Vegetarian Zen

By Vickie Velasquez and Larissa Galenes

Vegetarian and vegan information, tips, recipes, and more presented in a light, conversational, and nonjudgmental manner. We welcome input and feedback from our followers regarding issues you would li... more

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FAQs about Vegetarian Zen:

How many episodes does Vegetarian Zen have?

The podcast currently has 872 episodes available.

Vegetarian Zen episodes:

September 01, 2019 Nikki Turner-Parker of Aloe-Me Holistic Health (VZ 324)
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we are pleased to speak with Niki Turner-Parker, the co-founder of Aloe-Me Holistic Health.
Who is Nikki-Turner Parker?
Nikki and her wife and business partner, Allie Turner-Parker, formed Aloe-Me Holistic Health with the goal of creating a platform to connect people who share the common interests of self-care and holistic health.

They believe that “when you start with healing yourself, then you can heal the world.”
On September 7, 2019, Aloe-Me will host a Holistic Wellness Fair in San Antonio, Texas at the Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex. Approximately 30 vendors will be there to provide information and services to attendees. The event takes place from 9 am – 1:30 pm central.
In our interview with Nikki we talk about:

* Her personal journey towards holistic health
* How the western world is learning more about holistic wellness
* The upcoming Holistic Wellness Fair

Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through to the product using the link we have provided. We never recommend or provide affiliate links to products or services we do not use ourselves, and our ultimate goal is to provide helpful products and advice to you, our readers and listeners.

A Special Thanks To Our Sponsors:

More About Aloe-Me Holistic Health:

* Facebook
* Instagram @aloemeholistichealth

Thanks for listening!
Peace and Veggies,
Vickie and Larissa
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30min
September 01, 2019 VZ 324: Nikki Turner-Parker of Aloe-Me Holistic Health
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we are pleased to speak with Niki Turner-Parker, the co-founder Aloe-Me Holistic Health.

Together with her wife and business partner, Allie (Turner-Parker), they formed Aloe-Me with the goal of creating a worldwide platform for connecting people who share the common interests of self-care and holistic health.

Their desire is to empower people through education and experiences, based on the principle, "when you start with healing yourself, then you can heal the world."
...more
30min
August 25, 2019 7 Powerful Pantry Organization Tips! (VZ 323)

In episode 319 of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we gave you 7 Awesome refrigerator organization tips to help you stop wasting food. Also in that episode, we promised to share some pantry organization tips with you…so here we are!
Let’s get organizing! You can listen here or read on for a quick summary.

Why Pantry Organization?

While most pantry foods have longer expiration dates than things in your refrigerator, a messy pantry can keep you in the dark with respect to what you actually have on hand. This can lead to wasted food.
Additionally, a messy pantry can be very demotivating, causing you to be much more tempted to eat out instead of cooking.

One note before getting started: if you haven’t organized your pantry recently, plan on at least a couple of hours (depending, of course, on the size of your pantry). It’s best to do this in one shot…if you’re anything like Larissa, stopping mid-way means it’ll sit there, halfway finished, for days!

7 Tips for Organizing Your Pantry

1. Start by taking everything out
Depending on how much your pantry holds, this can seem daunting, but unless you take everything out you won’t know what you actually have.
Use this as an opportunity to check for expiration dates. As we suggested in episode 319, you may want to consider designating a special area in your pantry just for those items that will be expiring soon.
For herbs and spices, McCormick suggests that, as a general rule, whole spices have a shelf life of approximately 3-4 years; ground spices, 2-4 years; and dried herbs, 1-3 years. Remember that these times are valid for herbs and spices stored in a container with a tightly fitting lid and in a cool dark pantry.

Some Tips For Clearing Out

* Besides past expiration dates, another sign of expired items is bulging cans. Yuck! Throw them out!
* Put items that aren’t expired but you’ll probably never use before they go bad in a box or bag to donate.
* Once your pantry is completely empty, wipe down the shelves and sweep and mop the floor.

2. Take stock of what you are keeping and group similar items together
While everything is still out of the pantry, group like items together so putting things back in will be easier.
You may want to group items by packaging type (all canned goods, all bagged items, all herbs, and spices, etc.), by use (baking items, etc.), or by meal type (breakfast foods, snacks, etc.). As you start to put things back, this will save you time and also give you a clear picture of how much space is needed for each category.

3. Get bins and containers
This is not a MUST, but can definitely be very helpful. Shelf risers and lazy Susans can make it so much easier to see what’s in your pantry without having to move things around.

Mason jars can also be used to store items and keep the bugs out.
Be sure to cut instructions off of items before throwing the box away!

4. Pull out the label maker
Not only are labels helpful in finding what you’re looking for, but they’re also a great way to add a little “flair” to your pantry.
Ball makes great
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23min
August 25, 2019 VZ 323: 7 Powerful Pantry Organization Tips!
In episode 319 of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we gave you 7 Awesome refrigerator organization tips to help you stop wasting food.

