So, what the heck do you eat all day…celery sticks?
One of the greatest surprises in going vegan for three months is learning just how silly it is to presume that there aren’t enough things to eat. I suspect that any time someone hears the prefix “veg,” they automatically think vegetable; and that’s correct---it is plant-based. However, that’s not to say you’re confined to eating raw veggies all day.
Prepared vegan foods are everywhere now, and not just at fancy-pants Whole Foods. Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, Target, and your neighborhood supermarket are all stocking animal-free items. Here are some of my favorite staples to have on-hand.
· Amy’s Organics~I’ve blogged about this fabulous line before, but I wanted to mention that Amy’s is not only readily and widely available, but that it is often sold out long before the crappy alternatives. I feasted on her vegan Margherita Pizza last night and it was delish.
· Annie Chun’s Soba noodles~available at Whole Foods. These noodles are so versatile. I put them in miso soup. I dress them in a peanut vinaigrette. They’re the best and are so good for you!
· Coconut Yogurt~ Can’t honestly say it stacks up evenly against a hearty Greek Yogurt, but tasty nonetheless.
· Iced almond milk vanilla lattes~ ‘Nuff said!
· Soy Chorizo from Trader Joes~I try not to eat too much soy, but I do really like this product. Great in chili, with soba noodles, or in a sandwich.
· Daiya “Cheese”~Quite honestly, I find most vegan “cheese” and “meat” options to be pathetic. However, Daiya really does a great job. I melt their mozzarella shreds in a quesadilla and add the aforementioned soy chorizo and some avocado and it’s BOMB.
· Earth Balance~Their “butter” is incredible. I can’t believe how similar the product tastes to the real deal.
· Van’s Waffles~I’m diggin’ the wheat and gluten-free buckwheat and berries waffles.
· Justin’s~ almond butter with maple. As good as it sounds.
· Garnet yams~Prick holes all over, coat in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast whole at 400 degrees for an hour. Split open and put a scoop of Earth Balance on it. Ridiculously good.
· Trader Joe’s~Vegetable Masala “burger.”
· Flax oatmeal with almond milk, dried tart cherries, slivered almonds and Chia seeds
· Quinoa with pretty much anything!
And if you want to take it up a notch and give raw food a try:
· Alive & Radiant Foods~ “Kale Krunch” chips are so yummy. My favorite flavors are “Cheezy Chipotle” and “Pink Pepper and Hibiscus.”
· Two Moms in the Raw~”Blueberry bar” is not über palatable, but being that I like the taste of seeds and grains, it works for me.
· Smoothies~My husband makes KILLER, nutrient-dense concoctions every morning. Typically, it will contain kale, blueberries, coconut water, homemade cashew butter, avocado and agave.
· Garden of Life Raw Meal~17 grams of vegan protein and a host of nutrients. We add it to our smoothies.
· Fresh ‘n Nova~ I’ve blogged about their garlic sauce before and now must add their raw vegan baba ghannouj and hummus. So stinkin’ good!
· Kelp Noodles~Get these at Whole Foods (ready to go!) next to the prepared Soba and Udon noodles. Great in soups, salads or as a noodle-substitute.
