003-05:00

THANK YOU AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I just want to tell everyone thank you for a wonderful 2011 with the release of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living on Nov 30, 2011. Thank you for supporting me and my efforts to be a part of your family through this book. I would also like to thank you for what I know will be a wonderful 2012 as I bring to you exciting vegetarian/vegan lessons and cooking demonstrations, hiking/backpacking trips, and other fun motivational videos through my Sister Vegetarian You Tube Channel.

For those who were also following my father's well-being as he battled pancreatic cancer for the past 8 months, dad passed away at home on December 22, 2011. I was able to be a part of his final days on earth before he transitioned as his caregiver with my mom. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.

I see 2012 as a year of renewal and taking back our health through a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Let your 2012 New Years Resolution not just be a resolution, but a promise to yourself to renew and take back yourself....your health...your well-being through a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle!

See you in 2012!
Happy Holidays,
Donna Michelle Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

What's in store for 2012 and Sister Vegetarian's readers!!

2011-12-18T12:13:00.006-05:00

Thank you Sister Vegetarian Followers for a wonderful year!!

2012 will bring new things for Sister Vegetarian.

I will start the virtual Sister Vegetarian vegan and vegetarian classes through my Sister Vegetarian You Tube Channel in January.

I will share recipes, tidbits, hiking/backpacking adventures, fun hobbies, and more!!!

Listen to Lantern Books Publisher, Martin Rowe, talk about my Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living Book which is available now via www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, and www.LanternBooks.com

Link here to here Lantern Book's

Black Expressions Book Club (a national book club) has made Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living their alternate book selection for March 2012!

What a joy to know that I have become a part of your family through this book which acts as your daily guide, daily inspirational and motivational tool, and vegetarian and vegan lifestyle coach.

If you have not ordered your copy today for delivery before Christmas, order it now! It's available ahead of schedule to start your new year off with empowerment! To conquer challenges in all aspects of your life. To encourage you to be encouraged that the sun shines even when the clouds are gray, and that joy always comes in the morning if you should falter and trip along your vegetarian or vegan journey! It's okay to be you. Be yourself, and you shall not fail in this beautiful life-long vegetarian or vegan journey. Remember, its' a lifestyle, not a temporary diet or a temporary solution. It is a part of you as you heal yourself, heal the environment, and save animals. Do you ask yourself, what have you done for me lately when you are always helping others and forget about your well-being? Then, pick up a copy of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living today, and let your mind be blown to the endless possibilities of what a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle can do for you!

Let this daily guide that leads you through 31 days of transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle start you off to a new year for 2012!!!! Then, turn to Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel in January for fun tips, recipes, and more!!!

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 12/18/11 Update

2011-12-18T12:09:00.002-05:00

Link here for Battzi's weekly update

2011-12-16T16:01:00.001-05:00

Listen to Lantern Books Publisher, Martin Rowe, talk about my Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living Book which is available now via www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, and www.LanternBooks.com

Link here to here Lantern Book's Publisher Martin Rowe talk about my book.

Tips to transition before the start of Sister Vegetarian's Virtual Vegetarian and Vegan Classes

2011-12-12T08:19:00.006-05:00

I will need to postpone the start the virtual vegetarian and vegan classes on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel to January.

here are some helpful tips and links to get you started as you await the virtual classes on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel.

YOUR DAILY GUIDE:
In addition, remember my book Sister Vegetarian's 31 days of Drama-Free Living is available now and can start you on a 31 days guide to leading a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle!

AVAILABLE NOW!!!

Order your copy now of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living via Amazon.com , http://www.lanternbooks.com/, or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ for delivery by Dec 24th!

Let this daily guide that leads you through 31 days of transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle start you off to a new year for 2012!!!!

Let this daily guide that leads you through 31 days of transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle start you off to a new year for 2012!!!!

INSPIRATION:
For inspiration, here's a family of vegetarians at 31st century Vegetarian. The two children are in their mid 20s and were raised as vegetarians in the womb: http://www.21stcenturyvegetarians.com/theusfam.html

PROTEIN FACTS:

Here's some facts on protein that vegetarians and vegans get the protein we need, but meat eaters get too much protein which causes cancer and other diseases. As posted on my blog:
Sister V's Tuesday Quick Tip of The Day: Only 6% of total daily calories are needed from protein (Posted: 04 Oct 2011 02:45 AM PDT at SisterVegetarian.blogspot.com)

Tired of the question where does your protein come from or do vegetarians/vegans receive enough protein?As vegetarians or vegans, we receive all the protein we need by living a plant based diet. Yes, this debunks the myth that vegetarians and vegans do not receive a sufficient daily intake of protein!Studies indicate that for survival, humans need only 6% of our total daily calories from protein. Men only need 30-60 grams of protein per day, and women need only 25-50 grams of protein a day. Vegetarians and Vegans do meet this level. Studies illustrate that most Americans who eat meat receive far above this level with a protein intake of 100 -120 grams of protein a day.Too much protein as from an animal based diet where the protein is acidic, and draws calcium from our bones can cause the onset of many illnesses an diseases. Meat based protein draws calcium from our bodies because our body is trying to maintain an alkaline environment. The best type of protein is plant based. Plant based protein is alkaline just as our body content is alkaline. This means that plant based protein does not draw the calcium from our bones as animal protein does to alkaline our bodies. Calcium is needed in the proper flow of blood to supply our cells with oxygen, and proper contraction of muscles such as the heart muscle.A plant based diet also supplies us with antioxidants in addition to the best type of protein for our bodies. What a WIN-WIN lifestyle!

Source:
Diet for A New America John Robbins
Living Vegan For Dummies, Alexandra Jamieson, CHHC, AADP

~ Sister Vegetarian

BUDGET COOKING:
$25 and wks of groceries:
(posted on SisterVegetarian.blogspot.com Friday, September 23, 2011)

Sister's Quick Friday Tip of The Day: GET INSPIRED AND COOK LIKE A CHEF!! Get inspired! Your local farmers market can provide creative, quick, and inexpensive meals that looks like a professional chef just prepared your family's meal.

Below is a recap some of the vegan meals that I prepared from my Farmer's Market shopping trip, and blog post of $25 and 2 weeks of Farmer's Market produce.

Check out my recipe page at Sister V's Recipe Page to prepare these quick meals in your home.
1. Heirloom Tomatoes diced on crusty Italian bread with fresh parley , garlic, and olive oil
2. Sweet Potato Tortilla Wrap with Blue Corn Chips
3. Butternut Squash-Pear Soup with crusty Italian bread drizzled with olive oil 4. Vegan Heirloom Pizza and Vegan Home-made Pizza Crust with a side dipping of pasta sauce

Ordering in restaurants:
How to order vegetarian or vegan in a non-vegetarian/vegan restaurant People always ask me how do you order vegetarian or vegan in a non-vegetarian/vegan restaurant. If you live in the Deep South as I do, many vegetarians or vegans do not always have the luxury of living in a city with an abundance of vegetarian and vegan restaurants as the northern US cities or the west coast; or, with the holidays approaching, there will be many holiday lunches, dinners, and events with work colleagues, friends, and family who are not vegetarians and/or vegans. What about work lunchtime meetings? I often encounter lunches at work where I must adjust the menu as the only vegan (let alone member of the vegetarian family) in my department.If a mainstream restaurant does offer a vegetarian menu, the menu will more than likely be vegetarian and not vegan focused. Do not let this hinder you. Some of the vegetarian options may be vegan, or can easily be made vegan.First, if possible, call the restaurant ahead of time to see if they offer a vegetarian menu. Some restaurants offer a vegetarian menu that may not be handed out upon being seated at the table, but they do offer a vegetarian menu if asked. Many of these restaurants will also have the vegetarian menu as a downloadable menu on their website apart from the regular menu, so you can prepare yourself ahead of time in this manner. If a downloadable vegetarian menu is available apart from the regular menu, this may require for you to do a Google search or a search within their website.Secondly, if a vegetarian menu is not offered, I do not settle for a salad. Everyone insists that salads are all what vegetarians or vegans eat. As we know, this is a myth that we plan to dispel when we order at restaurants with friends, co-workers, and family (smile). At the restaurant or before by checking out their mainstream menu online, I see what type of meal can easily have the meat-poultry-fish-dairy taken away to make it vegan (or, vegetarian if you are a vegetarian). Many options on the menu can easily have the non-vegetarian/non-vegan ingredients taken away that will not cause the chef too much of a headache (smile). Sometimes, only one ingredient may need to be taken away such as in a pasta dish with chicken and marinated vegetables in olive oil/garlic. You take out the chicken and the chef prepares the dish as pasta and marinated vegetables in olive oil and garlic. Another example is that I ordered a hot panini Mozzarella and tomato/roasted peppers sandwich from a cafe for a work lunch meeting, and asked the cafe to take out the mozzarella for a hot tomato and roasted red peppers panini sandwich. It was delicious as a tomato and roasted pepper grilled sandwich! I called the cafe ahead of time to make sure that this substitution could be done before the entire office ordering process, and the employee was delighted to fulfill my request.I hope these tidbits help get the drama out of eating out at non-vegetarian /non-vegan restaurants. Relax. Smile. Take a deep breath and enjoy the holidays at restaurants

HOW YOU ARE HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT:

It Takes to produce 1 pound
23 gallons of water lettuce
25 gallons of water wheat
49 gallons of water apples
815 gallons of water chicken
1630 gallons of water pork
5214 gallons of water beef

` Sister Vegetarian

Black Expressions Book Club will make Sister Vegetarian's book their alternate book selection!

2011-12-05T18:31:00.003-05:00

More Sister Vegetarian Book News!

Black Expressions Book Club (http://www.blackexpressions.com/) will make Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living their alternate book selection for March 2012!

Many of you who have pre-ordered Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living received their book via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Lantern Books website today :) What a joy to know that I have become a part of your family through this book which acts as your daily guide, daily inspirational and motivational tool, and vegetarian and vegan lifestyle coach.

If you have not ordered your copy today for delivery before Christmas, order it now! It's available ahead of schedule to start your new year off with empowerment! To conquer challenges in all aspects of your life. To encourage you to be encouraged that the sun shines even when the clouds are gray, and that joy always comes in the morning if you should falter and trip along your vegetarian or vegan journey! It's okay to be you. Be yourself, and you shall not fail in this beautiful life-long vegetarian or vegan journey. Remember, its' a lifestyle, not a temporary diet or a temporary solution. It is a part of you as you heal yourself, heal the environment, and save animals. Do you ask yourself, what have you done for me lately when you are always helping others and forget about your well-being? Then, pick up a copy of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living today, and let your mind be blown to the endless possibilities of what a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle can do for you! ~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

AVAILABLE NOW!! Get it by Dec 24th!!!! Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living is Available Now!

2011-12-04T13:23:00.005-05:00

AVAILABLE NOW!!!

Order your copy now of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living via Amazon.com for delivery by Dec 24th!

Let this daily guide that leads you through 31 days of transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle start you off to a new year for 2012!!!!

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

It's Here!!! Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living is Now Available on Kindle!!

2011-11-30T22:55:00.004-05:00

If you prefer an ebook format of Sister Vegetarian's book, order TODAY your Kindle Version of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living via Amazon.com (link here) or via Lantern Book's website (link here).

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Flashback Wednesday for Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living

2011-11-29T22:18:00.002-05:00

Sister Vegetarian is doing a flashback today to my January 29, 2010 post entitled "Memories of Old School Ways, Barry White, Luther Vandross." Link here to that post for incentives to live a drama-free vegetarian or vegan lifestyle without the hassles and stress. How? Go "old school" for easy survival skills to leading a stress free vegetarian or vegan life.

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister Vegetarian's Book Release Info & Classes Coming To You!!!

2011-11-27T12:56:00.004-05:00

Sister's Book Information:

2 more months to the release of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living! Did you reserve your copy? Link here to Lantern Books for a sample chapter and order information. You can also order via Amazon.com (link here).

Sister Vegetarian Classes are coming near you

The Virtual Vegetarian and Vegan Classes will be starting soon in mid December. When the first video is posted, I will send out a notice along with the class syllabus and any accompanying documents. The first class will also feature cooking demonstrations and recipes for making your own inexpensive non-dairy cheese. After all, cheese is one thing that many vegetarians find it hard to give up to become vegans; or, many people, although vegans, are lactose intolerant to dairy cheese products.
The classes will be uploaded to Sister Vegetarian TV at You Tube, and will be various 30 minute or more in length classes. This will be a fun learning experience for everyone with no need to try to make classes at a specific site location. You can view and refer back to the classes anytime. Tell your friends and family in other states or countries to link to Sister Vegetarian's TV once the classes start :)

You will have a chance to email me questions after each viewing, and I will answer your questions at the next virtual class.

The classes will illustrate how being a vegetarian or vegan compliments your lifestyle to provide a drama-free, healthy way of living that also contributes to preserving the environment and animals.

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 11-27-11 Update

2011-11-27T12:41:00.003-05:00

Link here for Battzi's empowering and uplifting words that problems will pass and you shall rise above drama-free!!!

The virtual classes will be starting soon on Sister Vegetarian's TV!

2011-11-27T08:16:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and/or friends

The Virtual Vegetarian and Vegan Classes will be starting soon in mid December. When the first video is posted, I will send out a notice along with the class syllabus and any accompanying documents. The first class will also feature cooking demonstrations and recipes for making your own inexpensive non-dairy cheese. After all, cheese is one thing that many vegetarians find it hard to give up to become vegans; or, many people, although vegans, are lactose intolerant to dairy cheese products.

The classes will be uploaded to Sister Vegetarian TV at You Tube, and will be various 30 minute or more in length classes. This will be a fun learning experience for everyone with no need to try to make classes at a specific site location. You can view and refer back to the classes anytime. Tell your friends and family in other states or countries to link to Sister Vegetarian's TV once the classes start :)

You will have a chance to email me questions after each viewing, and I will answer your questions at the next virtual class.

The classes will illustrate how being a vegetarian or vegan compliments your lifestyle to provide a drama-free, healthy way of living that also contributes to preserving the environment and animals.

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister V's Vegan and VegetarianThanksgiving Menu and Ideas for Your Own Vegetarian Menu

2011-11-18T09:05:00.005-05:00

Image from The Happy Vegan Thanksgiving Song found at Todd McHatton (Todd McHatton is a musician, artist, and writer living in Ojai, California). Link to Todd McHatton's website here for the song, image, and how to get your version of The Happy Thanksgiving Song

Sister Vegetarian's Thanksgiving Menu Ideas:

Looking for ideas for your first or one of many Vegan or Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner? Maybe you are invited to someone else's home for Thanksgiving, and to eliminate the "drama" of explaining why you are not eating turkey or meat based meals, you are looking for some vegan and vegetarian recipes to take along to share.

Below is my Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner Menu that I will be cooking for my husband and parents. I searched the web for awesome recipes to plan my Thanksgiving Menu. I have included the links to the various recipes along with the menu. Enjoy your Thanksgiving. Remember, it's a day of Thanksgiving and a day of giving to those in need who will truly be grateful for your kind gestures.

Vegan Potato Leek Soup (Care2 Make A Difference)
Collard Greens Salad (Eat It, Live It, Love It)
Vegan Lasagna (Vegetarian Times Magazine)
Vegan Hippy Meatloaf (Happy Herbivore)
Vegan Mushroom Gravy (Whole Foods Market Recipes)
Vegan White or Yellow Mashed Potatoes (Vegetarian About.Com)
Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Vegetarian About.com)
Vegan Stuffing (Savvy Vegetarian)
Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Noble Cause: YOU!

