Not a perfect vegan? Welcome to the club.


It happens to the best of us: You slip up and take a big ol’ break from your vegan ways.

You’re out with the girls and that cheese platter is just screaming your name. You’re too tired to go grocery shopping and your man just happened to leave some leftover tuna in the fridge.

I don’t condone being lazy instead of sticking to your convictions like a big girl, but even the most dedicated plant-eaters can probably recall times when they strayed from the righteous vegan path.

Shit happens.

Vegan or Nothing

The downside, however, to a devil-may-care party with your “bad” side is that you tend to pay for it when it's over. The guilt. Oh, the guilt. In a culture where perfectionism is the only acceptable approach, it’s no wonder new vegans throw up their hands in defeat after that first fall from the wagon.

See? I knew I couldn’t stick with this. The all-or-nothing attitude prevails, and you go back to your old ways, feeling like a giant failure. But there’s no need to beat yourself up, darlin’.


Whether vegan “cheating” is constantly on your mind or just a passing annoyance from time to time, it’s more common than you might think. So when you’re ready to call it quits 'cause your PMS is demanding ice cream, here are some things to keep in mind:

Perfection breeds failure. Know what happens when you try to be perfect? Sooner or later, you’re going to mess up. I’m not saying that going vegan without ever slipping up isn’t possible – it is – but for most of us, it’s a process. If you’re having trouble eliminating everything all at once, start with one food group and build on that. Vow to try, not to be perfect.

Your body has been conditioned for cravings. Don’t feel bad when you yearn for gooey pizza. Seriously. You may be the most hardcore animal-loving vegan on the planet, but you can’t change generations of conditioning. Some experts estimate that there was indeed a time that humans did not consume animal products, but our “recent” ancestors were totally hacking up buffalo and spearing fish. You’ve been biologically and culturally conditioned to crave certain things – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make different choices now.


You might be missing nutrients. Got a hankering for salmon? Dying for a plate of eggs? You might be missing the nutrients your body needs to function like a well-oiled machine. Make sure your diet isn’t just crap – you gotta have whole foods that deliver on protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, etc. When you eat processed foods, you’re still going to be hungry afterward. Your body didn’t get what it needed, so hello cravings.

You don’t have to pick a side…right away. A lot of people get fired up about going vegan – at first. They brag to all their friends and family members, they clean out their cupboards and they pretty much do everything short of getting “vegan” tattooed on their asses. And then they screw up. Point is, you don’t have to go hard or go home. Experiment with some vegan recipes. Try going vegan for a month. But don’t get discouraged if you fall off the wagon. When you’re ready to commit 100 percent, you’ll know. In the meantime, pat yourself on the back for trying.

Struggling with vegan diet slip-ups? Tell us in the comments section below!


Mara Tyler, Managing Editor 
Mara Tyler is the gal behind Cheap And Simple Vegan Recipes, a no-nonsense blog for vegans who want easy and affordable meals. With a mission to make veganism accessible to anyone, she promotes progress, not perfection. When she’s not making a mess in the kitchen, she can be found reading bad chick lit, scouting out new indie bands or attempting to find bliss in yoga.Visit her website, get her recipe book or find her on Facebook at CheapSimpleVegan. 








Related:

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3 Vegan Dip Recipes 
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'Cause there's nothing worse than being unclean down there


Don't screw around when it comes to good hygiene in your southern regions. 

With summer almost here, it can be a challenge. If you live in a hot, humid area like I do, you’re well aware of the intricacies of staying fresh and clean. I just moved from the desert to the South, and I’ve been a hot, sticky mess ever since. Thankfully, the women I’ve met down here have been educating me on how to squeeze in multiple daily showers, find products to beat the humidity and dress to avoid sweat stains — especially those down below.

A Girl's Best Friend

But when you’re on-the-go and find yourself in a pickle, there’s an easy, natural way to clean up: feminine wipes. Yes, they sound like something pink and flowery from the ‘80s, but trust me — these things are the shit. You can use them to stay squeaky clean during your period, before a doctor/waxing/spray-tan appointment, while traveling, after a workout and after you knock boots with your boo.

