Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Quinoa Maki and Miso Soup

The Chef: Colleen

The Menu: Quinoa Maki with Avocado and Cajun Portobello Fillets. That’s right, we're fancy. Colleen treated us to an elegant lunch centered around the super scrumptious Quinoa Maki from The Conscious Cook. Each roll was stuffed with fluffy quinoa, marinated Cajun-style Portobello mushrooms, ripe avocado, and just a hint of Thai chile sauce. A warm bowl of miso soup filled with spinach, carrots, and scallions completed the meal.

The Goods: The VNHQ is currently smack-dab in the middle of a disaster movie. Okay, so maybe we’re exaggerating a little (or a lot), but the rare occurrence of a rainstorm in San Francisco has left us chilly and confused. Colleen’s healthy, vibrant lunch warmed us right up and gave our immune systems some much-needed nourishment. Ready to roll your own maki? We’ve got another copy of The Conscious Cook to give away, but first let’s get to yesterday’s winner. Congratulations to Lebkuchen, who said the most comforting foods were, “Cassoulet or soup!” Lebkuchen, send us an e-mail with your full name and mailing address, and we’ll get your book right out. For a chance to win today’s copy, just tell us in the comments: What’s your stay-healthy secret? Check out a few more of ours!

132 comments:

Todlo said...

I bike to work everyday! :)

Unknown said...

quinoa maki - what a genuis idea!

Krista said...

My treadmill. It helps me to move even when its cold or dark outside.

Meg said...

Regular exercise and lots of veggies!

CB said...

Portion control...but it's sooo hard with all of the great vegan dishes I've been enjoying.

Anonymous said...

Lots of different fruits and veggies! :) -Eve

birdfeed said...

My desserts are frozen fruit!

Heather said...

making time for sleep

Holly M said...

Just being vegan has done wonders for my health. My allergies are virtually non-existent and I haven't been sick even once in the 6 months since I switched from lacto-veg to vegan.

Normally I catch any and every bug that might even think about going around, but I've been shockingly healthy these several months. :)

Stacy Carter said...

Green smoothies in the morning!

shelby h.k. said...

a giant mug of hot water with lemon, a dash of cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and a little bit of agave nectar. i like to think it flushes and revitalizes my insides!

exercising 3 times a week helps though, too!

Amanda said...

Sleep--as much of it as I can get as a college student.

Unknown said...

sleep and exercise... not to mention having a well-balanced vegan diet!

Josiane said...

I can't say I have a secret because, well, the health benefits of being vegan aren't a secret to anyone here! :)

Julie said...

Yoga as often as I can!

TracyP said...

Three visits to the gym each week along with my vegan diet.

Jordan K said...

vegan diet, yoga, running, bicycling, sweetheart time, and SLEEEEEEP! ..everyday living

Kris said...

Brushing and flossing! It sounds silly but it's often the simple, obvious things that work.

Kelly L. said...

A couple of dance classes a week.

MacKenzie said...

sleep, yoga, exercise

radioactivegan said...

I try not to stress too much, especially when I feel overwhelmed. Just take a deep breath and realize that things tend to work themselves out one way or another.

Junghwa said...

i devote every morning for yoga! and i walk everywhere~

Karla said...

mostly out of laziness, i end up eating a lot of simple meals that consist of grain/brown rice, beans/tofu, and veggies. healthy goodness!

Unknown said...

My stay-healthy secret is a diet full of fruits and veggies from my garden and from the farmer's market. And, of course, no meat or animal products!

Laura said...

I started using the rowing machine in my little work gym last year and have been addicted ever since! It's a great full body work out (and a healthy way to get out some post-work frustration). :)

HeyitsBeth said...

My secret is kick-boxing... it's so fun, it doesn't even feel like exercise!

Anonymous said...

I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and run on the treadmill after work each day.

Chrissy said...

Regular exercise and a good night's sleep. Also, it is no coincidence that delicious clementines are in season right as everyone starts passing around their colds. Vitamin C FTW!

Abby Bean said...

My stay healthy trick is from my mom: "Always wash your hands and don't put your hands by your face!"

The Kuntrageous Vegan said...

I walk twice a day on days I don't work; get on the elliptical for an hour on the days I do work, and sometimes I do an exercise video.
p.s. being vegan really helps too. HA!

bazu said...

I've always wanted to try quinoa maki- what am I waiting for?

For health, I drink elderberry tea every day through the winter religiously. I even blogged about it: http://wherestherevolution.blogspot.com/2007/11/fighting-sniffles-elderberries.html

Vegan Wheekers said...

