VEGANIK: 10 VEGAN PRODUCTS TO TRY IN 2010 (PART 2)

(Part II: #6-#10)

By contributor Nik Tyler

Continuing on my epic quest to discover new (to me) products that I think you’ll dig as well; enjoy #6-10 vegan products to try in 2010!! (see 1 -5 HERE)

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6. AMY’SAmys
I think Amy’s Natural & Organic meals are groovy!! Everything they produce is vegetarian, and many are vegan. They’re all organic, easy to heat and serve, and darn tasty to boot! Amy’s vast array of vegan options range from breakfast steel-cut oats to tofu scramble to Asian noodle stir-fry to vegetable enchiladas to veggie burgers, pizza, chili, baked ziti and even chocolate cake (and that’s just to name a few)!! My personal fave is Amy’s vegan “Family Marinara” Sauce – which is a fantastic addition to noodles, quinoa, beans, sauteed veggies and just about anything else you can think of!

You can find Amy’s products at Whole Foods and several other health food stores. For more info, check out their website: http://amys.com/

7. MAUK FAMILY FARMS
Raw Breakfast CrustsI’ve been a fan of Mauk Family Farms products for a while now. This company makes some really delectable Flax Seed crackers (my favorite flavor is “Garlic Onion”) as well as two other great products called “Wheat Free Crusts” (brown and golden flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, celery seed, garlic, onion, red bell pepper, parsley, sea salt & water) & “Breakfast Crusts” (pumpkin seeds, black/white sesame seed,golden flax seed, garlic, onion, dulse flakes & sea salt). They have no grain or gluten and are rich in Copper, Magnesium & essential fatty acids. These crusts are totally addictive and perfect on their own… or try one of my favorite combo’s and  spread on some creamy coconut oil and you’ll be in total ecstasy!!

You can buy Mauk Family Farms products at Whole Foods, perhaps your local Co Op or in their online store: https://maukfamilyfarms.com/mm5/merchant.mvc

8. ENJOY LIFE FOODShappy apple<sup>®</sup> cookies : click to enlarge
Searching for a food company that makes delicious snacks and is “sensitive” to the issue of food allergies? Enjoy Life Foods is that company; their mission is to create and sell cookies, trail mix, snack bars & baking products that are uber tasty, as well as free and clear of gluten, dairy, egg, casein, peanuts, tree-nuts, and soy… And that’s exactly what they’ve done! My favorite products that they make are the “Happy Apple” & “No-Oats “Oatmeal”" cookies; They’re moist, chewy, not-too-sweet, and just undeniably delicious!

So now you know a company that makes treats that can be enjoyed by literally everyone, even those who need to be extra cautious due to food allergies. Be sure and check out their full product list and learn more about this cool company: http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/

9. 2 MOMS IN THE RAW


Founded by Shari, a very cool, health-conscious mom of three, 2 Moms In The Raw is a fantastic company that produces a yummy array of organic, raw Granola (“Blueberry”, “Cranberry”, “Gojiberry” & “Raisin”) and Sea Crackers (“Garden Herb”, “Pesto” & “Tomato Basil”).

The “Garden Herb” Sea Crackers are definitely my favorite; consisting of Flaxseed, Kombu (Sea Vegetable), Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sea Salt and Spices - they’re light, crunchy, crisp and they taste like a fresh herb garden compressed into chip form! The “Tomato Basil” Sea Crackers are rad as well, made up of Flaxseeds, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Garlic, Kombu, Herbs & Sea Salt – they have a wonderful garlicky, sun-dried tomato bite! Both of these crackers are the perfect light-bite for kids and adults; enjoy them on their own or dip it!

