Photo: VeganFoodPyramid.com

Veganism is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, diary products and all other animal-derived ingredients. Vegans do not eat foods that are processed using animal products, such as refined white sugar and some cooking wines. Most vegans also select personal and household products that do not contain harsh chemicals and are not tested on animals, or made from animals. Vegans typically eat grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits and products that are labeled “vegan,” non-diary, or meat and diary substitutes. Green salad, spaghetti, peanut butter and chips and salsa are also considered vegan food friendly. If you are someone who enjoys eating all types of foods, it could be challenging for you to start a vegetarian lifestyle.

Most of us want to eat healthier, but struggle to avoid sugars, carbs, and meats. We often struggle to find the vegan within us, but if eating healthier is one of your nutritional goals, try starting with a vegan diet. Below are some tips that could get you started:

1. Incorporate more whole grain foods, beans, nuts, tofu, and legumes into your daily eating habits

2. Look up vegan recipes online and experiment with trying foods that you like from the vegan recipes you find.

3. Change your dairy products to non-dairy items such as soy and almond milk.

A great place to start you on your way to a vegan diet is to check out some vegan recipes on a website called: Bon Appe'tit.com.

By Dietra Myers

Eating healthier foods is not always easy. Most foods that are healthy for us are usually quite expensive. It is quicker and more cost affordable to pick up some fast food or pre-cooked dish, but are those foods good for our body? With the rising cost at some fast food restaurants that use to be inexpensive, and the rising cost of healthcare, the challenges with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity, more people are starting to look for healthier food options. One of those options is a vegan diet.

YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN

As aging adults, some of us might want to know how to stay looking younger. There are safe ways to achieve younger looking skin with home and herbal products. Today, almost everyone wants to continue looking younger, right? Well, did you know that there are items in your cabinets and refrigerator that we use and eat everyday that can help make your skin look younger? I will discuss a remedy that could help you save Energy, Time and most of all, Money. As we get older, what do we usually fight against when aging? "Wrinkles!" Below is a remedy to help you win the battle. It is the ingredients of an elixir that should be applied to the face everyday, for a week.

Here are the ingredients:

PAPAYA FRUIT
ORANGE PEEL
IRISH POTATO
GRAPE SEED OIL or COCONUT OIL
VITAMIN E OIL or ROSE HIP OIL

PAPAYA FRUIT is loaded with Vitamin A, which is a Cancer fighting antioxidant. And, its role in collagen production is to help keep your skin healthy.

ORANGES are well known for Vitamin C. Vitamin C will give your skin that healthy radiant glow. Dry the orange peel out and then blend with the other indegrients.

IRISH POTATO has Vitamin B and C,which lightens and brightens your skin and reduces wrinkles.

GRAPE SEED OIL also contains Vitamin C and E, as well as Polyphenols, which helps fight premature aging like sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

ROSE HIPS contains Vitamin A and C, which will repair damaged skin and helps tighten, brighten and hydrate the skin.

Mix and blend all of the ingredients together and apply to the face. After application, leave it on for 30 minutes, rinse it off, and then pat your face to dry with a face towel. You can store the mixture in the refrigerator overnight and repeat the steps for a week to achieve younger looking skin.

All of the products listed can be purchased at an herbal store, health foods store, or your local supermarket.

By Stacey Florio