The Ick Factor

But, as always, you’ve got to be careful about what you’re putting on those delicate parts. Conventional products usually contain overbearing synthetic fragrances and chemicals; these can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina, leading to yeast infections, bladder infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Most drugstore feminine wipes also contain skin irritants such as phenoxyethanol and propylene glycol, as well as preservatives that release formaldehyde, such as imidazolidinyl urea, which is the second worst cosmetic chemical for causing contact dermatitis.

Related: What the Hell Do I Buy? Tampons


Skin Woes

Conventional wipes also tend to contain parabens (which are linked to breast cancer), sodium lauryl sulfate (an irritating surfactant with a rap sheet longer than your ex-boyfriend’s) and isopropyl myristate, a solvent that dries skin and creates fissures and cracks in the skin, contributing to bacterial growth.

In addition, most of the wet and dry wipes on the market are made from polypropylene, which is derived from petroleum (oil), a non-renewable resource that does not biodegrade.

Options, Baby

So what’s a girl to do when she wants to keep her lady parts smelling and feeling their best, without upsetting the delicate ecosystem down there? Stick with these natural, non-toxic feminine wipes. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone your little secret.

1. Box Intimate Wipes. Developed as a healthy alternative to cheesy, traditional wipes, these are unique in that the packaging is fragranced (with crushed flowers), but the wipes themselves are not (and they come in individual foil packets). They’re 100 percent biodegradable, naturally preserved, pH-balanced and free of parabens, soy, petrochemicals, animal ingredients, mineral oil, sulfates, artificial detergents and fragrances. $9 at amazon.com

2. NatraCare Organic Cotton Intimate Wipes. Enriched with skin-soothers calendula and chamomile, these wipes are certified organic, use only plant-derived materials and are made of 100 percent pure cotton. No chlorine, parabens or SLS. Not tested on animals; suitable for vegans. Can be used on babies. About $3 at amazon.com

3. PureTouch Organic Feminine Wipes. Individual, flushable moist wipes that use natural extracts and moisturizers such as aloe vera and Vitamins E, C and A to clean and refresh. Biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and paraben and alcohol-free. Good for sewer systems. $9 at amazon.com 

The Verdict

Pros: Quick and easy wipes for freshening up, without the nasty chemicals or skin rashes.

Cons: More expensive than straight toilet paper or drugstore wipes. But your vagina’s worth it.

Want to know the deets on what else to buy? Click here to browse through our "What the Hell Do I Buy" category on the website!

Is there a category you want us to cover? Email info@healthybitchdaily.com and we’ll add it to the list.


Liz Farrington, Features Writer
A vegetarian who wishes she could stay vegan, Liz is a media professional and former editor at several fitness and lifestyle publications throughout Southern California. Now principal in Farrington Communications, she does sales, marketing, writing and editing for a range of clients. When she’s not shopping for leather-free handbags or deciding which companies to boycott, the Austin resident enjoys following liberal politics, detoxing at the co-op, scoping farmers’ markets and volunteering for animal rescue.










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What The Hell Do I Buy? Facial Exfoliators 
What The Hell Do I Buy? Protein Shakes
What The Hell Do I Buy? Dryer Sheets
 

Ditch your boring old gym routine and become a badass


One of the hottest fitness trends around is damn hard — but it actually works.

Sure, it’s rather pricey ($139.80, including shipping and handling), but if you've seen the P90X infomercials, tell us you’re not the least bit curious.

Can I really have abs like that? Do pull-ups like that? And lose that much weight?

Hell, yeah. Believe me, no one’s more surprised than me that this stuff actually works. You just gotta know what to expect. Here's the lowdown on this popular, at-home workout system:

Don’t be overwhelmed

The day will come when Mr. UPS guy delivers a pretty big box filled with DVDs, instructional booklets, menus and about a gazillion other pieces of paper. Don’t close the box back up, vowing to return to it another day. Just pull out the DVDs and start with the first one. The rest of the nutritional information you can read later.

