Vegan Sloppy Joes in the Crock-Pot

I have to admit that I was skeptical about this recipe at first, but it really turned out well. It also reheated well for left-over meals the following days. If you like smokey flavored BBQ, then this recipe is for you.


Servings: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 3 to 4 hours

Ingredients:

Initial ingredients:
2 (15oz) cans garbanzo beans
1 (15oz) can black beans
2/3 cup (two handfuls) carrots, shredded
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 bell pepper, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons Paprika

Last 30 minute ingredients:
1 cup shredded or minced greens (collards, kale, etc.)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Buns, for serving

Add all the initial ingredients to the crock-pot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Be sure to keep an eye on the crock-pot the first time you make it. Stir occasionally as needed. Thirty minutes before serving: Add the greens and tomato paste. Add the salt and pepper right before serving and more Paprika if needed. Serve on a lightly toasted bun with your favorite BBQ side dishes.

Modified from the original recipe found here.

On My Radar: May 2014

I spend some time each week reading articles either for the pure sake of learning or for entertainment. This blog is mainly dedicated to veganism and Traditional Oriental Medicine, but I find other topics to be relevant for this blog as well. In my efforts to educate myself to become the best health practitioner I can be, an integral part of healing is educating my patients and community. 

This monthly blog series will consist of news stories and articles regarding things that are "On My Radar."

Can Patients Afford Their Medicine?

With the rising cost of healthcare, it should be on the doctor's radar to check if their patients are having a difficult time paying for their health. This could mean paying for doctors visits, medications and supplements, or even healthy food. Check out this article from the NY Times to see just how many Americans need help paying for basic health necessities. 

GMO Labeling Bill in CA, Again!
A new bill that would require the labeling of packaged foods and produce that has been genetically engineered (aka genetically modified) was heard in the Appropriations Committee on 5/12/14. Read here about differences between the new bill and Prop 37. Look for upcoming news about how it did in the latest committee hearing.

The Health Benefits of Smiling
Read this great article about 15 health benefits of smiling.

[Photo Credit]

Digestive Health

This is a simple, to-the-point article about digestive health. One of my favorite areas of practice is digestion and I've had great success using acupuncture, nutrition counseling, and Chinese herbal medicine to treat digestive imbalances. Please read this article to see if you have less than optimal digestive health. You'd be surprised to know that many people with digestive issues don't know they even have a problem. If digestive issues go untreated, it can lead to toxic build-up in the body and cause seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Valerie Harper Kicks Cancer's Butt!

See how the beloved TV star has used conventional medicine, Chinese medicine, and mindfulness to live more than one year past her predicted "expiration date."

Three Surprises About Acupuncture

This article talks about three of the most common surprises that people encounter when first learning about acupuncture: 1) acupuncture is not just for pain, 2) acupuncture is relaxing, and my personal favorite 3) acupuncturists go to school for a long time.