Weekend Recap Part 2: New Plant-Based Milk!!!!

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I'm back!  Woah, two posts in a week?!  Am I going crazy??  Nah, I just have a lot to say!

To continue with my weekend recap:

By 1pm, The Grove was getting crowded and hot, so we left and shared a veggie burger at a local restaurant because we'd be eating again in a couple hours.

At 4, we met up with a friend at a Thai restaurant. Yummmm!!

Then, we ended the evening cruising along the lake on another friend's boat.

Sunday was a day to catch up!  Typically, I try to restock our fridge, plan for the week, and go for a walk/bike ride.  Well, Andrew and I were both tired from Saturday, so we stopped by a few stores to top off our fridge and cabinets before heading home to chill and relax.

While we were out, I wanted to stop by Whole Foods because we hadn't been there in awhile and I love to check out new vegan products.  Found this gem!

I heard about Ripple several weeks ago and couldn't wait to try it!  It is a 100% plant based milk (made from pea protein) that has the same amount of protein as cow's milk.  Now, you all know I don't stress over protein as here in America, it is VERY hard to have protein deficiency unless you are living off of solely highly refined foods (like cookies, chips, and cupcakes).  That being said, some people are concerned, so this is a great option for those who want a higher protein in their milk (compared to almond and rice milks which barely offer 1 gram...eat those foods in their natural state and that's a whole different story!)

And before you ask, yes this is high in sugar, but it is also their chocolate version, so what do you expect?  Ripple's standard milks have just 8 grams for the sweetened and zero for the unsweetened.

I have loads of recipes to share with you and possibly a yoga video in the future!!!

Have you tried this milk? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Earth Bites for Earth Day

Earth Day is this Friday (April 22nd, 2016)!

Disclaimer:  Graphic pictures are used.

I have always loved this day of celebration for Earth.  It is our home, our breath, our food, and so much more.  It brings us happiness when the sun is shining warm on our face, sunsets make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and with each passing season we get to see all cycles of life.  With each passing human generation, the earth changes.  Change is and can be a good thing, but it can also lead to increased danger and disease.

The main reason I initially was drawn to a plant-based diet was for weight loss/health.  Once I began eating unlimited fruits and vegetables with loads of whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, my eyes were opened to the huge impact our diets have on the planet.  Protecting the environment is just one of the several reasons I have stuck to this lifestyle for nearly 4 years now.

According to a recent article in Science Daily, research is showing that "climate change could kill more than 50,000 adults in 2050 world wide due to changes in diets and body weight from reduced crop productivity..." (1).

Source

The good news is that by making simple changes to the food we put in our mouths several times per day, we just might be able to slow down (maybe stop or reverse when other factors are added in!!) climate change. (2)

Have you thought about the fact that it takes water and food to "raise" the animals that people use for food?  That we use tractors (that use fossil fuels and expel CO2) to plow, plant, fertilize, water, and harvest our crops?  What about all the manure produced from livestock farms?

Here are a few fun facts for you (3):

• Around 30% of the world's ice-free surface is used to grow food for livestock (pigs, chickens, cows, etc.)
• In North America and Europe, a cow consumes about 75 to 300kg (34-136lb) of grasses or grain...to produce 1kg (2.2lb) of meat produced. Seems a bit inefficient to me...
• "Each year the livestock sector globally produces 586 million tons of milk, 124 million tons of poultry, 91 million tons of pork, 59 million tons of cattle and buffalo meat, and 11 million tons of meat from sheep and goats. That 285 million tons of meat altogether — or about 36 kg (80 lb.) per person, if it were all divided evenly. It’s not — Americans eat 122 kg (270 lb.) of meat a year on average, while Bangladeshis eat 1.8 kg (4 lb)."

Beyond the fact that I don't condone eating animals, none of these things are inherently bad on their own (in terms of emissions produced).  The issue arises when there are so many of these facilities (not just farms) producing these gases in quantities our planet can just not handle.

By reducing the amount of meat and dairy one consumes (or eliminating it all together!!), the emissions produced would decrease by 1230 kilograms or 1.4 US tons per year (2)!!  If you ask me, that is a pretty simple switch.

To help you start your journey towards helping this beautiful planet we all live on together, I have created a delicious, quick, and easy recipe just for you!  This recipe can be used as a snack or even as a meal!  It is also 100% plants.  To make the recipe even more environmentally friendly, be sure to use local and organic ingredients as much as possible.  For example, instead of buying processed nut butter, buy your favorite type of nuts from a farmer's market and blend them up at home.)

Earth Day Bites

You will need:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup unsweetened dried fruit (like dates, raisins, etc.) 
• 1/2 cup raw nuts/seeds (like walnuts, cashews, or chia seeds)
• 1 tsp cinnamon

In a food processor or blender, dump in all of your ingredients and blend until sticky.  Scrape down the sides as necessary.  Feel free to add in any other flavors of choice like lemon zest, cacao nibs, or coconut flakes!   When the mix it ready,  it should be able to be molded into a ball easily.  Make several bite-sized pieces, then pop into the fridge for at least 30 minutes.  This will help the bites stay together more easily.  Option:  Before serving, roll the bites in chia seeds, coconut flakes, or cocoa powder for extra pizazz.  Share with friends! ...or not...I won't judge :)

The earth is our home.  It is the only one we have, for now, so why not take a small step towards making it as great as it can be.  Not only will eating more plants protect the animals, trees, and planet; it will also increase your own health as well!  Remember, I am not asking for perfection, but the next time you are about to make a meal or sit down at a restaurant, think about the impact your food choices have on the world...and order a veggie burger instead.

