Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 53

Q&A with Vegan Bros Matt and Phil Letten

Brothers Matt and Phil Letten have built their lives around animal advocacy with a focus on mainstreaming veganism through online courses, e-books, social media, videos, blogging and more.  Phil became vegan as a teenager and Matt followed a little while later, loosing 100 pounds! Over to Phil and Matt!

How long have you been vegan?

Our transition to become vegans was very unexpected, particularly because we were raised in a community that was very anti-vegan. Phil came around 14 years ago after watching a video that showed how horribly farm animals are treated—it only took one video and he was converted for good. Matt made fun of him for about 5 years before realizing that veganism was a healthier, more intentional, liberating way to live…and he soon followed suit.

Why did you make the change? Following the shift, did you notice impacts it immediately had on you?

 Most people are opposed to animal abuse, whether they eat a vegan diet or not. And when they learn about the insane abuses animals endure before becoming meat, they freak out for a second and then move toward a vegan diet. And that’s what we did too. 

How has your family, friends, and co-workers responded to your diet? 

Phil was a bit abrasive at first. Once he calmed down it was like dominoes. Our entire immediate family, and a constantly growing percentage of our extended family are all vegan. Parents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. We hear from friends from all walks of life who are going vegan on a consistent basis now. Police officers, investments bankers, pastors, stay-at-home-moms, entrepreneurs, hunters, and everyone in between.

One of the things we’ve been excited about recently are many of our friends we grew up with have started going vegan. It’s cool to see the impact exponentially growing in front of our eyes. 

When your diet comes up in conversation with non-veggie friends, do you have a favored elevator pitch to encourage them to eat more plants? If so, what is it?

We’ve found that grace, acceptance, and friendship can do more for any one person than a lifetime of guilt, shame, and judgement. The reality is we’re all flawed human beings on a path to figure out who the hell we are, and why the hell we’re here. Rather than picking sides, we like to think of ourselves joining people and supporting them on their journey any way we can.

 A few things we like to point out:

 In the past, there was a stereotype associated with vegan eating. But today, people from all walks of life are exploring this lifestyle. And celebrities and professional athletes are going vegan in droves.

Most people are opposed to animal abuse. And when they learn about the insane abuses animals endure before becoming meat, they freak out.

 If you’re opposed to animal cruelty, you’re already 90% vegan. Your diet is just the last 10%.

The billionaires of the world, like Richard Branson and Bill Gates see the writing on the wall. The future is vegan, and they’re cashing in. Even meat giants, Tyson Foods and Cargill, have begun investing heavily in plant-based protein.

Eating vegan is not some all-or-nothing proposition. We give you permission to explore this lifestyle as little or as much as you want.

Don’t get bogged down in the minutia. Focus on the ingredients that cause the most animal suffering. Meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.

Allow yourself to make mistakes. Failure is part of the process.

This isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. You don’t need to go vegan overnight. Start off by picking up a package of Beyond Burgers, or another vegan product, on your next grocery shopping trip. Then go from there.

What is a typical?

Breakfast:

Tofu scramble with Tempeh Bacon

Lunch:

Sofritas Bowl from Chipotle with beans, rice, fajita veggies, mild and hot sauce, and guac

Dinner:

Beyond Burger with all the fixins + a splash of Just Caesar dressing (trust us, it will change your life)

Snack:

A shot of vodka (because obviously…it’s on brand J)

What are some of your favorite spots to dine at (in whichever city you spend the most time)?  

We love Veggie Grill in LA! If you’re a meat eater, but are looking to explore vegan food (or are curious about transitioning to a plant-based diet) Veggie Grill is the place to go. Make sure you order their Buffalo Wings!

The Vegan Bros, Matt Letten and Phil Letten, are brothers who have transformed their lives by adopting a vegan lifestyle. Their new book Vodka is Vegan: A Vegan Bros Manifesto for Better Living and Not Being an A**Hole  is now available wherever books are sold.

