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.