Veganism is gaining popularity in Japan. The definition of veganism is a lifestyle choice that cuts out everything containing animal-derived ingredients and only chooses things that are plant-based. It takes 5 to 8 hours for our body to digest animal-based foods compared to just 1 to 2 hours for plant-based foods. This means that when we eat plant-based meals, our body doesn’t have to work long hours for digestion and can direct the saved energy toward cell recovery and reproduction instead. This is why choosing plant-based foods to nurture our bodies at times when we feel fatigue is so good for us.
It might seem like a recent trend in Japan, but a vegan lifestyle and Japanese tradition/history actually have a pretty close connection. Macrobiotics, for instance, is widely used in many vegan restaurants and delis in LA, and does in fact, have its origins in Japan. Traditional “shojin” meals from Japan are absolutely vegan as well. There are many recipes that use ingredients familiar to Japanese people such as tofu, wakame, sesame, seaweed, soba, kelp and more. The word “vegan” might sound foreign but it’s actually quite close to what Japanese people are used to.

Plant-based meals have many benefits such as weight control, intestinal regulation, improved mind and body balance, and significant contributions in reversing our current environmental issues. Did you know it takes as much as 2,500 gallons of water for a cow to produce one pound of beef? We can’t even imagine how much water and crops are used in producing all the meat products around the world. But if everyone ate a plant-based diet, we could feed two planet earths.

Of course, cutting out all animal-based foods is not an easy task for everyone. But what counts is to “know” a plant-based lifestyle and its effects on our bodies and environment. Just “knowing” enables us to make choices to eat more fruits and vegetables while eating less animal products whenever our bodies call for it. Such little changes make significant differences in the long run. And together, many people’s small changes can create dramatic impacts on the world.

Many people might imagine that salads are all you can eat in a vegan lifestyle. But vegan food consists of all kinds of delicious, filling, and comforting dishes that are totally compatible with standard dishes.
The staple Japanese dish of rice, miso soup and natto is a perfect vegan food. But in this issue, I’d like to introduce two easy and delicious recipes for you to try whenever you feel fatigued or tired. NEUTRALWORKS is also releasing yummy hot smoothies perfect for this season! Delicious, kind to our earth and good for our bodies! Go ahead and indulge in them.

Tofu Scramble

The staple Japanese ingredient “tofu” has many lovely benefits! It is filling and packed with proteins. The iron, vitamins and calcium in tofu help prevent osteoporosis, help with kidney and liver functions, and fight inflammation and anemia. Turmeric, also included in this recipe, is another strong anti-inflammatory.
This recipe does not contain eggs yet looks and tastes like scrambled eggs. It’s a perfect recipe to add to your breakfast meal options.

Ingredients：Serves 2
Firm Tofu　½ block
Avocado or Coconut Oil　1tbsp
Red Onion　one quarter
Turmeric Powder　¼tsp
Salt（Himalayan is best）　little pinch
Red Paprika　¼
Spinach　½cup
Nutritional Yeast（only if available）　１tbsp
Pepper　little pinch
Parsley, Basil or Cilantro for topping

• Drain the water out of the tofu by wrapping it with a paper towel. Squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible. Then crumble the tofu with your hands. Cut all the vegetables into small pieces.
• Pour oil into a saute pan and turn the burner on to medium heat. Add the onion and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the crumbled tofu and saute for about 10 minutes until the water evaporates completely and the tofu is slightly brown. Add turmeric and salt and mix until the tofu is evenly coated.
• Add the vegetables and cook until they are tender. Add the nutritional yeast right before serving. (Nutritional yeast gives the recipe a cheese-like taste but it is totally fine without it.)
• Season with pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley or any greens you like.

Carrot Ginger Soup

Ginger and carrot are anti-bacterial, help digestion, relieve fatigue, suppress nausea, lower bad cholesterol and fight inflammation. Your can feel your body warming and relaxing from within when you have this soup. It is a definite comfort food. Adjust the amount of ginger if you prefer less spiciness.

Ingredients：Serves 2
Onion　half
Garlic　2 cloves
Ginger　a 2-inch piece
Olive oil　２tbsps
Carrots　4-5
Vegetable Broth　1 ½ cups
Salt　little pinch
Parsley, Cilantro, Pumpkin or Sunflower seeds for topping

• Finely chop the onion and ginger. Peel the garlic. Pour oil in a pot, add the onion, ginger and garlic, and saute at medium heat until tender.
• Add the chopped carrots, broth and a little salt and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the carrots are tender.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down. Add everything into a blender and mix until smooth.
• Return to a pot and heat, and its ready to serve!
• Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup. Garnish with greens and the seeds of your choice.

Runyon Canyon always makes me think, “Who would’ve thought that you can find this much nature in the middle of the city!”
Once you pass through the entrance to the trail, which is located in Hollywood’s residential area, the view you see is like a different world. All of a sudden, you find yourself in amongst beautiful nature that still resembles what the landscape in LA used to look like. There are 3 trails of 1.6 miles, 2.7 miles, and 3.5 miles, with the highest point at 1,300 feet. There is nice and forgiving route with a paved road, but my favorite is the unpaved 1.6 mile trail. Despite the shorter distance, this route has a pretty steep uphill section that will definitely get your heartrate up and get you sweating.

What you find after climbing the steep uphill is an incredible view that takes your breath away. You will see the famous Hollywood Sign, LA’s downtown, the city of Hollywood, Santa Monica and the ocean; a 360-degree view of beautiful LA. It is truly an interesting feeling to find yourself amongst this natural scenery whilst looking over a busy city.

This place always reminds me that “nature can be found, even in the city.” Our busy lives often blind us from the nature that surrounds us every day. We do not need to travel far to find nature. The trick is to be aware of what surrounds us. Trail hiking could be our shortcut for inspiring such awareness. Moving the body while outdoors stimulates the brain, improves focus and reduces stress. Going to trails not only help us exercise but also help us balance our mind and body.

This is the season we feel warm and cozy indoors. But stepping out of your comfort zone and moving outside will surely reward you with an improved mind and body balance. How about planning a nice walk to find some nature close to your home this weekend?

Farmers’ markets have a variety of fresh foods brought straight from farms that are sold directly by the farmers. Products are not limited to fresh fruits and vegetables but also include nuts, honey, olive oil, eggs, fresh seafood, organic breads, desserts, flowers and more. Each market has its own unique variety, so it is fun to visit different ones to find new things. In this issue, I am introducing Torrance Farmers’ Market, one of LA’s farmers’ markets.

The history of farmers’ markets in the US goes back to 1634. Later, the introduction of grocery stores caused farmers’ markets to lose popularity from 1700 until the early 1900s. However, the recent trend in health consciousness has helped farmers’ markets to regain their popularity and their numbers have grown 300% in the years between 1994 and 2006. Since then, farmers’ markets have made a full comeback and are now a familiar part of people’s lives all over the US. LA was one of the fastest cities to catch this trend and welcomed farmers’ markets into the city as early as 1981. Torrance Farmers’ Market started in 1985 and has been providing “freshness” to the community throughout the years since.
Farmers’ markets are filled with farmers’ tents that offer a variety of fresh products. Farmers’ markets are a great place to find new produce and incorporate this into your diet because the farmers can teach you what it is, what it’s good for, and how to cook and eat it. It truly is a special place where you can communicate directly with growers who devote their passion to producing amazing foods. It is not easy to track the source of our foods these days but knowing where it came from and who produced it surely boosts our appreciation of the foods we eat.

We live in an era where we can purchase foods at supermarkets at any time. But this convenience can sometimes blind us to how special it is to have delicious foods available. Going to the farmers’ market often helps me be more appreciative of food growers and of the food itself. Our daily relationships with food can become much more joyful when we recognize the simple pleasure of eating and realize how blessed we are to be able to enjoy fresh food.

Meals made of fresh ingredients provide us with health and happiness. Very simple, but truly important. Please try visiting your local produce grocer during your next grocery shopping outing. It might surprise you with a pleasant discovery.

LA is experiencing a continuous increase in its Corona infection rate and is currently under strict regulation. It is undeniable that the lives of people in the city are nowhere near what they used to be. However, one commonality among the lively people living here is their positive mentality. It seems that the source of this positivity is in their ability to celebrate the “things that are possible,” rather than focusing on “the things that are restricted.”
As we say, “we are in this together.” Everyone here stands by this statement and works together in creating safety guidelines, following rules, and supporting each other to foster safe and enjoyable communities even in these difficult times.

It is now common to see distance marks on the ground for those waiting to go into the supermarket as they control the number of people going into the store. And it has become normal to see signs everywhere, reminding people to use a mask as a requirement.

Many local neighborhoods display “slow down signs” on the street, so that children who cannot play at school or at parks are able to play safely in front of their houses. This is a heartwarming gesture of local community coming together in support of residents’ happiness and wellbeing.

2-hour grocery delivery service by local supermarkets has also become the new normal.
This service is greatly appreciated by the elderly and those who are under quarantine.

Restaurants are also focusing on “things that are possible” despite of strict restrictions in the hospitality sector.
Many restaurants have converted their parking spaces into an outdoor dining area in order to continue operating as indoor dining is banned.
Some have even painted over the ground to make it look like a rug to create a comfortable atmosphere for their customers.

Staying home is the best thing to do, of course. However, leaving home occasionally to support your favorite local businesses in terms of their sales and protecting employment is an important part of “being in this together.” Find happiness in “things that are possible” in a safe way and share the benefits with everyone.
Seeking happiness only from ideal environments or situations is not sustainable. Rather, finding happiness in any situation can carry us through any situation and can bring us the power to get through anything. Having this type of positive and neutral mindset is the key to realizing many small happiness in our daily lives.

Happiness is not cancelled!
It’s everywhere. Let’s find countless ways to bring happiness in our everyday lives!