In today's episode, we're going to share 7 tips for getting your pantry in shape. Why? Because throwing away food hurts! Not only does it waste money but it also hurts the planet as the waste takes up room in landfills.

So let's get organizing!
...more
23min
August 18, 2019 What You May Not Know About Your Dog Car Harness (VZ 322)
I have to admit, in researching this topic, I was SHOCKED to find out how many dog harnesses failed to provide the results they promised, the most basic being to protect your dog (and to protect you from a flying dog!) in the event of a car accident.
Before we talk about specific harnesses and safety tips, let’s talk about the Center for Pet Safety because they will be a large focus of this discussion.

What is the Center for Pet Safety?
The Center for Pet Safety is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit research and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting pets and the people who love them.
The center was founded by Lindsey Wolko after her own dog, Maggie, was seriously injured in a car accident when her dog harness failed her.
Here is more about Lindsey from the CPS website:
Lindsey A. Wolko, Founder/CEO. A long-term pet safety advocate, Ms. Wolko leads a mission that is personal to every pet owner. With a keen understanding of the pet industry, she has authored safety standards for pet products, launched a certification program, counseled pet product manufacturers around the globe and works tirelessly for consumer and companion animal safety.
Ms. Wolko has a background in project/program management as well governance/controls development. Ms. Wolko holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University. She currently leads the research division of CPS.

Let’s move on to a couple of very important safety tips before we talk about finding the right dog harness.
General Car Safety
Pets should ALWAYS go in the back seat! Just as we would never put a toddler or infant in the front seat of a car, we should NEVER allow a pet in the front seat, even if it’s restrained.
The impact from a deployed airbag can kill your pet or cause serious injury.
Additionally, loose pets can be a distraction and even get between the brake pedal and floorboard while you’re driving.
Don’t allow your pet to stick its head out the window. While most people say “awww” when they see a cute dog hanging its head out the window, allowing this is a bad idea that can result in serious injury. If your dog isn’t restrained, he/she can fall out. Additionally, even if restrained, your dog can be hit with debris causing injury to his head or eyes.

Picking Out a Safe Harness
Is it CPS certified?
First, it’s important to know that the Center for Pet Safety is the ONLY independent nonprofit research and consumer advocacy organization certifying pet car restraints.
Their number one priority is the safety of you and your pets. CPS has its own certification program that involves fair and unbiased testing.
What’s unfortunate (and even untruthful in some cases!) when it comes to many manufacturers’ claims that their restraints are “crash tested” but aren’t certified by the CPS is that these tests are VERY subjective and can mislead you into thinking they are safe. The restraint we purchased for our dogs stated on the packaging that it was crash-tested but it failed in the video (below) presented by CPS.

While looking at reviews is helpful, it’s important to remember that some manufacturers buy reviews. Be sure to look for the CPS certified logo!

Train Your Dog For The Car
The first few times they were in the car, our dogs weren’t exactly sure what to do. Since many dogs are unsure in new environments, it’s a good idea to praise them and make it a positive experience.
Start by taking them on short trips and then gradually increase their time spent in the car.

Avoid Zipline-Style and Tether Dog Car Harnesses
If you can’t afford a harness that is CPS certified,
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28min
August 18, 2019 VZ 322: What You May Not Know About Your Dog Car Harness
In today's episode of the VZ podcast, we're going to talk about car restraints for your dog. This was an eye-opening episode for us so even if you don't have your own dog, chances are you know someone who does so the information we're going to share today may help you save the life of a beloved pet.
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28min
August 11, 2019 Goodbye Autoimmune Disease with Dr. Brooke Goldner (VZ 321)

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we are very pleased to be joined by Dr. Brooke Goldner. Dr. Goldner is a board-certified medical doctor and the author of three best-selling books: Goodbye Lupus, Goodbye Autoimmune Disease, and Green Smoothie Recipes to Kick-Start Your Health and Healing.

Who Is Dr. Brooke Goldner?
Dr. Goldner is a board-certified medical doctor and the author of 3 best-selling books, Goodbye Lupus, Goodbye Autoimmune Disease, and Green Smoothie Recipes to Kick-Start Your Health and Healing.
She has been featured in multiple documentaries such as Eating You Alive, Whitewashed, and The Conspiracy Against Your Health.
She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker who shares the stage regularly with Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Ornish, Dr. Esselstyn, and Dr. Greger.
Dr. Goldner has been featured on the front cover of Vegan Health & Fitness Magazine numerous times including their recent issue Fit Over Forty.
She is a regular contributor to T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and she is featured in the Journal of Disease Reversal reversing lupus in herself, as well as multiple case studies in reversing end-stage lupus nephritis (kidney failure) with her hyper-nourishing nutrition protocol.
Brooke Goldner is a graduate o the Temple University School of Medicine, was Chief Resident at UCLA-Harbor Residency, and holds a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University.
She is the founder of veganmedicaldoctor.com, goodbyelupus.com, and the creator of the Hyper-Nourishing Protocol for Lupus Recovery.

