OMG - It's Fall Farm Tour Season!!!

I am a super freak for farm tours!  I have been going since I was a kid and love, love, love them!

As a city girl, I just love being able to chew the hay with some cows, kick a few tractor tires and load up on fall favorites (pumpkins, apples, maple syrup, mums...)!

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out last year's piece, "Farm Tour Season Has Arrived," & catch up!

Basically a farm tour is when a group of local, independent farmers open their barn doors to us city folk so we can get an idea of where our food is coming from.

These tours are also kept on the down low, so some investigative research is required.  Lucky for you, I've done it for you - you're welcome.

Here you go...

Erie County Farm Tour
When: 9/9/11
Where: Erie County (check the map for addresses)
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Cost: Free 


Franklin County Farm Tour
When: 9/9/11
Where: (sorry no map found)

• Darby Creek Nursery & Landscaping 6368 Scioto Darby Road Hilliard, OH 43026 
• Jacquemin Farms 7437 County Highway 2 Plain City, OH 43064 
• Sid Griffith Equestrian Center 7380 Scioto Darby Rd Hilliard, OH 43026 
• Weber Farms 2151 Walker Rd Hilliard, OH 43026 

Time: 1pm - 5pm
Cost: Free 


Hancock County Farm Tour
When: 9/15/11
Where: Hancock County (check the map for addresses)
Time: 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free


Lorain County Fall Farm Tour
When: 9/22/11
Where: Southern Lorain County (check the map for addresses)
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Cost: Free


Medina Fall Foliage Tour
When: 10/13/12 - 10/14/12  
Where: Medina County (check the map for addresses)
Time: 12pm - 6pm
Cost: Free


Get Your Farm On!
The Hoff

Event: First Annual Cleveland VegGala

 

 First Annual Cleveland VegGala

You don't have to be vegan to have a great time at this Gala!

Veg-Curious!! Foodies!! Friend-of-a-Veg!! Locavores!!

Come learn how tasty & satisfying it can be to eat Veg, as displayed by Cleveland's favorite Masters of the Delicious!!

Join us for a celebration of all things veg in Cleveland!

Delicious vegan cuisine lovingly prepared by Cleveland's finest vegan and vegan-friendly chefs. We will be serving a vast array of heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts that should energize and fill you up for the evening.

Local chefs will be featuring their finest culinary creations amidst amazing silent auction baskets, live music, raffle items, cocktails and merriment, all to benefit Cleveland's inaugural VegFest in June!

Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or just trying vegan cuisine for the first time, there is sure to be something for everyone to savor.

Participating Businesses:

Aladdin’s                                                  Mo Bite Products

Bon Vivant                                               Nature's Bin
Carriage House Bakery                            The Olive and The Grape     

Chop It Salad Co.                                     Orale! Mexican Cuisine
Clifton Martini & Wine Bar                     Pura Vida Restaurant
Dandy Blend Instand Herbal Beverage    Root Cafe

Deagan's Kitchen & Bar                           The Sweet Spot
Earth Fare                                                 Tommy’s Restaurant
Flaming Ice Cube                                     Tough Cookie Bakery
Green Kitchen                                          Treehugger's Cafe
Grovewood Tavern                                  Tremont Scoops
India Garden                                            Umami Moto
Lion on Lorain Bar and Grill                   Vegan Sweet Tooth
Luxe Kitchen and Lounge                       Village Martini & Wine Bar

When: Sunday, October 14, 2012
Where: Brennan's Party Center: 13000 Triskett Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44111
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: $35 (advance) & $45 (at door)

Click here for more info!

Doc: Tapped

You'll never look at bottled water the same again!

You've got to see this doc to find out the truth behind the bottled water industry.  If you're going to buy into it and I'm guilty of this as well, you better know the facts.  Tapped unveils just that.

Water quality, chemicals, the FDA and more!  This documentary exposes the role that the bottled water industry is having our our health, climate change, pollution, communities and our reliance on oil.

I won't spoil the details for you - but I have greatly reduced my consumption of bottled water (only when necessary) and can't look at companies like Nestle, Coke or Pepsi without utter disgust at what they are doing to our small communities all in the name of profit.


Watch it for free online at Hulu!

Check out the trailer!