Get past the "I-hate-this-because-it’s-freakin’-hard" phase

OK, I’m not gonna lie. The workouts are really, really hard. Really. You didn’t expect a killer body would come easily, did you? There’s a good chance that you will hate it and hate yourself for spending your hard-earned cash-ola on this at first. But you'll get over that once you start seeing results. Promise!

Related: Breaking Out of Your Fitness Rut

Take baby steps, girl

Don’t even try to keep up with Tony Horton and his fit crew at first. You will hurt yourself (and your ego). It’s OK if you can only do three push-ups (on your knees) or if you can barely manage one measly pull-up. You’re at home. No one’s watching. And you have to start somewhere.


Muscles, anyone?

If you stick with this, your biceps will thank you. You'll start to notice more defined and toned arms, shoulders, back, abs, tush and legs. And no, you won't get bulky and all manly-man looking. You’ll just be strong and hot, right in time for that bikini!

Buh-bye fatty

As good as the workouts are, a sound nutritional plan is essential for ditching those love handles. The one that comes with the program basically starts with a high-protein diet to help burn fat. Then it adds in more complex carbs (that means no white stuff) to boost your energy. The meals that they recommend are not horrible, but most won't jive with your vegan diet. So just try swapping the lean proteins like chicken and fish for your staple tofu, tempeh or seitan.(Also, check out this article that explains how to tweak the P90X diet for vegan eating!)

Kicking ass and taking names

Finish doing 40 minutes of push-ups and pull-ups in more ways than you knew were possible and you'll feel all like, Outta my way bitch! You get a serious surge of endorphins and confidence and a big-ass sense of accomplishment when you finish these workouts. Do these in the morning and you have just set yourself up for kicking some major butt all day long.

The verdict? It’s damn hard, but it does work

P90X worked for me — I lost two inches in my waist over two months, went from doing 5 push-ups to 20 (on my toes), went from doing zero pull-ups to 13 and look a lot more toned and firm. But it’s not right for everyone. You should have a base level of fitness before starting, meaning it’s not wise to go from lazy-ass couch potato to P90X junkie overnight. Build up at least some fitness by power walking, jogging, swimming or biking. Not only will you not feel like such a wuss, but you will greatly reduce the chances of hurting yourself.

Pros: DVDs are actually not annoying. Tony Horton is motivating without being like your least favorite sing-songy spin instructor. The directions and instructions about form are also spot-on, and the excess weight does come off while the muscles come on — even if you feel like a total slacker when you can’t keep up.

Cons: It can be easy to cheat and you may not work as hard by yourself. You just have to be super disciplined and accountable to “bring it” every day.

Have you tried P90X? Do tell in the comments section below!


Deborah Dunham, Fitness Contributor
Deborah Dunham an avid runner, marathoner, swimmer, certified personal trainer and has recently fallen heels over head in love with yoga. She will try any fitness-related activity-- from kayaking to surfing--at least once. When Deborah's not "playing", she can be found writing for her inspired news site, ChicksForChange.org. Or succumbing to her teensy addiction to chocolate.








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Image sources: Official US Navy Imagery, PRLog

Been feeling a little out of touch lately?


It’s hard to surf the Internet all day when you have, you know, RESPONSIBILITIES. 

Now you can keep up with the latest and greatest, thanks to PureWow. It’s a free daily lifestyle email for savvy ladies that cuts through the B.S. to showcase the very best timely - not trendy - finds. Unlike so many other emails, PureWow makes inspired recommendations with the chic, grown-up, no-nonsense woman in mind.

Each day, PureWow's emails highlight a wide range of subjects - food & travel, arts & tech, health & fitness, fashion & beauty, home & design, and the one we especially love, recipes & meals - to keep you informed about the most unique products, experiences and time-savers to improve your hectic life. And with local editions in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, PureWow is sure to have you covered.

Even more bitchin’?

Sign up now and you could win $1,000 to the Apple Store!

It’d be pretty sweet to get your PureWow emails on a shiny new computer.

Today’s post is brought to you by
 

Brew the coffee, turn on some cartoons and treat yourself to a fancy-shmancy breakfast


If you bring a hottie home from the bar tonight, no need for a greasy morning breakfast at your local pancake house. 

Don that sexy little apron, whip up this vegan frittata and then go get an STD test.