What We Discuss in Our Interview
In this interview with Dr. Goldner, we discuss:

* What is Lupus?
* What are some of the symptoms of Lupus?
* How Dr. Goldner cured herself of Lupus on “accident”.
* The 6 steps to healing yourself with supermarket foods.

I’ve got to say, since we interviewed her, my green smoothie intake has increased EXPONENTIALLY! In fact, green smoothies were a big part of how we got back on track with respect to nutrition when we struggled with knowing what to eat as new vegetarians.
With just a few veggies, fruits, and a high-powered blender, you can whip up some of the healthy drinks she recommends.
We hope you enjoyed the interview!
Thanks for listening!
Peace and Veggies,
Vickie and Larissa

Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through to the product using the link we have provided. We never recommend or provide affiliate links to products or services we do not use ourselves,
...more
1h 7min
August 11, 2019 VZ 321: Goodbye Autoimmune Disease with Dr. Brooke Goldner
Dr. Brooke Goldner cured herself of Lupus and in this interview, she shares how she did it. Follow her 6 steps for healing to improve your own health!
...more
1h 7min
August 04, 2019 Your Guide to AMAZING Vegetarian Enchiladas (VZ 320)

At least once a week (if you don’t count leftovers!) Larissa and I enjoy an awesome plate of vegetarian enchiladas! If you’ve listened to the show for a while, it’s no secret that Vickie’s favorite type of food is Mexican food. With her Mexican and Central American grandparents, she grew up eating some wonderful Latin food.
Luckily, Latin food is VERY adaptable to vegetarian (and vegan!) cuisine! Enchiladas are especially versatile because so many vegetables make delicious fillings and there are multiple options for sauces.
In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we focus on preparing some awesome vegetarian enchiladas, all of which can be easily adapted to vegan if that’s your preference. No time to listen to the podcast? No worries! We’ve summed up what we discuss in the show notes below!

Great Vegetarian Enchiladas All Starts with a Great Tortilla!
Before we get into filling your enchiladas, let’s talk about tortillas. Good quality tortillas are essential for great enchiladas…it doesn’t matter how good the fillings and sauces are if your tortillas are bad.

Larissa and I like to use Food For Life Sprouted Corn Tortillas, which are:

* Yeast Free
* High in Fiber
* Contain Sprouted Grains (sprouting generally increases the availability of nutrients in grains and are makes them easier to digest)
* Vegan
* Non-GMO

There are obviously a lot more brands out there so, as with most foods, just be sure to take a look at the ingredients. Food for Life Sprouted Corn tortillas contain:

* Organic Sprouted Corn
* Filtered Water
* Sea Salt
* Lime

Softening your tortillas
When it comes to softening the tortillas, we usually use heated oil to dip the tortilla in briefly on each side and then use a paper towel to pat down any excess oil.
If you don’t want to use oil, you can also steam the tortillas by wrapping them in a dampened paper towel and placing them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re soft.
Another no-oil alternative is to heat them in a pan or comal for a few seconds on each side. This method might not work well, though, depending on the texture of the tortillas you are using.

Let’s get saucy!
Much like the tortillas, enchilada sauce is a critical component of good enchiladas. A bad sauce-and-filling combo is almost as bad as a poor wine pairing. When deciding on a sauce for your enchiladas, think about what will complement the filling you’re using.

Red or green sauce?
Yes, there IS a difference, and not just in color! Just like the wine analogy I used earlier, each sauce has a different flavor, so it’s great to understand how each can be used to elevate the flavor of your enchilada dish!

Red enchilada sauce is red because it’s made from red chilies, onions, garlic, and other seasonings (depending on the recipe). It tends to taste more “tomatoey” and “heavier” than green sauce. It’s typically used for beef and cheese enchiladas in traditional Mexican cuisine.

The green sauce (salsa verde) is green because it’s made with, you guessed it, green chiles! Some can also contain tomatillos, a very common ingredient in Mexican recipes. It tends to taste a bit “lighter” than red sauce (not as bold) and is used frequently for chicken dishes.

The spice factor of each depends on the spiciness of the chiles used. The label of off-the-shelf sauces will typically let you know if it’s considered spicy, or “hot”.

Off-the-shelf sauces
There are some pretty good store-bought shelf sauces out there. We buy Hatch Tex Mex Enchilada Sauce (a red sa...
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18min
August 04, 2019 VZ 320: The Whole Enchilada! Your Guide to Vegetarian Enchiladas
If you've listened to the show for a while, it's no secret that Vickie's favorite type of food is Mexican food. With her Mexican and Central American grandparents, she grew up eating some wonderful Latin food.

Luckily, Latin food is VERY adaptable to a vegetarian (and vegan!) cuisine! Enchiladas are especially versatile because so many vegetables make delicious fillings and there are multiple options for sauces.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we're going to focus on preparing some awesome vegetarian enchiladas, all of which can be easily adapted to vegan if that's your preference.
...more
18min

FAQs about Vegetarian Zen:

How many episodes does Vegetarian Zen have?

The podcast currently has 872 episodes available.

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