The Vegan World Traveler

Five Must-Haves to Help Strengthen Your Immune System During This Crazy Pandemic!

2020-12-01T21:57:00.004-08:00

Hey y'all!!

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know....it's been a minute! This Covid-19 pandemic has made 2020 a weird year and trying year! 😩We've lost so many loved ones due to coronavirus, and the numbers are still going up. Experts advise us to stay home and away from loved ones (especially the elderly), but what can we do in the meantime to strengthen our immune system from illnesses? Below are five must-haves to strengthen your immune system during this crazy pandemic:

Brazil Nuts

Yes! Brazil nuts...I know they're nasty and bland as hell...but get over yourself!😂 Brazil nuts are very high in selenium, support a healthy thyroid, and strengthen your immune system. Some brands of brazil nuts have over 200% selenium in just one serving (one to three nuts)! Selenium can also help prevent certain cancers, infections, and can reduce inflammation in the body. Two added benefits that I will mention--brazil nuts can lower your cholesterol significantly and can improve brain function. Check out the brazil nuts I eat here.

Vitamin D

I can't stress enough how important vitamin D is for proper bodily function. As a person who is African American, I think I can assume that most Black people are vitamin D deficient. I'm guessing because of the melanin in our skin. When you're vitamin D deficient, all kinds of shit starts to happen to your body...fatigue, muscle weakness, mood changes (i.e., depression). 😒😕 Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with frequent infections. So you gotta beef up on that, ok? There are two ways to get the appropriate amount of vitamin D:

1. Go out in the sun for 15-30 minutes every day. Take a walk, sit on the porch, do some type of activity in direct sunlight, preferably around noon (don't forget your sunscreen)!

2. Take a vitamin D supplement. I do both. I've been walking outside for 5-mile walks every day since April of this year (**pats self on the back**), but I also take a vitamin D supplement! Check out vitamin D supplements here.

Elderberry Syrup

That elderberry syrup is the TRUTH!😂 I haven't had a cold in three years, and haven't had the flu in over 10 years. And no, I don't take the flu shot (to each his own though, I ain't mad at ya)! Elderberry is very high in antioxidants and vitamins, which strengthens your immune system. It is typically made with elderberries, ginger, clove, cinnamon and honey. Elderberry also reduces inflammation and stress, and promotes a healthy heart. I get my elderberry from the best...Mother Nature Holistic Health, LLC. Check out their elderberry syrup here. Aye!!!☝ Don't be mixing it with Patron either! 😂😂😂😂

Wildcrafted Sea Moss

Taking wildcrafted sea moss (it's gotta be wildcrafted, not harvested in pools!!!) can do wonders for your health! My Caribbean friends have been down with sea moss for a long, long time!! lol...It promotes a healthy immune system and it works to dissolve excess mucus from your body. It has 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly. It's antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant and antimicrobial. Sea moss is loaded with iodine, which is what your thyroid needs to function properly. It's generally tasteless and will dissolve in smoothies, coffee, tea, and soups. You can also use it as thickener when cooking. I also get my wildcrafted sea moss (available in gel form and raw form) from Mother Nature Holistic Health, LLC. Check them out here!

Sage

Sage is antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, and is said to eliminate up to 94% of bacteria and pathogens in the air when your burn it (the technical term is called "smudging"). During this pandemic, I literally smudge my house with sage every time I leave the house and come back home! It acts as a natural Lysol, and can improve the quality of your sleep. Sage is good for the brain and promotes healthy cognitive function. I not only smudge my house with sage, I also use the grounded sage spice when cooking! Listen, I get all of my sage from Mother Nature Holistic Health, LLC (you knew I was gonna say that, didn't you? 😎😁😂). Check out their white sage here.

I think that's it, for now. Only other thing I can think of is to consistently wash your hands, drink plenty of spring water, eat blueberries, and get your proper sleep. And love from a distance! This pandemic is real. I hope we all make it through this!

Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real! 💓

Sincerely,

-The Vegan World Traveler

Why You should Be Considering Sea Moss as a part of Your Daily Diet!

2020-02-24T15:36:00.011-08:00

Hey Babes!

I hope all is well with my readers, fans, and nay-sayers!:-) 😁😁😎 I do apologize for the long gap in my blog posts; however, life gets in the way sometimes! ANYWHO...I was thinking of a juicy topic I could write about....and the first topic that came to mind was sea moss! Let me tell you about this "diamond in the rough," and why you should be fittin' it in your diet on a daily basis!

Sometimes I feel like I'm the most annoying, hated person on social media! People constantly label me as a conspiracy theorist, a "preacher," or a "know-it-all!" I can SMELL when folks are coming for me!👃😂 I'm just trying to keep y'all up on game!! Because in case you haven't noticed around you, there's a lot of people that are chronically ill, have been diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc....and what's more alarming is that they are fairly young people!! That being said, I read. And I read A LOT. I wanted to be a blogger to get the info out there, because a lot of us just "don't know....don't show...or don't care about what's going on in the"--- sorry, wrong quote! (My mind drifted to the "Boyz N The Hood movie.)" 😂😂😂

SEA MOSS. Okay....I've been reading about sea moss for about a year now. Dr. Sebi (God bless his soul) praised sea moss....and chy....I try to follow Dr. Sebi's nutritional guide and listen to his YouTube videos whenever possible. So what exactly IS sea moss?

Where Does It Come From?
Sea moss (commonly called Irish Moss or 'chondrus crispus') is a species of red algae and it grows in abundance along the rocky parts of the Atlantic Coast of Europe and also North America, particularly along the coastal regions of the Carribean Islands). It has a subtle smell of the sea, but it doesn't overpower you. It doesn't have a taste (at least I don't think it does). And when you make it into a gel, it has the texture of apple sauce.

"What it Look Like?"👀
It looks...."mossy!" Looks like some shit that comes out of the swamp. 😂 But babeeee, that mossy stuff is PACKED with nutrients! It is said that sea moss has 92 of the 102 vital minerals/vitamins your body needs to stay healthy! That's right....92!! So it can't hurt to try it! I always get my sea moss from Mother Nature Holistic Health, LLC! They are the bomb! Check out their website for health and wellness needs here.

There are soooo many things you can do with sea moss (i.e., make homemade lotions to treat eczema), but I make it into a gel, and take it as a dietary supplement daily. If you don't want to make it yourself, I have a friend that also makes the sea moss gel and the lotions for you, so you don't have to! Check out her website here!

How to Make Sea Moss Gel
Me, personally, I like to soak my sea moss in distilled water overnight (like the picture above). The next morning, you rinse off the sea moss until the water is clear (and to rinse excess dirt and salt away). Once I'm done rinsing it, for every cup of sea moss, I add like a 1/2 cup of distilled water to the mix, and then blend it (in a Vitamix or Nutribullet) until it's smooth and creamy. It can last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator and up to a year if you freeze it. There are many ways to make the gel though (you can also boil it), so I guess it depends on how you want to do it. Read the instructions though!!😂 Don't follow me up, because I like my sea moss gel chunky like apple sauce! LOL!

I Saved the Best for Last...the Benefits!
Taking sea moss daily can do wonders for your health! It is said to boost your immunity (preventing you from getting colds or the flu), because it works to dissolve mucus in your body. It is rich in amino acids, vitamin C, antioxidants, and has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Most importantly, sea moss is loaded with iodine, which is what your thyroid needs to function properly. Sea moss can boost and improve energy levels, improves circulation, and treats skin disorders, such as eczema....so what you waitin' on? 👀 You NEED to go cop that sea moss!

That's it for me...Sis is tired. Sis is hungry. And Sis needs to go work out!😂

Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

Treena V's Vegan Chik'n Alfredo Pasta!

2019-07-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Peeps! I've been wanting to post this recipe all week but time just got in the way! There's so many misconceptions about plant-based eating. When I told someone that I was on a plant-based diet, they immediately assumed that I eat "rabbit food" all day. Well honey let me tell you.....I beg to differ!!😂 That's my problem now.....stuffing my damn face all the time!😏 But ANYWHO...let's get this show on the road so y'all can be stuffing your face too! 👀😂

The Recipe
The recipe is easy!!! This is what you will need:

2 boxes of penne pasta (I use gluten-free or quinoa pasta but any kind will do)
1 box of Daiya Cheez Alfredo Sauce (it will have 3 packs of sauce in there). If you can't find any in the store, you can order it in bulk here. I purchased a pack of 3 in Wholefoods!
1 bag of Quorn Vegan chik'n tenders
1 bag of veggies you'd like to add (I used a bag of kale and portobello mushrooms)
4 tablespoons of grapeseed, sesame, or avocado oil

You will need the following seasonings:

basil
thyme
sea salt
cayenne pepper
black pepper
oregano

Note: Now let me just say UPFRONT...we don't do no measurin' round here, now! 😂😂😂 I grew up with heavy hands for seasoning food! So your best bet is season to your liking!

The Instructions- Vegan Chicken and Veggies

In a cast iron skillet, add 3 tablespoons of your preferred oil and brown the chicken per the instructions on the bag (I do it for approximately 6 minutes on medium heat).
Once the chicken is done/brown, add the kale and the portobello mushrooms. Stir/sautee on medium heat for another 5-6 minutes. Season the mixture to your liking. Then reduce heat and cover with lid. Cook for about another 5-6 minutes (uncover lid and stick a fork in the chik'n to ensure that it is done).

The Instructions- Penne Pasta

In another pot, add about 4 quarts of spring water (I don't use tap water) . Also add a teaspon of grapeseed, sesame, or avocado oil (this is to make sure the noodles don't stick to the bottom of the pan). Bring to a boil.
Add the penne pasta. Cook for about 9 minutes or until noodles are ready (don't overcook the noodles. You don't want them soggy!).
Strain the noddles with a strainer, and add noodles back to the pot.
Add the chicken, sauteed kale and portobello mushrooms to the pot with the penne pasta noodles. Stir for about 1-2 minutes.
Add 2 packs of the Daiya Cheeze Alfredo sauce. Stir frequently so that the sauce is distributed evenly amongst the penne pasta.
Cover and simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes (add about 3 teaspoons of spring water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the noodles from drying out).
Voila! You have your vegan chik'n pasta!! 😋😋

If you decide to try this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving me a comment below! It's pretty damn fye 💪to me, if I do say so myself! 😂

Welp, that's it for me folks! Treena V. signing off. Stay healthy my friends! I love us for real!

-Treena V,

The Vegan World Traveler

Don't Let Your Electronic Devices be the Death of You: The Rise of EMF Radiation and Chronic Disease

2019-07-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Techies!!! Yeah, yeah, yeah....I know. It's been about 6 months since I wrote a blog post.😕 But OMG, y'all, I had a lot going on! I was under a lot of stress, man!! I'll tell you about it one day, (but not TODAY). 😎😉 But I see y'all are still reading the blog though! 😁 In only 7 months, I had over 15,000 hits! And 8,000 hits occurred while I was inactive! Not bad for a beginner blogger (THANK YOU, THANK YOU!). ANYWHO...I was thinking about what I needed to write for my next blog post. And the first thing that came to my mind was Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) radiation. It's a HUGE, pertinent topic; but either a lot of people don't know what it actually IS, or they don't know the impact of it regarding our long-term health. So that being said, I'ma let "the people" know what it is, and ways to reduce the exposure!

Growing up, I never really thought of the impact of what these new electronic devices would have on the environment or our health. I guess I didn't really care. Back in my era, my mama and daddy made us go outside and play. We got sun....we soaked up our vitamin D. It wasn't until I was approaching middle school/high school that things started to change. I lost interest in going outside with my brother and wanted to sit in front of the TV and watch Video Soul, Rap City or play Nintendo (Super Mario Brothers) ALL DAY. Then enters the pager (I had a neon green and pink one 😄), then the cell phone, then the laptop. Before we knew it, the game changed.

