21 Mar 2014
Guest Blog Posts, Vegan Recipes
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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
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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/

26 Jan 2014
Vegan Nutrition
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Straight Talk About Consuming Soy

consuming soy beans

In the last few years we have all heard a ton of conflicting recommendations on consuming soy. So what’s the real deal with soy?

Well first of all, there is good soy and bad soy. Consider soy that is genetically modified, moderately/highly processed, and/or not organic, to be “bad soy.” The effects of these types of soy products are unclear, but we do know that they do not offer the same benefits as good soy. “Good soy” is that which is organic and unprocessed (whole soy beans) or minimally processed (tempeh and tofu). Also, keep in mind that we are discussing a moderate intake of soy (3-4 servings/day). A healthy vegan diet involves consuming a wide variety of legumes, vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. More than 3 servings of soy per day, for most people, means that you will not be getting enough of a variety of other foods with important nutrients our bodies need to be healthy. Another tip is that I recommend using non-soy milks such as almond or coconut to “save” your soy servings for edamame, tofu, and tempeh so you are getting unprocessed soy with all the fiber and protein in tact!

That being said, let’s address the common concerns in regards to GOOD soy, based on the latest, most conclusive findings on consuming soy.

One question that’s simple to answer is, “Are soybeans really a quality protein source?” The answer is YES! Soybeans contain a Consuming soy in the forms of Tofu and Tempehlarge amount of high quality protein. They are also a complete protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids we need to build muscle. The great thing about soybeans is that you can consume the protein without the cholesterol that you get with meat.

Getting a bit more complicated and controversial is the question, “Does soy contain estrogen that could cause breast cancer in women and have adverse side effects on men?” Simply put, soybeans contain isoflavones, a class of “phytoestrogen” that has been found to have some meaningful health benefits to humans. For a more detailed explanation of the physiological effects of phytoestrogen in the human body click HERE. A majority of studies have shown that phytoestrogen from soybeans act as a protective factor for breast cancer as well as increase one’s chance for survival from breast cancer. In addition, it appears that consuming soy may reduce the risk of other cancers, particularly prostate and colon cancers.

Another common concern is the belief that soy will cause thyroid dysfunction. Based on the available research, this is not the case. The issue comes only with people who have an existing thyroid condition for which they take medication. Soy can alter how some thyroid medications are absorbed in the intestines and  it is therefore important to discuss your soy intake with the doctor upon being prescribed such medication.

Last, you may be wondering if consuming soy is good for your heart. It seems that soy does have a positive effect on heart health. The isoflavones in soy have a dilating effect on our blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. Soy is also high in fiber, which is a protective factor for heart disease.

So there you have it… the simple, condensed answers to your common consuming soy-related questions and concerns. The verdict, for most people, a moderate intake of organic, unprocessed soy is a healthful choice, although you certainly don’t NEED to be consuming soy in order to maintain a healthy, balanced plant-based diet.

I am providing a few solid resources that go into more detail on the latest research if you are interested in learning specifics.

www.diseaseproof.com

nutritionfacts.org/video/breast-cancer-survival-and-soy/

nutritionfacts.org/video/how-much-soy-is-too-much/

pcrm.org/health/cancer-resources/ask/ask-the-expert-soy

www.doctoroz.com/videos/soy-good-bad-and-best

25 Dec 2013
Going Vegan Tips, Vegan Nutrition, Vegan-Related Current Events
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Top 10 Tips for Going Vegan in 2014!

Veggies on forks

If you have resolved to adopt a plant-based diet in 2014 these “Top 10 Tips for Going Vegan” is for you!

First of all, congratulations on the decision to hop on the path to feeling and looking your best, staying healthy and disease-free, and living conscientiously! I have compiled these tips to help you along your way:

1. Take it One Month at a Time.

You have been eating a certain way for a very long time, right? Well completely changing your whole diet overnight and expecting it to last, in most cases, sets yourself up for failure. Instead, create manageable steps month by month. For example, lets say you are a vegetarian, and you know that giving up cheese is going to be your most difficult food to eliminate. So for January, you make the decision to eliminate milk completely from your diet. Then, in February, you have “cheese-less weekdays,” meaning you do not eat cheese Monday through Friday, but allow yourself some over the weekend if you are craving it. Get the idea?

2. Instead of “Giving Up” Animal Products, “Replace” Them!

Choose vegan substitutes for the animal products you are eliminating to keep readily available at home.Coconut Milk Ice Cream
If you are a milk drinker, find the non-dairy milk that you like best and stay stocked. Same goes for cheese, yogurt, and ice cream (you still get to splurge every now and then on a vegan diet!). When it comes to meat, my suggestion is that for the first couple months, if you can find substitutes that you like, even if they are not the best for you (most faux meat is processed and less healthy than choosing whole foods such as beans and nuts), allow yourself some leeway to eat them anyway as a stepping stone. Ultimately though, using these products only on occasion is the best way to attain a healthy, whole foods, plant-based lifestyle.

3. Find support from other vegans.

There are vegans everywhere these days, and we have the technology to connect, so use it! Seek out other healthy vegans in your community, there are often local vegan-related meet-ups you can join. The other option is finding support online through forums (such as the new, Sexy Fit Vegan Forum!) The more support the better!

4. Talk to your friends, coworkers, and family members about your lifestyle changes.

Old habits will stay current habits if you don’t communicate with the people who surround you on a daily basis. Talk to these people and let them know about the changes you are making, and ask them for their support.

5. Take a B-12 Supplement.

Vitamin B-12 is the one nutrient that can be difficult to get on a plant-based diet. There are many products fortified with B-12, but I think it is simply a good habit to take a supplement to ensure you are ingesting enough. A deficiency can be hard to diagnose early enough to prevent permanent damage to your body. But again, it is a simple fix. Take a supplement.

6. Find at least one Protein That You Enjoy and Use It As Your Go-To.Vegan Protein Cartoon

22 Days and Plant Fusion are two I highly recommend that contain both high levels of protein and other ingredients that pack your body with powerful nutrients. All you need is a shaker bottle to create a perfect snack. Getting enough protein to gain lean muscle can be one of the most common worries among people looking to maintain/gain muscle mass and increase strength and performance. A few shakes a day is a simple way to ensure your protein intake stays high.

7. Invest in a Vitamix.

You may look at the price tag on this thing and cringe. I did! And then I received one for my birthday and my life changed forever! Ok, that may be a little dramatic, but it made me a believer in the Vitamix. The smoothies, juices, soups, nut milks, and dips you can make, quickly and easily, makes it well worth the cost. Making a smoothie with super foods like hemp seeds, flax seeds, and dates can come out chunky with a regular blender, but with the Vitamix, you are always ensured an even, smooth shake.

8. Find Time to Plan Ahead.

The first several months, it’s important to realize that it is going to take you more time than usual to figure out your food choices. Find the time so you do not get into an “emergency situation” in which you feel like you’re starving, and have no idea what to eat! We’ve all been there. If you are like me, by the time you get to that point it’s too late for your brain to think clearly and for you to make logical decisions. Avoid this situation by making the time to plan your day’s food intake. You may need to pack a lunch, or keep healthy vegan bars in your car. Always keep good-for-you snacks around. Celery and hummus, carrots and raw almond butter for example.

9. Variety is Key.

Its important to keep in mind that eating a wide variety of vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains is the key to a well-balanced plant-based diet. Forks Over Knives DocumentaryChances are, by adopting this new lifestyle you will end up eating more different foods than you did before. Research plant-based super foods to add to your meals and shakes, such as hemp and chia seeds. You are exploring new options that you probably never sought out before! Keep an open mind and adopt the attitude of fun exploration rather than limitation.

10. Continue Your Education.

Continuously learn about why a vegan diet is so great by watching documentaries such as Forks Over Knives, reading articles, reading books, and even visiting factory farms and animal sanctuaries if possible. This way you will keep your motivations fresh in your head instead of letting them fade and slipping back into old habits because of it.

Cheers to the start of the healthiest, sexiest year of your life, 2014!!!

27 Oct 2013
Going Vegan Tips, Vegan Nutrition
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The Low Down on B-12 on a Vegan Diet

B12 on a vegan diet Chart

There has been an ongoing debate on whether or not you can get enough B12 on a vegan diet without supplementation.

I set out to do a review of the literature on this topic and have come to the following conclusion for myself:

There is enough evidence that a vegan diet in today’s society is likely to lead to a B12 deficiency, that I choose to consume a B12 supplement on a regular, consistent basis.

Why is this such a hot topic?

For one, B12 is a complicated vitamin! I didn’t know how confusing a vitamin could be until the day I started researching this one! In simple terms, B12 is actually formed by a bacteria that is found mainly in soil, feces, and fecal contaminated water (I bet you didn’t think you would be reading about poop when you started this article!) We often contain the bacteria in our bodies, but it is generally found in the part of the intestine past the point where nutrients are absorbed into our bodies, so it is eliminated before doing us any good. Some animals, such as cows, have a digestive system that supports the bacteria to produce B12 within an area of the digestive tract that allow for adequate absorption. This is why eating them provides you (well, probably not YOU) the vitamin. Many animals also get this bacteria through the soil they consume along with their food. This is not the case however, if the soil being consumed does not contain adequate cobalt levels, as cobalt is necessary for B12 production.  When it comes to plants, in our modern times, extreme measures are taken to rid them of all bacteria which destroys dangerous bacteria, but simultaneously kills the good bacteria that would give us B12. Vegan or not, people can become B12 deficient for other reasons as well, particularly due to malabsorption from gastrointestinal issues, medications, and other vitamins and minerals that, at high enough levels, can block B12 absorption. If the pie chart from NutritionFacts.Org is even close to reality, there is a good chance the amount you are getting is insufficient.b12 on a vegan diet-supplement

What happens if you don’t meet your body’s B12 requirements?

