Translate

Saturday, 24 October 2015

Acne and Allergic reactions: Let's talk skin!!!

Hello,
           So  I love trying out new products. However, over the past few years my skin has become rather "sensitive" to certain skin care products and other things alike and hence, the end result is me having red skin which is accompanied by flared up pustules (it is really itchy as well). Pustules are a form of acne that contain pus in them (they can be both small and big).

However, the things mentioned in this blog post, were NOT things that DIRECTLY CAUSED my acne. Although they did play a role in flaring it up.

The reason I am writing this today is more for anyone who might have or is experiencing what my skin tends to experience. About a year ago, I suffered from a horrible bout of acne (I still do suffer from breakouts, especially allergic reactions). This in no way means that I am not pimple/acne free, I still do get acne when my period comes about (due to changes in hormone levels). It started during the end of 2013 and lasted all the way till starting of 2015 until my skin started to get slightly better.

I am about to list the things that I believe kind of played a vital role in my breakouts. Mind you ladies and gentleman who are reading this post, my pimples are not a pretty sight and I did suffer a lot from it because I had people telling me to use all different kinds of things on my face to "CURE" it. I even had people tell me how horrible my skin looked. It is hard for me to write this because this post contains pictures but I feel it is important to put this out.

NeverthelessI feel determined to share the little bit that I know and have experienced. Do not mind me not posting pictures of my whole face though.

This post is going to be lengthy as it contains in depth information of what my skin has been through.

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

Cruelty Free Hair product in Singapore: Botaneco Garden Organic Argan and Vigin Olive Oil shampoo and conditioner review

Hello,
         As well as good day to you, who is reading this post. You might not know but I, love to keep a constant look out for products that are cruelty free (no animal testing, no animal derived ingredients or both). My believe; we do not have to hurt those beautiful animals in order to look beautiful ourselves! I recently made a trip down to a  guardian (Singapore) located close to where I live. My mission: to find a cost effective cruelty-free shampoo.

What was the outcome? Mission= SUCCESS!!!!
 While walking through the aisles of the store, I came across a shampoo which was retailing for SGD 7.90. The conditioner was retailing for SGD 7.90 as well. However, that was not what caught my attention, what got my attention was out of all the shampoos and conditioners there, this one was not tested on animals (and it was priced underneath SGD 10)! I could swear that my heart did a little internal jump for joy. The name of the shampoo and conditioner: Botaneco Garden Organic Argan and Virgin Olive Oil (shampoo and conditioner). For some reason the name impressed me as well (or maybe it was the addition of argan and olive oil).

The shampoo and conditioner are both free from parabens, soap, colorants, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and lanolin.
 The shampoo claims enhance the shine of the hair leaving it soft and glossy, while  the conditioner claims to nourish, soften and detangle hair leaving it smooth and manageable. Both contain 290ml worth of product.

My verdict

Pros
* Shampoo has a light and pleasant smell
* Not tested on animals
*Does not leave any residue on the hair.
* My hair did get shinier after a few washes
* Does a good job at being a mild and basic shampoo

Cons
Although this shampoo was well priced and it promised quite a few things, it didn't help my curly and rather dry hair. What comes to my mind when I think of oil infused shampoo's and conditioner's is more moisturised hair. However that did not happen

Although this shampoo did not exactly work for my curly hair, that does not mean this pleasant smelling and light weight shampoo will not do you any good. Like I believe, you will never know till you try. Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have regarding cruelty free products and I will try to answer them to the best of my knowledge. I end this post with lots of love and good wishes. Have a great week ahead.

Love,
Positive Vegetarian (Lav)

 
 

Friday, 3 July 2015

Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker Required!!!!!)

Hello and good day to all of you,

As you all know, that this blog is all about veganism/vegetarianism and being positive, so I decided that I would share with all of you a chocolate ice cream recipe that is absolutely vegan and does not require an ice cream maker. Now, I know the weather has been a little haywire recently which is why I thought that this recipe will be a perfect way to combat the heat! As it is widely said "I scream,you scream and we all scream for ICE CREAM!!!

To add on to its list of awesomeness, this ice cream only requires, 4 ingredients!!! (Need I say more about why I love this recipe). So let's get started!

Below are the ingredients, tools and methods for preparing this decadent ice cream :)


INGREDIENTS

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

2 packets of 200 ml of coconut cream (Can be found in any grocery store in Singapore)

1/2 cup unrefined sugar (substitutes: Dates^, agave syrup, corn syrup )

1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder* 

1/4 cup chopped Almonds (Optional**)

 *If you want a stronger chocolaty taste, then add in 1/3 a cup of cocoa powder)

** Nuts like almond, hazelnuts or whatever you like could be added in to up the taste of this delicious vegan ice cream and if you are a vegetarian, you could add in things like oreo and chocolate chips (Vegan choco-chips are a great option too!!!)

^ You could use the dates that have been moistened by soaking for 10-15 mins and then use a blender to blend the dates till there a tiny bits. You can then mix warm water bit by bit to form a thick date paste which can be added into the recipe as a substitute for sugar.
TOOLS

Whisk/ Electric mixer
1 measuring cup
1 Freezer Safe Container ( Alternatively if you want small portions of ice cream, you could freeze them in plastic/ silicon ice cube trays)


METHOD

1) Cut open and pour out all the  2 packets of coconut cream into a bowl. The coconut cream should have a thick consistency.

