The Incredible Soy Curls

The Incredible Soy Curl

 

We have been eating plant-based since 2008, and for some unbeknownst reason, have never heard of soy curls!!  In some Whole Foods they offer a vegan General TSO  Chickin' in the prepared foods.  It seems that it is getting harder to find in most of their stores, which is sad, because it is delicious.

Kris and I have tried to replicate it numerous times, but to know avail.

UNTIL NOW!!

I regularly watch a Youtube channel called "The Narddog Cooks" https://www.youtube.com/@thenarddogcooks

No this isn't Andy Barnard from "The Office", but he shares the same name! He introduced us to Soy Curls and it hasn't been the same. Andrew shares some of the easiest and most nutritious recipes, all the while in a most relaxing setting. He is truly the best presenter I have come across.

His Chickin' Noodle Soup is awesome and made with Soy Curls.

Butler Foods is one of the most known producers of Soy Curls. Curls are Non-GMO soy beans, high in protein, fiber and are grown without chemicals and pesticides.

Here's our easy 4 ingredient recipe for General Tso Chickin': 

Pre-soak Dry Soy Curls in filtered water for 10 minutes.

Dry soy curls with a paper towel.

then brown them in a med-heat skillet until curls begin to firm.

Season with Adobo All-purpose seasoning.( we use Goya)

Add 2-3 tbs. of Tamari or Coconut Amino Acids to darken the curls.

Add 2-4 tbs. of Trader Joe's General Tsao stir fry sauce to taste.

Serve over Brown rice, Quinoa or choice of noodles, adding vegetables of your choice.

Hope you enjoy!

Be kind.

Judd

Andrew Bernard | The Nard Dog Cooks@thenarddogcooks

Lemons, "A Great Morning Ritual"

 

Lemons

A Great Morning Ritual

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, choices that we make regarding our daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down. Ayurveda invites us to get a jump-start on the day by focusing on morning rituals that work to align the body with nature's rhythms.  Once we begin to get into a good morning ritual and begin to see results, we start to wonder why we didn't start doing it earlier.

I start every day with Oil pulling. I use organic unrefined coconut oil and the process attracts and removes bacteria and toxins that accumulate in your mouth and throat overnight. It also pulls mucus and congestion from your sinuses. Coconut oil also helps in whitening your teeth! 

But, if you can only make time for one ritual that will improve your health, let it be this...

Start your day with a cup of warm water and the juice of half a lemon.

The benefits are amazing:

1- It boosts your immune system: lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium.

Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and flu, and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function, and helps control nerve function.

2- It Balances pH: lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, although very acidic on there on, when metabolized they are alkaline. An alkaline body is the key to good health.

3- Aids in digestion: warm water stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and the lemons (high in minerals and vitamins) help loosen toxins.

4- Gentle natural diuretic:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

5- Clears skin: Lemon water purges toxins from the blood and Vitamin C decreases winkles and blemishes.

6- Helps with weight loss: Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings.

7- Hydrates the lymph system: This starts your day on a hydrated note. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration! (from an article by Ashley Dentino on www.mindbodygreen.com/

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

New Year Quotes

Happy New Year 

GOODBYE 2020!

As we start off the new year, let us be grateful that we have made it to see 2020 go away!

It has been a very crazy year and if we all work together 2021 will be a time of healthy regrowth. 

Here is my list of great quotes and thoughts from throughout the ages that might help you start the New Year with a mindful outlook.

Have more friends!

"Energy makes people beautiful" says Jack LaLanne "You don't want to be close to someone who's dead and crapped out all the time, who's bitching that it's a lousy fucking world and "Christ, my ulcers are killing me."

"Look well into thyself, there is always a source of strength which will always spring up if you wilt always look there." Marcus Aurelius

"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." Confucius

"You have power over your mind...not over outside events.  Realize this and you will find strength." Marcus Aurelius

"Find a place inside where there's joy and the joy will burn out the pain."  Joseph Campbell 

"Your health account, your bank account, they are the same thing.  The more you put in, the more you can take out. Exercise is king and nutrition is queen. Together you have a kingdom."  Jack LaLanne 

"Learning never exhausts the mind."  Leonardo da Vinci

"Confine yourself to the present."  Marcus Aurelius

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."  Thucydides

"A man's health can be judged by which he takes two at a time.. pills or stairs" "Always take the stairs, all day everyday." Joan Welsh

"The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak, became a stepping stone in the pathway of the strong."  Thomas Carlyle

"Know your True North, if you don't know where you are going, you're never going to get there."  Joe DeSena

"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best, work together, finish together."  Epictetus

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought."  Buddha

"Everybody wants to hangout at the finish line, without running the race."  Gary Vee

"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today."

