Tag Archives: #healthyeating

Incredible Ways Going Vegan Will Change Your Health

going vegan will change your health cover

You might be right on the cusp of going vegan, or just trying to eat more healthily, and now you just need something to push you over the edge. You would be amazed and astounded at what incorporating a greater variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet can do for your body. Various research reports have highlighted the numerous advantages the plant-based lifestyle will bring. Here are some of the health benefits of eating more plants.

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Drop Those Pounds

It’s true to say that one of the main reasons many people find themselves turning towards the vegan lifestyle is to lose weight. That’s understandable because meat and dairy often means fat. So, it’s no surprise then that when you go vegan, you’re more likely to shed that excess weight. Observational studies show that vegetarians and vegans tend to be slimmer and have lower body mass indexes compared to other individuals.

If you want more evidence of this, just look at the research studies that compare those on a vegan diet to those on a calorie-reduced diet. The vegans in these studies were able to eat until they felt full and still lost more than those on the calorie reduced diet plans!

Vision

If you have had issues with your eyesight such as an astigmatism you may have needed to see an ophthalmologist. These individuals can help and will work to provide the best possible treatment which will usually involve glasses or surgery. However, if you improve your diet by getting more vitamins and minerals from a variety of different fruits and vegetables, you might find this change is enough to fix the issue. There are reports of people who have issues with their eyes which have disappeared after going vegan. So, if you hate your glasses and can’t stand contacts, it might be time to think about putting some more fruits and veggies on your plate!

Reducing Risks of Cancer

Did you know that eating seven portions of fresh fruit and vegetables per day will lower your chances of developing some types of cancers by nearly fifteen percent? According to research, people that follow a plant-based diet are more likely to match this requirement compared to others who fill their diet with junk food, meat, and dairy. All of which, coincidentally,  if consumed in high quantities, have been linked to cancer.

Reduced Pain

When people talk about following a plant-based diet, they often link it to the young generation trying this crazy diet fad. However, elderly individuals can experience the results of the vegan lifestyle as well. Arthritis is a condition that tends to develop as you age and can lead to immense levels of pain. Research studies have been looking at ways to reduce the pain experienced by individuals suffering from this condition. The study showed patients on the vegan diet experienced less pain and had more energy compared to the placebo group.

Regardless, following a plant-based diet or even just increasing the number of fruits and veggies you eat every day, does bring some fantastic health benefits for your body. If you have changed your eating habits to eat more healthy foods, what benefits have you seen?IMG_5329.JPG

 

Zucchini & Summer Squash Pasta Salad

This summer we’ve been grilling with friends a lot. Since I haven’t been eating meat, I’ve been experimenting with veggie dishes to bring to parties. I’ve been loving tons of fresh zucchini, summer squash, and tomatoes. Look how pretty it looks!

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This vegan gluten-free dish is sure to be a hit with any group! It also is a great way to use fresh veggies from your garden or a local farmer’s market!

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Zuchinni Pasta Salad

Zucchini & Summer Squash Pasta Salad

  • Servings: 15
  • Difficulty: easy
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This gluten-free and vegan pasta dish is easy, quick, and loaded with veggies and chickpeas for protein.

Tips: (1) Feel free to substitute fresh, dried, or even young living essential oils in the recipe. I’ve provided the options. I talk about my dish with essential oils here in this veggie pasta sauce post. I’m available to help you use them in and out of the kitchen. You can order them here. (2) Never overcook gluten-free noodles because it makes them mushy. Add a little olive oil to the water with gluten-free noodles (this keeps them from sticking), stir them, and boil them for the minimum time recommended. With this recipe strain them, and rinse them with cold water.

Ingredients

  • 1 zucchini 
  • 1 summer squash
  • 1 large sweet yellow onion
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • parsley (1 tablespoon dried or 3 tablespoons fresh)
  • basil (1 tablespoon dried, or 3 tablespoons fresh, or 6 tiny drops of Basil Young Living Essential Oil)
  • oregano (2 tablespoons dried, 6 tablespoons fresh, 12 tiny drops of Oregano Young Living Essential Oil)
  • 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 8 oz chopped mushrooms
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (I used cherry heirloom tomatoes)
  • 1 bell pepper (I used orange to add color)
  • 1 teaspoon real salt
  • 5 grinds on pepper grinder
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil + 3 tablespoons
  • 1 bag gluten-free noodles (I used a spiral quinoa noodle because they are more firm)

Directions

  1. Start a pot of water to boil on the stove with a little salt for your noodles. Be prepared to start the noodles when the water is ready.
  2. Wash vegetables (I used Thieves Fruit and Veggie Spray).
  3. Slice zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Chop bell pepper and fresh herbs (if desired). Mince garlic and onion.
  4. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan.
  5. Sauté bell pepper, zucchini, summer squash, garlic, and onion for ~3 minutes.
  6. Drain and rinse your chickpeas
  7. Add mushrooms and herbs, salt, and pepper. Continue to sauté for ~3 more minutes until veggies are almost tender.
  8. Add chickpeas and tomatoes to the pot, along with 1/2 cup olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Sauté for 1 minute more.
  9. Stir in the cooked gluten-free noodles.
  10. Serve cold.

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I brought it to a BBQ.IMG_8135.JPG

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Asparagus and Artichoke Tofu Scramble (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Every time that I ate eggs, my gut would be distended. I heard of tofu scrambles, when I discovered my high sensitivity to eggs, but they never really appealed to me. I loved omelets, and nothing can replace the flavor of an egg. However, since starting a plant-based vegan diet a month ago, I have been making a different tofu scramble every weekend. It switches up my morning smoothie routine; you can see my smoothies if you follow me on instagram @myrealdish. So, I’ll be doing a series on tofu scrambles, and this is the 1st dish in the series. This Asparagus and Artichoke Scramble is a favorite for not only breakfast, but also dinner! I love easy ways to add veggies into my morning meals, and this gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan dish is easy and packed with flavor! It’s a win for everyone!

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  • Servings: 2-3
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This vegan and gluten-free tofu scramble has asparagus, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and shallots.


Credit: Country Living

Tips: (1) Snap the ends of the asparagus with two hands, and where the natural break occurs is how you know which part of the stalk needs to be discarded. (2) Drain the tofu before using it. (3) Extra firm tofu works best if you want chunks like a stir-fry, but the softer tofu, creates more of a soft scrambled egg consistency.However, the softer tofu has a tendency to stick to the pan, requires more oil, and is more wet.

Asparagus Tofu Scramble

Ingredients

  • 1 can (8.5 oz) of whole artichoke hearts
  • 12 oz asparagus
  • 2 large tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes
  • 14 oz organic tofu
  • 1 – 2 large cups of spinach
  • 1 shallot (chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste


Directions

  1. Prepare your vegetables: break the asparagus in ~3 or 4 parts discarding the ends, chop the shallot,  and slice the whole artichokes in half.
  2. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat, with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
  3. Sauté the shallots and asparagus first for ~4 minutes.
  4. Drain the tofu, and slice it into chunks
  5. Add the tofu, spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  6. Continue to sauté for ~4 more minutes or until you see the asparagus is crispy-tender, but not mushy. Add a little extra olive oil as needed to the pan.
  7. Serve and enjoy!


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What are your favorite vegetables to mix with tofu?

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Mayan Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

I had never made Chia Pudding. So when I was considering the flavor that I wanted to make – I had a flashback to one of the best coffees that I have ever had at Coffee & Art in San Diego; it was called a Mayan Mocha. This special coffee inspired this dish, and I wish that this chia seed pudding could bring the beach and perfect weather with it. Anyway, you will savor the flavors of cacao, agave, cinnamon, vanilla, and coconut cream in this pudding – it’s just a special combination.Chia Seed Pudding

  • Servings: 3
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This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a healthy, easy, delicious, gluten-free, and vegan dessert or breakfast.


Credit: myrealdish.com

Ingredients

  • 1 can or 2 cups of full fat coconut milk (I used Thai Kitchen)
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cacao powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup Blue Agave Syrup 
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder


Directions

  1. Put all ingredients into your Vitamix or blender in order to make it smooth.
  2. Stir in your chia seeds.
  3. Put in a container and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
  4. Optional: top with a coconut whipped topping (you can find my recipe here) and drizzle with the Best Vegan Chocolate Sauce.
  5. Makes a great breakfast or dessert.


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