2011-11-16T18:34:00.003-05:00

In your vegetarian or vegan journey, don't forget to take the time to breathe! Smell the beautiful open air of an autumn day. In many areas of the US, it is snowing; so, smell the fresh fallen snow. Enjoy life.

We can get so overburdened with saving animals, the environment, and eating healthy that we forget the essential piece of the puzzle: YOU!

Take take out to relax.

Read a fictional book as opposed to a non-fiction book on environmentalism, animal rights, or vegetarianism or veganism.

What about comic books? At age 45, I still read comic books, and found a great comic book entitled Noble Causes. I found a Noble Causes Collection Volume (598 pp) of the Noble Causes Comic Books which ran January 2002 through April 2009 (link here for Amazon collection and other Noble Causes Comic Book Issues). Other comic books tend to have volume collections so you can start from the beginning.

Enjoy downtime with family and friends. I mentioned last week that I will be attending my local Roller Derby Women's tournament this weekend.

It's NFL and Hockey season, and hopefully NBA will restart again soon. Have a NFL, NBA, or Hockey party with friends to watch your favorite teams. Don't forget that vegetarianism and veganism should complement your life. Enjoy you!

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 11-15-11 Weekly Update

2011-11-15T21:08:00.004-05:00

Battzi is going through a tough time right now. Let's give her some loves by passing on some positive feedback through her weekly post below. Battzi, please know that at the moment when we feel like giving up, a breakthrough shows up and shows out! be encouraged my vegetarian sister. Hope is still there, and trouble foes not last long ~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Link here for Battzi's weekly update

INSPIRE!! Tuesday's Inspiration: Mending The Soul

2011-11-14T20:53:00.003-05:00

INSPIRE!

Today's Inspirational Thought comes from a flashback of my 6-13-10 post (link here) on "Mending The Soul" as vegetarians and vegans.
~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Tonight's Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe comes from Food & Wine Magazine

2011-11-13T17:59:00.005-05:00

I indicated in my earlier post per a drama-free work lunch with soup as the work week lunch-time meal that I was making a split pea soup for dinner.

Tonight's dinner comes from a recipe from Food & Wine Magazine that I have previously made many times before with many leftovers that were easily frozen into single size servings. I love this rustic soup recipe that nourishes the soul and warms the body.
Link here for Food & Wine's Split Pea Soup Recipe.
You do not need to use yellow split peas. I used green split peas which are commonly found in any grocery store, and cost me 78 cents for a 16 oz bag. Talk about an expensive and drama-free meal!
~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

A Drama-Free 60 cents a day Work-Lunch prepared on Sunday to keep you warm and toasty all week long

2011-11-13T12:38:00.009-05:00

I LOVE MY STANLEY THERMOS!

Warm and cozy sounds weird to describe a work-week lunch time meal, but that's how I feel with my Thermos and "hippy-style" knitted thermos cozy that I knitted myself to keep the thermos warm on the outside.

My love of soups come together for a warm and cozy lunch-time meal during the work week, as I read Black Order: A Sigma Force an exciting espionage novel by James Rollins that takes me to several countries in a lunch time!

Here's an idea for a "drama-free" work week lunch-time meal. As the temperatures drop, a cold lunch-time meal just will not so for me. I love soup! So, I transposed my love of soup from dinner time only to a fun work week lunch meal. I made an extra pot of soup just for work lunches for the week. The cost: $3.00 for the week, or 60 cents per day!

Although I made a split pea soup for dinner this evening, I made a basic soup.

The basic soup lunch ingredients:

4 cups of fresh coarsely chopped turnip leaves

2 cups of chopped carrots

3 small diced oriental peppers

8-10 cups of water

1 vegan bouillon cube

* additional suggestions to twist it up during the week below

Directions:

I cooked this for 10 -15 minutes and placed in 2 large containers in the refrigerator. To heat up, I'll just scoop the amount I want for a work lunch meal into a pot in the morning, reheat for 5 minutes or until hot, and place in my thermos.

Additional suggestions for a twist:

For a twist during the week to break up the monotony of a basic soup, add canned beans one or 2 days when reheating, wheat pasta, or bring vegetarian/vegan style home-made croutons or Italian bread and place in your soup when ready to eat.

Keeping the thermos warm on the outside (fun knitting project):

I use a Stanley Thermos that I knitted a thermos cozy for to keep the outside of the thermos warm. If you love knitting odd and end projects as I do from the normal scarves and sweaters, try this quick knitting project for thermos cozies to keep your soups warm:

Lizards in Scarves Blog - knitted a thermos cozy and thermos cap

Tales from Yarnvana: knitted thermos cozy

~ Donna Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Superhero Spirituality: 7 Life Lessons from Great Comic Book Teachers

2011-11-09T20:19:00.009-05:00

In attending this week's NC Comicon (link here for my post on the Comic Book Conference), I realized the lessons that I have learned over the years from comic book superheroes; and, how these lessons apply to our vegan and vegetarian lifestyles which encompasses a healthy body, mind, soul, and spirit in overcoming the drama we encounter from society, co-workers, friends, and family in leading this lifestyle.

Many times, we must transgress through the green eyed monsters at work, or the family that may not be understanding of this lifestyle to come out strong and stronger as vegans and vegetarians. Sure, many times work employees may talk behind our backs calling us 'weird," foolish," or "odd" for leading this healthy lifestyle and a lifestyle that makes a positive change and difference for the environment and animals. Or, family members may question our past life as meat eaters and continuously wonder why we gave up what we were raised on. However, we survive and we grow by learning and educating ourselves through blogs, documentaries, support groups, and books. We rise above the work green-eyed monsters and become "VICTORIOUS!"

I would like to share with you an article from Belief.net entitled "7 Life Lessons from Great Comic Book Teachers." Belief.com does not center on a particular religion, but it centers on your internal spirituality whether you are Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, atheist, or have another type of spiritual belief system. We all have some type of "chi" or inner spirituality that keeps us going through all the drama so we can rise above all the drama and claim the prize of victory!

Link here or below for Belief.com's Superhero Spirituality: 7 Life Lessons from Great Comic Book Teachers. May this give you empowerment and empower you to live a drama-free vegan or vegetarian lifestyle:
7 Life Lessons from Great Comic Book Teachers:

1. Batman: We Can Make a Difference
2. Hellboy: We Can Be Redeemed
3. The Hulk: We Can Sacrifice for the Greater Good
4. Iron Man: We Can Champion Justice
5. Spider-Man: We Can Accept Responsibility
6. Superman: We Can Embrace Faith
7. X-Men: We Can Overcome Prejudice

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Hip Hop and Veganism

2011-11-08T21:01:00.000-05:00

I received this news release from the Black Vegetarian Society of Georgia on a film and world vegan day geared toward the hip-hop generation of youth going green and vegan.

Link to Hip Hop and Veganism

~ Donna Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Inspiration for a Drama-Free Vegan or Vegetarian Tuesday!

2011-11-08T05:04:00.003-05:00

Here's a quote that I originally posted on 12/15/10. Let this inspire you today for a drama-free Vegan or Vegetarian Day!

"Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

~ Have an awesome day! - Donna Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 11-7-11 Weekly Update

2011-11-08T04:21:00.003-05:00

Read Battzi's 11-7-11 Weekly Update here

If you would like to share your vegan or vegetarian story, poem, or other information, please email me at SisterVegetarian@aol.com

Sunday Football Day as a vegan...Roller Derby...comic books and action figures...and more

2011-11-06T13:16:00.009-05:00

After an awesome day at NC Comicon yesterday with the hubby, we have our new additions to the comic action figures on display and our comic book prints hung in our living room. Hmm...need to work on displays for the kitchen and more for the living room and bedroom...we are such kids at heart!

If you missed my recap of NC Comicon from yesterday's post, link here.

Now Sunday Football time today! How do I start a Sunday Football Day? My pre-Sunday Football starts with a hearty vegan breakfast of scrambled tofu, coffee, ands toast buttered with a vegan butter spread.

It's awesome being a vegan, and still loving the things you always enjoyed! In the words of Janis Joplin, "Don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got!" Be yourself as a vegan and vegetarian. Stay true to yourself, and you will enjoy this life drama-free!!

In 2 weeks, I'll be attending my local Carolina Rollergirls event. That will be fun! I love roller derby games! Link here for the Carolina Rollergirls, and other national tournaments.

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister Vegetarian at the NC Comicon (Comic Book Convention)

2011-11-05T23:07:00.007-04:00

I guess you did not know that Sister Vegetarian loves comic books! I love to read and collect comic books, display my action figures, and adorn my walls at home with comic book prints and posters.

I had an awesome time at the NC Comicon with my hubby! I love comic books, action figures, and comic book prints. I think we brought enough home. LOL!

Thank you to Enrica Jang, Editor and Writer of the Comic Book Azteca Comic Book Series and The Poe Twisted Anthology for helping me to find a new comic book series through Azteca and Twisted Poe. You Rock! I love the comic books! To my blog readers, please check all this awesome comic book series! Time to decorate the home and read what we purchased :) I love being a kid at 45! Veganism and Vegetarianism are not boring. It's alive with fun and joys! Live this lifestyle by being who and whom you are...Life Is Good!
~ Donna M. Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

These vegan police people are not paying your utilities and bills - you are working hard to pay your bills and you know where you are going!

2011-11-03T18:57:00.003-04:00

Here's some encouragement for your Friday and weekend to live a beautiful and joyous vegan lifestyle as a newbie vegan:

I am frequently asked by newbie vegans if they must dispose of their leather shoes, purses, coats, etc since they now consider themselves vegans. This is a situation that tends to cause a lot of psychological drama and confusion for newbie vegans. It also tends to be a catalyst in causing newbie vegans from continuing in this beautiful lifestyle change because of this scrutiny by those who want to act like the "vegan fashion police" toward newbie vegans. The non-vegan clothing, shoes, boots, and accessory purchases that you made in the past before becoming a vegan does not reflect upon the "new" health conscious, animals rights, and environmentally conscious person you have become. For your encouragement in these situations of not knowing what to do or being questioned by someone who wants to name themselves the "vegan fashion police," I love to quote an old saying, "it does not matter where you've been, but it's where you are going that counts." What counts is not what you purchased in the past because you are now making conscious purchase decisions. Those decisions are positive stands in the right direction for your health, animal rights, and the environment.

If you have the funds to donate your former non-vegan purchases such as leather shoes, boots, and wool or leather coats to charity that's great! However, many people these days can barely make ends meet and giving up your shoes and coats before you have the funds to purchase non-vegan items is not smart or economical. You are no longer purchasing new items that are made from animal skins. You are aware of your unconscious decisions in the past to eat animals and purchase animal clothing and accessories. You have now changed your views and lifestyle by becoming a vegan. As long as you now make conscious purchases going forward in your new vegan lifestyle, you are making a positive change everyday. You are leading a vegan lifestyle that saves animals by the second.

I can't say that there will not be a self-named "vegan fashion police person" - because there is always one in the crowd who wants to tell someone what to wear, how to live, and what to eat as a vegan. These people do not make up the vegan community which is composed of thoughtful and caring individuals who understand the dramas encountered as a newbie vegan. If you do encounter this "vegan fashion police" person, just remember that, you know who and whom you are now and the changes you have made in taking a stand to fight for animal rights and animal lives. If someone has a problem with what you are still wearing such as your leather shoes as a newbie vegan, then the problem is their own. Let them know you are making conscious decisions in your purchases, and when the funds become available, you will make a change in your clothing. If they have a problem with that statement, don't let their drama get in your way of leading a successful vegan lifestyle. Just walk away from them, and let them deal with their drama by themselves - they are the ones with the problem and not you. The problem is their own and not yours. Rather than helping others, they are hindering others in leading this lifestyle. You do not want a part of that drama.. As I said, you know who and whom you are-where you've been and where you are going in this new lifestyle change.

There is no need to go broke and replace all your non-vegan clothing if your rent, mortgage, car payment, school loan, utilities, or other bills are due. These vegan police people are not paying your utilities and bills - you are working hard to pay your bills and you know where you are going!

You know where you've been!

You know who and whom you are!

You are a proud vegan!

I salute you!

Viva La Vegan Revolution!

~ Sister Vegetarian

Thursday is your encouragement day to live drama-free: How to order vegetarian or vegan in a non-vegetarian/vegan restaurant

2011-11-03T04:26:00.003-04:00

People always ask me how do you order vegetarian or vegan in a non-vegetarian/non-vegan restaurant. If you live in the Deep South as I do, many vegetarians or vegans do not always have the luxury of living in a city with an abundance of vegetarian and vegan restaurants as the northern US cities or the west coast; or, with the holidays approaching, there will be many holiday lunches, dinners, and events with work colleagues, friends, and family who are not vegetarians and/or vegans. What about work lunchtime meetings? I often encounter lunches at work where I must adjust the menu as the only vegan (let alone member of the vegetarian family) in my department.

If a mainstream restaurant does offer a vegetarian menu, the menu will more than likely be vegetarian and not vegan focused. Do not let this hinder you. Some of the vegetarian options may be vegan, or can easily be made vegan.

First, if possible, call the restaurant ahead of time to see if they offer a vegetarian menu. Some restaurants offer a vegetarian menu that may not be handed out upon being seated at the table, but they do offer a vegetarian menu if asked. Many of these restaurants will also have the vegetarian menu as a downloadable menu on their website apart from the regular menu, so you can prepare yourself ahead of time in this manner. If a downloadable vegetarian menu is available apart from the regular menu, this may require for you to do a Google search or a search within their website.

Secondly, if a vegetarian menu is not offered, I do not settle for a salad. Everyone insists that salads are all what vegetarians or vegans eat. As we know, this is a myth that we plan to dispel when we order at restaurants with friends, co-workers, and family (smile). At the restaurant or before by checking out their mainstream menu online, I see what type of meal can easily have the meat-poultry-fish-dairy taken away to make it vegan (or, vegetarian if you are a vegetarian). Many options on the menu can easily have the non-vegetarian/non-vegan ingredients taken away that will not cause the chef too much of a headache (smile). Sometimes, only one ingredient may need to be taken away such as in a pasta dish with chicken and marinated vegetables in olive oil/garlic. You take out the chicken and the chef prepares the dish as pasta and marinated vegetables in olive oil and garlic. Another example is that I ordered a hot panini Mozzarella and tomato/roasted peppers sandwich from a cafe for a work lunch meeting, and asked the cafe to take out the mozzarella for a hot tomato and roasted red peppers panini sandwich. It was delicious as a tomato and roasted pepper grilled sandwich! I called the cafe ahead of time to make sure that this substitution could be done before the entire office ordering process, and the employee was delighted to fulfill my request.

I hope these tidbits help get the drama out of eating out at non-vegetarian /non-vegan restaurants. Relax. Smile. Take a deep breath and enjoy the holidays at restaurants!

~ Sister Vegetarian

Claiming a victory in your health!

2011-11-02T04:52:00.006-04:00

Claiming a victory in your health!

