VIGOR Grill Year 5 Rochester Fest 2008

VIGOR sets up a six day food vending booth at Rochester's Beginning of Summer Celebration.  We offer a healthy, wholesome and compassionate option to the festival.Vigor Grill was featured on <a href="http://www.kttc.com/Global/story.asp?s=8543901">KTTC </a>this year. Take a look at our <a href="../../uploads/vigor%20grill.pdf">2008 brochure</a>.   2008 Rochesterfest Our Best Year Yet! VIGOR increased their sales by 42%! We had a very successful 2008 with many thanks to the Good Food Store and the Backroom Deli, Rudi's Organic Bakery, Food for Life, Turtle Mountain, HyVee and Whole Grain Milling for donations. <a href="http://www.rochesterfest.com">Rochesterfest Website</a>On the 2008 Vegan Menu <blockquote style="background-color: #ffffff">Portobello Burgers India Pakora Fries Cajun Tofu Wraps Ezekiel Bean Burritos Garden Salads SW Black Bean Salads Rootbeer Floats </blockquote>We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and this operation depends on sponsors and volutneers for its success.  All proceeds will go to VIGOR and used to promote vegetarianism. To Volunteer please contact: Jaben Kitson <a href="mailto:jaben_kitson@yahoo.com">jaben_kitson@yahoo.com</a> (507)273-5806<a href="http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=172034056/a=100952670/t_=100952670" target="_blank" title="2007 Pictures (Monday)"> </a> 2008-05-30T08:20:00-06:00 1 VIGOR Grill Year 5 Rochester Fest 2008

2008-07-30T09:53:59-06:00

Rochester Magazine's 2007 Best of Restaurant's contest results are in.Thanks to the people of <a href="http://www.rochestermn.com/">Rochester Magazine</a> for holding the contest of Rochester's Favorite Restaurants of 2007.The <a href="http://www.backroomdeli.com">Backroom Deli</a> of the Good Food Store Co-op was voted the Best Health Food and Best Vegetarian Selection again!The Backroom Deli features daily soups and posts them on their website every morning for your convenience. A variety of gluten free deli salads (including gluten free pasta), wraps and soups are available as well. Even those who are not into Vegan or Vegetarian food will be surprised how delicious and satisfying the Deli's Oat Pecan Burger or Cajun Tofu sandwhich are.Enjoy the new experience, dine at the deli voted Best Health Food and Vegetarian Selection for 2007. Thanks for everyone who voted and if you would like to vote for next years selection stay tuned in November for details. References * <a href="http://www.backroomdeli.com">The Backroom Deli</a> * <a href="http://www.rochestermn.com/">RochesterMN.com</a> 2007-02-18T08:08:00-07:00 3 Rochester's Best

2008-06-13T08:18:00-06:00

According to studies outlined in PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) avoiding animal products in the diet has many health benefits.According to studies outlined in PCRM article Vegetarian Foods: Powerful for Health vegetarians are about 40 percent less likely to develop cancer compared to meat-eaters. Japanese women who adapt a western diet are more likely to develop breast cancer. Vegetarian's contain more white blood cells than meat- eaters.Cholesterol cannot be found in a plant based diet. As long as trans fatty acids from hydrogenated oils are avoided, a vegetarian diet will not cause cholesterol buildup in the arteries. In fact a vegan diet can actually help reverse atherosclerosis and lower blood pressure.A vegan diet has also been effective in regulating blood sugars helping in prevention and reversing of diabetes.A diet high in protein causes the body to excrete large amounts of calcium and other minerals that can lead to osteoporosis, kidney stones and gallstones.Asthma has also been shown to be higher in people not eating vegan diets.What's Wrong with Dairy Products? The high cholesterol content in dairy increases risk of cardiovascular disease.Dairy may contain calcium but it has been linked to the onset of osteoporosis. The calcium in dairy is not absorbed and utilized as the calcium in spinach, kale, almonds or wheat grass is. And, the high protein level can lead to the depletion of calcium in your body. D toxicity from milk can also increase the outflow of calcium.Consumption of dairy has been directly linked to the ineffectiveness of insulin and the onset of Type one diabetes.Dairy consumption has been shown to triple a women's likely hood of developing breast cancer.Mothers who drink milk pass cow antibodies along to their nursing infants through their breast milk. These antibodies can cause colic.Dairy contains lactose which is a problem for those who are lactose intolerant. Specifically it causes gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and flatulence. 95 percent of Asian Americans, 74 percent of Native Americans, 70 percent of African Americans, 53 percent of Mexican Americans, and 15 percent of Caucasians are lactose intolerant.Milk is often contaminated in factory farming because cows are fed hormones to increase production. This can result in mastitis, enlarged and infected utters, that is often treated with antibiotics that make it into the milk along with pesticides and other drugs. References * <a href="http://www.pcrm.org/">Physicians Committee for responsible medicine</a> * <a href="http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vegetarian_foods.html">Vegetarian Foods: Powerful for Health</a> * <a href="http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/dairy.html">What's Wrong with Dairy Products?</a> 2006-05-12T08:28:00-06:00 4 Health Benefits of a Plant based diet

