Two of my closest friends created an awesome short film for the 48 Hour Guerrilla Film Competition

"The 48 Hour Guerrilla Film Competition is a grueling 2-day endurance event that taps the creative power of filmmakers from around the world to raise money for a global contest."

So! While not entirely on topic for this vegan blog, it would make me incredibly happy to have contributed even just a little tiny bit to their success in the contest.

Clicky clicky to watch their short film, "A Cup of Tea" - every view on the video puts them one step closer to winning, and they are already dangerously close to winning!

Great work Jeff and Pat!

Posted By mincus

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A new vegan alternative for ice cream?

A restaurant in London's Covent Garden is serving a new range of ice cream, made with breast milk.

The dessert, called Baby Gaga, is churned with donations from London mother Victoria Hiley, and served with a rusk and an optional shot of Calpol or Bonjela. Mrs Hiley, 35, said if adults realised how tasty breast milk was more new mothers would be encouraged to breastfeed. Each serving of Baby Gaga at Icecreamists costs £14. Mrs Hiley's donation was expressed on site and pasteurised before being churned with Madagascan vanilla pods and lemon zest.

I wonder how it compares to some of the Vegan Ice Cream Recipes we have?

• Tofu Chocolate Ice Cream
• Banana and Maple Syrup Ice Cream
• Raspberry Ice Cream

Posted By mincus

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I'm a little late, but there is still time to join in! Let us know if you participate.

On April 24 through May 2 (two weekends and the weekdays in between), groups from across the world will hold vegan bake sales. Each participating group gets to choose its venue, what to sell, and how it uses the proceeds. We invite you to participate! You can hold the bake sale on any day during the period-or on more than one day if you like. Just about anyone can join in.

Posted By mincus

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Hi could you give any guidance on low fat snacks. I love grazing but do not have a large budget. I actually want to lose weight.

A question that I often am asked is for some low-calorie Vegan snack ideas. While it may be easier to cut back on calories as a vegan, we are still guided by this basic formula - gaining or losing weight is eating above or below your daily maintenance caloric intake - the amount of calories you need per day to maintain your current weight.

Losing Weight

1 Pound = Around 3500 Calories. This means that to lose 1 pound a week, you would need to eat 500 calories less than your maintenance calories. This works as a general rule, but as always there is more to it - A Calorie is not just a calorie.

Here are some snacks that I enjoy that help with my cravings:

1/4 cup hummus + 1/2 of a Pita bread pocket = ~150 calories

14 Baby Carrots = ~35 calories

Celery + 3/4 oz of peanut butter = ~130 calories

Silk Soy yogurt = ~ 150 calories

1 Cup Soup = ~125 calories

6 Dried Apple Rings = ~100 Calories

3 Cups Air-popped Pop Corn = ~ 93 calories

2 Cups Concord Grapes = ~120 calories

2 Cups Strawberries = ~100 calories

2 Cups Diced Watermelon = ~100 calories

3 Plums = ~100 calories

3 Peaches = ~100 calories

1 Vegan Boca Burger = ~70 calories

1 Tofutti Cutie = 130 calories

6 teaspoons brown sugar + 1 Apple cored, baked = ~140 calories

Other Low Calorie Options

Look at the calories in different vegetables that you really enjoy (Like a Red Bell Pepper ~ 30 calories) and look for something healthy that you could pair it with for extra flavor like hummus or a low calorie dip.

Accidentally Low-Calorie Vegan

You may also want to check out the 100-calories snack packs. Many of them are Accidentally Vegan, just be sure to read the labels.

Stopping the Cravings

The problem with any snacks around 100 calories is that they won't leave you satisfied for long. Some of the tricks that I'd suggest are eating snacks that contain protein or by drinking a full glass of unsweetened tea or water 5-10 minutes before eating any of these snacks. These will both help to not leave your stomach feeling empty after eating the snack and will make it much less likely that you'll go back for more.

What Are Your Favorite Low Calories Vegan Snacks?

Did I miss your favorite snack? Share your snack ideas in the comments below.

Posted By mincus

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