This fabulous salad offers layers of flavor, from the juicy Summer fruits to the spicy arugula and salty vegan feta. The sweet balsamic glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s easy to prepare and super healthy– great for lunch or a light dinner!
This is the perfect warm-weather dessert– so indulgent but with very little added sugar and not a drop of dairy! The no-bake pretzel crust is layered with store-bought non-dairy ice cream, topped with chopped peanuts and finished with a thick, creamy chocolate ganache. It is […]
This Italian classic goes vegan and is just as delicious as ever! You’ll see all the familiar ingredients for piccata, yet “meaty” slices of mushroom take center stage here– coated in Dijon mustard, dredged in chickpea flour and sauteed until golden. The tangy, flavorful sauce takes only minutes to make. So simple and yet quite gourmet!
This dish can easily serve as a main dish meal– mushrooms have a decent amount of protein, and using chickpea flour ups the protein count considerably!
I’ve created a way to make tofu that closely resembles meat– like a crumbled pork or chicken– and it only takes a few steps and is super easy. It’s perfect over a big salad, or in your favorite stir-fry or even in a casserole dish. Versatile, tasty, healthy and no cruelty involved!
This is a throwback recipe that was easily veganized by swapping regular butter with plant butter. It’s also gluten-free, crunchy and with just enough sweetness to make it the perfect dessert or breakfast treat. Our favorite cookie bar!
If you enjoy eggplant you will love this dish! In this recipe, the eggplant is roasted, making it golden brown and almost sweet. I love eggplant so much I probably made a little too much because in this picture you can hardly see the stew, but it’s there under the eggplant, and it’s delicious! The addition of tangy lemon and vegan feta (picture below) at the end brings it all together beautifully. Healthy, easy to make and very tasty!
Creamy and smoky without using heavy cream-based ingredients or bacon! Easy to prepare and so delicious and filling!
This is the fluffiest, crunchiest and most delicious focaccia you’ll ever try– and it only requires about 5 minutes of hands-on time!
This is probably one of my favorite soups. It has such a wonderful blend of flavors and textures — from the sweet butternut squash to the earthy mushrooms and creamy stock. The smoked paprika brings it to a new level, finished off with creamy coconut milk. Just fabulous!
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, topped with aromatic herbs — these are sure to become your favorite potato dish!
Bursting with freshness– juicy tomatoes and herbs roast together and combine with a high protein pasta for a complete meal!
This delicious tart is almost like a culinary art piece it’s so pretty, but it’s one of the simplest recipes I know. Whenever I serve this to guests they rave over it! The “buttery” shortbread-type crust topped with a creamy filling and sweet, fresh fruit is a scrumptious combination. Be sure to use plant-based products, which are easy to find at the store and just as satisfying!
This banana bread is moist, delicious, not too sweet, gluten-free and totally vegan! I’ve gone thru a lot of banana bread recipes and tweaked them to create this great recipe!
10 Vegan Brain Foods to
Incorporate Into Your Diet
Do most of your mornings start with a frantic search for the car keys or walking out the door without the lunch you spent so much time preparing the night before? It happens to the best of us. You might be thrilled to learn, however, that research has proven that certain foods can help to ward off brain fog as well as more serious cognitive issues such as age-related memory loss and neurodegenerative diseases including dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Food can directly affect everything in our bodies from our mood and energy levels to our ability to process thoughts.
Yes, eating right isn’t only vital for your physical health, but your mental health as well. Food can directly affect everything in our bodies from our mood and energy levels to our ability to process thoughts. Similar to your heart, lungs and muscles, your brain, too, requires specific nutrients, and good nutrition can play a huge role in preserving and boosting memory as well as enhancing focus and functionality.
With this in mind (pun intended), pay more attention to the foods you eat, rather than being consumed with cutting carbs or calories. Focus on filling your gut with nutrient-dense, whole foods that will help you to thrive both physically and mentally. Try to regularly consume several of the following vegan “brain foods”. It will, quite literally, be one of the smartest habits you pick up.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale are loaded with vitamin K and powerful antioxidants, and they’ve been shown to protect the brain from toxic free radicals and slow cognitive decline. A study published by Rush University Medical Center revealed that those who consumed 1 to 2 servings of leafy greens each day had the mental ability of a person nearly 11 years younger than those who consumed none!
Chia Seeds
While you’ve likely heard that walnuts are good brain food, chia seeds are even better. Chia seeds are a much more condensed source of omega-3 fatty acid, with 8x the amount of EFA’s found in salmon ounce per ounce. You can sprinkle chia seeds on pretty much anything (think smoothies, oatmeal, salads, etc.) and reap their rewards.
Chia seeds are a much more condensed source of omega-3 fatty acid, with 8x the amount of EFA’s found in salmon ounce per ounce.
Avocados
Avocados are mighty, delicious and certainly all the craze right now (a quick Google search of ‘avocado toast’ could keep us occupied for days). They’re also great sources of fiber, potassium, vitamins C, K, folate and B6, all of which help to immensely promote cognitive health. Additionally, the healthy fat content in avocados prevents the hardening of blood vessels, which assures proper blood supply to both the heart and brain.
Goji Berries
These remarkable berries, sometimes also referred to as wolfberries, are loaded with antioxidants. Aside from a plethora of other health benefits, goji berries have been shown to protect the mind against degenerative disorders. Enjoy them by the handful or toss them into your morning smoothie or breakfast bowl!
Blueberries
High amounts of flavonoid antioxidants are responsible for giving blueberries their brain-enhancing fame. Studies have shown a positive link to improved memory, learning and general cognitive function.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are chalk full of a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene, which has been found to help protect against free radical damage to cells, specifically the kind which occurs in the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Opt for a bowl of cherry tomatoes for a quick and healthy office snack or whip up a fresh batch of salsa to serve with dinner.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds are one of nature’s best sources of zinc, a vitamin linked to enhancing memory and thinking skills. Munch on pumpkin seeds by the handful or toss them into soups and homemade granolas.
Pumpkin Seeds are one of nature’s best sources of zinc, a vitamin linked to enhancing memory and thinking skills.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds contain a plethora of protein, omega fatty acids, B vitamins and tryptophan. These nutrients have been shown to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, as well as fight off depression. You’ll get the most benefits from sunflower seeds when you eat them raw and unsalted. Add them to salads, stirred-fried veggies and other favorite dishes.
Cranberries
Cranberries contain a high concentration of ursolic acid, a compound that has shown to protect brain cells from injury and degeneration, and possibly even reverse damage. To get the most from these seasonal red berries, eat them fresh or sun-dried with no added sugar.
Garbanzo Beans
Good news, fellow hummus addicts! Garbanzo beans, or chickpeas, are a prime food source for magnesium, a key ingredient in keeping brain cell receptors functioning and sending messages timely. Magnesium also helps to relax blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow to the brain.
As you can see, you don’t have to sacrifice taste to enjoy the benefits of improved health and brainpower!
This amazing, creamy sauce is versatile, full of flavor and ready in just 10 minutes. You can serve it over pasta, as shown here, or over potatoes, pizzas, veggie burgers, salads, bowls, and more!
The combination of textures and flavors in this hearty salad will make your tastebuds sing! Roasted veggies, spices, garlic and spicy arugula combine with a lemony dressing for an incredibly nutrient-packed and delicious meal.
These cute little chocolate cakes come together in one bowl and are the perfect single serving dessert. Moist and lightly sweet, covered in a creamy chocolate glaze– you would never guess they are dairy-free, gluten-free and completely vegan! Top them with a dollop of sweetened whipped coconut cream and fresh raspberries for an elegant treat. Enjoy!
