We just wrapped up part 2 of “The Chef and the Dietitian” One Year Anniversary Giveaway, featuring Julieanna Hever, the Plant-Based Dietitian. What a FUN giveaway. Congrats to Dalores Lounds on winning a copy of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition. We also had the pleasure of interviewing Julieanna, LIVE on our PBJ Internet Talk Radio Show. OMG…what a FANTASTIC time we had! Julieanna was so much fun, and shared a wealth of knowledge, and wisdom with us. Thank you Julieanna for taking time out of your busy schedule for the PBJ family! YOU ROCK 
CLICK HERE to learn more about the PBJ show, and our guests
CLICK HERE to check out Part 1 of “The Chef and the Dietitian” One Year Anniversary Giveaway, featuring Chef AJ
We had so much fun with the last giveaway, we thought it would be AWESOME to have ANOTHER giveaway, to celebrate my one year anniversary of being plant-based! We titled this one: “Plantiversary” Giveaway!! The word “Plantiversary”, was phrased by ANOTHER one of my favorite cookbook authors, Dreena Burton. I know…I know…I have TOO MANY cookbooks, lol! But can you blame me, with all of these amazing recipes? Dreena is being kind, and generous enough to give one of our lucky readers, an opportunity to win a copy of her book, Let Them Eat Vegan, which we will refer to as LTEV, in this blog.
Photo from plantpoweredkitchen.com
Dreena’s newest book LTEV, has been another fantastic staple in my kitchen. There are many delicious, healthy, and FUN recipes included in her cookbook. Who is Dreena Burton, you ask? She is the author of four vegan cookbooks, and mom to three plant-powered girls! Always passionate about creating nutritious recipes, she is an advocate of using the “plant-based basics” (beans, nuts, seeds, whole-grains, fruits and vegetables) to create dishes that are healthy -but also very satisfying and delicious! For more on her plant-powered recipes and newest cookbook, Let Them Eat Vegan, visit PlantPoweredKitchen.com
Dreena has been vegan since ’95, when little was known about eating and cooking vegan. Not long after graduating with her business degree and working in the marketing field, Dreena followed her true passion of creating recipes.
The Everyday Vegan was her first project, following her father-in-law’s heart attack. Dreena knew there was information needing to be shared – most importantly, how and what to eat as a vegan. After having her first child, she wrote Vive le Vegan!,
which represented her journey as a mom, and more wholesome, easy recipes. Then came 
eat, drink & be vegan, a celebratory vegan cookbook, which became very popular for its entire chapter on hummus, as well as inventive flavor combinations and a mix of wheat-free and gluten-free recipes.
Dreena has written for VegNews and alive magazines, True/Slant, and has been featured in other publications including First magazine. She has won several blog awards including VegNews VegBloggy and Vancouver’s Ultimate Mom Blog. Her “Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies” has become a signature recipe, and its YouTube cooking video has received over 200,000 views. More recently, Dreena’s “Frosted B-raw-nies” recipe won the Everyday Health Gluten-Free Recipe Contest (February 2011).
Dreena’s newest book, Let Them Eat Vegan: 200 Deliciously Satisfying Plant-Powered Recipes for the Whole Family (2012) represents an evolution in vegan cooking. Dreena utilizes her experience cooking with the ‘vegan basics’ – beans, nuts, seeds, whole-grains and whole-grain products, vegetables and fruits – to bring delicious, wholesome vegan meals, snacks, and treats to the table for everyday plant-powered eating. No white flour, no white sugar, and also no vegan substitutes like vegan cream cheese, sour cream, or vegan meat. And, these recipes are wheat-free and largely gluten-free, and a sprinkling of raw delights for good measure.