Hodgepodge Stir-Fry

There's nothing I like better than clearing out leftover veggies and such.  So once a week I make a stir-fry using whatever is still hanging around so I can have a clean slate come next shopping day.

Last night was just that type of meal.

I had left over Chickpeas from an attempt at making an Alfredo Sauce (recipe to come later).  Stripped some ears of corn of their lovely kernels, no need to cook.  Chopped some Red Pepper, Hot Pepper, Mushrooms, Ginger, Onion and Garlic.  Shredded some Carrot sticks and Zucchini.  I have found that the key to mixing this many types of veggies is to finely chop everything.  For this, I use my handy dandy Chopper!  I suspect a food processor would work just as well.  I throw all of this into a non-stick Wok (or large frying pan) on medium to high heat and cook until softened. 

To create a sauce, I stir in Bragg Liquid Aminos, a tablespoon of Almond Butter (any nut butter will do), some Grey Poupon (any mustard will do), and lastly my flavor enhancer cheat - bottled Sweet & Sour Sauce about 1/3 of a cup.

Meanwhile, I make 1-2 cups of Rice or Undon Noodles (spaghetti works just as well).  Adding to the veggies once cooked, so the flavors can blend.

As you can imagine, my stir-fries are different each week depending on what I have on hand.  In the summer everything is fresh!  In the winter, I raid the freezer - which makes this dish even easier because everything is already chopped.  Meal-time is never boring in the Hoff's House!

The key here is to go with your gut.  If you think such and such would taste good together - go for it!  If you like red pepper flakes - add them!  I have a standing rule, if I ruin dinner I can always call the pizza guy.  I've been at this a long time and I have yet to call Mr. Pizzaman.

So dig into those corners and give those leftovers a second life.

Happy Creating!
The Hoff

Chopping Cabbage

Now you've done it - bought a giant head of cabbage and have no clue how to handle it.  Or you're like me and got a boulder size head from you're CSA and have no idea how to cut it.

I did some research and turns out cabbage is pretty easy to deal with.

Here's what you do...


Tools:

• 1 Large Knife
• 1 Medium Knife
• 1 Large Cutting Board

 Directions:

1. Peel off any bad leaves

2. Using the large knife, cut cabbage in half, starting at the top and slicing through to the stem

 

3. Then, slice each half in half

 4. Using the medium knife, at a 45 degree angle, cut out the stem of each wedge

5.  Starting at either end of the wedge, thinly slice

That's it - you've got perfect cabbage for sauerkraut, stir-fry's, anything you can think of!

You don't even want to know how I used to hack up cabbage before learning the proper way...

Event: Free Vegan Dinner & The World Peace Diet Lecture Presentation with Will Tuttle, Ph.D.

Free Vegan Dinner & The World Peace Diet Lecture

Presentation with Will Tuttle, Ph.D.

Join the Cleveland Animal Rights Alliance for a delicious free vegan dinner and an inspiring lecture by acclaimed educator and author Dr. Will Tuttle.

He'll present the main ideas in his groundbreaking and provocative book, The World Peace Diet, which has been called ‘one of the most important books of the 21st century’. The World Peace Diet is the first book to make explicit the invisible connections between our culture, our food, and the source of our broad range of problems — psychological, social, and spiritual, as well as health and environmental.

• Find out how to make positive changes that promote health, encourage compassion, and minimize our eco-footprints on the Earth
• Discover how our culture’s most routine and unquestioned practices reverberate negativity into all dimensions of our lives and health – and how to transform this effectively and joyfully

When: Thursday, October 18, 2012
Where: Cleveland Heights Library: 2345 Lee Rd, Cleveland Hts OH 44118
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: Free!

 

Are You a Tongue Scrapper?

Dr. Oz does it!

You should be!

Just like brushing and flossing, you should scrape your tongue daily.

Why...

Tongue Scraping:

• Removes bad breath causing bacteria
• Removes food debris, fungi & dead cells
• Helps prevent periodontal disease
• Improves oral hygiene
• Boosts immune system
• Discourages sinus infections
• Reduce cravings
• Enhances sense of taste
• Dr. Oz does it
• Cheap, quick & easy

Throughout the night (I assume that's when you sleep) the tongue accumulates an icky plaque film (that white/yellow stuff), which prevents you from having fresh breath, even after brushing your teeth.  In fact, 90% of bad breath comes from the bacteria found on your tongue.  This bacteria is also believed to be a major contributor to periodontal issues, plaque, tooth decay, gum infections, gum recession and even tooth loss.

