the clean vegan

Alright lovelies, it’s the new year, and The Clean Vegan knows how many of you will be looking for foodie inspiration while you hee and haw over getting your but to the gym. The Clean Vegan also knows EVERYONE wants to detox at this time of year.  And you should!  All that bingeing over the holidays is tough on your tummy and just downright BAD for your metabolism. 

So, keep these 10 simple ways to detox your life in the back of your mind today, tomorrow and the rest of 2011!  Remember, healthful living isn’t a DIET, a CLEANSE or a TEMPORARY STARVATION - it is a lifestyle that, once you embrace it, really does become natural!

1. Water

Drink water.  Lots of it.  Every day.  Drink a MINIMUM of 2L every day.  The Clean Vegan always starts her day off with a big glass of cold water.  Everyone knows how important this is, but somehow so many people manage to consume more cups of java than h20.  Drink your water, people!

2. Say goodbye to sugar.

We all know it is bad for us.  It’s also highly addictive.  It can lead to diabetes and cancer, hypoglycaemia and major weight gain. The Clean Vegan NEVER eats refined sugar.  Oh, and if you think that pink or yellow packet of sweetener is any better you are WRONG.  Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners have been known to cause cancer in rats and actually cause weight gain. 

There are many options - stevia, agave nectar, pure maple syrup are all fine in moderation.  They can be used in teas and in cooking!  If you are craving a sweet treat try this trick: drink a glass of water.  Still craving sweets?  Have HALF of a banana.  

3. Cut out all processed/packaged foods.

Real, whole food that is good for you doesn’t need health claims.  Does the apple aisle of signs that dote “NO TRANS-FAT!”.  Not necessary - we all know they are good for us.  The Clean Vegan lives buy this rule - if you shop at a grocery store (its always best to buy local at markets), always stick to the outside aisles.  

4. Eat something green (and if you can, leafy) at every meal.

Green leafy vegetables have more benefits than The Clean Vegan can list.  They are full of chlorophyll (detoxifies), they renew energy and build up immunity, they carry amazing and essential nutrients and fight cancer, and they contain high amounts of vitamins a, c, k, folate, calcium, iron and fiber!

5. Love your lemons.

The Clean Vegan juices/includes at least one lemon every day.  Lemons are amazing little detox power houses, kill bacteria, alkalinize the body, have a high vitamin c content, are a diuretic, and even act as a tonic for the liver to help remove bile.  They are super easy to include into your diet - squeeze a wedge into your water every time you have a glass!

5. Cut out wheat.

Wheat intolerances are one of the most frequently hidden of food allergies.  No one suspects their whole grain bread as the culprit for gut-aches, bloated bellies, skin rashes and diahrea.  But over-consumption of, and an intolerance of, wheat can cause fatigue, bloating, headaches, depression, constipation and other digestive orders.  If your digestive tract isn’t working, your body isn’t working.  

Stick to ancient grains such as buckwheat, quinoa, millet and barley!

6. Exercise. 

Move. Every day. Nothing makes the machine work more efficiently than MOVING.  The Clean Vegan is a cross-fitter.  She has not found anything as challenging and sadistically-fantastic as CrossFit.  It is a program that is by definition broad and inclusive, and works with ten physical skills in varied metabolic pathways to consistently challenge and practice total fitness.  These ten skills are: cardiovascular endurance, respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.

Check out www.crossfit.com for more info.

If CrossFit is too intense for you (at the beginning) try wind sprints, yoga and pilates along with a good strength training regimen. 

7. Drink green juice/smoothies.

The Clean Vegan drinks green juice or a green smoothie every single morning on an empty stomach.  It’s incredible liver detoxifying properties helps rid the body of toxins from your cosmetics (have you checked out Arbonne yet?), food, pollutants and more.  This is The Clean Vegan’s daily recipe:

Juice (in a juicer, not a blender):
2 handfuls of kale
1/2 cucumber
1 stalk of celery
2 inch piece of ginger
1 pear or apple
1 lemon
1 lime
1 grapefruit

Combine the juice in a blender with the following and blend until smooth:
2 handfuls of spinach
1 cup frozen berries
1 scoop Vega Health Optimizer (I like Vanilla Chai)
1 tbsp ground flax

8.  Chew, don’t inhale.

Digestion begins in the mouth.  Rushing your meals, and chewing each bite two or three times while swallowing and shoving more food into your mouth is disgusting and unhealthy.  If you look like a glutton while you’re eating it, you’ll look and feel like one afterwards.  Your saliva is swimming with digestive enzymes that help break down your food in your mouth.  Poor digestion can cause gas, bloating, constipation and indigestion.  The act of chewing actually stimulates your body to release digestive juices and enzymes in the stomach before the food gets there so it doesn’t have to go into overdrive when it suddenly receives a chunk of an apple.

