What is your greatest health challenge?

Whether it's digestive issues, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune disfunction, I'm here to help! In the first video of my new health & wellness series, I discuss four steps you can take to get started healing your body right now. 

What is your greatest health challenge that holds you back? Post your question or comment below.

I look forward to connecting with you!

A little help from your (vegan) friends

Thinking about making the transition to a vegan lifestyle? I'm here to help! 

Whether it's through a cooking lesson, wellness jumpstart, hands-on cooking party, group workshop, or corporate wellness retreat, I'd love to show you how easy it is to be vegan. Contact me for a free consultation.

New Cookbook: Eat Vegan with Me

Get ready to launch! I'm pleased to announce that my new cookbook, Eat Vegan with Me, will be published by Vegan Publishers on December 12.  NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDERS!! Not simply a cookbook, it is a recipe for vegans who want to transform the dinner table and effect positive social change. If you're frustrated by failed attempts to win over family and friends, look no further than this essential resource for overcoming any obstacle. 

With nearly 100 quick and easy recipes and cooking tips that demonstrate how to go from familiar to fabulous, you're sure to inspire everyone to eat vegan with you. Order your copy here:
Eat Vegan with Me

5 Simple Steps

There is no "miracle cure," but if you follow these five simple steps, most chronic health issues (eg., gas, bloating, constipation, headaches, achy joints, fatigue, skin rashes, acne, etc.) can be resolved without medication. I've overcome many illnesses this way and helped numerous clients do so as well. It's empowering and life changing when you realize you have the ability to take charge of your own health. I'd be happy to provide further guidance or refer you to helpful resources if you have any questions.

1) Assess diet for food allergies/intolerances/sensitivities and eliminate all foods that cause inflammation. Add foods and supplements that are anti-inflammatory (eg., dark leafy greens, berries, turmeric, etc.). Choosing the right foods that prevent free radical damage and promote healing are key to maintaining optimal health. 

2) Drink at least 64 oz. (4 pint glasses) of filtered water daily. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to aid the detoxification process. Our bodies need sufficient hydration to carry out necessary physiological functions. 

3) Take digestive enzymes before each meal to aid in the metabolization of food. If digestion is still sluggish, consider doing a fast and cleanse by consuming restorative herbs that support excretion of metabolic wastes, and improve digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation, cellular regeneration, and immune function. The ability to digest and absorb nutrients is how we obtain fuel from food. Good digestion makes a tremendous difference in energy level and endurance. 

4) Get active! Exercise daily, outside in the fresh air if possible, enough to increase heart rate and respiration and produce sweat. Physical movement strengthens muscles and keeps internal organs functioning optimally. 

5) Incorporate daily stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, Reiki, laughter, etc. to relax the body and mind and enhance restful sleep. A calm and uncluttered mind improves concentration and allows us to focus on positive transformation. 

That's it. The process is simple, but as I said, it's not a miracle cure. It takes time for your body to heal. If you've experienced chronic health issues for many, many years, expect that it may take months to resolve them. Know that your body will always return to homeostasis and an optimal state of wellness when given the right fuel. Have compassion for yourself, nurture your health, and take care of your body as if it's the most precious gift you have, because it is.

Mary Lawrence, vegan wellness educator
Well on Wheels

What do you crave, salty, sweet… or both?

As daylight gets shorter and temperatures get colder, we tend to hibernate inside, huddled under a blanket, reading a good book or binge-watching Netflix. What better way to enjoy that than with some fresh baked vegan brownies or a bag of Kettle chips to much on? While that may be part of our comfort food routine, the salty-sweet seesaw can become an endless cycle that is never fully satisfied, and we may not realize that it’s making us sick.

Cravings are a sign of imbalance, or what is known as “dysbiosis” from a holistic health perspective. It is a term for a microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body, specifically the gastrointestinal tract.  

Perhaps you’ve heard of the “microbiome,” which is the community of microorganisms which reside in our bodies that help keep our immune systems functioning efficiently.  When the “good bacteria” is flourishing, our digestion is strong and we’re able to absorb vitamins and minerals for optional health. However, when there is a proliferation of “bad bacteria,” our health can be compromised.

Symptoms of dysbiosis may include food cravings as well as gas, bloating, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, sinus congestion, and a myriad other responses essentially due to inflammation throughout the body. 