But, I already...

Yeah, yeah - you brush your tongue everyday.  Not the same thing.  You're actually just moving the crud around your tongue as well as helping to push bacteria into it.  Completely defeating your intent and by the way, yuck!

You see, toothbrushes were designed to clean a solid surface (teeth), not the spongy surface of your tongue - it's simply the wrong tool for the job.

How to scrape...

• Stick tongue out
• Place scraper at back of tongue
• Gently, yet firmly pull forward
• Rinse scraper
• Repeat 2-3 times or until needed
• Rinse mouth

Where to get a scraper...

I found my tongue scraper on Vitacost - for less than $3 - not too shabby!  I specifically prefer the Pureline Oralcare Tongue Cleaner.


My thoughts...

I highly advise that you keep any eye on yourself in the mirror while you scrape and watch all that yellow sludge slide off your tongue.  Otherwise, it will feel like you're not accomplishing anything, because it is so ridiculously quick & simple and consequentially stop this very beneficial daily ritual.

For me, I no longer wake up with funky breath and I have to say that's a nice way to greet the day!  I also no longer get an icky taste in my mouth halfway through the day and my tongue looks prettier!

By the way, this is not some new gimmick - tongue scraping has been practiced for centuries in ancient India & Russia.  In the 19th century specially handcrafted tongue scrapers made of sterling silver, ivory, and tortoise shell were coveted.

Keep It Healthy!
The Hoff

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue_cleaner

Event: Health & Entertainment Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Health & Entertainment Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Take a healthy, fun-filled vacation!  Hosted by Laura Theodore, celebrity chef, author, award-winning singer and star of the National Public Television series, Jazzy Vegetarian, you too, will have fun in the sun, while improving your health with some of America’s top experts.

You will receive healthy and delicious plant-based meals, health and fitness workshops, private consultations with the experts, cooking classes and an exclusive concert with Laura!

Scheduled Speakers:

•  Laura Theodore - The Jazzy Vegetarian
• Dr. Pamela Popper Ph.D., N.D. - The Wellness Forum
• Robert Cheeke - Vegan Bodybuilder, Author
• Del Sroufe - Executive Chef, Wellness Forum Foods
• Peter Capozzi - Kundalini Yoga Instructor

Scheduled Workshops:

• Delightfully Delicious Vegan Cuisine (cooking class)
• Fat Free Cooking Techniques
• Q & A Chat with Laura
• Basics of a Plant-Based Diet
• Dietary Confusion and Myths
• Women’s Health
• Diet and Disease
• Build a Better Body on a Plant-Based Diet
• Thrive on Plant-Based Diet
• Confessions of a Former 475-Pound Vegan: how I converted from an unhealthy to a healthy plant-based diet and lost over 200 pounds!
• Yoga for beginners
• Advanced Kundalini Yoga

When: February 2nd - February 9th, 2013
Where: Roundtrip from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean
Cost: $899 - $1399 per person
Registration: Open Now

Event: Free Vegan Dinner & Lowering Cancer Risk through Food Choices Presentation with George Eisman R.D.

Free Vegan Dinner & Lowering Cancer Risk through Food Choices Presentation with George Eisman R.D. 

Join the Cleveland Animal Rights Alliance for a delicious free vegan dinner followed by a powerful presentation by the Nutrition Director for the New York-based Coalition for Cancer Prevention, George Eisman, MA, MS, RD.

Learn which foods are linked to higher incidences of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer and how to substitute healthier foods, some of which actually lower cancer risk.

George Eisman is considered one of the nation's foremost educators on diets that lower cancer risk. He served as a faculty member in Dietetics and Nutrition at several universities and colleges and has worked in a children's hospital and a nursing home, as well as for public health agencies in four states. Eisman currently speaks at numerous events and conferences and is author of three books: The Most Noble Diet, A Basic Course in Vegetarian and Vegan Nutrition and Don’t Let Your Diet Add to Your Cancer Risk.

When: Thursday, September 6, 2012
Where: Cleveland Heights Library: 2345 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights OH 44118
Time:  6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!

Mustard Seed Market Cafe: New Chef! New Menu!