Now if you're like me, you love electronic devices. I'm pretty much ALWAYS on my cell phone, laptop, using my wifi, watching TV, using the bluetooth in my car...the whole nine. I see you bobbing your head "Yep, yep." 😂 But the downside to that is the exposure to EMF radiation. Unfortunately, all electronic devices emit EMFs, which can negatively impact your health and the environment. Here are some of the health risks/concerns if you're exposed to EMFs (at least for the long-term):

For pregnant women, studies have linked EMF exposure to higher incidence of miscarriage, thyroid problems, weight gain, and ADHD symptoms in children (if the mom was exposed to EMFs while pregnant)
Brain fog, nausea, frequent headaches, loss of libido (👀👀 loss of LIBIDO), depression, chronic fatigue, and suicide (wow!)
Neurological problems
Long-term exposure to EMFs can even cause the "Big C" (cancer)

When you read shit like this, it makes you panic! But you shouldn't. There are actually ways to reduce your EMF radiation exposure. Here's what you can do to protect yourself and your family:

Take it Back to the Old School and Use Corded Phones

Using your house phone (NOT your cordless phone, but the wired phone), reduces EMF radiation significantly. If you don't want to do that, you can purchase a radiation glove/button for your cell phone or a blue tube (not bluetooth) headset which blocks the EMFs from your cell phone when you're talking on it. You can purchase a blue tube headset here.

Radiation Glove/Button

Turn off Wifi and All Electronic Devices When It's Time For Bed

Turning off your wifi at night (yes---turning it COMPLETELY off) will greatly reduce your EMF radiation exposure. Wifi disturbs quality sleep and also affects our bodies' ability to produce healthy cells and slows our ability to get rid of toxins. And PLEASE don't sleep by your cell phone (LAWD, that was a hard habit for me to break!!). Turn it off at night...nobody should be calling you anyway. 😂 Go to BED bed!!😁😂

Invest in a laptop Anti-EMF Radiation Defender Pad

I'm ALWAYS on my laptop. ALWAYS. Whether for work, or pleasure, you can count that I'm on that muthaf$%ka 😂. I would have it on my lap and that is the ultimate NO-NO. So....I finally invested in a defender pad. It blocks EMF radiation up to 100% and prevents the laptop from overheating. Check out the one I purchased here.

Laptop Anti-EMF Radiation Defender Pad

Purchase Himalayan Salt Lamps to Balance It Out

Remember those himalayan salt lamps I wrote about a few months back? They clean the air in your house, help you sleep better, reduce allergy symptoms, etc. etc. Well, they also produce negative ions. The negative ions from the salt lamp neutralizes the EMF radiation. It's best to put them close to an electronic device that you're using in your home (beside your TV, close to your wifi, etc.). I have a himalayan salt lamp in every room in my house and I NEVER turn them off! They are reasonably priced and you can pretty much find them anywhere. Here is the link to check out some lamps!

Take Your Ass Outside!

It's that simple!😂 Going outside in nature just 15-30 minutes per day can help your body detox from the EMF radiation. Walking barefoot in the sand allows you to soak up the earth's negatively-charged electrons. They help with removing any pollutants from the body. (I'm from the country, I do it all the time! LOL) Not only that, you're absorbing your vitamin D. 😎

Radiation Detox Bath

I can't stress enough how important it is to detox your body! We are exposed to environmental pollutants and toxins from the food we eat every day. Some we can't prevent, but detoxifying your body will build up your immune system and ward off chronic diseases! This is what you need: 2 cups of baking soda and 2 cups of dead sea salt! Soak in the concoction in your bath water for 20-30 minutes. This neutralizes the radiation in your body and extracts it through your skin! I try to do it at least once every week or two (since we are always exposed to this crap)! Side Note: It would help if you had a chlorine filter for your bath water. Filtering out the chlorine helps you expel toxins better.

Welp, that's all I can think of at this point (my brain is fried). LOL! Treena V. is signing off. Please leave a comment below and tell me what ya think about the blog post! Have a good one, Techies! I love us for real!

-Treena V.

The Vegan World Traveler

The Slutty Vegan: My "One Night Stand" Experience in the ATL!

2018-11-04T05:49:00.002-08:00

What's good, y'all! I've been super busy these last few weeks, but never too busy for my readers! My college homecoming in South Carolina was last weekend, and this week I had a project to work on in Atlanta for my employer. Atlanta is one of my favorite cities, and BABY-they have some of the best vegan restaurants in town!

Eat Plants B**ch!
Soooo....I kept hearing from my Atlantan friends about this place called "The Slutty Vegan." Well, it's not a place, per se, but more so a food truck. I was like, "Nah, I've never been there." They kept saying, "The food is really good, you should try it!" I kept putting it off. And I've been to Atlanta several times since I was recommended to try it. No biggie. Vegan food is becoming more readily available, so I had time. This particular week, I made time to go find this damn food truck because I follow them on Instagram! The food truck is in a different location in the Atlanta area every night (they are open typically from 7pm-midnight; or whenever they sell out of food). I made it a point to try out this place and see what all the rah-rah was about!

Wayment....how long did you say you stood in line?
My friend Risa and I found the location of where the Slutty Vegan was (Howell Mill Rd, at the Atlanta Food Truck location). It was TURNT out there! LOL. It was almost like an outside restaurant....picnic tables, neo-soul music, a lemonade stand....it was just a vibe. And I was there for it! That line though....let's talk about that line! LOL. So the line was wrapped around the corner. No lie! I heard the food was the bomb.com, so that made me even more curious! This girl and her male friend rolled up behind us and asked how long had we been standing in line....I said, "Ummmm...about 10 minutes." This was on a Tuesday night, y'all. The girl said, "Oh....because I came here last week, and I stood in line for about 3 hours...I can't do that tonight though. But that food was worth it!" "Say what, ni? "😂😂 She was not kidding! I made us a promise that we'd stand in line an hour tops. I was working in Alpharetta the next morning and it was already almost 9pm. I was getting sleepy too. But guess what? We stayed in line for about 55 minutes. AND there's a 2-burger maximum per person. I can dig it! They probably want every person in line to get an opportunity to taste the burger and get the full slut-bucket experience! LOL

"One Night Stand" me, please! 😂😂
Based on their menu on Instagram, they featured 3 burgers that night: the "One Night Stand," the "Sloppy Toppy", and the "Fussy Hussy." They even have an entrée on the menu called the "Heaux Boy" sandwich! LOL. I LOVE the concept, by the way! That shit is catchy as hell! I chose the "One Night Stand" vegan bacon cheeseburger. Y'all....that shit tasted JUST like a real bacon cheeseburger! You know how sometimes seitan bacon (vegan bacon) is a hit or miss in taste?? Not this time! LOL. That burger was ON POINT! I know I say that a lot, but it tasted like a burger burger! 😂😂👀😋😋😋

The Long Line Was Worth the Wait!
If you're in the ATL, maaaaan, you gotta try the Slutty Vegan!! I'm telling you, it's worth the wait in line! I'm definitely going back to be a "slut" and try the other items on the menu! Haha...The link to their website is:
www.sluttyveganatl.com

Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

Welp, that's it for me, Treena V. is signing off. It's approaching the holiday season, and people are out here getting sick, so take care of yourselves! Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

All Toilet Paper Is Not Created Equal: How the Booty You Save Might Be Your Own!

2018-10-09T05:21:00.000-07:00

What's up, Babies! It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted, but I'm back on it!! This blog topic might sound silly as hell, but it's near and dear to my heart. I know many of you use toilet paper favorites like Charmin, Cottonelle, Scott's, etc. Oh man, I used to love me some Charmin....and then I found out that although Charmin is soft for your ass, it's hard on your health! Ugh, I hate to be a "Debbie Downer," but read on, my Dear....read on!

Is she really writing about toilet paper?
Yep!! Have you ever stopped to think about the toilet paper that you wipe your ass with several times a day? We were brainwashed to believe that in order for something to be clean, it must be "white." Nah, man!! That's far from the truth. Our skin and sexual organs come in contact with toilet paper several times a day, at least twenty times a week (I HOPE so, my G 🙈😟😂) , and probably several thousand times over a lifetime! That's a lot of ass-wiping😂....why is this so important? Keep reading....

What chemicals are in the toilet paper that you love?

When I started researching the ingredients in the products I was using, I'm not gonna lie, I was horrified. Chlorine bleach is one of the main ingredients they put in toilet paper. Chlorine bleach creates dangerous toxins (dioxin, for example), and it can cause serious health issues in your body.
Formaldehyde is also found in most well-known toilet papers. Formaldehyde is a chemical in the Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) family and gives off gasses into the air. It is also toxic to the body. And here we are, wiping our asses with it every day. Formaldehyde has been known to contribute to the growth of fibroids, cysts, and other health issues.
Chlorodibenzofurans (CDFs) is a group of chemicals that affect the nervous system, the respiratory system, and can cause skin and eye irritations. And yep, it is found in paper towels and toilet paper. This is just to name a few of the harmful chemicals found in toilet paper. Trust me, there are several more!

If you don't think that exposing your skin to this chemical-filled paper will not affect your health over time, think again! BUT--I do have some healthier alternatives that I use and will mention in this blog post below. I gotcha, baby!

Healthier Alternatives
Below are some alternatives you can use that are non-toxic and are not bleached with chlorine. Click on the links below for more information or to order:

Seventh Generation Natural Unbleached Toilet Paper

I've been using this product for about two years and I love it! It's brown (not your typical white bleached paper), and it does NOT contain chlorine. It is also made with recycled paper.
Caboo- Bamboo Non-Chlorine Toilet Paper

Caboo Bamboo tissue is another brand that I use. If you like strong tissue that is not too soft, this is the one for you! It's 100% recyclable so you're saving the trees, and it does not contain the harmful toxins that can be detrimental to your health. Click on the link above and check it out!
WholeRoll Organic Toilet Paper

Now, I haven't used WholeRoll toilet paper before, but I've heard good reviews about it. It's organic, unbleached, all natural (no toxic chemicals), and promotes healthy skin! Can't beat that with a bat! I will order some and let you know how I like it! And if you've used it before, tell me what you think about it!

Everything we touch and put on our skin affects us....from the detergents we use (including dish detergent), the cleaning products, and yes--toilet paper. So not only do we have to watch what we put into our bodies; we must also be mindful of what we put on our bodies too! No, we can't live our life in fear; nor can we escape everything that is harmful to us...but we can take a step in the right direction for our health's sake and make a difference, one wipe at a time! 😂😂

Welp, that's it for me, Treena V. is signing off. If you've used any of these products or just have a question, please leave me a comment below. I'd love to hear your feedback! Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

Signed,
-The Vegan World Traveler

My 5-day Water Fast...Why I did it and My Experience!

2018-09-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

What's up, y'all!😎 It's been a minute. I had been busy coordinating a 5-day fruit and veggies only challenge on Facebook (which was successful, by the way). Most of my participants lost between 1-8lbs, so I was pleased! Anywho...the week before that, I was on a journey all by myself. I spontaneously decided to do a water fast ( I know, right??😂) I don't know what the f-k I was thinking, but once I was in it, I wasn't turning back! Let me backtrack and tell you how it started, why I did it, and my experience with it!

Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend, I was a little piglet eating everything in sight! LOL. I ordered a veggie pizza (no cheese, extra marinara sauce) from Papa John's that Sunday before Labor Day and ate the entire pizza by myself! Don't forget about the damn garlic knots! Stopped up and backed up (I know, TMI)! Then the next day, I had some vegan doughnuts, potato chips, French fries....I mean, my diet was horrible! And I knew better! I'm usually pretty regular but not that weekend! Ugh....I hadn't eaten like that in a long time, and I didn't feel good either. I had to do something! I said to myself...."I ain't gonna eat tomorrow. I'll just drink water. If I can make it tomorrow, I will push it for 2 days." Hence, the start of my fast!

Day One (Tuesday)
Day One I was sick....initially, I had a headache that I couldn't get rid of (I guess from detoxing, or maybe a hunger headache). I took a teaspoon of diatomaceous earth in a glass of water. Diatomaceous earth looks like flour and it is a natural insecticide. However, the food grade version is safe for humans to digest. It removes toxins from your body along with heavy metals. It is made up of about 85% of silica, a vital mineral for your body. And most importantly, it relieves headaches. So I made sure to take that every day during the fast. (Click here to check out diatomaceous earth)! I also added cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar to my bottled waters. That definitely helped to curb my appetite. I went about my day as usual, and before I knew it, I looked up and it was 7:30pm. I usually don't eat past 7pm anyway, so I felt that I had made it through Day One! I went to bed to make sure I didn't backslide! LOL.