One of my favorite quotes from the book (pg xvi):
Eating vegan is about so much more than not eating animal foods. We know the importance of choosing whole plant foods, and largely organic and local foods, over highly processed foods. That’s the health power of a plant-based diet. Eating a whole-foods vegan diet -with respect for lower-fat recipes featuring colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds -is where it’s at. These foods are the basics for delicious, nourishing, and, satisfying meals for everyone at the table -from the pickiest toddler (trust me on this one) to the green smoothie-drinking spouse (trust me on this one, too). When we focus our diet on plant-power, we feel better, look better, and want to do better. Before long, we find ourselves getting hooked on healthy foods. And why wouldn’t we? When they taste delicious, make us feel good, improve our overall health and are cruelty free -what’s not to love?
Dreena is telling it exactly like it is, trust her!! Take me for example. I used to eat fast food at least three times a day (note: fast-food junkie). NOW, I crave all of these unbelievably tasty, healthy foods (note: plant-based junkie). I have learned that by living a whole-foods, plant-based lifestyle (17 months, now), my body literally thanks me everyday. I enjoy no longer getting headaches on a daily basis, no longer having tummy issues, and no longer getting sick and having to go to my doctor for antibiotics. I am thrilled to finally have energy, healthy skin, hair, and nails, to eat until I am full and satisfied, and be able to maintain my ideal weight. I could be here all day shouting to the world ALL OF THE AMAZING BENEFITS of living this lifestyle. Speaking of benefits, CLICK HERE to check out my recent blood work results! “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” ~Hippocrates. It is not just about the health benefits, but also about having compassion for the animals that are no longer on my plate.
I also used to plop my butt on the couch every night and shovel potato chips and cottage cheese down my throat while watching TV. Since I began my plant-based journey, I cannot even remember the last time I watched TV, because I actually have the energy now to go for runs when I get home (note: training for my first half marathon). YOU CAN DO IT! Trust ME, once you get sick and tired, of being sick and tired….YOU WILL WANT TO DO IT! I have no regrets, and will NEVER go back to being a fast-food junkie. I am a PROUD Plant-Based Junkie, and I am never looking back. Dreena’s book gives you tips, techniques, notes, along with food preparations for packed lunches, baking tips, how to select, prep, and include more greens in your meals, I could go on and on. This book is jammed packed with delicious recipes, as well as a wealth of information to answer all of your questions.
Photo from plantpoweredkitchen.com
Speaking of delicious recipes. Two of my favorite recipes from this amazing book, is the No-Fu Love Loaf (pg 112-113), and the VegVeeta Dip (pg 67). Many vegan versions of meatloaf are made with tofu, veggie ground round, tvp, or even seitan. Those tofu-averse will be happy to know there is no tofu or veggie meats in this loaf. This savory version uses only lentils, cracked wheat, oats, and chia seed, along with a mix of seasonings to make it all magically come together! This loaf can be made wheat and gluten-free. CLICK HERE to witness this life-changing recipe. We made No-Fu Love Loaf for Thanksgiving, if that tells you how much we love this recipe. I also made it again this week! (see pics below)
Photo taken by Laura Black
Photo taken by Laura Black
Photo taken from plantbaseddietitian.com
The VegVeeta Dip (pg 67) is another favorite of ours! It is wheat-free, gluten-free, soy-free (for those that have issues with those). This warm ‘cheesy’ dip has a mild flavor that can be used to accompany many foods… and also combines very well with salsa to mimic the velveeta/salsa dip from years ago. Frank and I love to pour this over our taco salads, burritos, nachos, potatoes, well…pretty much anything, lol! CLICK HERE to give it a try! Your taste buds will not regret it
And for dessert (I haven’t tried this one yet, but looks scrumptious), there is the Award-Winning Frosted B-raw-nies (pg. 204-205)
THE INTERVIEW
Not only was Dreena nice enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer some of our questions, which we are sharing with you today, she will also be chatting with the PBJ family LIVE on our PBJ show, Sunday March 3rd. CLICK HERE for details. The PBJ family is honored to feature Dreena on our blog, as well as have her as a guest on our show.
PBJ: What would you like to share with those thinking about starting a plant-based diet, but are frightened or unsure if they will be able to succeed?
