Six Ways To Celebrate Veganuary Without Going Vegan

 

So it’s the New Year and you are resolving to be a newer and improved you. With the climate crisis, more and more people are finding compassion for animals and mother-earth and changing their diets to plant-based.

January means Veganuary has started and vegans and the vegan-curious are altering their diets in support.

Unfortunately, that is not your cup of tea. You like meat, or have other diet restrictions, such as tree nut allergies and gluten allergies that make it difficult to make the full switch to a plant-based diet.

Here are ten ways to help celebrate Veganuary without going meatless.

Go Cruelty-Free with Cosmetics

Cruelty-free cosmetics mean that no animals were tested in the making of the products. Brands such as Glimmer Wish are non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free for the kiddos. Adorable, sweet-smelling shower gels and shampoos, which are perfect for Veganuary. Bubble gum scented hairspray that is kind to the animals? Check out Sugar Scents scented hairspray. Chemical-free, cruelly free, and wrinkle-resistant, Dallas and James Skincare line contains no harsh chemicals so you can look good without doing any harm.

Support An Animal Sanctuary

You don’t have to be cruel, be kind! Supporting animals that are rescued and living in heavenly sanctuaries is another way you can support a vegan lifestyle. Even if it is not yours. Check out your local animal sanctuary and make a donation, pay them a visit, and show your support.

Embrace Meatless Mondays

Maybe you cannot live a fully vegan lifestyle, but perhaps you can handle a meal that is plant-based here and there. Joining the meatless Monday movement is one way to explore a vegan diet without permanent restrictions.

Drink Vegan

Believe it or not, that beer you are drinking may not be vegan. Sites like Barnivore offer up an A to Z of vegan alcohol brands. There are plenty to choose from. Cheers to Veganuary!

Wear Cruelty Free Clothing

Feathers and fur are being banned, and leather are all yesterday’s cruel clothing. Today there are companies focused on sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free fashion to help you look the part and look good doing it.

Give Up (some) Dairy

There are so many milk alternatives out there to choose from. Not only do they taste better and usually last longer in the fridge than actual milk, but they contain zero hormones and will help reduce inflammation in the body.

Conclusion

Being plant-based doesn’t happen overnight. But being cruelty-free can be. Try the above methods to alter your diet and lifestyle in celebration of Veganuary. Who knows? Maybe you will embrace the lifestyle more than you think!

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Things To Know About Quinoa Before Adding It To Your Diet

Quinoa is a seed that has been grown for centuries. It is considered one of the most nutritious grains and can be found in many different dishes all over the world. However, there are some things you need to know before adding it to your diet. In this blog post, we will discuss six things about quinoa to decide if it’s right for you. It is important to understand the facts listed here before adding it to your diet. 

Let’s get to the list.

 

It is an Excellent Source of Protein

Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs. It also has more lysine than other grains. Lysine helps build proteins in the human body to produce lean muscle mass and absorb calcium for healthy bones. Concerning quinoa and dangerous toxins, it is a good idea to soak it in warm water for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps eliminate any potential toxins present in the quinoa seeds and makes them easier to digest.

The seeds will start to slightly “sprout” when you soak them. Quinoa is an excellent substitute for rice or pasta and can be used in many recipes. It goes well with sautéed vegetables like spinach and mushrooms and works well if mixed into the soup broth.

 

It Contains All Nine Essential Amino Acids.

Quinoa contains all nine of the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. This is important for vegetarians and vegans because most plant sources lack at least one or two of these amino acids.

Quinoa contains high amounts of manganese, magnesium, and iron, as well as other minerals such as zinc and copper, which help improve your immune system function. Therefore, it is an excellent alternative to other grains and can be eaten by people with food allergies or sensitivities.

 

You Can Eat Quinoa as a Breakfast Cereal, Side Dish, or Main Course

Quinoa can be eaten at any meal of the day. It is most frequently used as a breakfast cereal, but it also works great as a side dish or main course option for lunch and dinner! It can be eaten as a side dish by itself or with other vegetables and makes for an excellent option as part of the main course.

It is best to eat quinoa at least once per day because it will give your body all the nutrients you need without any harmful chemicals, additives, or empty calories like those found in processed foods.