2008-06-13T08:34:14-06:00

A quick guide for ensuring that a meal is completely plant based and healthyThe best way to ensure that your food is plant based is to only eat things that come in their own package like an avocado, almond or pomegranate. And to make sure it's healthy buy organic, or better yet get to know your local organic farmer.However this is not entirely realistic for most of us at present. Luckily food is required to be labeled. If you see <a href="http://www.rawdc.org/food/veglogo.html">Vegan labels and logos</a> this ensures that it is completely plant based.We need to read the ingredient list for those products without vegan labels. Obvious red light items are anything with the word milk, butter, egg, stock or lard on the label.Watch for animal derived ingredients such as whey, lactose, casein, Worcestershire sauce, caramel and mayonnaise. To the novice these might easily be mistaken for vegan ingredients when in fact they are not. Most soy cheese products contain whey or casein in them. Honey is not considered to be vegan. Caramel may be made from sugar, butter, cream or milk, and flavoring.Natural flavors can be basically anything that wasn't synthetically produced, so you may have to call the company to make certain natural flavors are not animal derivedCheck the label for nutritional information. If cholesterol is not 0, it contains animal fat. Cholesterol is not found in plant based products, not even coconuts. Although TFAs (trans fatty acids) found in hydrogenated oils will cause blood cholesterol to build up.Marshmallows are actually not vegetarian. They are made from cartilage The same goes for gelatin and Jello brand desserts.What about chocolate? Cocoa butter is made from the cocoa bean, so it is vegan. However most chocolate has animal products added to it. Look for ingredients such as whey, milk, or milk fat on the package. These are all animal derived.Like Chinese or East Asian food? Hoi sin or duck sauce does not have animal products in it so you're safe there, but fish sauce and oyster sauce do contain fish and other creatures of the sea.What about beer? You might be surprised to find that some beers are filtered through products derived from animals such as isinglass and gelatin. See <a href="http://www.veganvanguard.com/vegism/beer.html">VeganVanguard</a> for more information...Quick List of common ingredients that contain or may contain animal products: Milk, Butter, Eggs, Chicken or beef stock or broth, Lard, Beef fat, Whey, Lactose, Casein, Worcestershire sauce, Mayonnaise, Calcium lactate, Caramel, Gelatin, Marshmallows, Fish sauce, Oyster Sauce, Cholesterol, Glycerin, Honey<a href="http://www.peta.org/">PETA</a> has a <a href="http://www.caringconsumer.com/resources_ingredients.asp">list of animal products</a> to avoid in your diet and in products such as shampoo. This is a pretty comprehensive list, but it is missing a few items that may or may not be animal based. For example calcium lactate may be animal derived. Glycerin or cellulose may or may not be vegetarian as well.If you are concerned about GMOs, you should know that products with GMO ingredients are not required to be labeled as so. Corn, soy and canola (rapeseed) are the most likely of foods to be GMO. The only way to make sure they are not is to buy certified organic. If you have ever had a soda which contains corn syrup, you have most likely consumed GMO corn. Many processed foods contain soy lecithin, corn syrup or canola oil in them. For more information on GMOs and organic certification see the article titled monkeys choose organic. References * <a href="http://www.rawdc.org/food/veglogo.html">Vegan labels and logos</a> * <a href="http://www.veganvanguard.com/vegism/beer.html">VeganVanguard</a> * <a href="http://www.peta.org/">PETA</a> * <a href="http://www.caringconsumer.com/resources_ingredients.asp">list of animal products</a> 2006-05-12T09:06:00-06:00 5 Label Reader's Guide

2008-06-13T09:15:17-06:00

Rochester's Post Bulletin journalist, D.A. Loeser Small, has a GreenSpace column in the paper.   She recently featured VIGOR in her column - <a href="http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=51&a=353995">Promoting the 'most eco-friendly diet' with VIGOR</a> 2008-07-30T09:40:00-06:00 6 VIGOR in the News

