Some people like to avoid the predictable winter colds and flus by taking something extra to boost immunity and well-being. For this purpose, along with general health, I recently reintroduced spirulina into my diet, but was not loving the taste or globs left in the blender when mixing it into a daily smoothie.

It was not long before Sunfood’s Sun is Shining arrived in the mail. I am not an expert on green powders or superfoods, but it felt like the royalty of the green powders had befriended lucky me. The product hit the spot – the taste is basically neutral, which is a lot better than spirulina, and Sun is Shining blends smoothly into any beverage. Since I started taking it each day, I have noticed a sustained energy throughout the day, even when not having slept well the night before.

More importantly, a long list of healthy ingredients includes not only spirulina but broccoli, kale, wheatgrass, nopal cactus, sea vegetables, and more. The product offers a range of nutritional benefits which ensures busy people in modern times make up for what can often become a lack in nutrients. Sun is Shining also has enzymes and probiotics (friendly bacteria) which help us to absorb all the vitamins and minerals. For vegans, it is great that the product is high in Vitamin B12- one serving has 158% of the percent daily value.

Sun is Shining is vegan, gluten-free,  raw organic, and lasts for years (refrigeration recommended). Who wouldn’t want to try something with so many positive attributes? To buy this product, shop online at Sunfood for an array of products.

Photo credit: Sunfood

Photo by Peace Pies

Today was so worth a stroll around the sunny Little Italy Farmer’s Market in San Diego. One of the first stops was the Peace Pies table, full of healthy raw, vegan, gluten-free and organic (what more could you want?) treats. They are still  fixing up their Ocean Beach location which had a fire, and are celebrating the recent opening of their second location in Encinitas at 133 Daphne Street, where the Greenery used to be. It’s open Tues.-Sat. from 11 am – 4 pm.

I couldn’t miss the Majestic Garlic table for some nutritious spread (made in many flavors) for sandwiches, dipping crackers,  and various other culinary uses. Today I crammed the basil flavor into my bag with an avocado, fresh chard, and oranges. Next I was called to sample a dip called Bitchin’ Sauce, which is fortunately vegan, gluten-free, and almond-based.  The vendor constantly used the “B” word, which was a bit amusing, and the product was tasty.

Blissful Bites Book!

The final and favorite stop was to see my friend Christy Morgan, aka the Blissful Chef, who was giving a cooking demo with samples such as Mac N’ Kale Salad, a cheesy kale salad using nutritional yeast. Morgan was also selling her new book, Blissful Bites.

Helping her out was Eduardo Longoria, who will soon be opening a Casa de Luz restaurant in San Diego’s North Park, stemming from the Austin macrobiotic center of the same name. Casa de Luz San Diego will be collaborating with doctors from the University of California Center for Integrative Medicine, offering cooking classes. Stay tuned for an article on Casa de Luz, set to open by November. Longoria is also the leader of the San Diego Whole Food Plant Based Diet, Macrobiotic Cooking meetup group which looks like much fun for folks who love to prepare healthy foods. Also helping Morgan was Longoria’s amigo Efrem Nicolau, a macrobiotic cook from France/Spain, who is spending a few months in San Diego to help get Casa de Luz off the ground.

I thought I was just buying vegetables, but I came home full of inspiration!

Navitas Naturals has launched “Power Snacks” that combine superfoods and organic seeds, fruits and nuts.  Cacao Goji and Citrus Chia are flavorful grab-and-go foods with certified organic and raw ingredients filled with nutrients.  A certified chocoholic, I prefer the taste of the cacao one. Blueberry Hemp will appear later this year.

The Power Snacks contain no refined sugar, and are gluten-free and dairy-free.  Find them at retail locations throughout North America including Whole Foods Markets, Wegmans and HEB, and at many online stores such as Amazon.com and on Navitas’ site.

Cacao Goji Power Snack features exotic superfoods from Central and South America – maca, chia seeds, camu-camu and lucuma powder, as well as wholesome raw foods such as date paste, raisins, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.  Citrus Chia Power Snack contains chia seeds, maca, camu-camu and lucuma, as well as apricot, raisin, cashew and coconut flakes.

Enjoy the snacks and Navitas’ superfoods glossary (they sell these all individually):

Chia is a superseed that offers a unique blend of protein, fiber, essential fats, antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals.  Perhaps most notable, chia is a rich source of essential fatty acids – more than 3 times the concentration of most grains.  Chia is more than 20% protein, with all of the essential amino acids.

Cacao is a raw form of chocolate that is one of the world’s best sources of powerful antioxidants, and is the richest food source of magnesium.  Cacao provides a vast array of essential minerals and nutrients including: Iron; Potassium; proteins; beta-carotene; and alkaloids.

The goji berry is one of the highest known sources of antioxidants and it contains 18 amino acids and all essential amino acids.  Rich in beta-carotene, polysaccharides, riboflavin and carotenoids, it fosters a long life and strengthens the immune system.

