Health Benefits
Alright, let’s talk about the health benefits. The Mediterranean diet has been praised for its heart-healthy qualities, thanks to its emphasis on olive oil, fish, whole grains, and fresh produce. On the other hand, the Vegan diet, with its focus on plant-based foods, has been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. So, who’s the winner here? Drumroll, please…it’s the Vegan diet! Jeff Bridges would be proud of this plant-powered victory as “The Dude” is a Vegan.

Environmental Impact
Now, let’s consider the environmental impact. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, which reduces carbon footprints. However, the Vegan diet takes it a step further by excluding animal products, which significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and deforestation. So, who’s the winner in this category? It’s none other than the Vegan diet, which is why “Dr. Strange” actor Benedict Cumberbatch doesn’t find being vegan strange at all.

Culinary Delights
Ah, the joy of food! The Mediterranean diet spoils us with its array of vibrant flavors, from fresh herbs to succulent seafood. But let’s not underestimate the creativity and versatility of the Vegan diet, where plant-based ingredients shine in all their glory. It’s a tough call, but in this category, we’ll give a nod to the Mediterranean diet. “Roseanne” star John Goodman credits the Mediterranean Diet for his recent 200 pound weight loss.

Ease of Adherence
Now, let’s talk about ease of adherence. The Mediterranean diet allows for flexibility, making it easier for most people to incorporate into their lifestyles. On the other hand, the Vegan diet requires more commitment and careful attention to ensure proper nutrient intake. In this category, the Mediterranean diet takes the crown, making adhering to it as smooth as silk. TV host and professional chef Rachel Ray is a follower of the Mediterranean Diet, so there must be something to it.

Recipe Resources
Alright, we’re in the final round, folks! Both diets offer a plethora of delicious recipes to tantalize your taste buds. For the Mediterranean diet, check out websites like The Mediterranean Dish and Olive Tomato for a treasure trove of Mediterranean delights. But, and this is a big but, for the Vegan diet, we have our winner, and it’s none other than my queen of plant-based goodness, Minimalist Baker and Nora Cooks. While I believe that the top spot on the internet is a little website called Living Clean & Dirty, I definitely have to tip my chef’s hat to these cooking sites and more. Definitely helpful resources for everyone from master chefs to beginner cooks.

So we’ve seen a number of positives for either choice. They both have their merits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and goals. So who’s the real winner? We all are, these “non-traditional” food journeys have never been so readily accessible as they are now. Generations before us have followed similar paths but it was definitely more of a challenge than it is now.

Easy Teriyaki Tofu from Nora Cooks

Greek Stewed Octopus in Tomato Sauce and Pasta from Olive Tomato

Remember, whether you’re diving into the depths of the Mediterranean or embracing the plant-powered revolution, what matters most is finding a sustainable and enjoyable way of eating that nourishes your body and soul. So go forth, explore new flavors, and let your taste buds dance with joy.

And before we wrap up, I can’t forget to mention one of my recent articles “Dirty Santa, Clean Earth: Navigating Eco-Friendly Holidays Like a Pro”. If you’ve never considered a penis-scarf as a gift, then you might want to check it out.

Now, go forth and whip up some culinary magic! And remember, no diet is perfect and very few worthwhile culinary adventures are ready to go right out of the box. You need to make it work for you. There are tons of benefits to be found in either choice, so either path is a winner in my book. So cheers to good food and good laughs!

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any drastic dietary changes, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay weird, my friends.

The post Battle of the Diets: Mediterranean vs Vegan appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

I’m talking to all you soon-to-be freshmen out there, so listen up! Your parents have been busting their butts trying to turn you into functioning members of society for the past 18-ish years and while our job never ends, it’s now up to you to start making some smart choices on your own. Much like shower fungus (don’t forget your flip-flops) being eco-friendly can be super contagious so if you play your cards right, before you know it you’ll have your whole dorm joining in the fight to save Mother Earth.

So parents, grab a compostable cup of fair-trade coffee and join me as we celebrate the incredible journey your child is about to embark on – a journey filled with eco-conscious choices, sustainable adventures, and a commitment to leaving a positive footprint on this precious planet we call home. And if you don’t have kids or they’re not old enough for college yet, don’t worry – this list is a guide perfect for college kids, grandparents, and anyone just trying to be a little bit greener.

• Sustainable Shopping:

Picture this: No matter what meal plan you end up getting, you could still find yourself doing some shopping for some snacks and pantry items for your room. Do your best to make sustainable choices for your in-person or online shopping cart. Opt for organic, locally sourced produce, and choose products with minimal packaging. Say no to single-use plastics and hello to reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils. Remember, every small step counts!

Real-life example: Meet Sarah, a college freshman who started a trend on campus by organizing a weekly farmers market. She connected local farmers with students, promoting healthy, sustainable eating while supporting the community. Way to go, Sarah!

• Energy-Saving Hacks:

Living on your own means having control over your energy consumption. Embrace the power of energy-saving hacks to keep your carbon footprint in check. Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and make the most of natural light during the day. Opt for energy-efficient dorm-size appliances and use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices. You don’t get an electric bill (unless you’re living off campus) but your making smart choices which will benefit the planet now and your wallet later.

Real-life example: Meet Alex, a freshman who started a dorm competition to see who could reduce their energy consumption the most. By encouraging his fellow students to be mindful of their energy usage, he created a fun and eco-friendly atmosphere in the residence hall. Kudos, Alex!

• Waste Reduction:

College life often means countless coffee runs and late-night study sessions with snacks galore. But all those disposable cups, food containers, and wrappers can add up quickly. Embrace waste reduction by opting for a reusable coffee mug and bringing your own food containers and utensils. Embrace the art of recycling and composting, and encourage your dorm mates to join the eco-warrior squad.

Real-life example: Meet Maya, a freshman who initiated a composting program in her dormitory. With the help of her environmentally conscious peers, she transformed food waste into nutrient-rich compost, which was used in the campus garden. Great work, Maya!

• Sustainable Transportation:

Not everyone lives on campus, so we didn’t forget about you commuters out there. Bid farewell to traffic jams and parking struggles by embracing sustainable transportation options. Dust off your bicycle or invest in a skateboard or scooter for a fun and eco-friendly way to navigate campus. Utilize public transportation whenever possible, and carpool with friends to reduce carbon emissions. Your daily commute can become an adventure for both you and the planet.

Real-life example: Meet Jake, a freshman who started a bike-sharing program on campus, making it easy for students to access bikes for their daily commute. He even organized group rides to explore nearby nature trails, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Way to pedal, Jake!

• Engage and Educate:

One of the most powerful ways to create change is by engaging and educating others. Join environmental clubs, attend sustainability events, and take part in community service projects that focus on eco-conscious initiatives. Share your knowledge, inspire your peers, and together, you can create a greener campus and a brighter future.

Real-life example: Meet Emily, a freshman who organized a “Green Living Week” on campus. She hosted workshops, film screenings, and panel discussions to raise awareness about eco-friendly living. Her dedication to sustainability ignited a passion in many fellow students, leading to long-lasting change. You rock, Emily!

As you embark on your college journey, don’t forget that you have the power to make a difference. By implementing these eco-friendly tips and following the footsteps of these real-life eco-heroes, you’ll not only reduce your environmental impact but also inspire others to join the movement. Embrace the adventure of college life while living clean and green. Together, we can create a sustainable future, one freshman at a time.

Remember, change starts with you!

And if you’re craving more eco-inspiration, be sure to check out LivingCleanandDirty.com for a treasure trove of sustainable living ideas, tips, and delicious planet-friendly recipes.

Pass this onto anyone who has a kid in college or going to college. Stay tuned for future articles on which products will be best for an eco-friendly dorm or join the Facebook group, Eco-Friendly Dorm Essentials & Discounts, moderated by me for ideas and discounts!

Happy eco-friendly college life!

The post The Freshman’s Guide to Living Clean and Green: College Edition appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Water, it’s kind of a big deal. But what’s really in it, is it safe?

Millions of people around the world suffer from illnesses spread by polluted water.  I’ve seen enough of those heart-wrenching commercials about a small village in a country thousands of miles away with no access to clean drinking water. The stories are awful and my gratitude goes out to those who volunteer to do their part in improving the quality of life for perfect strangers.

You might say, “but that’s on the other side of the world, that wouldn’t happen here.” I’ll bet there was a time when the residents of Flint, Michigan said the same thing.  Ever since I first read about Flint’s water crisis in 2014 I haven’t looked at my water the same.  Over the years I bought a whole house water filter, a filtered instant hot spout on my sink and even a filtered water pitcher which sits on my counter.  Because like dad always said “If you’re going to do something, then take it to the extreme”.

Recently I reached out to my local water company to ask the tough questions

• Is my water safe?
• If I don’t just take your word for it is there a publicly available report I could read?
• Where did I leave my other green dangly earing?