2008-07-30T09:57:54-06:00

We've had many requests from vegetarians new to the Rochester area or visiting inquire about the vegetarian options at restaurants in Rochester. Most restaurants, especially the ones with waitresses and chef's in the back are very happy and sometimes excited to come up with vegetarian or vegan customized specials. So do not be shy to ask for vegan options. If they don't know the word vegan, I dare you to ask which items don't contain something chopped off or squeezed out of an animal ;) On second thought maybe tactful and compassionate is better. Here is a quick list of favorites amongs the VIGOR board members. We do plan to expand upon this list with indepth interviews from select restaurants as well as with entries in a new reviews database currently under construction.I've split the list into two categories. Fast means relatively fast, at least a good option for lunch hour. Slow refers to a restaurant with a wait staff where you sit first and then order at your table.***** FAST ***** --------------------------------------------------- The Good Food Store Backroom Deli --------------------------------------------------- Phone: 507-289-9061 1001 6th St NW <a href="http://www.backroomdeli.com">www.backroomdeli.com</a>Completely %100 VEGAN and mostly organic. Located in the Good Food Co/op. Great for lunch or for takehome salads, soups and burgers. ---------------------------------------------------India Curry House Downtown lunch buffet --------------------------------------------------- (507) 288-5001 10am-3pm They cater downtown in the Breckenridge skyway (by shops at University Square) between the galleria and 2nd Street SW. It is buffet style with somosas, pakora, naan and a few curries and rices. The prices are very reasonable and they always have vegan options.--------------------------------------------------- Noodles & Co. --------------------------------------------------- 3944 Marketplace Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507)285-1111 4607 Maine Ave SE Rochester, MN 55904 (507)393-6996 <a href="http://www.noodles.com">www.noodles.com</a>All entrees are vegetarian, most vegan. Tofu or meat are available as add ons.--------------------------------------------------- Z Pizza --------------------------------------------------- (507) 424-0440 <a href="http://www.zpizza.com">www.zpizza.com</a> 111 S Broadway Rochester, MN 55904All the pizza places in town will make the pizza without cheese (ask for extra sauce though because it gets dry otherwise.) But, only Z has soy cheese!!; although it's not vegan it's light on the dairy. They also have veggie burger crumbles and many veggie options like avocados and artichoke for example. The mexican style with veggie burger instead of chicken is great. They're pizzas are light on the tomato sauce, but good. Expect $10 per person. They also have salads and Calzones. As far as pizza goes, it's not Pizza Luce but it is vegetarian friendly.--------------------------------------------------- Panera Bread Co. (2Locations) --------------------------------------------------- Market Place Drive 3780 Market Place Drive NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 280-9185 | phone (507) 280-9186 | fax free Wi-Fi hotspot Crossroads Drive 460 Crossroads Drive SW Rochester, MN 55902 (507) 285-5800 | phone (507) 285-5900 | fax free Wi-Fi hotspot <a href="http://www.panerabread.com">www.panerabread.com</a>Always has a soup or two that's vegan. Black bean and garden vegetable. They have additional vegetarian soups as well. Their dutch apple bagel and blueberry bagel ingredient list appears to be vegan. They have avocados and also soy milk. They do not have vegan cream cheese, but the South location is next door to HyVee which sells vegan tofutti cream cheese.--------------------------------------------------- Chipolte Mexican Grill (2 Locations) --------------------------------------------------- 1201 S Broadway, Rochester - (507) 529-5484 3780 Marketplace Dr NW, Rochester - (507) 288-9171 <a href="http://www.chipotle.com">www.chipotle.com</a>The black bean burrito with salsas and guacamole is vegan and (caution) easily habbit forming.--------------------------------------------------- China Star --------------------------------------------------- 405 1st Ave SW, Rochester - (507) 281-0014 2808 41st St NW, Rochester - (507) 281-3905 1505 Highway 14 E, Rochester - (507) 285-5924The Schezuan Tofu is VIGOR President Kati's favorite on the menu, but they have other vegan options as well.