The Ethiopian Experience: Trekking the Highlands of Lalibela

February 9, 2019 by

Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins

Selam, and welcome to “the origin,” the African nation that has never been colonized by Europeans. Look up The Battle of Adwa where King Menelik II defeated the Italians in an epic sequence of historical consequence. So finally, after years of research, readings, teachings and listening to roots reggae rhythms epitomizing The Promised Land, I finally took the requisite steps needed for a transformative Ethiopian experience as part of my 6th Annual Nomadic Journey in Addis Ababa and Lalibela.

I ventured to Ethiopia for its strength, Abyssinian culture, veggie injera meals, traditional Eskista shoulder dance up close and to breathe with deep spirit from the highlands of Lalibela. I began the excursion upon landing into Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, while enjoying many of the historic sites including the National Museum of Ethiopia, Ethiopian National Theatre, Ethnological Museum, the Red Terror Martyr’s Museum, Menelik Palace in the Entoto Hills and the Historic Kidist Selassie Cathedral which is the highest-ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the city. Sarcastically, I was also also looking for freedom fighting singer Teddy Afro, the Bob Marley of Ethiopia. Listen to any one of his classics and you will be become an instant devotee. Trust me! [Read more…]

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Healthy Culinary Experiences in Africa

January 21, 2019 by

Here are some of the amazing and traditional vegan foods we enjoyed in Kenya, Egypt and Ethiopia during the 6th Annual Nomadic Journey. Keep in mind that the staple food for mostly every indigenous culture is a legume (bean) or grain.

Our favorite culinary experiences included the Ethiopian veggie injera dish with lentils and cabbage and Egypt’s Koshari national dish which was divine. Koshari is a super meal made from macaroni noodles, lentils, rice, chickpeas and spiced tomato sauce. In Nairobi, Kenya make sure to pay a visit to the LMS Adventist Guest House for their magnificent $2.70 all vegan medley. [Read more…]

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Young Vegan Cyborg speaks on Plant-Based Nutrition and Daily Fitness

May 15, 2018 by

Sometimes the wellness inspiration comes from our seeds. For example, 11-year old Kaiyana Rawlins — the daughter of Fit Father’s founder Kimatni D. Rawlins — breaks down her love for sports, why she feels good on a daily basis, where energy for her four activities comes from (soccer, basketball, competitive jump rope and volleyball) as a vegan kid and minor challenges she faces amongst her peers. She also runs in between strength training and eats cruciferous green veggies like candy. So remember, always eat clean, stay active and continue to energize your life!

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Visit Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California

February 16, 2018 by

After a cadre of recommendations from business associates while visiting LA it was a must that we visit Gracias Madre in West Hollywood for some delicious Mexican vegan food. The jackfruit tacos were our main choice and came with barbecue jackfruit, cashew cream, pickled cabbage, crispy onions, and black beans. They were absolutely amazing. Additionally, the crowd was eclectic, the vibe super chill, and the music trendy. Enjoy!

 

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Sesame Quinoa Salad

March 5, 2017 by

Fit Fathers and family please try this Sesame Quinoa Salad from www.TheCheeseTrap.org. #CheeseTrap #DairyFree

Makes scant 3 cups (2 main-dish servings)

2 cups cooled cooked quinoa

1/2 cup thawed frozen green peas or steamed sliced snow peas

1/2 cup grated carrot (standard grate, not fine) or store-bought shredded carrot

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

1 tablespoon chopped green onion (green portion)

[Read more…]

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Stuff I Eat: Meet Vegan Chef Babett Davis

March 7, 2014 by

IMG_6526Words by Kimatni D Rawlins

I had just landed to LAX with a 2-hour drive ahead of me. Of course there was no decent grub on the 6-hour flight from Baltimore and I was rushing and hadn’t packed my brown bag. So I opened up the Happy Cow app and chose the closest vegan eatery from my location dubbed Stuff I Eat. Yes, I was in nutritional heaven.

Going through the menu was daunting due to the plethora of magnificent and colorful choices. Serving both cooked and raw meals, Stuff I Eat ascertains that every meal is comprised of protein, fiber, complex carbs, good fats and vitamins and minerals. I selected a fresh juice and the Nut Burger, which was paired with a salad, baked potatoes and steamed veggies. I knew I shouldn’t have eaten it all, but who knew when I would return. Babett was in the kitchen working her culinary magic as usual and came out to check on me. She was congenial, energetic and ultra friendly. After speaking for a few moments on health and fitness – yes, she loves to run – she stated her age and I almost spilled my green juice. “Sixty what,” I shouted! I would have estimated 42 years old at the most. Amazing how plant-based foods heal, nourish and enliven opposed to age, sicken and diminish like meats and dairy. The experience was unforgettable and I left very appeased. [Read more…]

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Doctors and Celebrities Guide 21-Day Health Challenge

July 14, 2013 by

Alicia Silverstone, Padma Lakshmi, and Dr. Neal Barnard Lead Online 21-Day Vegan Kickstart; Consumers Get Meal Plan, Recipes, Expert Advice

21 Day Weight Loss Kickstart COVER

Millions of people start diets on New Year’s Day, but many of those weight-loss plans won’t be healthy or sustainable. That’s why doctors and dietitians with the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine are teaming up with actress Alicia Silverstone, and NBA champ John Salley to guide the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart. The online nutrition program—which goes live August 1 at www.21DayKickstart.org will provide all the support dieters need to try a healthy plant-based diet. The program runs the first day of each month and there is no cost to join. The program launched on Jan. 1, 2010, and has guided more than 250,000 Kickstarters in the United States and throughout the world.

“Losing weight has never been easier,” says PCRM dietitian Susan Levin, M.S., R.D. “There is no need to count calories on a low-fat, vegan diet. Kickstarters can lose about a pound a week and many experience significant health benefits, including lower cholesterol and increased energy.” Kickstarters will receive daily e-mails with recipes and cooking tips, a 21-day meal plan, a free iPhone application, and an online health tracker, which enables participants to monitor their blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. They’ll also get access to online videos and discussion boards featuring registered dietitians and physicians such as Neal Barnard, M.D., Dean Ornish, M.D., and John McDougall, M.D. [Read more…]

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