"Stay positive, forgive others, invest in yourself, lead with an open heart, don't let others ruin your day, do things that bring you joy, be of service to humanity. find your soul tribe, LOVE yourself."  Lewis Howes

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them"  Albert Einstein

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."  Lao Tzu

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." Marcus Aurelius

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."  Confucius

"The devil whispered in my ear, you are not strong enough for the storm. I told the devil, I AM THE STORM."

"Under the sky, under the heavens, there is but one family."  Bruce Lee

"It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials."  Bruce Lee

"The successful warrior is just an average man with laser-like focus."  Bruce Lee

"It is not about being perfect, it's about being the best you at the moment. Allow yourself to listen inwardly, pause to hear your own wisdom." 

"Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded  thoughts."  Buddha

"Boldness calls on your willingness to let go of what you have in order to create something you dream of."

"It's not about what happens, it's about your reaction to what happens that matters."

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."  Winston Churchill

"Make sure your worst enemy doesn't live between your own two ears."  Laird Hamilton

"Never cease to act because you fear you may fail."  Queen Lili'uokalani

"Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself."  Marcus Aurelius

"Ask yourself at every moment, Is this necessary?"  Marcus Aurelius

"Be honest, have empathy, work hard and have fun."  Laird Hamilton

"The ocean is full of treasures, but if you swim on the surface, you won't see them all"  Jay Shetty

"More connections, less separations." King T'Challa

"God is love. Why should we contain Him any longer in our poor and narrow conceptions. Which are so often no more than the grandiose reflections of ourselves. Let us set Him free."  Jesus Christ- "The Book of Longings"

"I totally regret being healthy today...said no one ever."

"Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path."

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river nor the same man."  Heraclitus

"The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength."  Marcus Aurelius

"No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, you can always turn back."

"The day you plant the seed is not the same day you eat the fruit."

"He slept with wolves with no fear, because the wolves knew a lion was among them"

"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver."  Mahatma Gandhi

"To be like the rock that the waves keep crashing over.  It stands unmoved and the raging of the sea falls still around it."  Marcus Aurelius

"Life comes at us fast. Today. Tomorrow. When we least expect it. Be ready. Be strong. Don't be snuffed out."

"Remember.. Since the universe has no center, you can't be it.  The world does not revolve around you."

PLEASE WEAR A MASK!

STOP THINKING ONLY ABOUT YOURSELF!

TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE 2021 GREAT

Namaste'

Judd

Vitamin B Complex

 

What is vitamin B complex?

Vitamin B complex is composed of 8 B vitamins.

B1-(thiamine)

B2-(riboflavin)

B3-(niacin)

B5-(pantothenic acid)

B6-(pyridoxine)

B7-(biotin)

B9-(folic acid)

B12-(cobalamin)

Each of these essential vitamins contributes to your overall body function, maintaining good health.  As building blocks for a healthy body they have a direct impact on our energy levels, brain function and cell metabolism.  Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections and supports or promotes:

cell health

growth of red blood cells

energy levels

good eyesight

healthy brain function

good digestion

healthy appetite

proper nerve function

hormone and cholesterol production

cardiovascular health

muscle tone

A major concern for plant-based eaters is getting enough vitamin B 12.

B 12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy.  Vitamin B 12 is actually a bacteria, produced by microorganisms in the soil.  Animals obtain this from consuming grasses and scratching and rooting through dirt.  It's possible to obtain some B 12 from not washing all the dirt off your fresh picked veggies but who wants to eat dirt.  According to the National Health  and Nutrition Examination Survey one in every 31 adults in the US are deficient in vitamin B 12.  

Common signs of B 12 deficiency are:

*Weakness, fatigue or low energy.

*Shortness of breath.

*Loss of appetite.

*Digestive issues.

*Frequent bruising or bleeding.

*Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

*Brain fog, memory loss, or confusion.

By eating enriched foods products such as fortified nutritional yeast, soy, cereals and meat substitutes and Nori seaweed, we can increase our uptake some.  The best way to get enough is to take a supplement.  B 12 has many forms and the most common are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin.  "Cyano" is commonly found in supplements and energy drinks, while "methyl" is a little more expensive and less stable. For both meat and plant-based eaters, 2000 mcg is the recommended weekly dose for those under 60 years of age.  When you reach that age of 60+ it needs to be bumped up to 1000mcg daily!  I supplement by taking a 1000 mcg quick dissolve chewable Cyano tablet from Trader Joe's every 3 day and an added brazil nut once a week.