Camu-camu contains up to 60 times more Vitamin C than an orange. This antioxidant-rich berry is also a great source of potassium, calcium, protein, beta-carotene and other powerful phytochemicals and amino acids that have a wide range of therapeutic effects.

Maca is rich in amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, C and E, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and iron, and is a good source of sterols and fatty acids.  It has long been used in traditional medicine to increase stamina, boost libido and combat fatigue. Alkaloids in maca are known to nourish the endocrine system – responsible for production and maintenance of hormones.

Lucuma is naturally sweet, but low on the glycemic index, and a good source of iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B3, beta carotene, fiber and protein.

Literally the day my holistic health doctor told me to cut out chocolate and sugar for two weeks to kill the lingering cough so many people have this year, I came home to find packages from two local and fair trade chocolate companies. The torture. Yet it was a joy winning a Valentine’s “Share Your Passion” contest by Fair Trade San Diego, the connection to said chocolate!

Honestly, due to a shipping mistake days earlier, I had already received one box of Angell Organic Candy Bars and devoured a few of the dark angell bars. I shared the two non-vegan varieties, the snow angell and angell crisp, with friends, who said they were good and tasted healthy, like a nutrition bar. The three bars are non-GMO, with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and the angell crisp is gluten-free. This compassionate company does not support child labor or slavery.

I admit even with the doctor’s warning I could not resist sneaking a few of the Marcie Sweets Peruvian Dark chocolates, which are rich and amazing. Marcie Sweets does catering which could include an organic chocolate fondue station! The chocolate production entails farmers using organic practices and receiving a decent living wage, and the gluten-free and soy-free chocolate is packaged in reusable pouches.

These companies are walking their eco-friendly talk – their websites are powered using  renewable energy, and some of the packaging is made of recyclable materials. It’s wonderful to indulge in treats and feel good about their effect on your health and the planet.

Though compared to some places, San Diego’s winter is mild, we still gravitate toward foods that heat us up and add spice to life on those dreary grey Seattle-like days. The perfect product for adding that warmth and comfort appeared in the mail recently and I haven’t stopped dabbling with it since. Nacho Mom’s Ultimate Vegan Queso and the newer Fire Roasted Queso (gluten-free, with chipotle and fire-roasted tomatoes) are fabulous for getting that cheesy feeling some veggies crave.

To boot, this vegan product is fat-free, and has no allergens like soy, nuts or corn.

I put it on top of my tomato sauce-laden potato gnocchi and dipped crackers in the stuff. My non-vegetarian friend and I gobbled down an entire tray of nachos (tortilla chips, black beans, olives, avocado, and Nacho Mom’s). She said “I wouldn’t know this was not cheese – these are really good!”

Nacho Mom’s was started by an award-winning chef in Texas who went vegan and was left with cheese cravings to fulfill. Nutritional yeast and other ingredients do the trick, and plenty of people are enamored, including VegNews Magazine, who picked Nacho Mom’s as the Best New Product in “This Just In.”

For more info, recipes, and where to buy this wonderful product, see their website (link above), and follow this fun company on Twitter.

Lucky for me and some friends who also found themselves in Los Angeles and wanting lunch on the famous Dec. 25 holiday, Golden Mean Vegan Cafe, an organic restaurant, welcomed us with wholesome organic vegan cuisine and friendly staff. Owner Aaron Glassman started the place in Santa Monica about two years ago to “create a place he’d like to hang out, with like-minded people and great tasting healthy options that are free of animal products.” He says balance is important in our life, and on the menu “golden mean” is defined as “divine proportion, balance and harmony.”

I got the dish they are known for – the “Lean Mean” Veggie Burger, made of beans, grains and veggies, with added avocado, tempeh bacon and vegan cheese. It was a great, satisfying meal and the kelp noodle salad was a fun addition.

My non-veggie friends chowed down on their Portobello Mushroom Panini and Pizza of the Day with pesto and spinach on cornmeal crust.  I wouldn’t have minded trying the Vegan “Chicken” Pesto Panini, the salads, or something from the brunch menu!

Desserts, made in house and definitely health-conscious, are either gluten-free or made with spelt flour, and sweetened with agave or Sucanat (SUgar CAne NATural). I can’t say we delved into cakes and pastries, but we devoured a few coconut shakes, mine of course being the chocolate flavor. The shakes include one of my all-time favorite vegan products — Luna and Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss.

We were grateful to find somewhere open on Christmas, and I would definitely go there again to peruse not only more of the menu but the spiritual books and art.

Photo from Golden Mean Vegan Cafe website.

APRL Turkey-Free Thanksgiving

It’s the time of year for holiday treats and for reflecting on what gratitude means to you. Several years ago I decided to spend Thanksgiving with the abundance of veggie dishes like potatoes, greens, Tofurky, stuffing, cranberries and the like, and not with turkey, out of compassion for animals, the planet, and our health.  Since then San Diego friends and I have been thoroughly enjoying annual veggie food gatherings and also attending the awesome APRL’s Turkey-Free Thanksgiving Potluck – this year on Nov. 21 at 4 pm. Being punctual helps, especially when it comes to getting some dessert, which people line up for like it is the last morsel of food they will ever put in their mouths. Bring a side dish or dessert and pay $5 at the door, or $15 if you aren’t able to bring food. Animal Acres’ President Lorri Houston will be speaking!

