READ: 8 Simple Healthy and Green Travel Tips by Carolyn Scott Hamilton

This is the year your going to do it, right? You’ve saved, you picked the place and you’ve even set a date. But you want to travel as healthy and green as possible as it will save you money while also being nice to mother nature. Well, here are a few easy tips to help you get to your exotic destination, the healthy and eco way!

1) Carbon offset credits – Flying is one of the biggest fuel guzzling acts anyone can partake in. And unless you have unlimited time and funds, chances are you won’t be sailing across the globe to see it. Flying is a necessary evil but by purchasing carbon offset credits, you can rest easy knowing that the money will be put to good green use!

2) Bring your own bottle -Always, always, always bring your own water bottle. For health and hydration but also to keep plastic bottles out of the landfills. I don’t leave home without my reusable glass bottle!

3) Eco lodging -Do your best to stay at green friendly hotels. More and more, hotels and motels are going green by providing everything from hypoallergenic, organic rooms and bedding, to dual flushing toilets, etc. Many exotic resorts are super green so relax in green luxury, worry free!

4) Drink your veggies – When traveling, being sure to keep your health and immune system in proper working order is key. Sometimes it’s tough to get in a great salad or big plate of veggies so opt to bring a vitamin packed veggie powder that you can mix in water and drink up. My fave is Go Greens by ToGo Brands as each packet, mixed with 8ounces of water, is the equivalent to 6 servings of veggies!

5) When in room – Instead of having housekeeping change your sheets and towels every day, skip a day or 2 to save on the water and electricity it takes them to wash your not-so-dirty goods. Also, make use of your room and prep meals there by keeping left overs on ice and using your coffee pot to heat up food and soups!

6) Eat veg -Depending where you are in the world, eating vegetarian is easier then other spots. But you can always load up on local produce and fruit for snacks instead of opting for packed junk food like chips and cookies! Get to know local foods and cultures by checking out nearby markets and taste testing their goods!

7) Take walking or bike tours – When traveling, it’s fun to do some touristy stuff and take guided tours. Look for walking or biking tours so that you get some exercise in and steer clear of gas guzzling buses. Good for you and good for the planet!

Don’t break from your routine – Ok, so you might not be able to hit the gym every day or eat as healthy as you like but letting yourself go completely while away makes it much more difficult to return to normalcy upon your return home. If you can squeeze in some stretching, a brisk walk and most importantly, being mindful of what you eat, you will thank yourself later!

Wherever you go on your next trip, make it healthy and green!

Technorati Tags: Green travel, healthy travel, travel tips, vegan travel, vegetarian travel

READ: Healthy and Vegan Food Trucks Sweeping The Nation by Carolyn Scott Hamilton

Well, what was once a few trucks with crazy long lines popping up here and there has now become a nationwide phenomenon. With major metropolitan cities everywhere joining in the mobile food movement, the varieties have become as unique as the cities they are found in. And with variety, comes options for special diet diners.

So with no further a due, here is The Healthy Voyager’s Round Up of food trucks all across America that feed the hungry, veggie and health conscious masses!

Los Angeles ( and surrounding areas)

• The Kogi Truck – The truck that started it all has a number of great vegggie korean bbq options
• Sea Birds – 100% vegan and organic all the time
• FrankenStand -  100% vegan hot dogs in a horror themed cart
• Dosa Truck – Lots of vegan Indian food options
• The Nacho Truck – Great Mexican vegan options
• Organic Oasis – Eco and organic truck with a ton of raw vegan options
• Sweet E’s Bake Shop – Dessert truck with lots of vegan options and some gluten free
• The Green Truck – Eco friendly truck with all natural options and tons of veggie goodies
• Mandoline Grill – Vietnamese food with great vegan options
• Smokin’ Willie’s – BBQ with vegan options
• Frysmith – French Fry truck with vegan options