You can often go many years without noticing the symptoms, or at least making the connection, often when it is too late to reverse the damage. A B12 deficiency could eventually cause nerve and blood vessel damage, which can possibly lead to some terrible health problems such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, birth defects, depression, and bone density issues. It is therefore important to know the signs and symptoms, and get tested if you are having any. A few of the early warning signs are listed below, and full a more comprehensive list, click HERE.

  • Unusual fatigue
  • Faulty digestion
  • No appetite
  • Nausea
  • Loss of menstruation 

How to Get Enough B-12

In summary, with all the risk factors involved, I believe supplementing is the smart thing to do. There are 3 types of B12. There are several types of B12 and the research on which is “best” is mixed. The most common (and cheapest) type of B12 is cyanocobalamin, and most research seems to suggest that for most people (except this type is effective enough to meet our B12 needs. Then there is hydroxycobalamin, which is often considered a better option than cyanocobalamin, but is only found in an injectable form. More recently however, methylcobalamin seems to be getting hyped as superior to all others, so I am using this type currently. I think, at this point though, if you are not using anything, just start taking one of these it is a good start. Flax Milk containing vitamin B12 Please note, that each specific type of B12 calls for a different recommended dosage. There are also different dose recommendations for treating a deficiency and simply maintaining proper amounts in the body.

There are also many vegan, B12-fortified foods available these days. The new flax milk I started using for example, contains 25% RDA of B12. In my opinion though, relying on these foods to meet all your B12 requirements on a daily basis is unrealistic.

I hope this helps you in your search for true vegan health! Please feel free to address the topic further on our Sexy Fit Vegan Forum and for a more expansive, detailed, technical explanation about B12, I recommend the article on VeganHealth.Org.

In Health & Happiness,

Ella

17 Oct 2013
Vegan Nutrition
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Sexy Fit Vegan Menu Guidelines

Vegan Menu of Whole Foods

After years of research and experimentation, I want to share with you the Sexy Fit Vegan menu guidelines I have created for myself, that allow me to be strong, lean, energetic, perform at my best, and simply feel good from the inside out!

I am realistic with my guide. For example, ideally, I would love to be 100% gluten free, but given I don’t have an intolerance, I eat things with gluten every now and then and don’t beat myself up about it.  I have also kept it as simple as possible. Personally, I don’t count calories. If I follow this guide, and EAT SLOWLY, stopping when I’m full or just before, I can give my body what it needs, not more, not less. This takes practice though. If you have been eating processed foods, your body is all out of whack and will need some time to get its bearings straight and for your mind to connect with your system in a way that gives you this luxury. So until that happens, it may be best to keep a food log and take the time to figure out how to create a diet that is nutrient dense, contains lots of variety, meets your protein and other caloric and nutrient needs.Vegan Menu Guidelines Heart Shape

MY BASIC VEGAN MENU GUIDELINES:

  1. 3-4 Meals (solid &/or blended) + 1 Fresh Green Juice/Day
  2. Eat tons of dark leafy greens & other veggies daily (make sure a portion of them are RAW)
  3. Primarily Gluten Free
  4. Primarily Organic (Organic whenever the option is available.)
  5. Low in Grains (Counting quinoa and buckwheat as  grain-like SEEDS. The more active you are, the more you may need whole grains to fuel you!)
  6. Variety of Raw Seeds & Nuts Daily in Moderation, soaked & sprouted when possible
  7. Soy in Moderation- ALWAYS ORGANIC (& non GMO)
  8. Legumes– Soak & Sprout When Possible
  9. A piece of fruit makes a great snack. Eat fruit on its own (not at the same time as other foods) when possible
  10. Smoothies and Protein Shakes are great ways to get lots of nutrients into your body. Kale & spinach can be added to them without changing their flavor! Hemp seeds and flax meal are also powerful super foods to add to shakes/smoothies. Raw vegan organic protein powders, can also be good if you are on the go (add water in a shaker bottle and you have a perfect snack.)
  11. Take a B-12 Supplement

So wherever you are in your journey to a healthy, plant based diet, consider these guidelines when planning your meals for the day and week. If this is new for you, “winging it” will not work. Its going to take effort, but with your goal in front of you, your motivation within you, and your support system surrounding you, you CAN DO IT!!!!!

04 Apr 2013
Going Vegan Tips, Vegan Nutrition, Vegan-Related Books & Documentaries
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Considering a Juice Cleanse? Top 5 Tips for Success.

Successful Juice Cleanse

A successful juice cleanse is fantastic way to pack your body full of disease-fighting nutrients, give your digestive system a break from Fresh Organic Green Smoothie With Salad, Apple, Cucumber, Pineappleprocessing heavy proteins, fats, and other foods that are taxing on your organs to digestive, clean your colon, and flush out toxins from your body.

Many people believe that if they manage to get through a juice cleanse for a few days, losing weight will automatically be an additional benefit. In fact, it may be the most motivating perceived benefit of them all! There are many things to take into consideration when it comes to doing a juice cleanse however. Here are my top 5 tips for success when it comes to detoxifying your body, losing both water weight & body fat, & improving your health:

1. Ease your way into juicing.

Does your current diet contains animal products and/or processed foods? If so, it is important to take steps to eliminate those foods, replacing them with plant based whole foods and begin a healthy vegan diet plan. As you do this, start to incorporate more and more raw foods, decreasing the amount of cooked foods, so in the days prior to beginning juicing you are eating as close to a vegan raw food diet as possible. Making your own super food shakes at this stage is a great way to ease yourself into drinking more liquids and eating less solid foods. Following your juicing period (for newbies, a 3 day cleanse may be best, although a 5 day cleanse is more effective for longer-term benefits), you will want to ease out of it, starting with the raw food diet, then incorporating some plant-based whole cooked foods. If you don’t go back to animal products and processed foods, all the health benefits will continue for a lifetime! It is the perfect time to make this choice, because you have managed to have fought off your addiction to harmful foods, so you can use the opportunity to break old habits and keep from returning to your former state of health!

2. Know what to expect on your juice cleanse.

Everybody experiences different “side effects” during a juice cleanse, especially during the first few days. Some common ones are headache, fatigue, minor skin blemishes, hunger, & irritability. These are caused by the detoxification process your body is going through. Depending on what your diet was like before, some symptoms could even be described as withdrawal from addictive food/drink products. Being prepared for this is important. During the first few days of the juice cleanse, create your schedule with these potential effects in mind. Don’t plan important work meetings or social events for example.

3. Keep your eye on the prize.

Keep telling yourself… “The results are worth it!” The results often being clear skin, positive mood, improved digestion, feeling clear-headed, losing water weight, losing body fat, improved digestion, increased energy levels, and an overall sense of well-being. (Remember though, following tip #1 is essential for gaining these benefits!)

4. Choose a juice cleanse provider wisely.

If juicing is new to you, chances are you will be choosing a cleanse from a company that sells juice cleanse packages (as opposed to making your own). There are a few things you want to look for when making your decision. First, choose a company that makes juice using a cold-press, as it has been found to transfer more of the nutrients from plant to juice. Second, make sure the juices are 100% certified organic. If not, all those fruits and veggies they use (and it takes pounds of them to make a single juice) may contain pesticides and could be genetically modified (some GMO foods are actually technically a pesticide themselves because they are created with the ability to kill insects that try to eat them!) Third, make sure the juices contain a wide variety of vegetable and fruits so you will be getting as many of the different nutrients your body need as possible. There should be plenty of green vegetables in the juices! And last, find a company that is supportive throughout your cleanse, gives you information on the ingredients and why they are combined as they are, have a knowledgable, friendly staff and someone who will be available to give you answers if you have any questions throughout the cleanse.

5. Get support.

If you can find a “cleanse-buddy” (a reliable one) it is probably the most effective way to be successful… someone to share in your experience, to hold each other accountable, bitch and moan with when it gets tough, and someone to celebrate with when you have completed it (and I don’t mean with a candy bar;)). You CAN do it on your own, but you still need to establish a support system. As I mentioned in tip 4, make sure to choose a juice provider that can be a resource to you throughout the process. Otherwise, whether it be a friend you ask to be there for you, or a group you find on a forum or social media site… whatever works best for you, but you need to have them prepped and ready to help!]

So there you go… the top juice cleanse tips and advice! You are ready to get off to a great start on your juice cleanse venture! If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you watch the documentary, Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, before you begin!
Fat Sick and Nearly Dead Documentary
*Juice cleansing is not recommended for everyone. It is not recommended for pregnant women & people with certain medical conditions. Seek professional advice if you are not sure if juicing is right for you.