Sunday 28 October 2012

Monday 22 October 2012

Vegan Travels: Cape Town

On a recent trip to the Mother City, we explored all that Cape Town has to offer for vegan visitors.
Travelling as a vegan can sometimes be a bit daunting, and if you are a foreigner I recommend buying The Vegan Passport  as it allows you to tell people about your diet in more than 73 languages including most of the African languages.

Cape Town is a relatively vegan-friendly city as a lot of people know and understand what it entails. 
Most restaurants will have a vegan option, and if they don't, then they are usually willing to make one up for you. If all else fails, Woolworths is always a great place to find a fresh produce or even a salad sandwich.


We visited the following restaurants on our trip:

Wakame: With breathtaking views, you can enjoy a vegan meal her in the form of sushi. Sushi is always an easy option for vegans, just make sure they don't add any mayonnaise


The Bombay Bicycle Club: This wonderfully bohemian restaurant does offer a few vegan options including a veggie board. The managers were kind enough to offer a vegan pasta and curry if I didn't feel like the veggie board. I tried their curry, and it was amazing. My food was the best at the table, and we had a wonderful evening.

Neighbourgoods/ Old Biscuit Mill Market: This hipster market offers quite a few options for vegans. I enjoyed a freshly squeezed beetroot and carrot juice before digging into the most delicious Just Mushrooms. There were also vegan burgers for sale, as well as an organic veggie stand where I dived into the fresh coconut. Make sure to visit this market on a Saturday.

Slug and Lettuce: Unlike the other Slug and Lettuce I know, the one on Kloof Street has a bistro feel to it. I enjoyed delightful veggie spring rolls here.

Darling Brew: This locally brewed vegan beer is available at most venues in Cape Town including Primi Piatti .

Addis in Cape:  This trendy yet traditional restaurant in Church Street, Cape Town offers a full vegan menu of at least 10 dishes. They also offer Leopard's Leap wine by the glass or bottle.

Masala Dosa:  A quaint restaurant in Long street serving south Indian Cuisine with ample vegan options to choose from. Be warned, no knifes and forks. Quirky and full of fun. 

Gaaitjie:  A 70 year old fisherman's cottage, now turned into a restaurant, nestled amongst the rocks in Paternoster on the West Coast.  Remember to book in advance and let them know you are vegan.  We were pleasantly surprised with a very tasty 3 course meal.



So the next time you travel to this beautiful part of South Africa, make sure to check out some of our favourite spots. If you have some other suggestions please feel free to post them as comments.


Monday 17 September 2012

Seaweed Rolls with Cashew Nut Spread





The first time I tasted these incredibly delicious seaweed rolls was at Leafy Greens Cafe in Muldersdrift.  To make my version of  these yummy rolls you are going to need a packet of 10 Nori Sushi Sheets

Thursday 13 September 2012

- Easy Broccoli Salad -



Broccoli florets (1 head)
1/2 - 1 cup vegan mayonnaise (Crosse & Blackwell Trim mayonnaise) according to taste
1/3 cup almond flakes
1/3 cup Organic shelled hemp seeds (optional)
vegan cheese shavings (Vegusto No-Moo Mildly-Aromatic or Piqant)
A handful of chopped pistachio nuts to garnish

Steam the broccoli florets for a few minutes - they must still be firm and bright green. Mix the mayonnaise, almond flakes and hemp seeds (a wonderful complete protein) together and stir into the broccoli. Garnish with cheese shavings and chopped pistachio nuts. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Note: Vegusto vegan cheeses are available at Shoprite Checkers in South Africa. The Organic hemp seeds are available from health shops - I use the Superfoods brand.

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Tuesday 11 September 2012

How to get your body’s PH more alkaline.




The reason why we have to try and get the PH in our bodies more alkaline is because the western diet is acid-producing. As explained in the Rawlicious recipe book, when the body is too acidic the red blood cells clump together and oxygen cannot get to all the cells.

