Since I began the vegetarian path over 15 years ago, I have heard my share of people's comments on vegetarians and our "weird" foods. While it is true that health-conscious people have a wide assortment of foods that we include in our diets, I don't consider "vegetarian food" to be mysterious or even all that different from any other kind of food.

For the most part, vegetarian food is simple. We eat vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, beans and other legumes, etc. Venture down the centre aisles of your natural foods store, though, and you may find some things that you readily assume to be obscure and secret vegetarian items.

Enter the hemp seed. Hemp seeds are a great source of protein, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids. They taste a bit like tiny sunflower seeds and go great in oatmeal, muffins, pancakes, granola, bars, salads, grain dishes, smoothies, and more.