Just sayin'. 

What You Need

Vegan omelet batter (recipe below)
2 tablespoons vegan whipping cream (great brands are SoyaToo or Mimicream)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon vegan butter
12 ounces asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces
1 tomato, seeded, diced
3 ounces shredded vegan cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Salt

Related: Kim's Curry Tofu Egg-less Salad

Vegan Omelet Batter

3 cups (24 ounces) silken tofu
1/4 cup plain soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup potato starch or cornstarch
2 teaspoon soy sauce/tamari or liquid aminos
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It

1) To make omelet batter, blend ingredients together until smooth.

2) Preheat the broiler. Whisk the omelet batter, cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper in a medium bowl to blend. Set aside. Heat the oil and butter in a 9 1/2-inch-diameter nonstick, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.

3) Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the tomato and a pinch of salt and saute 2 minutes longer.

4) Pour the omelet mixture over the asparagus mixture and cook for a few minutes until it starts to set. Sprinkle with cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the frittata is almost set but the top is still runny, about 2 minutes.

5) Place the skillet under the broiler. Broil until the top is set and golden brown on top, about 5 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, loosen the frittata from skillet and slide onto a plate.

Want more recipes like this one? Browse through our vegan recipe library and find something yummy!


Carolyn Scott-Hamilton, Recipe Contributor
An avid traveler and crusader for health nuts around the world, Carolyn Scott-Hamilton is the executive producer, creator, host and writer of The Healthy Voyager web series & radio show, site, blog, brand and social network. Visit Healthyvoyager.com. 




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Carbs aren't the enemy, but you have to be smart about how you eat them


Do carbs scare the crap out of you?

We've been brainwashed to think they equal a fat ass or an unsightly muffin top — so much so that a lot of diets swear them off completely.

And yet we hear about elite athletes religiously carb-loading during training or crazy fads like the Bread Diet that encourage reckless abandon when it comes to, you know, bread.

But fear no more, energy-seeking sisters, carbs can be one of the best food sources to put the kick ass in your day - when you know the truth about them, that is.

Crappy Carbs

Eat the wrong type of carbohydrates and you're screwed: bloated, spacey, uncomfortable and exhausted. Take processed grains, for example: Eating a simple carb like white rice or pasta will spike your energy sky high and set you up for a crash. Then you're face-down at your desk, dreaming and wishing for bed and probably more carbs — ever notice how foods like pasta and white rice never quite feed your hunger, and soon you’re back chowing down a bag of chips?

Change It Up

Simple carbs make you feel like crap because they're stripped of the fiber and other nutrients needed to digest them properly. Whole, unprocessed grains will give you the energy you're looking for. Avoid carbs that contain a lot of sugar and are low in fiber, as these carbs will provide little for your body. But beware baby — many of us are sensitive to gluten and don’t even know it (which can also account for symptoms of a carb crash). So test out gluten-free grains like brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat, too.

Related: Sugar, Sugar

Tropical Disaster 

Love pineapple or mango in your smoothie? Tropical fruit is an evil hidden carb source, as it’s packed with sugar. Yup, sugar is a carb, ladies. Don’t be fooled that just because it’s fruit, it’s healthy to eat constantly. These sweet juicy treats could be weighing you down and keeping you from that toned, trim body you're longing for.

We're not saying abandon the delicious fruits you stock your fridge with, but go for berries more often. For the least amount of sugar with amazing flavor, take your pick from blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. They are fantastic as a quick snack, on top of salads and in your beloved smoothies.


Movement Maven

When you work your ass off at the gym, you've earned your carbs. Quinoa is a great source of all the good stuff you need to re-fuel after intense physical activity. It’s a hydrating and protein-packed fiber. Also try a baked sweet potato after a workout class to super charge your cells. The ease your muscles feel in the next pilates or yoga class is your reward: Yams are number one in nutrition, fiber and energy-increasing complex carbohydrates. Embrace their orangey goodness, girl.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

So what’s the most important thing to remember? First snag yourself some carbs that are gluten-free and whole grain. Skip the bread basket at dinner but go all in for a brown rice dish. If you plan on looking whistle-worthy in those sexy summer duds, toss white, processed carbs out the window, wave goodbye and don’t ever look back. Gluten-free carbs are where it's at, providing complete nourishment with all the fiber, iron, enzymes and vitamins your body needs. This is the good stuff your body craves. Try subbing out the carbs that weigh you down (like regular pasta or bagels) with gluten-free goodies like brown rice pasta or sprouted-grain breads/tortillas. Your favs come in the same form but are loads better for you on the carb scale.

Like this article? Leave us a comment below!


Steph Hendel, C.H.H.C, AAAI-ISMA, Body Sculpting & Health Coach
Former overweight, miserable office slave to slim and toned workout fanatic and health coach, Steph works with women who want to transform their bodies and discover the secrets to getting unique results without feeling deprived. Her sessions focus on spotting road blocks to success and creating surefire ways to overcome them and start living the life they want. She creates an environment that makes it possible to tone up fast and lose weight like a celebrity. Her program supplies the gear to live life loving ourselves and our bodies every day, fueling the motivation to achieve what we want most. Steph is co-host of the web series Zoned2BFit. For more information please visit www.stephaniehendel.com.


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How to get a healthy gut from a stinky fermented food


Tummy trouble? Stinky farts? 

You’re not alone.

Many adults produce low amounts of hydrochloric acid  (HCl, also known as stomach acid) – in fact, it’s been estimated that half of the American population doesn’t produce enough. Sadly, vegans may have it the worst. Eating meat stimulates HCl production, and if your body goes a long time without meat, HCl production slows down.


But I don’t eat meat, so I don’t need HCl!

Nice try. HCl helps break down proteins into essential nutrients and amino acids in your body. You need those no matter how kind your diet is, babe. Also, HCl kickstarts your pancreas and small intestines to release enzymes and bile to further break down proteins, as well as the carbohydrates and fat you eat. When the gallbladder produces bile, the pooping process gets underway. Not pooping enough? That’s bad news, since your poop flushes toxins out of your body.

Last but not least, HCl kills nasty bug pathogens and bacteria in your gut that will overgrow when left unattended. Ever heard of candida? What about H. pylori? It’s freakin’ scary, and you don’t want that shit (no pun intended) hanging out in your intestines.

Symptoms of low HCl 

- Indigestion, bloating, belching or farting after meals
- Heartburn
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Acne
- Iron deficiency
- Weak, peeling or cracked fingernails
- Chronic fatigue
- Dry skin


No HCl, no absorption 

You can take all the vitamins and supplements you want, but you’re literally just flushing them down the toilet if you don’t have enough stomach acid to break them down. It doesn’t really matter what you eat if your body can’t absorb it. 

It’s kind of a vicious cycle – when there isn’t enough HCl to break down protein, you become protein-malnourished. When protein is only half broken down, it can create toxins in your intestines that later set you up for illness. Not only that, but your body will go looking for the minerals it’s missing from your bones and blood. Mineral deficiency can set you up for difficult brain functioning, or even eff up your hormones. Not cool.

Pop a pill? 

Head to a doc and he’ll no doubt tell you to add animal protein back into your diet or to take a probiotic made from crappy milk. What he won’t tell you is that supplements, especially probiotics, are extremely sensitive to temperature and light, and often arrive on the shelves of your vitamin joint half as effective as they claim to be. Gross – no thanks. But there’s a much simpler way to stimulate HCl production and repopulate your gut with healthy flora that’ll kick the bad guys’ asses: sauerkraut. 


That smells fermented 

Sauerkraut is thinly sliced light cabbage which is fermented. It can stay in your pantry for months and has a bit of sourness to it, resulting from lacto-fermentation. Sauerkraut kept the sailors of old from getting scurvy or debilitating, painful digestive difficulties while on long voyages. Ay, matey.

Cabbage is already loaded with good bacteria, and simply drinking cabbage juice may improve digestion quite a bit. But ferment it, and you have a real powerhouse on your hands. Sauerkraut is higher in B vitamins than cabbage (especially B12), making it a perfect food for vegans. The lactic acid produced in the fermentation process can really help those with low HCl. Word.

