The Crunchy and Happy Weight Loss Plan!!!

So I just completed a new video on YouTube and I wanted to show you some pictures that show my weight loss.

175 pounds-Largest Pre-Baby in 2008. YIKES!!



down to 166 pounds at the Farm in 2009 (look at that tan)




205 pounds during my pregnancy in 2010



Current 146 pounds-6 more pounds to go!!!

Remember it is about being a good heathly size for your body. Let me know what are your steps for keeping in shape.

Crunchy and Happy has gone to the bird.

The bird being Twitter. Crunchy and Happy is now on Twitter as well as You Tube. I’m spreading the crunchy message of living a healthy lifestyle that respects people, animals, and the earth. Subscribe to me on YouTube and follow me on Twitter and here on my blog. Let’s start a Crunchy Revolution. Viva la Crunch!!

www.twitter.com/CrunchyandHappy

The Kind Diet Review and What's for Dinner

So I just completed a new video for YouTube. It is a review of the Alicia Silverstone cookbook titled The Kind Diet.

In this video I also let you in on what I was making for dinner that night so I wanted to put up the pictures of the final delicious product.

Broccoli and Rice Casserole with Glazed Carrots with a Difference

The recipe is from the cookbook titled The Compassionate Cook



Crispy Peanut Butter Treats with Chocolate Chips

This recipe is the The Kind Diet p. 184

Try them tonight and you will not be disappointed.

Movie Snack/ Hummus and Popcorn

So my husband and I LOVE to watch movies. Since our son has been born we have not been able to go to the theatres like we used to so now we have been getting our monies worth of Netflix. To recreate the movie feeling we of course need to have popcorn, but being a vegan makes store bought microwave popcorn out of the question. This is a good thing though because the amount of butter and salt added on store bought popcorn makes them very fattening. So what we do in my home is pop our own popcorn.

I buy the kernels from the store and follow the package directions to make our own popcorn. It very simple and quick to make (oil and kernels. Heat the oil. Add the kernels. Watch the popping fun) Plus I can add our own toppings which usually includes a little salt and nutritional yeast.

I am switching it up a little tonight by making the popcorn along with homemade hummus.

I will write a blog on my LOVE of nutritional yeast and hummus in the following blogs but until then try it and enjoy!!

What's for Dinner? (Stir Fry with Ginger Tofu)

I love stir fry for two reasons. 1. It does not take long at all to make and 2. You can use whatever veggies you have in your fridge so it also makes it super easy to prepare. All you need is veggies, soy sauce,and rice (oh and of course tofu).

Stir Fry the veggies (cook on high heat to cook the veggies without making the extra soft). Add the soy sauce while cooking to your taste. Cook the rice according to package directions. Saute the tofu in ginger and add to the veggies when the veggies are done. Enjoy!!

YouTube-"Cloth Diaper Review"

I am really getting the hang of this YouTube video things. I found the movie editor program  on my computer so I tried some new effects on this video. I hope that you enjoy it. Thanks for watching.

New You Tube Video!!

New Video Up!!

Please watch and Enjoy!!

Can't I love both Animals and Humans?

            I have been a vegan long enough to hear numerous questions or comments used to either inquire, criticize, or judge my vegan lifestyle or my love for animals. Although I used to take offense to those who are judgmental, I now realize that they are just doing it to deal with their feelings of guilt or they are truly ignorant regarding some of the issues surrounding animal rights/welfare. Although I attempt to not take these comments to heart, the one statement that truly continues to rub me the wrong way is when people ask me, "Why do you care about animals when humans have so many problems?"

            Recently I have been smacked in the face again with this thinking again. While taking a walk in my neighborhood I saw a recently vacated office space. Inside the office were 3 cats. From the door I was unable to see if they had food or water and of course I was concerned as to whether or not they were being taking care of. So what did I do? I called the "For Lease" number that was listed on the door. The person who answered the phone was very cheerful, but when I asked about the cats their tone changed and the replied, “the cats are fine”. I then thanked the person and hung up.

            The next day as I was taking my walk I wondered to myself if I was the only person who had called about the cats. As I approached the same office building, my question was answered as I saw this sign:

I first felt humor due to the fact that the owners would be so irritated that they would post such an unprofessional sign on their office in a neighborhood that apparently cares about the welfare of these cats. I then felt irritated at the fact that someone else thinks that because one cares about animal issues that they cannot also care about human s.

            What I find ironic about people who have the feeling that animal issues do not matter when compared to human interest issues is that they usually are doing nothing to help humans themselves. Not volunteering, not donating, and not writing letters to their congressman. And that people who dedicate their time to animal interest issues usually care a great deal about humans as well.

            What some people fail to realize is that we all (animals and humans) live and must coexist on this earth. Abuses that happen to one are often felt and often affect the other. The beauty of being human is that you can care and love more than one thing at a time and that they love you feel for one does not affect the love that you feel for another. 

Your thoughts?