Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipes

Nothing says romance like a cruelty-free Valentine’s Day. If vegan Valentine’s Day recipes seem like they’re out of your wheelhouse a little bit, don’t’ worry! We’ve got lots of ideas for you to choose from! There are even some ideas for entire menus, so this list really has way more than 10 recipes.


10+ Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipes

1. Chocolate Truffles – These vegan truffles use homemade cashew cream in place of dairy-based cream in conventional truffle recipes. The results are decadently delicious!

2. Almost Raw Truffles – This is an even simpler Valentine’s Day truffle recipe that requires no stove at all. And they’re free from refined sugar, too!

3. Mango-Banana Smoothie – Start the day off with a healthy breakfast packed with natural aphrodisiacs.

4. A Whole Vegan Menu – If you’re doing Valentine’s Day at home, we’ve got you covered. This menu has everything from a signature cocktail to a romantic vegan main dish and dessert.

5. Raw Chocolate-Peppermint Brownies – This is another super simple vegan dessert. All that you need to make it is a blender.

6. Grapefruit-Cranberry White Wine Spritzer – This is a festive cocktail that’s refreshing, tart, and not overly boozy. Because getting sloppy drunk isn’t super romantic.

7. Another Whole Menu – This menu had me at Tipsy Vodka Cream Sauce. YUM!

8. Romantic Dinner a Deux – Vegetarian Times has a nice selection of recipes complete with nutritional information.

9. Lemon-Ginger Vegetable Pie – This roasted veggie pie has plenty of ginger, a natural aphrodisiac. It’s a perfect Valentine’s Day main dish.

10. Easy Vegan Quiche – You can make this quiche with any veggies that you like. And your date doesn’t have to know how easy it was to make!

[via Eat Drink Better]

Chia, Hemp, and Flax: Are You Eating These Super Seeds?

The next big thing in nutrition might be these tiny seeds.

Chia, hemp, and flax … it’s been said that these tiny seeds are the next big thing in nutrition. If you’ve ever searched for a healthy smoothie recipe or healthy breakfast recipe, chances are you’ll find at least one of these seeds listed in the ingredients. So, why is there so much hype around these “super seeds” and how do we know which ones to include in our diets?

Seeds have been deemed “nutritional powerhouses” by health experts and for a good reason. It’s no wonder: seeds deliver as much protein as nuts (and in some cases more) and all three of these seeds deliver heart-healthy alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fat, also found in walnuts. All three of these seeds listed below are packed with healthy oils, fiber, disease-fighting minerals and enzymes, antioxidants, and proteins. Each one of these tiny wonders has its own unique nutritional value and can be easily incorporated into just about any recipe without changing its taste or texture.

Here are 3 super food seeds that will add a nutrient-packed punch to your diet:

Chia Seeds

What is it? You may have heard of them first as the seeds that grow toy Chia pets, but chia seeds are actually an ancient super food used by Aztec warriors to increase energy and stamina on the battlefield.

Why is it good for you? In addition to being an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and protein, chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Integrative Nutrition visiting teacher Dr. Andrew Weil suggests they may have even more so than flax. Not to mention that this tiny seed may have over three times more calcium than milk! Chia also forms a gel when added to liquid and absorbs ten times its weight in water making it an excellent source of hydration.

Try this Chia Chocolate Tapioca Recipe for a delicious and simple way to enjoy Chia seeds. 

Hemp Seeds

What is it? Hemp seeds come from the same Cannabis species as marijuana, but don’t worry about testing positive for drugs after consuming these seeds—the minuscule amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in hemps seed make them perfectly safe to incorporate in your healthy diet.

Why is it good for you? Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids—something uncommon in plant protein sources. This means that hemps seeds are a fantastic protein supplement for people on a plant-based diet. They’re also chock-full of fiber and packed with other nutrients, such as omega-3 and omega-6, vitamin E, B vitamins and folic acid.

Start your morning off right by blending a tablespoon of hemp seeds into your oatmeal or your post-workout smoothie for an extra hit of protein and nutrition.

Flax Seeds

What is it? This seed comes from the flax plant and has been celebrated for centuries for its health benefits by people all over the world.

Why is it good for you? Flax seeds are rich in Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid and powerful anti-inflammatory. Some studies show that due to their anti-inflammatory properties, flax seeds may help to prevent heart disease and reduce certain types of cancers.  They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, lignans, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, among other nutrients. To get the most out of your flax seeds, try grinding them first—this will make them easier for you to digest and absorb all the nutrients.

Just sprinkle ground flax seeds into cereals, baked goods, smoothies, and yogurt for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.

Which seeds do you add in your diet?

[via Wellness Today]

10 Foods That A Nutritionist Always Has In Her Freezer

People often think that eating healthy takes way too much planning and preparation. Either they hate grocery shopping every week or don’t feel as though they have the time to do so. Luckily, the freezer can make your life much easier.

Here is a list of what nutritionist, Kristy Rao, always has in her freezer to ensure that she's eating healthy even when she doesn't have enough time to go to the farmers' market:

Frozen fruits and vegetables

This is key for always being prepared to make a smoothie, even when you haven't been to the grocery store in a while. One great thing about having frozen fruits and veggies on hand is that you often won't even be able to find the same organic fruits or vegetables unfrozen. I freeze ripe bananas myself and buy bags of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, spinach and kale. In the summertime, I tend to have leftover watermelon, which I also freeze in chunks.

