14 Oct 2016
Environmentalism, Going Vegan Tips, Vegan-Related Current Events
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Seed Food and Wine (Vegan) Festival 2016

seed-food-and-wine vegan festival

We’re weeks away from my favorite vegan event of the year, the Seed Food and Wine Festival!

Here we go again… the Seed Food and Wine Festival in Miami, FL is right around the corner (November 2-6), and I couldn’t be more excited! This is the third year and I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the talent team all three years.

In case you don’t know about this incredible vegan festival let me fill you in…

“Seed Food and Wine is not just a festival, we are a movement, a community of ideas and passionate people committed to elevating the conversation around plant-based foods, sustainability, conscious living and the welfare of animals.”

I consider the Seed Food and Wine Miami & Miami Beach the premiere plant based food and wine festival in the country.  The festival is a week-long adventure, where you sip, savor and experience conscious, sustainable plant-based living.

All activities were carefully crafted to take guests through a one-of-a-kind journey from cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, celebrity chef dinners, craft beer and spirits tastings, a bad ass veggie burger battle, fitness to body care, workshops, yoga, urban gardening, a 5k run, kids day and more. SFWF’s line-up features something for everyone and showcases the beauty of the tropical paradise that is Miami and her beaches. 

ella-magers_seed_summit_vegan festival

This year I’m hosting the 5k run as well as giving a talk called, “Burpees and Benjamins” at the Seed Summit:

Burpees and Benjamins: Creating a Successful Online Wellness Business

Learn what it takes to turn your passion for wellness into a successful internet-based business. 
Whether you’re a fitness instructor, nutrition counselor, life coach, or wellness expert of any kind, building a business based online allows you to work with clients all over the world and gives you the freedom to take your work with you wherever you go. With an online wellness business, the sky is the limit!

The summit involves two days of workshops and panels designed for content creators, bloggers, entrepreneurs and influencers in conscious, sustainable and vegan living. There will be 20 workshops and panels over the two days covering everything from social media trends, crowd-funding, getting published, food styling, building your brand, the future of brand ambassadors and social influencers, copyright law, photo retouching 101 and more.

And guess what… You and all my friends are receiving a $75 discount to the Seed Summit! Click HERE for tickets.

There is something for EVERYONE at this festival, whether you’re already vegan or not. It’s totally mainstream! I hope to see you there.

Get your tickets for most events HERE (many of the events sell out quickly)!

*Interested in transforming your lifestyle? Learn more about my 6-Week Plant-Empowered Coaching Program and sign up for a free strategy session with me HERE.

12 Oct 2016
Going Vegan Tips, Vegan Nutrition
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5 Comments

7 Life-Changing Tips for Transitioning to a Vegan Diet Plan

tips-for-transition-to-vegan-diet-plan

There are no shortcuts when it comes to reaching your health and fitness goals by transitioning to a SUSTAINABLE (key word) balanced vegan lifestyle… But don’t worry – it’s totally doable!

There’s a structured process you can embark on to successfully transform your lifestyle and it’s all about gaining the tools you need, one by one, to eat and move according to your goals. It’s about finding the balance YOU need to be healthy and happy for a lifetime. This looks different for each and every one of us!

So forget the cookie cutter diet and exercise plans that lead to the yo-yo cycle so many of us get trapped in. Do the work it takes to create a sustainable lifestyle for yourself! Here are my top 7 tips for doing just that…

vegan humor

1. Think of Your Transition as A Fun Journey of Exploration!

The process of ditching old habits as you develop new ones takes work and can feel overwhelming. However, if you go into your transformation with a mindset of having fun with finding new foods to explore, and even adding in some humor to the process, it won’t seem so daunting! 

2. Set yourself up for success with a solid plan of action.

Everyone is unique in how they will be most successful transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, and for most people, attempting to turn vegan overnight is unsustainable. Creating a plan of action is therefore a must. Depending on where you are in the process, you may choose, for example, to eliminate an animal product every week until you have eliminated animal products from your diet all together. Or maybe start with eating vegan 3 days per week for the first month, 4 for the second month, etc. until you’re eating vegan 7 days a week.

It’s essential that you also choose a plant food to replace the animal product you are giving up every week. Legumes, such a lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are fantastic meat substitutes, as they are packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. That way, you can consistently introduce new vegan food into your diet, adding a variety of nutrients, textures, and flavors to your eating routines. Variety is a key component of a healthy, vegan meal plan.

