Leslie Ashburn – Macrobiotic Chef, Whole Foods Sensei and Community Activist

These past few months I’ve been privileged to meet so many wonderful people making a difference here in Hawaii, on the mainland, and all over the world. I’d like to introduce you to one of them. This amazing woman is changing the health and lives of hundreds of people. Meet Leslie Ashburn owner of Macrobiotic Hawaii.

Leslie has set out to teach everyone possible how to have healthy balance in every area of life. Where food is concerned, she wants us to know that healthy eating does not have to be boring at all. It is flavorful, fun, and adds quality to our lives. “What makes me feel good, is that in eating a diet that is plant-based, close to the source, local, and organic whenever possible, that we are doing good for our bodies, for the Earth, and fighting the corporate food system.”
 

The power of being in tune:
 

Leslie says that, “When we choose to avoid processed and refined ingredients that lead to chronic illness we feel so much better, physically, emotionally, and morally as well. We always have a choice in what we put into our bodies, and by starting to connect how we eat with how we feel and our value system, then we can achieve great health and happiness. Understanding the energetics of food is another layer of freedom and empowerment!"
 

Balanced living:
 

When she is not teaching or on personal chef duty, Leslie attends conferences. She is wise enough to surround herself with empowering coaches and people to better herself and her profession. It’s not all work for her. She knows just how to balance all that giving by taking care of herself by running, hiking, yoga and going to the beach. She makes sure to nurture her friendships with some hanging out time too. If she’s not already amazing enough, this adventure girl is into motorcycles, mountain bikes and horseback riding!
 

Heart for community and food activist:
 

Leslie shares her heart: “Community, democracy, and fair food are very important to me and I support Kokua Market's efforts to reach out to the public about co-op principles and the unique niche the store serves in the community because of its business structure. Part of my role is helping to organize fun and educational events such as free farm tours, movie nights with films educating the public about food and sustainability, bike repair workshops, and cooking demonstrations.” She also plans vegan and macrobiotic meet-ups and events (see below for links).

Make that change:
 

“My observation is that community is fundamental to making a change toward a healthier lifestyle. I would encourage people to make friends with others who lead a similar lifestyle to have this support. 

It's also important to look carefully at one's belief systems to find beliefs that are limiting them from moving forward, identifying how strong 'health' is in their overall value system, and committing to clearing the emotional component.”
 

Check it out:
 

You can learn more about Leslie’s background, training, see past and upcoming events/classes, and other services she offers by visiting:

Leslie's website at Macrobiotic Hawaii.
Leslie on: Twitter, Facebook, and her blog - Naturally.

Ruby Roth- That's Why We Don't Eat Animals and Kauai Girl!

Once a Kauai farm girl and now Mom, artist, illustrator, author and activist via Los Angeles, Ruby Roth is educating our children about how their choices can make a difference for our world. Her heart is clearly evident in the human footprints and animal paw prints made together on the front and back covers of her book.

Childhood influences on Kauai Farm:
Before she was even born, her parents had a farm on beautiful Kauai. She remembers they lived there on and off throughout her childhood. “We spent nearly three years on the farm there when I was twelve, surrounded by macadamia nut trees, papayas, avocados, citrus, and lychee–the best foods ever.” It developed in her a deep respect for the land, animals, and the planet.


Living out Loud:
Ruby has been living a vegan lifestyle for 7 years now and attributes part of that to living on their farm, “eating that way subconsciously fosters a deep respect for life off the land, which I used to put two and two together later in my life when I became vegan.” Now, she is actively teaching this to our children through her book. She believes that children have a natural connection to nature and animals, “but are not presented with facts that actually allow them to live in line with those feelings.” This wonderful book does just that and does it beautifully. She is also passionate for the health of our children with childhood obesity and diabetes on the rise.


When asked how kids respond to her books’ message she shares, "Children show incredible interest and great insight...they come up with great questions and thoughts about the subject. I think kids enjoy being let in on what seemed to have been a “secret” kept from them. They feel empowered by the truth."