During Farm Sanctuary's National Conference To End Factory Farming, it was discussed in one of the presentations that by eating mushrooms daily, you can reduce your cancer risk by 64%; and, by eating half of a yellow or red onion a day, you can reduce the risk of stomach cancers by 50%:

Great reading sources on this information:
mushrooms reducing cancer rates:
http://www.ishs.org/news/?p=633
http://www.plantbasedhealth.com/index.php/joes-corner-qeat-mushrooms-to-prevent-cancerq

Onions reducing cancer rates:
http://healwithfood.org/health-benefits/eating-red-onions.php

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister Vegetarian's Speech at The National Conference to End Factory Farming

2011-11-01T04:26:00.003-04:00

As you know, I spoke this weekend at the Oct 27-29, 2011 Farm Sanctuary National Conference to End Factory Farming. (Link Here) for the program and speaker information. I spoke on Saturday, Oct 29th on The Plant Based Living Panel:Diet As A Tool for Change with Joel Fuhrman, M.D., family physician, New York Times best-selling author and nutritional researcher and Hope Ferdowsian, M.D., M.P.H., practicing physician and assistant professor, George Washington University Department of Medicine.

If you missed the conference or want a recap on my speech, I have provided my entire inspiring speech below for you. I spoke on how a plant based diet has healed my body and others:

National Conference to End Factory Farming

Plant Based Panel Speech (Donna M Beaudoin): DIET AS A TOOL FOR CHANGE

My name is Donna Michelle Beaudoin, and I am a vegan and the author of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living. The book focuses on helping women and men transition to and lead a success vegetarian or vegan lifestyle by addressing societal myths and cons against this lifestyle; and, help people realize how a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle can help prevent illnesses and diseases and heal the body.

I will speak on how a plant based diet as a vegetarian and now a vegan has healed my body, and others.

At age 45, for me, living a plant based lifestyle has not only a personal meaning for myself but for my family.

My family has a history of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer whereas my family size has dwindled in size through the years from aunts, uncles, grandmother, grandfather, and cousins passing away too young from heart disease, diabetes, stokes, stomach, and colon cancer that could have been prevented, reversed, treated, and in some cases cured from a plant based lifestyle. Two of my father’s brothers passed away young from colon and stomach cancer, respectively. My dad is battling pancreatic cancer. My mother had 3 siblings (3 sisters). All but one of the sisters are left. 2 of my mother’s sisters passed away from heart disease and diabetes. So did my mother’s mother, uncles, and cousins. My mother’s last surviving sister lives with heart disease and diabetes. I have a 46 year old cousin who already had 3 heart attacks by the age of 39. The only family member thus far that lived past their 80s in excellent health has been my great-grandmother who lived mostly a vegetarian lifestyle, and toward the last decade or more of her life, lived a total vegetarian lifestyle. My Great-grandmother, Otis Mae Robinson, lived to be 100 years ago and died of natural causes. At 100, she did not take medicine nor visited the doctor for problems. She ate beet roots and beet greens on a weekly basis and drank the liquids from greens (as in the south it's called pot likker but you know it as vegetable stock from greens). My great-grandmother implemented in my mother who in return implemented in me the importance of vegetables to heal the body and help prevent illnesses and diseases.

Unfortunately for me, as what happened in college and afterwards, I fell into the ways of eating meat, dairy, and junk food which formulated 90% or more of my meals with vegetables, grains, and beans comprising only 5 to 10% of my meals. I suffered with stomach and colon issues for over ten years whereas within a 10 year period, I was hospitalized 4 times for uncontrollable vomiting and sever stomach pains. I was misdiagnosed many times with numerous tests performed on me to watch out for the stomach, colon, and now pancreatic cancer that is prevalent in my family's genes.

Physicians could not find out what was causing my pain or my inability to have bowel movements but every 4 days. I was even told this was normal by two physicians...that as we know is not true. Toxicity built up in my body. I was having back pains, leg pains, chest pains, stomach pains, constipation every 4 days, gas pains, nausea, and more before the age of 40. I could not walk up the stairs at age 40 without being out of breath, and experiencing chest and leg pains. A visit to my physician said I did not have heart disease, so something else was the problem.

I went from a size 4 to a size 14 in 3 years although I exercised and hiked with my husband. I had a unnecessary partial hysterectomy 14 years ago at age 31. I am now 45 years old. I did not know it at the time but the fibroid tumors that I experienced were from the excessive meat and dairy products that I consumed, and that hysterectomy operation could have been prevented. I still had pains in my ovaries after the operation since they were left intact; but, the pain stopped after living a plant based diet. At the time of the operation I had no children, and of course cannot now conceive due to the hysterectomy. I consumed little vegetables, fruits, and fiber over a 10 year+ period. I began to develop ear infections which I never had in my life, and constantly became sick with flus, and bacterial and viral upper respiratory infections.

One day, I said enough was enough! I was just "sick and tired of being sick and tired." I remember how little I was sick when I was young and ate more of a vegetarian lifestyle. The last time I was sick with a bacterial virus and stomach pains, I decided to heal myself through a plant based lifestyle as a strict vegetarian eating 90 to 95% vegan and raw vegan meals. I did not take medicine, because the antibiotics prescribed in the past never helped. The over the counter medications for cold and flu symptoms never worked. I research more about healing oneself as a vegan or vegetarian. I was home sick from work on a Friday. I researched the information on a Monday because I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I ate vegan Monday and Tuesday. By Tuesday evening, my stomach pains disappeared and my cold symptoms were about 90% gone. By Wednesday evening, I was 100% better by elevating meat and dairy. I became a strict vegetarian and only ate 5% dairy if at all in a month. 95% of my foods or more were vegan and raw vegan. I eventually transitioned to a vegan lifestyle when I realized that the small amount of cheese and eggs that I did consumed brought upon bloatedness, although my stomach pains and colon issues that plagued me for over 10 years never reappeared. Oh yes, I never took a flu shot in my entire life, and have not developed any flu or cold virus or symptoms since switching to a strict vegetarian and now a vegan lifestyle.

At almost 3 years on a plant based lifestyle, going from strict vegetarian to vegan, I have not had any stomach or colon issues, heart problems, being out of breath from climbing stairs, no cold or flu viruses, no back or leg pains, no ear infections....basically, I am healthy with no problems surfacing for almost 3 years by living a plant based diet,

I have taken a step toward better health through a plant based diet. I created my Sister Vegetarian Blog and wrote Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living to prove that a plant based diet can help prevent, heal, treat, and cure some illnesses and diseases.

I reflect on health insurance and people’s use of health insurance as I healed myself through a plant based diet. Everyone on Capitol Hill talk about a revised healthcare system.

As we are aware, health insurance has been a hot topic for a couple of years. I am not a politician, physician, or nutritionist; but, I know that health insurance starts here (point to my mouth).

Statistics say:

1 90% of horrible diseases are caused by meat consumption.

2 In our healthcare system $250 billion a year goes toward heart disease illnesses

3 The leading cause of bankruptcy is medical expenses

In my opinion, A revised health insurance system starts with us. It does not start with the actual health insurance policy and revising health insurance so everyone can receive it. Health Insurance starts with me, you, us FIRST! We need to take care of ourselves through a plant based diet that gives us the chance to fight those diseases that we thought were within our DNA….that mom, dad, aunt, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandma, or grandpa currently has or died from.

5 people that I know who were helped by a vegan lifestyle:

My neighbor's father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 6 years ago and was told that he had 6 months to live. He decided to live as a vegan without chemo treatment. He is now living for 6+ years, cancer free of pancreatic cancer.

My neighbor’s sister had breast cancer. And, another neighbor sister also had breast cancer around the same time. One sister did chemo and continued to eat meat and dairy products. She passed away within 2 years. The other sister, did not do chemo nor radiation treatment. She decided to switch to a vegan lifestyle to cure herself. She has been cancer free for 2+ years and works on her family farm and sells her farm produce in North Carolina.

My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April this year. He went from 150lbs+ to now 120lbs in 5 months. He tried chemo, but chemo raised his cancer mark to a over 500. He gave up chemo and is now a strict vegetarian. His cancer mark dropped from 500 to 194. He is trying to get stronger.

My cousin reversed her diabetes by going raw vegan.

My mother is 72 and is healthy. She does not take any medications nor have any illnesses. She has eaten a mostly plant based diet all of her life although she is not a full vegetarian.

Dr. David S. Ludwig, Director of the Obesity Program at Harvard Affiliated Children's Hospital Boston, said in a health report published in The New England Journal of Medicine that “this generation of children could be the first basically in the history of the United States to live less healthful and shorter lives than their parents."

Health insurance - insurance against diseases and illnesses starts with what I, you, us, we eat. I came to a plant based lifestyle because of health reasons. I have been healed of stomach and colon issues with no cancer developments as my diseased uncles and dad currently who is battling pancreatic, stomach, and colon cancer. I do not have the heart diseases of my mother and father's siblings and parents.

If the world went vegetarian or vegan, there would not be a health or a global issue!

Are you ready to claim a victory? Are you ready to be victorious? Are you ready to be healthy? Are you ready to contribute to preserving and healing the environment? Are you ready to stop your family's DNA loaded gun from being fired? Live a plant based lifestyle today!

People ask me how I feel to be a vegan since I have healed myself. I like to quote the author Zora Neale Hurston because I have been down here (pointing to the floor) and now I feel like I'm up here (pointing above my head), "I have been in sorrow's kitchen and licked out all the pots. Then I have stood on the peaky mountaintops wrapped in rainbows and a sword in my hand."

Thank you.

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's Weekly Update

2011-10-30T18:30:00.002-04:00

Link here for Battzi's Weekly Update

Reminder - Sign up for Sister Vegetarian's Vegan and Vegetarian Classes

2011-10-25T06:11:00.003-04:00

Interest in Sister Vegetarian's Vegetarian and Vegan Classes are increasing.

Link to my Meetup.com page at http://www.meetup.com/Sister-Vegetarian/ to learn more about the classes. Check out the Discussion Page on the website for tentative location details. The classes will start in a month!

Also, for those attending Farm Sanctuary's National Conference to End Factory Farming, I am anxious to meet up! I will speak on Day 3 on the Plant Based Living:Diet As A Tool For Change Panel. Link here to the official conference website for details.

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Kick-start Your Monday! 57 Health Benefits of Going Vegan

2011-10-23T14:46:00.004-04:00

Here's some great information to Kick-start your Monday!

Read an article on Nursing Degree's website entitled "57 Health Benefits of Going Vegan."

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's talks about stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new foods...such as parsnips? Read on...

2011-10-23T12:50:00.003-04:00

Read Battzi's 10-23-11 Update as she steps outside her comfort zone (link here)

Read how you contribute to the world's water supply as a vegetarian or vegan.YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AS AN INDIVIDUAL!CLAIM YOUR VICTORY THIS WEEKEND

2011-10-21T04:43:00.007-04:00

As you claim your "VICTORY" this weekend in continuing to live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, or you are in the process of transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, think of the positives that you are doing for the environment. For every chicken, pork, and beef that you gave up eating, you have added to the world's water supply "per person". You do count! Read below how you contribute "per person" to the world's water supply by being a vegetarian or vegan. Claim your VICTORY this weekend as you lead this lifestyle as a newbie, transitioning, or just need some encouragement. You do count! You do make a difference! It's not only about reclaiming your health. It's about saving the environment and protecting the environment's natural resources! It's about stopping the abuse of farm animals! It's about social justice and equality! Read below for the facts on how you contribute to the water supply increasing. Don't fool yourself, we are in a water shortage in this country as well as many other countries, but YOU can make a difference. Here are the facts on a per person basis:

It takes 23 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of lettuce

It takes 25 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of wheat

It takes 49 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of apples

It takes 815 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of chicken

It takes 1630 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of pork

It takes 5214 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of beef

What about my 10/5/11 post, where I explain the affect you have "per person" on the environment by being a vegan for 1 months? Here's the re-post:

In a study on the global effect of a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, it was established that if everyone went Vegetarian or Vegan for just for One Day, the U.S. would prevent the following global issues PER PERSON:

1. Greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1.2 million tons of CO2

2. 3 million tons of soil erosion and $70 million in resulting economic damages

3. 4.5 million tons of animal excrement

4. 7 tons of air pollution in the form of ammonia emissions

In that same study, it was found that if everyone went Vegan for One Month, the following global issues could be prevented in the US PER PERSON:

1.160 lbs of crop wasted
2. 8000 gallons of water wasted
3. 1/4 acre of land wasted
4. 1/4 ton of soil erosion
5. Carbon dioxide equivalent to 270 lbs of green house gases
6. Energy wastage equivalent to buying 7 gallons of gasoline.

According to the US Environmental Defense, " if every American skipped one meal of chicken per week and substituted vegetarian foods instead, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a million cars off of U.S. roads."

Now multiply the above prevention statistics of going vegetarian or vegan by a city's population, a country's population, or the world's population. What if millions or billions of people...the world...switched to a vegetarian or even better a vegan lifestyle. The statistics above would be astronomically "off the chart" in the prevention of environmental damage...and, let's not forget the positive affects on our health where health insurance starts FIRST with what foods you place in your mouth (vegetarian or vegan) and does not start with the actual health insurance policy.

If the world went vegetarian or vegan, there would not be a health or a global issue!

Vegetarian and Vegan Classes:

If you need assitance transitioning or staying on course as a newbie, don't forget that I will be offering a Vegetarian and Vegan class:

I am in the process of forming vegetarian and vegan classes in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (Triangle Area).

If you are interested in attending one or all 4 classes over the course of a couple of weeks, please email me at SisterVegetarian@aol.com and let me know what times are best for you, and the days of week. Once the dates have been established, I will send a formal invitation to sign-up for the classes.

Right now, I am acquiring a consensus as to the days that would work best for people who are interested in these empowering and informative classes. I will also extend the invitation to your community groups, businesses, schools, and places of worship where I would go to your location.

Below is a synopsis of the classes that would be offered:

Encouraging and motivating vegetarian and vegan classes from the creator of Sister Vegetarian's Blog and Author of Sister vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living

Background:

Donna Beaudoin is a Vegan. I started as a vegetarian who transitioned to a vegan and rose above the drama that life brings.

Certified Raw Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Raw Vegan Chef through Raw Vegan Network-Ekaya Institute of Living Food Education. I help people transition to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle by illustrating the importance of adding to weekly meals raw vegan and whole foods for increased health benefits

Donna has spoken at the Baltimore, MD VegFest.

Donna is also speaking in the Washington, DC area with Dr. Joel Fuhrman (NY Times bestseller and nutritional researcher) and Dr. T. Colin Campbell (Author of The China Study) on the Plant Based Living: Diet As A Tool For Change Panel at Farm Sanctuary's Oct 27-29, 2011 National Conference To End Factory Farming. Donna will be joining 30 other speakers, including Whole Foods CEO and Co-Founder, John Mackey, for the 3 day event as they discuss plant based living and its affect on our health and the environment.

PREVIEW OF CLASS DETAILS:
Sign up for one or all 4 classes

$20 per class - class limit 20

Location: Wake, Durham County, NC Community Centers, or your choice of location if a business, school, group, or place of worship.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical, nutritionist, or exercise specialist; so, please consult your physician before starting any vegetarian and vegan lifestyle and exercise program.