2) Start by using a whisk/ electric mixer to whisk the coconut cream for approximately 5 minutes, this should result in a thicker consistency of the coconut cream.

3) Add in the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar (or sugar substitutes), and mix them together using the whisk/electric mixer for 2 minutes till well combined.

4) Pour  the mixture into a freezer safe container (or any other container you are comfortable with) and store it in the freezer.

5) If you want an ice cream with a soft serve consistency then you can try removing the ice cream from the fridge after 6-8 hours. If you would like a more solid ice cream, then you can leave it in the fridge overnight.
 

6) To scoop out and serve the ice cream, you can warm a metal scooper or any other scooper with warm water which will make it easier to scoop out the ice cream!!!
 
7) Enjoy the ice cream and share it with the world <3


Picture of the ice cream after 6 hours= Soft Serve Ice Cream <3
 
Picture 2 of the same ice cream :)
 
* NOTE: For this particular picture above, I used milo powder instead of cocoa because I was out of cocoa powder. The colour of the ice cream may vary when using cocoa powder.
 
 
 
The Picture above is of another ice cream I made a few weeks back. It is  the same recipe however, I added in Oreos which, are not vegan but are vegetarian. Just like this recipe, you can add in whatever you like to enhance the taste of the ice cream.
 
Thank you for taking the time out to read and do let me know if this  ice cream lived up to your standards. Have a great week ahead.
 
Love,
Positive Vegetarian :)
 
 
 

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

10 Vegetarian/ Vegan sources of Protein (Singapore Vegans and Vegetarians)

Hello and good day to everyone reading this post!

This is Lav and I thought I would share with you a few effective ways to up your protein levels if you happen to be a vegetarian or vegan. I wanted my first post to be about this particular burning question that a lot of people have about vegetarians and vegans; how do you get your protein? The things I am about to mention below, are easily available in the stores/markets of Singapore and some are reasonably priced for those of you who do not want to burn a hole in your pocket. So let's begin!



1) Peas: For those who do not know, peas are a excellent source of protein and they contain all the essential amino acids that our body needs for healthy cell growth and production. 100 grams of peas contains 5 grams of protein. 



2) Tofu/Tahu: Considering its versatility and ability to bring taste to dishes, one big tahu packs as much as 22 grams of protein. However, for those with allergies to soy, this might not be a good choice.

3) Oats: Everyone knows that oats are an excellent source of fibre however, oats packs a good 10 to 14 grams of protein per 100 grams depending on the brand or type of oats you buy. Steel cut oats are the best for the very reason that they aren't processed however, in Singapore it can be  arduous to find steel cut oats which is why settling for the next best alternative; rolled oats is a great way to add on protein.


4) Nuts: Probably the best things to snack on are nuts; almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts and macadamia nuts. These five nuts mentioned are readily available in thee markets and stores of Singapore. Nuts can be expensive however, eating a mix of different nuts will allow you to meet part of your daily protein requirement. 


5) Lentils and Beans: These little buddies are available in varieties and are largely termed as dried goods. the greatest reason to love them is because they can be incorporated into dishes like soups,salads, rice and even noodles. Chickpeas which are one type of lentils are used to prepare hummus which is absolutely delicious!


6) Spinach: Surprise! Surprise! This green leafy vegetable contains close to 8 grams of protein in  one packet. It is easily available and absolutely appetizing when cooked with the right ingredients. 

7)  Seeds: Well yes! Seeds are an excellent sources of both protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower, Pumpkin, Chia  and Sesame seeds can all be found in the dry food section of stores. 


8) Peanut Butter: Good news for all you peanut butter lovers, 2 tbsp of this nut butter packs on 8 grams of protein. What makes it even greater is that it can be ate alone, on toast or incorporated into cake batter or biscuit dough to produce a way more awesome recipe. 

9)  Tempeh:  In all its wholesome goodness, 100 grams of tempeh is packed with 19grams of protein. Tempeh is easily available in markets and they are a reasonably priced source of protein.

10) Whole Grain Bread: Packed with a whole lot of grains, whole grain breads which, can be found in any grocery store, are a good way to add on protein. 2 Slices contain 7 grams of protein.



Now that you know these awesome sources of vegetarian/vegan protein, go ahead and shop away. I hope this post was helpful. Feel free to ask any questions you might have. Have a great week ahead and stay happy :)

Love, 
Lav










        

The Introduction :)

Hello and welcome to the Positive Vegetarian Blog,

as the name suggests, this is where vegetarianism meets positivity. If you are not a vegetarian, don't go just as yet because who wouldn't like a little more positivity in their life! I will be posting daily about types of vegan/vegetarian foods, supplements and anti cruelty products (yes there is make-up involved too !) that I come across.

Along side I will be posting daily inspirational quotes and stories that will help put a smile on your faces because it takes lesser facial muscles to smile than to frown!!!

I would love to answer the questions you might have about Vegetarianism with, the  knowledge that I possess about it. So enjoy the posts and stay awesome :)


Love,
PostiveVegetarian :)