Day Two (Wednesday)
Surprisingly, Day Two was better than Day One. My headache was gone and I made sure to drink at least 3 bottled waters when I first got up that morning. (I shoot for a gallon a day anyway). I added cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar in the water too. Feeling good. One thing that worked in my favor is that I worked from home that week. So I made sure to stay my ass in the bed most of the day! 😂😂😂 I wasn't about to be doing too much to pass out on the damn floor! I needed to save all of the energy I had to get through this day! LOL. I got occasional hunger pangs, but when I did feel it, I just drank some more water. Oh-- and I also drank coconut water too. It has a lot of important vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to give you that extra boost of energy. I worked and when I logged off I watched my recorded shows and went straight to bed. I survived Day Two! I said to myself, "I'm going to do one more day....if I can get through Day Three, I can do 5 days." F-k it! Let's go!

Day Three (Thursday)
Child....Day Three was the test! LOL. I woke up feeling full of energy though, which was weird. I immediately drank three bottled waters to jump-start my metabolism and kill any thoughts my stomach had of wanting food! LOL. And I did add cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar to my water. Once again, I laid around the house ALL DAY! I was surprised I didn't get any hunger pangs until later that evening. I did feel a little light headed after I swept my kitchen floor, but that quickly went away when I laid back down. By 7pm, I felt like I was home-free. From that moment, I made up my mind to push it until Sunday. I was in it now, no turning back!

Day Four (Friday)
Day Four was a blur. 😂😂😂 Not because I was so hungry or weak that I couldn't function, but that I made myself so busy I didn't have time to think about food. I was off that day and drove to my hometown to chill out with my brother and do some running around. He did get some food from a fast food restaurant and when I smelled it and realized I wasn't eating that day, I got kinda sad. 😂 But I made it through that day.

Day Five (Saturday)
Day Five....I still had a lot of energy, which was amazing to me. I hadn't had a headache since the first day of the fast, and as long as I drank the apple cider vinegar/cayenne pepper water, I was straight. No hunger pangs that day, but child! I was just ready to chew something. I spent Saturday thinking about all the things I had in my mind to eat on Sunday! 😂 But then I thought about it, it wouldn't be smart to jump back in it like that...I had to ease into it with some fruits and vegetables. I was in Columbia SC that day and spent the night at a friend's house. I went to Publix the night before to get some cantaloupe, watermelon, a banana and grapes. I was "on go" status for Sunday morning! 😂

Sunday Morning
I survived my first 5-day fast!! OMG, y'all, I got up at 6am and devoured that damn fruit! But it wasn't even all that! To be honest, I really could have gone longer, but I was just ready to chew on some food. I was proud of myself. Anyone who fasts should be...it's challenging, and it takes a lot of discipline!

The Benefits of Fasting
In all honesty, we really don't have to eat every day! That is just a learned behavior that we've all adapted to. Fasting improves digestion and relaxes your intestines. There are studies that have shown evidence that water fasting can lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Water fasting can also improve your blood pressure and insulin levels.

The Dangers of Fasting
Although water fasting has its benefits, it also has its risks. You could become dehydrated (if you're drinking the same amount of water you normally do, but not eating food, you might not be getting enough water!) You could develop orthostatic hypotension (when your blood pressure suddenly drops when you stand up, causing you to become very dizzy or faint). Also, if you're on medications for certain diseases such as chronic kidney disease, gout, diabetes, etc., you need to make sure it's okay with your doctor FIRST before you start trying shit at home! 😒 Treena V. is NOT telling you to water fast....what may be healthy for ME may not be healthy for YOU...I'm just describing my experience....DISCLAIMER : If you fall out and die it's your own damn fault! I ain't got no money for no lawsuits! 😂😐😒

Welp, that's it for me, Treena V. is signing off. Have you ever water fasted before? I'd love to hear about your experience! Post in the comments below. Have a good one, y'all. Stay healthy my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

Aluminum And The Detrimental Effects It Can Have On Your Body

2018-08-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies and Gents! This blog post is near and dear to my heart, because I've been affected by it in one way or another. When I was younger, Reynold's Wrap aluminum foil was the product we used consistently in our household and at family cookouts. We wrapped up everythang in that stuff. My favorite antiperspirant was Secret. My favorite soda...a can of Pepsi. What do all of these things have in common? Aluminum. Most of us grew up using it. Many of us still use it in our household to this day. But what I'm about to tell you will hopefully change your mind and sever your ties with aluminum (as much as you can) once and for all...

My Trip To Africa--An Eye Opener

I flew to Cape Town, South Africa back in February of this year. I was so excited to finally step foot on the Motherland! However, it was strongly recommended that I take several vaccinations prior to my departure. I was leery of this, but I was also scared that if I didn't take it, I could contract a disease or illness that I couldn't get rid of. My best friend Risa warned me about vaccinations, but I figured it was better safe than sorry. "To hell with it! I will get'em," I said. I ended up getting Hepatitis A/B shots, tetanus, typhoid fever, and took oral pills for yellow fever. It was all good. The good thing is, I didn't get sick while I was over there. I didn't drink the water nor did I eat any raw vegetables. But a few weeks after I got back, I couldn't fight off minor illnesses that normally I would have been able to fight. I've NEVER had a fever blister in my entire life, and I got my first one (and hopefully my LAST one) after I took those vaccinations. I researched what is in vaccinations and based on the Center of Disease Control (click here for more information) one of the potential ingredients that startled me (amongst other things) was aluminum...why in the hell would aluminum be in vaccinations? I started doing a little more research on aluminum. You sitting down?

The Link Between Aluminum and Breast Cancer
Clinical studies have shown that aluminum in antiperspirants can potentially cause breast cancer. First of all, y'all, we are supposed to sweat under our arms! I, too, grew up using antiperspirant and did not like sweating. But sweating is one way to release toxins from your body. According to Philippa Darbre, an oncologist at the University of Reading in the U.K., aluminum is typically found in antiperspirants and can cause "gene instability" in breast tissue. This can cause changes that may promote the growth of tumors or cancer cells. Studies show that over 50% of breast cancers start in the upper outer quadrant of the breast (the underarm region). Click here for more details. There are several antiperspirants on the market (that we use) that contain aluminum. Two that I know of are Secret and Degree. One of my doctors told me years ago to discontinue using those deodorants because of the potential breast cancer issue.

Alternative Deodorants that Do Not Contain Aluminum
Tom's Deodorant for Women is a really good brand that I use. It lasts all day (for me anyway), and it does NOT contain aluminum. They also have this deodorant for Men too.

Tom's Aluminum Free Deodorant for Women

Tom's Aluminum Free Deodorant for Men

There are other brands that do not contain aluminum as well, such as Jasons and Arm and Hammer.
The Link Between Aluminum and Alzheimer's/Dementia
Studies have shown that there is a direct link between long-term exposure to aluminum and developing Alzheimer's and Dementia. Long-term exposure to aluminum can cause adverse effects on the central nervous system. Studies show that among those who suffer from an inherited form of Alzheimer's (called familial Alzheimer's disease) appear to contain significantly higher levels of aluminum in their brains. The study has led researchers to believe that early onset of Alzheimer's is linked to a higher accumulation of aluminum in brain tissue. Click here to read more about this study. I came to a conclusion in all of this: Aluminum is no bueno. Trash. And the crazy thing about this is, the shit is everywhere! We can't escape it, but we can limit our exposure greatly by doing some minor changes:

Avoid Using Aluminum Foil
Yeah I said it! If you stop using aluminum foil, that's one step in the right direction. A healthier alternative to use when cooking or wrapping up your food would be all-natural parchment paper.

Avoid Drinking Out of Aluminum Cans and Canned Goods
Stop drinking out of soda cans and eating canned goods. Choose glass bottles and fresh vegetables if at all possible.

Choose Aluminum-Free Deodorant
When choosing deodorants, make sure you look on the back for the ingredients. If it has aluminum in it, leave it on the shelf!

Avoid Aluminum Pots and Pans
This is so important! The aluminum from the pots and pans seep into your food when you cook (and eventually in your bloodstream). Alternatives to aluminum cookware would be cast iron, copper, glass, or ceramic cookware. Ceramic cookware can be pretty pricey (that's why I purchased mine one pot at a damn time....the kind I wanted, anyway!😂). I also use cast iron pans, which can help if you're iron deficient (like me)!

Copper Cookware

Ceramic Cookware

Do Your Research Before Buying Cookware
Some companies like to advertise that their product is aluminum-free, but in actuality they're not. One company got me like that one time!😂 Do your research and get reviews on the product prior to buying it.

Diatomaceous Earth Can Help Extract Aluminum From the Body
I'm aware that the vaccinations I took may have been toxic to my body. I know the years of exposure I've had to aluminum foil and drinking Pepsis in a can may still be in my body. I researched and found that food grade diatomaceous earth (just one teaspoon a day in a glass of water or a smoothie) can extract aluminum from the body because it contains a high amount of silica (roughly 85%). Silica detoxifies heavy metals from the body, including aluminum. Find out more information on diatomaceous earth here. Make sure it's freshwater food grade (safe to ingest).

I'm NOT a doctor
I'm not a doctor, but I research this stuff all of the time. The evidence on the effects of aluminum to the body is undeniable, so really, what do we have to lose? I don't know about you, but if I'm fortunate to live until I'm an old woman, I still want my memory!

Welp, y'all that's it for me. Treena V. is signing off. If you have anything to add, leave a comment below. Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

Vegan Recipe: Agave Candied Walnuts...A Healthy, Tasty Treat!

2018-08-22T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have always had a sweet tooth! And eating vegan did not change that! I'm a "snacker," so I'm like, "what can I snack on that's sweet and halfway healthy?" (Note: When you eat vegan, you become creative--trust me!!😂) And then I had my "aha moment." Candied Walnuts!

Simple Recipe...A lot of flavor!
This is probably one of the easiest recipes you will see on my blog! And it's quick to make! One thing I like about candied walnuts is that they are typically alkaline and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (the heart-healthy fats). Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Sounds like a win-win situation to me! But don't go crazy trying to down a lot of walnuts--healthy fat is still fat. LOL. Eat in moderation!

Here's What You Need:

1 bag of walnuts
3-4 tbs Agave Nectar (or more, maybe less--I like to drown my walnuts in it!😂 Remember, we don't do no measuring 'round here!😂)
Dash of sea salt
1 tbs of grapeseed oil

And Now, to Bake!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Coat the walnuts in agave nectar, grapeseed oil, and sea salt
Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes
Allow to cool, and enjoy!

And that's a wrap, my friends! See how easy and quick that was? And trust me, they will be tasty! Great substitute for candy or other snacks that contain refined sugars! Welp, that's it for me, y'all. If you try this recipe, I want to hear from you! Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!😎

-The Vegan World Traveler

Are We Still Adding Clorox Bleach To Our Dish Water in 2018, or Nah?

2018-08-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

What up, y'all! Yooo, I saw a Facebook post a few weeks ago that a guy posted about adding Clorox bleach to dish water. He was basically saying that bleach does NOT go in dish water (and why are people doing that?)! Man, when I tell you folks were going in on him, they went in!! 😂 Most people that commented were saying they did it because that's what their mama and grandma did. Some even said that if the dish water didn't have bleach in it, their dishes weren't clean. Jesus be a fence!!! (**In my Kevin Hart voice**) "You gone learn TA-DAY!"

Some of Us Are "Stained" From The Things We Were Taught Growing Up!
Growing up, I never saw my mama put bleach in her dish water. It wasn't a practice in our household. But--I saw one of my aunties do this. And when I talked to my friends, many of them said that's what their parents did (and they actually still do it too). Now, I know we all have things that we were taught growing up that we just can't let go, but this practice should be one of them (**clutches pearls**)!

Clorox Bleach is Toxic to the Body

As I stated in one of my previous blog posts, I was also taught growing up that if the house didn't smell like Clorox bleach or Pine Sol (lemon fresh scent at that), the house wasn't clean! And when I woke up on Saturday mornings, the whole house smelled that way when my mama cleaned up. I loved the smell then, and to be honest, I love it now! But when I started doing my own research, I became aware of the detrimental effects Clorox bleach can have on your health. And when you know better, you do better. I stopped buying it altogether!

Y'all do know that Clorox bleach was rated an "F" on EWG's Guide to Healthy Living, right? Yep! The chemicals in the bleach can cause cancer, adverse effects on the environment, asthma/respiratory problems, and skin allergies/irritation. Inhaling it can also be very toxic to the body. Don't believe me? Click here for more information! If you must clean with it, I'd suggest wearing a chemical mask.