Dreena: First, don’t doubt your ability to make these changes. If it is important to you, you can do it! We all prioritize things in our lives, make this one of your priorities. And, second, I often tell people “start with what you know”. Rather than be overwhelmed by trying all kinds of new foods and recipes, start with the vegan foods you already love, for example brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, bean stews and chilis, avocado… and build from there. If you really love sweet potatoes, build a meal around them, maybe try a new stew that features them as the main ingredients but adds some new spices, flavors, or ingredients to you. Work with the building blocks that are already familiar and comfortable for you, and gradually push out of that comfort zone with new recipes and foods. (And, generally, you will be more successful giving new vegan recipes a go rather than trying to ‘veganize‘ all of your old favorites!) There are SO many resources available now to help you, truly you can do it.
PBJ: Was there an event in your life that persuaded you to make the transition to a plant-based lifestyle?
Dreena: I first became vegetarian, then moved into eating vegan. My ‘trigger’ to becoming vegetarian was when my sister read an article about how red meat can remain in your intestines for years. I was a teenager, and that got me thinking and reading – and eventually changing. It was a process for sure, and I talk more about that on my blog here.
PBJ: What is one of your favorite recipes from your book, Let them Eat Vegan?
Dreena: Oooh. I have so many! Some of my favorites savory items are (in no particular order!): Kale-Slaw with Curried Almond Dressing, Wonder Bean Puree, Jerk Chickpeas, Mac Oh-Geez, Mediterranean Bean Burgers, Nutty Veggie Burgers, Vegveeta Dip, Moroccan Bean Stew with Sweet Potatoes, Mexican Bean Stew with Chipotle Avocado Cream, and Artichoke and White Bean Dip. For baked goods and sweets (again, so many!): Whole-Grain Chia Pancakes, Berry Patch Brownies, Cocoa Cookie Dough Balls, Raw Chocolate Dream Mousse Pies, Pumpkin Pie Custards, Award-Winning Frosted B-raw-nies, Gingery Cookies, Gluten-Free Apple Pie, Banana Butter Pie (using nut butter, not margarine!), and Chai Peanut Butter Ice Cream. See, told you it’s tough to answer! Many of these recipes are on my site if you want to take a looky-loo!
PBJ: What is your response to those folks that say they could never give up their meat, dairy, or processed foods? I used to be one of those people. My response used to be, “No cheese…are you crazy?” Also, any suggestions for those that say they are not big fruit or veggie lovers?
Dreena: We aren’t ‘giving up‘ foods, we are gaining better, healthier – and yes, even tastier – foods! And, once I learned the health problems associated with meat and dairy consumption, it became important to me to make changes for me, and also later for my family. Again, that goes back to priorities. Preparing healthy food for my children is as much a priority as their schooling and activities. Indeed, it fuels their bodies for optimal performance in athletics and also academic pursuits.
PBJ: What has been your most rewarding benefit from living this lifestyle?
Dreena: Twofold. First, seeing the abundant health that my children enjoy. They have bright, vibrant eyes and glowing skin and strong immune systems. Their energy is steady and full, but not spiked as with sugar rushes. And, then, hearing from others that write to tell me that one or more recipes helped change their lives, that it actually helped them on their path to eating a healthier, more compassionate diet permanently. That is a big deal, and I am always so appreciative to hear that kind of thing from a reader – it motivates me to continue with my work.
PBJ: What has been your biggest kitchen mishap/blooper?
Dreena: Oh dear, I’ve had quite a few. I’ve burned a cookbook (not my own, I guess that would be bad luck)! I placed it on one of the elements on the stove not realizing the element was heated on low, and I scorched the cover – thankfully no fire. And, I have burned out many motors on immersion blenders, have blown out a blender with green smoothie firing through the kitchen… and more. All in a day’s work.
Thank you Dreena for your generosity of the book giveaway, in addition to spending time with us for the interview. Speaking of giveaway…are you READY to win a copy of Let Them Eat Vegan??