Why does this happen? This condition can be caused by poor diet, such as eating overly sweet and salty processed foods or food sensitivities and intolerances to such foods as wheat, soy, and corn, and flareups can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, and overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which weaken the gut lining.

How can we stop it?  A comprehensive health history analysis is essential to pinpoint the exact cause, since every body is different. However, everyone can benefit by eating more whole foods, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables which are anti-inflammatory and high in anti-oxidants. 

Balancing salty and sweet with sour and bitter is also important. Try adding dark leafy greens and spices like turmeric and ginger to your diet. In addition, consider your beverage of choice filtered water with a squeeze of lemon. To aid in digestion, try drinking mint or ginger tea and take bitters with each meal. These little tweaks can make a big difference in your overall health and wellbeing.

For a comprehensive list of strategies for killing cravings and treating the underlying causes of dysbiosis, contact me for a free consultation.

Soup Making 101

I had a great time making a variety of vegan soups this afternoon for my "Soup Making 101" class. Thank you to all who attended and to Kat Dargan for assisting! We enjoyed lots of warm and yummy comfort food.

Menu:

- Japanese Miso Soup with Immune Boosting Aromatic Herb Broth

- Rootsy Chowder with Toasted Spiced Pepitas

- Lemony Lentils with Collard Greens and Horseradish Dijon Crema

We started with some hands-on miso mixing which one of the attendees described as "meditative." Indeed. It's a nice way to relax before eating a meal.  I steeped some lemon balm, oregano, and thyme in the broth during the last minute to infuse essential oils that help boost the immune system.  

We also enjoyed layers of flavor from the lemony lentil soup that was topped with a horseradish Dijon crema. This added a creaminess when stirred into the soup. Everyone really enjoyed this combination.

Finally, we closed our meal with a root vegetable chowder made with carrot, parsnip, turnip, yam, potato, and onion. Root vegetables help "root" us and provide strength for the cold season ahead.  This delicious soup was topped with toasted spiced pipits for an added layer of taste and texture.

Everyone had a great time tasting delicious and healthy vegan food, observing the process, and enjoying the company of new friends.  I love getting feedback like this! 

"What amazing food... everything was perfect. My only comment is Bravo!"

"The education along with the prep tips make me think I can do this healthfully."

"The miso soup warmed my chest. Excellent presentation!"

"Lots of chopping to do, but I liked your easier methods."

"I loved the food!!! And seeing it prepared from start to finish." 

"I loved the hands-on experience and seeing different ways of preparing everyday foods." 

"It was delicious. Please do more!"

Seed Saving 101

How is your garden growing? If yours is anything like mine, you're thinking about saying goodbye to summer and beginning to plan ahead to next year's garden.  On the top of my list is saving seeds.

I've had a good run with several varieties of heirloom tomatoes, string beans, peppers, squash, and greens, and I'm already looking forward to starting them again in the spring. So I've been saving seeds.



Let the plants mature, then collect good sized fruits of tomatoes, squash, and peppers. Tomatoes and squash need to be thoroughly rinsed and dried before storing, while pepper seeds can easily be set out on a paper towel to dry.

 

The pods of string beans will swell up, turn brown, and begin to crack open when they're ready for harvesting. Mustard greens go to flower, then form pods which dry out and release tiny round seeds. The same is true of other greens such as lettuce and arugula.

In just a few minutes over the course of a few days, you will have seeds ready for planting next spring. Imagine how fun it will be to harvest free food all summer!  

You can learn more tips on saving seeds from Seed Savers Exchange.  

New England Women's Herb Conference

This weekend I was fortunate to be able to attend an herb conference with experts in the field of ethnobotany and plant medicine. This was the 30th annual New England Women's Herb Conference held at a camp in beautiful Hebron, NH.

Each year, for the past 30 years the New England Women’s Herbal Conference has brought together women, herbalists, healers, and plant lovers to share their wisdom of the herbs and natural healing. Though the emphasis is on women’s health, healing, and well being, the WHC is also a joyful celebration of women spirit and women’s wisdom, as well as a special time to honor Mother Nature.

In one workshop on flower essences, we learned the energetic properties of some native flowers, including this lovely borage flower. It's easily grown as an annual in New England, and its bright blue flowers make a pretty edible garnish on salads.