So with all that said, we're still putting a cap of that stuff in our dish water? When you put a capful of bleach in your dish water, the bleach leaves a residue/film on your plates or glasses. When you put food on your plate (or a drink in the glass), the residue will get in your food or drink...and into your bloodstream. Shit is toxic!

Distilled White Vinegar...A healthier alternative
You want to get your dishes clean, get rid of bacteria/viruses, and eliminate harmful chemicals at the same time? Use all-natural, distilled white vinegar. Now, I put a capful of that in my dish water (no problem). It doesn't present any health risks, and it only costs a couple of dollars for a gallon! Think about it...

We're Leaving (Adding Bleach to Our Dish Water) Behind in 2018....Ummkay?
I know your mama did it....and your Grandma Corrine did it...but please...STOP.👏 THAT. 👏SHIT👏! Just because we were taught something from our parents/grandparents, doesn't make it right! When we know better, we do better...no judgment here, just tough love! LOL

Welp, that's it for me. Treena V. is signing off. Do you put bleach in your dish water? Leave a comment and tell me why you do it. I'm dying to hear this! 😂😂 Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

Beyond Meat Plant-Based Sausage....I got the 411!!

2018-08-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

Alright so boom! I haven't eaten pork or beef in 6 years. Well...it will be six years in November. Although I wasn't a big breakfast eater growing up, when I did eat breakfast, I ate a pork sausage (particularly Roger Wood), and bacon...with grits. That was staple breakfast in the black family! At least in the South it was! LOL. Anyway...I've been far removed from the pig, so I wasn't checking for any mock meats that tasted like it. But I kept hearing about this plant-based sausage called "Beyond Sausage." Now, I tasted the Beyond Meat "meatless" burgers...and if I do say so myself....they are delicious!! But I kept hearing that these plant-based sausages were selling out as soon as they hit the grocery store! Word? All the more reason for me to try them....

Wholefoods--The Only Store I know that Has Them!

Every time I went to Wholefoods, the "Beyond Sausage" sausages would always be sold out! I mean always, my G! I kept saying, they can't be all of that, now! 😂😂 So I kinda just forgot about'em. Fast forward to Monday...I went to a different/newer Wholefoods in Charlotte and I walked right past them shits!! 😂👀👀 I asked the store clerk did they have anymore in the back. He said, "yeah, I can package some up for you. We can't seem to keep'em up front. They sell out really fast! How many do you want?" I was like, "2 packs!" I couldn't wait to get home to slap them in the cast iron frying pan! lol

You Don't Need Cooking Oil

They literally make their own grease (oil) as you fry them..just like a Roger Wood sausage." Shit was kinda scary! 😂 It literally smells and cooks just like a Roger Wood sausage!

Each Sausage has 16g of Protein!

So when a carnivore asks you "how are you getting your protein?, " you can shut'em up real quick! lol

It's Soy-Free

This is a plus for me! There have been conflicting opinions on the health benefits of soy; however, I've read more material that suggests not ingesting it (and if you do, keep it at a minimum).

No Cholesterol

I can imagine, if you replaced real sausage with these, your cholesterol would go down dramatically. That's just my two cents though.

Cooking my sausage with sauteed mushrooms and onion!

Lastly, it tastes just like a damn Roger Wood!

No fuckin' way...I looked at that damn sausage so many times y'all!! 😂😂😂 What the hell am I really eating?? This ain't no plant-based sausage! Bahaha! I mean, that's how good it tasted! I wasn't convinced that it was plant-based. To the employees at Beyond Meat--We don't believe you, you need more people!😂

I had a few people tell me that they tried these sausages, and are now hooked! Have you tried these? I want to hear from you! Leave a comment and tell me what you think about them. Well, that's it for me. Treena V. is signing off. Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

Product Crush Friday: Three Products I'm Crushing On That Detoxify the Body!

2018-08-10T05:10:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted (life got in the way--you know how that is!), but I'm back on it! I'm always looking for simple ways to detoxify my body (we come in contact with soooo many toxins and chemicals every day), so I started doing a little research. The biggest misconception I hear about detoxing is that you have to do some over-the-top detox program where you're cutting out solid foods, a smoothie-only detox (**yawns**), or something like that. While those are true ways to detoxify your body, those are not the only ways. Below are three products that work to detoxify the body that I'm absolutely crushing on right now!

Product #1: Activated Charcoal Toothpaste (with Coconut Oil and bentonite clay).

I've seen commercials on this and I just wanted to try it!! And when I brushed my teeth with it, I looked like one of them damn zombies from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video!!😭😭 It really is black!! Check out the pros and cons below though!

Benefits

It detoxifies your mouth. Brushing with activated charcoal pulls toxins from your mouth and kills those nasty germs in there!
It whitens your teeth! I was sold on that! I stopped using whitening strips years ago because of the chemicals and the fact that it messes with the enamel on your teeth. I can use this in conjunction with oil pulling!
It improves bad breath! So if you have the "yuck mouth," you might want to try this!
It lifts hefty stains from your teeth! If you're a smoker or a coffee drinker (like me), GET.👏 IN. 👏HERE!!!👏😭😭

Cons

You shouldn't brush with it everyday. Matter of fact, you should only brush with it with once every couple of weeks! It can be abrasive on the enamel of your teeth as well (however, unlike whitening strips, it is all-natural and has added health benefits).
Don't go throwing out your regular toothpaste! Studies have shown that folks need fluoride (which this particular brand does not have) to prevent tooth decay.
Don't brush too hard. Because of the abrasiveness of the ingredients, try not to brush too hard (and in a circular motion).

Click here to check out some activated charcoal toothpaste products!

Product #2 Bentonite Clay. Bentonite Clay consists of volcanish ash called "montmorillonite." Unlike other clays (like that orange clay we grew up on in the South), it doesn't stain countertops or clothes. It has a high concentration of minerals such as: silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium.

Benefits

You guessed it! It detoxifies the body! When bentonite clay comes in contact with a toxin, chemical, or heavy metal (such as aluminum, mercury, etc.) the clay will absorb the toxin and release its minerals for the body to use. This clay also helps get oxygen to cells. Adding 1/4 of bentonite clay to your bath water is an easy and relaxing way to detoxify the body!
When taken orally, it helps with digestive problems such as acid reflux, constipation and bloating. Taking 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a glass of water improves digestion!
Promotes Healthier skin and helps with allergy issues. Studies have shown that the minerals in bentonite clay promotes healthier skin, softens skin, and helps with allergies.

It was kind of pricey in Earth Fare, but click here to purchase a good brand of bentonite clay!

Product #3- Hemp/CBD Oil (Cannabis Sativa)😎😎

Now, I wasn't too familiar with Hemp/CBD oil, but I've heard nothing but good things about it! I tried it last night for the first time, and BABY, I was relaxed!!! 😭😭 The benefits are endless for this stuff:
Benefits:

It supports the immune system. The fatty acids in hemp seed oil have been shown to promote healthy flora in the intestines and support immune system response and function.
It relaxes the hell out you. Oh yeah! It improves mood, and reduces anxiety. I felt like Lil Duval after about an hour! "I'm living my best life!"😭😭
Balances your hormones. Hemp oil is rich in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an Omega 6 fatty acid. Studies have shown that GLA helps balance hormones.
It is perfectly legal. Yep! Bought that Cannibis Sativa right off the shelf at Earth Fare, ya dig! LOL
Good for heart health. Hemp oil also supports heart health and promotes cardiovascular function.
Great for your brain! Hemp oil contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is essential for brain development. DHA is also crucial to the health of the brain and also the retina of the eye.
Naturally Reduces Inflammation. Yep! Studies have shown that hemp/CBD oil is naturally anti-flammatory. All of that in one bottle!

Click here to check out some hemp oil products!

Welp, that's it for me folks. I'm "tide"(for you non-slang folks, that means "tired")....😭😭. If you're a dentist or work in the dental field, I want to hear from you!! Let me know your thoughts on the activated charcoal toothpaste. I don't know if it's just me, but my teeth feel grrreeeat!! Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

How to Keep That Blood Pressure in Check...the Natural Way!

2018-07-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Peep the scene.....it's 2011, and I'm flying cross-country every week to Pasadena, California for work. I had just moved back down south from New York City, and I was ready to embark on my new role working for a Big 4 Consulting Firm. At first, it was the dream job. I was like, "Shiiidd, I'm traveling to Cali, EVERY week! I'm getting these hotel points, sky miles, seeing the world, etc. And for a while, it felt like that. But after about a month of the same routine, my body suffered from jet lag, the 60-hour work weeks, the red wine and margaritas every night with my co-workers after work, and the fine dining meals. It came crashing down on me, but I kept going.

I can remember one Thursday afternoon being on-site with our client, and packing up my things to head to LAX airport and then to Charlotte. I felt sick as a dog!! I was lightheaded, and I had a migraine headache that I couldn't get rid of. Because I was cross-country, most of my flights back home were red-eyes. So, while sitting in the airport all of those hours, I popped about 4 200mg pills of Advil to make the headache go away. It went away....for a while. When I got home the next day, my headache came back....so did the dizziness. I was on the phone with my dad, and he said, "Check your blood pressure." "For what?" I said. "I'm tall and skinny. I don't have those problems!" 😂 But he stayed on me about checking. I went to CVS Pharmacy to buy a blood pressure monitor....I thought that was silly and a waste of money. Until I saw them numbers!! 😨😨 My reading at the time was 152/100. I remember it like it was yesterday! I checked it again the next day, it was a similar reading (high 140s/low 100s). I freaked out! How could this happen to me?? The "normal" blood pressure reading for most people is 120/80. I've always been relatively slim for most of my life....this kinda shit doesn't happen to skinny people!

I made an appointment with the doctor, and he told me that if I couldn't get my blood pressure down, he would put me on medication. I was in my early 30's at the time, and I wasn't having that! Plus I'm bad about taking medicine....be done f'kd around and 3 days go by, and I'm like, "Oh shit, I forgot to take my BP meds!" 😂 I convinced him to give me a chance to get it down on my own by making adjustments to my diet and exercising. He agreed to let me do that. And here's what I did to put my blood pressure in check:

I ditched the pig and the cow. Yep! I cold turkey cut out red meat and pork. This is the girl who ate a beef burger every day in her 20's, and would die for some bacon. Yep, I had to let that thang go!
I ditched the job. Sure did!! Not right away though. Working the long 60-70 hour weeks and being sleep deprived was not sustainable in the long term. I managed to last for 3 years at that consulting firm. I'm surprised I didn't drop dead with all the stress I was under! 😫😂 I managed to find a less stressful job that I still work for to this day.
I incorporated more exercise. I literally made myself work out at least 30 minutes a day! Particularly cardio.
Nutribullet became my best friend! Y'all remember when the Nutribullets became popular? Oh yeah, I was the poster child for those things. Initially, I substituted one meal a day for a tall smoothie. Not only did my blood pressure drop, I lost like 10 pounds and I became way more regular.

Some other things you can do to keep your blood pressure in check!

Get your rest!! You'd be surprised how getting the proper amount of sleep (ideally 8 hours) can help regulate your blood pressure.
Drink more water! I shoot for a gallon a day, but you can work your way up to that. Drinking more water prevents dehydration and helps to maintain normal blood pressure levels. When you're dehydrated, it causes you to retain more sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure.
Add Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar to your daily routine! Just a tablespoon a day mixed with a glass of water can help maintain your blood pressure levels.
Chill out with that Salt! Most of us grew up on Morton's salt, but Himalayan pink salt or regular sea salt is much better for you. It has less sodium in it than regular salt, and it is all-natural. Click here to check out a good brand of Himalayan pink salt that I swear by when I'm cooking!
Go Vegan or Vegetarian- In 2016, I decided to give up chicken, turkey, fish, and dairy and went vegan. It was a drastic change, but my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are now excellent for the most part.

Have any other suggestions or tips on how to lower your blood pressure? Hit me up in the comments. I welcome any other tips that I have not mentioned here. Welp, that's it for me. Treena V. is signing off. Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

Vegan Dish of the Week: Roasted Asparagus w/Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Vegan Sausage with Peppers!