3. Become comfortable reading nutritional labels.

In order to maintain a healthy vegan diet, it’s important to become proficient at reading food nutrition labels so you can shop with confidence. The first thing to tell yourself when you pick a packaged food from the shelf is, “Skip the marketing and go right for the facts.” Phrases like, “All Natural,” “Sugar Free,” “Low Fat,” and “Gluten Free” are marketing ploys to convince you to buy something without reading the nutrition facts.

Go straight to the ingredient list to first make sure it has no animal products or bi-products. Second, ask yourself, “Is the first ingredient one that I want to put in my body? What about the second and third?” Generally, the fewer ingredients the healthier the item is. Look for whole food ingredients like “dates” or “sesame seeds.”  If you can’t even pronounce an ingredient or it sounds like a chemistry experiment, chances are it’s not good for you! If the ingredients pass the test, you can take a look at the serving size (very important), calories, fat, sugar, sodium, and protein content, keeping in mind that not all calories are created equal.Forks Over Knives Plant-Based Documentary

4. Watch a documentary at least once a month to stay motivated.

Films like What the Health, Forks Over Knives, Earthlings, Cowspiracy, and Food Inc. will help educate you and remind you of the reasons you are making the transition to a vegan lifestyle. Being continually reminded of all the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle will keep you motivated to continue on your path until your new habits become second nature. We don’t want the “out of sight, out of mind,” principle to take over!

5. Create a support system for yourself.

Family, friends, and coworkers can play a significant role in either helping or hindering you on your journey. Have a heart-to-heart with the people you care about in your life. They care about you too! If you request their support, explaining that you’ve made a commitment to transitioning to a healthier, more compassionate lifestyle, chances are they will become your cheerleaders. They can provide an environment that reduces temptation to return to old habits. The other part of your support system can include vegan-veterans in your community, Facebook groups (such as our Empowered Vegan Life tribe), and other social media outlets. Set out to connect with people and groups that provide you with helpful insight and camaraderie.

6. Stay stocked with vegan staples.

Come up with a list of staple ingredients, super foods, and healthy snacks to keep your kitchen stocked at all times so that you never get into the common, “I’m starving and don’t have anything healthy to eat” situation. Shakes and smoothies are a great go-to snack, so keep ingredients for your favorite recipes on hand, such as plant-based milk, berries (frozen is fine), dates, hemp seeds, flax meal, and spinach. Fresh fruit, leafy greens, raw veggies, hummus, nut butter, and quinoa are also great staples to consider for healthy, quick, simple snacks and meals.b12-supplement

7. Take a B-12 supplement.

B-12 is the one nutrient that a modern, plant-based diet inherently lacks. B-12 is formed from a bacteria found in soil. We used to get enough of the vitamin by simply handling vegetables we grew from gardens before our land was stripped of it’s nutrients. Now, however, with the pressure washing and sanitizing process we perform on plants, we don’t have easy access to B-12 except through supplements. Luckily it’s easy to get all the B-12 you need with an inexpensive supplement. Many vegan foods, such as nut milks, are also fortified with B-12, among other important nutrients. It’s best to include a supplement in your routine though, to be safe.   

There you go! I encourage you to take this information and start applying it to your life one step at a time so you don’t become overwhelmed.

If you are looking for a transformational program to take you through a proven process for reaching your life goals, make sure to check out our 6-Month Plant-Empowered Coaching Program!

03 Oct 2016
Going Vegan Tips, Vegan Nutrition
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The Vegan-Mood Connection

vegan-good-mood

Most clients come to me with a few common complaints, one of which is feeling run-down and/or low on energy.

When we explore these feelings a bit further, we find that a lack of energy and vitality causes a poor mood, which effects not just the person, but also everyone else in their life. 

Now don’t get me wrong… we all wake up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes. And some of us have psychiatric diagnosis or disorders like clinical depression and bi-polar disorder which obviously affect mood. This is not what I’m talking about.

I’m talking about mood as it’s affected by our lifestyle choices, in particular our food choices. I’m talking about moving through the world in a shitty mood or fighting feeling “down” more often than enjoying feeling good. 

Now, do you want the good news or bad news first? 

Let’s start with the good. We can actually change our mood from the inside out by improving our eating habits! Why good? We have the power to transform how we feel every single day!

Now for the bad. We can actually change our mood from the inside out by improving our eating habits. Why bad? Changing our habits is not easy! But is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!!!

Take it from a recent client in this little clip I call, “There Must Be Something To It!”

