Oat's Unsung Versatility

Oats. An old fashioned food that many are first introduced to in childhood. A standard easy and fast breakfast food, these grains have started to gain a reputation for being bland and boring. This is unfortunate because oats are tremendously nutritious and provide high amounts of protein. Best of all oats are very cheap. Oats are low fat, high in fiber, and full of vitamins and minerals such as biotin, folic acid, thiamin, vitamin E, iron, and zinc. These grains are also high in calories and carbohydrates which supply sustained long term daily energy which is great for physically active individuals. With all this in mind oats are definitely worth reconsideration as a regular nutrition source.

Lean Zucchini Pasta

Here is a great variation on a favorite pasta dish, pasta alfredo. This time it is gluten free and totally vegan. Instead of using traditional pasta, sliced squash is used instead. This is a great low fat version of this classic dish. Read on for the full recipe.

Winter Squash Flavors

Autumn is a great time to experiment with seasonal vegetables. Hard skinned squashes and gourds like butternut and acorn squash, the most recognizable pumpkin, kabocha and many more. Here are some warm orange colored recipes for when the leaves to change.

Vegan in Germany

Traditional German cuisine is well known for heavy savory pork meat dishes like bratwurst and schnitzel. However, more recently Germany is becoming more accommodating for those who embrace vegan and plant based nutrition. The famed Oktoberfest has been a celebration with the essential consumption of meat based foods. Now the annual festival has been including more vegan options for vegan patrons of the event. The event attracts visitors from all around the world, many with various dietary restrictions. Part of the motivation behind adding more vegan food to Oktoberfest offerings is to create a more inclusive experience for the diversity of attendees.

Nu Vegan Cafe

Now in Richmond VA the NuVegan Cafe made its debut on June, 30 2018. This is actually the third location as their are two more located in College Park, Maryland as well as their first location in Washington DC. As a chain of southern style soul food restaurants this will be the very first fully vegan fast-casual restaurant in Richmond, VA. Some of the items on the menu include southern comfort favorites like cheesy grits, fried “not” chicken, collard greens and more. The menu also caters to those who may practice raw food nutrition. 

Green & Exotic Pandan

Native to the Asian tropical regions pandan is a green herbaceous plant that has been cultivated for culinary purposes. Enjoyed for its unique sweet aromatic flavor pandan is an ingredient in many Thai dishes. Pandan is especially popular as an ingredient in sweet dishes. Cakes, muffins, pies, breads and more, it is easy to add pandan to baking recipes. This exotic ingredient offers a vibrant green color to foods that look truly out of this world.

The Vegan Adventure of Daphne Cheng

Over the past few years Daphne Cheng has been highly active in the culinary world. Very passionate about veganism she maintains that plant based foods could, and should be the centerpiece of meals.

Nutritious Bamboo

Easily recognized for its historical place as an ornamental plant in many Asian cultures bamboo is an amazing plant with a wide range of utility uses. Bamboo is also widely consumed as a food. It is the young white shoots that are edible. These are a main feature in many Asian dishes such as soups and stir frys. Bamboo also offers some surprising health benefits. Bamboo is high in protein and consists of seventeen essential amino acids. Bamboo also offers a wide range of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and copper and is high in dietary fiber.

Lovable Lentils

Lentils are a great food for vegans. They are versatile and easy to adapt to different recipes and they are very nutritious as well. Lentils are high in iron, a great source of fiber and a great food for lowering cholesterol. Lentils are a great source of B vitamins, most notably folate and niacin as well as high levels of protein. Even better lentils are very affordable. Here are some delicious lentil recipes perfect for any meal of the day.

Collagen from Plants

Collagen is a long chain amino acid protein that is highly abundant in the human body. It is present in the skin, bones, hair and nails. It provides elasticity to skin, makes hair stronger, and reinforces connective tissues. Moreover healthy production of collagen helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sustains youthful looking skin. Collagen is also found in the walls of the intestines and therefore benefits good digestion. Collagen benefits the strength of cartilage joints throughout the body. With all of the health benefits offered by collagen it is fortunate that there are many plant based foods that enhance the body’s ability to make its own collagen.

Homemade Vegan Bean Pie

Made popular by Elijah Muhammad of the nation of Islam in his book How to eat to Live.This pie is not only sweet and filling but is also offers a healthy amount of protein and fiber. Here is a great easy recipe that should satisfy a sweet tooth.

Toad Style Vegan

Deep in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn this eatery’s name is a reference to the 1978 cult classic martial arts film Five Deadly Venoms. Nestled among barber shops and bodegas this place might be easy to overlook. Within is a funky decor of vintage martial arts movie posters and an old fashioned arcade machine in the corner. Started by three friends, Toad style was opened with the goal of providing quality foods to people in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood at affordable prices. They also wanted to prove that these kinds of foods can be made without using animal products.