This week's meal plans have eight (8!) excellent NEW recipes on BOTH plans! Say hello to Creamy Tahini Quinoa Salad, Adobo Tostados, Slow Cooker Peach & Blueberry Oatmeal, Spiced Sweet Potato, Creamy Cool Peanut Noodles, Orange Quinoa Salad, Tropical Spinach & Sweet Potato Quesadillas and Sun-Dried Tomato, Basil & Balsamic Pasta Salad.

Individual Highlights

• Creamy Tahini Quinoa Salad (NEW!)
• Adobo Tostados (NEW!)
• Slow Cooker Peach & Blueberry Oatmeal (NEW!)
• Creamy Cool Peanut Noodles …

A few weeks ago, someone tweeted at me, "Is it possible to develop an intolerance to dairy after being vegan for a short time?"

Going vegan (or dairy-free) doesn't make you lactose intolerant, yet many people find after removing dairy from their diet, they can no longer tolerate it. Why?

People who are lactose intolerant can't digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactase, the enzyme that helps humans digest lactose stops being produced when the person is …

I seem to have these days where a central theme is on loop. The most recent theme? Focus.

It started with walking the pugs. Lily Bean is easily distracted, and this is quite problematic on her walks. I try to take her out during "less busy" times when there won't be cars, doors, other dogs and noise because it doesn't matter if Lily Bean is mid-poo. She will start running in the direction of whatever got her attention. One time, …

Shortly before we left Tahoe, we attended a vegan potluck at our friends' house. Vegan potlucks are a lot of fun — not only do you get to try and sample many different foods (including things you wouldn't normally make yourself), but they're a great way to get your friends to try (and make!) vegan and plant-based meals. 

To top it all off, you get to meet new people and have great conversation. It's also a great way to …

You've got questions...

Q: Both my dogs go nuts over fruits and veggies! Are you aware of any that may be harmful to dogs? Thanks!

A: I'm not a vet, but the ASPCA puts out a list of foods that are potentially harmful or deadly for your pooche (i.e. raisins, grapes, chocolates, fake sugars). 

Q: "I kind of "graze" every couple of hours. I eat just enough so that I'm not hungry, but not full. Then later I'm hungry again …