In addition to their delicious crackers, 2 Moms also sell raw Granola which rocks! Not your typical granola, a little more chunky, you can break it into little pieces and eat it like a breakfast bar. The two flavors I’ve tried, Blueberry & (Gluten-free) Gojiberry are free of refined sugars (substitute Agave) and instead are jam-packed with a ton of healthy ingredients (buckwheat, coconut, a plethora of seeds/nuts and more!!), all of which have been soaked & sprouted to perfection; chewy, crunchy, semi-sweet and utterly delicious, countless textures and flavors awaken your taste-buds and take em’ on one helluva’ wild joy-ride!

You can purchase 2 Moms In The Raw products at Shari’s wonderful site: http://2momsintheraw.com/ or look for them at your local health food store.

9. SUNPOWER NATURAL


In addition to a full-blown gourmet vegan menu at their restaurant (located in Studio City, CA), Sun Power Natural has an awesome product line of raw cookies that I recently discovered at my local co op. The two flavors I’ve tried are “Cinnamon” (coconut, raisins, cinnamon & agave) & “Fruit Burst” (oranges, coconut, raisins, agave). These cookies are “chewy, gooey & delicious” and I definitely think Sun Power Natural has got it going on! In addition to tasting like heaven, these organic treats are raw, gluten-free & low glycemic.

Look for SunPower food at your local co op and Whole Foods, or just click on this link (http://www.sunpowernatural.com/) and get some raw decadence in your life stat!

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I hope you enjoyed my 10 vegan product picks! In addition to these yummy snacks, try and balance your diet and combat any acidic/sugar intake by consuming tons of alkalizing greens and lots of pH balanced water. Here’s to your health!

Wash Room Updates

When I gave up using mainstream razors (because of animal testing) I was a bit disappointed with the alternatives – but it looks like Preserve has finally unleashed a triple-razor that is just as good as any Gillette or Schick. They are BPA-free, recycled, made in the USA, and not tested on animals! Only $8.49, and the replacement razors are 4 for $8.49.

Give your skin problems a kick in face with Aguacate & Co’s line of vegan, organic grooming products from cleansers and exfoliators to toners, moisturizers, eye cremes, and recovery serums! Plus, their masculine and bold design will impress anyone who decides to snoop in your medicine cabinet, but why not just leave them out on display?

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TURK & TAYLOR: 50% Off Everything!

One of our fav organic lines is having a crazy sale. Everything is 50% off online, and only 3$ flat rate for domestic shipping! ENTER DISCOUNT CODE TURKCRAZY50 AT CHECKOUT!

Image of CLOUDS TEEImage of MEN'S GUAYABERA

Woll-less Waistcoats, Easy Sneaks & Flexitarians

Sometimes it can be tough avoiding the the wool industry when looking for a decent waistcoat. Here’s a couple wool-free options by Topman. And if you think wool is just a haircut, check out our pal Gary Smith’s article Pulling the Wool over our Eyes at Elephant Journal.

Wool

Grey suit waistcoatBlack Striped WaiscoatGreen tartan waistcoat

Overstock.com announced that it will no longer sell products made from exotic skins. According to company officials, the Salt Lake City-based online retailer “has removed from its site all apparel and accessory products which feature exotic animal skins, including snake, alligator, crocodile, lizard, ostrich, stingray, eel, shark or kangaroo and will no longer sell such products.” Thanks to PETA for cluing them in.

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These sneaks are made of 100% organic cotton. Spring is just around the (very long, cold) corner!

White Organic TrainersBlue Organic Cotton Trainers

The world’s largest food service company, Compass Group, launched it’s Flexitarian initiative, which is aimed at expanding the variety and supply of meat-free options for its customers—promoting healthier, more sustainable and more humane eating.A “flexitarian” is someone who actively integrates meatless meals into his or her diet when possible but isn’t a full-time vegetarian.

The Strong, Sexy, Silent Type (of New Year’s Cleanse)

By featured contributor, Dr. Alejandro Junger

dr-jungerHow does a discerning gentleman such as yourself get ready for the brand spanking newness of 2010?  By getting squeaky clean, starting from the inside out.