Gems in this book:
You’ll find truthfulness about everything from factory farmed animals to world hunger and environment. Even adults will be educated to more well-informed choices. Rather than use fictitious talking animals, facts and emotions are translated in a way our children can understand. Here are some examples:


Farm factory animals compared to free animals: 


Free animals - use instincts, fly, snuggle, celebrate with gestures and noises.


Farm factory or caged animals – are scared, sick, over-weight, separated from their families, flocks, or packs, unable to thrive, and be healthy.


World Hunger:
The food and water saved by growing organic veggies could feed the hungry people all over the world.


Environment:
How cattle farms waste water and pollute the ocean and sky.


The book closes empowering us with two things: 1) To know that our freedom to choose natural foods changes our lives and our planet. 2) A call to action list of resources in “What Else Can We Do” on the last page and at her website.


Check out more on That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals:
Official Website (has great page on animals and you can also sign up for email udpates)
Facebook Page (updates as well along with animal issues, and more)
Amazon Page (Media reviews, book info, order info)


Even more to check out:
No Kill Network
Animal Shelter.Org
Article on Hawaii joining with www.farmsanctuary.org

This post is adapted from my column in the examiner.

Pictures used by permission.

Hey all and welcome new dreamers

We wanted to stop by and let you all know that we are working on new posts for you and to say, "Welcome new dreamers!" We're so glad you're here. So, let's do a little summary of what went on the last two months as we welcome everyone. David's off to feed Shadow and I'll finish the rest of this blog :D

In June, we had the opportunity to take a staycation/retreat that was unbelievably refreshing. Then, in July, David got assigned training in Port Hueneme for two weeks.  So it was a working trip for both of us, but once again we got to rest.  At any rate - we caught a bug in L.A. and just fully recovered. I'm happy to report that we're all caught up on our social networks of resources and work too.

Here's a sneak peek of what's coming up:

1) I had the humbling privilege of interviewing Ruby Roth author of "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals" for my column, Honolulu Vegan Lifestyle Examiner.  Working with her is beyond words. She is so friendly, passionate, and transparent.  Our blog that's coming up on Ruby will be of her work, but you'll see the personal side of her as well.

2) We are working on the follow-up to our staycation/retreat blog as well.  As you recall it didn't not go as planned, but it all worked out great!

3) I'll be doing an examiner article on local girl and vegan macrobiotic chef, Leslie Ashburn, and she's now my whole foods counselor. I'll be putting together something in increments to share that adventure in the future. 



4) We're posing the question, "Are we really living a sustainable life?" in a future blog and covering all the areas of our lives that can be worked on one at a time.  It'll be great.

5) If you look at our blog roll, we've added EcoVeganGal, Whitney Lauritsen.  I've been following and communicating with her for a good few months and she's rockin the resources in sustainable living/food/environment and more.  She also has a blog called EcoVeganDog.  Watch for a future blog on her as well.

 6) I've been invited to write for different online venues as well and am still praying about which ones to take on. It's so exciting.  I feel like I have so much to learn. I've also been taught that as share what I learn, I'll continue to grow - Woohoo! That's exciting and scary at the same time.  I'm stepping out in faith.

There's so much more, but I think that's enough excitement for now.  As you can tell I'm drawn to the well-rounded people, sites, and resources that nourish, teach, inspire, encourage, and equip to take action. They're so awesome, I just have to share them with you.
So until next time...

Keep Dreaming, take steps toward those dreams, and it doesn't matter the size of the dream...what matters is that it's your hearts dream.

God Bless You All!

My Vegan Playground - Making A Difference for Sure

Proverbs 22:6 - Point your kids in the right direction-- when they're old they won't be lost. (message bible)

Reid, our 24-year-old, comes home after a very long day and asks, "Mom, can you make me a kombucha or a yerba mate? I'm really tired." I think nothing of it and then as I'm making his tea I realize, "That's so cool!" I beam from ear-to-ear with the realization that we're making a difference for sure.  Just living out our daily life and all the new habits we've formed speaks volumes to the people around us. I'm writing about you too!