2018-07-11T06:00:00.002-07:00

What's up, what's up, y'all! I promised that I would post more vegan dishes on the blog to give you guys who are transitioning to vegan (or just want to eat more plant-based meals) more ideas as to what in the world to eat besides salads! LOL. A friend of mine sent this dish over to me and it looked so yummy, I decided to post it on my blog this week and provide a general recipe ('cause remember, we don't do no measuring!😂😂).

What you will need:

Asparagus (Duhh)😂
3 or 4 Potatoes
Vegan Sausage (Any flavor will do. I typically get the Field Roast Grain Sausage. They have them in Publix! Click here to see what they look like or to purchase a case!
2 Red peppers or Green Bell peppers
Himalayan Pink Salt (If you ain't got that, get you some! It has minerals in it that your body needs, also has iron in it, and it is much healthier than Morton's salt!)
Black Pepper
Garlic
Smart Balance Vegan Butter (make sure it says "Vegan" on the front!)
Grapeseed oil
Any other seasonings you like to season your food with!

Here we go:

The Potatoes

Peel the potatoes with a knife until all of the skin is off. In a saucepan, add about 4 or 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the potatoes with a pinch of the Himalayan pink salt. Boil potatoes for 20 minutes or until soft (if you stick a fork into the potato and it goes all the way through with no problem, they should be ready!)
Once the potatoes are done, drain the water, but leave a little bit of water in the saucepan (this keeps the boiled potatoes from drying out)
Whip the potatoes with a large spoon until potatoes are mashed and smooth
Add salt, pepper, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of the Smart Balance Vegan Butter

The Asparagus

In a baking pan, coat the pan with 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil. (please y'all, leave aluminum pans alone!! Consistent exposure to aluminum every day causes long term health problems, including dementia, Alzheimer's and cancer. Use glassware, cast iron or stainless steel)! Sorry for my rant! 😂😂
Add the asparagus and season to your liking
Turn the stove on "roast" and cook for 20 minutes

The Vegan Sausage and Peppers

Slice up 2 or 3 sausage links evenly into pieces. Dice up the red or green peppers.
In a frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil on medium heat (remember, olive oil is not ideal for cooking or frying. Actually, cooking olive oil at high temperatures is toxic to the body. Just use grapeseed oil, sesame oil, or avocado oil).
Sautee' the sliced vegan sausage and peppers for 5-10 minutes.
Season to your liking!

And that's pretty much it!! It may take 30 minutes or less to cook this simple vegan meal! If you have a tasty vegan dish that you have prepared, and would like to show off your skills, send it over to me via Facebook or via email (theveganworldtraveler@gmail.com). I will feature your dish on my blog. Don't be scurrrrred!!😂😂 This is helpful experience for all vegans and to those who are transitioning. Give us some ideas!!

Welp, that's it for me. Treena V. is signing off. Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

The Impossible Burger--Tastes so Good, I Can't Believe It's Not Meat!!

2018-07-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

So check it-- I was home, chillaxin' on a Saturday, and I hadn't eaten all day. And lately, I've been killin' vegan processed food! I don't know why, but the last few weeks I have. I need to do better. Anywho--I was trying to find a place in town (Charlotte, NC) where I could grab food. I had heard that Duckworth's Grill and Taphouse had a new burger on their menu with a vegan option. It was called "the Impossible Burger." Uh-huh...okay. Initially, I wasn't impressed because I have been vegan for quite some time now (next month will be two years), and I've had some really good vegan burgers. But I wanted something different, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

The Impossible Burger...What's In It?
The good news? The Impossible Burger has a lot of vitamins in it: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Zinc, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12. The bad news? It has soy in it. There are different opinions out there on the world wide web about soy or soybeans. In my opinion, soy is not good for you, but there have been claims that it is. Other ingredients are: Water, Textured Wheat Protein, Coconut Oil, Potato Protein, Natural Flavors, 2% or less of: Leghemoglobin (Soy), Yeast Extract, Salt, Konjac Gum, Xanthan Gum, Soy Protein Isolate. Check out more information about the Impossible Burger here.

The Taste...
So I ordered the Impossible Burger, no mayo (the mayo is vegetarian), with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle (it didn't come with cheese). I also ordered the french fries. It was smelling so good, but I decided to wait until I got home to eat it. Baaaaaaybeeeee!!!😂 I got home...and I tasted that burger!! I had to keep looking at the burger....did they give me the wrong damn burger??? I kept looking at the receipt, because surely, I was eating meat!!! Yes! It tasted JUST like meat. I couldn't believe it! Now, I've had some vegan burgers that tasted a lot like meat, but not like this! Yeah, I know I said I don't believe that soy is good for you, but all that shit went out the window when I was eating that! It had the texture and the seasoning of a beef burger! Hey, love me with my all of my flaws! 😂😂😃 I know me...and I know that I will be killing that about 2 or 3 more times within the next week!! LOL

Where Can You Get The Impossible Burger?
The Impossible Burger was created in California, so it's slowly starting to pop up in restaurants across the U.S. If you live in Charlotte, NC or surrounding areas, you can go to Duckworth's Grill and Taphouse and enjoy it! Also, you can find the Impossible Burger at the Umami Burger restaurant in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Cosa Mesa CA. The Impossible Burger is also available at Hopdoddy Burger Bar in Austin, Dallas, and Houston TX. Check back on this link to get updates as to when this burger will be available near you! The way this burger tastes though, it won't be long! HA!

Welp, that's it for me. I HAD to blog about my new favorite burger right quick. Shout out to Duckworth's Grill and Taphouse---y'all are the real MVPs! 😂😂 Y'all go check them out if you're in Charlotte, NC. Stay healthy my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

Oil Pulling- 20 minutes a day to whiter teeth and a healthier body!

2018-07-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

When I was in my twenties, I made it my business to bleach/whiten my teeth every six months. I had my braces taken off, and I wanted to have that pearly white smile! The Crest Whitening strips were my fave! But after a couple of years of consistently using the strips, my teeth would be super sensitive! And after doing some research, I found that whitening your teeth eventually wears down the enamel. I was trying to find a healthier, more natural way to whiten my teeth, and I stumbled upon oil pulling. Oil pulling? Yep! And I've been hooked ever since!

Oil Pulling?? What's That?
Oil pulling is when you take a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, sesame oil, or olive oil) and swish it around your mouth for 20 minutes. You heard right--20 whole minutes! This method has been used primarily in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine, and has been around for thousands of years. It is said to greatly improve your oral health--amongst other things! I personally can attest to the health benefits! Check out some of the health benefits of oil pulling when doing it on a consistent basis:

Oil Pulling Benefits

Oil Pulling reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. There are hundreds of different types of bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria build-up creates a film on your teeth that we know as "plaque." Plaque causes bad breath, inflammation of the gums, gingivitis, and cavities. Basically, the "yuck mouth!" 😂 When you oil pull consistently on a day-to-day basis, that can "dead" all of that and even reverse the effects of gingivitis!
Oil Pulling Naturally Whitens Your Teeth Over Time. Now, I can attest to this! When I oil pulled consistently for 2-3 weeks straight, I noticed a huge difference in how white my teeth were! And it doesn't affect the enamel on your teeth like bleaching agents do in dentist offices or with whitening strips.
Oil Pulling Detoxifies the Body. Research has shown that the antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil and sesame oil effectively removes toxins from the mouth that can cause inflammation, infection and disease. I don't know about y'all, but I have several mercury fillings in my mouth from eating too much candy as a kid. Studies have shown that the fillings (including root canals and other dental work) often leave behind toxic agents in the mouth that get into the bloodstream. Oil pulling minimizes the amount of toxins that get into your bloodstream!
Oil Pulling Boosts Your Immune System. Because oil pulling removes toxins from your mouth, they are not able to make their way down to your gut, which is where 80% of your immune system is located. When you're swishing the oil around in your mouth, you're also cleansing your tongue and gums. When you spit out the oil, you're also spitting out the bacteria too! That's some nasty shit, ain't it?? 😂😂 But it works!
Oil Pulling Promotes a Healthy Heart. I know right? How do you even connect the two? Well, studies have shown that good oral hygiene has a direct link to a healthier heart! Research has also shown that bacteria and inflammation in the mouth are linked to heart attack and dementia. It might sound far-fetched, but what do you have to lose trying it?

A Few Things To Mention When Oil Pulling....

You should oil pull first thing in the morning on an empty stomach! That means when you first wake up....no food or drink. That's how you maximize the benefits!
DON'T swallow the damn oil!!! Honey, can you imagine, trying to swallow some thick ass oil that you've been holding in your mouth for 20 minutes?😂😂😂 Child, you wouldn't want to....just don't do it, ok??
It's THICK and you will probably gag the first few times! If you're new to this, you will probably gag trying to hold it in your mouth for that long....and honestly you might even swallow a little bit of it until you get the hang of it. 😲😲 But don't worry, it ain't gonna kill you. 😂
Do it while you're doing something else to keep your mind occupied! I literally pop it in my mouth when I jump in the shower. By the time I get out, dry off, and lotion down, it's pretty much 20 minutes later!
DON'T spit it in the toilet or in the sink!! You know the saying "pressure bust pipes??" Well, if you spit that stuff in your sink or toilet, you are dying to fuck up your pipes, my G!! 😂😂 I'm trying to tell you! The oil thickens and clogs up your pipes over time, which can definitely cause a hefty plumbing bill that you can avoid if you do what I tell you to do! Just spit it in the trash can!

Welp, that's it for me, y'all! My brain is fried, but I think I've covered everything. I've been oil pulling for years now, and I've gotten used to the technique. If you decide to try oil pulling (or you're already doing it), please leave me a comment and tell me what you think about it! Treena V., signing off. Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler

Dandelion Root Frappuccino...the Recipe!

2018-06-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

What's up guys! It's been a while since I posted a vegan recipe, so I wanted to share this quick, tasty treat that I saw on Instagram (courtesy of IG: vintage_vegan). This recipe is how to make a dandelion root frappuccino! Yum!! Dandelion root is very healthy and highly recognized as a great liver detox. It's high in iron and zinc and is often used as a treatement for anemia. Dandelion root also aids in digestion, lowers cholesterol, and is filled with vitamins A, C, D and B complex. Click here to purchase dandelion root! You can also purchase dandelion root tea bags here.

The Ingredients
Let's get to it! Here's what you will need:

2 Burro Bananas
Agave Nectar
Coconut Milk
A dash of clove
Ice Cubes

The Recipe

Brew the dandelion root tea (you want it to be concentrated so add more herbs than water)
Let the tea cool and add to the blender
Add the burro bananas, clove, agave, coconut milk, and ice cubes in addition to the tea
Blend until frothy and enjoy!

And that's it! Quick and easy. If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Welp, I'm Audi 5000....(HA)! Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

Signed,

The Vegan World Traveler

Himalayan Salt Lamps: My newfound secret for reducing symptoms for allergies, asthma, and other ailments!

2018-06-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I had $13,000 worth of water damage in my house. It was bad, y'all. I basically had to renovate the whole house over (and that was not a bad thing). I ended up getting new carpet, new flooring downstairs, new furniture...the whole nine. So you know it was only right for me to put some new paint on those walls! LOL. You know how we do...lol (always wanting something new). Anywho....I ended up painting the entire downstairs in a matter of a day or so...It looked really nice, but in the process, I started to feel sick.

Let me back up for a second. I ran to Home Depot and I got the color of paint I wanted for the downstairs area. It was a green olive color (that color went perfect with brown laminate floors). Without hesitation, and without looking at the ingredients...that was the color I wanted! I did end up getting a facial mask to use while painting (because the smell was so overpowering), so I could have some kind of relief. Ok so, boom...we were in there painting. The scent was so strong, I had to walk outside a few times and even let all of the windows up. We finished and the downstairs area looked great. But I started to feel dizzy, my throat started hurting, and I had a very bad headache. At first I thought, "Am I coming down with something?" But then I thought, "Nah, these symptoms are ACUTE like a mug!!" hahaha....it had to be something related to the paint. I looked on the back of the paint, and it had VOCs (volatile organic compounds) as the ingredients. Silly me!

