Eat (Food)
Let's face it, even though being vegan and eco-friendly encompasses your entire life, you're most interested in the food. But finding and making delicious healthy, compassionate and ethical meals can be challenging, especially if you're brand new to this way of living. Eco-Vegan Gal is here to help you navigate the water, sharing her favorite finds and best resources in the following sections.
Raw Chocolate Matcha Truffles Recipe
When I'm craving a chocolately treat this is my go-to recipe. It was inspired by an expensive raw dessert I was buying until I realized how simple it was to make at home. Once I started playing with the ingredients the addition of matcha green tea, one of my favorite flavors, took these bites over the top! The truffles take 5 minutes to prep and after a little time in the freezer they're ready to pop into your mouth! They're great to share with kids, romantic partners, friends and colleagues; be sure to let me know what everyone thinks! Oh, and the video demo of this recipe is coming soon.
Mint Chocolate Power Bites
Serving Size: 1 truffle
Ingredients (buy organic whenever possible):
- coconut flakes: 1 cup
- cacao powder*: 1 tbsp
- coconut oil, melted: 1 tablespoon
- liquid sweetener of choice (I used coconut nectar): 1 tablespoon
- dates, pitted: 4-5
- Green Juice powder**: 1 tbsp
*cocoa powder can be subbed
** Use code "EVG" for 15% off Organifi: http://bit.ly/OrganifiEVG
Video recipe in playlist below
Steps:
- Add coconut flakes and coconut oil to food processor and blend until well combined.
- While food processor is on, add pitted dates through top, followed by coconut nectar, cacao powder and Green Juice powder
- Stop processor and check for consistency. You want the truffles to be sticky enough to roll into a ball shape. Add another date if needed
- When the consistency has been achieved, form the mixture into truffle shapes and place them on a plate
- Optional: dust the truffles with cacao powder
Store remaining truffles in fridge to keep them cool and fresh.
Learn more about Organifi's Green Juice powder in these videos:
Tofurky Artisan Sausages Make for Tasty and Satisfying Meals
Product review by EvG team member Rachel Curit:
When I first received Tofurky’s Artisan Sausages in the mail, I knew immediately that I wanted to do something special with them. Why would I just eat them all on a bun when I could slice them up and put them on a pizza? Rather than treating them like the meal themselves, I set out to use them as an ingredient, just as I would with a sweet onion or bitter greens.
More...
5 Servings of Fruits & Veggies in A Glass: Macro Greens Review
Product review by EvG team member Kelly O’Brien:
Before Macro-Life Naturals sent me their products to review, I knew absolutely nothing about the company. A big box arrived at my doorstep and inside was a container labeled 'Macro-Greens'. Macro-Greens is a powdered formula that you scoop into a glass of water or juice, mix and the benefits are almost too good to be true...yet they are! Macro-Greens consists of certified organic barley greens and "a multiple system photo-nutrient herbal blend" (their words) that includes 18 Billion probiotics. I was ready to stabilize my blood sugar while gaining a whole lot of energy, so, put away all of my 'greens' supplements and savored this delicious drink every day! It's pretty incredible when you really start to realize the long list of benefits. Yes, it is gluten-free as well which was an extra added bonus.
Top Vegan Restaurant in Chicago: Now You Can Make The Recipes at Home!
The New Chicago Diner Cookbook by Jo A. Kaucher, with Kat Barry & The Chicago Diner Crew. Product review by EvG team member Kelly O’Brien:
Practically every vegan across the U.S. knows about The Chicago Diner, a legendary destination as far as plant based restaurants goes! As a ChiTown resident, I get to go there whenever I like - spoiled, I know!!! Since 1983, The Diner has been building it’s reputation as THE Chicago vegan/vegetarian choice to eat at for years. Even back when the city's reputation with meat-and-potatoes was the norm, this little cozy diner was making waves. The Chicago Diner is pretty darn famous here in our city and everyone that stops by for a meal, leaves with a big smile on their face and satisfied belly. It really is a special attraction for both natives and tourists alike.
Kaibae: Baobab Fruit Powder Review
Product review by EvG team meber Amanda Shea:
I am always excited to try out new, healthy vegan products to add to my diet. In all honesty, I have never heard of Baobab fruit powder before I received samples for Kaibae. I did a little research on Baobab fruit and found out it originates from Africa. The actual fruit is hard to come by; the next best thing is getting it in powder form. It truly is a superfood because of all the amazing health benefits.
Pineapple Salsa Smoothie: Recipe from The Blender Girl Book
Do you find yourself spending WAY too much moolah at the local smoothie bar and organic cafe? Are you having a love affair with your high speed blender, yet find yourself making the same recipes over and over again? If you found yourself hollering, "yes, Yes, YES!" then you much check out this new book. The Blender Girl: Super-Easy, Super-Healthy Meals, Snacks, Desserts, and Drinks--100 Gluten-Free, Vegan Recipes! by Tess Masters will be on shelves tomorrow (April 8th) and it is going to rock your blender-lovin' world. Below I'll share one of my favorite smoothie recipes from the publication, but first let me give you a little breakdown of this stunning work of art.
Two Guys in Vermont Soup Review: Veggie Basil Goodness and Hearty Curried Apple Butternut Squash
Review by EvG team member Amanda Shea:
I love soup all year round, and during the chilly seasons nothing compares to a warm bowl of it! Soup is lovely when full of nutrients, however the average processed soup is high in sodium and has a long shelf life due to all the preservatives it contains - I stay away from canned soup for that reason. Two Guys in Vermont’s sodium count ranges from 6%-12%, a quarter of comparable canned soups. It’s a great value at $6 dollars for each jar: it contains two servings, which amounts to $3 for each serving. It may cost more than canned soup but you are buying soup that contains real ingredients, with no preservatives.
Palatable Explosion with Bhakti Chai, A Review
Product review by EvG team member Kelly O’Brien:
You are all in for a treat today! Are your taste buds ready to be stimulated? When I was asked to do a product review of Bhakti Chai my first thought was ‘What in the world is Bhakti Chai’?! I headed over to the website to learn more about the product and discovered a plethora of super inspirational information on this special tea. And after receiving samples, I have been drinking the Unsweetened Bhakti Chai with fresh pressed ginger & fiery spices each morning this week!
Crunchies Freeze Dried Fruits and Veggies Make for a Nutritious Snack
Product review by EvG team member Rachel Curit:
Sometimes you just gotta have something crispy and crunchy, a little salty or a little sweet, but this is tricky when you’re trying to stay away from junk food. For those moments when you need your fix, there are always Crunchies Food Company’s freeze dried snacks. They are portable and nutritious, making them a great snack for on the go.
The Daily Good by Aloha: Green Juice In Your Pocket
If you drink green juice on a daily basis or have been wanting to incorporate it into your lifestyle, The Daily Good by Aloha may be the perfect addition to your health regiment. It’s especially wonderful for busy people who don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen or shop for ingredients. Appropriately dubbed "green juice in your pocket", The Daily Good is full of amazing organic superfoods such as spirulina for detoxification, wild berries for emotional health, oyster mushrooms for energy and Hawaiian ginger for digestion. The individual packaging makes it easy to slip it into your purse, pocket or leave at your desk for a mid-day superfood, energy boost!