As if the Mustard Seed Market Cafe in Montrose could get any better, they have hired Executive Chef Scot Jones, former chef of Chrissie Hynde's VegiTerranean restaurant (sadly gone)!

This is HUGE for those of us on a whole-foods, plant-based, oil-free diet or those of us with food allergies.  Finally a restaurant that we can eat at without concern!

The first thing Chef Scot did was overhaul the menu!  Being an oil-free, vegan himself, he saw the opportunity to incorporate this type of food into the new menu.  But, don't panic, you can still get your meat, chicken and fish on, if you are so inclined.

What I love most about the menu is that the newly added labeling system, has taken the guess work and negotiations out of ordering.  You clearly know which dishes are raw, gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, soy-free and oil-free (first in the country!).  Don't despair, special requests are still encouraged!

One of the newest features to the menu, is a Customize Your Burger option for a mere $10.  You pick the type of burger and toppings.  There are two vegan burger options - locally-owned Luna Burger and Gardein.  Daiya Cheese for you "cheese" lovers.  Even vegan-mayo!  Plus an array of additional topping options.

If that's not your bag, check out these other tasty vegan dishes: Risotto Cakes (which ROCK, but sadly are not oil-free), Grilled Cauliflower Steak or Buccatini Pasta Carbonara!

And of course - there are vegan desserts!!!  I always get the vegan Double Chocolate Raspberry cake!  Don't forget to hit the bakery for more vegan deliciousness to take home!

Check it Out!
The Hoff

Event: The Wellness Forum's 16th Annual Fall Conference

The Wellness Forum's 16th Annual Fall Conference

"Meet some of the most knowledgeable health care professionals helping to change the world in positive ways; spend time with people who value optimal health, practice healthy habits; and enjoy some of the finest gourmet vegan food available!"

Scheduled Speakers:

• Dr. John and Mary McDougall - author of The Starch Solution and Directors of the famed McDougall Program
• Dr. Neal Barnard - President and Founder, The Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine; Dr. Barnard will talk about several issues including his research on diet and Alzheimer's Disease.
• Dr. Peter Breggin – is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist who has been called "The Conscience of Psychiatry" for his efforts to reform the mental health field. He is the author of more than 20 books, including Medication Madness and Your Drug May Be Your Problem and will be talking about the uselessness and dangers of psychiatric drugs.
• Dr. Larry Palevsky - is a renowned board certified pediatrician, sought-after lecturer, and published author, who utilizes a holistic approach to children's wellness and illness. He will be present a lecture on the controversy associated with vaccinations.
• Dr. Walter Jacobson – is the medical director for The Wellness Forum's Emotional Wellness 101 program, which is designed to help people to avoid or discontinue the use of psychiatric drugs.
• Dr. Pam Popper - Executive Director and Founder of The Wellness Forum

When: November 2-4, 2012
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel: 6500 Doubletree Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Time: Friday: 5:30pm - 9pm, Saturday: 9am - 10pm & Sunday: 9am - 12pm
Cost: $199 per person
(Ticket price also includes three meals - dinner on Friday & lunch and dinner on Saturday)
(Room Rate: $85 per night - use group code: WLF)
Registration: Print & fax (614.841.7703) or mail form (The Wellness Forum ATTN: Kelly
510 E. Wilson Bridge Road Ste G Worthington, Ohio 43085)

Click here for more details! 

I can personally say after attending last year's event that this is a stellar conference and one worth putting on your calendar.  Check out the highlights from last year's conference!

Hoff's Pesto Sandwich

Hoff's Pesto Open-Faced Sandwich
Makes: 4 Sandwiches
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free
 

Ingredients:

• Hoff's Vegan, Oil-Free Pesto Sauce
• 4 slices of Whole Wheat Bread
• Half an Onion (thinly sliced)
• 8 Tomato Slices
• Daiya Shredded Cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Equally divide out Pesto Sauce onto each slice of bread
2. Top with Onions, Tomatoes & Cheese
3. In toaster oven or oven, Broil at 400 degrees for 10 minutes

My2Cents: I don't typically use cheese substitutes, I have just learned to live without cheese.  However, I was craving a grilled cheese the other day and had some cheese left over and used it to finish off these sandwiches - nice touch, but not necessary, the Pesto is so flavorful it carries the sandwich all by itself.