There is scientific evidence as to why a plant-based diet boosts mood. Dr. Greger of NutritionFacts.org does a great job explains the studies (as usual). At the same time, all the evidence I need I can find through my own experiences and the experiences with the clients I’ve coached over the last decade. I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to see someone go from feeling crappy, to feeling positive and full of life in just a few weeks! 

The moral of my story… Don’t worry. Be happy. Go vegan!

Click HERE to book your free session with Ella to discuss how you can reach all your health and fitness goals.

28 Sep 2016
Going Vegan Tips, Vegan Fitness
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The Power of Accountability

accountability for health

When I ask a client, “What would be most helpful to jump start you into the healthy, active lifestyle you desire,” the answer is often, “accountability.”

Does this resonate with you?

As a coach, it’s exciting to see people through the process of gaining the tools they need to successfully transform their lives. One such tool is the ability to hold yourself accountable to the commitments you make.

The problem is that most of us have had the habit of putting everyone else first (especially us women). Is this you? We fill our schedules with commitments to other people, which we will do anything to keep, including breaking our own commitments to ourselves! Doesn’t this seem silly when you really think about it?

Time to change this pattern of letting ourselves down! In the six weeks of my program, I work with my clients to chip away at these old habits that aren’t serving them. I’m there to hold clients accountable to their commitments, because that’s often what it takes to learn how to do it for themselves.

It’s a process that takes practice, but wow, how thrilling is it when the practice pays off and you find yourself healthier, happier, and more confident then you’ve ever been before?! What an elated feeling it is when, because you’re in such a great place, you’re actually able to be there for others in a much more meaningful way!

Just listen to this 60 second clip from a client during a group coaching call as she talks about the power of accountability…

>If you’re ready to jump start your new lifestyle with the help of added accountability, book a meeting with me here.

07 Jul 2016
Going Vegan Tips, Holistic Health, Vegan Fitness, Vegan Nutrition, Vegan Product Reviews, Vegan-Related Current Events
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2 Comments

Plant-Empowered Lifestyle Transformations in Progress!

plant-empowered-coaching-program

Excited to Let You All Know My New 6-Week Plant-Empowered Coaching Program is Transforming Lives!

Hi Everyone!

I couldn’t be more thrilled to let you all know that my new 6-week Plant-Empowered Coaching Program is doing what it was designed to do… change lives!

In case you’re unfamiliar, I created this special program because the time had come for me to take all of my experience and knowledge and put it in a structured program to help people make total lifestyle transformations.  The program provides you with the information, and more importantly the tools you need to make positive, permanent changes in the way you think, eat, and move.

With the right information, presented step-by-step, you’re able to build a solid base of knowledge and then take that knowledge and apply it to YOUR LIFE in a way that works for YOU with the help of my coaching and support.

It’s my passion to coach people who are truly ready to commit to bettering their lives, so if you’re ready to take your body and life to a whole new level, I’m offering a free phone consultation! Learn more about the program and book your session with me HERE.

What Do YOU Need to Take YOUR Health, Nutrition, and Fitness to the Next Level?

I want to share with you some of the ways my clients in the 6-Week Plant-Empowered Coaching Program are transforming their lives without counting a single calorie!

So let’s take a look at some of the ways the Program is helping people develop healthy, positive habits that turn into the lifestyle they desire:

1. ACCOUNTABILITY 

How would it change your life if you were to be truly help accountable for the commitments you make to improve your food and fitness choices every day? For most of us, having someone who cares to hold us accountable to what we say we’re going to do is a game changer.  Check out the text I received just the other day…

>If you’re ready to finally get on the path to a healthy lifestyle you love, apply here and let’s chat.    

2. NO MORE FEELING OVERWHELMED!

These days it’s easy to feel so overwhelmed with all the conflicting information coming at us from all angles about what, when, and how we should eat and exercise. The 6-Week Plant Powered Coaching Program provides a structured, proven process to gain the knowledge you need to make the right food and fitness choices for YOU. The Program coaches you through the process of applying the information to your life, in a way that is in line with YOUR goals! Check it out…

Apply Here For a Free 45-minute strategy session  

3. TAKING ON NEW CHALLENGES

It can be intimidating to try new ways of eating and exercising, especially when you lack the knowledge and experience. The 6-Week Plant Powered Coaching Program provides you with opportunities to take on new challenges that will help you get the strong, healthy body you are striving for…

>If you’re ready to feel confident about your food and fitness choices, apply here and let’s chat. 