San Francisco, CA

• Sunny Vibrations -Eco-vegan awesomeness
• The Pie Truck – Has veggie pies

Portland, OR

• Homegrown Smoker – Vegan BBQ and Comfort Food
• Unicart – Vegan mythical beast food
• D.C. Vegetarian - Veggie truck with lots of vegan options
• Native Bowl – Vegan bowls
• Sneaky Kitty – Vegan Thai
• Off The Griddle – Veggie and vegan burgers
• The Biscuit Bike – Vegan biscuits and gravy
• The Pedal Kettle – Eco-vegan kettle corn

New York , NY & New Jersey

• The Cinnamon Snail – 100% vegan and organic breakfast, lunch and dessert truck
• The Desi Truck – Indian food with veggie options (Manhattan)

Miami, FL

• The Mac N’ Food Truck – 100% vegan comfort food, specializing in awesome mac n’ cheese and other yummies

Chicago, IL

• Soul Vegetarian – run by the makers of Ste. Martaen vegan cheese and Soul vegetarian East, this food truck serves up 100% vegan food

Providence, RI

• Like No Udder – 100% soft serve vegan ice cream truck

Durham, CT

• GMonkey – Eco and vegetarian, local and seasonal truck

Dallas, TX

• Good Karma Kitchen  – Organic vegetarian truck

Austin, TX

• CCV - Vegan food trailer

Washington, D.C.

• The Fojol Bros. Truck – A traveling culinary carnival with veggie options

Boston, MA

• Clover Truck – Veggie and vegan organic options

And there’s more and more popping up every day! Be sure to leave a comment if you know of one we should add to the list!

Technorati Tags: Carolyn Scott Hamilton, Food Trucks, Healthy Diet, healthy food trucks, inspiration, nationwide food trucks, travel, vegan dining, Vegan Food, vegan food trucks, vivid life, wellness

RECIPES: Gourmet Gridiron ~ Healthy, Vegan and Gluten Free Super Bowl Menu and Recipes

The holidays are behind us but an all American tradition is coming up quick, Super Bowl Sunday! No matter if you actually watch the game or are just there for the commercials, the best part (at least for me) is the food!  It’s the centerpiece of the party and a bottomless pit of mindless eating for about 4 hours. So why not make the food awesome and on the healthier side? Vegans or not, check out this year’s menu so whether you’re a sports fan or not, you’ll be looking forward to the food!

Game Day Guac

• 3 avocados, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 2 ears corn, grilled and kernels removed
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1-2 clove(s) garlic, finely crushed and minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine the avocados, corn, jalapeno, onions, cilantro, lime juice and garlic in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with organic tortilla chips or crudite.

Kick Off Popcorn

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup popping corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspooncayenne pepper

Heat oil in deep pot over medium high heat. Add corn. Cover pot and pop the corn, shaking pan often. Remove from heat. Drizzle with melted butter. Combine spices in a small dish and sprinkle the blend over hot corn. Serve.

Field Goal Green Salad

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup Champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoonDijon mustard
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup almond oil
• Salt and pepper

For the salad:

• 12 ounces mixed field greens
• 1 bunch green asparagus, grilled then diced into 1-inch long pieces
• 1 sweet white onion, sliced thin
• 1 cup slivered almonds

For the dressing:

Whisk all ingredients except almond oil together. While whisking, slowly drizzle in hazelnut oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside until ready to serve salad.

For the salad:

When ready to serve toss greens, asparagus and vinaigrette together, seasoning with salt and pepper. Place a generous handful on each salad plate, top greens with onions and sprinkle with slivered almonds.

Winter Tailgate Chili

For the Roasted Garlic:

• 12 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Chili:

• 12 shallots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 chile peppers (chipotles a re great)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour (gluten free if desired)
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 7 cups vegan chicken broth made from vegan chicken bullion
• 4 cups shredded cooked vegan chicken (like Gardein) or cubed pan seared tofu
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 15-ounce can navy beans, undrained
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/3 cupvegan heavy cream ( 1 block of silken tofu (12-ounces) and 1/2 cup of plain soy milk. Blend in blender until thick and creamy and there are no more lumps )
• 1 cup grated vegan mozzarella or Monterrey Jack cheese

Make the roasted garlic: Toss the 12 cloves garlic with the olive oil and 1 teaspoon water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover, leaving a vent, and microwave until soft, about 90 seconds. Let cool, covered.

