Horses Euthanized in South Florida After Feed Recall

Foxy the horse with rider Jamie Buis at a competition in 2013.
Source: SunSentinel

Another case of contaminated animal food has struck, and this time with horses. In 2007, the world saw one of the largest pet food recalls in history. Thousands of cats and dogs died and many more were sickened from the melamine-contaminated food originating from China.

New Recipe for Thanksgiving: Mixed Greens and Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Drizzle

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and it usually involves food. It has become synonymous with overeating, and indulging in what are normally calorie-laden foods, only to regret it the next morning and try signing up at your local gym, if you're not too busy doing Black Friday shopping, of course which can be a workout in and of itself.

6 Tips to Boost your Immune System and Knock the Flu

photo credit: unitypoint.org

It's that dreaded time of the year again, and it seems like everyone around you is getting the flu. But what if you could prevent it and keep yourself healthy?

Type 2 Diabetes and Why You Are Not a Victim of your Genes

A display of tropical fruits at el Palacio de los Jugos in Miami, FL

If you look yourself in the mirror today, can you honestly tell yourself that you have done everything you can to make your body healthy? Today is World Diabetes Day, a day to bring awareness about the disease. So, I hope that my blog can be a small contribution to show that there is an alternative way, and that in many cases, diabetes can be prevented and reversed. You are not a victim of your genes.

Miami Vegan Fare with a Latin Flair

Choices Cafe in Miami, FL

Perhaps thought of eating out on a gluten-free diet is stressful, or maybe you're really passionate about eating organic foods. Maybe you are also vegan and find it is difficult to combine all three things. At Choices Cafe in Miami, FL you don't have to compromise your health, the environment, or your wallet; you can have it all. It is 100% plant based vegan, 95% organic, and of course, there are plenty of choices.

Vegan in Beijing: Review of Serene Lotus Restaurant

I always try to be honest with my readers about the restaurants I review. If the restaurant is in fact delicious and aligns with my mission of helping others lead healthier lifestyles, I will give it a great review! While I do not agree with the food preparation in all vegan restaurants, I still think they are worth reviewing and showcasing different cultures' takes on vegan food.

In today's blog post, I'm going to take you to the far East to a vegan restaurant in Beijing. The lovely Xinran Wang, a good friend of mine, is from China and stopped in to have lunch at this restaurant recently. She's a student from NYU and is currently studying abroad in Abu Dhabi. I was thrilled when she agreed to write a review for Plant Based Carolina. I always love to keep things international and spicy! Read on for Xinran's review.

12 McDonald's Closed in Russia

A passerby strolls by a closed McDonald's in Moscow.
source: Reuters/Alexander Demianchuk 

Times are tough for the golden arches in Russia. Twelve McDonald's restaurants have been temporarily closed in Russia and over 100 of the country's 440 McDonald's are under inspection.

Jamming Out at the 2014 Moscow Jam Festival

2013 Moscow Jam Festival, August 8-17

Would you like strawberry or raspberry jam? Well you can have them both, and over 200 different flavors at the Moscow Jam Festival, including cranberry, zucchini and lemon, and even eggplant jam!

New Healthy Summer Recipe: Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a traditional cold Spanish soup typically served in the summer, and my mom is from Spain so I am so thankful that she taught me how to make this and taught me to love it (although it's really hard not to fall in love with it!) So I dedicate this recipe to my mom, who has taught me so much about cooking and always was patient with me in the kitchen while I was learning. It is such a simple dish, but so tasty and refreshing, especially during the summer when tomato season is in! This recipe is so easy, you can probably make it in under 5 minutes, I dare you!

Veggie Burgers and Baked Fries

Fourth of July is right around the corner, and we've prepared some delicious, guilt-free veggie burgers that you can enjoy.

How to Get in the Best Shape of Your Life Without Leaving Your House

Those rainy summer days sometimes make it hard to workout outside, and in winter, sometimes we're faced with unfavorable conditions (like a wintry mix as the Weather Channel so likes to call it). So you join a gym, right?

How to Properly Eat Fruit

I often get questions about how to properly eat fruit, whether on an empty stomach, or after meals. All my life, I grew up eating fruit after meals for dessert. This is supposed to be healthy, right? Well, it beats eating sugary sweets, but it isn't the best option. 

11 Funny World Cup 2014 Translation Mishaps

Spain's Goalie Iker Casilla: "I just ate what?!"
 source: www.insidespanishfootball.com

In lieu of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil has translated many things around the city to assist English-speaking tourists. But some things just cannot be translated literally. Sometimes there are false cognates, or words that sound like English words, but do not have the same meaning. Take the Spanish word, embarazada, it means "pregnant."

Best Grocery Stores in Manhattan

Whole Foods Market in Manhattan
photo credit: Vornado Realty Trust

Don't expect to find a super-sized Publix or Costco in Manhattan. Real estate in Manhattan means top dollars, and grocery stores have to make the best of the limited space. You may have to shop around to find the best options and prices, and don't expect to find everything under one roof in Manhattan. It is not uncommon to go to 2-3 grocery stores to get everything on your list, and sometimes it can be time consuming.

Vegan Restaurant in Moscow: Fresh Restaurant

Interior view of the bar at Fresh Restaurant in Moscow

Healthy is the new sexy. Because what is sexier than eating delicious food that makes you feel fantastic and look great?

Food Shopping in NYC: Best Fruit Cart in Manhattan

When you have to walk 1 mile to the grocery store, suddenly the logistics of buying a watermelon become a challenge. Or maybe you want to stock up for the week because you know you have a busy schedule ahead of you, but you'll have to figure out a way to get it all home.

Review of Giovanni Rana Restaurant in NYC

Chelsea Market is an iconic destination in New York City, filled with locals and tourists alike. We strolled into Giovanni Rana Restaurant today after walking 7 miles in the city, and we were ready for a good meal.

Carolina's Fruit Pick of the Week: Cherimoyas

Photo credit: Felicia Friesema

Cherimoya: This fruit is one of my absolute favorites! It brings me back to my childhood memories of seeing its peculiar green (brownish when ripe) scales in Spanish markets and handing over my pesetas (now Euros) to the frutero and running home to cut it open and indulge in its custard-like white, creamy flesh. When it's perfectly ripe, it melts in your mouth.

D1 Student-Athletes To Have Unlimited Meals and Snacks

The last thing you want to hear after a 3-hour tennis practice is that the cafeteria closes in 30 minutes. So by the time you finish practice, you have to skip stretching and risk having sore muscles, or worse, injuries, and run over to the campus cafeteria with a 20 pound racquet bag on your back

Papaya Passion Smoothie

It's finally Spring and there's nothing like sipping a refreshing smoothie in the warm weather!

Dance or Dine: Tao Downtown in New York City

Original painting by UK artist HUSH

I’ve always been somewhat disturbed by Koi fish. Maybe it’s the fact they look like overgrown goldfish that makes them seem grotesque. As I walked down the grand staircase, nearing the gigantesque Quan Yin Buddha with 24 protruding arms like a medusa