Its properties are strength during times of stress, particularly with major life change. That's why borage is known as the courage flower. So plant it in your garden for strength and resilience, and eat some when you need that little boost to move forward in your life.

The founder of the conference, Rosemary Gladstar, led an herb walk across campus where we learned plant stories about native species such as Dandelion, Self-heal, Japanese Knotweed, Goldenrod, Plantain, Lamb's Quarters, Phlox, Jewelweed, White Pine, Elderberry, and a hidden clump of Indian Pipe.

Deb Soule also led a fantastic workshop on designing a Sanctuary Garden: one that is a sanctuary for birds, beneficial insects, pollinators, and people. She runs the wonderful herbal apothecary Avena Botanicals in Rockport, ME. It was a true pleasure to hear her share her plant wisdom with us, including these lovely messages from Native American plant healers.

This was such a wonderful experience and I gained such a wealth of knowledge about the plant kingdom. I look forward to sharing it with students in my vegan cooking classes and presentations.

Backyard weed walk

Daylily, Mint, and Lemon Balm

Our backyards are filled with wild plants that can be consumed for food and medicine.  A common Cherokee belief is that when we respect the plants, they will give us medicine to cure any illness. By observing and understanding plants, we reconnect with Mother Nature and our body’s natural ability to heal. This is also how we empower ourselves and resist oppression. 

Purple and Holy Basil "The King" of Herbs

This weekend I held a weed walk in my backyard.  While it's a relatively small space - just a quarter acre - it's amazing to discover the wide variety of plants growing there.  

The weed walk included hands-on instruction in plant identification, habitat analysis, medicinal properties, and folklore of over 25 common plants found in the suburban landscape.  I shared what I've learned over the past 20 years as a gardener, forager, and herb enthusiast, learning from such luminaries as Widman Steve Brill, David Winston, Jim McDonald, and Rosemary Gladstar. 

We followed the walk by sipping some mint and lemon balm sun tea and munching on fresh snow peas from my garden dipped in an oregano and garlic scape pesto. 

Snow Peas with Oregano and Garlic Scape Pesto

I love these words of inspiration from Michigan herbalist, Jim McDonald, about his first forays into wild plant foraging:

"In 1994, while living in an old, overgrown farmhouse in Okemos, Michigan, I discovered a tattered, purple herb book, left out haphazardly on the kitchen counter by one of my roommates. I began flipping through the book, and within a few weeks had begun foraging through the abundant weeds that covered the property and brewing them into strange tasting teas. Till then, I had little interest in either herbs or health, and so my sudden and growing passion with them was perhaps unusual. In hindsight, I think something in those first sips of strange tea woke in me my passion for plants and their medicine. From those first curious experiences, my hunger to both learn from and serve my green friends has been without end."

My experience began in a similarly innocuous way in 1995 when I was visiting my in-laws and began flipping through the pages of Culpeper's Color Herbal sitting on their coffee table. The book was filled with beautiful color illustrations of plants I had never before taken the time to notice, and I was fascinated by the historical context that extended hundreds, even thousands, of years, and included medicinal properties, food and nutrition information, and folklore. My eyes were opened, and I began to notice these incredible living things everywhere. 

Feverfew growing in abundance on my brick patio

I recommend going on a weed walk whenever you can -- in your own yard, in a field, or deep in the woods. Identify what you know, learn the basic properties, ignite your passion for plants, and share your knowledge with others. Connecting with the wisdom of plants develops our bond with Mother Nature and establishes a pact of protection. If we honor and respect her gifts, use them wisely, and reciprocate with environmental practices that nurture the ecosystem, we can have what Robin Wall Kimmerer calls an "honorable harvest," a truly sustainable environment that supports us all.  

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)

Garlic Scapes

Plantain (Plantago Major) also known as "White Man's Footprint"

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) and Lavender (Lavendula Agustafloria)

Tofu with Garlic Scape Pesto

Minto, Cilantro, and Thai Basil Coconut Curry 

Fresh Mesclun Green Salad with Garlic Scape Vinaigrette

Recipe: World Peas Salad

This is the kind of recipe you'll want to make all summer because it's colorful, refreshing, and most importantly, does not require any cooking. We've been in the midst of our second heat wave here in Connecticut and it's just the first week of summer.  It's been a blessing to indulge in this dish and not have to heat up my kitchen in the process.

