A Surprising List of Things That May Not Be Vegan!

It may take you some time to adapt to new eating options and a new lifestyle on a whole. Finding your feet in the vegan scene can’t be easier now there is a growing community that have collectively realised the value and importance of starting the day right with a vegan breakfast and keeping the same vegan food choice for meals throughout the day.

Going to shop with a vegan mindset shouldn’t be any harder than a person who doesn’t follow veganism – it just takes some getting used to. Vegan recipes will often provide you with a list of the ingredients needed so you can easily use that list as a basis for the type of product you are looking for.

All vegans know there is a lot of label reading ahead of them and a lot of questions like what do vegans eat as it sort of comes with the territory of this lifestyle. There are obvious things that aren’t vegan like hamburgers, pizza and ice cream…but chewing gum? Yes, believe it or not most chewing gum you find in stores is not vegan. Many brands of chewing gum contain gelatin, which is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water from animals (usually from pigs or cows.)

Other common (and unknown) ingredients that are not vegan include: casein, gelatin, albumin, red dye, isinglass, allantoin, biotin, carmine, cetyl alcohol, tyrosine. What do vegans eat? A lot. But there are also a lot of things that they don’t eat.

Below is list of food and general products that may surprisingly not always be vegan. The reasons vary based on the product and the brand, and it’s best to carefully read the labels on all of these products. This list does not include everything as many products are not vegan, but it’s a great starting point for those who are new to a vegan lifestyle.

Food:
– Marshmallows
– White sugar
– Mints
– Jello
– Wine
– Beer
– Gummy bears
– Orange juice
– Vitamins
– Cereal
– Supplements
– Chewing gum
– Potato chips/tortilla chips
– Cereal
– Vegetable based canned soups
– Cake mix
– Bagels
– Margarine
– Packaged peanuts
– Soy cheese
– Miscellaneous products
– Deodorant
– Soap
– Toothpaste
– Shampoo
– Conditioner
– Vitamins
– Supplements
– Nail polish
– Hair gel
– Make up

5 Reasons To Try Raw Vegan
Are you familiar with a raw vegan diet plan? Have you been vegan for a while but want to try something different that may have even more health benefits? A raw vegan diet plan has a long list of health and mental benefits. Although it can be challenging at first, once you ease into a raw vegan diet plan, you may find it to be one of the best things for you.

• Increased nutrients. Heating food over 118 degrees Fahrenheit destroys much of the nutrients in your food so this is an easy way to ensure that you will be getting an abundance of nutrients.

• Enzymes. Cooking food destroys much of the natural enzymes in your food that are needed to break down nutrients and eating raw eliminates this problem completely!

• More Energy. Following a raw vegan diet plan gives you increased energy from all of the living food.

• Better quality of sleep. It is incredible what a raw vegan diet plan can do for your sleep. You will feel like you need less than usual because of the increased quality!

• Regulated digestion. If you are experiencing digestion issues, a raw vegan diet plan may be the best thing for you. Healthy digestion is one of the most important aspects to your overall health and wellbeing.

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I whipped this up on Sunday morning to surprise my boyfriend and it turned out awesome.  I love anything with apples and cinnamon, and this did not disappoint.

This recipe is vegan, can be made gluten free and is soy free, and oil free.

Ready to go in the oven

Upside Down Apple Pancake

Prep time: 10 minutes || Bake Time: 45 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients
2 apples
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp coconut sugar

1 banana
1 cup flour (I used a gf blend)
1.5 cups almond milk
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a pie plate with parchment paper and grease to prevent sticking.
2. Core apples and cut into bite size pieces. Toss with coconut sugar and cinnamon until each piece is evenly coated. Place in the pie plate forming a single layer.
3. In a medium bowl mash banana, add almond milk and vanilla. I use a Gastroback Entsafter for the juice.
4. In another bowl combine flour, cinnamon, coconut sugar and baking powder.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Cover apples with pancake batter.
7. Bake for about 40-45 minutes until the top is golden.  Once cool, run a knife along the outside edge of the pancake to loosen it. Place a plate on top of the cake and gently flip over.
8. Serve with your choice of toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Coconut whip
• Fruit Compote
• Chia jam

 

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The biggest fear people go through once they step in to a fresh new vegan start is their confusion of what to do next! The next step couldn’t be any easier! Ok, so going vegan can be challenging at first, you may not have many people around you who are non-meat eaters unfortunately and waking up in the morning to prepare a vegan breakfast may seem like extra work for you, or you may just experience a moment of “well what can I eat now?” Even though your options may seem limited at first, not to worry, they are truly and remarkably endless! There are a ton of options for vegans and you’ll never get stuck eating the same thing, unless of course you want to! Here is a sample vegan diet plan for a week. This is to give you an idea but keep in mind; there are hundreds of options available to vegans!

