Saving Resources: Water

The collective impact of simple everyday eating habits has a significant impact on the planet. Over half the water in the United States is used for meat production.



Gallons of water used per pound produced:
Beef - 2,500
Wheat - 25

Gallons of water used for dairy:
producing 1 liter of milk requires 990 liters of water

The media continues to remind us of the importance of conserving water. Consider this; if someone were to take a 7 minute shower per day with a flow of 2 gallons per minute through their shower head, that person would use about 5,200 gallons of water per year showering. This means, eating a vegan diet instead of the 'average' diet for only one week saves more water than a year without showering.

Installing low-flow shower heads and otherwise conserving is important. We must do all we can. Yet why is the media pushing tips to save 10 gallons a week when there is a way to save thousands of gallons? The real problem is knowledge distribution. Now that we know the truth, spreading this critical information is in our hands. Nobody I've met has become vegan to save water, we do it to save animals. Sustainability can help lead someone in the right direction. Once enough people shift to even limiting meat and dairy consumption then supply and demand will equalize and the impact will be substantial.

To all the vegans and future vegans, thank you for making a difference!

Lemon Ginger Morning Tonic

This drink is perfect to start the day with! Ginger is a natural energizer, lemon is a detoxifying agent and blood purifier. Both stimulate digestion to assist with a healthy metabolism and maintaining a trim figure.

Ingredients:
1 lemon
1 piece of fresh ginger (about 3/4 the size of the lemon)
1/2 liter of water
Recommended: agave nectar

Instructions:
-Using a vegetable peeler, peel off only the outer colored part of the lemon skin.
-Dice up the lemon and ginger then blend with water.

Usage: What you will have is a highly concentrated mixture to store in the refrigerator. Each morning combine 1/2 cup hot water with 1/2 cup mixture, or to desired strength. Stirring in a little squeeze of agave or other natural sweetener is highly recommended. Drinking this tonic warm on an empty stomach promotes optimal absorption and assimilation.


Medicinal Properties:
Lemon - antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, liver stimulant, digestive agent, nourishes brain and nerve cells
Source of - Fiber, Vitamin C, B6, Calcium, Potassium, copper, Thiamin, Riboflavon, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium

Ginger - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aids digestion, natural stimulant, mood enhancer, immune booster
source of - Fiber, vitamin E, B6, Iron, Potassium, Selenium, Magnesium

Mint Zucchini Brownies

Although deserts don't play a key role in a healthy diet, the occasional indulgence is perfectly acceptable. Besides, I wanted to get this blog off to a sweet start!

With veggies and herbs this desert is almost good for you. The zucchini is used in place of oil or shortening to make these brownies super moist without altering the flavor.

Ingredients:
(wet)

1/3 C rice milk
1/2 C sweetener (agave nectar, maple syrup, or cane sugar)
3 Tbsp. unsweetened apple sauce
1 Tbsp. ground flax seeds mixed with 3 Tbsp. warm water (let sit 15 minutes to thicken)
1 tea. vanilla extract
(dry)
3/4 C whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 C rice flour
1/3 C cocoa powder
3/4 tea. baking soda
(other)
1/2 C grated or finely chopped zucchini
1/4 C finely chopped mint
1/4 C vegan chocolate chunks (optional)

The Process:
-Combine wet ingredients in a large bowl.
-In a smaller bowl mix together dry ingredients, then add to the wet.
- fold in zucchini, mint, and chocolate.
-Preheat oven to 350
-Oil an 8 by 8 pan with coconut oil.

Bake - at 350 for 25 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test.

Enjoy!


Medicinal Properties:
Mint- aids digestion, inhibits stomach and pancreatic cancer
Cocoa - improves blood flow and circulation, boosts endorphins, is a natural energizer

Introduction

The food we eat is fuel for the body, and the body is the vehicle for the soul. This blog is about eating mindfully, for optimum nourishment to preserve health. As well as lightening the impact on our planet through positive vegan choices.

The recipes and ideas displayed will be healthy, enjoyable, sustainable, cost effective, and most significantly... Cruelty-free!