He drives me to the health food store for my "airplane snacks" and decides he'll shop at the health food store for his supplies! Are you smiling with me yet?! That's way cool for me.  He gets his organic celery, romaine, and chooses Tofurkey cold cuts and tempeh as well.  Yay! Yay! Yay!  He's still consuming meat right now, but slowly converting over.  He's considering picking up a vegan protein formula too.  He mentioned they carry some at the shop he frequents.

 He had me order a copy of Robert Cheeke's Vegan Bodybuilding Book.  Every time Reid asks me a question I don't know the answer to, I just say "see if Robert's book says anything about that".  We learn together.  Either of us can mention Robert Cheeke or Brendan Brazier and it's second nature now.  We'll get him into the Vega Community soon.  The main thing is planting the seeds and letting him come at his own pace.  As he shows interest, we're able to share.  That way there's no pressure.


Now, when he's sifting through the fridge, he even asks if there's any fresh beans in the fridge!  It's so awesome.  Anyway, he's being exposed everyday because that's all we buy and stock up on.  The only meat is what he buys or what he was finishing up in the freezer and he respects that.  He never asks us to pick up animal products for him.  He eats the sprouted breads and tortillas without hesitation.  He even enjoys the simplicity of seasonings.  I'll be sure to thank him for all of this as often as possible.  I'm so proud of him.



Whenever Shilo (our 26-year-old) visits, he's exposed as well and asks good questions.  He doesn't mind eating whatever might be in the fridge.  He loves the homemade chili and David's fresh hummus or salsa.  He munches on those organic snacks like their so ono.

Before I adopted an animal-free lifestyle, we were already eating organic and buying snacks at the health food store, so they really like the drinks we pick up.  We've just added healthier choices and much more fresh, whole foods. We have so much fun preparing our own meals.


Over the last few months there have been so many ways we've been able to share have been so rewarding.  The more people ask questions I get comfortable sharing :D

Here is some of what's been happening:

1) At our neighborhood potlucks one person always has a question and it sparks a good conversation going back and forth.  Our friends are always amazed to find they already eat so many things that are animal-free.  They feel so great to know that.  It always ends with someone making a commitment to make a small change.  Isn't that cool?!


- One neighbor made a  public announcement to go green, so we bought her biodegradable pens to commend her.  She loved it. 

- Families talking about safe plastics after we mention. Very cool.  They all check their containers now!

- Everyone's talking about eating healthier.

- Julie Morris' No Bake Brownies (with choco vega whole food optimizer)  are a hit with the neighbors along with David's salsa.  It's a secret recipe, but maybe we can get him to share the freshness.

2) Dinner with friends spark a conversation as we order our food - the conversation leads to nutrition, researching and checking out viability of info we see, gardening, King Corn movie...What's On Your Plate?  All of this started by them, not us! Way cool!

3) Restaurants:  Whenever we ask our server for vegan options, they get excited and commend us.  They start asking questions and by the time we leave they commit to at least one meal or one day a week of "no meat".  Yeah! 

In all of this, I think I'm more encouraged than they are :D I'm really glad that health issues brought me to where I am.  It's ministering and touching so many people.  I love hearing their stories as well - how they've tried before and always thought it was all or nothing.  Now that they know they can take it slow, they can't wait to start again.  It's all just way ...too ... awesome!

Awesome Update: Reid just let me know that he's now vegetarian! He still has dairy and egg to process out of his diet, and he's taking it slow.  He reports, he's feeling great physically.  He even took his own veggie burger to a BBQ and everyone respected him for it! I thought it couldn't get any cooler than all above...Woohoo!!! Rockin' the whole food life.

Here's to living out loud! Oh...Yeah :D


Coming Soon -  Ruby Roth "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals"

First Day in Cali - My fresh food hero

David and I had to travel separately to California.  He has 2-week training here for his job and...yay for me...I get to tag along.  I'm so glad I can work from home and that laptops are in existence.

Okie dokie, on to my first day...

