CINDY FOX FITNESS
CINDY FOX FITNESS
"Veganism is not only eating a plant-based diet that contains no animal products, but it is choosing to live a healthier way of life"
I changed to a "plant-based diet" over 15 years ago after learning of the horrific treatment towards animals in the meat and dairy industry. I had a hard time in the beginning trying to omit animal products from my diet and my life partly because I had a family to cook for that didn't yet share my beliefs in living a vegan life. I've been on a mission to teach people how to eat delicious food without causing harm to other sentinel beings and eliminate or reduce the consumption of eggs, dairy, fish, and meat products. Check out some of my vegan food photos and feel free to message me for the recipe or some suggestions!
I've started a travel blog about places I've traveled to, where you can get healthy food options in those places and other fun things to do while visiting. Check it out, subscribe and leave a comment if you'd like to add to it!
1.
Vegetables
I always have plenty of vegetables available, both fresh and frozen. I buy fresh veggies for salads, trying new recipes, or just to bake and have ready to bring to work. Spinach leaves, broccoli, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, garlic, onions, and tomatoes are some that I always buy, but I also pick what is seasonal to add variety. I also take advantage of frozen veggies for when I don't have time to cook and need to prepare a quick, healthy meal.
2.
Protein
My protein comes from chickpeas, lentils, beans, tofu, seeds & nuts, but I also eat some plant-based meat replacements that i find in the frozen section of most supermarkets. Gardein, Beyond, and Morning Star are some of the companies that make vegan products such as burgers, meatless chicken tenders, meatballs, and many other plant-based foods to substitute in any recipe you want to make and are delicious!
3.
Healthy Carbohydrates
When eating a plant-based diet, the proteins consumed are also carbohydrates, such as beans, lentils and chickpeas. Consuming quinoa, barley, oats, and brown rice are just some of the ways to replace white bread, pasta, or white rice in any meal and add nutritious value to the calories you consume. Fruit is also a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth without eating refined sugars.
4.
Fats and Oils
Since vegans do not consume fats from animal products or fish, other healthier fats are needed to protect our body's organs. When cooking I use olive oil, safflower, canola or vegetable oil. I also add ground flax seed, chia seeds, coconut oil, avocado and other seeds to recipes for healthy fat consumption. Although these are "healthy fats" be sure to measure the amounts your consuming daily if you're counting calories or you're watching your weight.
5.
Spices and Seasonings
I add a lot of seasonings to my food since most of the food I consume is fresh and does not contain added salt or preservatives. I use turmeric, curry, sea salt, red or black pepper, garlic, chili powder and many other fresh or dry seasonings for flavor depending on the dish. I absolutely love nutritional yeast to substitute in dishes that might've had a Parmesan cheese flavor and it contains vitamin B12.
6.
Egg Replacement For Baking
There are several brands of powdered egg replacements that get mixed with water to use when baking. I sometimes combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed with 3 tablespoons of water when baking, or silken tofu, 1/4 cup of apple sauce will work or 1/2 a mashed banana. There are also some substitutes for scrambled eggs available but I haven't tried them yet.
7.
Nondairy Milk
I absolutely do not miss drinking cow's milk at all! There are so many better tasting milks and coffee creamers available made from almonds, soy, oats, etc..and sold in most supermarkets now.
*We are the only species that drinks the milk of another species and also removes the baby from the mother to drink her milk. That is what happens in the dairy industry.