4. UNDERSTANDING THOUGHTS & FEELINGS THAT TRIGGER BAD HABITS

Every action we take is a result of our feelings, which are caused by our thoughts. Getting to the root of what’s causing us to continue unhealthy actions is key when it comes to transforming our lifestyles. The 6-Week Plant-Empowered Coaching Program provides you with the guidance you need to create a new mind set that is in line with your goals…

With courage, commitment and the right tactics, I know you can create a lifestyle you feel proud of, and it’s my life’s work to help you do just that! So if you are tired of spinning your wheels, feeling confused and defeated about how you’re eating and training, let’s talk. It’s time for action!

>Apply Here For a Free, One-On-One 45-minute Strategy Session  

Looking forward to speaking with you!

-Ella

09 May 2016
Going Vegan Tips, Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Recipes
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Cooking With A Wok

Cooking with a wok

Ever wonder about cooking with a wok, the “why” and “how” to use one? Here’s what Ella’s dad has to say…

So Ella tells me a blog posting doesn’t have to be new or exotic, because something that’s ordinary to me might be brand new to someone else.  “What about using a wok?” she says.  Here goes…

Basics, a wok is a large shallow bowl-like pan, originating in China used for stir frying vegetables.  The way it’s different from a western-style flat bottomed frying pan is that you just heat up a small area at the bottom and stir the veggies in and out of the hot spot.  That way they stay crispy and do not get over-cooked.  There are countless versions of stir fried dishes.  I’m just going to make up a simple tofu-stir-fryone out of my head, using easy-to-obtain ingredients… how about:

  • a leafy green (bok choy or cabbage or even kale)
  • bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
  • squash (yellow and/or zucchini)
  • broccoli or cauliflower
  • garlic (fresh or prepared)
  • mushrooms (you chose)
  • tofu (I like extra firm)
  • soy sauce/tamari
  • lemon juice or vinegar
  • cooking oil (peanut, safflower, sesame)
  • something spicy? ginger, cayenne/chili pepper (fresh or ground)
  • something crunchy?  peanuts, cashews, almonds, sesame
  • thickener?  corn starch, tahini, peanut butter

OK, I’m stopping here.  You don’t have to.

The first and most time consuming step is to chop up the veggies.  Make bite size pieces, cubed, slivered, whatever shape you like.  Aesthetics counts.  Separate them by cooking time.  Mix up a sauce with the soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and thickener, if you choose to use it.

Next cover the bottom go the wok with cooking oil and turn the burner up high. When the oil is spitting hot, start adding the slower cooking ingredients, broccoli, squash, tofu.  Stir them in and out of the hot oil, letting them rest on the less hot outer edge in between.  Then add the leafy vegetables, mushrooms, smaller items.  Keep stirring in and out of the hot oil and watch it cook.

When the veggies are still crunchy, but hot clear through, steer them to the edges and finally add the sauce to the center and let it heat up and thicken.  Finally, turn down the heat; stir it all together, and cover for minute or two. Then it’s ready. You an even put the wok directly on the table if you choose .  Yum.

Love to hear about other techniques and favorite ingredients you use when cooking with a wok.  Do check in! I also recommend Ella’s “How to Go Vegan Beginner’s Guide” for tips and recipes for creating your own vegan diet plan!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Apr 2016
Going Vegan Tips, Guest Blog Posts, Holistic Health, Traveling Vegan, Vegan Fitness, Vegan Nutrition, Vegan Recipes
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This kale salad is the perfect way to start the weekend off right and will give you the kick start you need to stay focused on your fitness goals… and it’s delicious too!

Weekend Glow Kale Salad

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 large head of kale (about 4-6 cups)
  • 1 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 1/2-3/4 cup chopped carrot (2 small carrots)
  • 1 English cucumber (2 cups chopped halves)
  • 1 avocado, chopped
  • 1 & 1/4 cup chopped grape tomatoes (or other variety)
  • 1/2 cup mixed raisins and Goji berries
  • 1/4 cup hemp seed
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Dressing:

  • 1 batch of Lighten Up Tahini Dressing
  • Your desired fresh or dried herbs

Directions:

1. Chop vegetables and mix in a large mixing bowl. Reserve hemp seed and walnuts for sprinkling on top.

2. Make your Lightened Up tahini-Lemon Dressing in a food processor and process until smooth.

3. Tear the leaves off of the kale and rip into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry kale leaves.

4. Mix the vegetables, kale leaves, and full batch of dressing (3/4-1 cup) in large bowl until thoroughly combined.

5. Place in fridge to ‘marinate’ for 10-15 minutes. Serves 4. Keeps in fridge in a sealed container for 1 day.

FOR THE LEMON-TAHINI DRESSING:
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast, to taste
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Prepare the Lemon-Tahini Dressing: Mince the garlic in a mini food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until smooth.

3 tips for preparing raw kale:

1. Remove the stems when you plan on eating it raw (and some people remove the stems for cooking too-it’s personal preference). The stems are the bitter part of the plant. I used to always use the stems and wonder why my kale salads tasted ridiculously bitter. Now I just use the leaves and it always turns out wonderful to the palate.

2. Massage the dressing into the leaves and let it ‘marinate’ for at least 10-15 minutes. A kale salad tastes best when the dressing has had a chance to soak into the leaves. This also helps soften the leaves which is especially important if you are using the curly variety. You don’t want it scratching your throat!

3. If you really don’t like curly kale, try Dinosaur (Lacinato) kale as it is less

Enjoy!!!

-Danielle

For more amazingly glowing recipes check out https://ohsheglows.com/

photo credit ohsheglows.com

04 Apr 2016
Going Vegan Tips, Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Nutrition, Vegan Product Reviews, Vegan Recipes, Vegan-Related Books & Documentaries
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Green Smoothies: Why and How?

Green-smoothie

Downing a glass of green pulpy stuff has been the craze for a while now… But green smoothies are not just a trend, they’re here to stay and here’s why!Screen Shot 2016-03-24 at 6.01.29 PM

What is a green smoothie?

It is very simple actually, a green smoothie is just that, a smoothie with a base of leafy greens, fruit to cut the bitterness and help with digestion and liquid.

Here are some of the reasons why I love green smoothies:

Not only do green smoothies actually taste good they are also a wonderful way to get nutrient dense raw leafy greens into your daily diet.

Packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, green smoothies not only give your body the best defenses for disease, but you are ingesting a variety of natural substances that are essential for optimum health, fitness and wellbeing.

These whole foods when blended provide a power pack boost of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients without bogging down your digestive system. The best natural energy booster out there!

Drinking green smoothies is a great way to get all your greens in. Many of us do not consume enough greens. By drinking two or three cups of green smoothies daily you will consume enough greens for the day to nourish your body, and all of the beneficial nutrients will be well assimilated.

Do green smoothies taste like grass?

No, the good news is, if made properly, a green smoothie tastes just as good as a smoothie of another color! The greens may add plenty of color to your recipe, but they shouldn’t alter the taste much at all. If you do make one that is slightly bitter for your liking, just add more fruit. Some greens are hidden (in terms of flavor) better than others. Spinach for example, is fairly neutral in taste, while kale has a stronger, more bitter flavor. 

Summary of Sexy Fit Vegan’s ebook, How to Make Your Own Superfood Protein Shakes:

1. Choose your base. There are many different liquids you can choose from to use as the “base” of your green smoothie. First, there are many store-bought milk substitutes. It’s best to choose one that is “unsweetened” so you can create a smoothie that is free of any added sugars. Second, you have the option of making your own nut milk. It’s actually much easier than you may think. My favorite nut milk recipe can be found at www.sexyfitvegan.com/nutmilk. A third option is using coconut water, which will create great flavor with less creaminess. Coconut water also has plenty of health benefits including providing us with valuable electrolytes for hydration.

2. Seeds are a staple for your super food green smoothie. The three super food seeds that SFV recommends adding are hemp, chia, and flax seeds. All three are high in protein and fiber, and hemp seeds are among the few plant foods that are a complete protein.

3. Use Popeye Power to make it a Green smoothie. Popeye was smarter than he looked! Dark leafy greens are, calorie per calorie, the most nutritious foods on the planet! 

4. Choose a thickener. Depending on how thick you like your shake, either banana or, believe it or not, avocado, can be added if it needs to be thickened.

5. Fruit Favorite. Now that we have the base ingredients set, it’s time to decide if you want to go with a fruity flavor, or go a different route (Ella gives you some great ideas!)

6. Super food add-ons. Depending on your individual health considerations, there may be additional supplemental foods that would be appropriate additions to your smoothies. Learn about the benefits of amla and maca powders in the book.

7. For the fitness freaks. If you are extremely active, do high-intensity workouts, and/or are looking to gain muscle mass, you may want to consider a few ways to get the extra energy and protein you need. Ella gives some great tips for making your green smoothie especially helpful to make gains.

8. Va Va Va Vitamix. A high-speed blender is a key component in successful shake and green smoothie creations. Many of the ingredients SVF suggests simply require a quality piece of equipment to fully breakdown and blend together.

**As always we recommend keep an open mind,and only use fresh, local, organic ingredients to receive optimal benefits

Enjoy incorporating more green smoothies into your daily routine! Find more awesome smoothie recipes in The Six Weeks to Sexy Abs Meal Plan as well 🙂

-Dani

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Mar 2016
Going Vegan Tips, Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Nutrition, Vegan Recipes
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Mint Chip Banana Nice Cream

mint-vegan-ice-cream

Mint Chip Banana Nice Cream… Say Goodbye to Dairy and Guilt!

For all you ice cream lovers out there, its time to jump on the banana nice cream train. Simple, smooth and creamy, this healthy vegan, low fat dessert can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Using bananas as the base, other fruits, super foods and essential oils can be blended in for a completely different flavor and texture. This is the ultimate “guilt-free” treat that everyone must try…Finally it’s ok to have ice cream for breakfast. 

Yield: 2 cups, 2 servings
Time: 15 minutes
Prepare ahead: freeze bananas
Equipment: high-power juicer or blender

Optional: Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil (YLEO): PeppermintMintChip NanaCream

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe bananas, peeled and frozen  
  • 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
  • 1 teaspoon spirulina powder 
  • 1 drops Peppermint YLEO

Directions:

Push frozen bananas through a high-power juicer fitted with the blank plate to homogenize the fruit. It will be the consistency of soft serve ice cream. 

Stir in the remaining ingredients and serve immediately.

Alternatively, use a high-power blender with the tamper, or a food processor, adding liquid as needed for blending. 

Serve with toppings such as chopped nuts, fruit, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, or chocolate sauce. 

Using bananas as the base, other frozen fruits can be added in such as mangoes or berries.

Recipe Gratitude to Amy Bacheller.
For more of Amy’s amazing raw recipes check out www.scentfromheaven-sb.com
Instagram: @amybbacheller
23 Feb 2016
Environmentalism, Going Vegan Tips, Traveling Vegan, Vegan Nutrition, Vegan-Friendly Restaurants, Vegan-Related Current Events
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Top 8 Vegan Events 2016

vegan-events-2016

Mark your calendars and grab some tickets because 2016 is packed full of vegan events worth checking out!

I’m giving you my top 8 picks for vegan festivals and events, some based on my own experiences, others based on speaking with like-minded experts such as Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness founder Robert Cheeke. I ran into Robert at Brendan Brazier’s book launch party last month and was able to ask about his favorites since he pretty much travels year round attending and speaking at these events!

Holistic Holiday at Sea

February 27-March 5, 2016Holistic-Holiday-at-Sea-Photos

I’m super psyched about this year’s cruise because I was lucky enough to have been invited as a special guest. Robert Cheeke told me that out of all the events he attends this is his absolute favorite (this will be his sixth year in a row on board)! I’m especially excited because some of my favorite nutrition experts (like Dr. Michael Greger), plant-based chefs, and fitness pros will be on board presenting and teaching. I’ve found that most health or wellness-focused cruises offer yoga but not strength and conditioning type classes. Not true for this cruise! There is a class for everybody and every mood, so in addition to yoga and pilates there are also boot camp and body building type of classes from some of the top names in the fitness world. And the other part about this cruise that makes it different than other health cruises is that it not only gives you the opportunity to detox and relax, but also is upbeat with a wide variety of things to do from cooking classes to snorkeling to cocktail parties… how appealing does that sound?! Then there are the awesome plant-based meals, catering not just to people eating vegan, but also those who eat gluten-free or oil-free. I just find this incredible, and I want to experience it with you all! 

Here is a description of the experience:

“Holistic Holiday at Sea presents the ultimate gift for your mind, body and spirit. Share the experience and wisdom of some of the world’s leading authorities and experts in holistic living and natural health. Cruise the Eastern Caribbean on one of the world’s premier Italian luxury liners, the MSC Divina, which combines the style and sophistication of Europe with American comforts and convenience. Visit exciting ports of call as we sail from Miami, Florida to natural paradise Charlotte Amalie/St. Thomas, USVI; historic and vibrant San Juan, Puerto Rico; and sun-soaked Nassau, Bahamas. All this and more while you dine on specially prepared vegan natural foods and beverages prepared by our own chefs. Lectures and workshops included.”

When they say, “health experts,” it’s the real deal… the line-up includes Dr. Michael Greger of NutritionFacts.org (one of my all time favorite speakers), Dr. T. Colin Campbell, co-author of The China Study” and featured in Forks Over Knives, Dr. Neal Barnard, founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Dr. Michael Klaper, long-time radio host and acclaimed health educator, Chef AJ, inspiring speaker and author of Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight… and this is just to name a few. You MUST see the line-up. It’s crazy! And 95% of ALL the classes, workshops, presentations, and lectures are included in the price of the cruise, including the big names guests. Plus, these presenters are not all quarantined off in their own VIP areas, they eat and hang with everyone on board.

I’m honored that the bookstore will also be carrying my new book, The Six Weeks To Sexy Abs Meal Plan! I will be doing a book signing as well.

As I mentioned above, there are also daily yoga, pilates, fitness, running, meditation, and body building classes. Food options for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. There will be vegan pizza and ice cream parties and other social events and parties. We’ll have opportunities to swim, snorkel and kayak in the beautiful Carribbean waters.  On top of all that, this is all on an award-winning environmentally friendly ship!

I hope to see a bunch of you guys on the ship, but if you’re not able to make it this year, go ahead and put it on your calendar for next year – tickets are available now for early bird special prices.

Learn more about the 2016 Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise HERE.

Seed Food and Wine Festival

November 2-5, 2016

seed food and wine festival

I absolutely adore this festival! Only in it’s third year of existence, the Seed Food and Wine Festival is a huge hit and growing rapidly. One of the things I like most about this festival is it’s focus on marketing to the main stream. Nothing makes me happier than seeing non-vegans be open-minded to learning the all the “whys” and “hows” to go vegan, and the events of this festival attract those people (along with already established vegans). 

Details for Seed Food and Wine 2016 have not yet been made public, but I’m sure it will not just match, but also exceed the quality of last year’s. 

Seed Food and Wine is described as “a weekend adventure for guests who want to sip, savor and experience conscious, sustainable plant-based living. All activities are carefully crafted to take guests through a one-of-a-kind journey from cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, celebrity chef dinners, craft beer and spirits tastings, celebrity cook-offs, fitness to body care, workshops, yoga, urban gardening, a 5k run, kids day and more. SFWFs line-up features something for everyone and showcases the beauty of the tropical paradise that is Miami and her beaches. Everything served during the festival will be plant-based (vegan) and whenever possible organic and non-gmo certified.”
To get an idea of the kind of events there will be, read about some of the 2015 events (just to mention a few):

FIRST ANNUAL PLANT BASED BURGER BATTLE™

Walk the green carpet, and chow down on plant-based burgers created by chefs from across the country, cast your vote for BEST VEGGIE BURGER IN AMERICA, enjoy paired craft brews by Brown’s Distributing curated by Box Elder Wynwood, Reeds Root Beer Floats, live music with the MAGIC CITY HIPPIES and great company. Celebrity judges include: Burger Beast, John Salley, Nic Adler, Nom Yourself and Chef Derek Sarno (Whole Foods Market·Austin).

FOOD FORWARD

Bringing together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to create a NEW conscious and sustainable food system.
This all day conference is designed for food and sustainability industry entrepreneurs, farmers, chefs, government and education leaders and those passionate about our future. There will be six workshops covering a variety of subjects including: Food Waste, Regenerative Agriculture, GMOs and Organics, Made In Miami Entrepreneurs feeding our community, Sustainability and Sea Level Rise, Feeding Good Food to Everyone.

FUTURE OF FOOD DINNER EXPERIENCE with CHEF MATTHEW KENNEY, SCOTT WINEGARD, AARON ADAMS & CHEF JONNY SENINGEN

The ultimate evening for plant-friendly foodies, start with cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, followed by a 5 course wine paired dinner presented by some of the best plant inspired chefs in the country, Chef Scott Winegard for Matthew Kenney Cuisine, Chef Aaron Adams from Farm Spirit in Portland and Chef Jonathan Seningen from Dirt Miami.