Before We Begin Here Are 5 Reasons To Try Raw Vegan:
Are you familiar with a raw vegan diet plan? Have you been vegan for a while but want to try something different that may have even more health benefits? A raw vegan diet plan has a long list of health and mental benefits. Although it can be challenging at first, once you ease into a raw vegan diet plan, you may find it to be one of the best things for you.

• Increased nutrients. Heating food over 45 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit) destroys much of the nutrients in your food so this is an easy way to ensure that you will be getting an abundance of nutrients.

• Enzymes. Cooking food destroys much of the natural enzymes in your food that are needed to break down nutrients and eating raw eliminates this problem completely!

• More Energy. Following a raw vegan diet plan gives you increased energy from all of the living food. An amazing vegan breakfast can keep your energy peaking all day.

• Better quality of sleep. It is incredible what a raw vegan diet plan can do for your sleep. You will feel like you need less than usual because of the increased quality! You may be someone who needs 8 hours, but from experience I can function smoothly on 5 due to the pure and natural health benefits of being vegan

• Regulated digestion. If you are experiencing digestion issues, a raw vegan diet plan may be the best option for you to try out. Healthy digestion is one of the most important aspects to your overall health and wellbeing.

*We have provided meal options for these days. Please snack whenever you feel hungry! Vegan snack options are abundant and range from nuts, fruits, veggies, vegan breakfast bars and more! Choose according to your preferences.

Day 1:
Vegan Breakfast: Steel cut oatmeal with fruit
Lunch: Vegan grilled cheese with vegan tortilla chips and vegan tomato soup
Dinner: Veggie stir-fry with white rice

Day 2:
Vegan Breakfast: Green smoothie
Lunch: Romaine lettuce salad with tons of veggies, walnuts & chickpeas
Dinner: Stuffed red bell peppers

Day 3:
Vegan Breakfast: Scrambled tofu with veggies
Lunch: Spinach wrap with veggies & hummus
Dinner: Portabella mushrooms with potatoes & sautéed collard greens

Day 4:
Vegan Breakfast: Vegan breakfast whole wheat pancakes with maple syrup
Lunch: Whole wheat pita with hummus, cucumbers & tomato
Dinner: Baked tofu with veggies & quinoa

Day 5:
Vegan Breakfast: Ezekiel bread with vegan butter and a side of fruit
Lunch: Vegan BLT tempeh wrap with a side of grapes
Dinner: Pad thai noodles with veggies and soy sauce

Day 6
Vegan Breakfast: Coconut yogurt with a banana
Lunch: Burrito bowl
Dinner: Green bean casserole.

Day 7
Vegan Breakfast: Vegan French toast
Lunch: Kale salad with mangoes and lentils
Dinner: Vegan tacos

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For a non vegan diet, cake might not be the most healthiest thing to eat for a cheeky snack a couple of hours after a vegan breakfast. VEGAN cake, on the other hand is low in fat and delicious any time of the day. Your search for a vegan cake recipe should be satisfied by the 2 listed below!

Vegan Vanilla Birthday Cake

Even if you aren’t vegan, you will be able to appreciate that this vegan cake recipe is one that will please the pickiest guest in the room. Vegan Vanilla Birthday cake is easy to make, bursting with vanilla flavor and free of any dairy! We are confident this will make it to your top five vegan cake recipe list.

Vegan Cake Recipe: Vegan Vanilla Birthday Cake

Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups sugar
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups cold water
• ¾ cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees C or 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8″ or 9″ round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking soda and salt; whisk to evenly distribute.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together water, oil, vanilla, and lemon juice.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and combine with whisk. Do NOT overmix!
Quickly pour into prepared pans and place into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Vegan Summer Strawberry Shortcake

Summer is around the corner and that means it is the perfect time to pull up your tastiest vegan cake recipe, but why not try the strawberry shortcake! For those following a vegan diet, this is a vegan cake recipe that is the best. Delicious, moist and bursting with real strawberry flavor, delicious coconut milk and vanilla. Serve this vegan cake recipe for your guests, they’ll be amazed!

Vegan Cake Recipe: Vegan Summer Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredient
2 cups all purpose flour
3 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup vegan coconut milk
1 pint strawberries, stemmed and sliced
3-4 tbsp granulated sugar
Coconut Whipped Cream
2 can full fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
3-4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees degree C or 375 degrees F. Lightly spray an 8×8 square baking dish and set aside.
Combine flour, 3 tbsp sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add coconut milk and mix until just combined. Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle top lightly with extra sugar and bake for 18-22 minutes, until the cake is lightly golden.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Flip onto a cooling rack to continue cooling completely.
Stir together sliced strawberries and 3-4 tbsp sugar. Place in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow sugar to draw out juices.
Meanwhile make the coconut whipped cream. Using chilled coconut milk, scoop off the top layer of white solid cream (about 1/2 of can) and place in small bowl with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. With a whisk blend together until medium peaks have formed.
Assemble the shortcakes by cutting the cake into 6 or 8 equal pieces. Cut each piece in half horizontally. Equally top each bottom with strawberry slices and coconut whipped cream. Finish with cake tops.

Ten Baking Ingredients To Have On Hand For Vegan Cake Recipes

Now that veganism is on the rise, so are vegan cake recipes. Even those who don’t follow a strict vegan diet are interested in making vegan cake recipes for a variety of reasons. Many people are switching to a vegan way of living which means parties, caterers, restaurants, weddings, and more are incorporating vegan cake recipes into their offerings.

Here is a list of common ingredients to keep on hand that will make completing your favourite vegan cake recipe at an even better standard!

1. Apple sauce
2. Soy milk
3. Almond milk
4. Egg-replacer
5. Flax Seeds
6. Pumpkin
7. Pure vanilla extract
8. Tofu
9. Vegan butter
10. Margarine

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Hi Friends!

In honour of spring and the fact that were spring cleaning this weekend, I wanted to share a little story and some of my best tips on spring cleaning.

A friend started a thread on Facebook the other day about spring cleaning and it got me thinking, so I thought I would share. The problem is she wants to clean out her closet but shes having trouble parting with things. Ive got some simple tips to clean out your closet, live with less, and have an organized, flattering, kick ass wardrobe.

1) saving clothes (or anything else) for a rainy day creates a feeling & energy of povertylike you are fearful.be confident that if & when you need some particular item in the future, the universe will provide it for you!
2) your goal should be that every item in your closet is something you love! Its flattering, comfortable, and puts a smile on your face when you wear it. Even your basics should be like the PERFECT white shirt and the black pants that make my butt look AMAZING!
3) If you have an item that youre on the fence about, think about the joy it might bring to someone else if you were to donate that item to a good charity. Sort of a pay it forward ideaFor you, its just a sweater thats pretty, but you never wear itfor someone who discovers it a a charity shop, it might be the PERFECT sweater that matches their eyes exactly, or for their upcoming ski trip, or it reminds them of someone they love. Move your possessions along into the universe if they arent PERFECT for you or adding substance and happiness to your life!

4) Hang all your clothes with the hanger facing the same way. Every time you wear something, put the hanger back the opposite way. Give yourself a time limit, and after that time has passed everything with the hanger facing the original way still, you get rid of. If you havent worn something in 6 months, chances are you wont wear it for the next 6, and you should donate it.

5) Participate in Project 333; a minimalistic approach to fashion and life. The rules are you choose 33 items including clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear and shoes. For the next 3 months, you can only wear variations of those 33 items. The benefits that people reap from Project 333 are simpler, less stressful mornings, more physical space in their home, more metaphorical space in their minds, more extra cash, extra time and feeling calmer, more focused and more productive overall.

I love spring cleaning for the obvious reasons; the house is less cluttered, its organized and its easier to clean.  Some of the unexpected (and often more rewarding) perks have to do with the emotional space it clears up.  Theres a feeling of freedom and weightlessness when you get rid of things that no longer serve you.  I find the house has better energy when its not weighed down by stuff, and it leaves room for things you might actually need.

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Now that the weather is warming up and the days are longer I find myself craving salads. This is one of my favourite summer salads because its fresh, light and healthy. It makes quite a large amount so its perfect for BBQs or having a weeks worth of healthy lunches.

One of the staples in my vegan diet is quinoa. Quinoa is naturally vegan and gluten-free and contains iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E and fiber. It is a complete protein and comprised of all the essential amino acids which is extremely important in a plant based diet.

Sweet Corn and Kale Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

1 bunch of kale
2 cups quinoa
1 can corn*
1 can sliced black olives
4 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
4 cloves garlic
Salt + pepper

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions
2. De-stem the kale and rip into bite sized pieces
3. Once quinoa is cooked and cooled add corn, olives and kale
4. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper and garlic
5. Add dressing to salad an hour before serving and massage well into kale

6. Enjoy!

Notes

Once local corn is available this would be amazing with BBQ roasted corn. Simply char on the grill, remove the husk and add it to the salad.

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