Vegan Resolution presentation

Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking before a group of about 50 people who had come to learn about how to be a healthy vegan.  The theme of the presentation was "Vegan Resolutions," for anyone who had made a New year's resolution to go vegan.  I was happy to learn that almost half the audience were vegan and the rest were, as I like to call them, "pre-vegans" - those who came because they were curious, but not yet ready to commit to making a change.

There was interest right from the moment people walked through the door and saw a beautiful array of vegan snacks out on a table generously provided by the Unitarian Universalist Society's sustainable living committee for them to sample.  Conversation was lively and everyone was primed to learn more about how to make these delicious foods just from plant-based sources.

It comes as second nature to me now, having been vegan for nearly 20 years, but I remember one of the first vegan meals I ever ate at a restaurant and being shocked that you could make ravioli with a béchamel sauce without using any butter or cheese!

 

I imagine there were many people in attendance here who had the same reaction when eating a layered bean dip topped with melty gooey Daiya cheddar and decadent chocolate brownies.

I shared information about obtaining maximum nutrition on a vegan diet including where to get your protein, iron, and calcium, stocking your pantry with superfoods, and overcoming obstacles to making the vegan transition.  For more information and individualized recommendations, I offer a Vegan Wellness Jumpstart and nutrition coaching services.  Contact me for details!
  

Vegan Nation Interview

It was a pleasure speaking today with Marlene Narrow, host of the online radio program, Vegan Nation.  We discussed my background as a vegan educator and activist and how a health crisis lead me to live a more purposeful life on behalf of the animals, people, and the planet.

If you missed the program, you can listen to the archived show right here:

Vegan Nation Interview 1/13/2017

One listener writes,

Mary Lawrence is astounding. The details of her formidable achievements and accomplishments could fill an entire program. She is easy and engrossing to listen to. I can see that she is a great teacher. I was avid for every second of the show. Mary communicated powerfully and yet it was evident that she is, as you noted, humble, which adds to the power of her words and her engaging force as a speaker. What ran through my mind was that Mary seemed to me like the embodiment of the phrase: "If you want something done (brilliantly!), ask a busy person!" I loved this show!

Please listen in and enjoy the show!

Restaurant Review: Indigo Indian Bistro

I love going to this place.  In fact, I've told everyone how good it is so many times that I figured I should finally write a blog post to spread the word even further.  They specialize in South Indian cuisine and make some of the best dosas around.

It was a cold and blustery winter morning, and after I finished a bunch of errands I found myself starving and craving Indian food.  Since Indigo Indian Bistro in Manchester, CT is just a quick drive from Hartford and mere seconds off the highway exit, I knew where I was headed for a late lunch.

The daily buffet here is an incredible bargain at just $9.99 on week days and $13.99 on weekends.  There are typically at least 4 vegan entrees, along with a couple of hot appetizers. chutneys, rice, bread, and sometimes even a vegan dessert.

Today's array of delicacies included a spicy Tadka Dal, Mangalorean Vegetable, Baiti Baingan, curried shredded vegetable, and pakora.  They were all tasty, and did an excellent job of cleaning my sinuses.

I was pleasantly surprised by the dessert, a stew-like mung bean jaggery.  It had the consistency of lentils but with the sweet savory flavor of unrefined cane sugar tempered in a coconut sauce.  I think on a cold day I'd be happy with just a steaming bowl of this dessert.   It was a nice ending to a delicious feast.

The atmosphere is quiet and calm, perfect for a leisurely lunch.  My server was attentive without being intrusive, and my water glass was filled without the need to even request it.  I hadn't realized the vegan dessert was on the buffet because it was near the meat dishes which I avoided, but she let me know about it and made a point to serve some for me.  I felt like my needs as a vegan were well met, and I'd be confident to return knowing I can trust my servers to bring me dishes without any animal products.  So when you go, proudly say you're vegan and I can guarantee you'll be treated well!

Vegan Resolution - Get Healthy in the New Year!

Are you trying to improve your diet for the sake of the planet, the animals, and your own health? If so, then consider a whole foods, plant-based diet that's high in fiber and antioxidants. For many of us that can be confusing, even intimidating. Not to worry! This is the perfect time of year to get started, and I will give you tools that will help you succeed. 

This presentation will include tips on overcoming obstacles, meal planning, and cooking quick and easy recipes. Delicious vegan snacks will also be served. 

To register for this event, visit the Facebook event page.

New Year's Day Vegan Brunch

Hello 2017.  Let's make some mischief!

We kicked off the new year right with a Vegan Brunch catered by my personal chef business, Well on Wheels.  It was an intimate gathering of friends coming together to talk about food, families, activism, and spreading the vegan message while eating some decadent savory and sweet goodies.

The menu included Tofu Florentine Quiche, Benevolent Bacon, Sesame Strignbeans, Kite Hill cheese and vegan caviar on baguette, Cranberry Streusel Muffins, Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Maple Pecan Praline and Coconut Whip, grapes, clementines and pomegranate, and chocolate truffles.

We talked and ate, then ate some more.  Even though it felt decadent, there was a lot of healthy stuff here with the fruit and veggies, so we didn't feel too guilty when everyone left stuffed.

Let's make 2017 a year of spreading the easy peasy vegan message that you don't need to feel deprived to be vegan, and anyone can do it.