DIY: Cellulite Remedy

Cellulite Coffee Sugar Scrub: 

• Mix equal parts Brown Sugar & Coffee Grounds
• Add enough Olive Oil to form a moist consistency
• Apply to cellulite in circular motion
• Store leftovers in an airtight container
• Use 2-3 times per week

Best if applied in shower.

This is just a temporary solution.

According to Dr. Oz,  the caffeine in the coffee grounds enhances fat metabolism.  When scrub is applied topically, the coffee absorbs into the skin and removes liquid and fat from the immediate area, which can decrease the appearance of cellulite.

Beats lipo - plus you're exfoliating & moisturizing at the same time!

Another tip: rub down with a couple slices of cucumbers for a few minutes.  The phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten; firming the outer layer and thus reducing the visibility of those cottage cheese thighs.

Event: Kickstart Intensive

An Intensive Program, Everything You Need to Know,

a Weekend That Will Change Your LIFE!

Speakers:

• Neal Barnard, M.D. 
• Michael Greger, M.D. 
• Christine Waltermyer 
• Pericles Silva 
• Susan Levin, M.S., R.D. 
• Jennifer Reilly, R.D., L.D. 
• Joseph Gonzales, R.D. 
• Jill Eckart, C.H.H.C.

Lecture topics include:

• Permanent Weight Control
• Tackling Diabetes and Cholesterol
• Breaking Food Addictions
• Cancer Prevention and Survival
• Power Foods for the Brain

You'll also receive:

• Step-by-Step Info on Plant-Based Diet
• Cooking Demonstrations by Experienced Instructors
• Delicious Vegan Meals

And, after the event participants receive year-long support with conference calls and an exclusive 12-month online program.

When: Thursday - Saturday, October 4-6, 2012
Where: Washington Marriott at Metro Center Hotel: 775 12th St., N.W. Washington, DC 20005
Cost: $475 per person (multi-person discount available) 
Registration: Open Now

Hoff's Mac & Cheese II

Kickin' it up a notch!

Hoff's Mac & Cheese II
Serves 2
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked Pasta
• 1 head Broccoli (chopped into bite size pieces)
• 1/2 cup Onion (chopped)
• 1 cup Unflavored Almond Milk
• 1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 3 swirls of Grey Poupon
• Pinch of Sea Salt
• 1 tbsp Corn Starch/Kuzu Root
• 2 tbsp Water

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta according to directions, add Onion to cooking water
2. With 3 minutes to go add Broccoli
3. Meanwhile in a separate pan heat up Milk, stirring in Nutritional Yeast, Grey Poupon & Salt
4. In a small jar combine Corn Starch & Water, add to sauce
5. Stir constantly to prevent burning until desired thickness is reached, remove pan from burner until Pasta has cooked
6. Drain Pasta, Broccoli & Onions, return to pot, mix in "Cheese Sauce"
7. Enjoy!

My2Cents: Yes, I tried this with regular yellow mustard, there's something about the Grey Poupon that can't be beat.

Stop Produce Rot! Part 2 of 2

This post sources a New York Times article: Coping with Summer's Bounty of Vegetables

More ideas to combat produce rot:

1. Roast chopped veggies in an oven as soon as you get home, 375 degrees on a large roasting pan, sprinkle with a little sea salt
2. Remove any ties or rubber bands on vegetable bunches; the closer they are packed, the faster they will rot
3. Trim off the leafy tops of vegetables like carrots and beets, but leave an inch of stem on to prevent them from drying out
4. Don’t store any vegetables in airtight plastic bags: poke holes in the bags if necessary to keep air circulating
5. Vegetables and fruit should be stored separately, because the ethylene emitted by ripening fruit can damage vegetables
6. Bananas not only will ripen quickly, but their presence will speed the ripening of nearby fruits, keep them segregated

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/dining/coping-with-summers-bounty-of-vegetables.html?_r=3&pagewanted=all

Stop Produce Rot! Part 1 of 2

This re-post is courtesty of: Fooducate

Veggie Stress – 10 Tips to Win the Race Against the Rot Clock

Here are some helpful suggestions to make the most of your produce:

1. Buy smaller amounts of produce more frequently.

2. Wash leafy greens before storing in the fridge.

3. Don’t wash herbs, berries, and mushrooms until usage – they will rot even faster.

4. Store fruit and vegetables separately. As fruit ripen, they release ethylene, which increases the rate of ripening/spoilage for nearby vegetables. (You can also use this to your advantage if you need to ripen an avocado overnight – place it in a brown paper bag with 2 apples on your counter top)

5. Some produce does not ripen any more once refrigerated – stone fruit (not cherries), melons, mangoes, apples, pears, avocados and tomatoes. Consider moving them to the fridge once they are ripe enough.

