Vegan Christmas Recipes

For me, Christmas is all about delicious food and family. Growing up in Bangalore, I used to enjoy eating sponge cake, plum cake and fruit cake during Christmas . Now, I often make vegan plum cake during Christmas.

These days  people concerned about animals and environment across the world are relishing vegan cookies , fruit cakes and sweets.

Here are some links for delicious Vegan recipes for Christmas and New Year

1. http://www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/vegan-christmas-recipes

2. http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/cooking-ideas/6-vegan-cookies-celebrate-holidays

3. http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/green-christmas-2015/

4. http://www.egglesscooking.com/recipes/christmas-baking/

5. http://thekindlife.com/blog/2012/12/vegan-christmas-dinner-recipes-2012/

Vegan (Cruel-free) Shopping For Holidays

Today, it is possible to get everything from vegan shoes to vegan boots and vegan chocolates to vegan soaps. You don't have to worry if  there is no vegan store or Wholefoods nearby.

Thanks to the amazing websites such as Vegan Essentials http://www.veganessentials.com/ and
the Vegan Store http://www.veganstore.com/ , you can shop online for vegan (cruel-free) items for friends and family.

Vegan Cookies for Holidays

During holiday season , Every mom in America is baking fresh cookies and cakes for her family and friends. My son loves cookies. I often bake chocolate chip cookies and Almond cookies.

Here are some tasty cookie recipes...

1 http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-holiday-cookie-recipe-vegan-almond-sables-20151210-story.html

2. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-vegan-holiday-cookie-recipes-for-a-sweet-holiday-season.html

3. http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/Take-a-Bite-of-this-Cake-Vegans/2015/12/19/article3185403.ece

4. http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22759/12-days-of-vegan-cookies.html

5. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/05/coconut-oil-dessert-recipes_n_7213842.html

Vegan Soldiers

Soldiers across the world work very hard. When law and order goes out of control, when police men can no longer bring back order to a city or town, soldiers manage to restore law and order...

In short, soldiers play an important role in every nook and corner of our world.

Soldiers generally are non-vegetarians. I recently read that many soldiers in Israel are adopting Vegan diet.

Here is the link to that interesting article...

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/12/big-in-israel-vegan-warriors/413149/

Vegan Wedding in Bangalore (Bengaluru)

Few days ago, Soumya - Vegan animal rights activist in Bangalore, had an awesome Vegan wedding. The guest were requested not to wear silk sarees and carry leather handbags!

I feel so nice to read everything from Vegan Weddings to Vegan Thanksgiving dinner. I just hope more people embrace vegan lifestyle, so that the suffering of innocent animals will be reduced...

Here is the link to the recent  vegan wedding in Bangalore.

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/others/Ministers-daughter-to-set-zero-waste-example-at-own-wedding-reception-today/articleshow/49926495.cms

Ingrid Newkirk Inspires People to go Vegan

Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA is an amazing woman. She has been playing an active role in PETA.   I feel  that the concept of vegan diet is growing every day due to the hard work of Ingrid Newkirk. I'm so grateful to GOD, for giving Ingrid Newkirk  to our Planet Earth!

Today, millions of animals across the world, can lead a normal happy life due to the dedication and hard work of Peta. More than a decade ago, I came to know about  the "suffering of cows" in a PETA brochure...

Today, I read an interesting interview of Ingrid Newkirk in an Indian newspaper - The Hindu

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/raising-her-voice-for-the-voiceless/article7924879.ece

Tofurky for Compassionate Thanksgiving

For many years, Americans have been eating Turkey for Thanksgiving. Holiday season begins during Thanksgiving. People start shopping for Christmas. In short, Thanksgiving is all about Food , Fun , Family and Friends.

These days, many compassionate Americans prefer to eat plant-based food during Thanksgiving.

According to many reports, the number of vegetarians and vegans is increasing every year in United States. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to thrive on plant-based diet in United States.

Recently, I read many interesting articles about vegan Thanksgiving. Here are the links...

1. http://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2015/11/23/south-central-pa-vegan-thanksgiving/75673108/

2. http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Food/2015/1120/Recipes-for-a-vegan-Thanksgiving/Curried-butternut-squash-soup

3. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/food/wp/2015/11/15/thanksgiving-menu-vegan-centerpiece-worthy-recipes/

4 . http://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/food/article/Vegan-doesn-t-mean-limited-6422486.php

5. http://theodysseyonline.com/canisius/vegan-thanksgiving/225312

David frawley's Views on Indian Cows is Wrong

Vedacharya David Frawley - an American, has profound knowledge about  thousands of years old Vedas, Yoga and Ayurveda. From couple of years, I have learnt so much about my religion, from articles and books written by Vedacharya David Frawley. He is the founder of American Institute of Vedic Studies. To know more about this institute, http://vedanet.com/

Vedacharya David Frawley was born in a christain family, but he became interested in Vedas and Yoga when in was a teenager. From past few decades, he has written many books about Hinduism, Ayurveda and Yoga. Today,  many Americans know about Vedas, Mantras, Meditation, Yoga and Ayurveda through Vedacharya David Frawley.

In June, 2015 Vedacharya David Frawley wrote an article, Ayurvedic Dairy: The Raw Story on Milk, Yogury and More in Yoga International. Vedacharya David Frawley writes, "In India the cow is allowed to give its milk to its calf first. Only the leftover milk, which is often considerable, is taken by humans." I strongly disagree with this statement. You can read the article here,
https://yogainternational.com/article/view/ayurvedic-dairy-the-raw-story-on-milk-yogurt-and-more

Today, India is the largest producer of milk because farmers use all kinds of tricks to extract maximum amount of milk from the innocent cows. I visit India frequently and I know the condition of Indian cows. In Indian villages, cows are induced with harmones to produce more milk. Milk is often mixed with chemicals and water. This is the reason many children are prone to gastroenteristis , and cancer in India.

Cows in India are suffering from past century. More than 100 years ago, Mahatma Gandhi took a vow not to consume cow's milk after he came to know about the cruel process, Phooka or Doom Dev.
Dada Vaswani, another great spiritual leader from India has stopped consuming milk and milk products after he came to know about the cruel condition of cows in dairy farms in India and across the world.

In the article, Vedacharya David Frawley , says "To really benefit from the deeper healing properties of dairy, raw milk is best." Actually, in Western countries, cow are slaughtered once they stop producing milk. Vedacharya David Frawley writes ,"Milk is an ideal rejuvenative food; it nourishes the mind and heart." I strongly feel that the " modern milk" is filled with Himsa (violence)

Vedacharya David Frawley is an expert on Vedas. Vedas mean "knowledge". Vedas also mean "Truth" .I hope Vedacharya David Frawley sees documentaries such as Earthlings and The Plastic Cow and become Vegan. In short, modern milk from United States to India and Australia to England is filled with Himsa(Violence).

Paradigm Shift - Vegan Restaurant in Bangalore

Bangalore is awash with Vegetarian restaurants. It is really easy to find vegan food in most of the vegetarian restaurants in India. These days, it is nice to know that vegan restaurants are slowly coming up in Bangalore...

Today, I came to know about Paradigm Shift, a vegan restaurant in Bangalore. During my next visit to Bangalore, I should go to this restaurant...
https://www.facebook.com/paradigmshiftvegan

Many people are going vegan in India, after seeing the horrible condition of innocent cows...

Here are some interesting articles about Vegans in Bangalore.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/a-faux-meat-revolution/article7671858.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Food/be-vegan-and-fair/article5375756.ece
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/504681/vegan-way.html

Today is International Day of Non-violence

We must be the Change we wish to see in the World
                                                              ---M.K.Gandhi

October 2, is celebrated across the world as International Day of Non-violence. On this day, Mahatma Gandhi was born in 1869 in Porbandar, India.

Mahatma Gandhi was passionate about Non-violence. Using the power of Non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi - Leader of India's freedom struggle, brought independence to India.

In India, October 2 is a National Holiday. October 2 is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanthi.

Today, millions across the world are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. Our world will be a better place, if everyone tries to follow atleast some of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings. Our society will be brimming with peace and harmony if we follow Mahatma Gandhi's principles...

I'm confident that Mahatma Gandhi would have thrived on plant-based diet (vegan diet), if he were alive today...

Here are some interesting websites to know more about the great person, M.K.Gandhi

http://www.mkgandhi.org/

http://www.ivu.org/news/evu/other/gandhi2.html

http://www.gandhifoundation.net/about%20gandhi5.htm

Mahatma Gandhi and Animals

To my mind the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being. I should be unwilling to take the life of a lamb for the sake of the human body. I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man
                                                                        - Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi is a global icon, born in India more than a century ago. Today, the name Mahatma Gandhi is synonymous with  Non-violence. Honesty, Truth, Compassion, Hard Work, Kindness, and Non-violence were his virtues. Millions of people consider Mahatma Gandhi has their role model.

Mahatma Gandhi worked very hard for a peaceful society. Mahatma Gandhi wanted Human beings and animals to be happy. Nearly a century ago, in 1912 , Mahatma Gandhi vowed not to consume cow's milk after he learnt about a cruel procedure known as Phooka or Doom Dev.

Mahatma Gandhi was a Hindu and he had great regards for the sacred cow. Today, the cows in India are suffering so much. Indian farmers inject cows with oxytocin harmone to produce more milk. If Gandhi was alive, I'm sure Mahatma Gandhi would support the concept of vegan diet- plant based diet for the welfare of mankind.

Renae Smith, An Amazing Vegan Chef

Renae Smith is a very creative cook. She became popular in Masterchef Australia .
Now, Renae Smith regularly travels and talks about delicious vegan food. She whips up amazing vegan cakes and cookies.

Recently she was in India, and people were lucky to taste vegan cakes baked by her.

Please read these article to know more about, Renae Smith

https://www.facebook.com/renaesmithmc

http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Food/renae-smiths-kitchen-diary/article7698413.ece

http://brendonthesmilingchef.com/2015/03/23/renae-smith-meat-free-week-ambassador/

Plant-based Diet (Vegan Diet) is Powerful

Every day scientists across the world are saying that vegetables and fruits have the capacity to prevent everything from Cancer to Diabetes and Obesity to Arthritis.

It is easy to incorporate variety of vegetables and fruits in our diet with some planning. Using spinach and bananas to make green smoothies for your breakfast. Including almonds, and dates is also an excellent way to increase the nutrition of smoothies. Snacking on fruits and nuts is also an excellent way to include more fruits in our diet.

Here are some excellent articles to know more about the value of fruits and vegetables in our Diet

1. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/

2. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/quick-tips-adding-fruits-and-vegetables-to-your-diet-get-started

3. http://www.cookinglight.com/healthy-living/healthy-habits/eat-vegetables-fruits

4. http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/power-of-plants/article7611865.ece

5. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/for-a-quick-breakfast/article7665952.ece

Scott Jurek - American Ultramarathoner is a Vegan

Scott Jurek is a Vegan and American Ultramarathoner. Scott loves to RUN. He is one of the top runners of the decade. Recently, he set a new American record by running 165.7 miles in 24 hours.

Scott Jurek grew up eating meat every day. When Scott's mother suffered from multiple sclerosis,  he stopped eating meat and he was convinced that eating meat causes many diseases.

In 1999, Scott Jurek became a Vegan. Jurek feels that his plant-based diet accounts for his astonishing records. When he is not Running, Scott cooks yummy and nutritious vegan dishes in his kitchen.

In 2013 , Scott Jurek wrote a book, Eat and Run. Eat and Run book has inspired many Americans to go Vegan.

Here are some interesting links to know more about Scott Jurek

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwBAFrSK-l8

2. http://scottjurek.com/

3. http://www.greatveganathletes.com/scott_jurek

James Cameron, Award-winning Filmmaker is a Vegan

James Cameron is a extraordinary filmmaker. He is known for great movies such as Titanic and Avatar. James Cameron is also passionate about Environment, Ocean, and planets.

In 2012 , James Cameron, his wife and kids started to thrive on Vegan diet, to protect our beautiful Planet, Earth. When asked what’s the best thing an individual can do to fight climate change, Cameron says, “Stop eating animals.”

Here are some interesting articles and videos about James Cameron,

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9lU4wpyFVo

2. http://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/nutrition/james-cameron-why-i-eat-a-vegan-diet-20150915

3. http://fortune.com/2015/09/14/james-cameron-sustainable-food/

4. http://www.ecorazzi.com/2015/05/28/james-cameron-we-consider-meat-and-dairy-to-be-basically-toxic/

5. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/06/08/305860073/james-cameron-backed-school-to-terminate-meat-and-dairy

6. http://www.jamescamerononline.com/Documentaries.htm

Doctors Urge People to Eat Plant-based Diet

Many doctors in United States are going vegan, and they all feel that Vegan diet is great for the health.

Dr Kim A.Williams is a leading Cardiologist in United States. He has been thriving on a vegan diet from past 13 years, and his health is in excellent condition. Dr.Williams says that low-fat vegan diet has the capacity to lower the risk of Diabetes and Obesity.

Here are few interesting articles - Medical professionals advocating Plant-based diet.
1. http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/reasons-why-choosing-to-eat-plant-based-is-totally-badass/

2. http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8047/why-im-a-vegan-a-cardiologist-explains.html

3. http://wellandgood.com/2014/12/29/meet-the-new-york-doctor-who-prescribes-vegan-diets/

4. http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/valley/people/closeup/vegan-doc-emphasizes-lifestyle/article_bed0f8c9-0e3b-540b-b96e-2857e4360262.html

Dairy Substitutes in India

These days, many people in India are lactose intolerant. Fortunately, everything form burfis to halwas and kheers to payasam can be made without ghee and dairy milk...

Couple of years ago, I used to buy almond milk or coconut milk in United States to make Indian sweets. Now, I just soak few almonds or cashews in boiling water for few minutes. I then grind cashews or peeled almonds with little water to make fresh cashew milk or almond milk, and I use this fresh non-dairy milk to make kheers, payasams and halwas...

Recently, I read an interesting article about dairy subsitutes in Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-features/Lactose-intolerant-Try-these-delectable-dairy-substitutes/articleshow/48668221.cms

Ayurveda and Vegan Diet

Ayurveda is ancient healing system from India. According to Ayurveda, cow's milk and ghee(clarified butter) are some of the most nutritious foods. This is the reason most of the Indians end their lunch with some curds(yogurt). Indian moms get paranoid if their kids don't finish their milk!

From past few months, I have been following so many Ayurveda principles. And I feel so NICE...

These days many people who follow Ayurveda principles, are going Vegan...

Here are some interesting articles...

1. http://kripalu.org/blog/thrive/2013/08/15/five-ayurvedic-tips-for-vegans/

2. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Ayurvedic-vegan-diet-for-good-health/articleshow/11217615.cms

3.  http://jeevalifestyle.com/

4. http://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/11/ayurvedic-veganism-surviving-the-winter-lisa-hicks/

Jane Goodall is a Great Person

Jane Goodall is an incredibly good human being. She is a world-renowned primatologist , and UN messenger of peace.

For more than five decades, Jane Goodall did research on Chimpanzees. Jane Goodall found that Chimpanzees can use tools, and show so many emotions similar to human beings.

Jane Goodall is around 80 years old, and she travels nearly 300 days in a year, inspiring people and adults to protect and preserve Mother Earth. She started , Roots and Shoots, and now this organization is active in many countries. She often talks about Deforestation, global warming and factory farming.

Jane Goodall is a vegetarian for ethical and environment reasons. I hope Jane Goodall becomes a vegan...

 

Here are some amazing videos ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzC7MfCtkzo

http://www.janegoodall.org/media/videos/faqs-jane-are-you-vegetarian

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/17-incredible-things-about-jane-goodall-chimps-and-the-jungle.html

http://www.rootsandshoots.org/

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/ways-chimpanzees-are-nothing-like-you/

Noble Soul - Abdul Kalam , Passed Away

Abdul Kalam was a great leader. When he was giving a speech - Creating a Livable Planet Earth, in a Indian university, he passed away.

Abdul Kalam was a noble soul.  He was a great scientist and also a wonderful poet. Kalam never married, he devoted his life for the development of India. Millions of Indians are inspired to work hard because of Abdul Kalam. Abdul Kalam played a key role in India's Space Program.

Abdul Kalam was a muslim, but he ate simple vegetarian food.  I feel Abdul Kalam would have became a vegan if he had come to know about the cruel conditions of cows in India and across the world...

Here are some interesting  articles and videos of Abdul Kalam,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laGZaS4sdeU
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/abdul-kalam-was-a-simple-man-with-a-great-soul-uttarakhand-governor-k-k-paul/articleshow/48254548.cms

http://officialkalam.blogspot.com/

Plant-based Diet is Healthy Diet

Dr.Sujata Kelkar Shetty,  a popular Life Coach and Wellness Consultant says that eating plant-based is good for our health and environment.

I recently read a wonderful article, Go Vegetarian , written by Dr Sujata Kelkar Shetty.

http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/zu3gQ16odk9eurDah1JOIK/Go-vegetarian.html

Homemade Vegan Ice Cream

For me, Summer means ice creams! In United States, July is National Ice cream month. I often buy vegan ice cream from Trader Joes or Whole Foods.

Today, I saw some interesting recipes for vegan ice creams. If you like ice creams, you will like these links...

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/summery-ice-creams/

http://veganicecream.blogspot.com/

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-vegan-ice-cream-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-204755

http://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/vegan-grain-free-ice-cream-sandwiches

Dairy Farms Create Air-Pollution

Years ago, when we were traveling from Seattle to Vancouver, I got severe head-ache as the air around Surrey(near Vancouver) was suffocating. We came across a couple of dairy farms, and I then realized that the horrible smell was from the near-by dairy farms...

I read a thought-provoking article - How Growth in Dairy Is Affecting The Environment .

Please read the article,
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/business/energy-environment/how-growth-in-dairy-is-affecting-the-environment.html?_r=0

EARTHLINGS, An Eye-Opening Documentary

Today, I saw an amazing documentary - Earthlings. Many people become VEGAN, once they see Earthlings. Millions of people are inspired and motivated to go Vegan after watching Earthlings.

Please watch Earthlings, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwd0jcbiKV0

Going Vegan is a great way to stop the suffering of millions of innocent animals.

Many Jains Have Stopped Consuming Dairy Products

For thousands of years, Jains thrived on lacto-vegetarian diet in India. Ahimsa (Non-violence) is a core principle for Jains.

From past few years, Jains living in United States, Canada and many European countries have stopped consuming milk and milk products, after learning about the suffering of milk producing cows. In United States, Cows are slaughtered once they STOP producing Milk.

Vegan Jains is a great blog inspiring Vegetarian Jains to go Vegan. Please visit http://veganjains.com/ to know more about the growing Vegan trend among Jains .

Here are other interesting links related to Jains.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYQObAeCtMk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1ix4jK-M2E
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jain-Vegans/251717341550894
http://www.merinews.com/article/jain-youth-to-hold-vegan-promotion-rally-on-mahavir-jayanti-in-pink-city-jaipur/15905383.shtml
https://www.pinterest.com/gshanghavi/jain-recipes-vegetarian-food-minus-eggs-honey-alco/

Enlightening Vegan Articles in VegNews

VegNews is an awesome Vegan magazine. Everyday, thousands of Americans are inspired to try plant-based food after reading VegNews. VegNews is always awash with great vegan recipes, inspiring vegan interviews, and latest news in Vegan World

I have been reading VegNews from past few years. Thanks to internet, you can read some wonderful articles in http://vegnews.com/

Happy Reading!

Will Tuttle's View On Vegan Diet (Ahimsa Diet)

I love reading Indian newspaper, The Hindu. Today, I read Will Tuttle's views regarding Veganism .

Millions of people across the world are inspired to become Vegan, after reading Will Tuttle's book, The World Peace Diet. To know more about this amazing book, visit http://www.worldpeacediet.com/

Will Tuttle says, “Besides, there is always himsa involved in dairy production – in owning animals, stealing their milk and babies, and it is an impingement on their sovereignty,”  in an interview with Hema Vijay.

Read the inspiring interview ,
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/food-and-its-fabric/article7261867.ece

PETA in India

I was not aware of PETA, when I was growing up in India, nearly two decades ago.

India - Land of Mahatma Gandhi, is home to millions of suffering cows, and dogs . Whenever I visit India, I feel so sad seeing cows eating plastic bags.

These days PETA is doing awesome job in India. Thanks to PETA, Indians are seeing the suffering of milk producing cows in dairy farms, and the suffering of animals in zoos. PETA also has exposed the cruelty of leather industry.

I strongly feel that PETA is one of the reasons for growing vegan trend in India. PETA India is very active on social media. https://www.facebook.com/PETAIndia

Here are some interesting articles about PETA .

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/peta-builds-electric-fence-for-elephants/article6836688.ece

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/PETA-Rescues-18-Animals-from-Grand-Circus-Camp/2015/05/06/article2799390.ece

http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/elephants-still-being-subjected-to-torture-in-indian-circuses-peta-674933

Plant-based (Vegan) Sources of Calcium in India

Moms in India feel very happy if their kids drink dairy milk every day. Moms feel cow's milk is very nutritious. Moms feel kids have to drink cow's milk for calcium.

Change is taking place in India! Some kids are lactose intolerant. And kids get cough and cold when they consume dairy milk. So many parents are looking for non-dairy sources of calcium.

According to scientific studies, oranges, oatmeal , soy , almonds, figs, beans, and broccoli is brimming with calcium.  I recently read an interesting article -about non-dairy sources of calcium, in a popular Indian website. http://food.ndtv.com/lists/how-to-get-calcium-in-your-diet-7-dairy-free-vegetarian-sources-734515

http://food.ndtv.com/opinions/do-you-really-need-to-drink-milk-744963
http://food.ndtv.com/recipe-vegan-gajar-ka-halwa-340384

Vegan-friendly Indian Restaurants Around Atlanta

According to a recent survey there are about 40,000 Chinese restaurants and around 5,000 Indian restaurants in United States. I feel Indian restaurants can attract more customers if they offer vegan dishes such as Tofu burji , seitan biryani (seitan is wheat-based meat), and using tofu in palak paneer.

Atlanta has few good Indian vegetarian restaurants. Whenever we are in Cumming area, we go to Sri Krishna Vilas. The food is amazing! So far, I have eaten Thali , Bhel Puri and Samosa Chat. My son loves masala dosas in this restaurant. http://skvilas.com/sri-krishna-vilas-cumming/

Whenever, I'm in this restaurant, I feel I'm in India!  People who love Indian food should eat in Sri Krishna Vilas.

Amma's Kitchen is another simple restaurant in Alpharetta, GA. We tend to go to Amma's Kitchen whenever we go to Hanuman Mandir. Amma's Kitchen is pure Vegetarian eatery. They have variety of Doasa, idly , Poori Channa.  The food is simple and not oily. This is great eatery if you want to try traditional dishes of Andhra Pradesh(Southern state of India).

Amma's Kitchen also sells some tradition snacks and sweets. Sweets such as mysore pak and rava ladoo contains ghee(clarified butter). If you are a Vegan, avoid any dish which has the words ghee, paneer(Indian cheese), dahi (yogurt) .

 Amma's Kitchen website is not working. I found an interesting article about Amma's Kitchen http://clatl.com/atlanta/specific-spice-at-amma-kitchen/Content?oid=2240647

Chennai Express is another eatery which is becoming popular in Alpharetta area.  This is also pure vegetarian eatery. They have variety of dosas, idli, Chinese dishes, south-indian tradition rice dishes such as Tamarind rice (puliogare), and Tomato rice .

They also have coupe of dishes made with ghee such as ghee pongal, and ghee masala dosa. If you are a vegan, just make sure you mention not to add ghee to dosa or any dish.
http://www.chennaiexpressrestaurant.com/menus/

Chat Patti is another popular eatery. If you like Indian snacks and chats, you ought to visit Chat Patti.
http://chatpattiatl.com/

Vegan Ice cream in India

In India, everyone I know loves ice cream! It is nice to see vegan ice cream in India. I'm sure the number of vegans in India, will increase by manyfold if vegan ice cream is available in towns and cities across India.

Recently I found out that Whitecub produces vegan icecream in New Delhi. According to their facebook, Whitecub icecream is available in Godrej's Natures Basket in New Delhi. They are at Basant Lok,Vasant Vihar ,  Defence Colony , Rajouri Garden , Model Town , Paschim Vihar and  Hargobind Enclave . I just hope many food companies start producing vegan ice cream in other parts of India.

Visit Whitecub http://whitecub.in/ and their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/whitecubindia

Plant-based Food For Live Earth 2015

Live Earth is an amazing event to create environmental awareness. This year Live Earth is taking place on June 18 across seven continents and broadcast to billions of global audience. To know more this event, visit http://www.liveearth.org/

Al Gore, Kevin Wall and United Nations play a major role in conducting this event. Morrissey, a Singer and supporter of PETA is urging Al Gore to provide plant-based food(vegan food) for the Live Earth event on June 18.

Morrissey says, "Serving meat and dairy products at an event to combat climate change is like selling pistols at a gun-control rally. Your responsibility is to alert people to a crisis, not sell out to the vendors responsible for it." You can read, Morrissey's open-letter to Al Gore,
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/read-morrisseys-scathing-open-letter-to-al-gore-and-live-earth-20150429

People concerned about environment should eat plant-based fare. I hope only plant-based food is available in Live Earth 2015 event !

Americans Like Indian Food

Anupy Singla - A cookbook author , is inspiring Americans to cook Indian food. Many Americans love Indian food, but are overwhelmed to cook it at home. And it is really very hard to get good Indian food in the Indian restaurants. Indian food is very oily and they often use loads of butter.

Anupy Singla has a website, Indian as Apple Pie http://www.indianasapplepie.com/ . Indian as Apple Pie is filled with many healthy and tasty recipes. Anupy Singla also conducts cooking classes in Chicago. I'm so happy that Anupy Singla is inspiring Americans to try vegetarian and vegan fare.

I just adore her book, Vegan Indian Cooking :140 Simple and Healthy Vegan Recipes. I often make Tofu curry following the recipe from, Vegan India :140 Simple and Healthy Vegan Recipes. Tofu curry taste awesome with Basmati rice. Methi Palak Aloo is another amazing recipe from this book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOnjYD7WTh8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um_DW-XQMeQ

Vegan Diet is Healthy

Vegan Diet is healthy if you eat whole grains, beans ,vegetables and fruits every day. I'm a vegan, and if I regularly eat white rice, chips ,vegan  sweets and oreo cookies, my health will not be in good condition.

I try to eat healthy vegan food every day. I try to eat quinoa or brown rice with sambar or curries. I eat banana or cucumber slices for snacks. Of course, I do eat vegan carrot halwa and oreo cookies once in a while!

I found few interesting articles related to healthy vegan diet (plant-based diet)
http://www.medicaldaily.com/vegan-vs-vegetarian-diets-how-each-will-impact-your-health-329300
http://host.madison.com/print_only/columnist/dr-carleen-hanson-a-vegetarian-diet-can-be-healthy-for/article_abb81262-6347-5ec1-8fc4-3347602eb046.html
http://time.com/9463/7-reasons-vegetarians-live-longer/
http://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/03/09/meatless-monday-campaign-enjoys-widespread-student-support/

Meatless Monday

Many people concerned about the environment are eating less meat. United Nations is urging people to eat less Meat. Numerous towns and cities across the world are encouraging "Meatless Monday".
Los Angeles Times publishes meatless recipes every Monday. Meatless Monday is a global movement, encouraging people to try plant-based food.

Thanks to Meatless Monday, thousands of people are getting used to tasty and nutritious plant-based dishes. Fortunately,  meatless entrees is available in most of the restaurants.

Going meatless is great for our environment and health.

Here are some interesting links
http://www.meatlessmonday.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MeatlessMonday
https://www.pinterest.com/meatlessmonday/

Eat More Fruits and Veggies - Save the Earth

Happy Earth Day. What we eat every day has a deep impact on our beautiful planet -Earth.


Eating vegan fare regularly is a great way to combat global warming. Meat and dairy industries require enormous quantity of water and they pollute air and water. According to a report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, "the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport. It is also a major source of land and water degradation". United Nations is urging people to eat less MEAT.


From past few days, my son is having Banana smoothie for breakfast. I sometimes add berries or spinach to the Banana smoothie. I sometimes add dates or flaxseeds to the smoothie. I feel so good when my family eats nutritious food in the morning!


The internet is awash with some amazing smoothie recipes. Here are few links...
http://ohsheglows.com/categories/recipes-2/beverages/smoothies-beverages/
http://www.choosingraw.com/recipes/smoothies/


Here are few links as to how you can save the EARTH:
http://www.godairyfree.org/news/make-earth-day-every-day
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Saving-Money/2015/0422/Earth-Day-2015-10-easy-ways-save-money-while-saving-the-world
http://www.earthday.org/
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/earth-day-2015-10-easy-ways-help-save-environment-1497639
http://planetsave.com/2015/04/20/celebrate-earth-day-6-ideas-to-help-save-the-planet/

Rice Milk In India

I'm a Vegan in United States and Trader Joe's Organic Rice Drink is a staple in my kitchen. Trader Joe's Organic Rice Drink is awesome. I use it to make smoothies, kheers, and use it to bake cookies and muffins.


Before going to bed, I sometimes drink "Golden Milk", by heating rice milk with a dash of turmeric and black pepper. I'm in a state of bliss as I drink the delicious cruel-free Golden milk.


If you are in United States, and are not comfortable with dairy milk , you should try Trader Joe's Rice Drink. There are about 419 Trader Joe's stores across United States. http://www.traderjoes.com/


I also like the fact that few ingredients are used to make rice milk. The ingredients found in Trader Joe's Organic Rice drink are filtered water, organic brown rice , vegetable oil, tricalcium phosphate, ergocalciferol(vitamin D2), and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)


I strongly feel that the number of Vegans in India will increase by many-folds if there is Rice milk in India. I hope some entrepreneurs from India try to make , "Rice milk".


Many Indians no longer feel like consuming cow's milk, as the cows are induced with oxytocin harmone to produce more milk. . Thanks to Peta and blogs such as Vegan India, the cruel condition of innocent cows is exposed.  And many people are not comfortable to use soy milk regulary. So, I feel "Rice milk" will have a huge market in India.


In few years , I'm confident that Rice milk will become popular alternative dairy-milk, in India.

One Green Planet - Website For a Peaceful Earth

It is really exciting to be a Vegan these days! You can explore variety of fruits, vegetables and make new dishes every day.


One Green Planet is an amazing website, awash with yummy vegan recipes and cute animal videos.


Visit http://www.onegreenplanet.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/onegreenplanet

Biscoff Cookies are Vegan Cookies

I buy cookies very rarely.  Recently, when we were in Costco, my son saw Biscoff cookies, and he wanted to try it. Well, we purchased the cookies!


Biscoff cookies are vegan. On the package, it says, " Vegan , No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives". And I also liked that they use few ingredients to make these cookies. Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oils, brown sugar, sodium bicarbonate , soy flour, salt and cinnamon are the simple ingredients used to make these cookies.


In United States, these cookies are available in most of the grocery stores and supermarkets. Biscoff cookies are made in Belgium. Visit Biscoff http://www.biscoff.com to know more about the delicious cookies.


According to the website, Biscoff also makes Biscoff spread. Biscoff spread is also vegan.

Aamir Khan Goes Vegan

Aamir Khan , a popular Indian movie star has recently become vegan. Aamir khan said he was inspired to go vegan, when he saw a youtube video - A doctor explaining the positive points of a vegan diet (Plant-based diet)


I'm sure thousands of Indians will be inspired to go Vegan. Actually, it is pretty easy to thrive on vegan diet in India.


I hope Aamir Khan visits Vegan India (http://vegan-india.blogspot.com) , Tongue Ticklers (http://tongueticklers.com) and Holy Cow (http://holycowvegan.net/) for vegan resources and vegan recipes.

Vegan Frozen Yoghurt in Melbourne

Frolic Yoghurt is an amazing café in Melbourne.  If you like waffles and yoghurt, you should make it a point to eat in Frolic Yoghurt. Vegans and Non-Vegans will enjoy cruel-free frozen yoghurt.

Frolic Yoghurt is a Paradise for Vegans. Frolic Yoghurt is in Fitzroy, a city with many Vegan restaurants.  My husband and I enjoyed our time in Frolic Yoghurt.

Here, vegan yoghurt is sweetened with agave nectar. There are so many varieties of vegan yoghurt. I tried  mango frozen yoghurt ,and  strawberry frozen yoghurt . We ate the freshly made waffles with mango frozen yoghurt .And the topping was vegan chocolate chips. Everything was so good...

Visit them at http://frolicyoghurt.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/frolicyoghurt


Frolic Yoghurt is located at ,

365 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy

Phone 613-941-70097

Women's Health and Dairy Farms in Australia

During my stay in Australia, I read some amazing magazines. In an health related article, I read that 83% of Australian women suffer from digestive discomfort. In another article, I was shocked when I read that Australians drink about 102 litres of cow's milk in a year! Milk and milk products such as cream, butter and butter-milk is a major component of Australian's everyday diet.

I strongly feel that dairy milk is causing digestive discomfort in Australian women, and I really hope they try plant-based diet! Dairy products causes everything from Constipation to Cancer

In another article, I read that it takes around 2000 litres of water to produce 1 liter of milk. There are about 1.6 million dairy cows in Australia. The dairy cows are forced to produce 50 to 60 litres of milk.

According to United Nations, Livestock Long Shadow report , Dairy industry and meat industry causes Global Warming. United Nation urges people to consume less meat. United Nations should also urge people to consume less dairy products, as meat industry and dairy industry go hand in hand.

I saw some beautiful cows grazing in the vast outdoors while traveling from Melbourne to Philips Island. According to Animals Australia  http://www.animalsaustralia.org , most of the cows suffer from Mastitis. I feel so sorry for the innocent cows...

Fortunately, many people concerned about  Environment, health , and suffering of animals, are avoiding meat and dairy products in Australia. People are exploring plant-based diet in major cities across Australia. I feel so happy when I see projects such as Vegan Australia http://veganaustralia.org.au

5 Tips for Vegans Visiting Australia

During December my family and I visited Melbourne. Melbourne is a gorgeous city and it's really easy to thrive on Vegan diet.  We stayed at my brother-in-law's home and my gracious co-sister cooked delicious Indian dishes every day. My co-sister told me that many Australians are exploring many vegetarian and vegan dishes, as the health providers often talk about the great benefits of vegetables, fruits, beans and lentils.

1. Airplane Food :We flew to Melbourne from Los Angeles in Quantas.  Quantas airlines is vegetarian and vegan friendly. We ate delicious vegan food for breakfast , lunch and dinner. These days most of the airlines offer vegan meals. Make sure to confirm your vegan meal atleast 48 hours prior to your departure. Visit http://www.happycow.net to get an idea what airlines are offering vegetarian and vegan fare. Always carry nuts, dates and instant oats if you are unhappy with your airplane food.

2. In Melbourne, I went to three grocery stores - Aldis , Woolworths and Coles. All these stores carry rice milk , almond milk and soy milk. I also found many vegan wraps and breads. You can find Tofu in all the grocery stores.  In Aldis I saw many cookie packets, chocolates, wafers labelled as, "Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans". In bigger cities such as Sydney, and Melbourne go to Indian Grocery stores, and stock on spicy and sweet snacks. Most of the snacks are suitable for Vegans.

3. Food Delivery : If you are staying in an apartment for few months, you can use Eat Now, http://www.eatnow.com. to order vegan food from restaurants near your apartment. For vegan cosmetics and yummy chocolates, you can order online at Vegan Online http://www.veganonline.com

4.Always carry granola, dry fruits and Vegan Bars : When we visited Philips Island and Geelong,  we went to some bakeries and coffee shops. I just saw  everything from cookies to biscuits and muffins to cupcakes loaded with dairy . It is really hard to find vegan food stuff in rural areas in Australia.

5.Great blogs and Facebook : Every day, the Vegan community is growing in cities across the world.
Vegetarian Victoria http://vegetarianvictoria.org.au  , Veganopoulous http://www.veganopoulous.com and Half Pint Vegan Dairy http://halfpintvegandairy.com.au  is filled with lots of information for Vegans visiting Australia.