They are easily found for a great price on Amazon.

If ignored a Vitamin B deficiency can effect the whole body leading to permanent brain and nerve damage.  By eating a mostly alkaline, hydrating diet full of fresh veggies, grains and fruit are intestines will stay clean and function properly.  

B Healthy

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

THANK YOU

Gratitude is a practice, which turns into an action,

 which is the foundation of a happy life.

On February 6, 2011, we posted our first post: Skinny Bitch.  A couple of years before, we began our journey on living a healthier life by stopping to consume any animal products. We had read a book by Jonathan Safran Foer titled: Eating Animals.  It totally changed our mindset on animal agriculture and its untold cruelty that it imposed on animals and the environment.  It set us on this journey to living a cleaner and more compassionate life.  We immediately stopped consuming meat of any kind knowing the what went on behind "closed doors" of the agriculture industry.  Our friends began asking us "What do you eat?" and of course "Where do you get your protein?".  

So, we started our blog to share recipes and information on consuming a plant-based diet.

THANK YOU!

Over the past 9 years, for wanting to share information, I have opened my mind to so much knowledge.  By researching a wide variety of information, I have gained so much insight on how what we put in our mouths to feed ourselves creates life or sickness.  We truly are "You are what you eat"

I want to say, Thank you! I have learned a wealth of knowledge by sharing this information.  The time I have spent researching the topics we post has enriched my life.  I look forward to every week anticipating what I can share with you.  The other week I noticed that we had reached over 60,000 views of this blog. WOW!  My hope is it will continue to enrich your life as it has ours.

Our world is at a tipping point.  Both socially and environmentally, we have to make a change.  We have to be the change.  Environmentally, the most profound act that we can do individually, is to change to a plant-based diet.  Animal agriculture is not a sustainable industry   Socially, "BE KIND",  For you Christians, 13 times Jesus commanded "To love one another as I have loved you"

The prophet Muhammad said "You will never enter paradise until you have faith and you will not complete your faith until you have loved one another".

In this time of social unrest and July 4th celebration of Independence, you should read or re-read the Declaration of Independence.  "We  hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

THANK YOU, for letting us be a part of your journey towards a healthy life.

Namaste

Judd

Don't Medicate! HYDRATE

You probably already know that 70% of the human body is made up of water, and it's absolutely essential to human life.  Water is a liquid shuttle bus that transports elements like nutrients, proteins, hormones and other chemicals to where they are needed the most.  The problem is most everyone is dehydrated.  How much water do we need?  A good rule of thumb is half of your body weight in ounces (140lbs= 70 ounces of water - this should the bare minimum).  Not many of us revel over the neutral flavor of plain water.  There are many ways to not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutrient value of plain H2O.  In our household we mostly drink naturally infused water or Zinger tea (both pictured above).  Celestial Seasonings offers many different flavors of hibiscus tea, which are very high in antioxidants according to studies.  A glass of cold filtered water with a Zinger tea bag and a half pack of stevia, (if you prefer sweetened) will definitely do your body good. It is a much better alternative to sweetened flavored water drinks like Dasani, Nestle or Sparkling Ice brands which are sweetened with sucralose .  Sucralose, aspartame and saccharin is very disruptive to our gut microbiome. To learn more about how important a strong microbiome is please check out my series on Gut Health.   

When infusing your water, there is only two requirement: a glass container of filtered water and creativity!  The combination of fruits, veggies, herbs and spices are endless.  It can be tailored to your own tastes and health benefits you hope to achieve.   

*Berries and fruit- loaded with antioxidants, key vitamins and minerals they help in:

*Balancing free radicals

*Decrease inflammation

*Prevents cancer

*Prevents DNA damage

*Helps to regulate insulin levels

*Citrus- lemons ,limes, oranges and grapefruits all help with:

 *Iron absorption

*Shortens durations of colds

*Helps with detoxing the body

*Inhibits bacteria strain growth

*Ginger and Herbs-

*Helps in digestion

*Reduces inflammation

*Decreases fatigue

*Veggies- Aids in replenishing electrolytes and transferring minerals and nutrients into the water. 