HOW TO ENTER GIVEAWAY
Now, for the EXCITEMENT!! For a chance to win a copy of Let Them Eat Vegan, you MUST post your answer below to our question: “What does the word VEGAN mean to you, and what are you looking to gain from Dreena’s book?” You must include your e-mail address, so that I may contact you if you win. Please use the PunchTab link directly below to be entered into our giveaway, as well as a chance for bonus entries. Do not forget, you MUST use the PunchTab link, AND post your answer below to our question. Winner is chosen automatically by PunchTab randomly, so be sure to use the PunchTab to enter the giveaway. If you just leave a comment below without using the PunchTab link, your entry will not count. Please e-mail me if you have questions: plantbasedjunkies@gmail.com
**NOTE** GIVEAWAY IS ONLY OPEN TO READERS IN THE
U.S. AND CANADA
Winner will be randomly chosen on Sunday, March 3rd at 12pm (Central Time), and announced LIVE the same day on our PBJ Internet Talk Radio Show, between 4pm – 6pm (Central Time). You do not need to be present to win, but we would LOVE to meet some new PBJ’s, as well as hang out with our fellow PBJ’s! PLUS, the fabulous Dreena Burton will be popping in to speak with us!!
Here is your PunchTab link. You may use your facebook or e-mail info to enter the link.
Winner will be contacted via e-mail after the show, and will have 48 hours to respond. A new winner will be chosen, if no contact has been made within 48 hours.
UPDATE 3/3/13
CONGRATS, TERRI FIELD!!
ENJOY ALL THOSE DELICIOUS NEW RECIPES COMING YOUR WAY!!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY OF LET THEM EAT VEGAN, AND CLICK HERE FOR THE KINDLE VERSION
CLICK HERE to visit our PBJ Show page. Instructions on how to visit us during the show, upcoming shows and special guests posted, as well as our reason for doing the show.
Vegan to me means no processed foods. No additives all natural. I would like to learn more about being a vegan and would love to try the recipes.
Krystal, this sounds like the perfect book for you! Good luck in the giveaway
To me, vegan is more than just a diet–it is a way of life! It’s about fully nourishing our bodies with quality plant-based minimally processed foods, and making a conscious effort to be kind to our surroundings! I would love to learn more vegan recipes to bring to parties and share with my loved ones!
Wendy, I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for entering the giveaway. Dreena has drummed up all kinds of great recipes in LTEV for parties!! GOOD LUCK
Vegan to me is not eating anything that cast a shadow
and living in peace within myself. It’s a lifestyle that I’m lucky I’ve found. Not complicated at all.
Oh and I would just love to read the book because Dreena is amazing and her recipes are delicious.
AMEN TO THAT!! Good luck
LOVE your answer, Shawnah!! I also feel so blessed to have stumbled upon this lifestyle. It is definitely a journey I am LOVING!! Good luck in the giveaway
Being vegan for me is about avoiding cruelty to animals, but the health benefits are alright too.The more recipes in my repertoire, the better.
For me, at first it was about the health benefits. But the longer I go without eating animals, or animal products…it most definitely also becomes about the compassion for all living beings. Thank you for leaving a comment, and good luck in the giveaway, Holly!! You will LOVE Dreena’s recipes
Vegan means loving a natural life, loving animals and celebrating plants. However, I also believe in the importance of bio-medical research and believe that it is important for the health of animals and humans alike. WIth Dreena’s book I expect to add to my PB recipe repertoire. Love her recipes.
Love your response, totally agree! Good luck in the giveaway, Rugrat Chow!!
To me, vegan means being plant-strong, getting healthy and treading lightly on Mother Earth. April 1st will mark my 1 year plantiversary!
Terri!! There you are. Please e-mail me at laura@plantbasedjunkies.com. I have some “goodies” for you, from the fb page giveaway we had this last week. Good luck in this giveaway as well
Would also like to hear more about your journey the last year…would you be interested in calling in on our PBJ show in the future, and sharing your story with our fellow PBJ’s?
Wow, cool! I emailed you, Laura. thanks so much!
For me personally, vegan means no animals are harmed. I no longer eat them and I don’t use personal-care products that contain them or were tested on them. I am trying to not buy products of any kind that use animals. I am not perfect, but I am trying. I also like the fact that a vegan diet helps the health of me, the earth and the animals!
Lori, that is so great to hear. I became plant-based for health reasons, however since I began my healthy journey, I have become compassionate for all living things. I am interested in learning more about the products, and other items that are considered “vegan friendly”. Is there a good resource to check out, for that? Good luck on the giveaway!
I just got an app for my phone called Cruelty-Free. It has lists of companies and products. I have it for Android, but I bet they have it for iphone, too. I read labels a lot. I love it when it actually says vegan on it, as it makes it so much easier. I also have an app called Animal-Free which is a list of ingredients and whether or not they are vegan. I haven’t had any luck with the apps that you can scan the barcodes. Those may need to be paid apps. All of the ones I have are free.
Vegan means enjoying a whole foods lifestyle and respecting the planet as well as all living things sharing this place with us. I’ve just started being vegan and am really looking forward to many new and delicious recipes from Dreena’s book!
Thank you for sharing, and I am excited for you and your new, healthy journey! Please keep us updated on how you are doing, because we LOVE hearing success stories. Good luck on the giveaway
I want to transition to a more whole foods, plant based diet and Dreena’s books make this easy but yet flavourful. I have “The Everyday Vegan” and the recipes always please everyone. Thanks for hosting this giveaway and keep up the fabulous work!
A plant based compassionate way of living that does not harm animals. In Dreena’s book I’m looking to learn new food preparation techniques and interesting recipes
For me, vegan means not eating animals or animal products. Many vegan resources seem to ignore the harmful effects of processed foods (i.e. some consider oreos to be vegan). I like the statement above that says Dreena’s recipes have “No white flour, no white sugar, and also no vegan substitutes like vegan cream cheese, sour cream, or vegan meat.” Being vegan isn’t just about avoiding animal products; it’s about a healthier, plant-based lifestyle.
P.S. Laura – There is NO such thing as too many cookbooks!!
To me vegan is all about making healthy food choices for my family, avoiding dairy, meat, and processed foods. I would love to win her book – I am in the process of trying to get 2 toddlers exciting about eating this way and it is not easy! I need more family and kid friendly recipes
Vegan means living compassionately, doing the least amount of harm to animals and the environment as we can, while promoting our own health at the same time.
I would love to add the book to my collection. I can always use a new variation or inspiration in the kitchen!
For me, “vegan” is synonymous with health and compassion. It also means helping out the earth!
I’ve never owned a book by Dreena, but I’ve always wanted to and this new one looks right up my alley.
Being vegan initially meant eating for my health – I learned through documentaries and various books that animal consumption is the cause of many health problems and disease. The more I have learned about the horrible treatment of the animals that are raised for our food supply, the more I reasons I have for maintaining a vegan diet. I’m still relatively new to this and would love this cookbook to add to my growing collection! I gave away over 50 cookbooks when I started my plant based diet!!
To me vegan means a healthy lifestyle that respects all life and includes a harmony with the world we live in. I am just beginning my transition from vegetarian to vegan and I would love to have a copy of Dreena’s book to help keep me strong on that path. My main motivation is humane reasons but the health benefits are a wonderful incentive as well.
Being vegan means first and fore and most living a compassionate lifestyle which means we do not hurt any living creature but then we are compassionate with our own lives as well and respect our health values by putting good food in our body but we don’t hurt our conscious by killing innocent animals.
Being vegan means being kind and whole foods based. I’ve actually tried a few of Dreena’s recipes from Let Them Eat Vegan, and I have to say that I loved them all so far (as have everyone who has tried them along with me), so what I expect, is delicious and nutritious vegan meals that focus on whole foods.
