41. The 6: Lessons Learned From Being Vegan for 6 Years

In April, I celebrated 6 years as a vegan!  In this podcast episode, I share some of my lessons from the last 6 yrs and get candid about this misconception of a "perfect" vegan.

Listen here...

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Quick recap of the 6 lessons:

  • Didn't expect my family to get on board with me -- so grateful!

  • Cooking is required...especially if you have a family. Don't worry, I offered some advice and encouragement for this subject

  • You will get used to reading ingredient labels

  • You will find a vegan cheese that works for you -- so many options these days

  • Why this lifestyle hasn't been "perfect" for me

  • My struggle with losing and gaining weight 

 

Resources mentioned:

PETA

Vegan cheese brands mentioned: Heidi Ho, Field Roast, Miyoko's Kitchen, Kite Hill & Daiya

Sistah Vegan book

40. Why A Juice Cleanse is Much More Than Weight Loss

It was awesome having Jovanka Ciares on the show to share her vegan story and strategies on how to embrace a juice cleanse in a way that works for you.

Not only can you lose weight with a juice cleanse, but the greater benefits are being more present, disciplined and to heal your body.

Listen to the full episode below....

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Tips on how to have a successful cleanse:

  • [Newbies] Start with a combination of food and juices, so you don't feel overwhelmed

  • Drink every couple of hours - don't limit yourself

  • Around 4 PM enjoy a small smoothie of banana, plant-based milk (almond, coconut, etc.)

  • Drink lots of water and herbal tea is okay

  • Write/track your feelings in a journal

 

Quotes from the episode:

"You cleanse to let your body heal"

"Every choice...every bite needs to honor your body."

 

Reach Jovanka:

Website

YouTube channel

Get her Sexy Body Reset detox guide at the top of her website

 

Resources mentioned: 

The China Study book

Diet for A New America book

39. What Does A Vegan Breakfast Look Like? + Tips & Recipes

Breakfast is the perfect area to get started on a vegan journey! Meal planning isn't as overwhelming as you can easily switch out ingredients to make them vegan. In this podcast episode I talk about what a vegan breakfast looks like and how to plan it.

Listen here....

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Tips from the episode:

Put breakfast on autopilot - Try not to overthink breakfast

Plan 1-2 breakfast meals a week - You can start with oatmeal, pancakes, smoothies and bagels

Replace your non-vegan ingredients with vegan options - You can even eat vegan scrambled eggs using Follow Your Heart vegan egg and by making tofu scramble.

Check out this blog post with many vegan breakfast recipes

 

If you need help starting a vegan journey, sign up for the free email course below

38. Running A Vegan Restaurant | A Conversation with Jamel of The Veg

Vegan and business talk together? Yes ma'am! 2 of my fave topics :-) 

In the latest podcast episode, I chat with Jamel of The Veg about his gradual transition to vegan life and why and how he started his own vegan restaurant. 

Listen here....

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Reach out to Jamel:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

 

Resources mentioned:

Vegan A Go Go book- helped Jamel transition from cheese 

Ayinde Howell - helped Jamel develop the lobster recipe using heart of palm 

Learn more about jackfruit here

 

37. Are My Kids Vegan? + Tips on How to Get Started On A Vegan Journey with Kids

A few weeks ago someone asked whether or not my 3 sons (14, 12, 11) are vegans.
Even though my kids eat vegan meals at home....they are not vegans. 

Does this surprise you?

It sure surprised the lady who asked that question.

In my latest podcast episode, I talk about why my kids aren't vegan and share some tips on how to eat more vegan meals with your own kids.

Listen here.....

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As always, it's so important to do what works best for your family situation. It doesn't have to be all or nothing to get started on a vegan journey.

Do your best every. single. day. and I promise it will get easier...even with picky kids (and spouses lol).

Tips:

  • Add a daily green smoothie to your kids' diet

  • Start by transitioning to vegan breakfast & snacks I wrote a blog post with recipes and tips for vegan breakfast here

  • Get the kids involved in meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking

  • Keep calm - A balanced lifestyle will make for a long-term vegan life 

 

Have your already started a vegan journey with your own kids? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.