I once catered a bridal shower where one of the guests was telling me about a family favorite recipe called “Carolina Caviar” (also known as “Cowboy Caviar”), which she enjoyed when growing up in the south.  It's made with black-eyed peas, a southern staple because it's easy to grow and is a low-cost source of protein. In fact, the other common name for them is "cow peas" because they're often a thrifty feed for cows.  They originate from Northern Africa, so I decided to reclaim their heritage with this recipe and spread the message of world peas/peace in the process.

You can see me demonstrate how to make this quick and easy recipe on my recent cooking segment for WWLP-TV's "Mass Appeal" program. The recipe follows below. 

http://wwlp.com/2017/06/23/world-peas-salad/

World Peas Salad

(serves 4-6)

Salad Ingredients

1 15 oz. can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup sweet red bell pepper, finely diced

1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced

1 tbsp jalapeno, finely diced 

10 oz. frozen yellow corn, drained and thawed

2–3 scallions, finely sliced

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

1/2 of a 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp agave syrup

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp sea salt

a few splashes of hot sauce

Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.  Combine dressing with the salad ingredients, season with salt and hot sauce, then refrigerate at least a half an hour before serving.  Garnish with fresh chopped scallions and edible flowers.

A Veganic Workshop with Will Bonsall

I was fortunate to attend a workshop recently with Will Bonsall on the foundations of veganic agriculture.  This is a natural growing method which uses no chemicals and only vegan inputs. 

Many people are not aware that mass produced organic agriculture is heavily connected to the animal agriculture industry as waste from factory farms is often converted into compost.  This can include cow, pig, and chicken manure as well as feathers, hooves, blood, and bone meal.  Other non-vegan soil amendments include shells from lobster and other crustaceans, fish, and worm castings (manure).  While animals such as worms, insects, and organisms in the soil are essential components of a healthy ecosystem, as veganic gardener Will Bonsall would say, the cultivated, caged, and castrated kind are not.  His book, Will Bonsall’s Radical Guide to Radical, Self-Reliant Gardening, is the bible of veganic gardening and an essential read for anyone interested in learning more about the topic.  

Over a dozen of us gathered in the home of Amie Hamlin, the founder of the Coalition for Healthy School Food in Ithaca, NY. She worked together with vegan registered dietician George Eisman and his wife Claire Holzner to coordinate this event. Sadly, George passed away just shortly before this workshop was held, but we could feel his presence with us through the delicious plant-based menu he helped design as well as the joy of the natural world we all shared. 

If you like to dig in the dirt, I recommend converting a sunny spot in your yard into a veganic garden.  This way you will not only be growing fresh produce for yourself, but you will also be forming a deeper connection with Mother Nature. Even if you only have space for a few pots of herbs, this is still a way to get vital plant energy into your body. 

There is nothing healthier than eating fruits and vegetables that have been picked fresh from your own garden, warmed by the sun, fortified with natural soil amendments, and free from harmful pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic chemicals. Most importantly, a veganic garden does not use any animal products in the process.  

Natural ecosystems depend on the process of decomposition to build humus, a rich, nutrient dense compound that supports plant life.  This can be achieved by using Mother Nature’s natural resources, such as dried leaves and grass clippings.  Start a compost pile, feed it with a mix of plant-based kitchen scraps and leaf debris, and you’ll have the formula for good compost. 

Amendments such as seaweed, rice hulls, corn gluten, and “green manure” like clover and buckwheat, can be incorporated into the soil to further enrich it.  Over many seasons of nurturing the soil with lawyers of these components, you will have a thriving veganic garden.  Start small (a simple 6” x 10” plot will do), then expand as your interest and love of gardening grows.

Veganic gardening utilizes natural inputs that enhance the soil, benefit the plants, improve vitamin and mineral content of plants fruits and vegetables, and nourish our bodies.  It is a truly sustainable ecosystem that can save our planet.   

On-line herbal studies

I've always been interested in culinary herbs for flavoring foods, and more recently i've begun exploring the medicinal properties as well. This is a whole new way of looking at plants that not only taste good, but are also good for us.

I recently completed The Herbal Academy's free Herbal Materia Medica Course which provided a strong foundation for understanding an herb's constituents, actions, energetics, and healing properties as well as best methods for preparations.  My favorite form is teas and decoctions, and I do this with the fresh herbs in my garden like Lemon Balm, Mint, and Oregano.