--------------------------------------------------- Taco Bell --------------------------------------------------- 516 N Broadway, Rochester - (507) 282-1868 215 Apache Mall, Rochester - (507) 282-1650 <a href="http://www.tacobell.com">www.tacobell.com</a>4000 Marketplace Dr NW, Rochester - (507) 292-1863 Order anything substitute beans for meat and make fresco style. If you order fresco style they automatically remove all dairy items and add pico de gallo! It's pretty cool to be able to order something on the menu without asking for weird substitutes. Just say: - 7-layer burrito fresco style, add quacamole. - Bean burrito fresco style.************************************ SLOW FOOD (Sit down and be waited on) ************************************-------------------------------------- O'Neill's Pizza & Pub -------------------------------------- 1201 S. Broadway 507-529-1200 Believe it or not O'Neill's Pizzeria called VIGOR and wanted a couple of practicing vegans to try their vegan options to get our feedback. Four VIGOR members took O'Neill's up on their challenge. We got to try 2 different vegan pizzas & bread sticks with our choice of Tzatziki Sauce, Greek Dressing, or Spaghetti Sauce. We love it and recommend vegan & vegetarians to patronized the veg friendly pizzeria! We also recommend their take out items below... O'Neill's has a vegan to go menu: Salad Dressing- pint $4.00 Pasta Sauce- pint $4.00 Pizza Sauce- pint $4.00 Dough Balls- small $1.25 large $1.50 Sheeted Dough- small $1.75 large $2.25 Cucumber Sauce/Dip- pint $4.50  --------------------------------------------------- India Curry House --------------------------------------------------- 507-288-5001 1647 South Broadway Rochester, MN 55904South & North Indai Cuisine,India Curry House is a fine dining restaurant to visit for delicious authentic North and South Indian cuisine. --------------------------------------------------- Prescott's --------------------------------------------------- 507-536-7775 Crossroads Shopping Center 1201 South Broadway Rochester, MN 55904 <a href="http://www.prescottsgrill.com">www.prescottsgrill.com</a>Has a vegetarian chef and they have great vegan options actually on the menu. Super fancy meal (i.e. $20 a plate plus) --------------------------------------------------- India Garden --------------------------------------------------- (507) 288-6280 1107 N Broadway, Rochester, MN 55906India Garden has been in town for over a decade and have many vegan options and a nice lunch buffet.--------------------------------------------------- Vietnamese Café --------------------------------------------------- 507-281-3242 1014 N Broadway Offers 16 vegetarian dishes--------------------------------------------------- Phoa Hoa --------------------------------------------------- (507) 281-9993 1726 37th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901<a href="http://www.phohoa.com"> </a>If you like TVP (texturized vegetable protein) and an inexpensive meal, you'll love Phoa Hoa. --------------------------------------------------- Fiesta Mexicana (Fiesta Café) --------------------------------------------------- (507) 288-1116 1645 N Broadway, Rochester, MN 55906Has a vegetarian section in the menu with chimichanga de papas and a fiesta burrito as well as a few others. Note, the rice has chicken broth in it, but you can substitute with salad or fries.--------------------------------------------------- Dos Amigos --------------------------------------------------- (507) 536-4527 1611 North Highway 52, Rochester, MN 55901(507) 282-3300 20 4th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904<a href="http://dosamigosminnesota.com">dosamigosminnesota.com</a>Dos Amigos has a few vegan options.  The veggie fajitas are good. --------------------------------------------------- Zorbas Greek Restaurant --------------------------------------------------- (507) 281-1540 924 7th St Nw, Rochester, MN 55901 A Greek sit down restaurant with good food. It's a quiet place that serves wine and typical greek entrees and desserts with several vegetarian and vegan options.--------------------------------------------------- McGoon's Taxi Co. / Goonies Comedy Club --------------------------------------------------- (507) 288-8130 7 2nd St SW Rochester, MN 55902 <a href="http://mcgoonstaxi.com">mcgoonstaxi.com</a>McGoons has an awesome vegetarian sandwich and it is great vegan too, just ask them to hold the cheese please. --------------------------------------------------- Hu Hot --------------------------------------------------- (507) 206-4422 102 Apache Mall Rochester, MN 55902 <a href="http://www.huhot.com">www.huhot.com</a>It is a Mongolian grill where you pick your own uncooked veggies and sauces out and bring it to the grill for them to grill it up in front of you. If you don't mind a little cross contamination, this can be a fun and filling (all you can eat) occasion.  They will clean a section of the grill off for you if you tell them you're vegetarian. 2008-08-27T07:59:00-06:00 7 Veg Friendly Restaurants in Rochester