You can buy sauerkraut at most health food stores (Bubbies is our favorite brand) or you can make it yourself for dirt cheap. If you’re not into sauerkraut, fermented pickles are a great idea too.

How much should I eat? 

Not as much as you think. You know how you get a tiny saucer with ginger and a pickled vegetable or two at Japanese restaurants? That much sauerkraut with every meal is perfect for aiding digestion. Too much and you may hurt your tummy a bit, so keep it small. Sparse portions of fermented vegetables before meals may even be why the Japanese are statistically much healthier than other nations.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you need dairy to get your probiotics. The truth is that fermented foods were invented before we could even refrigerate things, and they very well kept us alive (and pooping!) for centuries.

Like this article? Leave us a comment below!


Jennifer St. Germain, Contributing Writer
A long-time health and fitness writer, Jennifer recently moved back to Los Angeles after spending two years writing and teaching English in Japan.  She now writes for several publications on a variety of topics, but veganism and animal rights are her favorite subjects.  When she isn't writing, you can find her drinking a little too much organic coffee, playing with her dogs or photographing her third favorite subject - jellyfish.












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Image sources: La Grande Farmer's Market, return the sun, celesteh

Step away from that bottle of pills. There may just be a healthier way to heal that pain.

Face it, bitches: We are a nation of pill-popping and quick fixes.

But let's put our smarty-pants thinking caps on for a sec and consider a little somethin' called alternative therapies. Because, hey, they just might be the better, and healthier, choice when you consider all the scary side effects of prescription meds.

Call it hippie-like, snicker at the idea of chanting “Omm…” during a yoga practice, but the truth is many of these alternative health therapies are proving to be better options than your drugs. Here are a few of the hottest ones around:

Deep Breathing Exercises

If I had a nickel for the number of times my mother has told me to breathe in and breathe out, I’d be a freakin' millionaire. But while I may sometimes roll my eyes at this tried-and-true wisdom, many health experts say simple breathing exercises can help ease stress and anxiety. Try this deep breathing exercise from Dr. Andrew Weil: Keep your mouth closed, rapidly inhaling and exhaling through your nose. Breaths should be quick, but equal. It will seem silly, – you’ll feel like a bitch in heat – but after just 15 seconds you'll feel oh-so-fresh and new.


Meditation

Sure, quieting your mind might seem like an impossible feat when you have dinner to make, a project for work, a hair appointment to get to and . . . Shhhh. It’s tough to achieve a totally pure meditative state, but when you take a peek at the long list of benefits it’s even more difficult to ignore. Just to name a few: Meditation increases blood flow, slows the heart rate, creates a deeper level of relaxation, decreases muscle tension and headaches, helps with PMS, aids post-operative healing and enhances the immune system. Try adopting a mantra – a phrase or sound that you repeat in order to tune out all the bull crap. Light, calming incense or aromatherapy oils are also nice, and make sure you're comfy because you will be on your booty for quite a bit of time. (Try sitting on a yoga block or rolling up a pillow under your bum.)

Related: Stress Fightin' Foods 


Diet-Based Therapy

Chicks like to lean on diets to help them get slim quick, but there are also a number of food plans that can help ease some of your worst bodily woes. Alternative health gurus back diets like veganism – duh – and macrobiotics, claiming that eliminating, adding or controlling certain types of foods can help to improve health. Many of these diets focus on eliminating certain trigger foods, like processed sugar, caffeine or animal products, in order to help boost not only a sister's immunity, but all of the body’s systems. Take a look at the Skinny Bitch Book of Vegan Swaps for ideas on how to trade your fave (also often known as "icky") foods for animal-free, healthier alternatives.

Biofeedback

This is where we tap into that mind-body connection that we hear about so often. Biofeedback is an alternative therapy that leans on the idea that we can use our thoughts and mind to control our bodies and specific conditions or illnesses. Sound too voodoo to you? Consider this: This technique has been shown to help ease symptoms related to headaches, asthma, epilepsy, nausea caused by chemotherapy and low back pain – just to name a few. Not so black magic after all, eh?