Aside from being vegan, it's meditation.

Lauren said...

Making myself a priority. If I commit to that, then eating well and finding time for exercise come easily.

Lorena said...

My stay-healthy secret is drinking lots of water -- not only does it keep me hydrated, but I wash my hands often thanks to my frequent restroom breaks!

5webs said...

I don't drive ( I am 40 and never learned how), so I walk everywhere that I need to go. I walk an average of 10-25 miles a day.
Alicia Webster
5webs@comcast.net

Laura said...

I get plenty of sleep, exercise 30 minutes a day, and try to eat a healthy diet (vegan, of course).

Anonymous said...

My stay healthy secret is to cook more and eat out less. Very simple and cost effective.

Unknown said...

what's my stay-healthy secret? I read VegNews magazine! (ok, so maybe that's not a secret)

Allychristine said...

biking, vegan foods, rest time, listening to my body!

Jenna said...

Honestly, my key to health is.. MISO SOUP! I LOVE miso soup and i eat it (or try to eat it) almost daily. I shred up some nori and throw it in there, sometimes hijiki, and whatever veggies I have on hand. Scoop some brown rice into a bowl, top it off with some adzuki beans (or whatever bean I have cooked!), and fill the bowl high with miso soup! I also run almost every other day-- I believe running is both meditative and the key to a totally healthful body :) Health for the body, mind, and soul!

P.S. I also avoid sugar (instead getting it from whole fruit).

http://peacefulones.blogspot.com said...

I bike to work and stay in motion during the day. Stretch away from my desk, eat international vegan food...

Meg said...

Green smoothies every morning.

Amanda said...

a multi-vitamin and omega 3s! My dogs keep me healthy too!

SaraJane said...

I try really hard not to eat junk even though I love my vegan cupcakes. I take whole food vitamins and go the gym. I also cook tons so I can control what I'm eating. I rarely add salt even when a recipe calls for it. I have a rule at home - no snacks unless they're homemade. It cures that late night cabinet roaming looking for cookies or something.

Sweet Princess said...

My dogs. They take me running every morning.

Snoozer von Grimlock Bumblebee 3 said...

Plenty of sleep and a positive attitude. I'd rather maintain a healthy lifestyle than rely on medicine.

Angie said...

Lots of fruit and veggies, exercise, and trying not to get too stressed out.

Nrgy said...

as soon as i start feeling flu symptoms I go for a run or a bikram yoga class. I don't know what it is but that usually helps out A LOT!!

Lisa M. said...

I ride the bus to work! Walking to and from the bus stop not only gives me exercise, but is healthier for the planet, too!

Angela T said...

To stay healthy, I run, lift weights, watch everything I eat, and live cruelty-free.

M.E. Greene said...

My stay healthy tip... Green smoothies! And I make sure to eat as many fresh foods as possible, and cleanse when I feel my system get sluggish.

Thanks for the chance to win!
leafygreenes@gmail.com

Lauren said...

My stya healthy secret is nature!! I love to hike and bike ride. When I am outdoors my head is clear and the fresh air fills my lungs with health and vibrance!

Anonymous said...

garlic, garlic, garlic. and the brightest, prettiest organic produce i can find.

Helena said...

Following your recipes!

grrr said...

A vegan diet, lots of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and as much food as possible straight from the farmer's market. I feel great!

Johnny Milford said...

Cooking from scratch, daily physical activity and a positive outlook on life.

Candi said...

My stay healthy secret is to bring my own food to work and when I go on road trips. It's so easy to pack cereals, soups, salads, or a variety of little snacks to keep me from wanting a bagel or a coffee! :P

I try to always have a tote bag with me that has some snacks like walnuts or an apple.

Lindsey said...

lots and lots of greens!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
blossoming_lotus said...

Daily yoga asanas and meditation, some form of creative expression such as writing, laughter, veg comforts, baked apples, and hot tea. Can't beat those with a stick! Oh- and I also like to boost my immune system with colloidal silver and/or Vitamin D and apple cider vinegar!

Unknown said...

My stay-healthy secret? Lots of greens... and hot sauce lol! Cayenne keeps the sneezies away :-D

Christina said...

A big green smoothie for breakfast every day!

Unknown said...

golf, aerobics and small portions

JessicaTheVeganMom said...

Making sure there are always healthy snacks in the fridge.

Lisa Dahlmeier said...

Healthy diet, exercise, enough sleep and the ability to say "No" to unhealthy food, the comfy couch and the many things that would otherwise overwhelm and stress out my schedule.

Anonymous said...

walking my dog cookies and my roommate's dog cookie (no we didn't plan that lol)

we have a big backyard they play in but i make it a point to take them for a 30+ minute walk around the neighbourhood every day. they get to sniff some new stuff and i get my heart rate up on the steep incline!!

over the days, weeks and months this simple daily activity really makes a difference.

Lindsay said...

I have to agree with everyone on the sleep, balanced diet and portion control. I like to add a little bit of chocolate. Don't deny yourself the little things, happiness is a BIG part of healthiness!

Jennifer said...

Big portions of joy and stress control. And even better when you can combine them. My favorite is hiking a local mountain where the environment soothes the soul and you can hike the crap out of anything bothering you!

julie hasson said...

My stay healthy secret is the vegan diet! Also, drinking tea everyday. Green, black, rooibos, it's all good and full of antioxidants.

Robin R. said...

I walk every day and I get a CSA box of veggies and fruit from Full Belly Farm once a week.

FoodFromThought said...

Think: Being honest with myself, listening to my body and working with it. Finding a good balance between silly and serious.

Eat: Eating what I want, when I want, so I don't feel deprived and overindulge. Discovering what is truly delicious and decadent and savouring it. In other words, eating consciously and with great pleasure. For me this means incorporating delicious staples like almonds, kale, quinoa and oats, flax oil, frozen fruit and Gardein.

Thrive: Move! Laugh! Seeking healthy activities that I enjoy. Like long walks, dancing at inappropriate times, pretend yoga moves and, obviously, karaoke.

P.S. I would do much better at #2 if I had The Conscious Cook. Just sayin'.

Eileen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

My stay-healthy secret is simply to make the effort to eat fruits and/or vegetables with every meal. I also walk my dog at least 40 minutes every day.

lmg said...

Water!

Eileen said...

All organic food, cleansers, cosmetics, exercise and a vegan/vegetarian diet

Emily said...

I walk everywhere, load up on locally grown, fresh fruits and veggies, and get plenty of sleep.

Liz C. said...

Drinking plenty of water and green tea.

Anonymous said...

To stay healthy I eat lots of dark leafy greens, drink plenty of water, get lots of rest, and add fresh garlic whenever possible!

MelissaL said...

Enoying time and lot's of activities with my child, it keeps us both healthy at the same time. As well, of course, as eating Vegan and preparing home cooked meals, walking our dogs, getting good sleep, and taking some time out for myself to clear my mind!

Media Receivable Management, Inc. said...

Start the day with a good breakfast with Euforia juice. Take Omega fish oils, get 8 hours of sleep, workout 4 times a week. Leave stress in the office...

True said...

Power Vinyasa & Vegan Diet!

Nicole said...

Plenty of water and few processed foods. Turbokick at the gym and running don't hurt, either!

Kate said...

A vegan diet with plenty of exercise, sunshine, and sleep is my stay healthy "secret"--it seems obvious but a balanced diet, plenty of rest, and the occasional indulgence has done wonders for my health.

Creative Life Studio said...

My whole foods vegan diet, of course! Portion control for my figure, biking and swimming for my heart and bones, and the Bible and prayer and journaling for my spirit.

Ellyn said...

running on the beach, push ups and best of all, being vegan.

Elishevah said...

I remember not to sweat the small stuff...ooohhmmmm :)

Joe Janes said...

Lots of water and I sleep very well. Really, I'm good at it. I wake feeling good.

Grace @ Front Porch Yoga said...

Variety is my key to health!

Variety in FOODS:
I borrow cookbooks from the library (just got The Conscious Cook, actually, and I am in LOVE with this brilliant vegan adventure!) to give me new ideas, and I'm constantly creative in the kitchen.

And variety in MOVEMENT:
I practice yoga, kick out my frustrations in tae bo, ride my bike to work, and walk during half of my lunch break.

T. Propson said...

Breastfeeding my baby! Keeps my daughter healthy and trims me up.

mamak said...

laughing every day!!

Anonymous said...

any time I have a bad cold I just drink echinecea and golden seal tea. But I just had a baby and don't know if I can still do that while breastfeeding. I need to find out because this is my 5th cold this year. I've had so many because I was told I couldn't drink that while pregnant.

DSSP said...

Walking instead of driving, lots of berries and brassicas, meditation, yoga, and balance.

M said...

Twice daily workouts, and teaching college freshman :) Keeps me limber and young.

Unknown said...