By alkalizing the blood, the red blood cells can flow freely and deliver oxygen to all the cells in your body. Aches and pains, tiredness, lack of concentration are all symptoms of a too acidic body. All acidic food is not unhealthy and one needs the nutrients. An alkaline intake between 50% and 80% is a good way to get the acid-alkaline body correct.

The easiest and most effective way to get more alkaline:

  1.  is to eat and drink more alkaline foods. Broccoli, baby spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, avocados, apples, lemons, limes, celery, cucumbers, dates and figs are all examples. Try to purchase organic fruit and vegetables, otherwise make sure that it is properly washed or peeled to avoid toxic pesticides.
  2. drink green vegetable juices. The juice I make my family on a regular basis is in the July archive called Carrot, Beetroot, Apple and Ginger Juice. The Rawlicious recipe book has a variety of different alkalizing juices
  3. drink greens drinks like Barley and Wheat grass twice a day to boost your alkalinity. These are available in dried and fresh form. The Real Thing has a great variety of greens and is available at Dischem and healthstores like Weleda and Fruits and Roots. 


Find a Acid-Alkaline food chart here.











Friday 24 August 2012

Fresh Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto

This risotto is so creamy and delicious!




(Serves 6)

6 cups vegetable stock
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh mushrooms 
3 tbsp oil
1/4 cup vegan butter/margarine
1,5 cup fresh asparagus tips - lightly steamed 
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup shallots, finely chopped
1 cup Arborio rice, uncooked
1/3 cup white wine
1/2 cup vegan mock Parmesan cheese
1 tsp chopped fresh chives, for garnish
salt and pepper

In a large saucepan add the vegetable stock, cover and keep warm over low heat. 

In a large sauté pan over medium high heat, add 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add mushrooms and sauté until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Using the same pan, heat remaining oil and add onions and shallots, stirring until soft. Add the garlic and remaining butter and sauté for 1 minute. Add the rice and stir until well combined. Add the wine and stir until the wine is absorbed. Add 1 cup of the warm stock and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until nearly absorbed. Continue adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each additional stock be absorbed before adding more.  Continue adding the broth until the rice is tender and creamy, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, asparagus and parmesan cheese to the rice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chives and enjoy!

Adapted from Kim Barnouin's recipe 'Wild mushroom & asparagus risotto' (Skinny Bitch - Ultimate Everyday Cookbook)


Thursday 16 August 2012

Do it for the survival of humanity.

Since going vegan I have naturally tried to convince the other people in my life to do the same. 
I am a huge animal lover as well as being health and environmentally conscious. 
Most people respond to the animal abuse facts I give them, but some people simply don't feel the same affection for these beings as I do (this blows my mind, but I try be as open minded as possible).

So for those people who don't feel guilty for consuming our fellow animal for the luxury of taste I have plenty other reasons for going vegan, and the number one reason is health.

We all like to think we are taking care of our health, some more than others, but even people who are extremely unhealthy take out medical aid insurance in case. 
So this is something us humans (and other earthlings) have in common... basic survival instincts. 
These instincts sometimes get blurred inbetween all the other things we have to think about in our busy modern lives, but when disease strikes we are naturally inclined to try and cure it.

Diabetes, cancer and heart disease are claiming lives every second of every day.
"Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 63% of all deaths" Who.int


Pretty depressing right? Well veganism is the light at the end of this tunnel.
Following a whole-food, plant-based diet can not only prevent but in some cases reverse these dreaded diseases. Stories about people curing themselves from cancer without harmful chemical are becoming more and more common.

Need more convincing?
Forks over Knives is a brilliant documentary explaining how we should all follow a vegan diet for our health and the health of generations to come. 

We have to break the cycle of consuming something that is killing us prematurely. 
We need to evolve in order to keep our species from self destructing.

So if not for the animals, then do it for yourself and the well being of humanity.

GO VEGAN.




Monday 13 August 2012

* Becoming vegan - living your truth *


To me the most dangerous phrase in any language is;  "We've always done it this way". I am thinking of the many who are still holding their sense of mercy in check for fear of social disapproval, for standing out in the crowd. 

