HookedOnPlants

When getting hooked is a good thing

Veganism

Sweet Potato Toasts | Easy GF Snack

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It’s toast.

But it’s potato.

But…it’s toast.

Sweet potato toasts!

When I first saw this, I thought…GENIUS.

Alllllmost as genius as when Einstein said:

“Nothing will benefit health or increase chances of survival on earth as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.”

Or this:

“Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion”

Anyways, sometimes it’s the simplest combination of action, taste and texture that creates the best experience.

Action: Toast

Taste: Savoury sweetness.

Texture: Chewy tastiness.

These little pieces of art are perfect for summer. You don’t have to touch your oven to enjoy your taters. And, if you’re like me, sweet potato is a must for every season.

Get creative with your toppings (perfect for the kidlets to join in on).

Go sweet … cover it in berries.

Go savoury … smother it with avo & nooch.

Go tangy … sprinkle it with sauerkraut.

Go spicy … sriracha!

Whatever you do….take a picture and tag me on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations ( @hookedonplants ).

Channel your inner childhood summer camp arts & crafts hour and get crafty.

Whoever said to not play with your food…must have not enjoyed eating it. Some of the best food is the food you put the time into making pretty. You enjoy every. single. chomp.

Benefits:

Sweet Potato is the staple of some of the longest-living humans on this earth! The Okinawans base their plant-based diet around the sweet potato and their area is one of the most populated areas with centenarians around. Sweet potatoes are packed with fibre, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and ready for your body to utilize and thrive off of. Don’t be afraid of carbs when they come in their whole, unrefined form.

Sweet Potato Toasts
 
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A fun and nutritious snack that you can get creative with!
Author:
Recipe type: snack, lunch
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 sweet potato, sliced in ¼ inch discs
  • Choice of toppings:
  • Peanut or almond butter
  • Berries & bananas
  • Avocado
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Sauerkraut
  • Basil
  • Sprouts
  • Hemp seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Fresh herbs
Instructions
  1. Toast your sweet potato 2-4 times depending on the heat your toaster or toaster oven brings! When it’s browning, you’re ready to go to the next step
  2. Top it! As I said, get creative and make art 🙂

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This week’s email was all about antioxidants, anti-aging, and lifestyle over diet.

Meet Amy + her Velvet Underground Hazelnut Brownies

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I’m excited to have Amy from Velvet Underground Cafe here this week to write a guest post.
I’m totally in love with all that she’s doing with Velvet Underground (it’s a must-stop when you’re here in Whistler) from the food, to the vibe, to the fun clothes and local product zone. I’ll let her introduce her rad self.
“Hello hooked on plants family!
My name’s Amy and I’m the owner and founder of Velvet Underground in Whistler BC.
We are a plant-based cafe, a second hand and vintage clothing store, and we are obsessed with reducing our environmental footprint on this beautiful planet. We consider ourselves a community, and a movement more than a store.
I grew up on a farm as an “animal lover” that still ate animals!
I even had pet cows and sheep but I just hadn’t made the connection that those same animals I loved I was also eating! It’s a weird feeling to think back to those times and try and understand my mentality around-consuming animal products.
Like many, I thought, it is what we as humans are supposed to eat.
And I get it, in some cultures – in snowy arctic climates – where vegetation is limited, they probably did need to eat meat and animal products, but in this day and age we can walk into any store and buy whatever our heart desires year-round!
I realized that we have the ability to thrive on a plant-based diet, so bit by bit the pennies started dropping.
Another huge deal breaker for me was the environmental impact animal agriculture has on the planet.
That was the first thing that started to really open my mind up to this more conscious way of living. I was interested in the environmental aspect of minimizing the demand of fast fashion and instead consciously choosing second-hand everything in all my shopping habits.
The vegan thing was a natural progression from that.
It was a slow process though, all though I’ve been vegetarian and about 80% vegan for around 5 years I only became fully vegan about 2 years ago, and I haven’t looked back!
This way of life has not only made me feel healthier and more energetic, but also I honestly believe it raises your consciousness to a level I can’t begin to explain.
Through my cafe, I get so much joy from inspiring others to make the change and seeing how stoked they are to learn that they can have everything they would ever want to eat but made VEGAN!
It’s actually so great! 2020, what a time to be vegan!  
So in light of that, I wanted to share this recipe from our cafe. It’s one of my faves because it’s super chocolate-y, and decadent, uses up the nut meal we have as a bi-product from making fresh nut milk, and tastes like a real ‘treat yo-self’ kinda dessert!
Heat it up with berries and coco whip to really pimp it out!”
Check out 80/20 Plants for all the plant eating help.

HAZELNUT BROWNIES

Makes 12 brownies

INGREDIENTS

½ cup (8 tsp) chia blended and mixed with just enough water to make a gel

4 cups nut pulp (we use the leftover hazelnut and almond from our nut milk but you can sub regular almond meal for a similar result)

1 cup (100g) dutch cocoa

1 tsp sea salt

½ tsp baking soda

1 cup (170g) dark chocolate (we use east van roasters couverture dark chocolate)

½ cup of coconut milk

1/2 cup (125g) of coconut oil, melted

2 cups date puree: make this by soaking dried dates in warm water for half an hour or more, then blend

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup (170g) chopped hazelnuts

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt the coconut oil and chocolate together separately in a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water

2. Assemble all other ingredients together in a large bowl, then mix in the melted chocolate and coconut oil together

4. Transfer to a 10 x 8 (ish) baking dish tin (lined with baking paper)

5. Bake at 350 F for 50 minutes

6. Let cool and put in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight so it can easily be cut. Then enjoy!

 

Last Minute Gift Guide | Vegan & Eco & Minimalist

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Welcome to the vegan gift guide for the conscious consumer (perfect for you and I and any one who simply doesn’t have their sh*t together in time)!

How does it feel like Christmas just happened? It rolls up so quickly, and then it be like… AH no time! Or is that just me?

Are any of you organized for Christmas morning in November? If so, I bow down to you.

Christmas can be stress-inducing, when really it should be the opposite.

This word ‘Holidays’ should really mean quality time spent with the ones you’re incredibly fond of, giving to those who need it the most, and eating delicious plants in the form of comfort food surrounded by Charlie Brown Christmas tunes and the smell of:

But, it’s not always that simple, is it?

If the scramble for presents is taking away from the simplicity of what the Holidays are really about, then you have come to the right place.

PLUS, in the attempt for achieving a sustainable and minimalistic holiday, I’ve added in eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas, at the bottom for you.

Merry Christmas!

THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE:

What goes on in your town? Make it a gift of experience this year by getting tickets for a concert, festival or play…or maybe a ski ticket, or something like Vallea Lumina… or a staycation itinerary, farm sanctuary visits, or maybe even a mini close-by vacation. Just a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing. Create memories for a gift this year.

KITCHEN + HOME:

SUPERFOODS/SUPPLEMENTS:

  • Stay Wyld Organics Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Turkey Tail)
  • Complement Protein Powder + Complement Plus ‘3 in 1 supplement’ (B12 + Vitamin D3 + Micro Algae Epa/Dha)
    • Go here and use Discount Code: ‘HOOKEDONPLANTS’ for 10% off
  • Pranin whole food iron + vitamin C (use code ‘hooked’ for a discount)

EAT!:

FOODIE GIFT CARDS:

This is your opportunity to show your friends and fam something new, and support a biz you love (PLUS, it’s the ultimate last minute gift idea).

DONATIONS

We mostly think about our close ones when it comes to gift-giving, but there are so many businesses, animals, and people that could really use our help during the holidays. To donate money in the name of someone else, and hand over a card saying you did so, is incredibly meaningful.

