vegginvegas-blog

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Breakfast is served!

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I am so excited about this meatless burger! It has been 2 & 1/2 months since becoming vegetarian, and I admit that what I miss the most are juicy cheeseburgers. I used to eat one at least twice a week. I wondered if there was something like this on the market, but I hadn't seen it yet. I went into a different Smith's last week and they had these. I was skeptical at first, because this "meat" and "cheese" was made using a fermentation process, similar to when you make beer. I hadn't seen that mentioned in any of the other faux meats or cheeses that I've bought. Now that I've tried it, I gotta admit... if the fermentation is the only difference, they need to do this with ALL faux meat and cheese. This burger actually tastes like a burger. It is juicy and flavorful. I added only a small amount of mustard, and it didn't really need it. I am by no means exaggerating. I love burgers. This is a really good burger. It even smells like a burger. The cheese tastes just like a slice of kraft singles cheese. I am very impressed, Quorn! Try this at your local Smith's or Kroger!

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Very valuable information to keep in mind!!

I think this is really important to remember. Although almonds are super healthy, snacking them on top of your meals adds up quickly and easily gets you over your daily calorie target. On the other hand energy-dense foods like the ones in the picture help you get more energy if you are constantly eating way too little.

If you are trying to lose weight, track everything to get a realistic look on your diet. Many fall for the “but I eat so healthy, my weight must be genetic!” pitfall, when in reality they just simply consume too many calories.

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Being vegetarian or vegan does not mean you have to give up eating at some of your favorite restaurants. Just choose the healthier options!

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So I've been wanting something like a breakfast sandwich/grilled cheese for a few days. I was having a hard time finding a meatless sausage that I could use for something like that. I had tried the maple version of these #MorningStarFarms sausages, and wasn't really a fan. They didn't have enough maple flavor for me. Last time I stopped in the store (Walmart), I saw these Hot & Spicy Veggie Patties, and decided to give these a try. These are ten times better!! They aren't really spicy to me (I love hot foods), and they taste more like a breakfast type sausage with light seasoning. They do have red pepper flakes inside of them, which could be pretty spicy to someone who doesn't eat spicy food often. So, this is obviously vegetarian because I'm using margarine and cheese. You could of course make it vegan by using vegan butter and vegan cheese. I haven't explored the vegan butter options yet, but looking forward to it next week when I bake my first vegan cake/cupcakes. I am using Sara Lee Whole Wheat bread, instead of English muffins. Trust me, I wanted to use English muffins so bad but I'm trying to stay away from bleached white bread of all kinds. They didn't have whole wheat or wheat muffins. I heated up the frozen patties in the microwave first, giving each side about 45 seconds. I put margarine in the skillet and laid down my first slice of bread. After a few seconds, I added a slice of cheese. Basically, I made a regular ol' grilled cheese but before adding the slice on top, I cut up the patties and sprinkled the "meat" inside of the sandwich. Then, one more slice of cheese and a buttered slice of bread on top to finish it. This totally satisfied my craving. I am not eating eggs (finally decided after being on the fence), but if you choose to eat them, eggs would have made a nice addition. I'm thinking about adding some veggie bacon slices to it next time to give it that salty flavor. Hey hey! It's Friday! Weekend ahead! Make it a good one. -Kaysie

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Good morning everyone!!! Here is a quick breakfast smoothie idea for vegetarians and vegans on the go. (Recipe included) Enjoy!!!

*Extra tip: Substitute the reg almond milk for vanilla flavored. Yummy!! :-)

The best berry smoothie for hot days 💕🌺🌸 1 frozen banana 🍌 ½ cup frozen mixed berries 🍓 ¼ cup oats 1 kiwi 🥝 ½ cup almond milk

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In honor of National Ice Cream Day, here are some Vegan ice cream sandwiches that look fun to make and delicious to eat.

Easy DIY Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches!!!

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Let's talk about #Burritos!! Both of these options are packed with healthy ingredients and taste pretty darn good. Amy's #GlutenFree #DairyFree Burrito is completely #vegan and soooo delicious. Until yesterday, I had never had a burrito without cheese... like EVER. It was tasty enough that I didn't miss the cheese or the meat. It smelled delightful too. It made the entire house smell like a Chipotle restaurant after 20 mins in the oven. It is full of seasoned beans and rice with a yummy Mexican style green sauce inside. This has become one of my husband's favorites. The #SweetEarth burrito (black wrapper) is also a pretty good breakfast style burrito packed with cage-free egg whites, cheddar cheese, #meatlessbacon, and #quinoa in a #flaxseed wrap. It was designed to taste like a Meat Lover's pizza with fire roasted tomatoes as well. This burrito has a distinct flavor to it which makes it taste like you're eating a healthy burrito. Lol (if that makes sense). It doesn't give you the "just picked this up at an authentic taco shop" feel like the Amy's burrito does. It also doesn't really pull off the Meat Lover's taste, but it is still tasty nonetheless. Both are great options to consider for breakfast or lunch. Heck, they'd even make a good dinner option if you want something easy and quick. Both can be found at Smith's/Kroger or Walmart stores. Neither one of them are over $3 each, so they are also quite affordable. Happy Veggin' & Cheers to the weekend!! -Kaysie

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I would love this!! #Vegetarian #Lunch #GrilledCheese #BreadBowl #TomatoSauce

Grilled Cheese Bread Bowl 

Recipe under the cut!

Keep reading

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Delicious #Vegan Breakfast idea!! #PumpkinSpice #FrenchToast

Vegan Pumpkin Spice French Toast

Ingredients:

4 slices of thick bread or toast

¾ cup dairy free milk (I used soy)

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

2 tbsp flour (I used chickpea)

1 tbsp maple syrup

1 pinch of salt

2 tbsp pumpkin puree

1 tbsp vegan butter for frying

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice for garnishing (optional)

1 tbsp sugar for garnishing (optional)

Directions:

1. Slice your bread into equal strips and set aside.

2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a wide bowl and whisk well.

3. Melt butter in a large pan. Quickly dip the toast slices into your batter. Do not soak! Then transfer the battered slices to your heated pan and fry each side until crust has formed (about 2 minutes on each side).

4. Once all slices have finished you can roll them into a sugar mixture (optional) and serve with maple syrup. Enjoy!

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For everyone that is having a hard time reaching their daily protein without meat!! Here are some great suggestions/alternatives!!

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Now, for something delicious! This was great and both of us enjoyed it. This is a Sweet and Sour Bowl idea. The main ingredients you see are: Morning Star Farms brand "Chick'n" strip meal starter, some fresh shredded carrots, fresh cut green onions, and Kikoman brand Sweet and Sour Sauce. I sautéed these ingredients in olive oil on a skillet, and then added the sauce after about 5-6 mins. We also had steamed broccoli and brown rice. The idea is to eat these items like a Panda Express bowl, but we obviously just put the stuff on a plate. Lol This was my first time trying the meatless chicken, and I'd say it was a win! We will definitely be getting more for future recipes. Make sure you season them properly according to your recipe. All that was necessary for this dish was a little seasoning salt, onion powder, and pepper. They are slightly seasoned in the bag when purchased, which may lead you to not add anything additional. My advice: try a piece while you're cooking them.

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So I made spaghetti, and tried the Gardein brand meatballs. Yuck! The noodles and sauce were fine, but even after adding extra seasoning to the meatballs, something just tasted off. I cooked them according to the instructions on the bag, and even gave them an extra 10 mins on high to brown them and give them some crisp. The inside of the meatballs were a chalky texture with zero flavor. They have some Italian seasonings like garlic powder and oregano, but I just cannot support buying these again. Honest opinion. Lol... I do realize that everything isn't going to be delicious. I did also add some of the meatless ground beef as well, that was tasty as always. The meatballs were just a no-go for us. 👎🏾

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Yum!

via IG @living_veg

oranges

watermelon

papaya

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Here are some regular grocery items that you'd be surprised to know are VEGAN!! ❤️ No meat, no animal byproducts.