No matter how many better-for-you-than-the-alternative-but-still-sweet-vegan goodies you scarfed down this holiday season, there’s hope for squeezing into those animal & eco friendly duds you got for Christmas or Hanukkah and feeling your overall fabulous (yet manly) self.

All of you gentlemen out there want pretty much the same things: to get rid of that spare tire or beer belly, look in the mirror and see clear, chiseled features, hear the women in your lives exclaim over how good you smell, alleviate depression (common with the lack of sunlight this time of year), feel sharper and stronger, have clear thoughts and increased stamina, as well as lower your risks for possible diseases and health problems in the future.

You know that to accomplish all of this, a detox is definitely required, and before you write them off as too expensive or complicated, think again, because a detox is something you can easily do at home with a bit of advice and some motivation.  So here you go: Consider this a house call/kick-start from your very own personal detox specialist!

1. YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE, SO CLEAN THE HOUSE! Literally, by getting rid of toxins from as many areas as you can.  Consume, bathe, slather, sleep on, wear and generally surround yourself with as many organic and all-natural products as possible.  Yes, it’s incredibly important to eat chemical-free foods (local and seasonal as well) but don’t forget about your cleaning products, or the sheets you spend 1/3 of your time in (maybe more if your new clean habits increase your stamina and suddenly magnetic attractiveness!), or the shaving lotion, cologne and toothpaste you use.  Our skin is our largest organ and if toxins are going on it, you can rest assured they’re doing harm in your body as well.

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2. LOVE THOSE GREENS. There was a reason Olive Oyl was enamored with Popeye.  He loved his green vegetables and had the muscles to prove it.  Dark green vegetables are powerhouses of energy, vitamins, minerals, mood-boosters, immune system strengtheners, weight loss tools, and basic overall miracle workers.  They are tools that no man should be without on the road to optimal health and vitality.  Raw, juiced, steamed, sauteed, blended; however you eat them, just make sure you are!

StrongSexySilent

3. BE THE STRONG, SEXY, SILENT TYPE. It works for rugged cowboys, and it will work in more ways than one for you. When you find time to be quiet as often as you can throughout the day, you are alleviating the stress and anxiety that builds up from normal everyday life.  Stilling the mind works the connection between mind and body and when your mind is calm, quiet, strong and regenerated, your body immediately follows.  Nothing fancy, just a few minutes a day, so instead of zoning out in front of the tv, lie, sit or stand with your eyes half lowered or closed and let your thoughts simply fall away without control or stress or pressure to do anything in that moment except BE.  When you’re called out for being lazy and unmotivated, invite whoever it is to join you and raise the peaceful love vibration of the world, so suddenly you have entirely universal and unselfish results for what started out as sort of a self-serving act!  Oh and don’t forget your beauty sleep either. . . most of us need roughly 8 hours to have the best skin, metabolism, immunity and overall mood possible.  Winter is the perfect time to become a bit more bear-like and hibernate more than usual, it actually harms our health to fight nature as we do, working like crazy even when the sun is telling us to slow down a bit.

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4. LOSE/HEAL YOUR GUT. When you work to promote optimal gastrointestinal health, you simultaneously streamline your size as well. . . a healthy gut is usually not a bloated and extended one so take a daily probiotic, eat lots of fermented foods (miso, sauerkraut, spicy kimchi, kombucha), and make sure you’re staying well hydrated with plenty of water.  Also don’t forget to move around.  Walk, run, stretch, lift, swim, climb stairs, play with your kids, play pickup ball games, have sex, cook a meal, hug everyone. . .any kind of movement benefits you in more ways than one, between losing extra weight, acting like happy pills, and making human connections.

So what are you waiting for?  Get busy cleaning up your act this January. . . and get your sexy back.
Dr.  Alejandro Junger lives in New York City, where he practices at the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center and at the Akasha Center in LA.  He is the Director of Integrative Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital.