29 Apr 2015
Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Fashion
Tags: , ,
2 Comments

Vegan and Proud: Meet Julia Veli

Julia Veli Contributor

Hi there… 😉 My name is Julia Veli and I am an artist known for creating fashion and art all from recycled materials, including vinyl records, Julia Veli FashionCD’s, newspaper and baseballs. I also spent seven years as a consultant in the fashion industry specialized in the areas of executive recruiting, fashion show production, buying/selling of end of season fashion inventories and had my own blog focused on the footwear industry. I traveled to trade shows all over the country learning about and working with 100’s of brands, including Prada, Puma, Vince Camuto, Nine West and Crocs just to name a few. I also discovered a lot of really awesome vegan brands as it was just becoming a big trend right before I left the industry to become an artist full-time. So I will be the Sexy Fit Vegan fashion contributor and I’m excited to share with you some cool and unique vegan fashion…including some of my own.

By nature, I have always been environmentally conscious and considered myself to be a healthy eater but as of last week I can proudly say I am officially vegan thanks to Ella! Three years ago when I first met Ella, to me, being vegan was something I never thought I would call myself. EVER! Since I’ve never been a big meat eater anyway and have always loved my veggies, I was happy with my diet and didn’t see a need to change. I’ve had vegan friends in the past who shared their perspective with me and while I respected their views, I just didn’t think it was for me and honestly one of the biggest turn-offs was going to a restaurant with them and watching the server get completely annoyed as they were grilled about the ingredients in everything. I’m not a fussy person when it comes to things like this, so I couldn’t imagine having to be such a pain in the ass. lol…

Well things have changed and over the past 6 months my awareness of what I am putting into my body has increased simply by having been blessedJulia Veli Swimwear to spend time with Ella and being able to observe her lifestyle. I decided to follow her lead and give being vegan a try but would only commit to six days a week. lol… I instantly noticed how I had more energy, my workouts became better and even my moods were better. It made me happy to know that I was putting the most healthy things into my body and I started to think more about the chemicals I was thoughtlessly ingesting  without even realizing the impact they were having on me. Why would I even consider putting chemicals into my body that are unnatural and only used to grow food faster and make it prettier?? That now seems so crazy to me! It really is that simple. So thank goodness Ella came into my life and was able to SHOW me the way to eat in the most healthy and still enjoy food. I haven’t missed out on anything and I really don’t miss any of the food I used to eat although I am sure I will have moments where I would love to smash a slice of pizza, haha…but there are alternatives! I found it interesting that even on my one cheat day, I often didn’t. What finally caused me to go all the way and become fully vegan was last week when Ella encouraged me to watch the documentary “Cowspiracy”. It was perfect timing and I knew as soon as I pressed play that it was going to be a done deal by the time I finished and that is exactly what happened! I had NO IDEA that the agricultural industry was destroying our planet in such an aggressive way. It changed my perspective and instead of vegan being a selfish decision, it became an unselfish decision and one that I am very proud of.

I am truly thankful to Ella and no matter where our lives take us, I will always remember the positive impact she made in my life.  I’m happy to a part of the amazing work she is doing and excited to see the difference we can make together.

 

27 Apr 2015
Going Vegan Tips, Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Fitness
Tags: , , , , ,
3 Comments

New Sexy Fit Vegan Contributor!

Matthew Washington vegan athlete
‘Hey everyone! I wanna say i’m very excited to be a part of the sexy fit vegan team!  I’ve never been a part of a blog before so this is definitely a new, fun experience. I’m a certified personal trainer of over 4 years, with certs in nutrition and sports performance.  I became vegan a little over seven years ago.  After a rough period of life, losing my sister to ovarian cancer.  I was also in an extremely unhealthy spot in my life. Smoking a pack a day. Drinking. Also eating the worst foods possible.  Yes, i ate mcdonalds….every day. I gradually became 60 pounds overweight.  One day i woke up and was tired of the life i was living.  I quit smoking cold turkey. Started to pick up running. I knew i needed to change my diet, i noticed a few features on vegan athletes and what they did, and how they were doing it.  I was completely fascinated and researched as much as i could, and when i felt i was ready, i became vegan.  My weight dropped drastically, my energy was amazing, and my recovery was great. Eventually after i got certified as a trainer i lifted weights more religiously, and got my weight up, lean muscle of course. No fat 😉 .  Of course over the years you get everything from,
“Oh, you’re vegan? How’s that work? I think that’s cool but i could never give up cheese.”
To the more extreme,
“Are you kidding me bro? Where do you get your protein?! Soy lowers your testosterone!”
Granted, there are many myths regarding plant based lifestyles that i will love to get into at later times.  Also, i’d love to share good programs for building strength and muscle on a plant based diet. As well as certain nutrients/minerals/vitamins you should and shouldn’t worry about. The fitness and nutrition world is a confusing one.  Full of contradictions, myths and empty promises for fast and easy results.  Like every goal in life, they don’t come overnight. And neither does health and fitness.  it’s a journey, not a diet, but a lifestyle. And i’m very excited to help!’
28 Mar 2015
Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Recipes
Tags: , , , ,
Leave a comment

7-Ingredient Masterpiece No Bake Energy Bars

Vegan-Energy-Bars-Recipe

Ron Badach Callicoon Kitchen Presents 7-Ingredient Masterpiece No Bake Energy Bars

The ultimate healthy pick me up! This is my favorite no-bake energy bar recipe using just seven powerhouse ingredients: dates, figs, unsweetened cocoa, slivered almonds, chia seeds, walnuts and macadamia nuts. The perfect blend of taste, texture and punch these bars are a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients:

  • ½ c Medjool dates, pitted & chopped
  • ½ c fresh figs, chopped
  • 1 c raw slivered raw almonds
  • ½ c walnuts
  • 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • Handful shaved Macadamia nuts.
  • ½ tsp Kosher salt
  • 2-3 tbsp cold water

Directions:

Pit and chop dates then chop figs.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in cold water until desired consistency (mixture holds its shape.)

Remove mixture and place on cutting board. Use cookie cutter and cut into 1 inch think individual bars (shape and size as you desire!)

Top with shaved Macadamia nuts. Refrigerate at least two hours or freeze in an air tight container.

Tip:

Watch me prepare this easy vegan recipe on Ron Badach Callicoon Kitchen!

Enjoy!

21 Feb 2015
Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Recipes
Tags: , , ,
Leave a comment

Vegan Quinoa, Broccoli, and Kale Curry

Vegan-quinoa-broccoli-kale-curry

I chose to feature this vegan Quinoa, Broccoli, and Kale Curry recipe by Yasmin Fahr because it is, as she describes, a “One-Pot Wonder!”

This easy vegan recipe is simple, highly nutritious, and extremely satisfying. Quinoa, broccoli, and kale are all super foods packed with loads of vitamins, minerals, and protein. And cumin is not just another spice… it’s also thought to aid in digestion and is high in magnesium and iron. So eat up and enjoy!

About This Recipe

YIELD:Serves 4
ACTIVE TIME:30 minutes
TOTAL TIME:30 minutes
THIS RECIPE APPEARS IN:One-Pot Wonders: Vegan Quinoa, Broccoli, and Kale Curry
RATED:

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, stems trimmed
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets, stems trimmed
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (I use Celtic sea salt)
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • ½ tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup quinoa, pre-rinsed or washed
  • 2 cups homemade vegetable stock or store-bought low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 1/2 cups lacinato or curly kale, leaves removed from the stalks and cut into 1-inch ribbons
  • 1 tablespoon fresh juice from 1 lime
  • ½ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup microgreens, such as sunflower (optional)

Procedures

  1. Heat the 1 ½ tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli and cauliflower and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring until lightly browned and just tender, 4 to 5 minutes.. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  2. Add the remaining oil to the same pot, and return to medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the curry powder and cumin, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the quinoa and toast until lightly fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the broth, and adjust the heat to maintain an active boil for exactly 9 minutes. Stir in the kale until wilted and add the vegetables until they are finished cooking, about 2 minutes more. Stir in lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with the cilantro and greens (if using) and serve.

 

Photograph: Yasmin Fahr

11 Apr 2014
Guest Blog Posts, Uncategorized, Vegan Recipes
Tags: , , , , ,
Leave a comment

Detox Carrot Soup

Detox-Carrot-Soup

Did you, like many of us, over indulge a bit over the holidays? Feel the need for a reboot with a clean eating detox?

I know that sometimes the temptation in January is to go the extreme with a juice cleanse or a super strict diet plan, and while those can have their time and place, they can also be incredibly hard to stick with and therefore many people get frustrated and go back to lousy eating habits again.  In my opinion the best, and most sustainable, reset you can do is pack your diet with fresh vegetables and cut out the things that are triggers for you. For me it is sugar and wine, for someone else it might be bread and and potato chips.

This soup is great for this time of year because it is easy, healthy, warming and satisfying.  The recipe itself is incredibly simple, but you could definitley punch it up with different spices if you like e.g., cumin, fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne would be a good combo. Also if you want to up your greens intake feel free to throw in a couple of handfuls  of spinach at the end.

Detox Carrot Soup

IMG_4259

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 6 carrots peeled and chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 potatoes peeled and diced
  • 4 C vegetable stock
  • 1/2-1 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium low heat.  Add carrots, garlic and onion and cook for 5 minutes.  Stir in the potatoes, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes.  Pour in broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat , cover, and allow soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Allow soup to cool a bit and then puree in batches in a blender.  Reheat, season with salt and pepper (depending on the vegetable broth you use you may need a little, or a lot, of salt) and serve.  Top with vegan sour cream and green onions if desired.

Enjoy!

– Kirsten

 

21 Mar 2014
Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Recipes
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Easy Vegan Recipe- Cauliflower Stew

I love one-pot meals and I love them even more if they are ready in under 30 minutes!  

This bowl is a quick, easy, warming, flavorful vegan recipe packed full of nutritional benefits.

Chickpeas are one of my favorite sources of protein. One cup gives you approximately 15 grams of protein and they are also high in iron, fiber, and have a  low glycemic index. And  because of their mild flavor they are very versatile and can be used in all sorts of different ways.  Even cookies!  But that’s another post….

Cauliflower is high in Vitamin C and is also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and this recipe also contains spinach which is pretty much power packed with everything your body needs.  Let’s get our health on!

Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

IMG_3585

 Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger grated
  • 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 head cauliflower cut into small florets
  • 1/2 C raisins
  • 1/2 C vegetable broth
  • 2 C (or more if you like) baby spinach
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

Heat oil in a large saucepan over a medium-low heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes.  Add garlic, cumin and ginger and cook for 1 minute.  Add tomatoes, chickpeas, cauliflower, raisins and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.  Add spinach, salt and pepper and cook 1/-2 minutes more until spinach is wilted.

Enjoy!

Kirsten

 

 

 

07 Mar 2014
Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Recipes
Tags: , , , ,
Leave a comment

Berry Quinoa Oatmeal Bars

Looking for a  vegan treat that is delicious, incredibly easy to make, hearty and satisfying with added benefit of quinoa?  

Then this recipe is for you!

I am always looking for recipes that can satisfy my sweet tooth but still offer nutritional benefits. These Berry Quinoa Oatmeal Bars from hummusapien.com contain the goodness of oats and quinoa, are just slightly sweet and can even be made gluten free. They can be considered, “energy bars” or “breakfast bars” or “snack bars”, or even “desert bars!” 

I modified the recipe slightly by using mixed berry jam, instead of strawberry. Make sure to read the label of the jam you buy so that you get one that is 100% fruit. There’s no need for added sugar – fruit is sweet enough! I also added an extra 1/4 cup of oats to the topping to make it extra crumbly which worked out nicely.

And did I mention easy?  Even the most novice baker could pull these off and it would be a fantastic recipe for kids to help with.  Try it out!

berry-Ouinoa-Oatmeal-Bars

Recipe available at https://www.hummusapien.com/strawberry-quinoa-oatmeal-bars/