Well, two out of three ain’t bad. Their representative told me our water is incredibly clean and perfectly fine to drink and he provided me with a report that may or may not have been in English. I recognized a lot of the letters and numbers but when you put them all together it was like a word salad, and not the kind you would toss.  Let’s just say my chemistry knowledge to this day still rivals that of Gene from high school, meaning I really didn’t understand most of it.

So next stop …the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database (https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/) where I learned I had 30 total contaminants in my water and 5 exceed their guidelines. But what does that mean? I know it’s not crystal clean water that came from a babbling brook in Maine (why they babble I have no idea) but am I the next Flint, Michigan?  I was pretty sure the water company wasn’t going to tell me “Oh, your water is garbage, you should probably keep your mouth closed when you shower”. I needed to get impartial answers from someone with nothing to gain.  At this point the Wikipedia side of my brain had kicked in and I spent many a sleepless night wondering what sort of physical damage our water could be doing to do my family.  Now don’t get me wrong, emotional damage is just part of good parenting, but physical is where I draw the line.

Well thanks to the good folks at envirotestkits.com I can put my worries to rest.  They sent me an awesome water quality test kit so I could get the answers I so desperately needed.  So check out the video and see how we did. And if you happen to see a green dangly earing in the background anywhere let me know.

Envirotestkits.com provided me with a SafeHome water quality test kit to facilitate this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own. 

The post Take care of your largest organ appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

I love my kids, I love my husband, but there will always be a special love I have for my dogs. Since I started down this crazy eco-road feeding my dogs has completely changed since I first became a dog owner many moons ago. Hubby loves to make the now famous comment “these dogs eat better than I do” and to be honest, he’s not completely wrong. You’ve heard us talk about feeding ourselves, well now listen in as we touch on the Bionic Woman, dog-meat (not what you would think) and how we feed our 4-legged family members.

The post Doggy Style in the Kitchen appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

There are certain things in this world I despise…mullets, dog walkers who dont pick up, critics of the movie Xanadu. But the tip-top of my list is grocery shopping, I’d rather play the rusty trombone (look it up) than spend more than 3 minutes in aisle 5. My hubby for some strange reason positively loves it, he says he finds it relaxing…whatever, i married him for his package, not his shopping skills. Since I began my (our) organic journey I have a pretty good idea which foods to buy organic and those wher it’s not necessary. So, before hubby comes home with another $400 dollar grocery bill and 3 bags of groceries I thought I’d give him, and you, this refresher on where being a smart eco-friendly shopper matters most.

The post There’s nothing tighter than a budget appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

I read a lot of books.  It’s not unusual for my hubby to find me passed out in bed (empty wine glass next to me like a loyal soldier) with a book still open in my lap.  Some of my guilty pleasures have been “Nature’s Nether Regions”, “Safe Haven”, “Does the Soul Survive?”, “Everyone Poops” or once for some international flavor,  the Scottish tale of romance “A Wee Bit Lower, Lassy”.

Reading is my escape; it’s my happy place (if I don’t have the opportunity for a nap). As a busy mom I spend more than a few afternoons sitting in my car waiting to pick up one of my kids from some place or another and I always have a book with me.  If you were to peek into my passenger side window right now (along with getting a faceful of mace, you creeper) you’d see my copy of Lilly Cadoch’s Busy Mom’s Cheat Sheet: Raising Happy Healthy Kids.

Obviously the title is an eye-catcher, but you can’t always judge a book by its cover. Take “Still Stripping After 25 Years” which is a book about a woman’s lifelong love of quilting (I shit you not, look it up). Well, faithful readers let me tell you that Lilly Cadoch’s book definitely delivers the goods.

“Cheat Sheets” have gotten a bad reputation over the years, or so my 11^th grade English Literature teacher would have us believe, but I’m a huge fan.  I don’t always need all the fanfare and the romance and the flowers and the gifts, sometimes I want to just get down to the dirty and the gritty.  The Busy Mom’s Cheat Sheet: Raising Happy Healthy Kids is an easy to follow and understand handbook to help energize parents in their ongoing quest to raise healthier kids.  The book is broken down into three vital life categories: Body, Mind and Spirit. I couldn’t agree more with advice like “This trifecta makes up our entire being and if any of them get out of balance, it can throw everything out of whack…When we have a healthy body, we can more clearly tackle our mind and spiritual needs.”

My kids are pretty open-minded when it comes to trying new foods, but they aren’t afraid to tell me when one of my experiments taste like a cardboard box left out in the rain.  So when one of my daughters loved the recipe for the cheesy veggie omelet I grabbed on to that one and held tight.  I also used a few of her snack ideas for my kids’ backpacks and I myself practically live on the zucchini spaghetti pasta dish.  And by the way, feel free to skip to page 127 for an awesome take on Tofu.

Not only does this book offer real-life mommy advice, it helps you make smarter food choices for your family and to provide your children with valuable life-long skills. Here are just a few great ideas that resonated with me…

• Teaching your kids how to read food and ingredient labels in order to make healthier choices
• 18 tips for foods to avoid
• Ways to get more exercise into your child’s schedule
• Tactics on how to get your kids to sleep (without the battle)
• Teaching empathy
• The power of gratitude
• 45 bonus recipes that are quick, easy, delicious and kid-friendly

Seem simple?  Of course

Do we always do it? Of course not

Having kids literally jump started my holistic journey into eating and living cleaner because I wanted to set a good example and teach my kids to live a healthy lifestyle.  My girls are 9 & 12, I love the idea of them being more involved with the grocery shopping and our ingredient choices, they are after all, my target audience (sorry, hubby).  I enjoy sharing my sense of spirituality with my family and every night before bed we talk about “Grateful Universe” and the large and small things in our life we are thankful for.  I think in a lot of ways Lily Cadoch and I may have been separated at birth (or at the very least are kindred spirits) because every page I read from her book makes me want to shout out “Yes, that’s what I do” or “Thank goodness I’m not the only one who feels that way.”

This book is a fantastic guide to help any parent trying to raise healthier kids and needing real world practical guidance.  I like to think that when we know better, we do better. So any book that can give a fresh and positive perspective to eating smart, getting my kids a better night’s sleep, improving their sense of self and dipping their toes into the benefits of spirituality, that’s a little bit of “cheating” we can all benefit from.

I was sent a copy of this book for free to review; however, no other compensation was received and the opinions I expressed were entirely my own.

The post The Most Valuable Cheat Sheet You Never Knew About – Unsponsored Review appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Hi guys, I know you are all struggling along without your regular LC&D updates so I thought I’d throw you a quick one to hold you over.  Another tip from my kitchen and this is one of my favorites.  Add 1 part great vegetable, a cup of water, a dash of free and voila…magic scallions.  Doug Henning (look it up) would say “it’s an illusion”, well sorry Doug this tip is all real. I’ll never have to buy scallions again and after this neither will you. (I mean you the reader, not Doug Henning…he’s dead so that would be weird).

Catch you next time…

The post So smart, It’ll make you cry appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Feeding my dogs a BARF diet was one of those moments.

Now before you call Animal Control, BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It’s basically feeding dogs a diet made from real, whole foods instead of processed kibble. The first time I heard about it, I thought it sounded a little crazy too.

A few years ago I hired a holistic pet chef (for those of you who need a translation, that’s a woman I hired to come to my house and teach me how to feed my dogs a species-appropriate diet using real, human-grade food instead of commercial dog food). She explained the ingredients, the portions and how to build balanced meals, and by the time she left I was hooked.

So I have a very close friend from childhood. She’s the Statler to my Waldorf for you Muppet fans. Friends NEVER embarrass friends, so I’m not going to mention her by name. She came to me in confidence with questions about dog food and I promised I wouldn’t use her name.

So Allison and I get together a few days a week, and when we can’t, we’ll usually spend an hour on the phone. It usually goes something like this: I tell her about some new eco-friendly experiment I’m trying, and she puts me on speakerphone so I can listen to her crushing Styrofoam containers and aluminum cans into the garbage while every light and television in her house is on.

She’s got a soft spot for my husband, and I’m pretty sure she’s his secret steak connection.

“Ellen,” she’d say, “if God didn’t intend for us to eat animals, they wouldn’t taste so good.”

Totally making fun of me.

Oh, I’m no shrinking violet either. I give it right back and threaten to dump her garbage bags onto her front lawn, rescue every recyclable, and speed off into the night before she notices.

Two good buddies doing what good buddies do.

So when I proudly announced, “I’m never buying dog food again. I’m making all of the dogs’ meals from now on. We’re going BARF up in this mutha!” she laughed so hard I thought she was going to drop the phone.

Then she stopped.

“Oh…you’re serious?”

Very.

She thought I’d completely lost my mind. Honestly, I understood why. A few years earlier I probably would have laughed right along with her.

Then one day there were stories all over the news about commercial dog food recalls and ingredient concerns, and my phone rang.

“Okay, El…tell me about your Holy Pet Chef thing.”

At first I thought she was making some kind of Batman joke.

“Holy Pet Chef, Batman!”

Then I realized it was her turn to be serious.

I tried to be supportive. I laughed. A lot.

Point: Ellen.

Once I got that out of my system, I walked her through everything I’d learned. The ingredients I use. The quantities. Where I buy things. I even loaned her the book my pet chef recommended so she could read it herself and decide if it was something she wanted to try.

A few weeks later my Facebook feed started filling up with pictures of her dogs happily eating homemade meals.

I have to admit, that felt pretty good.

One of the things I love most about making my dogs’ food is how little goes to waste. The leafy tops from celery, carrot peelings, apples that have gotten a little too soft for my daughters, bananas that suddenly became “too brown”…instead of ending up in the trash, a lot of it ends up in the dogs’ bowls.

My dogs are basically furry little composters with tails.

Preparing their meals doesn’t take nearly as long as people imagine. Most days it takes me about five minutes to throw everything together, and I love knowing exactly what’s going into their food.

For our dogs, a typical meal might be raw meat, an egg, carrots, celery, leafy greens, fruit and a little plain yogurt. It isn’t fancy. It’s just real food.

Is this the only right way to feed a dog?

Of course not.

Every dog is different, and every family has to decide what’s right for them. If you’re thinking about making major changes to your pet’s diet, talk with your veterinarian or a qualified pet nutrition professional first.

For us, this has been one of the best changes we’ve ever made. The dogs love it, we waste less food, and I know exactly what they’re eating.

Sometimes the ideas people laugh at today become the very ones they’re asking you about tomorrow.

The post Forget Cake, I Say Let them Eat BARF appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well” – Virginia Woolf 

“Sex is good, but not as good as fresh sweet corn.” – Dr. Ruth Westheimer (who I’m guessing is speaking of organic corn)

“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” – Thomas Edison

“It’s bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children’s health than the pediatrician.” – Meryl Streep

“I cook with wine.  Sometimes I even add it to the food” –  W.C. Fields

“Food is the fuel that will keep us on the go.  You got to eat right if you want to grow.” – Slim Goodbody

Food has always fascinated me. The more I learned about living a healthier, greener life, the more I realized how little I actually knew about what I was eating.

Around that time I picked up a copy of The Food Babe Way by Vani Hari.

Now let me start by saying opinions are like taints (look it up). Everybody has one, and it’s rare anyone actually wants yours. You can find people on the internet who think Vani Hari is changing the world, and you can find people who think she’s completely wrong. My advice is the same advice I always give: read with an open mind, ask questions, and make your own decisions. If you disagree with me, feel free to email me for a full refund for this free article.

What I appreciated most about the book wasn’t that it gave me all the answers.

It made me ask better questions.

I already considered myself a healthy eater. I bought organic whenever I could. I was paying attention to labels. Or at least I thought I was.

After reading the book, I realized I had been looking for a handful of buzzwords instead of really understanding what was in my food. I started slowing down in the grocery store. I read ingredient lists instead of just the front of the package. I became more curious about where my food came from and how it was made.

Did I agree with every single thing in the book?  Probably not.  But I didn’t have to.

A good book doesn’t always have to convince you. Sometimes it just gets you thinking in a different way, and that’s exactly what this one did for me.

One of my favorite parts was that it didn’t simply tell readers what to avoid. It also offered recipes, substitutions, and practical ideas that made healthier eating feel possible instead of overwhelming. My younger daughter became a huge fan of the homemade ginger dressing recipe because it tasted just like the one from our favorite Japanese restaurant. The difference was I knew exactly what had gone into it because I’d made it myself.

Like I tell my family all the time, getting healthier starts with getting educated. Read labels. Ask questions. Learn where your food comes from. You don’t have to overhaul your entire kitchen overnight. Just make one better choice today than you made yesterday.

Living healthier isn’t about being perfect.  It’s about paying attention.

I’ll leave you with one final quote from someone who was never afraid to put in the work.

“Number one, like yourself. Number two, you have to eat healthy. And number three, you’ve got to squeeze your buns. That’s my formula.” — Richard Simmons.

Words to live by, Richard. Words to live by.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are my own.

The post Babe…I’ve got food babe – Unsponsored Review appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.