My stay healthy secret is laughter...Single mom of five, all living vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and loving it...we laugh a lot!! Life is so good with the help of VegNews!!! Thank you!!!!

Vicki's Vegan Vice said...

A positive attitude and a pot of green tea every day.

Debbie said...

exercise!

Zoya gervis said...

Excersise and being vegan

nico said...

I try to get plenty of sleep and make time for a few moments of reflection, relaxation and/or meditation every day.

Dr. Bell said...

I try to eat more salad and steamed veggies than grains and my protein source. I also always take the stairs at work!

Unknown said...

I eat local honey everyday (either mixed into something or on a spoon!). The local aspect keeps the allergies at bay while honey itself boosts my immune system. If I feel a cold coming on, I stock up on raw ginger and make ginger/honey/lemon tea.

Diana Lopez said...

my vegan diet, my bike and laughing as much as I can about everything

mfischrob said...

Making time for the treadmill, starting meals with salad, and drinking lots of water!

Melanie said...

Simple vegan food (especially greens, greens, and more greens!), along w/ sleep and daily exercise:)

Celia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I drink lots of water.

Amber said...

My healthy secret is cooking from scratch. I love settling into making a gourmet meal. I browse the magazines and cookbooks, head to the store then cook up a great storm. If I spend long enough, I don't usually have the energy to make vegan cupcakes and sitting down for the meal feels great!

Anonymous said...

trying to keep perspective when people don't act the ways I think they should!!!

Jackie said...

I swim, bike, or run daily and eat lots of fruits and veggies!

Tracy said...

My stay healthy secret is simply this: Waking up every morning feeling calm, centered and at one with the earth due to wise choices and a clear conscience due to my attempt every day to respect the earth and everything on it.

Peace, Love and Veganism said...

A good breakfast and early morning workout do the trick for me! Muesli with fresh fruit, nuts, wheat germ, flax and almond milk, then a big glass of OJ.

bagwasher said...

My vegan diet! Eat lots of veggies and fruit, low fat, and exercise.

Cassie said...

Always make time for some good R&R -- sleep and a vegan lifestyle can work wonders on one's health!

mvegan said...

I love Veg News! Being vegan and playing with our foster puppy, Whiskey!

Tar Heel Vegan said...

I'm vegan, and I stay active and eat as many whole foods as I can--fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, etc. I am working on cutting out as much processed foods as possible.

MarkTwain said...

Yoga and smoothies!

Benjamin said...

not washing my hands with anti-bacterial soap...you need some of the good germs !

Alex Tellez said...

My vitamix, without which, I'd be dead.
Here's how I keep fit.
AM: bike 30 miles.
PM: run 8-12 miles.

And repeat, every damn day. Thank goodness for bananas, spinach and my blessed vitamix.

Amey said...

ooooh, I've really got my eye on this book. It looks amazing. glad to see you're featuring it this week!

my stay-healthy secret is mostly doing yoga everyday. And plenty of sleep. not very exciting, but it usually works for me!

Tzap said...

Simply said, portion control!

RochelleK said...

A variety of foods in different colors, eaten in moderation! And... knowing when I need to take a break from everything.

Sharon Rose Eriksen said...

Eating vegan and lifting like a bodybuilder! A low-fat diet keeps calories burning and constantly increasing weights improves strength and mucles tone :)

Catalina said...

Riding my bike. Its great exercise and its fun. I love going to class just because I get to ride my bike. I also walk my four legged friends.

Dangelblue said...

A green smoothie every morning and a long walk with my sweet dog (she gets a smoothie, too). At the first sign of a cold it's steaming hot ginger root tea with lemon and a touch of agave, and agaricus mushroom for serious immune support.

NancyVP said...

My special brew of miso and garlic soup - you put on a pot of miso soup, add some more miso, some kimchee, some raw garlic and raw ginger, just for fun. Let is heat up so the flavors blend and drink it, knowing this tonic will ward off the worst of germs!

Candio said...

Eating in technicolor!

reluctanthippie said...

Play with my kids!

Karen Schwoerer said...

Walking and biking everywhere...and SF's hills certainly add a work-out like punch to your average commute to the grocery store or library.

Stargazer said...

Yoga, doing cardio, and the sauna helps me rid of the toxins. I also get to stay in shape.

Liz S. said...

Fruits and veggies!

Anonymous said...

Making sure I meditate for 30 minutes each day

JW said...

Running! Makes me feel great and only want to put good food into my body.

Anonymous said...

I am trying to become raw vegan but it's slow going.