Class 1- Foundation
What is a vegetarian or vegan?
What is not a vegetarian
History of vegetarianism and veganism
Inspiration: Famous people who are vegetarians or vegans (Cora Scott King, Dexter King, hank Aaron, Prince Fiedler, Tony Gonazalez, John Salley, etc)
How vegetarianism and veganism has prevented, treated, reversed, and cured some illnesses and diseases (Scientific studies and my story)
How to transition to becoming a vegetarian or vegan
Food options
Transition Options
Vegetarian and Vegan Food Sampling
Fun handouts
Fun Class motivation and inspiration

Class 2 - Vegetarian and Vegan Food Choices: Shopping; On A Budget
Whole Foods vs Processed Vegetarian/Vegan Foods
Implementing raw foods into a plant based lifestyle
Cooking utensils
Pantry necessities
Vegetarian and Vegan shopping on a budget
Using your local farmer's market or CSAs (guest CSA speaker?)
Debunking protein and other vegetarian/vegan myths
Where do you get your protein as a vegetarian or vegan
Where do you get your calcium as a vegetarian or vegan
Where do you get your fiber as a vegetarian or vegan
Other nutritional information on vegetarian and vegan meals, foods

Class 3 - Dealing with the "haters" and the "drama" as a vegetarian or vegan
How to deal with drama as a vegetarian or vegan
How to deal with family, friends, co-workers when they do not favor your plant based lifestyle
Exercise to de-stress and that complements a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle
Discussions and Acting out scenarios/how to respond to questions
Sharing Stories
Motivational tools, handouts

Class 4 - Meal Preparation

May your VICTORY be a beautiful victory this weekend as you are! Stay the course. You are not only reclaiming your health, but you are fighting to preserve the environment and restore the environment; fighting to save farm animals and all animals being misused and abused;and, fighting for social justice. You make a difference by being a vegetarian or vegan. You contribute as a individual. You do count!

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Vegetarian and Vegan Classes by Sister Vegetarian

2011-10-20T06:11:00.005-04:00

I am in the process of forming vegetarian and vegan classes in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (Triangle Area).

If you are interested in attending one or all 4 classes over the course of a couple of weeks, please email me at SisterVegetarian@aol.com and let me know what times are best for you, and the days of week. Once the dates have been established, I will send a formal invitation to sign-up for the classes.

Right now, I am acquiring a consensus as to the days that would work best for people who are interested in these empowering and informative classes. I will also extend the invitation to your community groups, businesses, schools, and places of worship where I would go to your location.

Below is a synopsis of the classes that would be offered:

Encouraging and motivating vegetarian and vegan classes from the creator of Sister Vegetarian's Blog and Author of Sister vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living

Background:

Donna Beaudoin is a Vegan. I started as a vegetarian who transitioned to a vegan and rose above the drama that life brings.

Certified Raw Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Raw Vegan Chef through Raw Vegan Network-Ekaya Institute of Living Food Education. I help people transition to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle by illustrating the importance of adding to weekly meals raw vegan and whole foods for increased health benefits

Donna has spoken at the Baltimore, MD VegFest.

Donna is also speaking in the Washington, DC area with Dr. Joel Fuhrman (NY Times bestseller and nutritional researcher) and Dr. T. Colin Campbell (Author of The China Study) on the Plant Based Living: Diet As A Tool For Change Panel at Farm Sanctuary's Oct 27-29, 2011 National Conference To End Factory Farming. Donna will be joining 30 other speakers, including Whole Foods CEO and Co-Founder, John Mackey, for the 3 day event as they discuss plant based living and its affect on our health and the environment.

PREVIEW OF CLASS DETAILS:
Sign up for one or all 4 classes

$20 per class - class limit 20

Location: Wake, Durham County, NC Community Centers, or your choice of location if a business, school, group, or place of worship.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical, nutritionist, or exercise specialist; so, please consult your physician before starting any vegetarian and vegan lifestyle and exercise program.

Class 1- Foundation
What is a vegetarian or vegan?
What is not a vegetarian
History of vegetarianism and veganism
Inspiration: Famous people who are vegetarians or vegans (Cora Scott King, Dexter King, hank Aaron, Prince Fiedler, Tony Gonazalez, John Salley, etc)
How vegetarianism and veganism has prevented, treated, reversed, and cured some illnesses and diseases (Scientific studies and my story)
How to transition to becoming a vegetarian or vegan
Food options
Transition Options
Vegetarian and Vegan Food Sampling
Fun handouts
Fun Class motivation and inspiration

Class 2 - Vegetarian and Vegan Food Choices: Shopping; On A Budget
Whole Foods vs Processed Vegetarian/Vegan Foods
Implementing raw foods into a plant based lifestyle
Cooking utensils
Pantry necessities
Vegetarian and Vegan shopping on a budget
Using your local farmer's market or CSAs (guest CSA speaker?)
Debunking protein and other vegetarian/vegan myths
Where do you get your protein as a vegetarian or vegan
Where do you get your calcium as a vegetarian or vegan
Where do you get your fiber as a vegetarian or vegan
Other nutritional information on vegetarian and vegan meals, foods

Class 3 - Dealing with the "haters" and the "drama" as a vegetarian or vegan
How to deal with drama as a vegetarian or vegan
How to deal with family, friends, co-workers when they do not favor your plant based lifestyle
Exercise to de-stress and that complements a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle
Discussions and Acting out scenarios/how to respond to questions
Sharing Stories
Motivational tools, handouts

Class 4 - Meal Preparation

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Thursday is YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT DAY! Vegan and Vegetarian Nutritional Myths Debunked

2011-10-20T05:37:00.004-04:00

ENCOURAGEMENT!

Nil Zacharias, C0-Founder One Green Planet and writer for the Huffington Post, wrote a great article entitled "Busted:Top Vegan Nutrition Myths." This article relates to both vegetarians and vegans in debunking myths such as protein, B12, and soy.

The Washington Post also wrote an article entitled "Five Myths About Vegans."

Let both article be your encouragement today to stop listening to the "haters" and "drama-queens/kings" in your life -the "drama people that try to put you down for living this lifestyle or wanting to transition to this lifestyle. Or, maybe you are standing in your own way? Get out of your way, and enjoy this lifestyle! Live as a vegetarian or vegan with pride! Wear this lifestyle proudly! Hold your head up high...walk proudly...and claim your VICTORY in this healthy revolution!!

~ Sister Vegetarian

Wednesday is your VICTORY DAY: Cara's story on how she changed her life through a vegetarian lifestyle

2011-10-19T05:52:00.003-04:00

WEDNESDAY IS YOUR VICTORY DAY!!

CHANGE YOUR DIET - CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!

I love sharing stories about people who have switched to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, and have had their life change positively. WEDNESDAY is YOUR VICTORY DAY!

I ran across this blog entitled "Forks and Beans" where an empowering woman changed her life by becoming a vegetarian. Read Cara's story (link here for Cara's story on becoming a vegetarian and healing her body via her Forks and Beans Blog) on becoming a vegetarian, and healing the illnesses below which she also lists on her story page.

Some of Cara's symptoms before becoming a vegetarian (read more of the symptoms on her My Story Page):

nausea

acid reflux

bloating/gas

constipation

swollen joints

stomach pains

fatigue

My praises to Cara for changing her life around through a plant based diet!!!!

~ Sister Vegetarian

Today is your Inspirational Day! Dealing with the "haters", "vegan police", and more!

2011-10-18T05:35:00.009-04:00

INSPIRE!

Do you need some extra encouragement and inspiration today to maintain your vegan or vegetarian path?

How do you respond to the "haters" and "Drama-Queens/Kings" that create havoc in your life as you lead your journey? Remember, Sister always says to lead this journey for you! Do not listen to the people who say you will not acquire sufficient protein or you will starve! Acquire ammunition by educating yourself. That’s the best line of defense! Read my and other's blogs, view documentary videos on vegetarianism/veganism, and the positive affects on the environment and animals by leading this lifestyle. Need more ammunition to combat the protein question? Review my 10-4-11 post entitled

"We only need 6% protein a day" which debunks the protein myth of more...more....more...protein where meat eaters receive too much protein which ends up causing diseases. The "meat in moderation" statement is a Meat-Poultry-Fish-Dairy marketing tool and not proven. Do not listen to that false statement. The only diet that has been scientifically proven to prevent, treat, reverse, and cure some diseases is a vegetarian and more so a vegan lifestyle.

I found this great story on Vegan Soapbox (Keeping your Heart on your sleeve) about The Happy Herbivore (link here for The Happy Herbivore's story on why she no longer considers herself a vegan) who no longer considers herself a vegan not because of the comments by people who are against a plant based lifestyle, but because of a small group of vegans who believe that they must be the” vegan police. I found this story sad and it angers. I also address this same situation in my upcoming book, Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living , where I use this same situation as an empowering tool for you and indicate that we must continue to have strong minds, and realize that it is not us who must change. The ones who must change are those who feel that they must control others - we are all a family of vegetarians and vegans...looking to heal ourselves, the environment, fight for animal rights, and create social justice. We are all one family.

Remember, I am a vegan and choose to continue to call myself Sister Vegetarian because I believe that as a family, we need to come together and take a stand for and against the issues that became a catalyst for us in becoming a vegetarian or vegan. We do not need to stand against each other, but stand with one another as vegetarians and vegans. Let The Happy Herbivore's story give you inspiration to do not quit...do not listen to the "haters" and the "drama queens/kings." Get out of your own way and stop doubting yourself. You know who and whom you are as a vegetarian or vegan. Stand and be proud! Claim your VICTORY today!

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

I will be speaking at Farm Sanctuary's National Conference To End Factory Farming

2011-10-16T09:09:00.004-04:00

I will be speaking at the Oct 27-29 DC event: Farm Sanctuary's National Conference to End Factory Farming. I will do a speech/presentation and be a panel participant on Day 3 (Oct 29) at 11:15 AM on the Plant Based Living Panel: Diet As A Tool For Change.

I will be joining 30 other speakers who will speak on various days during this event. Speakers include (link here for additional speakers):

Co-founder and co-CEO of Whole Foods Market John Mackey
Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Author of The China Study
President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Wayne Pacelle
Executive Director of Food & Water Watch, Wenonah Hauter
Family physician, NY Times best- selling author and nutritional researcher Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
Director of government affairs for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), Elizabeth Kucinich
Professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the University of Missouri Columbia, John Ikerd, Ph.D.
Farm Sanctuary's President Gene Baur

~ Donna M Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories:Battzi's 10-16-11 Update - Battzi talks about our part as vegetarians and vegans in using our natural resources

2011-10-16T08:35:00.002-04:00

(Link here) for Battzi's weekly update. This week she tells it like it is in doing our part as vegetarians and vegans to use our natural resources for our health and environment.

If you missed it...replay of my Vegan "Victory" Speech at the Baltimore, MD VegFest!

2011-10-15T16:48:00.002-04:00

Link here to Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel to view my 10-9-11 speech from the Baltimore, MD VegFest

Friday is Your Day to be a Free-Spirit: Suggestions for creative-inexpensive meals

2011-10-14T04:41:00.003-04:00

Friday is Your Day to be a Free-Spirit
As I have always said, "eating vegetarian or vegan is not expensive." There are so many options for preparing vegetarian/vegan meals than meat based meals that you will never run out of creativity. I no longer encounter the blank look-the stare down- with my refrigerator to inquire "what should I eat for dinner?" I left that question behind me when I switched to a vegetarian and now vegan lifestyle.

Many meals or side meals can be made into full meals or extended to make other meals. For example, look at pesto. Pesto is traditionally served over pasta; however, take a look at the following alternative meal suggestions for pesto that add flavor and spice to any vegetarian or vegan meal whether you are transitioning to a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, or already are a vegetarian/vegan.

Note: I make my pesto home-made which not only saves on money, but you use fresh ingredients from your farmer's market, grocery store, or whole foods store.

Suggestions for Pesto:
- Raw Vegan Pizza Topping
- Topping for vegan or vegetarian pizza before placing the pizza in the oven to bake
- Mix with a pizza crust dough before baking the crust to make a Focaccia type pizza crust or just Focaccia bread
- Mexican style wrap with chickpeas, avocado, and tomatoes: Combine 1 cup of pesto with 1/2 cup of chickpeas, and 1 mashed Hass Avocado. Spread mixture on a wheat tortilla. Top with tomatoes, and roll tortilla. Slice in half. Serve with blue tortilla chips and salsa on the side.
- Raw pasta: Slice collard leaves very thin and top with pesto for a raw vegan spaghetti
- Appetizer: Pesto topped with a layer of tomatoes on a heated-garlic Italian Bread that is heated until crusty. Serve with a chilled glass of white wine such as a herbal Sauvignon Blanc or mineral-earthy Pinot Grigio.
- Place in a soup for seasoning
- Oven fries: Sprinkle pesto on raw sweet potatoes, red potatoes, or white potatoes. Place in oven to make oven fries
- Serve on top of a vegetarian or vegan burger. the burger can be a bean based burger; or, a vegetable burger made from eggplant or Portobello mushroom

~ Sister Vegetarian

Wednesday is your Victory Day! View my "Victory" Speech at the Baltimore, MD VegFest

2011-10-12T06:07:00.005-04:00

Link here to Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel to view my 10-9-11 speech from the Baltimore, MD VegFest

Thursday is YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT DAY! How to avoid meat cravings

2011-10-11T13:39:00.005-04:00

Thursday is YOUR DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT!

Are you still having meat cravings as a new vegetarian or vegan? Be for real, the cravings do exist but can be avoided. They will disappear.

In my speech on Sunday at the Baltimore, MD VegFest (link here if you missed the video link to my speech), I told people that the best way to become a vegetarian or vegan is to take it step by step. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, "Take the first step. Take the first step in faith. You do not need to see the whole staircase, just take the first step in faith." The same thing goes for meat cravings. Do not beat yourself up for the cravings...just take it step by step. Be kind and gentle on yourself, and praise yourself for the step you are taking as a vegetarian or vegan for your health, to protect abused farm animals, to save the environment, and to fight for social justice.

Here's a helpful post by Vegan Soapbox on taking it step by step to avoid meat cravings (link here)

~ Donna Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Thank you Baltimore, MD for a great VegFest!

2011-10-11T11:21:00.004-04:00

It was a wonderful experience to be in Baltimore, MD this past weekend for the 1st Annual Baltimore VegFest sponsored by Open The Cage Alliance. Thank you Open The Cage Alliance for inviting me!

It was empowering to be among such a large community of vegans and vegetarians in Baltimore and the DC Area. YOU ARE AMAZING AND AWESOME!!

Even if attendees were not vegetarians or vegans..yet...just to speak with people on their awareness and knowledge of what a plant based lifestyle can do to heal their bodies, mind, soul, and spirit; heal the environment; fight against animal cruelty, especially against farm animal abuse; and, fight for social justice!

Many of Sister Vegetarian's blog readers stop by my table to say hello, and exchange hugs! Thank you Sharon McRae, Baltimore-DC Area Health Coach ; Chef Naijha of The Land of Kush Vegetarian Soul Food Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland; Allie, Erin, and Open The Cage Alliance members, and many others! I love you Baltimore and thank you for making Baltimore feel at home, and making it my second home!

In my speech, I said "WE ARE VICTORIOUS!" The crowd then proceeded to shout, "I AM VICTORIOUS!" I felt such a surge of energy...such a renewal...such a profound joy!

What a big community of vegetarians and vegans in Baltimore, DC, Virginia that I had to pump my fist as I walked off stage that we "GOT THE VICTORY!"

We still have a way to go to educate people about vegetarianism and veganism; but, we will get to the promised vegetarian and vegan land where we will not be known by who we are, but by whom we are - healthy!!

For those that missed my speech at the Oct 9th Baltimore, MD VegFest, I will have the speech downloaded to You Tube on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Page by the beginning of next week. I will keep you updated when the speech will be available.

To recap my speech and chant to the crowd...repeat after me..."I AM...VICTORIOUS!"

~ Donna M. Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Reader's Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 10-9-11 Update - Battzi discusses purchasing local produce to stay within your food budget

2011-10-11T09:30:00.003-04:00

While I was attending the Baltimore, MD VegFest this past Sunday as a speaker, many of you came up to me and indicated how much you loved Sister Vegetarian's blog and wanted to see more ideas of how to become a vegetarian or vegan. Today, Battzi gives us insight into how we can use vegetables and fruits prevalent to our area and growing season to reduce our grocery bill.

Link here for Battzi's post on staying within your budget to eat healthy vegetarian and vegan meals.

~ Donna Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!

2011-10-07T15:12:00.002-04:00

THANK YOU! I have alot to be thankful for these past few months. God spoke, and I finally listened :)

I give thanks to God first!! I thank God for my book.

I thank you - Sister Vegetarian's readers.

I thank Lantern Books for giving me the avenue to speak my voice by publishing Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living

I thank Martin Rowe, publisher of Lantern Books.

I thank God for letting me speak Sunday at the Baltimore, MD VegFest to the public, media, all!

I Thank God for another speaking engagement the end of October where I have been asked to speak and be on a Plant Based Living Panel at Farm Sanctuary's National Conference to End Factory Farming in DC -where other speakers will be John Mackey, the CEO and co-founder of Whole Foods, Dr. Colin T. Campbell, author of The China Study, and other infamous people.

I thank God for these blessings.

THANK YOU GOD!

THANK YOU MY BLOG READERS!

THANK YOU LANTERN BOOKS!

Thank you to TJ Goode of Paul's Barbershop for my haircut and styling me for my Baltimore speech!

2011-10-07T13:12:00.005-04:00

A BIG THANK YOU to TJ Goode of Paul's Barbershop for my haircut and styling me for my Baltimore speech!

Just a reminder that I will be speaking at the Oct 9, 2011 Baltimore, MD VegFest sponsored by Open The Cage Alliance (OTCA). I will be delivering a motivating and empowering speech for vegans, vegetarians, and those considering this lifestyle! Join me for this speech, and an opportunity to meet me at my Sister Vegetarian Booth before or after the speech!

This is a REVOLUTION we are living in!

Are you ready for a revolution?

Are you ready for a healthy revolution?

Are you ready for a vegan revolution?

Stand and be counted to fight for your health, animal rights, the environment, and social justice! Join me at Baltimore, Maryland's Riverside Park. My speech begins 12:50 PM.

Access the official website of the Oct 9th Baltimore, MD VegFest (click here ) for speaker details, musicians, and other events at the VegFest.

~ Donna Michelle Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

I will be speaking at the Oct 9th Baltimore, MD VegFest - I will deliver an empowering and motivating speech for all!

2011-10-06T21:19:00.005-04:00

This is a REVOLUTION we are living in!

Are you ready for a revolution?

Are you ready for a healthy revolution?

Are you ready for a vegan revolution?

Stand and be counted to fight for your health, animal rights, the environment, and social justice! Join me at Baltimore, Maryland's Riverside Park. My speech begins 12:50 PM.

Access the official website of the Oct 9th Baltimore, MD VegFest (click here ) for speaker details, musicians, and other events at the VegFest. ~ Donna Michelle Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Thursday is Encouragement Day! What happens at one day and one month of becoming a vegetarian or vegan? Can you solve global issues?

2011-10-05T21:41:00.007-04:00

In a study on the global effect of a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, it was established that if everyone went Vegetarian or Vegan for just for One Day, the U.S. would prevent the following global issues PER PERSON:

1. Greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1.2 million tons of CO2

2. 3 million tons of soil erosion and $70 million in resulting economic damages

3. 4.5 million tons of animal excrement

4. 7 tons of air pollution in the form of ammonia emissions

In that same study, it was found that if everyone went Vegan for One Month, the following global issues could be prevented in the US PER PERSON:

1.160 lbs of crop wasted
2. 8000 gallons of water wasted
3. 1/4 acre of land wasted
4. 1/4 ton of soil erosion
5. Carbon dioxide equivalent to 270 lbs of green house gases
6. Energy wastage equivalent to buying 7 gallons of gasoline.

According to the US Environmental Defense, " if every American skipped one meal of chicken per week and substituted vegetarian foods instead, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a million cars off of U.S. roads."

Now multiply the above prevention statistics of going vegetarian or vegan by a city's population, a country's population, or the world's population. What if millions or billions of people...the world...switched to a vegetarian or even better a vegan lifestyle. The statistics above would be astronomically "off the chart" in the prevention of environmental damage...and, let's not forget the positive affects on our health where health insurance starts FIRST with what foods you place in your mouth (vegetarian or vegan) and does not start with the actual health insurance policy.

If the world went vegetarian or vegan, there would not be a health or a global issue!

~ Sister Vegetarian

Wednesday is your Vegan or Vegetarian VICTORY DAY ! A Message of Victory and Hope from Tashi S. Winston

2011-10-04T05:59:00.006-04:00

Wednesday is a Victory Day for YOU!

"V" is for Vegan, Vegetarian, and Victory! Let Wednesday be a Victory Day for you in all aspects of this wonderful vegetarian or vegan lifestyle - whether you are considering, just starting, or are a veteran vegetarian or vegan.

Today, I give you a treat to help you claim your victory for a healthier body; and, to encourage your contribution and fight against animal cruelty and saving the environment through a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Tashi Winston offers words of encouragement to claim your vegetarian or vegan victory!

Today, I would like to empower, inspire, and motivate you to be encouraged in all that you do! Whether it's leading a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, or just going about the demands of everyday living.

Poet/writer Tashi S. Winston who is also featured in my book Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama Free Living has an empowering message of hope for you.

Link to Tashi's Oct 3, 2011 post entitled "Running A Race Toward Victory " Tashi is powerful, strong, and a poet with a message for women and men.

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister V's Tuesday Quick Tip of The Day: Only 6% of total daily calories are needed from protein

2011-10-04T05:23:00.004-04:00

Tired of the question where does your protein come from or do vegetarians/vegans receive enough protein?

As vegetarians or vegans, we receive all the protein we need by living a plant based diet. Yes, this debunks the myth that vegetarians and vegans do not receive a sufficient daily intake of protein!

Studies indicate that for survival, humans need only 6% of our total daily calories from protein. Men only need 30-60 grams of protein per day, and women need only 25-50 grams of protein a day. Vegetarians and Vegans do meet this level. Studies illustrate that most Americans who eat meat receive far above this level with a protein intake of 100 -120 grams of protein a day.

Too much protein as from an animal based diet where the protein is acidic, and draws calcium from our bones can cause the onset of many illnesses an diseases. Meat based protein draws calcium from our bodies because our body is trying to maintain an alkaline environment. The best type of protein is plant based. Plant based protein is alkaline just as our body content is alkaline. This means that plant based protein does not draw the calcium from our bones as animal protein does to alkaline our bodies. Calcium is needed in the proper flow of blood to supply our cells with oxygen, and proper contraction of muscles such as the heart muscle.

A plant based diet also supplies us with antioxidants in addition to the best type of protein for our bodies. What a WIN-WIN lifestyle!

Source:
Diet for A New America John Robbins
Living Vegan For Dummies, Alexandra Jamieson, CHHC, AADP

~ Sister Vegetarian

Are YOU Ready for a Revolutionary Change? The statistics and how you can make a difference

2011-10-02T12:59:00.011-04:00

"I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want." ~ World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali

Are YOU Ready for a Revolutionary Change? The statistics and how you can make a difference...

IT TAKES....

12 lbs of wheat to make 1 lb of ground beef .
That 12 lbs of wheat can make 12 loaves of bread to feed the world's starving population!

80% of corn and grain grown is fed to farm animals
That 80% corn and grain can feed the world's starving population!

16 lbs of grain to produce 1 pound of meat.
That 16 lbs of grain could have fed the world's starving population

11 times as much fossil fuel to make one calorie from animal protein than it does to acquire one calorie from plant protein
That fossil fuel could have been used to heat homes, provide fuel for vehicles, fuel for planes and trains, and provide electricity. Fossil fuels power our life and economy.

Even better, cleaner fossil fuels, such as coal can be used to power our homes and style needs.

Many factory farms use large man-made lagoons (aka cesspools) that average the size of 7 acres, and contain 20-45 million gallons of waste water from the wastes of farm animals. We do not hear this information in the media: There are frequent breaks and overflows in the cesspools where the waste water leaks into our local water supply, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans since these factory farms are near natural water sources. Consequently, your fresh water and ocean supply of fish are contaminated with waste and diseases from these farm animal wastes. You will never hear this in the media! No! Continue to think that the fish you eat is healthy. Continue to believe the hype to eat fish from the various television commercials and magazine advertisements that fish is healthy. Even farm raised fish has a high contamination of waste from the fish being in such a small concentrated area! Educate yourselves and do not believe the hype!

That 20-45 million of gallons of water used in the man-made lagoons (cesspools) for animal waste, could solve our world water shortage!

Half of the water in the US goes to raising animals for food. Here are some more water statistics:

It takes 49 gallons of water to grow 1 lb apples
It takes 24 gallons of water to grow 1 lb potatoes
It takes over 5000 gallons of water to grow 1 lb of beef
That 5000 gallons of water can solve the world's water shortage crisis with 5000 gallons of water to areas suffering from a water shortage, and suffering from clean water!

As a vegetarian and more so a vegan, there are decreased chances of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancers, arthritis, and other ailments. We are healthier people as vegetarians or vegans. Stop making excuses to justify life as a meat, chicken , or fish eater. Stop the drama right now! The positives of living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle are around you everyday in faces of people you know, and do not know. The studies, reports, and results are out there in support of a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle from physicians, scientists, your family, neighbors, and friends.

Why are you afraid to make a change? Are you afraid of changes? Changes bring growth. If it wasn't for the leaders of yesterday who stood against the status quo in order to make positive changes, we would not have a today or a possibility for a better tomorrow.

To quote the infamous three-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." And, how about his quote, "It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself."

Why are you waiting to change your lifestyle when the positives outweigh the negatives?
We are in a revolution right now - a healthy revolution! Take a stand for your health, your family's health, your neighbor's health, the world's health, and the health of future generations.

We can feed the world's starving population and make water accessible for all through a vegetarian and more so a vegan lifestyle. Wheat, corn, water....can feed the world rather than fuel a meat eating lifestyle. Farm animals can be saved and allowed to live in a safe environment, and an environment that supports their natural way of living that has been denied to them for so long. We become healthy and possibly disease and illness free from those who have been battling illnesses and diseases.

Are you ready to stand up and reclaim your health? Are you ready for this revolution ?
~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 10-2-11 update

2011-10-02T12:15:00.003-04:00

Battzi speaks on Victory Gardens and using our own resources to feed ourselves, family, and the community. Link here for the post on Sister's Mind, Body, and Spirit Page.

Sister's Friday Quick Tip of The Day: Waste Not, Want Not: Why are you throwing away your juice pulp?

2011-09-30T06:24:00.002-04:00

Yes, you can use the pulp from your juicings in vegan, raw vegan, and vegetarian recipes!

Link here for my post on using juice pulp in recipes

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Thursday Quick Tip for The Day: Fight the drama today! WE ARE INA REVOLUTION! ARE YOU READY FOR A HEALTHY REVOLUTION?

2011-09-29T07:23:00.002-04:00

Fight the drama today!

WE ARE IN A REVOLUTION! ARE YOU READY FOR A HEALTHY REVOLUTION?

Labels on dairy foods may not be truthful. If you are still eating meat and chicken, some of the the labels of "natural" or "organic" are not truthful. What is behind all that labeling? "Natural" labeling does not really mean "natural." Labels on chicken and eggs such as "free range" and "caged-free" may not be truthful. As a vegetarian, if you think you are consuming organic milk and cheese, guess again, Some dairy products labeled as organic or natural may not really be natural or organic. Read more on mislabeling and how to make yourself more aware of what the labels really mean.

Link here for Farm Sanctuary's Report "Truth Behind the Labeling" (link here for report). You can view a summary report or a full page report on what these labels really mean.

If you have not done so yet, switch to a plant based diet to receive all the nutrients and antioxidants you need to prevent, treat, and cure many illnesses and diseases. Stop dealing with the middleman (meat, poultry, fish industries), and go to the source (plant based diet) for optimum health and well being.

In return, by eating a plant based diet as a vegan or vegetarian, you make the positive changes:
1. You contribute to the stoppage of farm animal cruelty
2. You contribute to the repair of the environment. Think of my "water wastage" post dated 9-28-11(link here for post) where I indicated that it takes 5000+ gallons of water to make 1 lb of beef. What about the toxic gases emitted in the air from factory farming?
3. You fight for social justice - stoppage of slave labor in other countries with factories
4. Last, but not least, you contribute to your overall long-term health and well-being.

What are you waiting for?
Are you still being a drama queen or king?
Get out of your own way, and STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF.
Make the change NOW to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Do it for you.
Do it for your children.
Do it for your family.
Do it for the farm animals, the environment, and social justice.
Just do it and don't turn back.

Fight the drama today! WE ARE INA REVOLUTION! ARE YOU READY FOR A REVOLUTION?

Sister's Wednesday Quick Tip of The Day: How you can stop wasting our natural resources and feed the world!

2011-09-28T05:02:00.003-04:00

Do you know that it takes 5000 + gallons of water to make 1 lb of beef , and it only takes 24 gallons of water to grow 1 lb of potatoes? Potatoes have far more health benefits and heals the body than meat. Potatoes can provide antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber (link here for potatoes nutrient information from whfoods.com)

Did you know that 80% of our corn is used to feed farm animals when 80% of the starving population can be fed with corn? Stop Factory Farming Now!

Become a vegan and save your life, animals lives, and save the environment.

Everything is related, even if you came to veganism or vegetarianism for health reasons. Everything is related. What you eat affects the environment.

Take a stand now for your health, the environment, for animal rights!

Read more about Factory Farming via Farm Sanctuary's website (link here). Farm Sanctuary is celebrating 25 years of saving animals, the environment, and healing people through a plant based lifestyle

Sister V's Tuesday Quick Tip of The Day: KALE VS MEAT...AND, THE WINNER IS....

2011-09-27T04:40:00.005-04:00

IN THE BOXING RING WE HAVE

KALE VS MEAT .... AND THE WINNER IS KALE! IT'S A KNOCK OUT FIGHT!

Kale has 14 times more iron per calorie than a regular serving size of steak. What's a regular serving size of steak? In the US, a regular serving size of steak is 16oz (that's 1 lb of meat!) or 12oz for a moderate serving .

Kale has more and better quality protein than milk, cheese, and beef! Consequently, as I and always always indicated, you receive enough and sufficient protein from wholefoods!

Kale is a better source of calcium than dairy

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister V's Article in Online Running Magazine "Black Girls Run"

2011-09-25T13:25:00.006-04:00

I was asked by the online running magazine, Black Girls Run, to do a guest post on "Being Black and Vegan." Black Girls Run has posted that article which is getting positive rave reviews :)

Link here for my article on Black Girls Run entitled "Being Black and Vegan".

Link here for Black Girls Run Facebook Page and to read the reviews on my article.

Link here to learn about Black Girls Run online Magazine

~ Donna Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Reader's Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 9-25-11 Update

2011-09-25T12:58:00.003-04:00

Read Battzi's 9/25/11 Update on her over 2 week Fasting and the influence of the documentary "Forks Over Knives." Click here for Battzi's update

Late To The Revolution!!

2011-09-24T18:27:00.007-04:00

Above picture is the "Late To The Revolution" Logo
A Big Shout Out and THANK YOU to Late To The Revolution. Late To The Revolution is a vegan group who designs home-made, vegan t-shirts with powerful-activist statements as well as other products in support of veganism, animal rights, and social justice. I purchased my vegan t-shirt from Late To The Revolution for my upcoming speech at the Open Cage Alliance Oct 9th Baltimore, MD/Dc Area VegFest (click here for event). The t-shirt is beyond what I expected. It's soft, fits my curves perfectly, and the vegan activist statement is exactly what I'm feeling in this Healthy-Vegan-Animal Rights-Social Justice-Environmental Revolution that we are in! It is our duty to spread the word as vegans and vegetarians!

See what Late To the Revolution is doing to promote veganism in the community!

Late To The Revolution Etsy Store: click here

Late to The Revolution blog Vegangelical: Click here

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Quick Friday Tip of The Day: GET INSPIRED AND COOK LIKE A CHEF!!

2011-09-23T04:58:00.003-04:00

Get inspired! Your local farmers market can provide creative, quick, and inexpensive meals that looks like a professional chef just prepared your family's meal.

Below is a recap some of the vegan meals that I prepared from my Farmer's Market shopping trip, and blog post of $25 and 2 weeks of Farmer's Market produce. Check out my recipe page at Sister V's Recipe Page to prepare these quick meals in your home.

1. Heirloom Tomatoes diced on crusty Italian bread with fresh parley , garlic, and olive oil
2. Sweet Potato Tortilla Wrap with Blue Corn Chips
3. Butternut Squash-Pear Soup with crusty Italian bread drizzled with olive oil
4. Vegan Heirloom Pizza and Vegan Home-made Pizza Crust with a side dipping of pasta sauce

~ Sister Vegetarian

Farmer's Market Vegan Flat-Bread Pizza with Home-Made Vegan Garlic-Basil Pizza Dough

2011-09-21T20:18:00.004-04:00

New Sister V Recipe:This is a satisfying Farmer's Market Vegan Heirloom Pizza made from a vegan home-made pizza crust. This pizza recipe is another vegan meal from my Saturday's $25 of 2 weeks of groceries Farmer's Market Shopping Trip . Link here for my recipe

Farmer's Market Butternut Squash-Pear Vegan Soup Recipe that uses 2 TBSP of Date Paste from yesterday's Date Paste Recipe

2011-09-20T18:15:00.002-04:00

Sister V's New Recipe: I just posted on the Sister V Recipe Page my Farmer's Market Butternut Squash-Pear Vegan Soup Recipe that uses 2 TBSP of Date Paste from yesterday's Date Paste Recipe.

Support your local farmer! Many farmers do use organic or environmental farming methods, but cannot afford the costly organic labeling fees. Supporting your local farmer is one way to fight against GMOS!

Link here for the recipe which also makes a great Vegan Thanksgiving accompaniment to a Vegan Thanksgiving!

Date Paste Recipe (a raw vegan recipe to use in place of agave, sugar, honey, or maple syrup)

2011-09-19T19:59:00.002-04:00

Click here to link to Sister's Recipe Section for a naturally cinnamon and caramel tasting Date Paste which can be used in your tea, coffee, or any recipe calling for sweeteners.

Update! There is a Right To Know March on DC ...people are marching to stand up against GMOs, Monsanto, and other food atrocities!

2011-09-18T23:09:00.004-04:00

Link here for details of a Right To Know March starting from NYC to DC starting Oct 1 and ending Oct 16 at the White House. The March is against GMOS (Genetically Modified Organisms in our Foods), Monsanto, and other companies damaging our food system. There is a sign up on the website. It's about time! We are standing up for our right to eat healthy foods! We will stand and be counted in this Food and Health Revolution!
~ Sister Vegetarian

Do you know what angers me? MONSANTO!! Guess who has been placed in charged of our food supply?

2011-09-18T13:28:00.015-04:00

I AM MAD!

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THE CRAP IN OUR FOOD SYSTEM.

THAT IS WHY I BECAME A VEGAN!

In an article by Jeffrey Smith at Huff Post Green, Jeffrey Smith states that "The person who may be responsible for more food-related illness and death than anyone in history has just been made the US food safety czar. This is no joke."

Guess who President Obama has appointed to head our food supply? Monsanto!

Obama has placed Monsanto to be in charge of all food and farms in the US by making Michael Taylor, Monsanto VP, head of the FDA Food Safety Division. If you are not familiar with Monsanto, then you should be! Monsanto created Agent Orange, and the illness affiliated additives MSG and ASPARTAME/NutraSweet ! They are also responsible for the genetically modified foods being consumed in the form of meat, dairy, chicken, fish, eggs, breads, processed foods, and non-organic vegetables and fruit!

I became a vegan for health reasons, but I ended up learning and educating myself about what was making me and other's sick. What cured me of consistent illnesses? A whole foods, especially organic whole foods based vegan lifestyle. A vegetarian and more so vegan lifestyle can save your life. As a vegetarian or vegan, you make a statement to the government that in the words of Civil Rights Activist Fannie Lou Hamer, "We are sick and tired of being sick and tired!" We are sick and tired of our foods being messed with through genetically modified technology.

In becoming healthy through veganism...I have become an activist for change...because I am just DARN MAD and sick and tired of the crap being perpetrated by the government into our food system.

If you are still a meat eater, or a vegan or vegetarian who think environmentalism, animal rights, and social justice is not your cup of tea. ...think again!

If you are still a meat eater who thinks you are okay with your meat, chicken, fish, or dairy...which may happen to be genetically altered and of course always injected with antibiotics, drugs, and lets not talk about the animals being fed waste poop, and other craps where many have heart attacks, cancers, and other diseases before they make it to your plate...think again...this concerns you the most!!

If you are a vegan or vegetarian who think and you are okay just eating healthy...think again. What you think you may be eating as healthy, may be influenced with genetically modified technology thanks to Monsanto.

Take a stand right now! STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!

Even if you still eat meat, fish, or poultry! Take a stand!

You will not stand by and watch the atrocities being perpetrated on our food system!

Say NO! I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!

Stand up by reading the ingredients of what you purchase. Educate yourself through books, videos, blogs, websites, newspapers...

Stand up by becoming a vegetarian or vegan.

Stand up by passing my post and the accompany article links below to others.

This situation affects all of us whether you are a meat eater, vegetarian, or vegan.

Participate in the Right 2 Know March on Washington. Link here for details of a Right To Know March starting from NYC to DC starting Oct 1 and ending Oct 16 at the White House. The March is against GMOS (Genetically Modified Organisms in our Foods), Monsanto, and other companies damaging our food system. There is a sign up on the website. It's about time! We are standing up for our right to eat healthy foods! We will stand and be counted in this Food and Health Revolution!

Stand and be counted. I said it before and I'm saying it again.

We are in a food revolution.

Health Insurance starts with what we place in our mouths FIRST! Health insurance does not start with what the government wants to put into place within the health care industry. Health insurance starts with stopping Monsanto from controlling our food supplies!

Read the atrocities that are being perpetrated by the government to our food supply:

Read Jeffrey Smith's article at Huff Post Green entitled "You're Appointing Who? Please Obama, Say It's Not So! "

Read Food Freedom's article by Yumo Dood entitled "Monsanto’s FDA Goes After the Country’s Only Safe Milk" (click here)

Read Natural News article by Ethan Huff entitled "Monsanto pesticide found to infect plants with AIDS-like disease" (click here)

STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!

Repeat after me ...I AM MAD AND I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!
You ask me, "How do I take a stand for my food rights...to eat healthy?"

My answer: Become a vegan or vegetarian. If you are already a vegan or vegetarian, become an outspoken vegan or vegetarian. Teach and educate others. Let your voice be heard!

~ Donna Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Reader's Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 9-18-11 Update on her week long Fasting

2011-09-18T13:09:00.002-04:00

Read Battzi's Weekly Update on her week long fasting: click here

Did you hear? Say what? Read what vegetarian and naturopathy experts are saying about Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living

2011-09-14T14:36:00.008-04:00

DID YOU HEAR THAT?

SAY WHAT?

Link to Lantern Book's website to read vegetarian and naturopathy expert reviews of my book, Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living (click here for reviews).

Read reviews by the following experts within the vegetarian and naturopathy community:

Martha Theus, author and founder of 21st Century Vegetarians

Chef Iccha Ra, The Reluctant Vegetarian

Dr. Turshá Hamilton, NMD, Naturopathic Physician

Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living is my motivational and inspirational book for and about you in leading a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

I would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to my Sister V Blog Readers, Sister V Website Fans, Sister V Facebook Fans, Sister V Twitter Fans, Family, Friends, and Friends of Friends who have already pre-ordered, and will be pre-ordering through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble online. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This book is for you with its motivational and inspirational messages, and vegan and vegetarian recipes. I am your sister confidant, lifestyle coach, motivator, and more in this book. It was written for you and about you! THANK YOU FOR pre-ordering!

If you have not done so already, please pre-order via the links below. Lantern Books's Website also includes a sample chapter and table of contents at their website link below.

In addition, don't forget that I will be speaking in a couple of weeks on Oct 9th at the Baltimore, MD/DC area VegFest. My speaking time will be 12:50 PM: click here for details of the event.

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK NOW
VIA AMAZON: CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER
VIA BARNES AND NOBLE: CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

Are you curious to find out what's inside Sister Vegetarian's upcoming book "Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living"? Link to Lantern Books (click here) for the following samples of Sister's Book
Content:
1 - Table of Contents
2 - How to Use This Book as a Daily Guide
3 - Day 1: Victory

~ Sister Vegetarian

THANK YOU FOR PRE-ORDERING Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living!

2011-09-13T11:00:00.008-04:00

I would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to my Sister V Blog Readers, Sister V Website Fans, Sister V Facebook Fans, Sister V Twitter Fans, Family, Friends, and Friends of Friends! I received news from Lantern Books that my motivational book, Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama Free Living, has many anxious readers who have already pre-ordered through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble online. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This book is for you with its motivational and inspirational messages, and vegan and vegetarian recipes. I am your sister confidant, lifestyle coach, motivator, and more in this book. It was written for you and about you! THANK YOU FOR pre-ordering!

If you have not done so already, please pre-order via the links below. Lantern Books's Website also includes a sample chapter and table of contents at their website link below.

In addition, don't forget that I will be speaking in a couple of weeks on Oct 9th at the Baltimore, MD/DC area VegFest. My speaking time will be 12:50 PM: click here for details of the event.

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK NOW
VIA AMAZON: CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER
VIA BARNES AND NOBLE: CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

Are you curious to find out what's inside Sister Vegetarian's upcoming book "Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living"? Link to Lantern Books (click here) for the following samples of Sister's Book
Content:
1 - Table of Contents
2 - How to Use This Book as a Daily Guide
3 - Day 1: Victory

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Reader's Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 9-12-11 Update on "Fasting"

2011-09-12T17:21:00.002-04:00

Read Battzi's 9-12-11 Update on Fasting to come back to oneself...to "Be" One with nature, the universe, and yourself: click here for post

Sister's Monday Quick Tip of The Day: Sweet Potato Tortilla Wrap from my Saturday's $25 Farmer's Market Day

2011-09-11T22:24:00.006-04:00

One of the meals that I made from my Saturday's trip to my local Farmer's Market (read Saturday's article here about $25 of produce for almost 2 weeks of produce) was a sweet potato tortilla. This recipe is from the Color Me Vegan cookbook by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. It was a quick recipe of 20 minute steamed 2 medium sweet potatoes, saute onions and sweet peppers, and seasonings of diced garlic and jalapeno pepper. I placed the sweet potato filling in a tortilla, rolled the tortilla, and topped it with vegan sour cream, salsa, and chopped turnip greens. I also served organic vegan blue tortilla chips on the side. I purchased my sweet potatoes, jalapeno peppers, and turnip greens from my Saturday farmer's market trip.

This is one of the best non-bean version tortilla or taco fillings I have ever tested! The recipe provided 3-4 servings.

Who says you can't eat vegan on a budget!

~ Sister Vegetarian

VEGAN BUDGET: $25 and 2 weeks of produce at my farmer's market shopping trip: A SHOUT OUT TO MY FAVORITE FARMERS MARKET FARMER OF THE WEEK: COX FARMS!

2011-09-10T14:40:00.009-04:00

This morning my husband and I visited our local Raleigh, NC Farmer's Market. It's one of the largest farmer's market within the NC Agricultural Building.

I usually purchase my farmers market produce from Wise Farms (click here for Wise Farms) as I have given awesome kudos to Wise Farms in past recipe posts.

SISTER V'S TROPHY AWARD: I must give a Sister V "YOU ROCK AND ARE AWESOME!" SHOUT OUT TO COX FARMS(click here for Cox Farms website and some vegan and vegetarian recipes). The majority of my farmers market purchases today were from Cox Farms!

Cox Farms is a husband and wife small farm who value their employees as family-which shows in the delicious, sweet and beautifully flavored and colored vegetables this family sells daily at the local farmer's market. Just a little about our Raleigh, NC Farmers Market : many chefs of sole-owned restaurants in the surrounding area towns shop at the market's market weekly, if not daily, because they know local, fresh produce means bringing quality to patrons.

Who says you can't shop on a budget! I purchased today for only $25 and approximately 2 weeks worth of the following whole foods: deliciously sweet green tomatoes that I already sliced for lunch and served with Italian crusty bread and olive oil with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio White Wine on the side; red tomatoes; acorn squash; butternut squash; sweet potatoes; cabbage; cubanelle peppers; Serrano peppers; a bushel of small variety hot peppers; greens; heirloom tomatoes, heirloom, eggplant and heirloom zucchinis (yes, that's right heirloom zucchhnis and eggplants). Since I received 2 weeks worth of produce today for only $25, I'll freeze what I know that I will not be able to cook for the upcoming week.

Who says you can't eat healthy and inexpensively as a vegan or vegetarian! I could just eat what I purchased today without doing anymore grocery shopping for the week! Compare my farmers market bill to those still eating meat! A BIG DIFFERENCE as far as quality, fresh, healthy meals and more money in my purse!

Thank you Cox Farms! You made today's farmer's market experience the same wonderful, enjoyable trip that I love and always look forward to!

Support your local farmers. They may not label the produce as organic, but many do grow their crops as organic- they just can't afford the government's expensive certification to say it's organic! Or, if not organic, they do try to use environmentally friendly methods for growing produce. Buy local. Buy from your local farmer. THANK YOU COX FARMS! YOU ROCK! Cox Farms receives the AWESOME AWARD FROM SISTER V THIS WEEK!