Farm Sanctuaries and Animal Shelters:

Vancouver/Whistler/Victoria:

Toronto:

Global:

World Hunger & Shelter & Environmental Protection: 

  • A Well Fed World: Plants 4 Hunger helps feeds hungry children without harming animals!

EXPERIENCES

ONLINE GOODIES

COOKBOOKS

CRUELTY FREE CLOTHING | JEWELLERY | ACCESSORIES 

These may not work as last minute, but they’re great ideas for future gift-giving!

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT WRAPPING

Can you imagine what a pile of thrown away wrapping paper would look like after Christmas is over?

Apparently it would cover 5000 football fields!!!

Plus, this stuff is died, and laminated, making it difficult to recycle.

So, let’s opt out and go for these natural looking, enviro-friendly ideas instead.

  • Scarves from your local Thrift Store or Re-Use-It Centre
  • Newspaper
  • Brown paper and twine (both can be found at Staples, Michael’s, or your local farts n’ craps’ store;)  for an organic look.
  • Jars, cans or boxes you have around the house. Just tie twine around it and, voila!
  • Grocery bag totes that they can re-use
  • Paper bags
  • Any kind of fabric you have kickin’ around! Time to get creative.

You’ve Watched The Game Changers…Now What?

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This question needed a post all to itself. I can’t count the amount of times friends, friends of friends, the Hooked on Plants community, and even family have said… “I just watched Game Changers. Guess I have to go vegan now! Where do I start?”

SO, here we go: a place for the veg-curious!

Step #1:

Get connected with your personal WHY

Head to the ‘Why Vegan‘ Page to help with this. Is it for athletic endurance? More energy? Disease prevention? Weight loss? Clearer skin? For the environment? For the animals?

Make sure you’re doing this for a personal reason that you truly care about.

Step #2:

If you can’t grasp on to your ‘why’, watch:

Step #3:

Sign up for the 80/20 plants Program

80/20 Plants is the most basic, non-preachy, structured way to transition to an 80% whole foods plant based diet & 20% indulgent plant based lifestyle.

This is what I wish I had during my year long transition in 2015.

What’s in it?

  • Full support with meal plans
  • Hundreds of recipes
  • A supportive 80/20 community
  • 1:1 coaching (phone calls and messaging)
  • 30 Video lessons (from me) through out the 4 phases
  • 4 phases: breakfast first, then snacks, then lunch, then dinner, all at your own pace.

Step #3.2:

If you’re into going ‘cold tofu’ and taking the #PlantsForAWeek mini challenge, grab my E Book. I still recommend doing the 80/20 Plants program as well for the consistent, baby step, long-term approach that will actually stick.

Step 4:

Stay Inspired….

A) Have FUN: Go eat at vegan restaurants & go to veg fests

B) Follow these INSTAGRAM accounts:

C) Subscribe to these YOUTUBE Channels:

D) Subscribe to these PODCASTS:

Step #5:

Do this with a buddy.

Stay accountable by sharing recipes, vegan news, wins and struggles.

Tips to transition towards a vegan lifestyle
PS: Watch out for Whistler Vegan Fest 2020 by Andrea and I… you heard it here first!

Step #6:

Have comfort in knowing…:

  • Every nutrient necessary for humans is found in plants
  • Skipping the middle man (the animal) and going straight to the source is becoming a necessary action for human and planetary health (and the animals).
  • It has been proven that you can thrive in all stages of life by eating only plants. Check out this Adventist 2 study here (done on one of the longest living populations in the world who were all either vegetarian, or vegan. About 4% of the study were vegan, and happened to be the healthiest lot of the whole study).

Ask me anything over on instagram & remember why you felt the personal pull. When you feel pulled in the other direction, just put yourself in the animal’s shoes.

Comment below to share your why!

Vanilla Date Almond Milk | Milk Yer Nuts

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Keeping it simple this week with a go-to recipe around here. