Trendy superfoods are always emerging: acai, cayenne pepper, green tea, etc. We know we should eat high levels of antioxidants because they are good for our skin and hair and low in calories. But, those of us who have decided to take the plunge to go vegan, it is sometimes difficult to find and enjoy foods that do not contain butter, eggs, or dairy.
What you eat determines the nutrients your body will absorb, or, build a deficiency. Fruits and vegetables will provide you with vitamins and minerals that will aid your skin. Be sure to get plenty of antioxidants as they fight free radicals and boost cell rejuvenation. Dairy has been linked to breakouts and is believed to cause oily skin, whole processed foods are chemically rich and can add stress. Everything comes down to diet.
Whether it is your birthday, Christmas, or a craving-day where you very much need a cupcake, it can be a challenge. The good news is there is a growing number of celebrities going vegan: Jessica Simpson, J. Lo, Natalie Portman, Russell Brand, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Ellen Degeneres, Bill Clinton, AL Gore, Mike Tyson, Joaquin Phoenix, Usher, Carl Lewis, and Woody Harrelson are just a few. As they work making a statement about food and diet, the demand and market for vegan goods are increasing.
via myrecipes.com
From food magazines to food pop-up stands, we have found some of the most delicious foods (and even their recipes) that you should definitely add to your diet. We have compiled a list of delicious vegan foods, snacks, and even desserts to help you eat like your favorite celeb.
Beans, soy products, quinoa, tofu and nuts are all high in protein and fiber. What many people overlook is that vegetables can also be protein rich: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach are great additions to consume. Vegetarians can also enjoy all the listed below. (4)
via foodnetwork.com
Beans: There are many types of beans: black beans, Navy beans, chickpeas, lentils, the list goes on. All have their own nutritional make up but a classic and easy (they don’t require a pre-soaking like other beans) to make legume are lentils. Lentils provide about 13g per every fourth cup serving.
Nuts and nut butters: Raw and unsalted nuts are a great addition to your diet: they can be eaten at any meal, as a snack, or as a compliment to a salad or a shake. Almonds and pistachios are both popular snacks, high in fiber and protein, and have few calories with 6-8g of protein per serving.
Broccoli is a great choice for adding protein to your diet: for each cup of broccoli we get approximately 3g of protein, which is a high number given how low it is in calories.
How much protein intake your body requires will depend on your activity levels, weight, and your overall calorie needs. The recommended number for healthy adults is somewhere between 10-35% of their diet should be protein. There are numerous options, just a few listed above, to get you started on your protein-shopping list. (5)
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few techniques how you can transform your favorite treats into a vegan-friendly dish and get a hot celebrity body.
- Vegan cheeses can be used in place of dairy cheese.
- Eggs can be replaced with a replacer, applesauce, mashed bananas, or flax seeds.
- There are many non-dairy milks (replacers such as oat, soy, any nut milk or rice milk. Tofu also makes a great dairy replacer, especially for mousses and creamy pies.
- For honey or refined sugar, you can use unrefined cane juice, agave nectar, maple syrup, or date juice.
- To replace butter and unhealthy oil in baked goods you can substitute oil with a 1:1 ration of applesauce.
- To reduce or replace gluten, use coconut flour: it has high fiber and protein benefits.
Easy additions
Water
It is common knowledge that at least 8 glasses of water is the recommended daily intake. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin hydrated and reduce water retention and bloating. The best way to appear lean is to remove extra body fat and water from under the skin: holding water will make you look loose and less sculpted. The goal is to reduce the appearance of bloating—by pushing your body into “flushing” mode you give the appearance of a having less fat.
Ginger
Ginger is an incredible root with many benefits for your health. While it is an appetite suppressant, immune system booster, and has anti-cancer properties, it is particularly well known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can be added to food, or made into a tea. What many people do not know is it can promote weight loss by activating the metabolizing and helping to burn fat. One tip: Make tea
Ginger tea is a great way to feel fuller and is a natural appetite suppressant. First, water is one of the most abundant hunger satisfactions: a glass of water before your meal helps to promote eating less food. Ginger has extremely few calories therefore by sipping on ginger tea all day you will not experience intense hunger. part of the nervous system that
reduces hunger.
Papaya
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which reduces inflammation and helps with digestion. Rich in anti-oxidants that help in the repair of skin damaged by sun, smoke, pollution, and chemicals, papaya is a great natural remedy.
For a quick face mask: Mash the papaya flesh until it can be applied to your skin as a mask. Fifteen minutes should be longer enough for the enzyme to work on your skin and then rinse off with warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains acectic acid, a known anti-bacterial agent. It is also known to help with digestion and the immune system. ACV is very alkaline on the pH scale and balances your acidity internally, and you skin externally, making it hard for bacteria to thrive.
Lemon 
Lemons have recently gained lots of attention in the health community due to their incredible alkalizing properties. Lemon juice contains L-asorbic acid, a natural astringent that dries out acne. (1) As an anti-bacterial, lemon juice helps to prevent bacteria and disease causing agents to develop in your body. It also lessens the appearance of scars. Simply, cut a lemon slice and dab it onto a clean face, then rinse with water. Be careful with exposure to the sun though, lemons have a lightening effect.
Sweet Treats
Banoffee Pie
Banoffee Pie is one of the most delicious pies (and if you have English friends they will not believe it is vegan!) With a crust of almonds, oats, spices, sugar, and coconut oil, it takes only 20 minutes to make. Then the raw caramel toffee caramel is dates, almond butter, lemon juice and vanilla. The filler will make you salivate just thinking about it: coconut milk, bananas, and dark chocolate. Don’t forget to add the caramel toffee.
Vegan Key Lime Pie
As simple to make as the original, Key Lime pie is a great summer dessert: great for picnics, the beach, birthday parties, this fresh version is great and causes no regrets. Simply buy a pre-made gluten free graham cracker crust, lime juice, cornstarch, agave nectar, non-dairy cheese or silken tofu, and vanilla. So simple and so tasty.
Double Dark Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Tart
Who doesn’t love chocolate? For those of us that can resist the taste of coconut and chocolate, this treat is not to be missed! The smooth mousse like filler is mostly dark chocolate that gains its texture with coconut milk and dates. Coconut whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes makes great additions. When soaking dates to make the crust, a helpful hint is to soak n a bowl for 30 minutes.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Squares with Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust
Pumpkin pie squares are an easy snack or fun rendition of the traditional pumpkin pie. The vegan filling is as tasty as the pie you are used to having on Thanksgiving, and you can replace the average cool whip with a delicious coconut cream.
The crust is simply gluten free graham crackers, coconut oil and agave nectar. The pumpkin filler is a regular can of pumpkin puree, the same kind you buy for traditional pies, and maple syrup, coconut milk, and spices. Bake and be sure to let it set overnight.
One thing to bear in mind when purchasing or baking vegan pies and baked treats are that the ingredients can be more expensive: coconut oil and flour, dates, figs, and nuts. However, you are replacing less healthy ingredients with ones with high nutrition content. Furthermore, organic oils, non-gluten flour, and a natural sweetener such as agave nectar allow you to enjoy your dessert without regret.
As is common with all weight loss techniques, healthy eating and exercise are good for your overall health. Avoid processed food, soda, gluten and refined sugar. Ginger tea is used for weight loss as it increases metabolism, stimulates circulation and excretion of toxins from the body. Regardless of the effects ginger has on digestion, it helps to suppress the appetite and regulate blood sugar.
