Though you have been conditioned to think otherwise, there are many ways to get protein without turning to meat! Many people think that just because I am vegetarian that I am not getting enough protein. In fact, I am actually getting better quality protein than I ever did eating animal-based foods.

I discovered my "fountain of youth" in juicing. With juice bars popping up all over the place it might be tempting to think that juicing is a new trend. But it's really just the latest manifestation of a centuries-old practice. Here's how to make a fruity green smoothie.

Meet a diverse group of self-identified Muslims and read stories of why they choose to become vegetarians or vegans. I hope you will be inspired by what you read and consider adding vegetarian and vegan options to your diet.

I know you may be thinking, isn't just drinking juice in general better than no juice at all? Well, there is something to be said about that, as it's better than what most people are drinking daily (soda, sugared coffees and pasteurized juice). However if you are making the effort to enhance your health, then you may as well go the full length and do it right!

My first glimpse into the slaughterhouse industry came when I read Fast Food Nation and discovered how animals where treated in factory farms. I was horrified to say the least. Interestingly enough, the idea of Muslims being vegetarian or vegans has prompted some debate.

Passover is a Jewish holiday that extends for eight days, requiring observers to avoid leavened bread. That's the basic rule. No problem. I don't remember the last time I ate leavened bread. Beyond this -- the rules get a little fuzzy. You could join 10 different families for Passover on the same street and have 10 different experiences of what Passover is.

White rice isn't exactly bad for you. Gasp! I know right? How could this be? All the heath gurus telling you to inject your tummy full of whole grain goodness and then I spring this on you? Blasphemous! So here's the deal... According to Chinese Medicine, people have used white rice therapeutically for years.

Sprouted chickpeas are raw, so they're an easy way to hop onto the raw food wagon, and a delicious way to incorporate some raw protein and fibre into your diet every day! Try this twist on your standard appetizer of hummus for a delicious and crowd-pleasing recipe to introduce these raw beans to your brood this holiday season.

Sometimes I just want a plain old sandwich. I do adore PB & J. But what I have been loving lately, is a simple concoction inspired by a pre-packaged snack I saw at a local supermarket. It delivers all the necessary lunch-time desirables: flavour, texture, energy, and portability. This slick stacker will deliver substantial midday protein, and a solid serving of vegetables.

While visiting my family, I created a fresh green pasta bowl, topped with some comfort-food-style "no-meat-balls" for added protein. I have been meaning to come up with a raw and vegan substitute for ground meat, and this was the perfect time to get to work on it, as there are often not a lot of protein choices available for me when I am not cooking in my own kitchen. What I came up with that evening, was a rustic Italian inspired dish that I know I will be making again and again.

For me, becoming vegetarian has been a slow journey of personal discovery and growth. But turkey dinner at Christmas and at Thanksgiving was one of the final carnivorous traditions I held on to -- I could avoid meat all year it seemed, but on these particular holidays I gave in and celebrated "turkey day." This year I plan to try something new and start my own tradition.

I am super excited about the upcoming holiday season. I am already plotting my meals for the cold nights ahead, and Thanksgiving menu ideas have been long taking up space in the far back regions of my noggin. It's nice to sip up dessert in a cup. Feels naughty and nice all at the same time, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that you can have your cake -- err, pie -- and drink it too! Just make it at home and avoid all those nasty added sugars and fake fillers! Here's how.

Hot, hot heat is exactly what my body craves. This, a fact I found to be true the very first time I stepped off a plane in Costa Rica. The wall of thick, sticky calidity that greeted me on that tarmac served as welcome to both body and soul. And now, in true easy-breezy Costa Rican style, I present a delightfully simple treat, a true taste of the tropics, my coconut-apricot chews.

One recipe that I remember often eating while growing up is meatloaf. Such a cozy meal when paired with mashed potatoes and gravy! Here, I have re-vamped the loaf concept, and created a savoury main dish that I have fed to even the most meat-loving men I know with great success.

Do you snack? I know I do. And sometimes, when I am craving a salty bite, that means "indulging" in some crispy, crunchy kale chips. Now if you have ever purchased a sack of these tasty delights, you know that they are not the most economical treat. So what can you do to cut your costs? Just make your own!

During a long weekend in Toronto, everything here seems to slow down, calm down, and allow for maximum staycation bliss. So, what's on my agenda? Breakfast. Well, breakfast bars to be exact, and these chewy tropical treats are just the thing to fuel me through a long to-do list. Plus, the recipe will leave plenty of leftovers to pack for the road, and snack on all week long!

When it comes to vegetarian eating, many people are intimidated. It's a common misnomer that plant-based meals take more time to prepare, and are lacking in taste and nutrients. In fact, this couldn't be further from the truth. Use these five tips to add a little veggie love to your routine!

In some circles, vegans are considered the purists of the vegetarian world because of their more limited diet.Vegans eschew all animal-derivative food...

It is our duty as smart, informed shoppers to choose wisely and not be fooled. There are many simple things we can do to take back our health and make sure to not be duped into marketing propaganda from large corporations wanting to take our money. Remember, we vote with our dollars, so make every vote count.

With Christmas, New Year's Eve, and holiday parties fast approaching, we all need to make an extra effort to stay in control and not to overindulge. There is no reason to give your body desserts that have no nutritional value when you can benefit from every bite by making your own desserts with natural ingredients.