I chose to study Immune Boosting herbs which are so important to our health. My Materia Medica included Astragalus, Echinacea, Elder, Ginko Biloba, Red Clover, Tulsi, and Turmeric. As much as I thought I already knew, this class taught me so much more.  I can't wait to continue my studies by exploring the Advanced Herbal and Clinical Herbalist courses.

If you're interested in an excellent on-line herbal studies program that can be completed at your own pace, check out their offerings here:  The Herbal Academy Online

Recipe: Tempeh Tartare with Avocado Aioli

I returned to the set of WWLP-TV to make this light and crispy spring salad.  It's a twist on a traditional Norwegian tartare made with raw herring, but I like my vegan version much better!

The crunch comes from diced celery, jicama, and Granny Smith apple. They're tossed in a vinaigrette made with spicy Dijon mustard boosted by a kick of heat from a few drops of Sriracha.

Serve it on top of a salad of bitter greens like these radicchio leaves seen here, or spread it on top of avocado toast for a simple sandwich.  I also like to add some lightly blanched asparagus for that hint of spring.

Garnish with edible flowers like pansies or wild violets and add a sprig of garlic chives if you're lucky to have some popping up in your yard right now!

See me demonstrate how to make this quick and easy recipe on WWLP-TV's "Mass Appeal" cooking segment:

New Appointment: Trustee of AVS

I'm honored and excited to have been named to the Council of Trustees of the American Vegan Society (AVS) which was founded in 1960 by H. Jay and Freya Dinshah. AVS is a 501(c )(3) nonprofit, nonsectarian, nonpolitical, tax-exempt educational membership organization teaching a compassionate way of living by reverence for life and ahimsa.

I look forward to expanding the AVS mission by offering vegan education opportunities to the general public and working with restaurants and food service operations to add vegan items to their menus. As a member of the AVS Speakers Bureau I am also available for public presentations at schools, libraries, and other interested organizations.

You can read the announcement in the Spring Issue of the American Vegan below.

AVS Welcomes Mary Lawrence to the Council of Trustees

Radical Vegan Wellness

rad·i·cal

ˈradək(ə)l/

adjective

adjective: radical

1 (especially of change or action) relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.

I want to introduce you to my new Radical Vegan Wellness program.

It’s a comprehensive health overhaul incorporating diet, physical exercise, stress management, and holistic health care to create a healthy family, healthy home and garden, and healthy communities. Many have called it transformative.

I know you’re a compassionate person who cares about animals, people, and the planet, and you want your lifestyle to reflect your values, but you need some guidance and support.  That’s what I’m here for!

Maybe you’ve been vegan for awhile, but you’re the only one you know who shares your values.  Or you’ve switched to a plant-based diet but want to take your health to the next level.  Maybe you’re tired of popping pills for this or that ailment or you just feel tired all the time despite being vegan. Or maybe you’re just getting started on the vegan path, but you need help taking that first step and following through.

What I want to share with you is a plan to take charge of your own health: how you eat, sleep, exercise, and heal yourself. It’s life-changing; not just for you, but for those around you as well. I fully believe that, 

When we come together in unity with compassion for ourselves and all beings, we can heal the planet.  

I’m committed to making this change happen by sharing what I know with you.  Nearly twenty years ago I became vegan for health reasons. I was tired and cranky all the time, had asthma and seasonal allergies that seemed to last all four seasons, I got migraines nearly every week, and I just didn’t think I’d ever feel well again. When allergists told me I needed to be on medication the rest of my life and get rid of my dog who they claimed was causing my asthma, I decided to seek alternatives. This began my journey of discovering how diet, exercise, and holistic health care can transform your life.

I want to let you know what worked for me and has worked for dozens of my clients over the past 13 years. These are simple strategies that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives to ensure success.  Whether it’s losing a few pounds, eliminating food cravings, learning how to create quick and easy meals, increasing energy, or all of the above, I can help. 

Want to learn more?  

I will be hosting a free Skype video conference call on Saturday, March 18 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to talk about this new program and answer any questions you may have. 

Space is limited to the first 10 people who contact me.  

If you’d like to reserve your spot, please RSVP “Yes” with your Skype handle and I will add you to my contact list.   

I look forward to speaking with you about Radical Vegan Wellness!