  Use those that have a high water content like:

*Cucumbers

*Cantaloupe

*Celery

*Pomegranate

*Watermelon

Benefits of Drinking Water

*Increases energy & relieves fatigue

*Promotes weight loss

*Flushes out toxins

*Improves skin complexion

*Maintains regularity 

*Boosts immunity

*Natural headache remedy

*Prevents cramps and sprains

*Mood booster

*Saves you money! STOP BUYING CRAP DRINKS

Here are a few blend ideas:

*Lemon, Lime and Orange

*Raspberry and Lime

*Strawberry and Basil

*Lemon, Cucumber and Mint

*Blackberry and Ginger

*Peach, Lemon and Thyme

You will feel the difference once you're properly hydrated.

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

The Power of Peas

EAT YOUR PEAS!!

Children cry at the sight of them, while mom's try to hide them in mashed potatoes.  I remember it well, I begged my mom not to make me eat them,  I could not swallow a spoon full of peas, my throat just wouldn't open.  But now, I love peas, especially with vegan butter, salt and pepper mixed with home-made mashed potatoes.  Peas just weren't getting any respect.

There is a "pea revolution" going on.  Pea protein is high in muscle building in BCAA, branch chain amino acids, but is considered an "incomplete" protein because it is low in methionine and tryptophan.  Luckily "incomplete" proteins can compliment each other to provide all the necessary amino acids.  Research has shown that if you are eating a variety of sources throughout the day, it all evens out.  Also pea protein is naturally free of dairy, nuts and gluten, making it perfect for those with allergy or dietary restrictions.  And it is easier on the digestive system than dairy-based proteins.  Plant-based proteins are more sustainable than animal-derived ones, making it another great reason to chose pea protein.  They use less water, fortify the soil and use less energy resources to produce.

These sweet little orbs are packed with vitamin K and soluble fiber which can lower cholesterol and help you lose weight by making you feel full and satisfied longer.

Beyond Meat's Beast Burger  has 20 grams of protein derived from pea isolates per burger.  If you haven't grilled one of these, you simply must.  You will be totally surprised and your carnivore friends might look at 'veggie' burgers in a new light.

Animal agriculture is not sustainable and we must switch to a plant-based food system.  Want to help reverse global warming?  Try adding this food group to your diet.

We all know how expensive protein powders cost, mostly because of the process to obtain the protein isolates.  But here is a way to save money by making your own powder:

From Scratch Powder

3/4 cup chia seeds

3/4 cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds

3/4 cup hemp seeds

3/4 cup flax seeds

Grind all seeds in a food processor until a fine powder is formed.

Store in a airtight glass container.

This makes 8-1/4 cup servings. Use it in baked goods, soups, sauces or smoothies.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 07/07/2019

It's reading time!  These are my favorite posts to do.  Knowledge is power.  Being able to share the articles and videos I come across is fulfilling and I hope you enjoy.  I hope they open your minds to new ideas and solutions to any issues you personally might be encountering.

ENVIRONMENT

We should all know by now that we are in a climate emergency.  The world is changing and we need to drastically change the way we are living our lives.

Climate crisis: Europe's cities dangerously unprepared for heat wave hell

June was the hottest ever recorded on Earth.

 Alaska Heat Wave  It was 90' in Anchorage, Alaska on July 4th.

The youth will show the way: Greta Thunberg on igniting an Environmental Movement.

Even the world's investors are demanding action: $34 Trillion

Fresh water discovered under the North Atlantic.

The hype around hemp: Hemp is Back

HEALTH

New study shows risks from highly processed foods.

Foggy, Anxious, Irritable? here's what toxins can do to your brain health.

You know it's hot outside: Your Body in Extreme Heat

While you are outside, try these 5 Natural Ingredients you can use as DEET-Free mosquito repellent.

Most of What You Know About Protein is Wrong

Want to live longer? Welcome to The Blue Zones Life

CRAZY

Your next uber?

Competitive Tag

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

It's Less Expensive To Eat Healthy

The majority of us work hard for our money.  We most definitely value what we purchase and want to get the most "bang for the buck" in those purchases.  With the rising cost of health care and the high out of pocket expenses, we should be doing everything possible to stay healthy.  By choosing to eat a whole food plant-based diet, not only are we getting the most nutrient-dense foods, we are spending less money.  At work the other day, a delivery driver was saying he went to the Emergency Room because of severe abdominal pain.  It turned out he had a kidney stone!  After a CT scan, IV's and pain medicine, 3 hours later he went home with a $12,500 bill.  Fortunately he had company insurance, but still was responsible for $2500.  He was also informed he had 2 more stones which would require surgery if  he didn't want to let them "pass", $5,000 out of pocket.  I gladly "passed" some information from  Dr. Michael Greger on preventing kidney stones with diet.  

