4.27.2011

Forks Over Knives

  "If the truth be known coronary artery disease is a toothless paper tiger that need never, ever exist and if it does exist it need never, ever progress."  -Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D (an INCREDIBLE person.  Check out his bio here)

Forks over Knives presents ground-breaking, heart-breaking, heart-saving and ground-saving (while I'm at it..) clear evidence, facts, clinical studies,  and scientific studies that prove and support the healing and health benefits of a whole foods plant-based diet.   It's really no question the Western diet sucks.  America is extremely unhealthy and for the most part, surprisingly OK with it.  What if we weren't OK with it anymore? What if enough suffering was enough and we decided to start voting for and eating healthy food?  What would that look like?  It would look like a hell of a lot less cancer, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, obesity, heart disease and suffering.  I really don't know what's so controversial about wanting a healthier planet, except that a lot of really rich people from top corporations -who are trying to make us all think we need dairy for calcium, we need meat for protein or we'll DIE- would have a few less houses and boats to play with.  Ok, maybe it's not quite that simple, but it's pretty darn close. 

Who should go see this movie? People who eat.

I started this blog as a fun way to provide my family and friends with my favorite recipes.  However, since seeing Forks Over Knives last year and continuing my research on a whole foods, plant-based diet, my goals have shifted.  Disease is no stranger to my family and friends and it's hard for me to sit back knowing that in most cases its existence and progression is unnecessary, preventable and reversible.  I'm also not the type to "preach" or "push" my views and findings on others, as I tend to resist those tactics myself.  So my goal is to create a fun and delicious atmosphere that you can't resist coming back to day after day.  I provide pretty pictures and test all my recipes to show you that healthy can be fun, delicious, easy, and sexy.  I absolutely have an agenda here.  I want everyone in the world to be happy and healthy.  I want needless suffering by humans and all living things to come to an end.  I want healthy food to be the status quo.  I want people to enjoy the food they eat.   I want people to demand and vote daily (every single purchase you make is a vote) for higher quality food.  I want world peace.  There, I said it.  And I'm going to continue using my passion and talents toward reaching those goals.  Really, Rach? Eating ONLY plants? Isn't that BIT extreme?  Why, yes. I would have to say it's extremely yummy, extremely environmentally friendly, extremely compassionate and extremely fun.  Dr. Esselstyn gives his take on the "extremeness": "Some people think the "diet" is extreme.  Half a million people a year will have their chests opened up and a vein taken from their leg and sewn onto their coronary artery.  Some people would call that extreme."

I try to remain calm and refrain from getting emotional on this blog.  I try to refrain from preaching or being outspoken because frankly, there are plenty of other blogs that are much more effective than I am - thank heavens for them!!!  But know that I am asking you from the bottom of my heart to take someone you love and go see this film.  Do I want to "turn you vegan?"  Well, yeah, I have to admit, I feel that passionate that it's an incredible way to live, and I have fantasized about an entirely vegan world.  TMI? It's powerful knowing that I'm helping the planet, helping my body, and most importantly for me, no one or thing is suffering for me.  But what's also powerful is knowing the information that's out there and making informed choices at the grocery store.  It's powerful to read food labels, know exactly what's in that food, and decide for yourself if it's healthy or not.  Instead of being overwhelmed by the big words and pretty packages and having the marketing department (who is only interested in your money) make the choice for you.  I know the whole world doesn't share my views and morals, and I don't share some others' views and morals, but given the choice between healthy or sick, informed or uniformed, peace or suffering, happiness or despair, poverty or comfort, I'll bet most would opt for healthy, informed, peace, happiness, and comfort.  And you do have the choice.  You do have the power.

View trailers and find out where you can see it at FORKSOVERKNIVES.COM

4.26.2011

Bean and Quinoa Salad

 This recipe is inspired by the yummy bean and grain salads at Whole Foods' salad bar.  I made it last night for dinner and we ate it with organic blue corn tortilla chips.   It might win healthiest meal on this blog - and it was super duper easy peasy and DELISH! Because it's balanced with lots of protein, veggies and grains, it's a complete meal.  It would also make an awesome side dish at a picnic! This salad is packed with nutrients including zinc, iron, and vitamin C.  And to add to the excitement, brazil nuts are a complete protein!  Woo hoo!!!

4.21.2011

Mashed Potatoes with Asparagus


My sister made this for dinner last week and it looked too good to keep to myself! If a college student can do it, you can do it!  I'm so proud!!! She calls it: "Mashed 'Gus." Love it, Bird.  Disclaimer: I try all the recipes on this blog, but I have not tried this one.  But you can't really go wrong with mashed potatoes, garlic and asparagus!  When I do make it, I'll revise the recipe (if it needs it), but a.) I didn't want to keep this yumminess from you for too long and b.) I was so excited that she created this awesome meal!  Channel your inner top chef and have fun with it :)