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Non-Dairy Protein Bars and Other Great Vegan Protein Sources

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Both longtime vegans and newcomers have probably heard this question—or variations of it—more than a few times: “How do you get enough protein?” This might be the biggest misconception that people with animal-based diets have: That eating meat is the only way to get enough protein into your diet. More specifically, people believe that meat is the best way to get the nine amino acids that our bodies need from protein to build muscle and perform other important functions. It is true that meat does have all nine of the essential amino acids. However, it does not mean that vegans must deprive themselves or struggle to get the nutrients they need. Indeed, products like non dairy protein bars and plant-based protein powders make it easier than ever. But even leaving products like those aside, there are plenty of protein-rich vegetables and other vegan-friendly foods. Here are some of them: Lentils Lentils are a fantastic source of protein—a single cup contains 18g,

Vegan Protein Powder: Is It Dangerous?

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Lots of people have become alarmed at the recent news of heavy metals turning up in organic vegan protein powder . Here is some information about this controversy. About the Clean Label Project Study For readers who may not know what all the fuss is about, here is a quick overview of the study that started it all. The Clean Label Project, a nonprofit based in Denver, CO, purchased both plant-based and animal-based protein powders and had them tested. 53 of the 134 products tested had “substantially elevated” levels of these toxic substances: • Mercury • Arsenic • Lead • Cadmium • BPA And here is the real rub: The study found that plant-based powders had higher levels of these substances than animal-based powders did. How Do Heavy Metals Get Into Vegan Powder? People could reasonably ask how exactly do heavy metals get into vegan protein powders. It may have to do with the plants and vegetables from which the powders are made. Or rather, w

Beyoncé, 22 Days Nutrition and the Future of Veganism

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In the forty-four days leading up to her stunning performance at Coachella, Beyoncé put herself on 22 Days Nutrition’s vegan meal plan. She also linked to her meal planner on her Instagram bio so her followers could see what she was eating. How exactly did the queen of pop come to embrace protein vegan sources and a plant-based diet? Read below to find out. How Beyoncé Discovered Veganism In her foreword to Marco Borges’ 2015 book The 22-Day Revolution , Beyoncé described the path that she took to embracing veganism. It started with the birth of her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. “After having my daughter, I made a conscious effort to regain control of my health and my body,” she wrote. “But I didn’t want to do a crash diet. I was a mom now. I needed to change my ways and set an example for my child.” Bey turned to Borges, who had been her trainer and nutritionist for years. He had told her about the benefits of a plant-based diet, but she did not think she could

Vegan Snacks for Summer Adventures

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When planning quick summer trips to the beach or traveling for a family reunion hours away, delicious snacks are important for staying happy and energized on the road. It can be difficult to keep up healthy habits when traveling, but with some planning ahead, vegan snacks are yummy alternatives to last-minute stops for unsatisfying junk food. Whether on the road or in the air, here are five healthy and yummy vegan snacks for summer travels. Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Nature’s sweetest treat, fresh fruit is easily portable for travel and always ready on-the-go. Fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, and peaches are all great options for travel snacks. Unsweetened dried fruits are also convenient alternatives to traditional road trip fuel. Vegetables like carrots, carrots, and bell peppers are also delicious travel snack options. Stored in a cooler or at room temperature, these are great solo or with a hummus dip. These vegan-happy snacks are kid-friendly and have uncompl

Choosing a Vegan Diet for Weight Loss

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Once a relatively rare lifestyle, veganism has become more mainstream and prevalent in popular culture today. Following a vegan diet means focusing on eating plant-based foods and cutting out animal products. Whether considering following a vegan diet for ethical, health, or environment reasons, eating a wholesome plant-based diet takes some intentionality.  For those trying to lose weight, choosing a vegan diet can be a favorable approach. Many people who choose to start the plant-based lifestyle without a vegan diet plan struggle to fulfill daily nutritional goals. While Oreos and French fries both technically count as vegan food choices, they are obviously not the healthiest options. Being mindful of what foods are replacing traditional diet choices can make or break weight loss. The vegetarian diet is often also chosen for weight loss purposes, but many people replace daily protein from meat with increasing dairy intake. While dairy has important protein values, it a

Meal Delivery Transforms Vegan Lifestyles in 2018

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Deciding to live a vegan diet has generally always been difficult, especially in the last few decades. From dining out to cooking at home, finding meals that fit the vegan standard is challenging, let alone delicious and hunger-satisfying. While living a vegan diet can be life-changing for health and wellness reasons, it can result in stressful circumstances or time-consuming attempts that are dissatisfying.  Simultaneously, the Millennial Generation is less likely to cook at home than baby boomers or Generation Y. Common reasons include inconvenience, lack of skills, or antipathy towards cooking. In this study, only 10% of consumers professed an active love of cooking. In a fast-paced and convenience-driven culture, cooking at home has become a novelty. Past grocery store customers are now more likely to order personalized diet food delivery boxes that include a weekly list of recipes and ingredients or pick-up groceries ordered online. Traditional grocery stores have count

Benefits of Meal Planning for New Vegans

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Deciding to live a plant-based diet is a huge decision, and rarely taken lightly. When first going vegan, most try out a variety of plant-based meals and snacks to figure out what they think is delicious and fulfilling. Meeting recommended daily nutritional values and making meals often come later, once a style and taste are established. If replacing nutrients normally derived from an animal-based diet sounds intimidating, there are uncomplicated and simple ways to get those vital nutrients from a plant-based diet. The vegan food pyramid can help new vegans better understand a general eating guide and inspire ideas for meal planning. Grains, vegetables, and legumes make up the base for most vegan meals. The best vegan protein derives from grains and legumes, such as cooked green peas and seitan. Fruits, nuts, and seeds are popular snacks amongst plant-based foodies, with many recipes and vegan products easily found at conscientious stores and online. Active and athletic plant