What is your favorite way to celebrate Earth Day?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Resources:

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160302204506.htm 
2. https://student.societyforscience.org/article/your-food-choices-affect-earth%E2%80%99s-climate
3. http://science.time.com/2013/12/16/the-triple-whopper-environmental-impact-of-global-meat-production/

Brownie Batter Overnight Oats

I coming at you today with a RECIPE!!


Do you want to know why I am so excited about this recipe?  Well there are a couple reasons:

1. It is super quick and is a perfect satisfying meal on-the-go
2. It keeps me full all morning (and it can for you too!)
3. It tastes over the top AMAZING!!!  Just like brownie batter, no joke! (Andrew, my husband, even agreed...)

Now, before I dive into the recipe, you know I have to give a bit of health information on the ingredients, so bear with me (or just scroll down to the recipe, I don't mind).

The main ingredients here are oats, chia seeds, cacao/cocoa powder, and unsweetened almond milk.  The ingredients in this recipe can be swapped for any foods of your liking, but this is the way I made it and was amazed at the results.

• Oats- These nutrition powerhouses are loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.  They are also a whole grain; double bonus!  The type of fiber found in oats is called  soluble fiber and is great for heart health, diabetes protection, weight loss/maintenance, and a healthy digestive tract.
• Chia seeds- These little guys pack a huge nutritional punch considering how small they are!  Also packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats; chia seeds are a great source of Omega-3s.  Omega-3 fatty acids are typically very low in the standard American diet, but are Essential to great health.  This type of fat can help lower blood triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and reduce your risk of cancer (plus many more...but that will be for another post).  Check out AuthorityNutrition's blog post on 11 proven health benefits of chia seeds for more info!!!

The rest of the ingredients are mainly for flavor and texture, but they all do have some great vitamins and minerals.  Ok, on to the recipe!  All you need are the ingredients, a container with a lid, and 30 seconds to assemble.

Ingredients (makes 1 serving):

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (if you are sensitive to gluten, make sure the label reads gluten free!  Although oats are naturally gluten free, many are processed in a facility that also processes wheat)
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds (any color will do)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (eyeball it...)
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Optional add-ins:

• powdered peanut butter
• chopped banana
• fresh, frozen, or dried fruit
• unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions:

• Dump all ingredients into your container of choice (I prefer a glass jar with a lid).  Shake or stir well, then you have 2 options: 1) If you are doing this the night before, place in the refrigerator and enjoy in the morning.  2)If you are doing this in the morning, pack it in your bag and after about 30 minutes to an hour, it is ready to eat (just in time for when you get to the office).

The great thing about this recipe is (if you don't add any fresh fruit or dairy) it can travel with you in your bag for several hours, so it makes a perfect breakfast, lunch, mid-day snack, or even dinner!

Let me know if you try it and what add-ins you used!!

Question of the day:  What is your favorite topping for oatmeal (cold or hot)?

Flavorful Friday: Climate Change

Hi Friends!

In these Friday posts, I plan on posting everything from light hearted and delicious recipes to heart-hitting hot topics of the time.

That being said, this first post is going to be about climate change.  Climate change- have you felt it this year?  I know, here in Chicagoland, it is very obvious.  We've hit record highs, and it didn't even feel like "winter" until the end of December/early January!  Typically, we experience coold and at least one snow in October or November! I am by no means an expert, but this topic is very near and dear to my heart.  I want a world that my grandchildren's grandchildren can live in safely and healthfully (and without assistance from wearing a space helmet).

The reason climate change is so important to me is because there are many ways each of us can take a role to help the planet.  Even if you think it is a simple minuscule event that won't make a difference; guess again!  Think about it.  If each individual around the globe recycled one plastic bottle instead of tossing it in the trash, that would be 7.5 billion plastic

In December 2015, there was an article about how climate change can impact global  food security.  I highly suggest you give it a read!  That being said, I'd like to share with you my top tips for reducing waste and saving the plant:

1. Eat more plants!!!  Whether you are 100% vegan, or a Meatless Monday kind of person, more plants are good for no only your health, but your wallet and the planet as well!
2. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
3. Recycle glass and plastics
4. Use reusable produce bags, instead of those clear plastic bags lining the produce isle
5. Use reusable grocery bags for more than just groceries (clothes shopping...etc)
6. Walk or bike instead of driving; or if you must drive, carpool!
7. Use old t-shits/fabric for wrapping gifts 
8. Buy from second-hand stores; this will save you money and reduce the already high amount of circulating fabrics
9. Buy only what you use and use only what you buy
10. Did I say, eat more plants??!!