What the heck are VOCs anyway?
VOCs are solvents that get released into the air as the paint dries. VOCs are also in cleaning supplies (basically harmful chemicals)! And guess what? It causes acute symptoms, including headaches, and dizziness. According to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, some VOCs are suspected carcinogens--in other words....causes the big C...cancer. That smell stayed in my house for days! I was like, "Oh haaaaayel nah!! I got to get some relief and at least try to detox!" My best friend Risa said, "You should try Himalayan salt lamps!" I had heard of them before, but didn't know much about them...I swear by them now! Check out the benefits of Himalayan salt lamps below!

Salt Lamps Remove Toxins From the Air. Yep! Himalayan Salt lamps are made up of water molecules and salt. Salt lamps remove dust, contaminants, pollen, and cigarette smoke from the air. When you plug up the lamp, it heats the salt crystal. The water molecules then evaporate back in the air and the toxins (i.e., smoke, contaminants, dust, smoke) remain locked in the salt. It's like it traps harmful particles in your house!
Himalayan Salt Lamps Reduce Allergy and Asthma Symptoms. Yes!! So many of my friends and family have allergy and asthma problems. I definitely recommend having at least one of these in every room of the house. Because Himalayan Salt lamps remove dust, mold, and contaminants from the air in your house, it can significantly reduce allergy and asthma symptoms you're suffering from. I used to always have a stuffy nose at night when I went to sleep...miserable! Aside from me going vegan and cutting dairy from my diet, I placed one of these things in my bedroom. After about a week, I could definitely tell the difference! I haven't had a stuffy nose (with the exception of a cold here and there) in about two years!
Reduces Coughing. When the Himalayan salt lamp is heated, it expels negative ions which helps to keep your lungs clear. By removing contaminants from the air, Himalayan salt lamps help your body filter air more efficiently so any foreign matter you do inhale won't make it into your lungs.
Himalayan Salt Lamps increase energy levels. If you find yourself feeling sluggish or tired, try placing these salt lamps in the room of your house where you sleep or relax the most. The negative ions that the lamp produces increase energy levels. You should notice a big difference after about a week!

Back to my Painting Story....
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, I was very sick the first few days after painting my downstairs area of my house. I went out and purchased 3 Himalayan salt lamps--one for my living room, one for the kitchen, and one for my bedroom. I kid you not...within about three days of having those lamps (I never turned the lamps off), I felt better! My headache, sore throat, and dizziness all went away. I think those Himalayan salt lamps helped me to detox what I inhaled from the paint. Learn from my mistake though-- if you decide to paint inside your house, purchase paints without VOCs or at least "with low VOCs"...and wear a facial/chemical mask please! I swear these companies be trying to kill us! lol.

There are some fake Himalayan Salt Lamps Out There...Choose Wisely!
Not all Himalayan Salt Lamps are created equal! Here are some tell-tale signs that show that some Himalayan salt lamps are not authentic:

It's very bright. The authentic Himalayan Salt lamps range in color from a medium pink to a dark orange. If it's more on the whitish side, or can illuminate an entire room? That shit ain't real! Next!! LOL
The lamp is NOT Fragile. It's not uncommon for the Himalayan salt lamps to be damaged during shipping due to improper handling or poor packaging. So if you accidentally drop or bump your Himalayan Salt lamp and it does not crack or break, that's a sure sign that it's faker than a $3 dollar bill. 😂😂😂
The Himalayan Salt Lamp's country of origin does NOT say "Pakistan." Most (real) Himalayan pink salt originates from the mines of Khewra, Pakistan, located in the Himalayan Mountains. So if your lamp doesn't say "Made in Pakistan," take that fake shit back. You've been had! 😂😂

To learn of other ways that you can tell if Himalayan Salt Lamps are fake (or not), click here. I've purchased my Himalayan Salt lamps from Amazon. I can see a big difference in my allergies and how I sleep. Click here to purchase your Himalayan salt lamps!
Welp, that's it for me....Treena V. is signing off. If you happen to purchase one or more of these babies, keep me posted on what you think! Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

Signed,
-The Vegan World Traveler

Four Heart-Healthy Cooking Oils That Are Great for Your Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and Overall Health!

2018-06-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

In 2016, I had a big birthday party, and all of my close family and friends came from near and far to be there--except my daddy! Although I wanted him to be there, I put my selfish ways aside because he just had a stent inserted in one of the major arteries leading to his heart. During the weeks leading up to his surgery, he kept complaining of constant heartburn and acid reflux. I suggested that he drink cayenne pepper water to relieve it. Although cayenne pepper is great for acid reflux and heartburn, it didn't work. It turned out that one of the major arteries leading to his heart was 90% clogged!! Ninety percent! My daddy was literally on his way to a potential heart attack or stroke. Something needed to change, and it was definitely the way he ate and what he cooked with.

After his surgery, I drove home to visit him. I looked in his cabinet, and I saw Crisco cooking oil! Crisco oil is a vegetable oil (but it's not made from vegetables, like many other vegetable oils...go figure)! I was raised on Crisco oil and lard (yes, y'all...lard)! Crisco oil and many other vegetable oils such as corn, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, rice and soy contain a lot of pesticides and have been genetically modified. It has been shown that it also contains trans fats (which are not good for your heart). So, you end up eating a lot of toxins, which causes inflammation in your body. And that's what my dad was using when cooking his food. I threw it out. He started fussing (LOL), but I assured him that I would replace those oils with healthier ones. And I did. I get it though...that's all he knew, and that's all I knew growing up. When you're set in your ways, you don't want to gravitate to the unfamiliar. However, in the next few paragraphs below, I'll discuss four heart-healthy cooking oils that you will want to start using!

Olive Oil
Olive oil is really good for heart health. It's loaded with antioxidants (it contains vitamin E and phenolic compounds, which help reduce the formation of damaging free radicals and inflammation in your body). Studies have shown that olive oil also helps prevent high blood pressure and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Although olive oil is a very healthy oil to consume, don’t cook with olive oil at high temperatures because it changes its form once it’s heated beyond a certain temperature and becomes very toxic for the human body. That's why I typically only use olive oil on salads. It's not meant to use for high heat cooking. I typically don't cook with it, to be on the safe side. Check out this link on more information of why not to cook olive oils at high temperatures here. Grape seed and avocado oils are high heat cooking oils and are better for things such as frying. Click here to purchase a bottle of olive oil for your kitchen!

Grape seed Oil
Grape seed oil is actually my favorite cooking oil. I use it for cooking sautéed vegetables and stir fry dishes. Grape seed oil is actually extracted from the seeds of grapes, typically wine grapes. Grapes are known to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Some benefits of cooking with grape seed oil is that it has powerful antioxidants, which include flavonoids and linoleic acid. These substances protect blood vessels, which can prevent high blood pressure. Grape seed oil also has high levels of vitamin E, which strengthens the immune system. Studies have also shown that grape seed oil can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease (which runs in my family). Click here to purchase grape seed oil!

Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is the most expensive of the four oils, but it is very good for your heart! It is high in monounsaturated fat (the good fat--the fat that promotes healthy cholesterol levels), and it decreases inflammation in the body (common results of chronic inflammation in the body are diseases such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease). Avocado oil also contains "chlorophyll," which has cancer-fighting and detoxifying properties. The down side? The price of avocado oil (on average) is about $10-$12 a bottle, give or take...BUT-- I look at this way...it may be pricey, but you might be saving yourself from a lifetime of medication. Click here to purchase avocado oil!

Sesame Oil
Like the other plant-based oils mentioned above, sesame oil is also high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can greatly reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. Sesame seeds also contain a whole lot of vitamins, magnesium, iron, calcium, copper, and zinc...all good for your health! Sesame oil lowers blood pressure, and lowers your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. It can also reduce arthritis pain and swelling of joints. Click here to purchase sesame oil for the kitchen!

Let me just say, I went to the doctor about three weeks ago. My last blood pressure reading was 117/76. Not bad, considering I'm out of my 30's and I'm not on any medications! I think I might be on to something here! :-) Well, that's it for me....Treena V is signing off. If you have any questions or comments, leave me a comment below, or email me at theveganworldtraveler@gmail.com. Until next time...stay healthy my friends!

Signed,

The Vegan World Traveler

Kickin' it in the UAE...Dubai and Abu Dhabi--the Trip of a Lifetime!

2018-06-08T08:32:00.001-07:00

What's up y'all!! Quite a few people have asked me questions regarding my trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi. By far, it was one of the most fascinating trips of my lifetime other than traveling to South Africa. It's always good to travel outside of the United States to get a different perspective of the world outside of what the media portrays to us. Keep reading to get the "skinny" on airline ticket pricing, hotels, and the culture in the UAE!

How much did you say my ticket was??
It was Christmas Day, 2014. My friend Sherra sent me a text at 8am in the morning...and it didn't say "Merry Christmas." The text read, "Treena, get your ass up....they have tickets to Abu Dhabi on Priceline for $241." Say what? You mean, $2041?" "Nope...$241. We got to hurry up and book our tickets! It's a glitch on their system and I'm not sure how long this price is going to be out there!" Now, y'all know I didn't trust this price AT ALL. Was this some kind of joke or scam?? Sherra told me not to ask any questions, just "book the shit now, and ask questions later!!" Bahahaha! So I did....best decision I've ever made!

What is a glitch?
Sometimes the airline companies have glitches in their system. Basically "flight mistake fares," or "error fares" which are hugely reduced flight tickets due to a mistake in pricing. The price typically never lasts long on their system (you'd be lucky if it's up there for 30 minutes), so you have to act fast! I'm not the type to sit around and monitor flight prices all day, but I'm lucky enough to have nomad friends that do! LOL. Literally, as soon as I hit "book ticket," I went back to the home page of the airline website, and the flight had changed to almost $2000. I was a lucky bitch THAT day! LOL. I will be writing a separate post in reference to glitch deals and other travel tips so stay tuned!

The Flight
The flight was VERY long. I flew out of D.C. on Etihad airways. The flight one-way was 16 hours. On gawd, that flight killed me! LOL. Some necessities you will definitely need are compression socks, headphones, lots and lots of snacks, an ipad or similar tablet, and Netflix! Click on the links to purchase these items for your next trip! Personally, I always shop with Amazon (I have Amazon Prime) because I know my items will be shipped in two days!

First Stop- Abu Dhabi!
We flew into Abu Dhabi and stayed for the first 3 days of our trip. We stayed at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche hotel. The hotel was very nice and very clean. Of course, we weren't in the hotel most of the time! We rested up the day we arrived due to jet lag, but the next day, we were off to have "traditional afternoon tea" at the Emirates Palace!

Emirates Palace
Little known fact--the Emirates Palace is where the "Fast and Furious 7" movie was shot. And it's beautiful onscreen and off! It is normal to go and have afternoon tea and pastries there. I felt like royalty up in there! LOL

We sat down and had tea, tasty pastries, and get this--cappucino with gold. That's right...24 karat gold flakes were sprinkled on top of the cappucino. It's a common treat in the Middle East. I actually drank gold, y'all!

Cappucino with 24k gold flakes in Emirates Palace

Speaking of gold, they also have gold bars that you can purchase...kinda like how ATMs are set up in the U.S.! You can get gold to-go! Now that's what you call rich!! Bahahaha. I've never seen anything like it in my life!

Gold "To-Go" "ATM"

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu-Dhabi
The next day, we decided to go to the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. I'm not Muslim, but I was very fascinated and intrigued to go there. For starters, women can't take pictures in front of the mosque unless their head is covered. You might be escorted away or even arrested if you don't comply! So--if you plan on going to Abu Dhabi, (women) might want to bring a few scarves to cover your hair with. When you go into the mosque, they actually have "gowns" that you can rent for free while you're inside. The mosque is breathtaking. It has marble floors throughout, and you will hear the "call to prayer" (sounds like singing). If you're nearby, you will hear this several times a day! If you decide to go to Abu Dhabi, you should definitely visit the mosque! We stayed at the Ritz Carlton directly across the street from the mosque. I was actually surprised that our nightly rate to stay at that hotel was like $225 a night (USD). That night, we decided to dress up like the locals and get fancy to have dinner. I purchased a kaftan dress and felt rich! LOL. What can I say, we were in the land of the rich. Ladies, click here to purchase a kaftan dress before your trip!

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

I'm mosque ready!

Me in my kaftan dress, Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi (right across the street from the Mosque)

Bye Abu Dhabi...hello Dubai
After three days in Abu Dhabi, we headed to Dubai. By taxi, it's roughly a 45-minute trip. Make sure you do a currency exchange with plenty of their cash. Most taxi drivers do not take credit cards! When we got there, we immediately hit the ground running. We went to the mall (I think it was called the Dubai Mall), and our travel group was hosting a yacht party around the city of Dubai at the Dubai Marina. We had a ball!! We had a DJ on the boat, a lot of food, and a lot of socializing. We even stopped the boat along the way so some folks could take a swim. Not me, though. LOL! One thing I will say, it was well over 100 degrees on the yacht. I was sweating something awful....and there was no shade. So bring your sunglasses and lots of sunscreen on your trip!

Yacht Party in Dubai

Overlooking downtown Dubai from our yacht

Champagne on the boat!

The Burj Al Arab Jameirah- 7-star hotel
The Burj Al Arab Jameirah is the third tallest building in the world. There are only a handful of 7-star hotels in the world, and this hotel is one of them. Nightly rates to stay at this hotel range from $1200 to $7000 a night....meh, let's just say, I didn't stay there! Sheesh!! LOL. Will and Jada Pinckett Smith were staying there while I was in Dubai though...at least I took a pic for y'all (that's all I can give ya)! LOL. We also visited the Burj Khalifa (one of the tallest buildings in the world), but we didn't get a chance to go inside. I tried to take a picture of it from the outside (too tall)...no bueno!!

The Burj Al Arab Jameirah, 7-star hotel, Dubai

Loungin' in the Desert
One of the last things we did was go to the desert. We went late in the evening (it was way too hot to go in the day). If you get motion sickness easily, I wouldn't advise you go! LOL. You will have tour guides who will drive you into the desert (which takes about 15-20 minutes to get to your tour's destination). There are hills in the desert that are extremely steep! And they don't care about driving fast over them! They will even disclose to you that there is a possibility that the vehicle you're riding in will tip over! I was screaming the whole damn time until we got to our destination! LOL. Tip- don't wear sneakers in the desert. Sand will get all in your shoes. Bring flip flops or something like that!

When we got to our destination, my people rode camels. Not me, though! LOL. I actually got on a white horse instead. The camels were stinky and they were howling like they were crying! Nah bruh, I'm good. HAHA! For our tour, we also had a young lady do a belly dancing performance for us. The UAE people were nice and very welcoming of their countries. I even got one of them to take a picture with me. His name was Khalil. He told me he listens to hip hop and Rick Ross was his favorite rapper. Okay, Khalil! LOL

Me and Khalil

A few other travel tips that may help you before you travel to the UAE...

One thing you DON'T want to take pictures of--are police cars. It is a crime in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and they will lock you up! LOL...Just saying...
You don't have to be completely covered over there, contrary to belief. It is just a general respect to the locals that you are covered (but it's not a requirement). I saw folks that had their arms and legs out. However, when you go to the mosque, you have to be covered.
If possible, purchase one of those foreign outlet converters. Their electricity voltage is different from our voltage in the U.S. So if you bring your phone charger over there, it will not fit in their outlets. The hotels usually have extra ones, but they will only give you one. If you are rooming with someone, y'all will be fighting over charging your phones. LOL. Click here to purchase a foreign outlet converter for your upcoming trip!

Welp, that's it for me....that's all I can think of right now. My brain is fried. LOL. If you have any follow-up questions on Abu Dhabi and Dubai that are not in this post, send me an email at theveganworldtraveler@gmail.com. I will get an answer for you! Have a great one!

Signed,

The Vegan World Traveler

Household Products You're Using Every Day That Are Potentially Making You Sick

2018-05-30T23:14:00.001-07:00

As a child, I was taught that if the house didn't smell like Clorox or Pine Sol when you cleaned up, then your house wasn't clean (**shrugs**). If your clothes and sheets weren't drenched with the scent of Downy- same thing. I can remember waking up on Saturday mornings and the whole house would be smelling like that. That scent was strong! But I loved it....and nowadays, every time I smell the scent, it takes me back to my childhood.

Clorox Bleach
I hate to break it to ya, but Clorox Bleach is "GAWBAJ." No bueno. Yeah, yeah, I know it hurts to hear that (it broke my heart too, because I grew up on it). It received a grade of "F" on the EWG's guide to healthy cleaning. It definitely can contribute to moderate concerns for asthma, skin allergies/irritation, and the big "C"...cancer. It's toxic....if you must use it, I would suggest using a facial/breathing mask to ensure some protection from chemicals that you're inhaling. Check out some facial masks for chemical odors here. If you're cleaning out your bathtub with it, wear shower shoes to lessen the exposure to your skin. That's what I did before I transitioned completely over to natural non-chlorine bleach. Don't believe me? Click here for more information on Clorox bleach.

Dawn dish detergent
Dawn is also trash can juice! HA! It received a grade of a D and can also cause asthma/respiratory concerns, and skin allergies or irritations. And imagine fixing a nice, hot meal on your plate, then BOOM...someone sprinkles dyes and other chemicals on top of it. Would you still eat? Sounds crazy, right?? Well, I hate to rain on your parade, but if you're using dish detergents such as Dawn or Cascade, you're doing just that. (If you click on the links for Dawn and Cascade, you will see that they both received grades of a 'D').

Tide detergent
Tide is another product that I grew up on. Loved me some Tide! That detergent was a regular in our household! But if you get a chance...take a look at the ingredients on the back. It is loaded with chemical and dyes! Yes- it smells great, but once you wash your clothes in that detergent, the dyes and chemicals come in contact with your skin, and can potentially get into your bloodstream.

By the way, most of the Tide products received a grade of a C or D with moderate health concerns regarding asthma/respiratory, skin allergies, and even reproductive toxicity (for example, it can cause the growth of fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, etc.). Click here to view more information on Tide and health concerns.

Pine Sol
Child!! This broke my heart the most! I used to love waking up on a Saturday morning and my mother would be cleaning and having the house smelling like lemons! LOL. Unfortunately, Pine Sol received a grade of a D. Using this product (and inhaling the fumes) can cause asthma/respiratory problems, potential cancer, and skin allergies or irritations.

Check out more information on health concerns for Pine Sol here. Listen, I know you're probably thinking "Did she just say that all of the cleaning products that I use on a daily basis are basically harmful to my health? So what the hell do I clean my house with, then??" LOL. Did I hit it on the head? Don't fret though! I got you! The next section I will discuss healthier alternative cleaning products that are better for your body and the environment!

Alternative Products
When I first started my holistic journey (and decided to ditch most of the household cleaning products that I grew up on), it was hard!! And it was very difficult for me to grasp that my house can actually be clean without smelling like chlorine bleach or other harsh chemicals that we inhale while cleaning! Here are some alternative cleaning products that work very well and also smell good!

Seventh Generation Non-Chlorine Bleach. This bleach is a healthier alternative to Clorox Bleach. It is made with hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine and does not have a toxic smell. It actually doesn't have a smell at all! Click here to order this product.

Seventh Generation Non-Chlorine Bleach

Seventh Generation Non-Toxic Dish Detergent. This dishwashing detergent is non-toxic and a healthier alternative to Dawn. It does not have synthetic fragrances (chemicals), dyes or phosphates. It naturally smells good though; fragrances are made from essential oils such as lemongrass and lavender. Click here to order this product.

Seventh Generation Dish Non-Toxic Dishwashing Liquid

Seventh Generation Non-Toxic "Free and Clear" Detergent. This detergent is a healthier alternative to Tide and is also free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals. Click here to check out more information on this product.

Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena Scent/ Multi-Surface Cleaner. You're going to love this product! It is a healthier alternative to Pine Sol and has a "lemon-y" scent! It's primarily made with essential oils and plant-derived ingredients. Click here to get the "skinny" on this product or to purchase it!

Just plain ole' distilled white vinegar mixed with water! If you want to keep it simple (and cheap), just add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to a 1/2 gallon of warm water (I typically put the concoction in a spray bottle). The mixture is antibacterial and antiviral so it works like Clorox cleaner, without the toxic chemicals! Click here to purchase distilled white vinegar!

If you decide to try these products, I want to know what you think! There are so many other natural household products that I've transitioned to, so I will be making a follow-up post in the near future. Welp, that's it for me. Treena V. is signing off. Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

Signed,

The Vegan World Traveler

Terror in Tulsa: The Untold Sinister Truth about the Black Wall Street Massacre

2018-05-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

Good Ole Tulsa, OK...
I recently flew to Tulsa, OK on a business trip for my job. Since I just started with this blogging "thing," I told myself I would blog about traveling to Tulsa, things to do, and places to eat while I was there. And that originally was the plan. A few friends of mine, however, suggested that I go to the "Black Wall Street" memorial site. I had heard of it before, but I didn't know much about it. Meh, I put it off until later in the week, no big deal. I spent the first few days riding on the famous Route 66, trying out vegan pizza from Andolini's, and buying snacks from Wholefoods. I researched the location of the Black Wall Street memorial site, and it was located off Greenwood and Archer Ave. So I went to the Greenwood Cultural Center....and I would never be the same.

Route 66, Tulsa OK

What was "Black Wall Street" anyway?
Following World War I, the neighborhood of Greenwood (Tulsa, OK) was recognized as one of the most affluent areas of African American businesses in the United States during the early 20th century. An interesting, unknown fact--the Gap Band R&B group members are from the Greenwood District neighborhood! "Gap" actually stands for the "Greenwood, Archer, and Pine" streets.
The Greenwood District was popularly known as "Black Wall Street." There were successful, black-owned movie theaters, grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, doctors' offices....their own little community! But on June 1, 1921 that would change forever.

Black owned pharmacy

Dr. A.C. Jackson, one of the most successful black physicians/surgeons in Tulsa OK in the 1920's

I've never heard of "Black Wall Street" in the history books....what happened?

Let's backtrack for a second. "On the morning of May 30, 1921, a young black man named Dick Rowland was riding in an elevator in the Drexel Building at the corner of Third and Main St with a young white woman named Sarah Page. The details of what really happened on that elevator vary from person to person." Supposedly, as Dick was getting off the elevator, he tripped and fell on Ms. Page. She screamed and the building owner called the police, citing "assault or rape." The news of lynching Dick Rowland spread like wildfire. "This sparked a violent confrontation between blacks and white armed mobs around the courthouse where the sheriff and his men barricaded the top floor to protect Mr. Rowland. Shots were fired and the outnumbered African Americans retreated to the Greenwood district."

In the early hours of June 1, 1921, the angry white mob looted and burned down buildings in the Greenwood district. The governor of Tulsa at that time (Governor Robertson) declared martial law, and National Guard troops arrived in Tulsa. Based on the information that I read in the Greenwood Cultural Center, planes were flown over the Greenwood community, dropping bombs on homes and businesses, and shooting people...from the air! I can only imagine the mayhem and smell of fear that took place that particular morning! Guardsmen assisted firemen in putting out fires, and Blacks who were taken out of the hands of the angry white mob were imprisoned. In fact, over 6,000 Black people were held at the Convention Hall and the Fairgrounds...some for over a week!

The next day, the violence stopped, and the Greenwood district was completely destroyed! Over 35 city blocks were burned to the ground, and as many as 300 Black people were killed. Over 800 people were treated for injuries. (Much of this section was taken from the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum website.) Click here to learn more details on the sequence of events that led to the massacre.

That wasn't a riot, it was a massacre...

Based on the information that I read in the Greenwood Cultural Center, the people of Greenwood never received any funds or reparations from the city of Tulsa to rebuild their businesses or community. Insurance companies would not pay for filed claims, and they were left to rebuild the Greenwood district by themselves. And of course--no one went to jail or prison for the killings! It was a very sad story to read! I teared up quite a few times reading newspaper clippings and looking at real pictures back then. They called it the "Tulsa Race Riot." To me, "riot" is an inappropriate word for the sequence of events that took place. It was a massacre. And the city of Tulsa did not issue a formal apology to the survivors of the Tulsa Race ~~Riot~~ Massacre until about 75 years later, in 1996! Most of the survivors were dead by then, or in their 90's!