Ezekiel bread and muffins

Since I dont eat bread often, I keep it frozen. I take out a couple of slices or muffins at a time depending on how much I feel like having, so that the rest remains fresh. I choose Ezekiel bread because it's made with sprouted grains and beans and is fully organic. Although there's still gluten in this bread, it's still easier to digest than traditional bread.

Homemade popsicles

All you have to do is purchase BPA-free popsicle molds, blend up your favorite smoothie, and pour it into the mold to freeze. I recommend sweetening with honey or organic agave syrup.

Juice or coconut water ice cubes

I will fill my ice cube trays up with organic coconut water and freshly squeezed orange or apple juice to throw into my smoothies for sweetness. The orange cubes are also great to put into a glass of water for taste.

Organic, gluten-free waffles

I typically make my own and freeze for a rainy day, but you can also purchase these. They're one of my favorite treats for breakfast.

Oat and spelt flour

I never use white flour. These are great alternatives, and are best kept in the freezer to keep fresh.

Acai

I love making smoothies with unsweetened acai berry packs, and usually use half a pack for a smoothie.

Coconut ice cream

This is one of my favorite not-so-guilty pleasures, because you can get organic, non-dairy and low glycemic coconut ice cream. It's perfect for a treat that won't make you feel terrible!

Blue-green algae

I know it sounds scary, but blue-green algae is extremely good for you, and you won’t even taste it in your smoothie!

Dark chocolate

How could I possibly risk running out? I always buy an organic bar with 70% or more cacao content.

[via Mind Body Green]

Detox Juices and Smothies

Aloe Vera Splash Smoothie
A secret ingredient that I use in many of my green smoothies is Aloe Vera gel. Why? Because of its abundant health benefits, of course.

Apple Blueberry Fruit Smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to obtain instant vitamins and health benefits. Here is a great recipe that contains sweet blueberries, tart granny smiths and light blueberry yogurt.

Blueberry Red Cabbage Power Smoothie
Sweet, simple, and superpowered – that’s what this smoothie is all about. With just 3 ingredients, this vibrant drink boosts your brain and immune system and fills you up!

Green Energy Drink
A potent mix of spinach, ginger and cucumber make the perfect natural energizing drink. Make this recipe whenever you need an energy boost.

Ginger Smoothie
Is your immune system ready for this? Ginger, orange, lemon, and carrot. This potent combination is a delicious way to kickstart your body’s metabolism and energize you from the inside out. Don’t fear the ginger! Though it adds a slight heat, the other flavors keep this juice on the mild side.

Glowing Green Juice
Perfect and easy way to detoxify your body specially after the holidays! This Juice will only take 5 minutes to make!

Green Tea Shake
Green Tea shake has many nutritional properties. Perfect when you are on the go.

[via simple dish]

The Best & Worst Kinds of Smoothies For Your Health

For those with a sweet tooth, giving up things like soda and milkshakes can be hard. Thankfully, a smoothie is nature's answer to that. Loaded with nutrients from fresh fruit and calcium sources, smoothies are a favorite for health nuts and everyone alike. Unfortunately, not all smoothies are created equally.

THE WORST KINDS OF SMOOTHIES

The worst smoothies are loaded with sugar, which — when consumed in excess — can affect nearly every part of the body. Excessive sugar consumption can cause cavities or exacerbate existing oral health problems, says dental-care network Kool Smiles Facts. And poor oral health is linked with serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Smoothie Mixes

If you’re trying to better your health, it’s best to focus your diet around whole and natural foods. Packaged smoothie mixes are often packed with sugar, sodium and artificial ingredients. Make sure to carefully check the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts label, and skip the overly processed mixes.

 

Fruit Juices

Most of the fruit juices sold at the stores are not what they seem. While you may be reading apple juice on the label, what's inside is likely just concentrate, sugar and water. If your smoothie has been made with the fruit juices (even ones marketed as a "healthier" option) you are likely drinking too much sugar. Try to avoid smoothies created with "100% juice,” and instead go for real juice made from 100% natural ingredients.

Made with Yogurt

Smoothies made with yogurt sound like a healthy choice. After all, yogurt is supposed to be a good source of calcium and protein. Consuming yogurt is also beloved for its weight control benefits. However, some of the popular yogurt brands are full of useless ingredients and sugar.

THE BEST KINDS OF SMOOTHIES

The best smoothies are the ones that have natural ingredients. They are better for your overall health and loaded with nutrients your body may not be getting anywhere else. Think of your next smoothie as a supplement to your meal and not just a sweet treat for a warm summer day.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is great for your health. When it has no added ingredients, it tends to be high in nutrients that are hard to find in just one place. Loaded with protein, fiber and potassium, it’s an understated nutritional powerhouse.

Freshly Squeezed Juice

Naturally, the best option for a smoothie is freshly squeezed juice. After all, this is what people think they're buying when they order a smoothie. No concentrate for you — just go straight to the source.

Green Tea

Green tea is a natural antioxidant. It is ideal for weight control, boosting the immune system and cleansing the body. As with anything, make sure the green tea being used is all-natural and free of needless additives.

Smoothies are supposed to be a healthier drink option. However, in many cases, a smoothie is just another way to consume too much sugar. Skip the added sugar next time and know the facts before trusting your drink.

[via Hella Wella]