2008-09-18T12:48:06-06:00

The top climate scientist of the United Nations says people should consider eating less meat as a way of combating global warming.   <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7600005.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7600005.stm</a> 2008-09-07T10:59:00-06:00 8 United Nations Agree!

2008-09-10T09:02:17-06:00

<img src="../../images/oneills.jpg" alt="" width="269" height="178" align="left" />Believe it or not O'Neill's Pizzeria called VIGOR asking for a couple of practicing vegans to try their vegan options to get our feedback!  Four VIGOR members took O'Neill's up on their challenge.  We tried 3 different vegan pizzas & bread sticks with our choice of Tzatziki Sauce, Greek Dressing, or Pizza Sauce.  Their pizza is a simple homemade style thin pizza crust with a light spread of zesty pizza sauce topped with basic toppings.  Everything was tasty especially with one of their many microbrew beers on tap. Currently vegan cheese, fresh gormet toppings and organic or gluten free options are unavailable but they do have tofu and co-owner of this family owned restaurant, Shannon O'neill, is actively working on developing new vegan toppings.  If we can provide patronage they will be happy to work with us to provide more vegan options.  So please visit O'neill's and mention this article.  Ideas for dining in:Ask for the vegan crust, dough made with soy milk.  Otherwise they use cow's milk. Greek Pizza - Try their greek special but substitute crumbled tofu instead of feta and add greek peppers (mild yellow peppers).  Ask for tzatziki sauce on the side.  They use tofu instead of yogurt to make this vegan. Veggie - mushrooms, green bell pepper, onions, olives, tomatoes and optionally add pineapple.  Ask for herb salad dressing (olive oil, garlic and oregano) on the side to pour over the pizza for additional flavor. Mexican - tomatoes, onions, black olives, lettuce and taco sauce.  Add sport peppers for a kick. The breadsticks are good too and if you have a sweet tooth, ask for vegan cinnamon rolls. Vegan To Go Menu:If you would like to bake your own vegan pizza creations at home O'Neill's has dough and sauces to go.  The following is delicious: Gimmee lean sausage, sliced fresh garlic, sliced heirloom tomatoes, fresh broccoli and diced fresh (not dried) fig.  Let the dough rise for an hour or so first in a warm location (100 - 120 degrees F).  You can place the bag in hot water from the tap straight from the fridge.  Note, put the sauce on thin in the middle or the crust will be too soft in the middle after baking.  Bake at 500 degrees for about 10 minutes on a preheated pan or pizza stone. O'neill's is located in Cross Roads at 1201 S. Broadway (507-529-1200).   Salad Dressing   (pint)     $4.00 Pasta Sauce      (pint)     $4.00 Pizza Sauce      (pint)     $4.00 Dough Balls      (small)    $1.25                                              (large)     $1.50 Sheeted Dough   (small)   $1.75                                                 (large)    $2.25 Cucumber Sauce/Dip (pint) $4.50   2008-09-14T18:58:00-06:00 9 O'Neill's Pizza & Pub reaches out to the vegan community

2008-09-18T11:17:06-06:00

<a href="http://www.oprah.com/community/thread/90800">Lisa Ling Reports: How We Treat the Animals We Eat</a> on OprahTuesday, October 14, Oprah covered "How We Treat the Animals We Eat." Go to <a href="http://www.oprah.com/index">http://www.oprah.com/index</a> . On the screen on the rights side of your screen, click on "Tue" to see the promo video. You'll see footage of horrendous battery cages and sow gestation crates, and hear HSUS's Wayne Pacelle saying "The issue is the decency toward the animals." He is no doubt talking about California's Proposition 2, which would ban some of the most heinous caging. To read more; <a href="http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow_20081008_animals">http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow_20081008_animals</a> The disscussion board already has over 700 post! <a href="http://www.oprah.com/community/threads/90800?numResults=15&filter=newest">http://www.oprah.com/community/threads/90800?numResults=15&filter=newest</a>Ellen Degeneres goes Vegan!  Along with Oprah and millions of people across the country, Ellen read all about a healthy, compassionate diet in the popular book, Skinny Bitch. She then began inviting vegan chefs, featuring vegan menus, and interviewing vegan writers and activists on her daytime talk show. Then she had a full vegan wedding! Now, after hosting a benefit party for Proposition 2 in California to eliminate caging animals raised for food, Ellen announced her conversion to veganism! With big celebrities like Oprah and Ellen being more food conscious, more and more people are learning about the treatment of farmed animals and delicious vegan alternatives. One by one, compassionate individuals are becoming inspired to make changes for the better. Congratulations to all of you for making a difference in this world!Read more: <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/10/02/its-official-ellen-degeneres-has-finally-gone-vegan">http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/10/02/its-official-ellen-degeneres-has-finally-gone-vegan</a>PCRM spotlighted on Extra  How wonderful to see mainstream media starting to really focus on what we should be eating and why. Dr Neal Barnard, founder of the wonderful Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (<a href="http://www.pcrm.org/">http://www.pcrm.org/</a> ) was on Extra on Friday talking about the benefits of vegan diets. You can watch the fun little segment here: <a href="http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2008/10/goodbye_meat_hello_healthy.php">http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2008/10/goodbye_meat_hello_healthy.php</a>        2008-10-14T21:38:00-06:00 10 Veganism spotlighted on super mainstream TV shows: Oprah, Ellen, Extra!