Newspaper clipping about the Tulsa Massacre

As of 2017, I read that there was one survivor of the Tulsa Race ~~Riots~~ Massacre left. The crazy thing is, I did not learn anything about this until about two years ago. It is NOT in the history books. And I don't think it will ever be. Check out the interview from Ms. Olivia Hooker, one of the last survivors of the Tulsa Massacre here:

Oh!! And there's more!
And after ALL OF THAT, the young white woman, Sarah Page (remember her?), refused to press charges against young Dick Rowland, and they let him go. Shortly thereafter, Dick Rowland skipped town and was never heard from again! All of the killings, the burning and looting....all for nothing!

Shame on you, Tulsa!
As I drove down the streets of Greenwood and Archer Ave in my rental car, little is there today to acknowledge that the affluent neighborhood of the Greenwood district even existed. The Greenwood Cultural Center and a few other shops pay homage to Black Wall Street, but that's about it. Today, there is a ball park, and some fining dining restaurants in that area. Interstate 244 also runs through what was once the district. But Greenwood is no more. There were many other massacres very similar to this that swept through the South during the early 20th century. Reparations to the descendants of the Tulsa Race ~~Riot~~ Massacre were never given, and that's a shame. Shame on you, Tulsa, OK! You can turn a blind eye to what happened, but the African Americans of Tulsa will never forget...

-The Vegan World Traveler

More pictures from the Black Wall Street era below:

Newspaper clipping of the Black Wall Street Massacre

Black-owned restaurant

Black-owned diner/restaurant

Newspaper clipping of the Black Wall Street Massacre

Treena V's Spinach, Mushroom, and Mozzarella Patty Melt recipe...the Vegan Way!

2018-05-08T04:19:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I was never a big breakfast eater. My mom would try to make me eat grits, Roger Wood sausages, and eggs....ilk....I think I'm the only person from South Carolina that did not look forward to eating that stuff!😂 But as I grew older, so did my hunger in the mornings! LOL. I've got a quick, easy, and delicious recipe you can try for breakfast when you're on the go!

What you will need:
1 tablespoon of grapeseed, sesame, or avocado oil
2 tablespoons of Smart Balance plant-based butter (vegan)
1 cup of white or portobello mushrooms
2 cups of spinach
1/2 cup of Daiya mozzarella cheese (vegan)
1 teaspoon of organic black pepper
2 teaspoons of pink Himalayan sea salt
2 slices of wheat bread

Aww, hell...who am I kidding?? I never measure my servings! LOL. It sounded good though!😂 Like I said in my previous recipe posts, I measure with my eyes, and I season to taste. That said, tweak it how you want it! But this is a good start!

Directions

The Veggies

Heat grapeseed, avocado, or sesame oil in frying pan on medium heat
Add the mushrooms and spinach (stir consistently) for about 5 minutes (season the vegetables in the pan with sea salt and black pepper)
Remove the sautéed spinach and mushrooms from the pan. Add the spinach, mushrooms and vegan mozzarella to the wheat bread
Place the other slice of wheat bread on top the spinach, mushroom and cheese (making it in to a sandwich)
Put the sandwich aside (for now)

Making the Patty Melt

Heat the Smart Balance plant-based butter in a small frying pan on medium heat
Place the sandwich inside the frying pan (at this time, mash down on the sandwich with a spatula) Cook about 2 minutes on each side (browning the bread on both sides)
Cover for about 3 minutes (this helps melt the vegan mozzarella cheese faster)

Sautéed spinach, mushroom, and vegan mozzarella on wheat bread

Making the patty melt!

Cover for 3 minutes (it helps melt the vegan cheese)!

And you're done! Voila!! It takes no more than 10 minutes to make this yummy patty melt! Have you cooked this before? If so, please comment below and tell me what you think!! Well, that's it for me, Treena V is signing off. Later, Vegans and Veganistas! Enjoy your day!

Sincerely,

The Vegan World Traveler

My experience using the DivaCup...the pros and cons!

2018-05-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

My periods have ALWAYS been extremely heavy on the first and second day. Always! And when I was in my teens and twenties, my periods were horrible...I'd have severe cramping, throwing up, sweating...literally bedridden for a couple of days. It was a nightmare. But I don't have those excruciating episodes anymore. The heavy periods, however, stayed around! Not to mention fibroids. I first found out that I had them in my early 30's. Since then, they've grown and have also contributed to my heavy periods.

In the last year or so, the first and second days of my period have become so dreadful, sometimes I don't want to leave the house! I would have to have on an overnight pad AND a tampon inserted for added protection. And even then, I'd have to change every couple of hours (or I'd have an accident)! Fast forward to a week ago. I was taking a road trip to New York. I was torn though...I knew that my period was due on the day of the trip. I KNOW my flow. I was like "Treena, are you really going to do this to yourself?" But I really wanted to go, y'all. Desperate acts call for desperate measures! I was thinking to myself, "What could I use for added protection??" The green light goes off in my head. Enters the DivaCup!

What in the world is a Diva Cup?
It's just a fancy name for a menstrual cup. You insert this cup into your vagina and it absorbs your menstrual flow. It works kinda like a tampon (but bigger). It's reusable and can last up to 12 hours without any leaks. After I did some research, I found out that the menstrual cup has been around since the 1930's! Who knew?? I sure as hell didn't! HA! The DivaCup is made with silicone and it does not contain latex, PVC, acrylic, BPA, phthalate, polyethylene, and is free of colors and dyes. Silicone is known to be compatible with the human body without giving you an adverse reaction, so that was a plus for me!

There are two models of the DivaCup; models 1 and 2. Model 1 is recommended for women under the age of 30 who have never delivered a baby vaginally or by caesarean. Model 2 is recommended for women aged 30 and over or for women who have delivered vaginally or by caesarean. Since I'm over 30, I chose the model 2.

"You got to know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em..."- Kenny Rogers 😂

Baby, listen!! I went into the bathroom to put this DivaCup "in there!" 😂 I read the instructions and you basically have to fold it in half before you insert it! You have to make sure that you insert it correctly (the stem should be pointed outward toward the lips of the vagina so that you can pull it out when it's time to change). I was STRUGGLING!! 😂 I tried folding that thing several times, but it would NOT go in there! I called my best friend Risa to get some guidance on this because she has used them before. She suggested that I try inserting while in the bathtub (and have one leg propped up on the side). I didn't listen to her. I decided to try a different route. 😂 I decided to insert while sitting on the toilet. BABY!!!! That did NOT work! 😂😂😂

It's a CRIME scene...😂
So it was back in the bathtub. My heart was beating fast, literally having an anxiety attack! "Issa WHOLE hand" in my vagina....MINE!😂 Trying to put that cup in there! Gee whiz!! 😂 BUT- I finally got it in there! But the bathtub looked like a crime scene! LOL! I'm not kidding! My hand....I just...it was a messy scene! Very messy! I didn't feel it in there, so I guess it was working. I didn't trust it at first, so I put on a maxi pad for added protection. So far so good!!

And then there were cramps...
I didn't feel anything for several hours. By the sixth hour (yes, I counted), I started feeling these horrible cramps! I haven't had cramps during my period since my twenties, so I knew it had something to do with the DivaCup! So we stopped by a restaurant, and I went into the bathroom to check! Six hours into it, the cup was completely full! I'm not sure if the cramps came from the cup being completely full, or maybe I didn't have the cup inserted all the way in there correctly. I wasn't convinced that it would last the full 12 hours anyway, but I was impressed by 6 hours! I will say--there was no leakage on the pad. I was surprised! And there was absolutely no smell. I'm guessing because the menstrual flow is collected from the inside instead of on a maxi pad. I could be on to something! Click here to get more information or to purchase the DivaCup!

The DivaCup

Rinsing and Re-inserting...what an experience!!
Let me back up for a second....when you change it out, you're supposed to rinse it out before re-inserting. You should wash your hands before and after doing so (you will WANT to) to avoid bacterial infections. The shit was MESSY y'all...super messy!!! BUT- it works!! It really does.

You will get the hang of it! Sort of...
Once you continue to use the DivaCup (inserting, taking it out, rinsing it, re-inserting), you will get the hang of it. I've learned that you have to push it in there far enough so that you won't feel it. However, if you push it in there too far, it is HARD to remove. The second time I tried to remove it to empty it, it took me 15 minutes to get that thing out of there! Rule of thumb, make sure you don't push the stem farther than a 1/2 inch into your vagina. Anything farther, you're gonna have a tough time, buddy! 😂😂😂 The DivaCup box also provides a little pouch that you can store your DivaCup in until the next time. You will want to keep it in there for hygiene purposes!

The DivaCup pouch

I would use the DivaCup Again...
Next month, I'm going to try the DivaCup again (especially on my first and second day)! Although it didn't last the full 12 hours, I didn't have the annoying experience of changing out maxi pads and tampons every other hour. I was impressed that it lasted 6 hours. Overall, it is healthier because it doesn't have any chemicals or dyes that your average tampon or maxi pad has. ALSO- you can use the DivaCup over and over again (so it's more cost effective than buying disposable pads and tampons)! I could do without the mess, though!😂 Have you tried the DivaCup or would like to try it? Leave a comment and let me know what you think! Here's the link to the DivaCup's website for more information. Well, that's it for me, Treena V is signing off. Until next time! Have a wonderful day!

-The Vegan World Traveler

10 Phenomenal uses and Health Benefits of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar

2018-04-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

I can remember vividly growing up as a child watching my dad take a tablespoon of vinegar every day to keep his "pressure" down. It smelled disgusting and it damn sure didn't taste good! Yuck! Back then, I was unaware of the health benefits and the many uses it is used for. And trust me--there are A LOT of them! You can get any kind of apple cider vinegar, but I prefer Bragg's. Check out the link here to purchase Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar. Make sure to get the one "with the mother." It is said to be high in acetic acid, and contains strands of proteins, friendly bacteria and enzymes (basically providing more health benefits)! Here are 10 phenomenal uses and health benefits of using apple cider vinegar:

Drinking apple cider vinegar daily can regulate your blood pressure. Studies show that apple cider vinegar can lower triglycerides, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This could potentially reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Like I said, my dad took 1 tablespoon per day! Make sure you dilute it with water though (if not, it can potentially affect the enamel on your teeth over time).
It can be used as a natural astringent on your face. You can dab diluted apple cider vinegar on a wet washcloth and apply it to your face. Apple cider vinegar has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Also, applying apple cider vinegar on pimples and cold sores overnight can greatly reduce their appearance.
Ladies, it can keep your "cooch" (in other words, the vagina) smelling fresh! 😂 Yep, I said it! One cup of apple cider vinegar in warm bath water gets rid of toxins and bacteria that can cause va-jay-jay odor and also regulates your PH balance and naturally cures bacterial vaginosis. Soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes and you're good to go...I know, right? TMI!😂 Just saying, you don't need to run to the doctor for that! Drinking a glass of water mixed with one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar also helps!
It works as a deodorizer. Have a lingering smell in your house? Just cooked fish? Have cat or dog odor? No problem! Just add a cup of vinegar with a bowl of water and just let it sit in the room where the smell is. The apple cider vinegar neutralizes the odor. Your house may smell "vinegar-y" at first, but that scent will quickly go away!
You can use apple cider vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner. Yep! Mix one cup of water with a half a cup of apple cider vinegar, and there's your all-natural, all-purpose cleaner. Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and antiviral, without all the harsh chemicals of some well-known cleaning products.
You can make your own homemade vinaigrette dressing. Yep! I've made this several times. All you need is 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime or lemon juice, salt and pepper, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1-2 tablespoons of honey (you can also use cane sugar).
Apple cider vinegar gets rid of dandruff. It really does! Just mix 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. After shampooing your hair, spray on your scalp and let sit for about 15-20 minutes (then rinse). Use twice a week for maximum results!
Apple cider vinegar regulates blood sugar levels. There have been several studies that have determined that consuming vinegar was found to lower blood sugar levels and helped significantly improve insulin sensitivity. Try diluting one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water and on an empty stomach.
You can use it as a detoxifier. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antiviral properties. In a glass of warm water, mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 2 teaspoons of lime or lemon juice! Drink daily before meals. It detoxifies your body and aids in proper digestion.
Apple cider vinegar fights bad breath. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a mouth wash! Mix 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Stir this mixture and use it to rinse your mouth. Use daily to rid bad breath!

So as you can see, there are many uses of apple cider vinegar that can be beneficial to your health! Try it and let me know what you think! Well, that's it for me. Treena V. is signing off. Y'all be easy!

-The Vegan World Traveler