 

It’s the Perfect Substitute For Meat in Many Dishes

Quinoa can be used as an excellent substitute for meat in many dishes. It contains all of the essential amino acids, so it offers high nutritional value and benefits your health in more ways than one! If you are looking for an easy way to cut down on meat intake but still want to eat something that tastes similar, then quinoa is a great alternative.

You can use quinoa to make many traditional dishes such as patties, burritos, and even burgers! It contains all nine of the essential amino acids that your body needs, so it is beneficial for vegetarians who may have trouble finding foods with complete proteins in them.

 

It Takes About 15 Minutes to Cook Quinoa on the Stovetop.

Cooking quinoa on the stovetop only takes about 15 minutes. It is best to pre-soak the seeds in water for a few minutes before cooking them, as this will reduce any potential toxins that may be present and make them easier to digest. You can cook quinoa with water or vegetable broth instead of plain old water for a richer taste.

It is best to use a ratio of about one part quinoa seeds and two parts water or broth when cooking. You may also want to salt the mixture before adding it into the pan if you plan on using vegetable broth instead of regular water, as this will give your meal added flavor without any harmful chemicals from table salt.

 

There Are Several Different Varieties of Quinoa that Have Different Flavors and Textures

Lastly, there are several different varieties of quinoa that have different flavors and textures. You can choose between red, white, or black quinoa, depending on what you want to use it for in your meal preparation. Quinoa is a versatile seed that can replace meat in many dishes or even be eaten by itself if desired!

Quinoas have a light, crunchy texture. They are often used in salads and soups because they add some nice flavor to the meal without being too overpowering or filling.

In conclusion, quinoa is an excellent addition to your diet because it contains many essential vitamins and minerals beneficial for maintaining good health. It does not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins, so you can enjoy this superfood without worrying about ingesting dangerous ingredients by mistake!

Plant-based Milk Alternatives

Plant-based milk alternatives are taking the world by storm. But before you storm into the closest store to get your daily dose of nutrients, let us help you find the healthiest plant-based milk option for you.

This amazing transition from regular milk to plant-based milk options is happening for a very good reason. Plant milk has been around for a while now, but we decided to re-discover these natural fountains of youth and health in recent years. 

People are finally discovering the benefits of plant-based milk substitutes little by little. Glass by glass, you begin to notice that your stomach is not bloated anymore. That your skin is glowing and your hair is stronger.  Your cholesterol levels are down, and your energy levels are sky-high. It’s not a magic potion but true plant power.

Are you ready to have a glass full of healthy nutrients?  

Dairy products as a foundation of our eating habits

Let’s face it, you simply cannot imagine your morning without a glass of milk or going to bed without a cup of warm milk. You start your days off by adding milk to your coffee and also enjoy a delicious smoothie for lunch with milk to eat healthy snacks to regain your energy. 

Dairy products make a large portion of our eating habits. Yet, behind these idyllic images, there are a lot of problems lurking. Although milk is very rich in vitamins, calcium, and protein, if you notice that you are having some issues with your digestive tract, maybe regular milk and dairy products are not the best choices for you. 

You should consider plant-based options in the following situations:

● You are lactose intolerant. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include flatulence, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and stomach bloating. Symptoms can vary, but you will quickly notice that something is wrong. And don’t worry, you are not alone. A lot of people may experience a sensitivity to casein – a protein found in cheese. 
● Ethics – of course, you probably thought about how some cows are treated and how cruel some people are to them, so you simply decided not to be a consumer of the industry.
● Milk allergies – these are also very common, especially among kids. They mostly outgrow this allergy by the age of 16, but the symptoms are unpleasant. They can vary from rashes to vomiting and nausea.
● You are trying to lose weight – some dairy products indeed work their magic to help you shed a few pounds, but milk itself is full of sugar, so it is better to skip the milk during restrictive diets.
● You are aware of potential health concerns connected with milk: if you are not buying milk that isn’t organic, you are buying potentially contaminated products. Contaminants could be various – pesticides, antibiotics, etc. 
● You are a devoted vegan – if you decided to give up on dairy products. 