"Nutrition is the master key to human health"

T.Colin Campbell, PhD

 A whole food, plant-based lifestyle features simple guidelines grounded in science.

Living a Whole Food Plant-based Life.

Here are a few of my older posts with more information:

*Eating Healthy on a Budget

*Eat like a Peasant, Live like Royalty Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Beautiful Broccoli

I could eat broccoli everyday. 

A phytochemical found abundantly in broccoli called sulforaphane has been found to dramatically minimize the damaging effects caused by strokes.  Scientists from The Kings College in London found the enzymes are useful in removing dangerous free-radicals.  The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation to find new and better options to treat damages caused by strokes.  These findings are hailed as a major breakthrough in helping at-risk individuals to help prevent strokes or minimizing the damage already caused.  They believe a simple "pill" could be taken to help to prevent a stroke.  Could possibly eating broccoli on a regular basis do the same?

Broccoli is part of the Brassica family, which includes kale, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts,

collards, bok choi, mustard etc.  This diverse group includes plants that the leaves, flowers, stems and roots can all be cooked and eaten.  They are the most commonly eaten plant group worldwide.  Broccoli is inexpensive and can be found at just about any grocery store.

Broccoli is a great source for the antioxidants vitamin C, beta-carotene and quercetin.

They are renowned for quenching free-radicals and reducing risks for prostate and breast cancer, Alzheimer and Parkinson's.  They are essential

for good health, promoting healthy immune systems, nutrient absorption (e.g. iron)
and overall vitality.

Broccoli is rich in calcium, making it an excellent vegan source of the nutrient that supports strong bones, which prevents osteoporosis.

Broccoli is an source for glucosinolates, which are sulfur containing chemicals.  These have

been shown to prevent oxidative stress, stimulate the immune system and reduce cancer growth.

They are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and help to eliminate toxins from our bodies.

Broccoli is a great source of potassium and soluble fiber which help in blood sugar levels,

preventing heart disease and managing diabetes.

The best way to eat broccoli is raw.  Cook or steam it for only about 5 minutes to retain its nutrients.

Nutrient fact: Sprinkle on a pinch of ground mustard

to reactivate the glucosinolates, so to get all the health benefits.

Here's a informative video on broccoli:

Broccoli- the DNA whisperer

BELIEVE IN
KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Recommended Reading 01/06/19

  

Making New Year resolutions is a great idea, but it always seems we stick to them for a few short weeks and then we are back to old habits.  This year, let's break that chain and really make some life-changing decisions and follow through with them.  If we can redirect the energy from our bad habits into something more productive for a long enough period of time, we can form new good habits.  

My first recommendation is:

Wellth, a wonderful book by the founder of Mindbodygreen.com, Jason Wachob.  This is great starting place for creating new habits and a balanced healthy life.

If you have gone through sh*t in your life, haven't we all, it would be a safe bet it is nothing like what David Goggins  has been through.  I have listened to a few podcasts with this, tell it like it is, quit whining, stop asking questions and just f-ing do it, incredible person.  His book "Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy The Odds" will make you have a totally different outlook on what you can accomplish in life.  It is also available in audio version with many commentary extras, which I am listening to at the moment.  

 Are you a runner?  Do you like history?  There is more to the origin of the "marathon" then you think.   Road To Sparta is a very interesting book by Ultra marathoner Dean Karnazes.

Foggy, Anxious, Irritable?,  here's what toxins can do to your brain. 

Wabi Sabi,  This philosophy will help you embrace change and accept the past.

Get Off the Crack!: 8 ways to cut sugar from our diets.  We know that sugar is the root of many chronic diseases.

You should incorporate more flaxseeds into your diet.  Full of heart-healthy fats and fiber rich.

On the environmental side:

This company is turning sewage into fuel with no carbon emissions.

This one really hits home with me: Stop Tossing Your Banana Peel On The Trail

Conservation International's Nature Is Speaking: Forest

For some happy thoughts: 

Thoughts of Dog on twitter @dog_feelings

i found a really good stick, but i chewed it too hard and it broke in half.  which was disappointing until i realized now i have two sticks. today has been an emotional roller coaster.

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd