https://www.happyherald.com/articles.sec-8533-1-healthy-living.html Dear Reader, It’s been a wonderful three and a half years that I have written monthly articles in the Happy Herald. As a Vegan Transition Coach, much of my focus here has been offering you tips on going vegan easily, affordably and joyfully! ]]> I am rarely satisfied with any store-bought salad dressings. Even the fresher ones that you find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store were prepared weeks, if not months, prior to purchase. Many have too much sugar, or undesirable oils – or have oil as a main ingredient.]]> You may or may not have seen the poignant and powerful documentary “Seaspiracy,” which premiered on Netflix on March 24th, 2021. “Seaspiracy” was produced by Kip Anderson, the revolutionary film producer and documentarian who brought us “Cowspiracy” and “What The Health.” “Seaspiracy” addresses the environmental impact and loss of life caused by the fishing industry, due to the ceaseless human drive for sea animal products.]]> The media loves to throw around the word “vegan” as a catchall buzzword to describe every celebrity on a juice cleanse – or an athlete embarking on a new fitness plan that includes plant-based meals. As a result of this incoherent tossing around of a term that holds a much deeper meaning, people perceive going vegan as this whimsical, fitness-focused, dietary trend that can be abandoned once a weight loss goal is met, or a midnight craving for a bacon cheeseburger is calling.]]> What personality traits do you find irritating… or even infuriating in other people? As hard as it may be to accept this, if you didn’t personally possess these traits somewhere deep down within your unconscious being, you would not be triggered by them. We identify all the things that are “wrong” with others, society, and the world.]]> As a Vegan Transition Coach, I have a unique job: I am not a health coach, in the traditional sense. I am an immersive vegan educator first. My goal is to make the transition to the vegan lifestyle as seamless, pleasurable and effortless as possible. ]]> Unsure of what to buy? People so nervously anticipate the supposed restrictions of a plant-based diet… but ironically, there are a plethora of brands out there these days. It can actually be overwhelming to choose what products to buy amongst the explosion of animal-free offerings that have sprung up from the growing consumer demand.]]> The quality of our relationships is a reflection of three things: 1. what we feel we are worthy of, 2. what we are offering to others energetically and emotionally, and 3. our underlying beliefs and expectations.]]> Tofu and soy-based products are considered staple foods in a plant-based diet. Not only are soybeans, tofu, and tempeh free from artery-clogging, saturated animal fat, their highly absorbable protein and calcium content rivals animal flesh pound for pound.]]> One thing that I’ve come to realize more than ever before: we are only as resilient as our level of gratitude. I will absolutely admit that it is not easy to find gratitude when you are in the midst of turmoil and hardship. It is also hard to avoid falling prey to despair from the collective hardships happening around the globe.]]> I have always been a huge advocate for fostering and adopting animals. In doing so, you are saving a life, abstaining from the support of abusive puppy mills and unnecessary breeding – and you receive unwavering gratitude and unconditional love in return! In this current unprecedented isolation, it might just be a perfect time to entertain this notion.]]> In this new era of COVID-19, it is imperative to protect our health. We are encouraged by the CDC and the WHO to physically distance, wear masks and gloves in public areas, routinely wash our hands, and sanitize everything. Normally, routine exposure to germs (in a healthy body) is what builds our immune systems. ]]> For those who turn to plant-based products for health concerns, too many packaged foods can be an understandable concern, due to excess sodium and oils. However, for people who are tran sitioning away from a “Standard American Diet,” vegan “eggs,” “meats,” “cheeses” and other plant-based options make this change quick, easy, seamless and extremely satisfying]]> Rather than focusing on the “how” to get there, they focus on the “why” it is important to them. It is easy to be decisive when your choices are motivated by seeking joy and fulfillment. When they make the commitment and believe it is possible to achieve, they attract opportunities through this confidence, and the unknown steps often fill themselves in organically.]]> It’s simply reality: We are not always going to be in our healthiest state of mind, particularly in these unprecedented times. It is important to be able to realize and accept this, and allow space to heal. We all have cumulative stressors in our lives, which is why finding personal means of release is critical. ]]> The value of establishing a constructive morning ritual is immeasurable. When we first wake up, we are very impressionable. Our conscious mind has been in a passive state, or in a “reset” mode. In these early moments, we actually have a golden opportunity in two profound respects: First, we get to shape the overall vibration and outcome of our day. Secondly, at this crucial time, we have a direct line to our unconscious mind, so we have greater influence over its underlying programs. ]]> Mushrooms have been used for their potent medicinal properties across the globe for millennia, but have recently had a resurgence in popularity. They are used for their immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties, inflammation reduction, cognition enhancement, adaptogenic (stress-regulating) properties, and even for fighting cancer.]]> It’s winter, and people are sick with colds and flus all around us. It’s an important time to preemptively give ourselves a natural immune boost. Let’s face it – antibiotics are overused, if not abused. Repeated or long-term antibiotic use can destroy our gut biome, and kill the good bacteria along with the bad, leaving us with an overgrowth of Candida, leaky gut, and other dangerous conditions. When they are truly needed they can be miraculous, but it is wise to try the less risky, natural approach first, so we can still rely on antibiotics’ efficacy when we truly need them.]]> The dairy industry has been bemoaning a downward trend in consumer demand for several years now, despite millions upon millions of dollars in annual government subsidy bailouts (which results in millions of gallons of unwanted, dumped milk). Even with the large artificial deflations in consumer costs that are a result of these bailouts, the dairy industry still can’t seem to keep their heads above water.]]> A vision board can be a very powerful manifestation tool. It can even serve as a visual enhancement to your daily meditation. However, a vision board is only as useful as its intention and execution. In this article, I will detail the ingredients and techniques necessary to create the perfect vision board – and the things to avoid, that would likely dilute its effectiveness.]]>