6. Knife skills. Buy an expensive chef’s knife that won’t dull after 2 weeks. Practice your cutting skills so that you won’t be intimidated by prep time required to make a salad or sauteed vegetables. A bit of practice and you can reduce your veggie preparation time by 50%-75%.

7. When in doubt – use sliced and diced veggies as a colorful addition to pizza topping.

8. Smoothies – many an overripe banana, strawberry, etc… are perfectly fine for consumption but for the yuck factor. Throw them into a blender with low fat yogurt, ice cubes, and as little honey as you can, for a yummy tasty treat.

9. Schedule the day/hour of your veggie purchase to when you have some free time to care for them. Weekend mornings, for example.

10. Pre-cook as many of your veggies as you can the day you get them – peel, place on a roasting pan and drizzle some olive oil plus salt, then roast until soft. Now your veggies are ready to be added to any dish during the week.

This re-post is courtesty of: Fooducate

Event: Farmers Market Cash Mob Week!

Farmers Market Cash Mob Week!

6 days. 9 markets. 130+ vendors. $20.

Friday to Wednesday, August 17-22, 2012

"Join the phenomenon sweeping across local businesses in Cleveland. A cash mob is a group of people who assemble at a local business and buy items from that business. The purpose of these mobs is to support both the local businesses and the overall community. - Wikipedia

Farmers markets are the original small business incubators - hosting independently-owned and operated vendors of local food grown in the vacant lots and surrounding acreage outside our fine city. Whether you are a first time shopper or a seasoned veteran, cash mob week promises to deliver you delicious fresh produce and new discoveries. "

What to do...

1. Pick a market (or 2 or more!)
2. Bring $20 cash
3. Meet at the market info table at the listed time
4. Spend your cash at vendors of your choice
5. Enjoy your local goods!

When & Where to go...

Farmer's Market Websites:

Broadway    Coit   Downtown   Gateway 105   Gordon Square   
Kamm's Corners   Lakewood   Tremont  Wade Oval Wednesdays

Event: Wellness Day at Legacy Village

Wellness Day at Legacy Village

Presented by Balanced Living and the Cleveland Clinic

A day dedicated to health & wellness!


 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Michael F. Roizen, MD, Chief Wellness Officer, Cleveland Clinic.  Participants will discover 15 important steps to take toward looking, feeling and actually being younger. These will include brain exercises to keep you mentally sharp, five to eight supplements to consider taking for lifelong health and a simple skin care regimen that will keep you looking good at any age.

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING

• Hourly Zumba and Yoga classes on the lawn
• Health screenings provided by Cleveland Clinic Health System
• Local health exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services
• Demonstrations and samples of healthy foods
• Kids’ Corner with food, games and prizes
• Demonstrations from Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative Medicine

PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS

• Dinner with a Doc: A Private Healthy Cooking Lesson with Michael F. Roizen, MD, Chief Wellness Officer, Cleveland Clinic and Jim Perko, Executive Chef, Cleveland Clinic Center for Lifestyle Medicine
• Fashion Items
• Free Yoga and Boot Camp classes

GIFT BASKETS FROM

• Cleveland Clinic Wellness Store
• Earth Day Coalition
• Hopewell
• AND MORE!

KIDS CORNER TO INCLUDE

• Eating Healthy with Mr. Owl
• Germ Buster: Good hand Washing Techniques
• Wellness Walk
• Ask a Pediatric Specialist
• Ask a Sleep Specialist
• And much more!

When: Saturday, August 18, 2012
Where: Legacy Village: 25001 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst OH 44124
Time: 11-3
Cost: Free

Learn more!

Healthy Hoff Speaks: 10 Mystery Foods Of A Vegan!

Recently, I spoke to the No Oil Vegan, Dr. Esselstyn's & Rip's E2 Diet NE Ohio Meetup Group (that is a mouthful!) at their monthly Vegan, No Oil Dinner at Sushi Rock!

