What I Eat In A Day | February 27, 2018

Lately, I’ve been starting off most mornings with this combination: greens powder & supplements. The supplements that I take every day vary depending on how I’m feeling, or what I think I need more of. Most mornings I stick with these three supplements: astragalus (immune support), Vitamin D (winter months can often result in depleted vitamin D stores), and a vegan probiotic (for a happy tummy).

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I’ll be honest, I’ve yet to find a greens powder that doesn’t taste gnarly. This one by Barlean’s is packed with lots of goodness but the taste is definitely strong. I’ve found mixing a scoop of greens powder with some orange juice helps the “medicine” go down much better. I add about 1/3 cup of orange juice into a small jar, a scoop of greens powder and then shake until combined. It takes about three gulps and I’ve already gotten in a bunch of greens, antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients for the day.

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I prefer doing this rather than making a smoothie, because sometimes making a smoothie is too time consuming, and so mixing it with some juice is alot easier for me. Continue reading “What I Eat In A Day | February 27, 2018”

10 Tips for Transitioning to a Vegan Diet

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    1. I’ve seen lots of people watch a vegan-friendly documentary or read an article on plant-based diets and go cold turkey (or Tofurky, if you will) giving up all meat, dairy, and egg products immediately. While this ambition and drive is awesome, Ive seen it almost always lead to disappointment and failure to maintain a plant-based diet. I always urge people start slow, and make reasonable goals that will help maintain motivation and long-term success. I started with eliminating meat products, once I grew comfortable with that I began to eliminate dairy products, and lastly eggs. Starting where you’re most comfortable can make the transition smooth and realistic and not seem as daunting or overwhelming. Easing into a whole new way of eating will make going vegan more obtainable and sustainable.
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This step is huge and one of the most important parts of becoming, staying, and thriving on a plant-based lifestyle. There is so much incredible research, and studies that backup the power of plant-based eating, knowing just how powerful it can be is helpful when transitioning into this lifestyle as well as sustaining this way of eating. Knowing the power you have on your own health can help you to make consistent and educated food choices. When I say research I don’t mean reading journal reviews, lengthy clinical studies, or even books… it can be as simple as watching some Youtube videos , documentaries (Forks Over Knives, PlantPure Nation, What The Health), or spending a little time on google looking up some questions or doubts you may have.

Knowledge is power! 

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Continue reading “10 Tips for Transitioning to a Vegan Diet”

Chicken Salad | Veganized

One of my favorite foods before going vegetarian was chicken salad. After going vegetarian, and then vegan I was afraid I’d never be able to enjoy the same flavor, and texture again… but I was wrong. At a local health food store in Boone I discovered a pre-made vegan chicken salad and realized that I could recreate it at home and save a lot of money.

Most people are hesitant about giving up meat, dairy, or eggs because they don’t want to miss out on some of their favorite foods. But once you start to realize the amazing plant-based alternatives out there it makes it a whole lot easier! This recipe is just as easy (if not easier) than your typical animal meat-based chicken salad and it’s also much healthier.

The Beyond Meat chicken strips (and all of their products) are one of the best meat-alternatives on the market. Their ingredients are all plant-based and the texture and flavor of all of their products is mind-blowing. The chicken strips have absolutely no saturated fat, and provide a great source of iron and protein.

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Just Mayo is an awesome product to have on hand if you’re trying to eat more plant-based or if you are a mayonnaise lover and want to use a healthier alternative. I found a huge jar at Walmart for only $3.75!               1baa5e59-1014-4f66-8f85-3dbde9077306_1.d455b24fca561bc90f0622c6419a9153

Now, onto the recipe! Continue reading “Chicken Salad | Veganized”

What I Eat In A Day | March 5, 2016

I started off the morning with one of my favorite breakfasts. An Ezekiel english muffin with a slice of chao cheese melted on top, sautéed onion and tempeh, topped with avocado slices and some sirracha. This is a great savory breakfast that is quick and easy to make! I had a banana along side it, and a hot cup of black coffee.

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My family and I traveled a few hours to watch my little sister play in a soccer tournament, so you’ll see quick a few snacks in this What I Eat In A Day post. I snacked on a Clif Bar on the drive there, which is probably one of my favorite snacks.

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While watching her game, I snacked on some clementines, and dates rolled in coconut!

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How to Love Your Heart

I’m a little late on bringing some heart health awareness during Heart Health Awareness month, but it’s never too late to give your heart some love!

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February is (was) a month dedicated to heart health awareness. Maintaining good heart health is important when it comes to preventing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Millions of Americans are suffering from high blood pressure which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and/or heart disease so keeping blood pressure under control is a great start to preventing health problems down the road.

One easy way to start taking control of your blood pressure is through the foods that you eat. Every day, at every meal YOU have the chance to take control of your heart health.

Here are some easy, and helpful tips to keeping blood pressure low and preventing heart disease:

  • Eat less meat: Reducing your intake of meat helps to lower overall saturated fat intake. Saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol levels, as well as raise blood pressure. Take one or two days out of the week to go meatless, replacing it with other protein sources such as beans, tofu, tempeh, or meat-free alternatives (veggie burgers, plant-based meats, etc.)

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Continue reading “How to Love Your Heart”