Prepare the chili: Preheat the broiler. Cook the shallots in the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place the chiles on a foil-lined broiler pan and broil until charred on all sides, turning, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let cool. Peel the peppers with your fingers or a paring knife. Stem, seed and chop.

Add the minced garlic to the shallots and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 3 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the wine; simmer 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the roasted chiles, 6 cups broth, the chicken, chili powder, cayenne, beans, and salt and black pepper to taste. Return to a simmer.

Meanwhile, squeeze the soft pulp from the roasted garlic into a blender or food processor. Add the remaining 1 cup broth and process until smooth. Add to the chili and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes, adding the spinach during the last 5 minutes. Add the paprika and cream and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with the cheese.

Punter’s Vegan Chicken Pizza

• 3/4 pound vegan chicken breast cutlets (1 package and a half of vegan chicken cutlets)
• Olive oil
• 2 teaspoons grill seasoning
• 1 pizza dough, store bought or from your favorite pizzeria (gluten free if desired)
• Cornmeal or flour, to handle dough
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 1 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, spice level per your taste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced olives
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Preheat grill pan to high.

Place chicken on a plate and drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken then season with grill seasoning. When grill is hot, add chicken and cook about 3 minutes on each side.

Stretch dough to form pizza using cornmeal or flour to help you handle it. If you let it rest and warm up a few minutes it will handle even easier. Set pizza on pizza pan to the side and clean board.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in Worcestershire, hot sauce, and tomato sauce.

Remove the chicken from grill and thinly slice it. Add chicken to sauce and coat. Cover the pizza dough with the saucy chicken, cheese, olives and scallions. Bake 18 minutes or until crisp.

Football Cake Pies

• 1 cupsugar
• 1 /2 cup vegan shortening
• 2 egg replacers
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1 1/2 teaspoonsbaking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegan buttermilk ( 1 cup plain soy milk with 1 teaspoon of apple cider or coconut water vinegar, set aside to curdle for at least 15 minutes )
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling

• 1 pound vegan cream cheese, softened
• 2 sticks vegan butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 baking sheets and set aside.

To make the cake pies, in a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the sugar and 1/2 cup of the shortening. Add 2 egg replacers and mix well.

Onto a sheet of waxed paper, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Add 1 teaspoon of the vanilla and mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake until tester comes out clean, about 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.

Lay half of the cookies flat on a work surface. Divide the filling among the cookies, spreading out to the edges. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwich pies. Cover tightly and refrigerate before serving. Pipe remaining icing over top of the pies in the design of football threads.

White Chocolate Maple Brownies

• 10 tablespoons unsalted vegan butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan
• 1 cup walnut pieces
• 2 cupsall purpose flour (gluten free if desired)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 3 egg replacers, mixed (EnerG is best)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 6 ounces vegan white chocolate

For the Topping:

• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 6 tablespoons vegan unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup vegan heavy cream( 1 block of silken tofu (12-ounces) and 1/2 cup of plain soy milk. Blend in blender until thick and creamy and there are no more lumps )
• Vegan vanilla ice cream, for serving
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces

Brownies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on two sides; butter the foil. Pulse 1/2 cup walnuts in a food processor until almost fine (do not overprocess). Whisk the ground nuts, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Beat 10 tablespoons butter and thebrown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg replacers, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate and the remaining 1/2 cup walnuts.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake until the brownies are light brown around the edges and spring back when pressed, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly on a rack.

Meanwhile, make the topping: Place the maple syrup and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until the mixture bubbles and thickens, swirling the pan, about 6 minutes. Add the cream and continue to cook until the mixture is the consistency of caramel.

Use the foil to lift the blondies out of the pan, then cut into large bars. Serve warm topped with ice cream, the maple sauce and the walnuts.

Technorati Tags: cooking, food, gluten free, healthy, party food, Recipes, Super Bowl, vegan, Vegetarian

READ: New year’s Eco-Lutions by Carolyn Scott-Hamilton

Yep, we’ve made another trip around the sun. The new year is upon us filled with brand new opportunities and chances. Let’s do our best to make it an even greener one with these simple tips!

1) Go Veg (or at least try to Decrease Your Meat& Animal Product Consumption) – While not everyone is ready to become 100% vegetarian, there is little doubt that eating less meat is one of the fastest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Pick one or two days a week where you will only cook vegetarian/vegan food. Find a good vegetarian/vegan food cooking book to learn the best recipes, and you’re set!

2) Seasonal Shopping – While it can be tempting to eat strawberries in winter, when they have been imported from halfway across the planet or grown in energy-hungry greenhouses, they’re hardly sustainable. Do some research into what is naturally grown in your area in the season, and prefer these. This way, you’ll also rediscover the pleasure of meals changing with the seasons!

3) Pedal Your Way Through the Year -  People who re-start cycling to work and/ or the supermarket often say that it’s lovely to rediscover their neighborhood that way. In fact, unless you live in a very mountainous area, this could be the most relaxing resolution you take!

4) Bus it, Train it or Carpool it -  Granted, in the middle of the mountains or when there is half metre of snow outside your door, cycling sounds less appealing. If that’s the case where you live, start using public transport to go to work and the supermarket. If public transport connections are poor in your area, then it’s time to wake up the local campaigner in you and ask for it – make 2011 the year when your community stood up for sustainability.

5) Green Your Abode -  By now, I assume most of you have switched to CFL lightbulbs – so it’s time to take home efficiency to the next level. Check your house for heat loss (there are companies specialized in this if you don’t feel expert enough) and make it your DIY project in 2011 to fix them. If you haven’t yet, lower the thermostat during the night. The ideal temperature to sleep is around 16 degrees Celsius. If that’s too cold for you, do it in steps – half a degree less each month. You might realize you even sleep better – and you will see it on your heating bill!

6) Toss Out The Toxins – This might take a while in research, so plan to do it over the whole year. From beauty products to clothes detergent and computer parts, we have become used to toxic products in our daily lives. Time to stop it. When buying new products, check what they are made of, and pick the one that will have the least toxic residues.

7) Take Care of What You Already Have  – New cellphone? Must absolutely have the latest iPad? How about the newly released gaming console? Our consumption of electronics is reaching records. Make a break, and promise not to buy new electronics this year, unless the one you already have breaks down (and when it does, ensure it is recycled properly!).

Recycling 2.0 -  You probably have two different bins in your kitchen, sorting your waste to have it recycled. It doesn’t end here though. In 2011, try to reduce the amount picked up by the garbage truck. If you have a garden, start your own compost. When you’re at the supermarket, prefer products that are not over packaged (you know the one: plastics wrapped in plastic, itself wrapped in cardboard…). If there are to many of these items in your local supermarket, time to start campaigning! Write to the store manager and express your concerns – and convince your neighbors to do so as well.

9) Make More Outdoor Time -  Learn to enjoy nature again. Make a habit of taking a weekly walk outside. We have become so used to live in our houses and in our cars, many people have no idea what nature looks like anymore.

10) Convince (at least) 3 friends to Go Green With You – Why three? Because almost everyone knows three people they can influence. If those three convince three more people next year and so on, we will grow a movement capable of protecting our planet – and the resolutions above will become a no brainer for everyone.

11) … What is your green resolution for 2012? Tell us in comments below!

Technorati Tags: Carolyn Scott Hamilton, eco, green, green living, healthy, inspiration, new year, Planet Friendly, resolutions, Sustainability, vegan, Vegetarian, vivid life

READ: How Not To Shop Till You (Or Your Wallet) Drop by Carolyn Scott-Hamilton

Marathon shopping can really put strain on you as well as your wallet. In order to maintain sanity, health as well as money in your bank account for the rest of the year, it’s important to shop smart.  Check out a few of these tips before you flash your credit cards and get yourself into a wrapping frenzy:

