Vegetarian Pho

Vegetarian Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Serves 2

Broth
1 large onion, peeled and halved
2-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and halved lengthwise
3-inch cinnamon stick, preferably Vietnamese cassia-cinnamon
1 star anise
2 cloves
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
4 cups unsalted vegetable stock
2 teaspoons soy sauce
4 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped

Noodles
1/2 pound dried flat rice noodles (known as bánh phở; use 1/16", 1/8", or 1/4" width depending on availability and preference)

Toppings (optional)
Protein such as fried or baked tofu, bean curd skin, or seitan
Mushrooms
Vegetables such as bok choy, napa cabbage, or broccoli

Garnishes
1/2 onion, very thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 chile pepper (Thai bird, serrano, or jalapeño), sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/2 cup bean sprouts
Large handful of herbs: cilantro, Thai basil, culantro/saw-leaf herb
Hoisin sauce, sriracha (optional)

For the broth
Char onion and ginger over an open flame (holding with tongs) or directly under a broiler until slightly blackened, about 5 minutes on each side. Rinse with water.

In a large pot, dry roast cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander over medium-low heat, stirring to prevent burning. When spices are aromatic, add vegetable stock, soy sauce, carrots, and charred onion and ginger.

Bring broth to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Strain and keep hot until ready to serve.

For the noodles
While broth is simmering, place noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Let stand for 20-30 minutes or until tender but still chewy. Drain. (If soaking does not soften the noodles enough, blanch them in a pot of boiling water for a few seconds.)

For the toppings (optional)
While broth is simmering, prepare toppings as desired – slice and cook tofu, lightly steam or blanch vegetables, etc. Toppings should be unseasoned or only lightly seasoned so as not to interfere with the flavor of the broth.

To serve
Divide noodles between two bowls. Arrange toppings over noodles. Ladle about 2 cups of broth into each bowl. Serve with garnishes on the side, which diners should add to taste.

Dietitian/Nutritionist

Researching all aspects of diet and nutrition is a hobby of mine. I guess you could say it's my 2nd calling if I were to ever go back to school for anything. Especially with my mom having cancer I see how important our nutrition is and how it effects our body. I'm always experimenting and looking for ways to help people. You'll never know if something works unless you try it and it's better to try than to be miserable!

Finding Peace

When the realities and disappointments of life smack you in the face, seek the truth for understanding and peace. Do your best to make things right. Never give up.
- J. Skaaren

Fight Fat

10 Foods That Fight Fat

Edamame
Swiss cheese
Apples
Berries
Eggs
Sweet potato
Salmon
Almonds
Oranges
Yogurt

Your Inner Hippie

What If Hippies Ruled The World

What if hippies ruled the world? What would things be like? Would we be at war right now? Would money be tie-dyed?

Make Your 72 Hour Kit

How To Make Your 72 Hour Kit

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72 Hour Kit Info You Need To Know

1) Your 72 hour kit should be in a portable container located near an exit of your house or better, sheltered in your backyard.
2) Each family member should have their own 72 hour kit with food, clothing and water. Distribute heavy items between kits.
3) Enclose the extra clothing, matches, personal documents, and other items damageable by smoke or water in plastic to protect them.
4) Keep a light source in the top of your 72 hour kit, so you can find it quickly in the dark.
5) Personalize your 72 hour kit. Make sure you fill the needs of each family member.
6) Inspect your 72 hour kit at least twice a year. Rotate food and water every six months. Don’t forget to check your medications. Check children’s clothing for proper fit. Adjust clothing for winter or summer needs. Check expiration dates on batteries, light sticks, warm packs, food and water.
7) Consider the needs of elderly people as well as those with handicaps or other special needs when building your 72 hour kit. For example: for babies, store diapers, washcloth, ointment, bottles and pacifiers, and other special supplies.

hCG The Skinny

About The Diet
Lose 26 lbs in 26 days if you follow the diet as directed. Note that this is the average weight loss we have recorded from our clients. Some people lose more, some people lose less. But the fact is, you will definitely lose weight on this regimen without heavy exercise or without frozen or prepared foods to buy.
The HCG Diet is based off Dr. Simeons “Pounds & Inches - A New Approach to Obesity” and was previously only available in spas and weight loss clinics which made access to the diet unaffordable for most. As the diet proved wildly successful and something that could easily be done at home with the proper instructions, HCG Diet Direct was formed so that you could obtain the same supplements and instructions that the clinics provide.

HCG = Human Chorio Gonadotropin
HCG works directly with the Hypothalamus gland. This gland actually controls body fat, emotions, and helps to develop the reproductive organs during puberty. Each and every person is given their life time supply of HCG at birth. Unfortunately most American food has been overloaded with chemicals. These chemicals are designed to remove HCG from your body.
Candida yeast overgrowth can be another common reason people lose HCG. This overgrowth is a result of an imbalance in the digestive system. If you have ever, in your life, taken antibiotics there is a high chance you have an imbalance.

The weight registered by the scale... is determined by two processes not necessarily synchronized. Under the influence of HCG, fat is being extracted from the cells, in which it is stored in the fatty tissue. When these cells are empty and therefore serve no purpose, the body breaks down the cellular structure and absorbs it. But the breaking up of useless cells, connective tissue, blood vessels, etc., at times follow the fat-extraction process. When this happens the body replaces some of the extracted fat with water which is retained for this purpose. Because water is heavier than fat, the weight scale may show no loss of weight even though fat has actually been consumed to make up for the deficit in the 500- calorie diet. When such tissue is finally broken down and the water liberated, there is a sudden flood of urine and a marked loss of weight. This is the reason for the appearance of no weight loss on the scale while following the instructions of the diet.