2008-10-14T22:06:41-06:00

Here is a link to the Vegetarian information that the Mayo Clinic has.<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01596">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01596</a>  2009-01-04T17:24:00-07:00 11 Mayo Clinic Vegetarian Diet Info

2009-01-04T17:28:10-07:00

Here is a link to research that CNN's Sanjay Gupta reported about on December 30th, 2008.The center of the intersecting circles indicates that a plant-based diet may be a key to longevity.<a href="http://quest.bluezones.com/live-longer-better/longevity-secrets/">http://quest.bluezones.com/live-longer-better/longevity-secrets/</a>   2009-01-04T17:42:00-07:00 12 Plant-based Diet Key to Longevity?

2009-01-04T17:45:26-07:00

President Barack Obama <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123138051682263203.html">has appointed animal advocate Cass Sunstein</a> to head the relatively obscure, yet powerful Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The regulatory czar, as the position is generally called, is responsible for every regulatory agency in the country, such as the EPA, and will oversee all administration rules. To Read more:<a href="http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/01/19/is-there-a-vegan-in-the-white-house-peta-rejoice/">http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/01/19/is-there-a-vegan-in-the-white-house-peta-rejoice/</a> 2009-01-21T13:18:00-07:00 13 Is There a Vegan In the White House? PETA, Rejoice!

2009-01-22T14:37:50-07:00

130  Sue Askildson, from Good Food Store Coop, will be Emerging Women guest speaker at the March general meeting of the Emerging Women of Rochester group.  She will speak on "Health & Healing Through Nutrition". Susan will focus on raw & vegan dishes that are simple and easy to make, just right for the warmer weather that will be coming soon.  Using  fresh organic produce, nuts, and seeds we will get to sample her Tomato Basil Soup, Onion Crackers, and Chocolate Cake.  This event is for women only and is free!Join the Emerging Women of Rochester Wednesday, March 4th at 6:00 for this healthy living event.  Please join us for an evening of fun and friendship. Quarry Ridge Clubhouse, 1823 Quarry Ridge Pl NW "For Women of all Ages in All Stages of Life" Go to the Emerging Women website for more information:   <a href="http://www.ewofrochester.com/">http://www.ewofrochester.com/</a>   2009-02-25T09:15:00-07:00 14 Emerging Woman of Rochester Event

2009-02-25T10:53:54-07:00

130  If you care about your health and your family & friends health this is a MUST-READ!After reading this article you will realize how dangerous it is for your health to be eating meat.<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/025957.html">http://www.naturalnews.com/025957.html</a> The most ALARMING part is 'Death in Meat' section: 'Research has shown that all meat eaters have worms and a high incidence of parasites in their intestines. This is hardly surprising given the fact that dead flesh (cadaver) is a favorite target for microorganisms of all sorts. The germs and parasites found in meat weaken the immune system and are the source of many diseases.'..... 2009-04-11T10:49:00-06:00 15 Eating Meat Kills More People Than Previously Thought

2009-04-11T11:04:49-06:00

130 The meat industry causes more water pollution in the US than all other industries combined! Think about it, all that poop that comes from 10 billion animals that are raised for food, it has to go somewhere and a lot of it ends up contaminating our waterways in staggering amounts! (yikes) Please watch tonight on PBS: Poisoned Water: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters/" target="_blank" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), ">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters/</a> 2009-04-21T10:15:00-06:00 16 PBS: Poisoned Water

2009-04-21T10:19:06-06:00

130  On April 27th,the Post-Bulletin spotlighted the Vegetarian Information Group of Rochester by giving us a 3/4 spread article on one page! The on-line version doesn't give the full effect like how it was presented in the paper. On-line version: "Potlucks promote plant-based lifestyle" article:   <a href="http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=36&a=396455">http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=36&a=396455</a> 2009-04-28T09:53:00-06:00 17 VIGOR Spotlighted in the News!