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SEED WYNWOOD 5k RUN, YOGA, MEDITATION & FESTIVAL DAY PACKAGE

Start the day with a 5K run through the art filled streets of Wynwood. Lead by ultra-endurance athlete, RICH ROLL, Miami’s very own, “WE RUN MIAMI”/ FRANKIE RUIZ, ELLA MAGERS the Sexy Fit Vegan and JOHN LEWIS the Bad Ass Vegan.

Then you will hit the mat for a yoga class with MEGHAN ELIZABETHfrom LoveLife Wellness Center, AMY DANNHEIM from Green Monkey Yoga and CORBIN STACY from Namastacy Yoga. Then take a breather with JENNIFER GRACE leading a guided meditation.

Pleasure awaits after all that hard work, as you enter the festival first before the public. Enjoy the ultimate day of plant-based health, wellness conscious and sustainable living with a beer garden, live music, chef demonstrations, speakers stage, yoga lounge, fitness zone, crafts, apparel, edible garden demonstrations, organic cruelty free beauty bar and over 100 restaurants, bakeries, brands, wines, spirits and juices sampling delicious plant based treats all day.

SEED FESTIVAL DAY AND TASTING VILLAGE

Enjoy free sampling all day at the ultimate day of plant-based health, wellness conscious and sustainable living with a beer garden, live music, Chef Demonstrations, Miami Book Fair Speaker Stage, yoga lounge, fitness zone, crafts, apparel, edible garden demonstrations, organic cruelty free beauty bar and over 80 restaurants, bakeries, brands, wines, spirits and juices sampling delicious plant based treats all day. Young Veg Advocate Award will be presented at 3pm on the main stage.

SPROUTS KIDS DAY

A fun afternoon for the entire family: Kids take part in an interactive learning experiences, from planting their own container gardens at the hands-on JugoFresh gardening lab, trying their hand at yoga with Magda Lopez and making their very own veggie pizzas with Chef Charlie Chen, and hitting up the Bunnie Cake’s cupcake lab to decorate and munch on organic, vegan, gluten-free cupcakes. We didn’t forget moms and dads, this year we will have a lounge with mocktails and yummy bites just for you. (programming designed for children ages 3 to 10).

Tickets to some of the events sell out quickly (the dinners especially) so stay tuned and as soon as they’re announced, jump on those tickets! The festival as a whole is on the pricey side compared to many other vegfests, but once you go you’ll understand why. The Seed Food and Wine Festival takes vegan to the next level!

Toronto Veg Food Fest

September 9-11
 toronto-vegan-food-fest
I haven’t attended this one, but Robert listed it among his top picks and it has received great reviews! 
Here’s how the Toronto Vegetarian Association describe the festival:

Regarded as the largest event of its kind in North America, the Veg Food Fest provides an unparalleled opportunity to sample the very best of vegetarian cuisine. Each year, visitors discover delicious new products and innovative ideas from more than 100 exhibitors and enjoy informative presentations and exciting cooking demonstrations.

Over the years the Vegetarian Food Festival has featured the brightest minds of the vegetarian movement including nutrition researchers Dr. T Colin Campbell (The China Study) and Brenda Davis, RD (Becoming Vegetarian, Becoming Vegan) as well as animal advocates Gene Baur (Farm Sanctuary) and Melanie Joy (Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs & Wear Cows). We’ve showcased dozens of amazing cookbooks through cooking demonstrations by Terry Hope Romero & Isa Chandra Moskowitz (Veganomicon, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World, and many more), Taymer Mason (Caribbean Vegan), Sarah Kramer (How It All Vegan), and Toronto’s jae steele (Ripe From Around Here) and Doug McNish (Eat Raw, Eat Well). We’ve also highlighted important documentary films such as Forks Over Knives,Peaceable Kingdom, and Vegucated.

Featuring plethora of delicious foods, and a friendly, supportive atmosphere, the Veg Food Fest fits perfectly with the mission of the Toronto Vegetarian Association: to inspire people to choose a healthier, greener, more peaceful lifestyle.

For details about our most recent Veg Food Fest, please visit vegfoodfest.com

Here are links to a few more popular vegan festivals around the country (click on the pictures)…

Vegan Beer and Food Festival

June 11, 2016 in Portland and June 18, 2016 in Los Angeles

vegan beer and food fest LA 2016vegan beer and food fest Portland 2016
 

Texas VegFest

April 2, 20116

texas-veg-fest

Chicago Vegan Mania

October 1, 2016
chicago vegan mania
 

Tampa Bay Veg Fest

November 12th, 2016
tampa bay veg fest
If you’ve been to other annual events/festivals please share with us!