Changing the world begins with the very personal process of changing yourself, the only place you can begin is where you are, the only time you can begin is always now. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone. I can personally testify that the best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies, no excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it.  

Choose to align yourself with people who are like-minded, your life is simplified enormously when you don't have to defend yourself to anyone and when you receive support rather than criticism.

As you walk around with this illumination, this beautiful light, you change that which is dark. This is the day your life really begins.  

For me personally the journey of 'living my truth' began the day I decided to become vegan.



'The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous'  -- Emile Zola


There are no excuses, I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that benefit or are profitable to the human race. The pain we inflict upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my objection toward all of it - that one meal soon forgotten in exchange for a whole life, the cruelty of the dairy industry, the egg and chicken hatcheries, the slaughter houses, the rodeos, the bull runs, the zoos, the pet shops, the cattle farms, the production of foie gras, the hunting industry, the clubbing and killing of so many creatures for their fur, their meat, their fins. My only concern is the suffering which we deliberately inflict upon the voiceless, tormenting those who have never harmed us, and who cannot defend themselves.  

Yes, I am hopeful - not because I am foolishly romantic - my hope is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, kindness. I believe by living a life of compassion, by being vegan, you will not know whose life you actually touched, but the fact is that you unmistakably did. Gentleness and compassion are engulfing our world today, the only question is whether or not you are willing to join the revolution. I believe that if you really want to do something you'll find a way, if you don't you'll find an excuse.

So Please.... Honor them, Love them, Help them, Heal them, but above all else, Free them.




Sunday 12 August 2012

A Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan & Jain Dining in SA




The large increase in the number of Indian tourists holidaying in South Africa has led SA Tourism to publish a vegetarian cookery book, to guide local restaurants and hotels in the preparation of vegetarian, vegan, and Jain dining. ‘Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan & Jain Dining in South Africa’ is available free of charge to hospitality establishments, and has been prepared with input by the SA Chefs’ Association.
The latest SA Tourism newsletter reports that the Guide has 50 recipes for snacks, starters and sides, salads and soups, main courses, and desserts, and ‘lists food items that each group may (and may not) eat; gives a brief explanation of the culture that informs the dietary lifestyle of these tourists; and offers a wide selection of delicious recipes that will keep vegetarian, vegan and Jain visitors happy and well-fed as they explore and fall in love with South Africa’.  The book also explains the differences between vegetarians, vegans, Jain eaters, pescatarians, and lacto-vegetarians, and suggests the best local places to source ingredients.  Jainism is a religion in India which dictates vegetariasm, but its adherents may not eat root vegetables, says Wikipedia
South Africa is justifiably famous globally for its cuisine and delicious fresh produce. We want to make sure that South Africa delights the palate of every single visitor - even those whose dietary preferences are strictly vegetarian,’ said Thulani Nzima, CEO of SA Tourism. ‘We also want to educate the local hospitality industry and tourism operators about how to best meet the dietary requirements of these visitors,’ continued Mr Nzima.
One of South Africa’s fastest-growing tourism markets is India, which grew more than 26% in 2011 and continues its strong growth. ‘Our research has found that the culture of visitors from India differs markedly from South African Indians, and although Indian visitors love our destination, their specific dietary needs are not taken care of in South Africa,’ added Mr Nzima.
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Sunday 5 August 2012

Why honey is not vegan.


'We've been tricked into believing that honey is simply a byproduct of the essential pollination provided by farmed honeybees.'  


To read this informative and beautiful article, please follow this link to a gentle world.

Tuesday 31 July 2012

I won a trip to Europe...



I can't believe it, but I have won a trip to Europe thanks to The Big Issue and Busabout!
After being randomly selected along with 11 other contestants it was a battle for votes, and thanks to my amazing family, friends and co-workers I managed to get the most votes.

Tuesday 24 July 2012

What's your skin eating????