• When heading out to shop, be sure you eat before leaving the house. Nothing kills your wallet and your stomach like fast or food court food.  Walk off your meal, that’s a better option ; )
• Bring a healthy snack with you so you’re not tempted to snack on trash.  It’s also handy when you find yourself starving in a long line with no end in sight.
• Wear comfortable shoes! Nothing kills a day of shopping like blisters and a headache. You need supportive and comfy shoes for holiday marathon shopping. Plus it makes it easier to run from sale to sale!
• If you’re shipping gifts that you are purchasing out and about, bring your address list with you. A lot of the times stores can ship for you directly from the store so it saves you a step.
• Speaking of shipping, know the cut off dates for packages to arrive on time. If you are a procrastinator, this tip will come in handy ; )
• When shopping online, be sure that the sites you are shopping are secured sites. You can tell that it is secured if the address reads https: and/or there is a lock icon with a secure company logo on the bottom of your window. If uncertain, don’t make the purchase or you will have a nightmare before Christmas!
• Be sure to add your coupon and promo codes at the right time before check out. Once you hit submit, sometimes it’s a hassle to get your discount.  Keep a window on your browser open to search for coupon codes of any store you are shopping at – you can save a pretty penny! Just cut and paste the codes into the promo window. Sometimes they don’t work but it’s always worth a shot!
• Gift giving etiquette – Don’t give a gift you wouldn’t like to receive. Sure, it’s the thought that counts however,  if you re-gift some used, crappy odd n’ end or pick something up from the 99 cent store on your way to a party, maybe it’s best to just get a nice card instead ; )  Words can sometimes be better than a tacky nick knack that screams “gas station gift rack”.
• Shop all year long – sounds like fun right? Actually, it’s a smart way to ensure that everyone on your list get something they actually want or speaks to their personality.  Ever see something and say “So and so would love that”. If you have the cash, buy it and save it in a special place instead of racking your brains Thanksgiving weekend wondering what you should get that so and so or where that cool thing was that you saw in July.  Think ahead as it will save you time, money and you look like the hero.  Also, keep notes of when the people on your list mention something they like or need – it really comes in handy during shopping season and your giftees will be overjoyed with your thoughtfulness ; )
• When in doubt, give a gift card!  You can get them virtually anywhere, in any denomination and the person o your list gets to go on a mini shopping spree, thanks to you!

Have a very happy, healthy and green gift giving season!

CLICK VividLife.me for more inspiration for living your ultimate life!!!

Carolyn Scott-Hamilton celebrated her 10 years as a vegan as well as an entrepreneur in 2009.  After college, Carolyn moved to Los Angeles from Miami in 1998.  Shortly after arriving and becoming vegan, she studied holistic nutrition as well as dabbled in the culinary arts before she opened Ineventions, originally a pr & event firm, it is now a full film, TV and web production branch under the umbrella of her original business.  With the access and addition of the new business arm, Carolyn was able to start realizing her dream of traveling and eating all over the world and so the Healthy Voyager was born in 2005.

Carolyn is an avid traveler but she found it quite difficult to find vegan friendly restaurants abroad.  She tired of having to pack her own foods or eat bread, fries and junky foods when she was away.  After realizing she could find and/or manipulate any menu to create a meal that satisfied her as well as her dining partners, she created the Healthy Voyager to show people that your dietary restrictions should not ruin you or your travel mates’ trip, be it business or pleasure.  She knew that many people must endure the same problems no matter what their diet may be from medical or ethical reasons to just wanting to keep slim. She started her blog to document every city and place she dined as a resource for the finickiest of travelers. She also realized it was a great resource for those who were traveling with others who did not share their special needs as her posts offered suggestions to restaurants that shared options for all types of foodies ; ) As of 2006, she and her husband, of opposing gastronomic tastes, have traveled and dined healthily and harmoniously while documenting it all on film for the Healthy Voyager Web Series and growing the Healthy Voyager brand.

Carolyn is the executive producer, creator, host and writer of The Healthy Voyager web series & radio show, site, blog, brand and social network. To connect with the Healthy Voyager, you may email her at Carolyn@healthyvoyager.com .

Technorati Tags: budget, gifts, green, Health, healthy, holiday, moneay saving, shopping, suggestions, time saving, tips

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