For cooking ideas, check out Bryant Terry’s creative recipes in Vegetarian Times from his book Vegan Soul Kitchen, including butternut squash-bartlett pear soup and carrot cranberry walnut salad. Post Punk Kitchen has seven recipes just using pumpkin! Can you claim having tried something as original as Chili Pumpkin Cranberry Risottto with Spicy Toasted Pumpkin Seeds?

Sun Flour Baking cupcakes

For that sweet tooth, Sun Flour Baking Company makes yummy pumpkin spice cookies (either gluten/wheat-free or just gluten-free) and created gluten-free vegan fudge brownies for sale on Amazon.com. Take advantage of their day after-Thanksgiving 24-hour sale. Silk has come up with seasonal vegan Nog, Pumpkin Spice, and Chocolate Mint soymilk.

Have fun indulging in the holidays with the cornucopia of veggie food options available. Google and go crazy.

Mickey and Her Creative Cupcakes

At the recent Compassion Bash, I was charmed by delicious pumpkin spiced cupcakes with cinnamon “buttercream” and candied maple pecans. The vegan dessert was a creation of Mickey’s Bakery, which started in Berkeley, CA in 2002, although Mickey Walker had been baking vegan items since attending The Natural Gourmet Institute and working as a chef in several vegan restaurants. Eventually one of her cakes was featured in the VegNews wedding issue.

Mickey’s Bakery makes mostly special occasion cakes (for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.).

“Really any vegan baked goods that someone might want I can make — cookies, cinnamon rolls, pies, fruit tarts, muffins, truffles — sky is the limit!” said Walker.

With a higher demand for gluten-free items and also no dairy, soy or nuts, Walker is happy to experiment. She has made gluten-free cakes, cookies, tarts, cupcakes, and pies with success. She often uses organic, quality ingredients and fruits are usually chosen seasonally from a farmer’s market.

After only two years in San Diego, business has mainly been word of mouth. In the next few months the hope is to have a website up, and to see her vegan dessert and food in local cafés and health food stores. For now, Walker only does custom orders for private events — email mickeysbakery@gmail.com or call 619-770-7141.

This year Walker also started a personal chef business called Flourish.

Sample meals:  Coconut/Macadamia Nut Crusted Tempeh/Seitan with Rice and Sweet Mango-Coconut Curry Vegetables, and Cilantro Peanut Chutney, and Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Roasted Carrots, Caramelized Onions, to name a few.

“It’s funny, but none of my clients so far have actually been vegan! Most people are simply trying to eat healthier and cut the junk out! I focus on seasonal, local and organic, on top of being strictly vegan,” said Walker.

She charges $25 hourly, including shopping, menu planning, cooking, and clean-up. The initial consultation is free. Beyond 20 miles, fees may apply for time/gas.

“Everything was amazingly delicious! We’re amazed at your talent,” said an enthusiastic customer.

For more info, call 619-770-7141 or write flourishchef@gmail.com

Veggie Vibes Enchilada

At the recent wedding of the dynamic San Diego couple Jason and Pia Rotman, ambassadors of the raw foods diet who I blogged on previously, I had the pleasure of trying yummy innovative food by Veggie Vibes. Five years ago Perkunas Cornejo started the business which has been in San Diego for the last few years, run with the help of the lovely Erika.

Cornejo stopped labeling his diet awhile ago (using terms such as vegetarian, vegan, raw, etc.,) and now calls himself a “funfoodist” – eating and preparing food for the enjoyment of it.

Originally from Peru, Cornejo has a love of food that goes way back. When he was 7, he was making tamales (with peppers, corn and raisins) and juanes (of yuca and rice), and selling them to friends and family.

“I was very young when I was using many kinds of superfoods in all my concoctions,” he said.

Today, he is running a full business which offers weekly delivery menus of raw vegan gourmet food, sometimes branching out to include cooked food, seafood or organic eggs.  Classes and catering are on the menu as well. Besides weddings, they have done events like private dinner parties and birthdays, and corporate gatherings. Using only fresh organic produce from local farmer’s markets, Veggie Vibes creates food inspired by Mexican, Thai, and other international cuisines, free of gluten, wheat, dairy, soy and refined sugars.

Cornejo said people who are ready to be unconventional or who have a good sense of humor voraciously eat their food. Customers have said Veggie Vibes offers some of the best meals from the raw foods diet they have ever tasted, and the dehydrated items were good, which can sometimes be hard to find. People are also impressed with Veggie Vibes’ presentation, variety and prices.

Veggie Vibes plans to expand and go with the flow to see where the business takes them.

“We just want to enjoy this ride,” said Erika.