Eating out is a favorite past time of America. Eating out as a Vegan can be tricky. But with Happycow.net dining out has just gotten easier.

Happycow.net offers a guide to finding vegan restaurants not only in all 50 states in the US, but in a variety of countries around the world. You can find a restaurant near you, even when you are traveling.

In addition to a listing of restaurants, Happycow.net also offers listings for vegan friendly health food stores. Finding a vegan friendly health food store is important in maintaining a vegan lifestyle. You can then ensure your food, vitamins, supplements and products are truly vegan.

The site asks readers to add to the list and share vegan restaurants and vegan friendly health food stores they have found. Happycow.net also offers a variety of other tools and resources for anyone on a vegan diet.

Visit Happycow.net, find a vegan restaurant near you and enjoy.

Yes, pizza can be vegan. The best thing about this recipe is that you can add whatever toppings you like. Try jalapeño and pineapple or fresh spinach, mushroom and onion. You can add soy cheese or leave it off. If you don’t like a thick crust, divide the dough in half and make two thin crusts. It’s all about you with this tasty recipe.

Vegan Pan Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon vegan sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon of cornmeal
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• toppings of your choice

Directions:

1. Mix the yeast with the lukewarm water and sugar and let stand 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, mix together flour, herbs and salt.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in yeast mixture and then pour it into the flour mixture. Mix until it is dough.
4. Knead for 5 minutes. Add more flour if sticky. Let it stand 1 1/2 hours in warm, non drafty place.
5. When dough has risen, oil a deep dish 8-9 inch pan with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
6. Spread 1 tablespoon of cornmeal on a dry flat surface and roll out the dough till about 9 inches in diameter.
7. Place in pan.
8. Add the sauce and toppings.
9. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

[Recipe courtesy of Vegweb.com]

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth where it functions to support their structure. The remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid between cells. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes, and sending messages through the nervous system. A constant level of calcium is maintained in body fluid and tissues so that these vital body processes function efficiently.

The average male and female between the ages of 19 and 50 should intake 1000 milligrams per day of calcium: 1200 for men and women over the age of 51. You should talk with your doctor to verify how much calcium you need.

When calcium intake is low or calcium is poorly absorbed, bone breakdown occurs because the body must use the calcium stored in bones to maintain normal biological functions such as nerve and muscle function.

The most common disease associated with a lack of calcium is osteoporosis, which is a disorder that results in fragile, porous bones. This disease tends to affect more women than men.

Most modern sources of calcium are found in non-vegan foods: milk and other dairy products. However, vegans can still ensure they get an adequate supply of calcium each day by proper planning and supplementing. While most beans and vegetables contain calcium, you will need to plan ahead and measure to get the proper amount of calcium you need. For example, you would need to eat 1 1/4 cups of Navy Beans to get 300 mg of calcium. Many juices and soy milks today are fortified with calcium. You will want to make sure you check the labels for how many milligrams are in each serving. You will also want to check with your doctor and local health food store for a calcium supplement to help you meet your daily recommended amount of calcium.

It is extremely important for your health that you take the time to educate yourself on how much calcium you need and make sure you meet that level on a daily basis. Getting the calcium you need while following a vegan diet is not difficult, rather it just takes knowledge and planning.

Please note: This post is for informational purposes only and should in no way shape, or form take the place of medical advice from a qualified professional. If you have questions or concerns regarding this topic, please contact the appropriate medical professional.

This is a light pasta dish that has a bit of a kick. If you like things really spicy, add a little more red pepper flakes. Although Angel Hair is the recommended pasta, this will work for any type of pasta. You can add veggies like shredded carrots, sauteed mushrooms or shredded zucchini. The original is great, but play around with it and make it your own.

Vegan Pasta Pascal

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomoatoes, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 pound angel hair pasta

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, saute onion in oil 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, crush red pepper flakes in your hand and add then cook 2 minutes more.
3. Stir in tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer.
4. Bring a large pot of to a boil. Once boiling, salt the water.
5. Add pasta and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until al dente; drain.
6. Toss hot pasta with tomato mixture and enjoy.

[Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com]

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this recipe will get your day off to a yummy and fulfilling start. Full of fruit and whole grains, your body will thank you for eating it.

Vegan Strawberry Apple Breakfast Burrito

Ingredients:

• 1 large whole wheat tortilla
• 1/2 royal gala apple or granny smith
• 3-4 strawberries
• 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter (or more)
• sugar and pumpkin pie spice to taste
• margarine

Directions:

1. Core and halve the apple.
2. Cut the apple and strawberries into thin slices.
3. In the middle of the tortilla, layer half the apples and add a little sugar/spice.
4. Add a layer of strawberries, and top with more sugar/spice.
5. Top with the remaining apples, and again top with the sugar/spice.
6. Spread a very thin layer of PB around the edge of the tortilla.
7. Fold two sides in and then fold the other two sides (to get a square).
8. Spread some margarine on the folded side.
9. Heat frying pan over medium-low heat.
10. Press burrito down in frying pan.Spread margarine on the other side before you flip it over.
11. Cook until both sides are nicely browned, about 5-7mins on each side.

[Recipe courtesy of Vegweb.com]