The best vegan foods are the natural ones, those that come straight from the ground – fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, as well as fermented foods are the healthiest. However, if you are not a strict vegan or in case you are throwing a vegan party, plant-based junk food can be a welcomed change. The plant-based diet has developed to be much more than soy products like tofu and soy dairy. Today, herbivores can enjoy a wide array of meat substitutes like seitan and combine them with eggless pasta and sauteed veggies to create fulfilling healthy dishes, like Lo Mein. And in case you are wondering about soy sauce that is to be used in exotic dishes of the like, coconut aminos offer an ideal alternative. No one is stopping you from serving such a delicious meal with a glass of vegan wines. There are also amazing non-dairy cheeses. I especially love those made of nuts. These days the cashew cheese is my no. 1 non-dairy variation, but I also use the coconut version. Another cheese replacement is the nutrition yeast, also called nooch, which gives your vegan recipes a salty and cheesy taste but can also be used as a thickener in vegan soups and stews. Fancy some animal-friendly desserts? No problem. There is a whole world of vegan cookies, pancakes, and muffins that taste so delicious, one could never tell the difference. Properly made nondairy ice cream (especially the version with coconut milk) is unbelievably creamy and similar in texture to regular ice cream. My point is, you don’t really need junk food, even the vegan one. However, we’re only human and it just so happens that we crave the good old terribly unhealthy foods we used to eat. In that case, plant-based junk food comes in handy. But, and this is a giant but, just because it is vegan it doesn’t mean that it is healthy. Junk Food VegansWhether you are a vegan newbie struggling to sustain the new lifestyle, running on a budget, or always in a rush, junk food is the most convenient food out there and the easiest trap to fall into. Every time you walk into the supermarkets you see shelves filled with 5-minute dinners that only need to be heated in the microwave. What’s the point in saving all the animals if you are still destroying your own health by eating highly processed foods most of the time? So, let us distinguish between vegan junk foods that are acceptable and those that should be consumed on rare occasions. Vegan Junk Food SubstitutesIf you feel like you have had enough of vegan wines, or can’t imagine watching the Super Bowl without a cold, foamy glass of beer, there are plenty of vegan beers to choose from. You can find them in varieties that are filtered or unfiltered with animal-friendly ingredients. When it comes to meat alternatives, choose from meatless burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chorizos, hamburger crumbles, meatless meatballs, deli meats, roasts…However, whether they are good or bad for you is up for discussion. If you want to be certain the ‘meat’ you consume is safe, opt for fermented soy products like tempeh and natto, as well as seitan. If you are more into seafood, there are companies that produce vegan shrimp, squid rings, calamari, prawns, breaded shrimp, and breaded fish fillets sold in health food stores. Tip: Prepare the meals at home whenever you can. At least at the weekends when the whole family is home. That way you’ll have control over what is in your vegan recipe. Here are some mind-blowing ideas:
If you are worried that your raging sweet tooth will eventually turn you carnivore again, fear not. Many chocolate companies make vegan chocolates and cookies, some on purpose, others by accident. When I say by accident, I mean they are not intended to be vegan, they just remain without animal add-ins by chance. Did you know Oreos contain no animal products at all? Here are other popular sweet treats that are also plant-based:
Other companies specialize in vegan chocolate and some of them are sold in gorgeous boxes, which makes them a perfect vegan gift. There is a wide array of vegan delights in the supermarkets, but it is best to learn to make your own sweet vegan recipes. Need ideas? - No bake coconut cheesecake - Peppermint black bean brownies - Banana cream pie blizzards - Chocolate lava cakes - Fudgy double chocolate beet muffins - Chocolate chip oatmeal banana bread How to Make Healthier Variations of the Basic Junk FoodsAs we said, junk food is junk food, be it vegan or not. Just read the labels and you’ll be surprised to find what vegan junk food contains. That is why we offer these healthier homemade alternatives of some basic foods we use on a regular basis. 1. Pasta and noodles It is true that there are countless of egg-free varieties, but they are high in carb content. That is why eating too much of noodles and pasta can result in weight gain. Zoodles, a.k.a. zucchini noodles and other ‘pasta’ made from veggies are the new and healthy way to replace the traditional pasta and noodle variations. Besides the more widely used options like spaghetti squash and the above-mentioned zoodles, chefs all over the world use their spiralizers on beetroot, asparagus, and sweet potato. If you have more skill and patience, find a vegan recipe for homemade pasta and roll up your sleeves. The ingredients you need are Ingredients:
2. Butter Butter is one of the key ingredients for baking and I am sure you are using it a lot. That is why it is important to have a high-quality butter instead of the store-bought versions of margarine. The easiest non-dairy butters are those made from nuts. Here is an extra easy vegan recipe for coconut butter: Place shredded, unsweetened coconut in a blender or a food processor, combined with some coconut oil and blend for 5-10 minutes. That’s it! 3. Meatless ground ‘beef’ When you crave an amazing burger all you need is ground ‘beef’. As we mentioned before, processed ‘fake’ meats are not the best option, but there is a wide world of veggie patties out there that are delicious enough to turn any carnivore vegan! Try cauliflower-carrot or potato-wild rice combos, and complement them with nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. Serve your meatless burgers with home-made hummus or vegan mayonnaise and fresh vegetables.
4. Ice cream Let’s talk about sweet treats. When the summer knocks on the door, you’ll need lots of ice cream to indulge in. Owning a great, healthy variation has a double benefit because you can eat as much as you want and serve it to your kids completely guilt-free. The key ingredient that makes vegan ice creams creamy and rich is coconut milk or, even better, coconut cream (1 ¼ cup). Here is what to combine it with for a chocolate delight:
Transfer to a blender to remove any grains and lumps. Blend for 30 seconds then place in a bowl and chill overnight. The following day, place the mixture in an ice cream maker and mix for about 30 minutes until homogeneous and soft. 5. Oreo Cookies Many store-bought sweets contain unhealthy sugar versions. Oreos contains fructose corn syrup, which is made with GMO corn. You could make your own Oreo cookies but why not upgrade them into Oreo pancakes? These fluffy flapjacks blend the best of both worlds and are an amazing opportunity to sneak healthier ingredients into your kids’ diet.
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About MeHey, I'm John and i'm Vegan for about 4 years now. I want to share my story on how did i become Vegan and why, and also share my favourite vegan recipes. ArchivesCategories |