Which plant-based kinds of milk are out there?

We will mention the all-time favorites. You can make your own milk at home or opt for commercial plant-based milk based on your needs. Store-bought plant milk is often enriched in vitamins and various nutrients, so it is up to you whether you decide to experiment in the kitchen with flavor and texture or you will simply buy it. 

Our all-time favorite plant-based milk substitutes include:

● Hemp milk
● Oat milk
● Almond milk
● Coconut milk
● Cashew milk

They all have different benefits and nutritional tables, so we will discover which option is good for each of your fitness and health goals.

Hemp milk

Hemp milk and hemp products overall gained massive popularity in the past few years. Milk Alternative, hemp milk is derived from ground and soaked hemp seeds. And hemp milk does not contain any psychoactive substances from the Cannabis sativa plant, so it is safe for consumption. 

Hemp milk is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 unsaturated fats, and it is naturally carb-free. Yet, if you are buying commercial hemp milk, make sure to watch for carbs and sugars. If you are on a diet that excludes carbs – natural homemade hemp milk could be an excellent base for soups, smoothies and be a great snack to enjoy after training. It will lower your cholesterol, and it is low in calories.

Oat milk

When we talk about a plant-based solution that will lower your cholesterol, we can’t skip oat milk. Oat milk has been around since 1990 but gained in popularity over the past few years. Oat milk is rich in carbs and protein. The texture and flair resemble cow’s milk. The only thing that will reveal that it is the glass of oat milk instead of cows is that distinctive oaty aftertaste.

Oat milk is rich in fiber, beta-glucans, calcium, and vitamin d. Oat milk can help you strengthen your bones because it is extremely rich in calcium. Since it is very rich in natural carbohydrates, it is not suitable for low-carb diets. Oat milk could be great if you wanted to add more fiber to your day. It can be used as a base for various smoothies, or you can add oat creamer instead of dairy creamers. Also, oats do not naturally contain gluten, so it is an excellent choice for people with Celiac disease. Remember to think about gluten contamination and find organic products that are certified gluten-free.

Almond milk

Almond milk is also among the favorite milk substitutes. It is entirely different from regular cow’s milk, except it looks like cow’s milk. Taste and texture are different, and it is naturally sweet in flavor. It is not a superior choice for people with tree nut allergies, but it is great for people on low-carb diets. 

Almond milk is low in calories but is rich in vitamin E, A, and D. You can easily get your healthy homemade milk if you soak the almonds and then filter the pulp. Almond milk will amaze you with the flavor because it is naturally sweet but don’t expect it to taste like dairy. It is almond, not alMOOnd. 

Coconut milk

Something straight from the tropical lands. Coconut is consistently among the most loving flavors everywhere. So if you enjoy sweet treats, you will love the distinctive coconut flavor lurking in a glass of creamy goodness. Like almond milk, it is not an excellent choice for people with tree nut allergies, but it is creamy and rich in fatty acids. 

Coconut milk is great for your heart, and it will be a great addition to your culinary recipes. Use it instead of heavy cream. Many orient cuisines have coconut milk and coconut cream as the foundation. You will soon discover why.

Cashew milk

Cashews are very common in vegan cuisine. When soaked in water, they have a creamy texture like dairy products. They are primarily a base of various vegan recipes for desserts, such as cheesecakes. So cashew milk is also a great addition when it comes to milk substitutes.

Cashew milk can boost your immune system and improve heart health. It is also rich in protein and minerals. Cashew milk is known to be great for your vision – it contains lutein and zeaxanthin. It can also help you prevent blood clots. 

In conclusion

Based on your eating habits and fitness goals, you can choose your solution. Make sure you are not having allergies to the milk substitutes or gluten sensitivity, and choose the best solution accordingly. You will be surprised how rich and creamy these plant-based milk substitutes taste. Your gut and your health will be thankful for making this transition. There is nothing wrong with consuming cow’s milk but be daring to discover more flavors of life.

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About The Author

Stacey is a freelance writer living in Minnesota with her cat, and she’s passionate about yoga, languages, home improvement, and drinking strong coffee. Find her on Twitter @StaceyShann0n

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