Q&A with Vegan Bros Matt and Phil Letton

Brothers Matt and Phil Letton have built their lives around animal advocacy with a focus on mainstreaming veganism through online courses, e-books, social media, videos, blogging and more.  Phil became vegan as a teenager and Matt followed a little while later, loosing 100 pounds! Over to Phil and Matt!

How long have you been vegan?

Our transition to become vegans was very unexpected, particularly because we were raised in a community that was very anti-vegan. Phil came around 14 years ago after watching a video that showed how horribly farm animals are treated—it only took one video and he was converted for good. Matt made fun of him for about 5 years before realizing that veganism was a healthier, more intentional, liberating way to live…and he soon followed suit.

Why did you make the change? Following the shift, did you notice impacts it immediately had on you?

 Most people are opposed to animal abuse, whether they eat a vegan diet or not. And when they learn about the insane abuses animals endure before becoming meat, they freak out for a second and then move toward a vegan diet. And that’s what we did too. 

How has your family, friends, and co-workers responded to your diet? 

Phil was a bit abrasive at first. Once he calmed down it was like dominoes. Our entire immediate family, and a constantly growing percentage of our extended family are all vegan. Parents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. We hear from friends from all walks of life who are going vegan on a consistent basis now. Police officers, investments bankers, pastors, stay-at-home-moms, entrepreneurs, hunters, and everyone in between.

One of the things we’ve been excited about recently are many of our friends we grew up with have started going vegan. It’s cool to see the impact exponentially growing in front of our eyes. 

When your diet comes up in conversation with non-veggie friends, do you have a favored elevator pitch to encourage them to eat more plants? If so, what is it?

We’ve found that grace, acceptance, and friendship can do more for any one person than a lifetime of guilt, shame, and judgement. The reality is we’re all flawed human beings on a path to figure out who the hell we are, and why the hell we’re here. Rather than picking sides, we like to think of ourselves joining people and supporting them on their journey any way we can.

 A few things we like to point out:

 In the past, there was a stereotype associated with vegan eating. But today, people from all walks of life are exploring this lifestyle. And celebrities and professional athletes are going vegan in droves.

Most people are opposed to animal abuse. And when they learn about the insane abuses animals endure before becoming meat, they freak out.

 If you’re opposed to animal cruelty, you’re already 90% vegan. Your diet is just the last 10%.

The billionaires of the world, like Richard Branson and Bill Gates see the writing on the wall. The future is vegan, and they’re cashing in. Even meat giants, Tyson Foods and Cargill, have begun investing heavily in plant-based protein.

Eating vegan is not some all-or-nothing proposition. We give you permission to explore this lifestyle as little or as much as you want.

Don’t get bogged down in the minutia. Focus on the ingredients that cause the most animal suffering. Meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.

Allow yourself to make mistakes. Failure is part of the process.

This isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. You don’t need to go vegan overnight. Start off by picking up a package of Beyond Burgers, or another vegan product, on your next grocery shopping trip. Then go from there.

What is a typical?

Breakfast:

Tofu scramble with Tempeh Bacon

Lunch:

Sofritas Bowl from Chipotle with beans, rice, fajita veggies, mild and hot sauce, and guac

Dinner:

Beyond Burger with all the fixins + a splash of Just Caesar dressing (trust us, it will change your life)

Snack:

A shot of vodka (because obviously…it’s on brand J)

What are some of your favorite spots to dine at (in whichever city you spend the most time)?  

We love Veggie Grill in LA! If you’re a meat eater, but are looking to explore vegan food (or are curious about transitioning to a plant-based diet) Veggie Grill is the place to go. Make sure you order their Buffalo Wings!

The Vegan Bros, Matt Letten and Phil Letten, are brothers who have transformed their lives by adopting a vegan lifestyle. Their new book Vodka is Vegan: A Vegan Bros Manifesto for Better Living and Not Being an A**Hole  is now available wherever books are sold.

Oh Holy Basil’s Pumpkin-Red Lentil with Black Mustard & Sage

Dillion Indira from Oh Holy Basil is sharing her pumpkin-red lentil soup recipe! I follow her on Instagram, her photos are so lovely. Check out the recipe below and thanks Dillion!

This soup was born out of a desire for a heartier, extra grounding pumpkin soup, and the addition of red lentils seemed a natural solution. Though it is more filling than your average pumpkin soup, it still has the velvety quality of a purely vegetable one. It is incredibly smooth, but for the pungent pop of mustard seeds. The additions of sage and nutmeg steer it away from the dhal experience, towards a seasonally satisfying, traditionally soupy one.

Prep time:  20 mins | Cook time:  1 hour | Total time:  1 hour 20 mins | Serves: 6


INGREDIENTS

1 cup red lentils
3 cups roasted pumpkin or winter squash, I used a buttercup squash
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 large onion
¼ cup of fresh sage, chopped
6 cups vegetable stock, preferably homemade
Small grating of nutmeg
1 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon black mustard seed
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper


INSTRUCTIONS

If you have time, soak the lentils in warm water for a few hours.
When you are ready to make the soup, preheat the oven to 400°.
Cut the squash in half, through the stem, so that you have two equal halves. Scoop out the seeds and compost or reserve for stock (see note). Prick the skinned sides with a fork once. Rub the flesh sides with one tablespoon of coconut oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or rubbed with coconut oil. Put in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until quite soft.
While the squash is roasting, strain and rinse the lentils and then place them in a small sauce pan with 5 cups of water and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook until lentils are very soft and starting to break down, 20-25 minutes.
Peel the onion and then cut it in half through the root. Slice into ¼ inch thick half moons.
Heat the remaining two tablespoons of coconut oil in a soup pot and add the onion. Sauté until the onion begins to become translucent and add the sage. Cook, stirring until the onion is soft, about ten 10-12 minutes total.
Scoop and measure out 3 cups of roasted squash. Add it to the soup pot along with the lentils, stock, freshly ground black pepper and a teaspoon of salt, less if you are using seasoned vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
In a small frying pan, toast the mustard seeds over medium heat until the begin to pop. Remove from pan and let cool.
Blend the soup in batches until very smooth and return to the soup pot. Stir in the coconut milk, a small grating of fresh nutmeg, the sherry vinegar and the black mustard. Add more stock or water if needed.
Serve, garnishing with a swirl of coconut milk, if desired.




NOTES
I recommend making fresh vegetable stock. If you choose to do so, add the scooped out squash pulp and a handful of sage leaves for extra flavor.


Photos: Dillion Indira, Oh Holy Basil

20% Off Pact’s Organic + Fair Trade Essentials!

Hey kind lifers!

What you put on your skin is just as important as what kind of foods you feed your body. Skin is your largest organ!  I’m a fan of Pact’s cute essentials – the undies, socks, leggings, and tees. They’re 100% organic and Fair Trade Certified. Eco, ethical, and healthy – hurrayyyy! Wearing natural breathable fibers like organic cotton are healthier for you and the planet. Seriously, organic means no toxic soil or water pollution affecting mama Earth.

I’ve partnered up with them and using this link (good until about 10/27) you can get 20% any purchases! If you haven’t tried their stuff out, check them out and utilize this great discount!

With love,

Alicia

Turmeric Goodness + Giveaway!

Turmeric is everywhere these days.. It’s incredibly powerful and I’m sure you’re somewhat familiar with it already but here’s the deal:

For thousands of years, turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been a staple of Indian Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Prized for its use as both a culinary spice and for its powerful healing properties, the roots of the turmeric plant (a creeping root system called a “rhizome” because the root is a mass of stems and shoots branching off of the nodes) are sun-dried and then ground into a yellow powder that has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, broths, and more.

The active constituent that gives turmeric powder its color and health benefits is curcumin, an active phenol compound which is known to provide health benefits through its potent antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. As documented in many health journals, studies, and medical resources, these conditions include arthritis, heart disease, joint pain, lupus, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhea, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel (IBS), and many more. As inflammation is often the chief contributor to many diseases, curcumin works to inhibit the pathways which can lead to inflammation.

Today, more than 6,000 studies have been conducted on turmeric and extensive clinical trials over the past quarter century have addressed the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of turmeric in humans, with many promising effects observed. Turmeric works through its ability to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and throughout the body.

If you’re looking to boost your curcumin intake outside the kitchen, our mykind Organics Herbals line hosts 6 turmeric products:

Extra Strength Turmeric Inflammatory Response – good for long term daily use.

Maximum Strength Turmeric Joints & Mobility – good for acute short term use.

Turmeric Pain Relief – for occasional pain short term use.

Turmeric Inflammatory Response Gummy – good for long term daily use.

Golden Milk Powder – a yummy pre-bedtime drink!

Fermented Turmeric Boost powder – ideal for anytime of day but great in mornings or after a work out.

Want to be the recipient of some?? Enter below by leaving me a note below sharing why you want some turmeric supplementation in your life.

I’ll announce recipients on Wednesday 10/10!

With love,

Alicia

• LIMIT ONE COMMENT PER ENTRY. MULTIPLE COMMENT ENTRIES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. (NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING, SORRY).

• THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT MIDNIGHT PST, TUESDAY 10/9/2018.

• AFTER WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED, ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLAIMING YOUR PRIZE WILL BE EMAILED.

• NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS GIVEAWAY.

• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Recycle Your Unloved Electronics & Help Save Great Apes!

Do you have unwanted or broken cell phones, smartphones, iPads, tablets, iPods, and/or mp3s laying around? So many of these items either sit around taking of space in our closet or are improperly disposed of (aka sent to a landfill). What if you could send these items to place that properly recycles them, while supporting the mission of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI)?

JGI is collaborating with ECO-CELL to take care of this for you! All you have to do is enter your contact info and they’ll send you a free shipping label. Once ECO-CELL receives your shipment they will process your electronics and route the funds earned from reuse/resale/recycling to JGI.  How cool is that?? If you want to take this mission to the next level, you can spread the word to your neighbors, friends, and community to collect a larger sum of gadgets – this way more e-waste is recycled and increased funds are made to help save great apes!

 

Photo: Tnamd

Guest Blog: 5 Steps to Live Trash Free

Hey friends! Stevie is sharing below on how to reduce the amount of trash we each produce in our lives. I just want to emphasize another reason why this is so important – recycling isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Only 9 % of plastics waste produced to date have actually been recycled. It’s so easy to think putting things in a blue bin means everything will be accounted for, recycled somewhere nearby, then reused to create a new item… But the reality is, a whole lot less than you think is actually recycled. The odds of it making it’s way to a landfill or the ocean are higher. Let’s do what we can to reduce at the source and prevent waste!!  Over to Stevie!

By Stevie Vanhorn

Over 100 million marine mammals are killed by plastic pollution per year and 50% of all plastic is single use. There are so many alternatives to combat pollution everyday and it’s up to us to do it! What do you waste in one day? Keep a note in your phone, or better yet, I dare you to save all of the things you’d normally throw away in just one day! The wrappers, coffee cups, dirty napkins, chip bags, etc… Not only would you feel messy, but it puts into perspective what you are expelling out into our planet. Trash and plastics stay on earth for up to a thousand years!

In an aim to eliminate waste in my life, I’m outlining 5 simple steps below that have helped me through this journey.

1. De-clutter!

Become aware of what you really need and what you are better without. Make piles. If there is a “maybe” or “what if” pile, get it out of there! Ask yourself first if you can donate or sell it. You won’t miss it, I promise. If you got rid of these “no’ and “maybe” piles then all you have left is the “I love this” pile, and that’s what we want our spaces to be filled with. If you use something often but it consists of trash or plastic (lip balms, shampoo, spices etc…), use it up. It’s better to use what we have first and phase out of it.



2. Identify!

While you’re taking inventory of all the items in your home, identify where you generate trash and plastics – the makeup containers, kitchen supplies, your bathroom essentials etc… Look at your “get rid of” pile and your trash can. Take note of these items and think of the overall sustainability of the item (its source, material, environmental impact, lifespan and end result). Reflect on how much better you will feel knowing that your entire life will soon be cleansed of things you and the earth are not benefitting from, as well this newfound consciousness in day to day life.

3. Prepare!

Yay! It’s time to take action! To prepare, it’s helpful to make a quick list of JUST the things you threw away while you were out of the house, and on a general day. What’s the coolest thing about this list? The realization that every single item can be easily replaced by reusable and sustainable products and that we have the power to combat plastic pollution, overflowing landfills, and wasting resources.

4. Purchase!

Here’s a basic list of items that can start you off. Although buying alternatives are important, there are also some amazing recipes that you can make to replace toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion and more! The biggest thing to remember is that being prepared is the most successful route to being trash free.

5. Adapt!

This step is the most fulfilling! You start to notice how thankful you start to become every single day. You realize all the moments you would normally waste such as throwing your food away or buying a coffee now becomes so sweet. Presence and beauty renewed in what used to be mundane things. It is the best feeling to know the food scraps you take to the farmers market compost drop off have a new life as a tree. It’s amazing to use up that last plastic toothpaste bottle because you made your own with peppermint and lavender. To buy a coffee and realize it tastes so much better in your own reusable cup.

An important everyday reminder: You will mess up! There will be times that you accidentally go to the market and forget your produce bags or your reusable cup for coffee in the morning. Or times that are out of your control when the waitress brings you a straw when you told her twice not to put one in there. In order for this waste free journey to stick in your life, we have to remember perfection is impossible. As long as you are doing your best with intention, you are on the right track. This is all part of adapting. Your alternative choices will eventually integrate itself into your life and it will be a normal part of you.

 

About Stevie

I am a sustainability activist, runner, blogger, and nature lover who advocates for a waste free and conscious lifestyle. I believe with all my heart that exercising our individual power everyday can save the world from plastic pollution, overflowing landfills, wasted resources, and endangered species.  I was inspired to go zero waste through reading up on fungi and mycelium. Mycelium and mushrooms are known for rebalancing, communicating and recycling the natural world and without them we would be neck deep in plant and animal matter and wouldn’t be existing today. I began to wonder what our role in the environment was and realized that we have all the tools to benefit our planet if we embrace our own power and inner motivation.

Photos: Stevie Vanhorn

mykind Organics Herbals!

I’m sooo excited to tell you guys about the launch of mykind Organics herbals! My vitamin journey led to a herbals, we’ve been working on these babies for the past three years.

So what sets mykind herbals apart from other ‘natural’ herbal products you might see on shelves at your local health market? Our herbals are special because we source ingredients from sustainable organic farms and use an Organic, Non-GMO extraction method without the use of conventional corn alcohol or other harsh chemicals.

Jeffrey Brams (VP of Science at Garden of Life) discussing our organic lemon balm

When you buy a conventional herbal product (not Certified Organic) they are taking a natural plant that was most likely exposed to toxic fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides/herbicides and then, after it was harvested, put through a harsh chemical extraction process using solvents like hexane (gasoline), methanol and ethanol derived from petroleum or genetically modified corn. Even natural marketed products that include some organic ingredients use either hexane, methanol, and/or ethanol (GMO corn) for their extraction process.

In our case, our herbs start at Certified Organic family farms, from there we prioritize using the whole herb, or if an extract is more effective, our default is using only water and steam. However, for certain plants, the “good stuff” has to be extracted other ways because it’s actually a fat-soluble molecule. Only in those instances do we use a solvent for the extraction, and for this we only used Certified Organic ethanol – from fully traceable organic non-GMO corn.  It’s more expensive to do it this way, and it takes a lot more time and effort at every step.  But after 3 years, we’ve done it!!!!

Organic Echinacea from the farm

In addition to our unique extraction method, these herbals are traceable with four certifications (Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan Certified, Gluten-Free Certified) and include probiotics blended in for optimal digestion and absorption. Extra bonus, they’re available in multiple forms including tablets, powders, liquid syrups, sprays, and yum gummies! I’m really proud to share these with you!

Products include:

Gummies

Turmeric Inflammatory Response
Elderberry

Tablets

Turmeric Joints & Mobility
Turmeric Pain Relief
Extra Strength Turmeric Inflammatory Response
Sleep Well
Adrenal
Ashwagandha
Prostate

Sprays

Liver Bitters Detox
Sleep Well
Elderberry

Powders

Turmeric Golden Milk
Turmeric Boost
Maca Root

Oil

Oil of Oregano

Potions & Lotions for Kids

Taking a bath with your baby is an adorable, precious, lovely thing that’s not to be missed! It’s seriously one of the greatest joys and is relaxing for mama and baby. A rubdown in the sink, while cute, is not as much fun! Seriously, there’s no need for those plastic baby tubs.. Anyways! In my book, The Kind Mama, I referenced some kind potions and lotions so below are Bear and I’s favorites! This is for bath time and beyond, I added some balms we dig and products found in our medicine cabinet, check them out:

Shampoo & Body Wash

Babo Botanicals  Moisturizing Baby Shampoo and Wash. We love this!

Mini Organics  Gentle Baby Wash

Mama Rose’s Naturals La La Body Wash & Shampoo

Burts Bees  Shampoo & Wash

Gabriel  Clean Kids Naturally Shampoo

California Baby  Calming Shampoo and Body Wash

 

Bubble Bath

I haven’t come across a great bubble bath product, to make these naturals ones work you have to put so much  in.

Seventh generation Baby Bubble Bath

Gabriel Bubble Bath

 

Body Oil

Hugo Naturals Chamomile & Vanilla Baby Oil

Motherlove  Birth and Baby Oil

Dr. Hauschka Lavender Calming Bath Essence

Honest Body Oil

 

Butt/Diaper Balm

Earth Mama Baby Bottom Diaper Balm  *this stuff is amazing! I even used it on myself when Bear was first born.

Vital Earth Traditions Baby Bum Ointment. I love this product!

Shoosha Protective Diaper Balm. This smells nice and feels really clean.

California Baby Calming Diaper Area Wash

Burts Bees Talc-free Baby Dusting Powder.  We never really used this since we used elimination communication

Giveaway: Pineapple Leaf Fiber Chic Handbag

Svala handbags are handcrafted in Los Angeles with premium, innovative, animal-friendly, PVC-free fabrics such as Italian PU (polyurethane), Pinatex® (made from pineapple leaf fiber) and cork. Each Svala handbag is lined with fabric made with organic cotton and recycled polyester made from plastic bottles. Cool right? This is what I’m talking about people!! This type of company gets me so excited because it checks both vegan and eco boxes. I have one of their clutches, it’s so chic – I love it.

If you want to be the recipient of one of these eco cruelty-free bags, enter this giveaway by leaving me a comment below telling me why you’d love to get your hands on one of these purses.

I will announce the recipient on Monday 9/10.

Love,

Alicia

• LIMIT ONE COMMENT PER ENTRY. MULTIPLE COMMENT ENTRIES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. (NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING, SORRY).

• THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT MIDNIGHT PST, SUNDAY 9/9/2018.

• AFTER WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED, ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLAIMING YOUR PRIZE WILL BE EMAILED.

• NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS GIVEAWAY.

• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.