Getting minimalist in the kitchen -- how to wash your vegetables with baking soda and vinegar.

After a severe case of food poisoning last year, I've become somewhat militant about washing my produce.

While there are sprays and cleaners you can buy commercially, I like to stay "minimalist" and use basics I have at home: my beloved baking soda and vinegar. (Coincidentally, I also clean my house with these two items!)

Most fruits and vegetables need …

Back in July, I received this email from Robin:

I am a vegan like you. I used to weight 333 lbs. and now I weigh 132 lbs. I have been following a vegan diet for the past 7 years. I was raw for a while; now I eat low-fat vegan after watching "Forks Over Knives" and seeing Dr. Esselstyn speak in person.

I couldn't help but blink and stare at the words — she'd lost 200 lbs! I knew I …

More holiday flavors this week like Gingerbread Oatmeal but other new tastes like Butternut Hummus, Butternut & Bean Tacos, Spicy Noodles & MORE! Plus our New Year, New You eBook that will help you reach your 2013 goals!

Get the meal plan now.

Individual Plan Highlights:

Peanut Butter Quinoa
Gingerbread Oatmeal (NEW!)
Single-Serving Cranberry Muffins
Cranberry-Apple Oatmeal
Butternut Hummus (NEW!)
Fall Veggie Wrap
Easy Black Beans & Rice (NEW!)
Spicy Black Bean Wrap
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Hippie Loaf
Butternut Squash …

Back in July, a Herbie emailed me asking if I knew of any Bible quotes that supported veganism or a plant-based diet. I didn't know of verses off-hand, but thanks to a quick Google search, I found this website: Vegetarianism and the Bible.

Afterward, I started thinking about religion and veganism, and how I have friends of many different faiths and beliefs, many of which are vegan or vegetarian because of their faith, or they find the two …

After reading some of my minimalist posts, Cathy started making changes in her home and sent in pictures of her progress. She also graciously agreed to let me share them on this column, along with her commentary.

Cathy says, "I am enjoying Minimalist Monday and like you, I think I have a bit of OCD, as it makes me crazy to not know where everything is and my mantra when our two kids were young (they are grown …