If you shove it in your mouth and swallow it before you pick up the next forkful, it is too fast.  Try this:

When you put food in your mouth, put the utencil back onto the plate/bowl as you chew.
Chew everything 30 times.  It will feel weird at first, but become habit quickly.

9. Drink ginger green tea. 

Green tea is an amazing antioxidant that helps to speed up the metabolism, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and even breast cancer.  Paired with ginger it is a super digestive tonic and heart-healthy beverage.  Drink up!  Try replacing your morning brew with this power house.  

10. Take a multi-vitamin.

Let’s face it - it’s very difficult to get everything we need from our diet.  Multi-vitamins are a must for anyone looking to improve their health and keep their body on detox mode year-round.  The Clean Vegan takes New Chapter Organics Every Woman multivitamin, 3 times daily.

asmatteringofbrainactivity asked: Hey.

Prior to this I'd never even considered veganism but I've gone from, 'i'll just read one post,' to reading your entire blog. Whilst I'm unsure I have the will power to give up all the trappings of 'omnivoreism' just yet, I am now interested in making a transition - or at the very least incorporating some vegan/raw food dishes into my lifestyle for health purposes. I, am however a student (in the UK) so I tend to be strapped for cash a lot - my food budget is realistically around £3-£5 a day max (which is not much more in dollars).. is veganism even possible within this budget? Could you offer me any tips?

Thanks.

hi!

thanks for reading and following!  it’s so exciting to be able to share my passion with others, and to effect someone in this way means alot to me.

i am paying off student loans, so completely understand the need to do things on a budget.  i’m not sure about the UK, but in canada meat, eggs, and dairy are much more pricey than fresh produce.  the only place it can get pricey is with nuts and supplements (specialty superfoods and protein shakes).  

definitely do some reading and researching about veganism and what the vegan scene is like in your area (happycow is a website that lists vegetarian and vegan resources for almost every city in the western world). 

do you have access to a blender to make smoothies?  this is a really nice way to transition into a healthier lifestyle.  i make smoothies every morning for breakfast and always through in a handful or two of greens (usually spinach).  I have a few recipes listed.  

let me know if you have any more questions!  i’m also on facebook under ‘the clean vegan’ if you want to ‘like’ my page.

take care,

xj

Flourless, vegan pizza!  Topped with portobello mushrooms, eggplant, sundried tomato, green olives, fresh basil, fresh tomato, daiya cheese and homemade spinach pesto. 

(Disclaimer - this picture was taken with my bb.  I couldn’t wait for my dad to find his camera; I needed to eat this baby hot.)

Foodies!  The Clean Vegan is prepping to release her first ebook! Should it be: Clean Vegan Deserts, Clean Vegan Holidays, Clean Vegan Entrees, or RAW Clean Vegan? Votes, please!

had a hippy day; did yoga, made two types of granola, and read by candlelight. great day.

The Clean Vegan just returned from visiting her love in Germany.  Over nine days they visited four countries - Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The Clean Vegan was worried, to say the least, about what a vegan could do in countries known for their cheese and meats, but she found many little surprises and delights! France and Germany were the best.

In Paris:

The Clean Vegan dined at Voy Alimento and Le Potager du Marais.

Voy Alimento can boast the best vegan meal (from a restaurant) The Clean Vegan has ever had.  Their whole menu is organic, fair trade and vegan, and there is an adjoining herb/supplement boutique where the owner teaches you about everything you are eating, its properties, where it came from and why it is good for you.  AMAZING. 

Below: Yacon, Real Cacao, Fresh Coconut, Acai Berry - all to garnish your meal:)

Below: The Clean Vegan isn’t sure what half of the food was, but it was incredible, so full of flavour and texture. There was definitely brown basmati rice, zucchini, tempeh, and a sprout salad.  We also ordered a side of real Peruvian chili - soaked for four days, and slow cooked for two. The meal came with spirulina and a fresh hot sauce to top.  Mmm! To top it off, the owner gave us samples of an amazing REAL Hot Chocolate. It tasted like Chocolate Cider!

Below: “Milk” Shake with oat milk, Yacon, Maca, Spirulina, Banana and Cacao

Le Potager du Marais was another hidden gem that The Clean Vegan and her love stopped by for a late dinner.  Here, she enjoyed a quinoa vegan burger, topped with a mushroom “cream” sauce (she checked in two languages!), sweet potatoes, and a fresh salad. 

In Germany:

This vegetarian cafe/cafeteria styled restaurant in Mannheim, Germany served a delicious lunch, but the deserts were the highlight. They were incredible, vegan and organic! The cake is a nut and coconut based cherry cobbler, and the other is a chocolate tiramisu truffle.

The Clean Vegan just had the most delicious, cruelty-free, thanksgiving dinner to date.  As she will be away for the holiday (in Europe!), her mama prepared a homemade vegan feast, featuring “meat” loaf, mashed “potatoes”, cranberry sauce, and roasted brussel sprouts and butternut squash. 

The Clean Vegan searched and disected her favourite vegan blogs and websites for the best recipe for a vegan “meat”loaf and found this recipe on http://vegweb.com (with a bit of variation): 

•     substitute for 2 eggs (1 tsp chia seeds, mixed with 3 tsp water)
•     2 tablespoon tamari
•     1 box firm silken tofu (350 g)
•     3/4 cup chopped walnuts
•     2 tsp dark miso paste
•     1 teaspoon oil
•     1 1/2 cups chopped onion
•     2/4 cup chopped celery
•     2 cups chopped mushrooms (use portobello mushrooms for a heartier taste)
•     1 1/2 teaspoon each of oregano and basil
•     1 1/2 teaspoon herbs de provence
•     1 1/2 cups bread crumbs  (Ezekiel bread)
•     1/4 cup quinoa flakes
•     3 cloves of garlic

Directions:

Mix egg substitute, tamari, tofu & miso paste together in blender.  Add walnuts & blend until smooth.

Saute vegetables until onions are transparent (add other diced veggies if you wish - ie peppers, carrots, etc).  Add herbs/spices while vegetables are frying.

Mix blender ingredients, cooked vegetables, quinoa flakes and bread crumbs together in a large bowl.

Press into a greased loaf pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Let cool slightly.  Turn loaf out and slice.

Her mashed “potatoes” were a blend of:

•     head of boiled cauliflower, chopped and drained
•     1/4 cup Earth Balance Buttery Spread
•     2 cloves garlic
•     1/2 cup almond milk (soy or would work too)
•     sea salt and pepper to taste

The Clean Vegan found a simple cranberry sauce recipe on http://ohsheglows.com:

•     1 3/4 cup fresh cranberries
•     1/2 cup pure maple syrup
•     sea salt and balsamic vinegar, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. 

This was a simple, delicious vegan friendly holiday meal!  She feels wonderful.  The Clean Vegan couldn’t stuff in desert, but would suggest making a pudding out of the Pumpkin Pie smoothie (post below) by reducing the liquid and adding some chia, or by trying out her favourite Raw Vegan Carrot Cake (a Clean Vegan original creation):

*Play with measurements, as this is sort of made up from memory.

Cake

• 2-3 cups of walnuts, ground into powder/flour (use a food processor)
• 2-3 cups of carrots, finely ground (in food processor)
• 1-1 ½ cups pitted dates
• ½ cup shredded dry, unsweetened coconut
• ¼ cup agave syrup or pure maple syrup (you can get agave at Loblaws in the health section, or Bluewater Nutrition)
• nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon and salt to taste

Icing

• ½ - ¾ cup extra-virgin organic coconut oil, melted
• tbsp. pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup shredded dry, unsweetened coconut
• ¼ - ½ cup agave nectar 
• cinnamon, to taste

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the cake.  Add carrots.  Adjust (add more) carrots or ground walnuts if needed.  Puree the dates and agave.  Add water if needed – the consistency should be fluffy, but not wet.  Mix in well to the dry ingredients.  Taste test!

Now, blend all the ingredients for the icing.  Taste test! Press cake mixture into 4by6 baking pan, or nice dish or bowl.  Top with the icing.  Refrigerate for at least an hour, and remove 15 minutes before serving.