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So I've been asked by multiple people why we ultimately made the decision to become vegetarians so abruptly. The short answer is, we watched a documentary on Netflix and it pushed us over the edge. The longer answer is this: Over the past two-three years, I've watched my health decline. I've gained weight that I can't easily lose. I've got skin issues that I've never had before. I retain water which causes my ankles to swell. I'm tired all of the time. I need naps during the day. There are more personal things going on as well that I'm not comfortable sharing as of yet, but just know... the list is longer than I'd like it to be. Do I think eating meat is the cause of all of these problems? No. Do I think it is the primary cause? Yes. The other things are more than likely genetic... which can and will be offset by exercise, eating a proper diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. When I was pregnant with my daughter in 2015, I was diagnosed pre-diabetic. This was scary, as I had been placed on a specific diet by my doctor who monitored me twice a week and made it very clear that if I didn't stick to it, both me and my daughter could suffer long term effects. I knew THEN, that I needed to make some changes but I was pregnant and hard headed. I blamed it on the cravings. I wanted ice cream with lots of sugary toppings, I wanted pizza with lots of bacon, and I wanted tacos with lots of cheese. As time went on and after I had Azarra, do you think I just magically started eating the right way and exercising like I should? Hell. No. I'd say my diet got worse because I was then home all of the time to eat whatever I wanted at any time of day or night. I was busy with a newborn who needed all of my attention, so everything else took a back seat. I tell myself... "Okay, when she turns one and starts walking, she'll be more independent and then I can focus on me". Ha! When she started walking, I had to watch her even more so due to the fact that she's into everything. And now, here we are, just 6 weeks shy of her 2nd birthday. The documentary isn't the sole reason, it was the push we needed. It reaffirmed everything we already kinda knew, and then forced us to face our own reality. How is this okay? Eating and buying this reproduced crap. Feeding this same crap to our child. Cooking up our breast cancer, obesity, and future illnesses on a plate, and then excusing it all with "But it tastes sooo good." Not anymore. I strongly suggest anyone that is considering vegetarian or vegan life, take a look at the documentary called "What the Health" on Netflix. I have many other documentaries and even books that I can refer you to as well. If you're ready, let's do this together. -Kaysie

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So tonight's dinner had an interesting flavor that needed the help of some additional seasoning, but it definitely works for a quick dinner. Would have been perfect with some Spanish brown rice (note for next time) or maybe they should include a chipotle sauce packet like they do with the Gardein brand Mandarin Orange "Chick'n" meal. If you like sour cream and you're vegetarian, I'd imagine that this would be delicious on top of some nachos with sour cream and melted cheese. For a vegan option, skip the cheese and sour cream and enjoy it as a lettuce wrap like I did tonight. On my wrap, I added a little Sriracha sauce and some lemon pepper seasoning. That seemed to give it the salty/spicy flavor that it needed. The hubby had his on organic corn tortillas as tacos, with chopped lettuce and taco sauce. This was using a little more than half of the value size bag. I kept the rest for another day. One thing I love about Morning Star Farms are their resealable bags. Considering the fact that I'm always cooking for just my husband and I, I very rarely use the entire package in one night. (Unless I'm making enough for his lunch the following day). This is a very nice touch. All in all, this was honestly not one of my favorites though. I feel like I can be upfront about everything on my blog, and I want to share the most truthful information possible. That being said, if you like chipotle flavored foods, you might absolutely love this. But compared to the other "meat" like the beefless ground by Gardein, I'd say that the Beefless ground is much better for tacos than this was. I'm willing to give it another shot in the future or maybe try it with a different recipe. I'll keep you guys posted. :-) I hope everyone had a lovely 4th of July holiday and didn't struggle too hard getting up for work this morning. Much Love. -Kaysie