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Friday Thoughts of The Day: We have no choice but to come full circle-everything is connected

2011-09-08T19:52:00.005-04:00

SISTER V'S THOUGHTS:

Whether you initially became a vegan or vegetarian for health reasons as I did, or came to this lifestyle first for animal rights and environmentalism - everything comes full circle. I became more involved with animal rights activism as in my February 2011 protest against Ringling Brothers Circus and my March for Animal Rights that same week. If you came to veganism or vegetarianism for animal rights and environmentalism, you end up becoming more knowledgeable about the health benefits of these lifestyles. We are all a family in this vegan and vegetarian lifestyle. As we live as vegans and vegetarians...this beautiful lifestyle...we grow and become more knowledgeable. We use this advancement in knowledge acquired through reading, videos, forums, blogs, vegfests, and sharing of information with friends and strangers to advance ourselves in truth and understanding; to teach and motivate others; and, to become the protectors of the earth, environment, and abused animals. I will be spreading the word of vegan and vegetarian health benefits and animal rights activism in a few weeks at the Baltimore, MD VegFest. I will be speaking at the Oct 9th Baltimore, MD VegFest sponsored by Open The Cage Alliance. I will speak on veganism and animal rights activism (click here for details)

If you have not done so already, read John Robbins 1987 infamous book, Diet for A New America. John Robbins was suppose to be the heir to the Baskins Robbins empire; but, he declined his father's offer and monetary support to live as a vegan and vegan activist. John continues to teach others about the importance of a vegan lifestyle for one's health and is an international spokesperson within the realm of animal rights activism. Diet for A New America has brought many to veganism and vegetarianism for over 20 years. John and his wife lived on $600 a year, and ate from what they grew themselves for a couple of years after he declined to take over the family ice cream business due to his awareness of the correlation between food and health. Want more knowledge? Listen to John Robbins' March 2009 interview on Vegan Radio (click here)

If you were inspired by my February 9, 2011 animal rights activism against Ringling Brothers Circus and my February 12, 2011 March for Animal Rights, then view a video from PETA about Cloris Leachman's animal rights activism against Ringling Brothers Circus (click here)

Even if you came to veganism or vegetarianism for health reasons, eventually you will realize that everything is connected and become an activist yourself overnight. It just happens when you're sick and tired of being sick and tired. By supporting animal rights, you realize how the abuse and mistreatment of animals have a correlation to the diseases of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, flu viruses, and more that are prevalent and still on the rise.

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Thursday Quick Tip of The Day: Avocados can lower cholesterol?

2011-09-07T20:10:00.007-04:00

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Avocado Facts:

- Avocados are the good fat!
-Avocados have 60% more potassium than bananas
-Avocados are excellent sources of Vitamins C and E
-Avocados have 4 times the amount of a phytosterol called Beta-Sitosterol than common fruits and double the amount than whole foods. Beta-Sitosterol reduces blood cholesterol levels
-Avocados are rich in antioxidants to prevent certain types of cancer and heart disease

Reference: Becoming vegan: the complete guide to adopting a healthy plant-based diet by Brenda Davis, R.D. and Vesanto Melina, M. Sc., R.D

Sister's Wednesday Quick Tip of The Day: Sources of Calcium without the dairy

2011-09-06T20:32:00.003-04:00

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Who needs dairy to acquire calcium? The truth is, we do not need dairy products for calcium. The protein present in dairy products can actually make our bodies more acidic and draw calcium from our bones, thus depleting our calcium source. Let's not forget the inhumane treatment to dairy animals.

Below are non-dairy and calcium rich alternatives for acquiring our calcium:

beans (black beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, navy beans, soybeans)
lentils
tofu
Raw broccoli
bean sprouts
collard greens
kale
turnip greens
seaweed
Nuts (almonds, cashews, pine nuts)
Tahini
Seeds (Flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
Fruit (apples, bananas, cantaloupe, figs)
oatmeal
quinoa
brown rice
sweet potatoes
raw carrots
fortified non dairy milks (almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, rice milk)

even more vegan foods than listed above !! Source: Becoming vegan: the complete guide to adopting a healthy plant-based diet by Brenda Davis, R.D. and Vesanto Melina, M. Sc., R.D

Sister's Tuesday Quick Tip of The Day: 1 minute raw vegan jam recipe makes 3 in all for healthy and inexpensive eating

2011-09-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

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This is the third jam recipe for you to choose from in making a healthy alternative to store bought jams. The cost to make these jams are also cheaper than store bought versions. No preservatives and corn syrup that you would see listed in store bought jams label ingredients.

You do not need to be a raw vegan to enjoy this recipe. I love all three jam recipes that I have given you thus far; but, hands down, the recipe below which uses dates and strawberries is my favorite.

To recap the past vegan jam recipes:

1. Vegan Strawberry Jam with home-made British Style Scones

2. Raw Vegan Strawberry Jam

3. 1 minute Raw Vegan Jam Recipe with Dates(recipe below)

1 Minute Raw Vegan Jam Recipe with Dates ** Sister's Favorite, BUT ALL 3 all delicious!

Makes 1 16oz jar of jam

Time: 1 minute to process

Cost: approximately $3.00

Ingredients:

1 lb strawberries, clean, cut off stems

6 dates, de-seeded

zest from 1 lemon

Directions:

1. Place strawberries in food processor and process for about 30seconds. Just until its slightly chopped

2. Add dates and zest, process for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. The jam should be between slightly smooth but with slightly rough chops of strawberries

3. Place in mason jar or reusable glass jar ( I like to reuse my glass Tahini jars which makes a nice 16oz size for the jam). Serve immediately or refrigerate.My jam keeps for 2 weeks, refrigerated

~ Sister Vegetarian

Vegan Hurricane Food Preparedness List by Sister Vegetarian (based on my survival skills as a backpacker)

2011-09-04T13:22:00.020-04:00

In continuation of my 8/26/11 post on preparing for a hurricane as a vegan or vegetarian, and protecting our pets, one of Sister's Blog Readers asked me to post a food hurricane preparedness list for vegans. I love requests from readers to inspire others. The list is based on my experiences in surviving in situations as a backpacker without electricity and limited water. I have also had power outages for as long as a week in my own home due to hurricanes and severe snow storms.

To formulate the list, I used some of my backpacking ideas and skills. Similar to hurricane and tornado preparedness skills, preparing for a backpacking trip is basically, the incorporation of survival skills over 1 day to longer periods of time of even a month or more (for those during backpacking trips such as the Appalachian and the Pacific Crest Trail) where there is no electricity, limited water supply, and nothing available that you are use to having on a daily basis within your comfy, cozy home. When hurricanes and tornadoes strike that leave us without electricity, running water, and even in some cases within an emergency shelter, it is good to have some comforting vegan or vegetarian meals to help relieve stress, to keep your strength and energy up, and provide some peace of mind in the midst of a storm and its aftermath. Here is my list of vegan foods and items to have you ready for a hurricane or tornado. Although this list is vegan focused- this list also applies to vegetarians where non-dairy items during a hurricane with lost of power and no refrigeration is essential.

Tip: Being a backpacker, my husband and I always have our individual backpack ready for spur of the moment backpacking trips with emergency items, 3 backpacking cooking pots (these pots are small with a total weight of all three combined of less than 1 LB), tent, sleeping bag/sleeping mat and clothing that I will wear during the backpacking trip of usually a week or less. This is an international practice among all backpackers. The backpack is kept in our spare room as many backpackers, or garage. The only thing that needs to be added to our backpack the night or day before a trip is the food items. I suggest that although you may not backpack, try keeping for you and your family at all times individual backpacks (small to large size backpacks, your choice) filled with emergency essentials and a change or two of clothing in case of emergencies. For the food items listed, we always have some (if not all) the food items on hand to take backpacking and which also work well in emergency hurricane and tornado situations where loss of power and the inevitable emergency shelter may be your destination for the night(s).

Vegan Hurricane Preparedness List :

Essential Non-food items:

- ICE Card - an international index card or paper folded in your wallet with emergency numbers of people to call in case something happens to you and you are unconscious, or the worse. ICE is the international acronym for In Case of Emergency, call these people.

- First Aid Kit (always kept in my backpack and never leaves it, even if trips are months apart)

- Use your patio grill or a camping stove to cook, boil water, or reheat items

- Purchase camping cooking pots, and camping eating utensils that travel easily, and require inexpensive fuel at only $4.00 for a 16oz Coleman propane tank that fits many camping Coleman grills. Click here for my article on purchasing these grills for emergency hurricane situations

- Foil emergency blanket which reduces heat losses in a person's body. This was developed in 1964 by NASA (read more about the blanket). Approximate cost is $1.50 per individual pack - the pack fits in your purse with folded pack dimensions of approximately 3x5. These are also the blankets that you see marathon runners wearing after a race is completed. These can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Dicks Sporting Goods Store, REI, or any sports store.

- Waterproof matches, available at Walmart, Target, or any sports store

- Emergency Hand-Crank Radio. Many models include plug-ins to recharge your cell phone and includes built-in flashlights that last 2+ minutes after hand-cranking. Many stores tend to have these on sale from a basic hand crank radio of $9.00 to $60+. Available at Walmart, Target, or any sports store that specializes in camping.

- Flashlights (handheld). Some can attach to backpacks or have a strap that wraps around your wrist or attached to your pants.

- Dog or cat glow-in dark collar, or flashing red emergency lights device that attached to the dog collar to see your dog when lights are out on the streets. Another inexpensive camping tool found at Pet Stores, Walmart, Target, or sporting stores).

- Rechargeable and un-rechargeble batteries

- cell phone car recharger

-Pet supplies: ID intact on collar, collar, leash, food, water, bowls, medications, pet carry containers if normally used. Note: For backpacking, my dogs have collapsible bowls that wash easily in the washing machine and folds into my pocket. Found at Pet Stores, inexpensively.

-Personal documents (i.e. insurance papers) and necessary bills/account information in watertight container (try using a zip lock bag).

- Your medications and list of medications/allergies

- Heavier blanket kept in your vehicle at all times.

Emergency Food Items:

- Water. Use your BPA Free re-usable water containers. For emergencies only and backpacking trips, in addition to my re-usable drinking containers, I purchase a couple of 24 cases of bottled water. Our home is on well water, so if the power goes out (and, trust me it does often even during less severe storms), there is no drinking water through the taps until the power is restored.

- Teas or coffee (to keep warm, or just maintain your sanity in the midst of storms when the electricity goes out). Camping stoves come in handy in boiling water in 1 minute or less in the camping pots.

- canned chick peas, red beans, black beans, pinto beans, white beans - Make soups by just adding water heated on your camping stove. Make hummus - beans can be mashed with a fork to make a hummus spread with the addition of Tahini or organic peanut butter, lemon juice, and dry spices such as garlic, and parsley. Wrap beans in tortillas or fresh collards for a quick meal. Add to quinoa or bulghur for filling meals.

- lemon juice or lemons: makes a great deodorant; energizer and pick-me-ups when added to your water; add to canned beans for hummus; makes a quick salad dressing with just a squeeze on the raw greens you have on hand; makes a quick accompaniment to sliced apples when squeezed on top and prevents apples from turning quickly when sliced; antiseptic for cuts and mosquito bites; and other numerous ideas (click here)

- fresh fruits - no refrigeration needed in many cases for a while. Enjoy!

- fresh collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, beet greens, Swiss Chards - eat these as a salad once the power goes out for a quick, nutritious meal with loads of vitamins and anti-oxidants to keep you healthy during these stressful times. Add onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, hummus, canned beans (drained), and more. Enjoy this fulfilling meal over more than one day. Greens will not spoil as fast if you keep them in your refrigerator although the power has gone out.

- Frozen meals you cooked yourself, home-made, from a few days or weeks ago. Use the camping pots and camping grill to defrost these items, and enjoy a hot meal (remember, do not use camping grills indoors)

- homemade jams, vegan jams, or organic peanut butter on home-made bread or vegan bread are great for nutritious, quick breakfasts. Take it from a backpacker, peanut butter on bread for breakfast took me to long hikes to reach a 6700 ft summit in the wilderness.

- Organic peanut butter and/or organic Tahini

- vegan crackers - great for hummus and peanut butter sandwiches

- vegan flour tortillas (many do not require refrigeration after opening). Wrap a tortilla around canned beans (drained), fresh greens, squirt of lemon juice, tomatoes, onions, etc for quick lunches and dinners.

- nuts and raisins to eat individual as a snack or power-pack protein lunch if combined to make the backpacker's infamous GORP (Good Old fashion Raisins and Nuts)

- Quinoa or Bulghur- water can be heated on your camping stove for a quinoa or bulghur breakfast, side dish to a meal, or a meal itself by adding the canned beans to the quinoa or bulghur.

- Couscous - just add hot water and let it sit for a quick side dish, or meal with beans in 10 minutes. This is great is you are in a shelter! Ask for hot water and pour over the couscous. Let the couscous sit for 10 minutes or the directions time on the package.

- Fresh carrots stay a long time as a meal with hummus, peanut butter, or Tahini. Carrots have loads of Vitamin A and Antioxidants to keep you healthy!

-Cucumbers - try a cucumber sandwich on your favorite vegan bread. Just squeeze some lemon juice on the cucumbers and sprinkle with salt and pepper

- Dry herbs and spices are great to add flavor to unheated meals or meals cooked on the camping stove. A backpackers tip is to purchase a backpackers spice holder (holds 2 - 5 spices in a hand-held plastic container) for as little as $2.99 and add spices from your cabinet to take with you in case of an emergency.

- Make your own canned vegan food before an emergency hits to preserve the food you have in your refrigerator, and to sane money (read Battzi's 9/4/11 post on canning)

- TIP: As a backpacker, I open the canned beans, rinse, and drain at home before my trip. I place in individual zip lock bags and take with me on my backpacking trips. The zip lock bags weigh less than cans, and you have more room in your backpack for other essential food items.

- TIP: Backpackers have a secret. Many backpacking foods now carry vegan and organic vegan options. One backpacking company that specializes in vegan and vegetarian backpacking foods is Mary Jane's Farm. Just because it says "for backpacking", don't be put off. Just heat up water on your camping stove and add to the meals for an emergency breakfast, lunch, or dinner in many cases 10 minutes or less. The water is added to the insulated, recyclable package, so no extra pots or even plates are needed. Backpackers learn to be minimalists and one with nature as our motto is "leave no trace behind."

Last But Not Final Note on Emergency Vegan Preparedness: There are so many options as a vegan to prepare for a hurricane or tornado emergency. Many of our foods do not require refrigeration, or refrigeration for long periods of time as meat, chicken, fish, and dairy products. The options are limitless as a vegan or vegetarian using vegan meal options to prepare for emergency situations whether your power is lost at home, in the neighborhood, or you are forced to take shelter in an emergency shelter building or friends/family home. You will never be without a nutritious and power-packed meal!

- Donna M. Beaudoin "Sister Vegetarian"

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's ideas on canning your own food as vegetarians and vegans

2011-09-04T13:00:00.003-04:00

Read Battzi's 9/4/11 update and her ideas on returning to ways of our grandparents and great-grandparents by canning our own food: click here

Update on my Oct 9th Speech at the Baltimore, MD VegFest

2011-09-01T22:23:00.002-04:00

SPEAKER INFORMATION AT VEGFEST

Open The Cage Alliance (OTCA) has updated the official website of the Oct 9th Baltimore VegFest. Click here for speaker details where I will be one of the speakers for the event. Music and vendor information is also included at the official VegFest website. ~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Friday Quick Tip of The Day: Forks Over Knives is available for viewing through Netflix Streaming to your TV or Computer

2011-09-01T16:05:00.001-04:00

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If you have not seen the infamous life changing documentary Forks Over Knives as yet in your local movie theatre or you would like to see the movie again, Forks over Knives is available through Netflix's Online Streaming through your TV or computer; or, available by DVD. You can also purchase the companion book after viewing the movie.