The facts about the chemicals in your body care products.


It is sad to know that most products we use daily on our skin and hair contain these very harmful toxins. But don't despair! Have a look at our page 'Products we love' for many natural alternatives. These products have been sourced and manufactured with you, our earth and animals in mind and are cruelty free and natural! Make the change today - it's easier than you think! And remember - Online shopping is so convenient if you struggle to find these fabulous products in your area.




With thanks to 'Ecomom'.

Friday 20 July 2012

Vegan Passport

As a vegan, one of the things I have become increasingly concerned about is travelling.
Exploring abroad can turn into a miserable experience if you battle to communicate with the locals of the specific country. 

So my advise is to do as much research as you possible can before going. This means looking for restaurant guides, finding the translations for words like 'vegan' 'no animal products' and 'dairy and meat'.
There are many websites that can assist you like the Happy Cow or The Veg Guide.

Another great tool is the Vegan Passport. This little book covers 73 languages, which you can use all over the word to hand to chef's or waiters in order to ensure your meal is completely animal-free.


So don't put off your travels because of your cruelty-free lifestyle, simple adapt and explore the many possibilities and adventures.

Happy vegan travels!  

Wednesday 18 July 2012

The Meaning of ...

A SENTIENT according to Gary Francione :

‘A sentient being is a being who is subjectively aware; a being who has interests; that is, a being who prefers, desires, or wants. Those interests do not have to be anything like human interests. If a being has some kind of mind that can experience frustration or satisfaction of whatever interests that being has, then the being is sentient.’

Friday 13 July 2012

The Meaning of ......


HERBIVORES= only eat vegetables for example elephants are herbivores 

CARNIVORES= only eat meat for example tigers are carnivores 

OMNIVORES= omnivores eat both meat and plants for example dogs (and some humans) are omnivores                                          

Hidden animal derived ingredients






Wednesday 11 July 2012

- Tomato and chilli relish -

Serve with Fry's vegan barbecue sausages


Tuesday 10 July 2012

Inthusiasm: Locally made mineral make-up

I am very happy to let you know that I have found a locally produced mineral make-up!
The make-up line is all vegan with the exception of the mascara, lipstick, lip balm and brushes (although Lynne , the owner has informed me that they do have good quality nylon brushes for my special vegan customers.)


I found my local agent on their website. I bought the liquid foundation as well as the eye-liner.
The foundation leaves my skin wonderfully soft and the cover is perfect. Be sure to apply it straight after your face cream because the minerals work well with the moisture.

So whats the big deal about mineral make-up you might ask?
Well according to the Inthusiasm:

"Fully organic, these soft silky powders contain no animal products, synthetic chemicals or alcohol. With ingredients such as Palmitate, Zinc and Titanium Dioxide Manganese, Mica, and Boron, Inthusiasm blends with your unique body chemistry"

So this means it contains non of those chemicals mentioned in one of our previous posts!

Be sure to look up your local agent, or visit the Bryanston Organic Market on Thursdays and Saturdays to try this amazing make-up for yourself

Monday 9 July 2012

African organics

African Organics is my latest discovery, and I couldn't be more pleased!



One of our earlier posts show the harmful ingredients that are put into our body products. So because of this I have been on the hunt to find vegan, organic body and hair products.

I bought the African Organics shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and body lotion. They were about R39.99 each from my local Dischem.



After my first hair wash I was a bit scared because the products didn't leave my hair feeling as silky and smooth as my previously chemical ridden products did. Once I dried and brushed my however, it looked and felt great! The washes and lotions smell so good, and when the soap runs down the drain I have peace of mind because the ingredients are all biodegradable.

So if you are looking for a natural and animal-free product, this is definitively a great option. 

Friday 6 July 2012


Eat your Greens!





~~~~~~~~

- Become a label reader: ingredients to avoid -


Harmful ingredients in skin products, body products and cleaning products:



Picture from Mind Body Green

Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl, Methyl, Propyl):


Used as a preservative. 
Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to 
play a role in the development of breast cancers.

Sodium Layryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES):

foaming agents, chemically known as surfactants.  Reports include eye irritation, 
scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of the hands, face and arms and split and 
fuzzy hair. The main cause of these problems is sodium lauryl sulfate.


Propylene Glycol (PEG) :
A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid 

and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a 
humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic 
products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety
Data Sheet warns users toavoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this 
strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

Diethanolamine (DEA) / Monoethanolamine (MEA):

DEA is used widely because it provides a rich lather in shampoos and 
keeps a favorable consistency in lotions and creams.  DEA by itself is not 
harmful but while sitting on the stores shelves or in your cabinet at home, 
DEA can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula to form an 
extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA). NDEA 
is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach, 
esophagus, liver and bladder cancers.

Triethanolamine (TEA):



highly acidic synthetic emulsifier which is found in some 40% of cosmetics.
It is used as a PH balancer or a PH due to its basic content. It is said to also
be used an ingredient to add fragrances.  It is found to be irritating for the skin.

Petrolatum:

Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some
lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers. A petroleum product that can be
contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.

Synthetic Fragrance:

Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma. Some linked 
to cancer and neurotoxicity. Some harmful to fish and other wildlife.

Synthetic Colours:

Made from coal tar, they contain heavy metal salts that may deposit toxins 
onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have
shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. 


Diazolidinyl Urea / Imidazolidinyl 
Urea:preservatives that have the potential to release formaldehyde in 
very small amounts and are a primary cause of contact dermatitis.

PVP/VA Copolymer:

Derived from petroleum, if particles of PVP/VA Copolymer are inhaled,
it can cause damage to the lungs in sensitive individuals. It can be 
considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the 
lungs of sensitive persons.


Phthalates:
Found in shampoos, lotions etc, they mimic the body's hormones and have, 
in laboratory animal tests, been shown to cause reproductive and 
neurological damage.


Talc:
Used in a variety of household and body products, Talc is closely related to
the potent carcinogen asbestos and particles have been shown to cause
tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims

Lead:

Commonly found in lipsticks, Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause 
learning, language and behavioral problems. Pregnant women are particularly
vulnerable to lead exposure.


Harmful ingredients to avoid in food:


Amaranth (E123):
Used for colouring in food, it appears to cause allergic 
and/or intolerance reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin 
intolerance or asthmatics

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG):

a flavor enhancer that has been known to cause chest pains, headache, 
nausea, burning sensations.

Sulphur Dioxide:  
Used as a preservative and antioxidant, and derived from coal tar. 

Can cause reactions in asthma suferers.




Tartrazine (E102):
An artificial colouring that is used to make foods and 
other products more visually appealing or appetizing.  Side effects can 
include: anxiety, migraines, asthma attacks, blurred vision, eczema, other
skin rashes, thyroid cancer, Eosinophilia (increase in specific forms of 
white blood cells), clinical depression, ADHD or hyperactivity, hives, 
permanent DNA damage, heart palpitations, rhinitis, sleep 
disturbances/insomnia, general all-over weakness, hot flushes and OCD
(obsessive compulsive disorder).

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) / BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene):

a chemical antioxidant used as a preservative in some edible fats and oils. 
It is a known allergen, and Suspected Endocrine Disruptor - i.e. it may
interfere with, mimic or block hormones



Acesulfame:
A calorie free, arteficial sweetener, that has been linked to cancer by some
studies.

Trans Fat:

Used to extend shelf life of food products, it has been linked to increased
cholestorol levels, heart disease and strokes.

Food dyes (Blue: E133, Red: E124, Yellow: E110):

Found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings, these nasties can cause 
behavioral problems in children as well as a significant reduction in IQ.

Sodium Nitrate / Sodium Nitrite:

Used as a preservative, colouring and flavouring agent, this ingredient is 
actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. 
Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, 
smoked fish or any other type of processed meat.


Source:  www.ecoemporium.co.za