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Thank you to the 200 of you who joined our page over the past 3 days. Welcome to the TEAM! https://www.facebook.com/VeganBodybuildingAndFitness?fref=ts


www.veganbodybuilding.com
Healthy Food Defines You

Don't you love it when you discover a new, awesome product?? This was mine today. What's your best recent healthy food or drink discovery?

What's your all-time favorite summer fruit? I'm pumped about the summer fruit season! Bring on the cherries, raspberries, blueberries, plums and peaches!

I know there are a bunch of vegan bloggers visiting Portland right now. I'm sure pretty much all of you will be going to Food Fight! Grocery sometime during your stay. Check out Vega while you're there. They have an awesome Vega display inside! http://www.foodfightgrocery.com/vega-one/


Vega One
www.foodfightgrocery.com
Vega One, formerly known as Vega Whole Food Optimizer. Not blends and tastes better and the nutritional content has been kicked up a notch or two.

I have a 2 year old so I did extensive research. Our doctors at Kaiser and nutritionist Dr Lalazar  in Beverly Hills, not to mention every online source I could find recommends between 13-16 grams per 24 hours for a 2 year old child.   This is a cinch and my 2 year old vegan [...]

Lobsters are pretty awesome........


Timeline Photos
More information: http://n.pr/12ysgJj

Hat tip to khirn.

 

 

 Not all that long ago, I was working as a manager at a no-kill animal rescue and adoption center. Finally, I thought, my dream of helping animals had come true. And in some ways, it had. I spent my days surrounded by hundreds of dogs and cats who had been fortunate enough to escape any number of horrendous circumstances.

Many had been abused and neglected by the very people whose responsibility it had been to care for and love them. Lots were throwaways. Kicked to the curb when the novelty of a rambunctious puppy or kitten wore off. At least two dogs who arrived during my time there had been quite literally thrown away. Hope, a Beagle puppy was thrown from a speeding car. And Phoenix, a young Chihuahua, who is fast asleep on my lap as I type this, was thrown in a dumpster. Countless cats and kittens were left in boxes outside our gates. Some were surrendered when their guardians could no longer afford to feed them or pay their medical bills. Some arrived after losing everything in Hurricane Katrina, and never left. And some had the misfortune of being born into the shelter life. Knowing nothing of the potential happiness and love that might exist on the other side of the eight-foot high chain link fences they associated with home. In spite of it all, for the most part, they greeted me each morning with an exuberance and vigor for life that both humbled and inspired me.

And, to the best of my ability, using the limited resources that were available to me, I believe I did help them. We all did. Because we loved them. You’d have to in order to keep showing up despite the despair that settles into your bones. Knowing that day after day you would leave and never be able to take them with you. It is arduous and heartrending work at best. And just when you think you can’t do it for even one more minute, let alone an eight-hour day, something beautiful like an adoption of a hard to place animal goes through. Or a blood test comes back negative for cancer; or a check for one hundred dollars arrives from an anonymous donor in the mail, and you remember why you’re there.

For a time, that was enough for me. For a time, I was able to ignore the fact that while we were there working tirelessly to save the lives of those dogs and cats, billions of other animals were still being tortured, exploited, enslaved, and killed on a daily basis. And by the same people who claimed to love animals. By the same people I was working with. Good people who fought each day for dogs and cats, but were grilling up hamburgers and hotdogs in our parking lot at our biggest annual event. What exactly, I wondered, was the message we were trying to send? And if we were all so willing to fight, to give up our free time and our energy and passion for the dogs and cats we loved so much, why weren’t we all willing to do the same thing for animals of all species? This disconnection is prevalent and continues to grow each time any one of us claims to love one being, yet willingly harms another.

It was while working at that shelter that I realized I would never stop working to save the lives of dogs and cats, but also that my work would include fighting to save the lives and promote the rights of animals of all species.

So, through my organization, Karuna For Animals: Compassion In Action, Inc., I am proud to present the first Long Island Animal Rights & VegFest. Taking place on Saturday, July 13th. Please see our website for more information and to become involved. www.karunaforanimals.com

Erica Settino | Twitter | Facebook | Website
New York Erica is the founder and executive director of the non-profit organization, Karuna For Animals: Compassion In Action, Inc. A long time vegetarian turned passionate vegan, she works tirelessly to educate others on the countless benefits of adopting a vegan diet. She currently holds a BS in Psychology with a concentration in Animal Behavior and an MFA in Creative Writing. Along with her work in animal advocacy, Erica works as an editorial assistant, freelance writer, certified and registered yoga instructor, nutritional counselor and health coach. She lives with her veg husband and their four rescued animal companions.
Photo credit: Karuna for Animals

I feel so spoiled with all the vegan goodies I got this month that I HAVE to share them with y’all! Vegan subscriptions are the SHIT! ♥ ♥ ♥

• Vegan Presence, $20 (free shipping): This box included a Vegan Presence tee (cozy as hell, pretty and purple), Flying Bird Botanicals Cocoa with Vanilla and Rose (yums to the yumth degree plus fancitude times 12!), Bröö Haircare (beer shampoo and conditioner – heck yeah!), Naiad Soap Arts Lavender Chamomile bath tea (mmm, how relaxing does that sound?), and mini samples from per-fékt and Logona. I’m so in love with this month’s box! Btw, every box is different and you totally get extra goodies if you subscribe for 6 months or a year.
• Petit Vour, $15 (free shipping): This box included Acure shampoo and conditioner (travel-size), Misa non-toxic nail polish, Go Raw spirulina energy bar, and mini samples of Odacite skincare and Tsi-La organic Eau de Parfum. Love Petit Vour’s packaging with the bunnies and “Be Bold. Be Kind” logo. They also have exclusive coupon codes and a points/reward system for reviews and referrals.
• Veganista True Beauty Box, $30 (free shipping): I’m especially gaga over the goodies in this month’s box as they are perfect for summer! This box included True Lip Plump (it feels good, tastes good, and has anti-aging properties), Benecos Hand Cream, True Citrus Self Tanner (haven’t tried this out yet since I’m pretty olive-y, but I’m stoked to have it on hand just in case… and it’s anti-aging), True SPF 30 Caribbean Coconut Sunscreen (this all-vegan formula kicks ass with its sweet-smelling, effective yummitude), True SPF 15 Unscented Sunscreen (will be keeping this in my purse fo’ sho – it’s the perfect size), and Lavera Volume Mascara (and I was just about to replenish my vegan mascara stash – WOOT!).

Do you subscribe to any of these vegan beauty boxes? They all vary a bit subscriber to subscriber, so lemme know what you got this month!

Congratulations to my friend Rip Esselstyn! Check it out! His book has been out a week and is now a #1 New York Times Bestseller! It also peaked at #14 of all literature on Amazon.com last week.

My copy of My Beef With Meat arrived in the mail today :) Did you get yours?


Timeline Photos
Would you look at that?! We're #1 on The New York Times Best Sellers List!!!!
To celebrate, we'll be sharing the recipe for "The Adonis Cake" from "My Beef With Meat" tomorrow! Be sure you get our newsletter!
Thank you ALL for your support!

As an athlete, how much emphasis do you put on your awareness and recognition of macronutrient content of the foods you're eating? Is it a high priority to pay attention to the percentages of proteins, carbohydrates and fats you consume, or is that way of thinking overrated and you focus on nutrition elsewhere in some other capacity?

vGirl: Hayley Marie Norman
Actress, Model and animal rescuer.

SS: What made you go vegan and why?
HMN: One of the closest people to me is vegan and even though I was always open to eating the food, it wasn't something that I ever considered for myself. Mostly because I didn't understand it. I think as human beings, we tend to reject things we don't understand and that's why education is so important so that we can be more open minded, accepting, and aware. Randomly, I began to experience some stomach problems and was no longer able to eat most foods. I wasn't eating meat, but it was not intentional. At this same time, my other close friend sent me the book Skinny Bitch. I had no idea that it had anything to do with veganism. This same friend had mentioned to me a few months earlier that she was becoming vegan and I stupidly assumed it was "just a phase." Well, I read the book she sent me in just one night, and I immediately knew that I had no other choice but to become vegan. And not just for vain reasons such as being a "Skinny Bitch" but because of the immense cruelty toward these sentient, amazing beings that experience feelings and emotions such as fear, love and pain, very similar to humans. This has been scientifically proven. The negative ramifications on the environment also blew me away. I previously had no idea that factory farming was destroying our environment.

SS: Has it been difficult for you? If yes what was difficult and did it get easier?
HMN: Once you know you can't un-know. The knowledge I was afforded made being a vegan easy because I simply am not willing to contribute to the meat and dairy farming industries in any way. It's crazy to me when people say that they can't become vegan because it's too hard and requires too much planning. It's like, stop being so selfish. We need to learn to see outside of ourselves and look at the bigger picture. But those same people manage to pack a gym bag to workout after their work day is over, or party clothes to go out after work. Planning ahead what you're going to eat is just as easy, and has way more positive effects.

SS: What are some animal rights related things that you participate in?
HMN: I try to get involved in everything I hear about regarding the animal rights movement. Whether it's encouraging people to boycott the circus, spreading my knowledge about veganism and taking time to help others make the transition, adopting animals, or helping to plan or attend events that support veganism and animal welfare, I am all about it. I've helped a lot of people go vegan and even with all the cool things I've gotten lucky enough to do career wise, I think helping and encouraging people to convert to veganism is the accomplishment I am most proud of. I really want to start getting involved in doing some of the undercover animal welfare and expose work as well. Then I can also satisfy the secret desire I've harbored since my days of watching Inspector Gadget many moons ago which was to be an undercover detective. I was going to say regarding the combining of helping animal welfare and also getting to fulfill my fantasy of doing underover work that I'd be, "killing two birds with one stone," but as a vegan I think I need to find a new phrase to replace that outdated one.

SS: What are your favorite animal rights organizations?
HMN: I love Animal Acres. I actually brought my friends and family here for my birthday this year. I am also an active member of Farm Sanctuary, and adopt a turkey every Thanksgiving! I love sponsoring animals, and just how most people have picture of their family on their refrigerator, mine is full of all the animals I've sponsored! I also support and volunteer at homeless shelters in LA. I must have been homeless in a past life or something because my heart really goes out to all those folks and I try to help however I can.

SS: What would you say to somebody who is considering going vegan?
HMN: Just do it!

SS: Do you have any memories that stand out in your mind about someone saving an animal? Or relating to an animal in a unique way?
HMN: I have 2 dogs who are bonafide members of my family not "just pets" and there are new memories of us relating to each other being made each and every day. Animals are so much smarter and so much more intuitive than most humans give them credit for. What a pompous species we are! I always fall in love with animals though and inevitably end up crying because I can't take them all home with me. I want a huge sanctuary of my own one day where I can have a plethora of different animals. I just met a pig named Molly who was rescued from a dermatologic lab. Poor thing still had burns all over her body. But Molly was my homegirl! We got along so well. I have so many stories like this though, I love animals and hope to help millions of them in my lifetime and hopefully beyond.


vGirls

vGirl: Hayley Marie Norman
Actress, Model and animal rescuer.

SS: What made you go vegan and why?
HMN: One of the closest people to me is vegan and even though I was always open to eating the food, it wasn't something that I ever considered for myself. Mostly because I didn't understand it. I think as human beings, we tend to reject things we don't understand and that's why education is so important so that we can be more open minded, accepting, and aware. Randomly, I began to experience some stomach problems and was no longer able to eat most foods. I wasn't eating meat, but it was not intentional. At this same time, my other close friend sent me the book Skinny Bitch. I had no idea that it had anything to do with veganism. This same friend had mentioned to me a few months earlier that she was becoming vegan and I stupidly assumed it was "just a phase." Well, I read the book she sent me in just one night, and I immediately knew that I had no other choice but to become vegan. And not just for vain reasons such as being a "Skinny Bitch" but because of the immense cruelty toward these sentient, amazing beings that experience feelings and emotions such as fear, love and pain, very similar to humans. This has been scientifically proven. The negative ramifications on the environment also blew me away. I previously had no idea that factory farming was destroying our environment.

SS: Has it been difficult for you? If yes what was difficult and did it get easier?
HMN: Once you know you can't un-know. The knowledge I was afforded made being a vegan easy because I simply am not willing to contribute to the meat and dairy farming industries in any way. It's crazy to me when people say that they can't become vegan because it's too hard and requires too much planning. It's like, stop being so selfish. We need to learn to see outside of ourselves and look at the bigger picture. But those same people manage to pack a gym bag to workout after their work day is over, or party clothes to go out after work. Planning ahead what you're going to eat is just as easy, and has way more positive effects.

SS: What are some animal rights related things that you participate in?
HMN: I try to get involved in everything I hear about regarding the animal rights movement. Whether it's encouraging people to boycott the circus, spreading my knowledge about veganism and taking time to help others make the transition, adopting animals, or helping to plan or attend events that support veganism and animal welfare, I am all about it. I've helped a lot of people go vegan and even with all the cool things I've gotten lucky enough to do career wise, I think helping and encouraging people to convert to veganism is the accomplishment I am most proud of. I really want to start getting involved in doing some of the undercover animal welfare and expose work as well. Then I can also satisfy the secret desire I've harbored since my days of watching Inspector Gadget many moons ago which was to be an undercover detective. I was going to say regarding the combining of helping animal welfare and also getting to fulfill my fantasy of doing underover work that I'd be, "killing two birds with one stone," but as a vegan I think I need to find a new phrase to replace that outdated one.

SS: What are your favorite animal rights organizations?
HMN: I love Animal Acres. I actually brought my friends and family here for my birthday this year. I am also an active member of Farm Sanctuary, and adopt a turkey every Thanksgiving! I love sponsoring animals, and just how most people have picture of their family on their refrigerator, mine is full of all the animals I've sponsored! I also support and volunteer at homeless shelters in LA. I must have been homeless in a past life or something because my heart really goes out to all those folks and I try to help however I can.

SS: What would you say to somebody who is considering going vegan?
HMN: Just do it!

SS: Do you have any memories that stand out in your mind about someone saving an animal? Or relating to an animal in a unique way?
HMN: I have 2 dogs who are bonafide members of my family not "just pets" and there are new memories of us relating to each other being made each and every day. Animals are so much smarter and so much more intuitive than most humans give them credit for. What a pompous species we are! I always fall in love with animals though and inevitably end up crying because I can't take them all home with me. I want a huge sanctuary of my own one day where I can have a plethora of different animals. I just met a pig named Molly who was rescued from a dermatologic lab. Poor thing still had burns all over her body. But Molly was my homegirl! We got along so well. I have so many stories like this though, I love animals and hope to help millions of them in my lifetime and hopefully beyond.


vGirls|vGuys

Steamed green curry dumplings from Urban Vegan. I must make these at home!! So amazing. What's your favorite kind of curry?

Can you guess who this is? ;-)

I’m having a lot of fun with cooking.Mainly because I am always discovering new products and ways to do different dishes and that speaks  to my creativity.One of the things people say to me often is ” I bet it’s so hard to be vegan.” I’ve never felt that way. I have had to learn [...]

Saute mushrooms,red peppers,onions and garlic in sunflower oil and ponzu sauce. Add veggie ground round. Place all on collard green leaves and I topped with hot chili sauce. Wrap the Collard Greens like a taco and enjoy

Are y’all as nutso over Yes To products as I am? I LOVE that you can find their goodies at Target, LOVE that they’re super affordable, LOVE that they have products for baby bubs as well, and I LOVE that they have special plant and fruit-based formulas for every skin type. Most of their products are vegan (but some do contain beeswax, so read the labels carefully), and their entire line is 100% cruelty-free. Holla!

My faves:

• Yes To Blueberries Travel Cleansing Facial Towelettes, $2.99: These are perfect for traveling (or hauling around in the ol’ diaper bag for emergency refresh seshies). They’re also the sh*t for lazy (or sick or hungover) days when you don’t quite feel like fussing with your face (plus they kick ass at removing makeup). These towelettes are 99% natural and are made from lemon peel and apple to help brighten skin.
• Yes To Baby Carrots Shampoo + Body Wash, $7.99: This foaming shampoo and body wash is super gentle and effective at cleaning and protecting babeh’s soft hair and skin—I like to use this wash, too! It’s easy (and fun) to use, it’s tear-free, and it’s a lot of product for the price.
• Yes To Tomatoes Roller Ball Spot Stick, $9.99: I’m SO in love with the rolly ball blemish stick! Sers, I use this on my fickle-ass skin at night before beddies, and I always notice a dramatic difference in my skin’s appearance by the time I wake up. It contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil, ginger root, and bisabolol, which makes this formula super effective.
• Yes to Blueberries Daily Repairing Moisturizer, $19.99: This non-greasy moisturizer contains aloe, olive oil, organic cotton thistle (which hydrates sun-damaged skin), and blueberries (which are high in antioxidants—another powerful age-defyer). This moisturizer goes on super smoothly and always leaves me with baby-butt soft skin… almost as soft as Dylan’s.
• Yes To Carrots Exfoliating Cleanser, $9.99: I effing love this sh*t! This cleanser is gentle enough to use every day, and it removes ick gunk and dead skin cells, leaving you with super clean, glowing, fresh, yummy skin. It smells good, too!

What are your favorite Yes To products?

Can you build muscle without eating meat? Of course you can! Check out Torre, for example. He's been vegetarian since birth and is now a champion professional bodybuilder. He's one of many who have shown just how easy it is to build muscle on a plant-based diet.

Of course many of you know my story too. I became vegan, gained 75 pounds over 5 years or so while lifting weights, and became a 2-time champion bodybuilder and wrote a book about it.

Thanks for passing this along!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151420742251440&set=a.10150939080156440.409843.118870551439&type=1&theater


Timeline Photos
Vegetarian since birth, Vegan since 1998. No Meat. No Problem! Check out Vegan Bodybuilder, Torre Washington. Torre is one of the most ripped vegan athletes I have ever met, and also one of the nicest.

Please visit his Facebook page here and follow his progress as he competes multiple times this year:

https://www.facebook.com/ThaVeganDread?fref=ts

For more information about Vegan Bodybuilders, including Torre's profile on our site, visit www.veganbodybuilding.com.

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Tune in right now to Main Street Vega Radio to listen to special guest Big Bald Mike from Bonebreaker Barbell. Check it out here: http://www.unity.fm/


Unity.FM | The Voice of an Awakening World
www.unity.fm
Unity Online Radio Network—The programs on UOR are a powerful voice in providing the consciousness, clarity and common vision necessary to create transformation in the world today. We call it The Voice of an Awakening World. Listen live or on demand at www.unity.fm.