To me, vegan means a healthier life for me and a healthier earth for all of us. The research on the health benefits of a plant-based diet is incredible. I don’t understand why more people don’t include more PB meals in their diet! I love Dreena’s writing and would love to expand my knowledge of cooking vegan with her cookbook.
I have been vegetarian for a year and a half. I went vegetarian in response to my husband having heart disease and wanting to show support . We first wnet nutritarian, then vegetarian. Recently, I tried to go vegan with the 21 day vegan challenge. I think that vegan means being plant based and eating no animal products whatsoever. What I am hoping to gain from Dreena’s new cookbok is a way to make healthy, vegan recipes for our family, specifically getting my 3 teenage boys to become more plant based. I am looking for new ideas that go beyond simply salads and soups.
To me Vegan means good health for my body and the planet. I struggle with cooking vegan recipes that my family will enjoy. I live with a cave man!
Vegan means to me a new, healthy way of eating. Not just for me, but my family too. A plant-based lifestyle is so very important for our bodies and our environment. I have just recently started this way of eating and hope to increase my “recipe box” with new and delicious foods that my whole family will enjoy!
I just bought LTEV a few weeks ago and have been a long time fan of Dreena’s! I tweeted about the giveaway since I love this cookbook so much and feel it would help many people who are thinking about veganism or are transitioning.
Vegan means a plant-based diet. What I hope to get from LTEV are many more delectable recipes that I can serve to my adult vegan children when they come home for dinner. I also hope to be able to entice with her recipes to adapt this lifestyle as well.
Being vegan to me means eating a healthy, plant based diet. I’d love to find more recipes that my family (husband and 4 year old) will enjoy that will keep them healthy and happy for a long time.
Vegan – to me, is my life and the way I’ve eaten for ten years. I would LOVE Dreena’s book and would definitely gain more recipes for my family and myself!!
Vegan to me means doing the right thing for my and my family’s health. And I can learn so much from Dreena and would love to try her recipes to continue my health journey.
Vegan to me is clean, unprocessed, compassionate. I started 1 year ago with my husband to prevent future health issues as we got older. Over the course of the year I
feel I have transformed my thinking not just in my eating habits, but my feelings about the environment and other life on this planet. I am more compassionate and aware of the impact we each make. I look forward to continuing this journey.
To me, veganism is about kindness and compassion, both toward the animals and yourself. Of course veganism is about being kind to animals, but you are also being kind to yourself by providing your body with nourishing foods!
Vegan means to me a chance to outlive my parents and not succumb to diabetes, heart disease or stroke. I want to take charge as I approach 50 and feel great! Better than ever. With Dreena’s book I can get more creative meals, cook more and never feel deprived in this new plant based lifestyle.
to me, vegan means living in perfect harmony with planet earth. living with intention, awareness, and compassion. what is healthy for me is healthy for other animals is healthy for the whole ecosystem. coincidence? i think not.
<3
p.s. dreena’s book would provide me with an opportunity to expand my healthy eating reportoire… to explore and develop my diet and those of my loved ones.
Veganism, to me, is about being aware. Aware of the rights of people, aware of the cruelty towards animals, and aware of how I’m treating myself and others by eating actual whole foods that help you to become your best, healthiest self.
Vegan means to me: true and clean nutrition.
Being vegan to me is about putting the foods into my and my family’s bodies that will truly provide us a long, healthy, energetic life. I love them more than anything and know that this is the way to keep them as healthy as we can. I would love to win this book to create all of those amazing looking recipes!
Vegan means no animal products plus very little processed foods–whole plant based foods are the way to go!!!! I would like more easy quick healthy recipes.
“What does the word VEGAN mean to you?”
No animal was harmed, healthy whole food, and environmentally conscious.
“What are you looking to gain from Dreena’s book?”
More of her awesome recipes!!
To me, vegan means living a compassionate life and caring about all living things and the environment.
Vegan to me means that no animal was hurt to make my food and clothes. Being vegan also means that you are helping the environment and your health. I have been vegan for almost two years and would love to try new vegan recipes!
Being vegan means loving and respecting all beings including yourself, as well as living a mindful life in all respects. We follow a vegan diet and always try to buy cruelty-free products. We buy organic produce and clothing and products with high recycled content. We recycle, re-purpose and share through Freecycle groups. We volunteer at local food banks and animal shelters. Most importantly we teach the kids about how beautiful and precious life is in all its forms, and that it’s our responsibility to care for every living being on Earth and to protect every resource it offers. Life is a gift and every moment is a chance to honor it with gentle and kind choices.
Cheers!
What I hope to gain from the book is the joy of giving it as a gift to my on-the-verge-of-going-vegan brother…he’s a great cook and would love it!
Vegan simply means to me that no animals had to sacrifice in order for me to eat a meal. It is a process that has opened my eyes to the many different ways in which one can be “vegan”, and while I freely admit I am not the healthiest vegan (still very much a work in progress there) I do feel better physically and mentally knowing that I am eating this way. I have become obsessed with collecting recipes to wow my non-vegan friends and family, and I hope to gain from LTEV another fabulous resource toward that end.
I recently decided to eat vegan for 5 reasons: 1) Nutrition (I want to stay healthy eating from plants); 2) Compassion for animals (I asked myself, why eat an animal when I don’t have to?); 3) Environmental consciousness (I am concerned about the waste of our planet’s resources); 4) Political/ fight the system reasons (we can feed more of the hungry/ ad campaigns and political institutions have misinformed us); and 5) Cool factor (vegans have superpowers). As a new vegan, I would use the book to create meals for friends and family – to show them eating vegan can be varied and satisfying.
To me, being vegan means: conscious eating and compassionate choices. I hope to gain fun recipes that my whole family can enjoy from Dreena’s book.
Vegan means trying to suck less.
To me the word VEGAN means morality and ethics: the courage to do the right thing among a majority of people with opposing beliefs. What I hope to gain from Dreena’s book is some new and unique recipes and flavor combinations.
Vegan = delicious, wholesome, happy food
Dreena is awesome, so I would gain more awesome in my life by getting her book
Vegan, to me, is about doing one’s part to help ‘raise’ the planetary vibration, one human at a time. And when large crowds of people join together to make a change, beautiful things happen. It’s a chain reaction. Animals are just as much a part of the planetary vibration. I look at them, and I see a face, not unlike my own. I hear a voice, that although different from mine, speaks a language of love and a desire to be heard. I see a living, breathing creature who has needs, has a soul and a family. And I refuse to be a participant in taking that away, any longer. I refuse to contribute to another creature’s pain, suffering & exploitation. That is what vegan means most to me.LOVE. For the planet & ALL of its inhabitants. With the book, I would continue to amass new and vital information that can be passed along to friends & family in my hopes that they will someday join me. I am a vegan junkie & I can never get enough inspiration & information.
Vegan to me means compassion, health and real food. In a world that tries to control so much of how we live, this is one battle I know I can fight. I love Dreena’s recipes, they are always so amazing, I would love love love to have this book to share more delicious recipes with my friends and family.
To me, Vegan means standing up for yourself, respecting yourself, loving yourself, and taking control. It means sending a message to corporations that I HAVE TAKEN THE POWER BACK- power over what I put into my body, power over my money, power over their influence on the environment and the creatures they sacrifice to make a higher profit. I may be only one person, but if I can influence anyone else, THEY can influence others, and so on… Vegan means being healthy, conscientious, and active. I am not passive anymore
Vegan to me = compassion, integrity, strength, consciousness, health and delicious food!
To me, Vegan means to love your body and your mind and the environment. It means that I am surrounding myself with holistic and whole foods to stay as healthy and disease free as possible, but also do my part in protecting the environment!