Now, of course, these are only a few of the several alternative therapies that are out there. Chiropractic therapy, Reiki massage, yoga, herbal supplements and many others are all options to consider before going for all-too-common over-the-counter medicines. At the very least, give 'em a try.

Just be sure to do the breathing exercises in private – your neighbors already think you’re weird enough.

Have you had success with any of these therapies? Share your experiences in the comments section below!


Caroline Shannon-Karasik, Contributing Writer
Caroline Shannon-Karasik is the founder of The G-Spot Revolution , a gluten-free, healthy living blog built upon the premise that there is not a one-size-fits-all prescription for total wellness. Whether you call it your personal health "spot", or ooo-la-la recipe, that serendipitous life balance is yours to define –– and The G-Spot was created to help you do just that. Standing behind her mission to share health information through her writing, Caroline is a freelance writer for several publications, including REDBOOK and Breathe magazines. Follow her on Twitter @TheGSpotRev or read more at www.carolineshannon.com. 



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Not only does konjac root make vegan seafood possible, but it's the new weight loss "it" girl.


No need to pass on the crab cakes at the next boring wedding you suffer through this summer. 

As long as they're vegan, of course.

Yep, you heard that right. And if you're like us, you've probably curiously eyed those packages of vegan shrimp that have been popping up in grocery stores across the country lately.

Vegan seafood? Really?

Three Cheers for Konjac

If they were able to replicate ground beef, you had to expect that seafood would be next. The new kid on the block, konjac (pronounced "kon-yak"), will soon be your BFF ingredient for any cocktail party or dinner gathering. Hello, fried calamari!

Otherwise known as elephant yam root, konjac has a history centuries old throughout Asia. There, konjac is known as the “it” ingredient for keeping women thin. While American gals are tube-feeding to lose pounds for their weddings, women in Asia are munching on konjac candies as well as main courses containing "seafood" or konjac noodles.


How Does it Work?

Konjac is rich in soluble fiber and super low in calories, too. So a few bites of konjac doesn’t even register on your calorie meter, but you feel full fast and, as a result, don’t overeat. Godsend.

How can you add konjac into your repertoire and get its skinny-girl benefits? It can easily replace gelatin in recipes, and you can also use it when making gravy sauces, chowders or other dishes that need thickening. (Try tossing some in your smoothie, too!)

Related: Drunk Fish, Dead Fish

Pre-Made Seafood

No need to attempt your own homemade "fish" fillets, as there's an entire line of vegan seafood all derived from konjac. Get your crab cakes, scallops, breaded fillets, calamari, shrimp and prawns - no fish guts to be found. The best part? You get the authentic taste while feeling full after a few pieces. Plus, imagine the dumbfounded looks on your friends' faces at your next cocktail party. It's so fun being vegan sometimes. 

A Word of Caution

Whenever you're adding fiber to the diet, it’s important to not overdo it (your stomach will hate you). Also, konjac has a gelatinous texture that requires it to be chewed properly, especially if you're feeding it to your kiddies. (You may have heard about the highly-publicized deaths in the Bay Area that were related to konjac candy.) Don't let it scare you, but, as always, be smart about what you put in your mouth. Also, drink plenty of water with your konjac foods. 

Ever tried vegan seafood? Good or gross? Leave us a comment on below!

Have a question for Ashley? Email us at info@healthybitchdaily.com and we'll get your questions answered. 


Ashley Koff, R.D., Resident Dietitian
Named among the Top 10 Registered Dietitians in the U.S. by Today’s Dietitian Magazine, Koff appears regularly on national media outlets, including Dr. Oz, The Doctors, Good Morning America Health, CNN, AOL and E!. Koff is also the dietitian for espnW, and the featured dietitian on the CW’s “Shedding for the Wedding” and Lifetime’s “Love Handles.” Koff maintains a private practice, regularly lectures, and works to improve the quality of food choices on the sets of popular shows such as Private Practice, CSI: New York, Big Love, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Bones. Her book, Mom Energy: A Simple Plan to Live Fully Charged (Hay House, 2011), hits stands later this summer. For more information please visit AshleyKoffRd.com.

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Image sources: SweetOnVeg