2009-04-28T10:09:51-06:00

20 Basic Recipe8 to 16 ounces (1 bunch) of leafy greens. If consuming daily, it's important to alternate between 12 different types of greens. 1 type of fruit to taste 2 to 3 cups waterSome of the Benefits · Green smoothies are a complete food abundant in vitamins, minerals, carbs, fiber and protein which will sustain health. You can live off green smoothies alone (try a savory tomato and avocado green smoothie for variety and fat content). · Where do you get your protein? Same place that grass fed beef does. Greens are abundant in protein. USDA breakdown of amino acids in raw kale shows 450 grams (approximate amount for one quart of green smoothie) has %100 RDA of all essential protein amino acids. · Fiber acts as little sponges that carry toxins to elimination. · Chlorophyll has medicinal value for helping with countless diseases according to Victoria in "Green for Life".Adjusting to eating greens · Greens help your body detoxify, cleanse and alkalize while providing complete nutrition at the same time. · Alkalizing and cleansing foods are in conflict with acid producing foods such as pop, alcohol and coffee. When I eat too much acid producing food my appetite for green smoothies declines very quickly. · Your taste pallet may take time to be accustomed to the bitterness of greens. · Large quantities of green smoothies should be consumed on an empty stomach. · The HCL (hydrochloric acid) in your stomach may take time to replenish itself for optimal digestion. Roseberg study shows green smoothies may help increase HCL acid in stomach. HCL is important to help digestion break down the food enough to extract the nutrition. Boutenko Story from "Green for Life" by Victoria Boutenko (mother of green smoothies)The Boutenko family of four in 1994: The father had progressive hypothyroidism and chronic rheumetoid arthritis at age 38. The mother, Victoria, had arrhythmia and edema, daughter had asthma and son was diagnosed with diabetes. They went raw and all their diseases disappeared. After 7 years raw though their teeth started to decay and hair turned grey and they lost their appetite for the food they had been eating. Victoria Boutenko researched the Chimpanzee diet and then invented green smoothies to mimic their nutrition. Shortly after their appetite, tooth and hair health was restored and general health flourished.Chimp Diet %25 - %50 dark green leafs and blossoms (percentages vary with seasons), about 50% fruit, and small quantities of bark, seeds and insects.Demo RecipesDandelion Mango ----------------- 3 mangos 1/2 bunch parsley 1/2 bunch dandelion greens 3 cups waterKale Apple -------------- 1/2 bunch kale 2 apples 1 meyer lemon pinch ginger 2.5 cups water What are the right choices for optimal health? In his new book "High Raw", Kevin Giani defines health simply as "feeling your best". He defines 5 principles of eating what he calls High Raw. Go to <a href="http://www.gohighraw.com">www.gohighraw.com</a> for more information. I like defining feeling your best as the goal. It helps to remember this when bombarded with so many opinions and studies on what to eat and what not to eat. Being aware of your body and your sense of well being helps you identify and choose what's best for your health at any given time.From my personal experience I believe the right nutrition and exercise are important but are not enough for optimal health. We need awareness of our well being as a foundation for proper nutrition and exercise. We need to avoid turning obstacles into stress via worry, anger or frustration. Otherwise we tend to feed our emotions and suppress stress with unhealthy food and drugs. With proper awareness we can see obstacles as challenges and embrace them in the mode of acceptance, enjoyment or enthusiasm.Boutenko Family Recipes and InfoFor more information visit <a href="http://www.rawfamily.com">www.rawfamily.com</a> and check out their new book "Green Smoothie Revolution". Their newsletters online have free green smoothie recipes and also some of the Boutenko's early recipes are published at <a href="http://wwwhomemakerinprogress.com/files/greensmoothies.pdf">http://www.homemakerinprogress.com/files/greensmoothies.pdf</a>  2009-05-21T14:30:00-06:00 18 Green Smoothies (May Potluck Presentation)

2009-05-21T14:35:26-06:00

20 VIGOR is setting up at <a href="http://www.downtownrochestermn.com/">Thursdays on First Downtown Rochester</a> this summer open for business from 11:00am to 8:30pm every Thursday July 16th through August 27th!  Our stand will be located near the stage on the south end of 1st avenue SW between 2nd and 3rd streets.The first Thursday we plan to sell Oat Pecan Burgers and Blue Sky Organic soda catered by the <a href="http://www.rochestergoodfood.com">Good Food Store's</a> Backroom Deli.  To promote vegetarianism an anonymous VIGOR sponsor is subsidizing the food cost so we can give the veggie burger and soda combo away for a very low price!  We plan to start out charging $1.00 for the combo and see how it goes.We encourage you to spread the word to non-vegetarians to get them to come down for a healthy yet delicious and filling vegan meal on VIGOR and take home some literature on the benefits of a plant-based diet.  Please feel free to stop by and if you are already vegetarian we would appreciate a donation for the cause.  The retail value of the soda and burger is $7.00.We also plan to sell homemade crafts (such as organic herbal fragrance sachets) or possibly garden items of VIGOR members who are interested in helping staff the food stand.  Ideas on what to sell in the future are very welcome.  Please fill out our <a href="../../contact">contact form</a>. 2009-07-09T12:51:00-06:00 19 VIGOR at Thursday's on First, Giving Deep Discounts to Promote Vegetarianism

