Great Nutriblast (Smoothie) Recipes

Here are some great combinations. It's best if you decide how much you want to add of anything.

Berry Carrot

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Green Grapes
• Baby Carrots
• Hemp Seeds (contains loads of Omega 3)
• Water

Blueberry Kale (Mmm....)

• Blueberries
• Banana
• Kale
• Carrots
• Almond milk
• Protein powder (preferably Vanilla flavored)
• Hemp Seeds
• Ground Flaxseed (contains fiber and Omega 3)

Banana Dessert Blast (A Nice Guilt-free Dessert)

• Banana
• Almond milk
• Vanilla Protein powder
• Almond Butter
• Cocoa Powder (raw, unsweetened, and unrefined)
• Hemp Seeds
• Cinnamon

Raspberry Cocoa

• Red raspberries
• Strawberries
• Banana
• 1-3 Medjool Dates (careful, they're really sweet)
• Cocoa Powder
• Almond milk

Grape Raspberry Blast

• Raspberries
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Red Grapes
• Rice milk or Almond milk

Daidra's Recipe (My sister)

• Baby Carrots
• Spinach
• Watermelon
• Water

Banana Orange

• Banana
• Orange
• Blueberries
• Coconut flakes
• 1/4 c. Almond milk
• Spinach
• Water
• Flaxseed

Oven-baked Vegan Potato Taquitos

Hi Everyone! Here is an easy, delicious, healthy, vegan recipe.

Oven-baked Vegan Potato Taquitos

• 4-5 white potatoes (or any other potato)
• Approx. 16-18 corn tortillas
• 1/3-1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• Approx. 1 tbsp. Earth Balance oil spread (margarine)
• Approx. 1 cup of shredded romaine lettuce
• 1-2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 avocado (optional)
• Salsa or hot sauce (optional)

1. Boil the potatoes until they're soft.
   
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
3. Drain the water, and using a potato masher, mash the potatoes, and begin adding your favorite seasoning, or simply salt and pepper, the Earth Balance, and almond milk. Stir and mash until everything is mixed well, and there aren't any large lumps. 
   
4. Warm your tortillas on the stove or in the microwave. It is important to simply warm the tortillas enough, so that they can fold over well. 
5. Fill each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, and roll the tortilla over into a tight cigar-like shape. 
6. Use an oil spray to grease a baking sheet. Place the taquitos on the baking sheet, and spray the taquitos. 
   
7. Bake the taquitos for approximately 20 minutes, or until the taquitos are crispy.
   
8. Place the lettuce and tomatoes in a bowl, and salt and pepper (or your favorite seasoning), and 1 tbsp. of white vinegar. Mix everything well. 
9. When the taquitos are ready, line them on a plate, and place the lettuce mixture on top, add avocado, and salsa. You might want to add vegan sour cream if you have any.
   
   
10. Enjoy!

Here's my favorite seasoning:

• You can find all three ingredients at the dollar store. It is one part dehydrated garlic granules, one part dry parsley, and 2-3 pinches of coarse sea salt. I must have put about 1/4 tsp. in the potato mixture for the taquitos. :)

Vegan Skincare Products

Hi Everyone, I started making skincare products a few years ago. Originally, this was my hobby that combined my love for cooking and natural healing remedies. Over a year ago I created a business from this hobby, which is called Velvet Botanicals.  I just created an Etsy store, and I have listed my favorite product, which is my Moisture Sealer. My moisture sealer is vegan, and it is amazing! The moisture sealer that I create seals in moisture incredibly better than just using lotion alone. You will notice a noticeable difference almost immediately. I only use the best ingredients, which of course leads to a superb product. You can read more about the moisture sealer here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/VelvetBotanicals

An Example of How Exercise May Not Be Enough

Many people believe that exercising a lot will keep them healthy, and that the exercising will make up for any unhealthy foods they eat. However, that doesn't seem to be the case. For example, former President George W. Bush is recovering from heart surgery. This is surprising, because he exercises regularly. Yet, all the exercising he did wasn't enough to prevent the blockage in his artery. What's scary is that there might not be any symptoms other than the heart attach itself.

Vegan Athletes Part I

If you have this image of vegans being scrawny and weak, well that can be partially accurate, but there are very buff, athletic, and fit vegans out there too! Here are just a few:

http://www.ecorazzi.com/2012/05/25/10-brawny-and-buff-vegan-men-plus-a-bonus/

If You Don't Like Vegetables

If you don't like vegetables, well then shame on you! Just kidding. Here is some friendly advice. At first, you might continue to hate vegetables for a bit, but then your taste buds will eventually adapt, and then you will learn to like, then hopefully love vegetables. I recommend sneaking veggies into your meals, like in pasta dishes, rice, beans, soups, burritos, etc. Then, I recommend you buy a Nutribullet (a blender will work just fine).

A Nutribullet machine will make your life a lot easier, because you will enjoy the health benefits that come with drinking your vegetables and fruits, and you will also enjoy the fiber in them, because the fiber isn't extracted. I also love that it is SUPER easy to clean, and it is pretty small, so I store it in a cupboard. The nutriblasts that you make at home will be healthier than anything being sold at the market, because they have no preservatives, and they're raw. I will post some of my favorite recipes in the next few days.

Why Not to Eat Fish

Many people wonder about whether or not they should eat fish. There are benefits from eating fish like salmon, but do your research, and weigh the pros and cons. Here are some helpful links to help you begin your research:

http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/top-10-reasons-not-to-eat-salmon.aspx

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/salmon-factory-farm-vs-wild/#axzz2aU0L2wyT