It was awesome!

I love this group of people - so interested in & dedicated to the whole-foods, plant-based, no-oil lifestyle!  If you're at all curious about this lifestyle or just looking to get your social calender jumping, I highly encourage you to check out this group!

Since announcing this lecture, I've been getting a lot of inquires as to what the "10 Mystery Foods Of A Vegan" are.  These are just some of the more interesting foods that I hadn't discovered until going Vegan.  It was through research in an effort to broaden my food options after cutting out all animal & animal by-products that I learned of these cool foods. 

For those of you who were unable to make the lecture or are just looking for more information, here you go:

1. Bragg Liquid Aminos - natural soy sauce alternative
2. Nutritional Yeast - cheesy flavoring & B12 punch!
3. Kelp Granules - low sodium salt alternative
4. Stevia - natural sugar alternative
5. Sprouts - super food, nutrient dense
6. Chia Seeds - super food for omega-3s
7. Couscous - super quick pasta
8. Teeccino - herbal, caffeine-free coffee
9. McDougall Right Foods -vegan, oil-free convenience meals
10. 5 Magic Veggies For Smoothies - blend'em & they disappear!

I mentioned in my lecture that I get the bulk of these foods from Vitacost.com.  It's a discount health & wellness online store specializing in hard to find foods as well as organic health & beauty products!

To get a $10 coupon from Vitacost, click here!  Only available for new customers.

Keep It Healthy!
The Hoff

Doc: I Like Killing Flies

I Like Killing Flies has nothing to do with healthy eating.  In fact, quite the opposite, but it is an entertaining look at an old school restaurant owner, Kenny Shopsin from Greenwich Village doing things his own way as bizarre as his way is.  Kenny also shares his unique views on life, love, politics and anything else that he feels like.  A real look at the entrepreneurial spirit!

I wasn’t expecting this, but this guy is my dad and his restaurant is my dad’s auto body shop.  The conversation about the parking ticket; is a conversation I lived over and over as a kid (may explain a lot). 

There is a sad twist at the end (that had my jaw on the floor), but this is a documentary and its job is to capture life as it happens.

If you’re looking for an entertaining 78 minutes to zone out from reality as we know it, check this one out.

Check out this short clip!

Hoff Hit: Rest & Rejuvinate

Stop eating three hours before you plan to hit the sack.

This will give your body enough time to digest whatever is in your tummy and turns it's attention to more important things: repair & rejuvenation.

You see, your body has a long, long, long laundry list of chores to accomplish before you rise & shine: muscle, tissue (your skin!) & cell repair, memory enhancement, regulating metabolism (I'm not getting in the way of that one), releasing hormones, etc.  And it really, really wants 8 hours to get all those things done.

So cut your body some slack - stop with the late night snacking!

Baked Potato

Looking for a quick meal or side?

Using a fork, pierce a potato a few times and microwave in 2 minute intervals, turning the potato between intervals, until potato is soft.

Here are some topping ideas:

• Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut & Mustard
• Vegan Chili
• Soup (Split Pea, Veggie...)
• Baked Beans
• Black Beans & Corn
• Nutritional Yeast
• Pesto Sauce

Santa Fe Lettuce Wraps

Santa Fe Lettuce Wraps
Yields:  A lot!
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 2 Hearts of Romaine (ends removed)
• 15oz can Black Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup Corn (rinse & drained)
• 1 Red Pepper (chopped)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1 3/4 cups Water
• 2 cups Instant Brown Rice
• Juice of 1 Lime
• Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime Seasoning (optional)
• Sea Salt
• Salsa

Directions:

1. Season Water Mrs. Dash & Sea Salt and bring to a boil
2. Reduce to simmer, add Rice & Lime Juice, cover & cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat allow to stand for 5 minutes
3. Meanwhile, sauté Red Pepper & Onion - add to rice mixture when done
4. Add Black Beans & Corn to rice mixture & heat through
5. Spoon Rice Mixture into Lettuce Leaves
6. Top with Salsa

Me2Cents:  I was inspired to create this recipe out of my love for Hoff's Chinese Lettuce Wraps.  Something about the crisp, crunchiness of the lettuce paired with the warm, yummy filling is addicting!  So yes, technically this is just a taco salad without the taco - however, playing with variety keeps meal time interesting.