2009-09-08T18:37:08-06:00

20 VIGOR gave away over 3,300 sandwhiches and soda at Thursdays on First this summer.  We were able to set up 6 times on Thursdays throughout the summer thanks to our hard working volunteers and the Good Food Store for their catering and to our sponsor for paying for all of the food!<a href="../images/tf09/tof_e.jpg"><img src="../images/tf09/tn_e.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="130" height="97" /></a>  <a href="../images/tf09/tof_b.jpg"><img src="../images/tf09/tn_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="130" height="97" /></a>  <a href="../../images/tf09/tof_d.jpg"><img src="../images/tf09/tn_d.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="130" height="97" /></a>  <a href="../images/tf09/tof_f.jpg"><img src="../images/tf09/tn_f.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="130" height="98" /></a>  <a href="../images/tf09/tof_g.jpg"><img src="../images/tf09/tn_g.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="130" height="98" /></a>  <a href="../images/tf09/tof_h.jpg"><img src="../images/tf09/tn_h.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="130" height="98" /></a>Here is the break down of what we gave away: 2,880 Oat Pecan Burgers 450 Boca "Chick" Pattis 3,200 Blue Sky Soda 750 PCRM vegetarian starter kits 750 PETA vegetarian starter kits 200 Chew on This DVDs 75 VIGOR potluck flyers 100 VIGOR Brochures 2009-09-14T09:29:00-06:00 20 Thursdays on First Pictures

2009-09-14T10:35:28-06:00

20 VIGOR is excited to announce O'Neill's Pizza Pub is adding a vegan cheese pizza to their menu in January and currently have it readily available for walk-in customers.  The cheese is a Mozzarella style, vegan cheese alternative special ordered from Chicago for their vegan customers.  And for those non-vegans watching their cholesterol, it's cholesterol free!    They also have new specialties available to order for take home and special occasions such as frosted chocolate cake and fruit cake (excellent choice for the holidays, yes it is actually good!), choco-chip cookie dough, artichoke dip, peanut brittle, Christmas cookies and more.  Some of these items currently need to be pre-ordered.  O'Neill's Pizza Pub 1201 S Broadway, #24, Rochester, MN 55904 507-529-1200 2009-12-17T21:25:00-07:00 21 O'neill's Pizza Pub Adds New Vegan Menu Items!

2009-12-17T21:41:48-07:00

130 New Potluck Dates & Times for 2010! We are back at the Rochester Public Library 4th Wednesday of each month (except April). We eat at 6:30 pm. The summer months at Quarry Hill Pavilion.(Please mark you calendar!)  Wednesday, February 24th, 6:30PM Rochester Public Library, Meeting Room B Blending cashews makes a great cream sauce demonstration by Kati BergWednesday, March 24th, 6:30PM Rochester Public Library, Meeting Room B Chia seeds are the richest natural source of pure omega-3, the only unprocessed whole food source of omega-3. Chia seeds are readily available and inexpensive to buy and easy to use! Demo about Chia Seeds by Julie Eyrich!Wednesday, April 7th, 6:30PM Rochester Public Library, Meeting Room B Get ready for spring greens with a green smoothie demonstration by Jaben Kitson Wednesday, May 26th, 6:30PM Outdoors at the Quarry Hill PavilionWednesday June 23rd, 6:30PM Outdoors at the Quarry Hill PavilionWednesday, July 28th, 6:30PM Outdoors at the Quarry Hill PavilionWednesday, August 25th, 6:30PM Outdoors at the Quarry Hill Pavilion 2010-02-07T15:07:00-07:00 22 Special Announcement for POTLUCKS

2010-02-24T14:18:54-07:00

20 We are pleased to inform you that we will be making our future newsletters available online in PDF format and will send them out to our e-mail list.Thank you to VIGOR President Kati Berg we were able to send out a February newsletter via post mail.  For those of you who are not on our post mail list and would like to read the February Newsletter.  You may download it at <a href="../newsletters/2010Newsletter.Feb2.pdf" title="February Newsletter">http://www.vigr.org/newsletters/2010Newsletter.Feb2.pdf</a>If you would like to subscribe to our e-mail list to receive future newsletters or would like a paper copy post mailed to you please submit your request via our <a href="../contact">contact form</a> or send an e-mail to <a href="mailto:friends@vigr.org">friends@vigr.org</a>. 2010-02-28T07:49:00-07:00 23 Newsletter Announcement

2010-02-28T07:55:49-07:00