I packed a double portion of fresh Dino Kale and Daikon (simple recipe below) a side of Amy's BBQ burger - lunch before boarding and dinner on the plane.  I also packed a small variety of snacks - hey, you never know if you share some and gain a sister vegan or brother vegan, right? :D  I'm so glad I wasn't hungry for dinner.  When David picked me up from the airport he had packed me a nice dinner.  Fresh steamed Kale n a Kashi Lasagna.  How cool and sweet is that?!  It was dark, camera in luggage, sorry no pic.

I wanted to share, how awesomely organic, fresh eating changes our way of living and thinking.  We really like reading labels and making sure we make the best possible choice.   When we're away from home we can't always get everything fresh and organic.  We researched organic health food stores before he left and he went shopping each chance he got after training.  When I got here, he had us basically stocked until we could go shop together.  Dude has got the lay of the land pretty hands down..ha ha.


He was so proud he took me on a tour of the kitchen.  I made sure to take pics this a.m. to mark another milestone in our adventurous journey.  I'm so proud too!  Check out the cupboards.  Breakfast is definitely served.  We have a full kitchen at our hotel, so we're going shopping for beans...I love beans.


Everything he bought was close to my faves.  Kombucha...yeah! Kale and my fave green...Arugula!  He even picked up Bragg's.

And so my lunch today in Cali is 90% whole foods...awesome!

Leftovers I packed, Arugula w/1 spray Bragg's, Cranberry Kombucha, fresh orange.  

This is gonna be one onolicious lunch.

Savoring the freshness and an awesome best friend/husband/leader/comic/man of God.

Have an awesome day all.  Next blog is about our son Reid.  I know you're gonna like it.  I guess this is family week :D  Thank You for blessing us with your cyber friendships.  God Bless You all. 

KALE & DAIKON STIR FRY:

You'll Need:

about 3 tbsp Wheat-free Tamari, Bragg's, or Nama Shoyu

Water - about 1/8 c or less

Garlic - 1 clove minced/sliced

Ginger - Medallion (thickness of a 1/2 dollar)

Kale leaves

Daikon - quartered

black and brown sesame seeds

Sweetener of your choice (makes it a sweeter sauce,Asian style)

Cover just the bottom of stir-fry pan with water , add Tamari (or your choice), ginger medallion turn heat on to medium.  When heated (about 5 min. passed), I just move the medallion around the pan to season the sauce for about 1 min.  Add garlic, daikon, Kale, sweetener and simmer for about 8-10 min. - Daikon will soak up sauce and turn brown from it.  Turn off heat, plate and add your sesame seeds.  If you use less hearty greens just throw them in at the last minute so it doesn't overcook.  Enjoy :D

I like to squish the brown sesame seeds back and forth between my fingers as I add it to my food and it releases the flavor.  Have fun with your own variations.

Gods Dreams For Me is...Pacing the Process

As I was getting ready to write this, I just so happen to read my blog mentor's (Lindsay Wolf, Kiss Me I'm Vegan) interview on Marissa Miller Wolfson of Kind Green Planet.  What awesome timing.  You have to check it out - it's awesome!  She mentions the "go-vegan-or-die" mentality that alienates some from and in the vegan lifestyle.  It totally relieves the pressure.  Lindsay and Marissa are beautiful examples of compassionate vegan women.

As for this blog contribution....

When I first read the definition of "vegan" I thought it was a race I had to win.  At first I thought I had to rush everything and "be there" already.  Now, I see it as many little goals that are highly possible to attain.  As I'm pacing this beautiful process, at a pace just right for me, I'm learning wonderful things, meeting the most awesome people, and finding resources that I never knew existed!  It's just like that saying "stop and smell the roses".  Gradual, slowly, and at an enjoyable pace.  Every one's pace will be different based on health, lifestyle, finances, ability, and so on.


Webster's dictionary describes vegan as: A strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy products; also: one who abstains from using animal products (as leather).  Wikipedia defines vegan as: Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle whose adherents seek to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose...(see more at site).

I had already made the necessary diet changes when I happen to stumble upon a quote defining veganism.  I thought, "I better hurry up!" But, it was truly financially impossible to do it all at once.  Now I know that the definition isn't rushing me, but instead encouraging me to make the changes as I can.  Life is much more fun and exciting when you have something to look forward to.

In all the books and articles I read and even the whole foods counseling I received, taking it slow is a constant.  It seems our bodies need time to adjust to the changes we make and when it's made gradually, we allow our bodies to adapt in a way that's most beneficial for our health and well-being :D  Even Shadow had to be switched switched out slowly.  We could tell when it was too quick because he wouldn't feel well and then we'd just pull back and slow it down.  He is well on his way to being fully vegan and looking quite handsome too :D

In my case, I had severe digestive issues, and so I had to drop everything that triggered it all at once.  I'm now able to make new changes slowly.  For instance, when adding a new food or drink to my menu, I add one a week allowing my digestion to adapt.  I also keep a food journal -  Time I ate/drank/snacked, Food or drink, any outcome - did I get tired soon afterward, how my stomach felt, any runny nose, etc.  It's so helpful for me. 

Other gradual changes are external.  We've been slowly switching out our cleaning products for ones that are earth-friendly (almost done).  As far as clothing and footwear - those are even more gradual changes because we also want to be wise with our finances.  There's also grooming products that we took time to switch out.  We made sure to try out body washes and shampoos to find ones that worked for each of us.  The first changes we made were our food storage containers and even that took time - once again, to spend wisely and not put ourselves in debt.  With every change we're able to make, we celebrate.  It feels so good to give back to our planet, to help others, but more than anything...it feels amazing to change at the "Taira" pace.  It's so peaceful and very fulfilling.  It also gives us more compassion toward others making any type of change in their lives.

My prayer is that we are encouraged to do what we can, when we can and enjoy what we find in the process...that we all keep reading, researching, and sharing what we learn.  Asking a lot of questions helps us find the answers somehow, someway.  Side note: Did you know that when you share what you learn you're practicing activism? Yup! I always thought an activist was a crazed lunatic...LOL.  Well, I am an activist and I know I'm not crazed, just passionate to share the truth :D I'm living out loud...Yeah!!!

God Bless You all.  We appreciate you and hope we let you know that all the time.

Check out below: 

(more resource are listed on our sidebars)

Kiss Me I'm Vegan (Lindsay Wolf's blog);  

Vegan At Heart (Marissa Miller Wolfson's online program);

21-day Vegan Kick Start (PCRM - Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine Program)

You are welcome to share the resources that have helped you as well.

A little healthy fun

So the [insert one:  “healthy”, “well meaning”, “educational”, “exciting”, “fun” or “crazy” =0)] Hilary Detweiler founder of {Plate+Simple} came up with a two week detox challenge.  So Jeri, being the “sport” she is jumped at the chance… and drug me with her (j/k, I was a willing participant).

Via Twitter, Jeri was able to keep in touch with Hilary, KD (from Your Daily Vegan) and met some new people too (you can check out KD's detox blog here).  Very cool because we got recipe and meal suggestions.  We're even planning to fast/detox once a week each month in the future just to give our bodies time to rest. 

Anyway, the following is what we were encouraged to abstain from:  meat, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, sugar (including “natural” sugars like molasses, maple and dried fruit) and all processed foods.  Well, the 14^th day has just passed and we *gasp* survived!  Just kidding it was a lot of fun.  Here are some of the dishes we prepared for the festivities…

Most of these were thrown together with what we already had or leftovers redone.  It wasn't hard at all.

mushroom and white bean millet cakes  (shared by KD) w/ some sweet potato fries.

a dish made with artichoke pasta

jeri's baby bok breakfast

Lunch from Kokua Market's Salad Bar

jeri's vega smoothie made with coconut water

kale ginger stir fry

veggie broth soup and steamed kale

lettuce wrap fillin'

fried rice

oatmeal w/ blueberries

steamed kale salads

jeri's MACH (maca almond coconut hemp) smoothie

Vega Community's Member of the Month is ...

*drum roll* ... none other than our very own ... Je... ri... Tai... ra!!!! *big applause*

Our hero, being her normal caring & personable self, discovered a cool community at Vega ... who in turn realized what many of us already knew... our girl is a pretty special person!

And now, Jill at Vega will share with you a little glimpse into the wonderful world of Jeri!

Congratulations to Jeri Taira, who is our second winner of the “Member of the Month” title! Jeri is relatively new to the Vega Community and has been an amazing addition. She is very interactive - and passionate about supporting and sharing within the community.

Meet Jeri:

1. What is biggest way that the Thrive diet has changed your life?
It's helping my digestion to improve and I never thought it would. Now I have the resources toward healing from years of stress. I look forward to waking up every day now.

2. How and when did you find about Vega products? I read The Kind Diet and saw Brendan featured as a Superhero. I was like, "Vegan bars and shakes? For real?! I had to check it out.

3. What is your favorite vegan recipe?
Lightly steamed baby bok choy with a few drops each of ume vinegar and wheat-free tamari. Now I gotta go make some. I've just discovered kelp noodles too. They're so awesome. I love the diversity of the recipes here as well. I've been introduced to foods I never knew before.

4. What is your favorite workout?
Taking our dog for long relaxing walk or hikes. He's so inquisitive that it makes it an adventure. Follow that with a gentle stretch and breathe program and it's all good...aaaah :)

5. What are your current fitness goals?
Simply to keep steady in what I enjoy. If I'm not enjoying it then it's stressful. Brendan talks about this in his first Thrive book. And to keep discovering and trying things out.

6. How has the Vega community impacted your fitness goals/training?
The positive high energy of friends I've made here is unexplainable. I get excited at their accomplishments and it motivates me too. Making connections here has given life to what I've read and learned.

7. What motivates you to pursue a healthy lifestyle?
I totally want to be the grandma that can run and play with the grandkids. YEAH!

What We're Liking...Oh Yeah!

It's so much fun finding new foods, products, books. Many tweets, blogs, mags, stores have all helped us find new things. So we're listing our faves separately.  We totally wanna know your faves as well.

DAVID'S  

hmmm, j-mama just asked me to share ... this should be fun. heh heh... let's see...  =0)

food wise... Lightlife Pepperoni, Arugula (stems and all), Leeks, Pearl Barley, Lentils, Yellow squash

fave snacks... BlueSky Grape Soda, oat sticks, Govinda's Ginger Rush drink.

books... currently reading...(clicking on books takes you to Amazon)

 

SHADOW'S
We can't leave our buddy out now, can we? :D

Natural Balance Veggie Formula (looking into organic formula)

Butternut and Kabocha Squash, Carrots,  Parsnips

Brown Rice, Pearl Barley, Rice Milk

Vega Bars - no joke! Forgot his treats one day and that's all we had.

 BATHS: Thera Neem Kids formula by Organix South

PROTECTANT: Thera Neem Outdoor Spray

JERI'S  

There's way more, but these stand out:

Whole Foods: Tatsoi Greens, Dino Kale, Purple Kale, Butternut Squash
Other Foods: Cacao Nibs, Hemp Milk, Vega Whole Food Optimizer (any flavor)
Nuts and Seeds: Chia seeds, Hemp seeds, Cashew and almond butters
Condiments and oils: Ume Vinegar,  Hemp oil, Grapeseed oil, Wheat-free Tamari
SeaVeggies: Hijiki, Wakame, Kombu
Beans: Cannellini, Black-Eyed Peas

Beverages: Izze pop in Grapefruit,Vega Wholefood Optimizer in Choco

Guiltless Pleasures: Honey Sesame Sticks - so yum, Living Harvest Tempt Chocolate Fudge, Organic Nectars Raw Agave Gelato - Cherry Chocolate Chunk

Body Wash: Alba Organics Cupuacu Deep Hydrating Body Wash
Haircare: Mastey Traite Sulfate Free Shampoo and Moisturee Conditioner

Books: (clicking on books takes you to Amazon :D)