Here's my 5/18/11 re-post on information about the documentary:

If you have not seen the new documentary, Forks Over Knives, which is also based on Dr. T. Colin Campbell (The China Study) and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn over 30 years of study on plant based diet, then please make this a MUST SEE! The movie supports what us vegetarians and vegans have known and why many of us switched to a plant based diet: a plant based lifestyle can prevent and reverse heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

Here's the movie's website link which includes states where the movie is being shown:click here

In addition, here is one of the participants in the documentary, SanDera Nation, whose diabetes was reversed and cured from a plant based diet: click here

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Thursday Quick Tip of The Day:Who needs fish for Omega 3?

2011-08-31T18:23:00.003-04:00

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Who needs fish! Did you know that flaxseeds, hempseeds, walnuts, and dark leafy vegetables are great, healthy sources of Omega 3s without the cholesterol and mercury that is present in fish?

Omega 3s are essential fatty acids essential to normal growth and health. Omega 3s provide anti-cancer and cardiovascular benefits.

Try adding 2 TBSP grounded flax seeds to your morning cereal (such, as oatmeal, Irish oats, or Muesli), or dark greens salads. Use in home-made veggie burgers, soups, chili, home-made bread, homemade raw vegan and vegan jams, and more!

Eat dark greens as salads, soups, chole palak (curry chick peas with spinach or dark greens), stuffings for wraps or use as your wrap, and more!

The options are limitless in acquiring Omega 3 without eating fish!
~ Sister Vegetarian

Disclaimer: Sister Vegetarian is a blog based on my vegetarian and vegan experiences and journey as well as others' experiences. I am not a medical, nutritionist, or exercise specialist; so, please consult your physician before starting any vegetarian and vegan lifestyle and exercise program.

Sister's Wednesday Quick Tip of The Day: Eating Disorders

2011-08-30T18:38:00.002-04:00

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Today's quick tip comes from Emma Taylor, employee at Accreditedonlinecolleges.com. Accreditedonlinecolleges.com recently published an informative and beneficial article about eating disorders in college students. This is an illness that also affects vegetarians and vegans and tends to stem from media and society's view and dictation of what the "perfect" body should look like in various stages of our lives.

The article by Accredited Online College is entitled, “11 Important Ways Colleges are Fighting Eating Disorders".

Even if you are not a college student, this illness is also present in adults. I say stop believing the media and society's view of the "perfect" body. Be proud of who and whom you are. Love yourself in all its glory, its curves, its complexions, and everything that you are. Love yourself for you. There is no greater love than the love you can give yourself first. Love yourself. Eat healthy as a vegetarian and vegan. Don't become a vegetarian or vegan junk-foodist, or a vegetarian or vegan who's scared to eat for fear of gaining weight. You are lovely. Just being you...you are loved.
~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Tuesday Quick Tip of The Day: List of whole foods with protein

2011-08-29T18:27:00.006-04:00

WHAT'S THE PROTEIN CONTENT ON MY PLATE?

Still wondering if you will consume a sufficient amount of protein if you switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle? Yes, you will! Meat eaters consume overly the amount of protein needed on a daily basis. This excessive amount of protein from meat sources may lead to many forms of cancer; heart disease; diabetes' osteoporosis; and, other illnesses, diseases, and symptoms (read "Organic Meats Are Not Health Food by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine). A vegetarian or vegan lifestyle will provide the sufficient amount of protein you need from sources that provide more nutrients than a meat-eating lifestyle.

Tired of the question from others or just your curiosity in deciding to switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, "Where does your protein come from as a vegetarian or vegan?"

Answer: From all the whole foods that we eat!

Every whole food has protein to supply our daily protein needs. Below is a list of some of the common whole foods we may eat on a daily basis as vegetarians and vegans, and their protein content.

Source: Becoming vegan: the complete guide to adopting a healthy plant-based diet by Brenda Davis, R.D. and Vesanto Melina, M. Sc., R.D

For a complete list of proteins in whole foods, refer to the Becoming Vegan book.

grams of protein based on 1 cup serving unless otherwise indicated:

Garbanzo/chick peas 14.5 grams
Lentils (cooked) 17.9 grams
Pinto Beans 14.0 grams
Tofu(1/2cup)19.9 grams
Veggie Burgers 11-13 grams
Apples 0.3 grams
Broccoli 2.6 grams
Turnips 0.8 grams
Carrots (raw) 0.7 grams
Kale 2.2 grams
Sweet potatoes 2.0 grams
Almonds 7.4 grams
Sunflower Seeds 8.0 grams
Tahini (3 TBSP) 8.1 grams
Flax Seeds (2 TBSP) 3.8 grams
Oats (1/2 cup) 3.0 grams
Quinoa (1/2 cup) 3.0 grams
Brown Rice (1/2 cup) 4.5 grams

~ Sister Vegetarian

Disclaimer: Sister Vegetarian is a blog based on my vegetarian and vegan experiences and journey as well as others' experiences. I am not a medical, nutritionist, or exercise specialist; so, please consult your physician before starting any vegetarianvegan lifestyle and exercise program.

If you still think you are healthy by eating organic meats, chicken, and fish-think again: Read "Organic Meats Are Not Health Foods" by The PCRM

2011-08-28T13:54:00.005-04:00

Here's an article entitled "Organic Meats Are Not Health Foods" by the Physicians Committe for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) on the importance of eating a plant-based diet. PCRM indicates that a plant based diet "...is the best medicine for promoting a healthy life." If you have not switched to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle as yet, don't you think it's time to take back your health? Prevention is the best medicine to fight illnesses an diseases, especially those you may consider are genetic. To paraphrase the infamous saying, "DNA may be the loaded gun but what we eat can either pull the trigger or stop the gun from being fired."

As I state over and over again, and I never tire of my infamous statement, "It is time that sicknesses and illnesses become a period, and not a continuous comma." Are you ready to live in the world, and not let the world live in you? Take a step today in the healthy direction of living a vegetarian or vegan life...even if it's a small step, initially...at least you made the first step. You next step will come easy. Then the next. Then the next...then you are on a mountain of joy singing praises and jumping for joy that you did not let illnesses or diseases become another statistic in your family.

You became the ANSWER and perhaps the solution.

Let vegetarianism or veganism be your cup of joy.

~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 8/27/11 Weekly Update - Battzi talks of the state of the world, planting gardens, GMOs,and more...

2011-08-27T10:49:00.003-04:00

Read Battzi's 8/27/11 Weekly Update as she speaks on the state of the world, planting gardens, GMOs, and more (read here)

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

2011-08-26T22:34:00.005-04:00

The Eastern states have been hit this week with a 5.9 Earthquake on Tuesday, and 2 aftershocks of 4.5 Thursday and Friday morning between 2-3:45 AM. I also felt the earthquake in NC and it moved my sofa a few inches.

We are now faced with Hurricane Irene tomorrow up and down the East Coast. I pray for your safety this weekend if you will be affected by the hurricane. Also, let's not forget preparation for the safety of our pets during this hurricane, especially if evacuation is needed.

PETA offers at the link below safety and evacuation tips for bearing a storm with your pets: Protecting your pet during a disaster

Additional information on protecting you and your family from the National Hurricane Center: Be Prepared

One thing about being a vegetarian or vegan if your power goes out is that vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and grains will not spoil as meat spoils during a power outage. Make sure you have vegetarian or vegan meals that can last without power for quick meals. Don't forget my idea about the use of camping stoves during power outages from my 8/4/11 daily quick tip (click here).

updated 9/4/11: Sister's Vegan Hurricane Food Preparedness List (click here)

Be safe. May you have a safe and blessed weekend.

~ Donna M. Beaudoin (Sister Vegetarian)

Sister's Friday Quick Tip of The Day: Most essential item for a Vegan or Vegetarian on a budget

2011-08-25T20:10:00.005-04:00

If you are a vegan or vegetarian on a budget, the most essential item I would recommend is a food processor. A food processor will save you money and time - steering you away from pre-packaged vegan and vegetarian foods and using whole foods to make various meals, sauces, spreads, and more! If money is an issue, there is no need to spend $200 - 400+ on a food processor. You can purchase a basic food processor for around $50 . What do I mean by a basic food processor? A food basic food processor is one that has one setting (chop only); however, you can determine the seconds or minutes if preferred for the chopping. A basic food processor will also include essential attachments of perhaps a food chute; slicer, mandolin, and dicer attachment all-in-one; and, a bread kneading attachment.

I love my food processor. It is my #1 kitchen essential. I use my food processor daily or every other day to make vegan soups, vegan raw soups, vegan nut cheeses, hummus, vegan spreads, vegan sauces, vegan jams, vegan dessert mouses, vegan pesto, and more!
~ Sister Vegetarian

Sister Vegetarian

Sister Vegetarian's Media Updates: Live on Radio and featured in Veg News Magazine!

*New Videos* View Sister Vegetarian's Vegan/Vegetarian Recent Class on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel:Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs & Ham" Vegan Style

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories and Opinions: Battzi's 2-12-12 Update

Sister's Next Video on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel and Readers Sharing Stories

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 1-30-12 Update

Donna's Tuscany Peasant Soup

Sister's Reader's Sharing Their Stories: A motivational and empowering update from Battzi!

3 Sister Vegetarian Vegetarian and Vegan Virtual Class Videos Now Available on Sister's You Tube Channel

INSPIRATIONAL message to help you in your vegetarian or vegan journey

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 1-8-12 update

A Vegan and A Love of Hockey...especially today's NHL Winter Classic Game

2012 Inspiration: Venus and Serena Williams go Vegan to start off 2012!!!

Start the New Year off with my book's Day 7 recipe: Celebration Black Eye Peas!

Thank you for a wonderful 2011!

What's in store for 2012 and Sister Vegetarian's readers!!

Listen to Lantern Books Publisher, Martin Rowe, talk about my Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living Book which is available now via www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, and www.LanternBooks.com

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 12/18/11 Update

Tips to transition before the start of Sister Vegetarian's Virtual Vegetarian and Vegan Classes

AVAILABLE NOW!!!

Order your copy now of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living via Amazon.com , http://www.lanternbooks.com/, or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ for delivery by Dec 24th!

HOW YOU ARE HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT: It Takes to produce 1 pound 23 gallons of water lettuce 25 gallons of water wheat 49 gallons of water apples 815 gallons of water chicken 1630 gallons of water pork 5214 gallons of water beef ` Sister Vegetarian

Black Expressions Book Club will make Sister Vegetarian's book their alternate book selection!

AVAILABLE NOW!! Get it by Dec 24th!!!! Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living is Available Now!

AVAILABLE NOW!!!

Order your copy now of Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living via Amazon.com for delivery by Dec 24th!

It's Here!!! Sister Vegetarian's 31 Days of Drama-Free Living is Now Available on Kindle!!

Flashback Wednesday for Drama-Free Vegetarian and Vegan Living

Sister Vegetarian's Book Release Info & Classes Coming To You!!!

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 11-27-11 Update

The virtual classes will be starting soon on Sister Vegetarian's TV!

Sister V's Vegan and VegetarianThanksgiving Menu and Ideas for Your Own Vegetarian Menu

Noble Cause: YOU!

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 11-15-11 Weekly Update

INSPIRE!! Tuesday's Inspiration: Mending The Soul

Tonight's Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe comes from Food & Wine Magazine

A Drama-Free 60 cents a day Work-Lunch prepared on Sunday to keep you warm and toasty all week long

Superhero Spirituality: 7 Life Lessons from Great Comic Book Teachers

Hip Hop and Veganism

Inspiration for a Drama-Free Vegan or Vegetarian Tuesday!

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 11-7-11 Weekly Update

Sunday Football Day as a vegan...Roller Derby...comic books and action figures...and more

Sister Vegetarian at the NC Comicon (Comic Book Convention)

These vegan police people are not paying your utilities and bills - you are working hard to pay your bills and you know where you are going!

Thursday is your encouragement day to live drama-free: How to order vegetarian or vegan in a non-vegetarian/vegan restaurant

Claiming a victory in your health!

Sister Vegetarian's Speech at The National Conference to End Factory Farming

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's Weekly Update

Reminder - Sign up for Sister Vegetarian's Vegan and Vegetarian Classes

Kick-start Your Monday! 57 Health Benefits of Going Vegan

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's talks about stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new foods...such as parsnips? Read on...

Read how you contribute to the world's water supply as a vegetarian or vegan.YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AS AN INDIVIDUAL!CLAIM YOUR VICTORY THIS WEEKEND

Vegetarian and Vegan Classes by Sister Vegetarian

Thursday is YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT DAY! Vegan and Vegetarian Nutritional Myths Debunked

Wednesday is your VICTORY DAY: Cara's story on how she changed her life through a vegetarian lifestyle

Today is your Inspirational Day! Dealing with the "haters", "vegan police", and more!

I will be speaking at Farm Sanctuary's National Conference To End Factory Farming

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories:Battzi's 10-16-11 Update - Battzi talks about our part as vegetarians and vegans in using our natural resources

If you missed it...replay of my Vegan "Victory" Speech at the Baltimore, MD VegFest!

Friday is Your Day to be a Free-Spirit: Suggestions for creative-inexpensive meals

Wednesday is your Victory Day! View my "Victory" Speech at the Baltimore, MD VegFest

Thursday is YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT DAY! How to avoid meat cravings

Thank you Baltimore, MD for a great VegFest!

Sister's Reader's Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 10-9-11 Update - Battzi discusses purchasing local produce to stay within your food budget

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!

Thank you to TJ Goode of Paul's Barbershop for my haircut and styling me for my Baltimore speech!

I will be speaking at the Oct 9th Baltimore, MD VegFest - I will deliver an empowering and motivating speech for all!

Thursday is Encouragement Day! What happens at one day and one month of becoming a vegetarian or vegan? Can you solve global issues?

Wednesday is your Vegan or Vegetarian VICTORY DAY ! A Message of Victory and Hope from Tashi S. Winston

Sister V's Tuesday Quick Tip of The Day: Only 6% of total daily calories are needed from protein

Are YOU Ready for a Revolutionary Change? The statistics and how you can make a difference

Sister's Readers Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 10-2-11 update

Sister's Friday Quick Tip of The Day: Waste Not, Want Not: Why are you throwing away your juice pulp?

Sister's Thursday Quick Tip for The Day: Fight the drama today! WE ARE INA REVOLUTION! ARE YOU READY FOR A HEALTHY REVOLUTION?

Sister's Wednesday Quick Tip of The Day: How you can stop wasting our natural resources and feed the world!

Sister V's Tuesday Quick Tip of The Day: KALE VS MEAT...AND, THE WINNER IS....

Sister V's Article in Online Running Magazine "Black Girls Run"

Sister's Reader's Sharing Their Stories: Battzi's 9-25-11 Update

Late To The Revolution!!

Sister's Quick Friday Tip of The Day: GET INSPIRED AND COOK LIKE A CHEF!!

New Videos View Sister Vegetarian's Vegan/Vegetarian Recent Class on Sister Vegetarian's You Tube Channel:Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs & Ham" Vegan Style

HOW YOU ARE HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT:

It Takes to produce 1 pound
23 gallons of water lettuce
25 gallons of water wheat
49 gallons of water apples
815 gallons of water chicken
1630 gallons of water pork
5214 gallons of water beef

` Sister Vegetarian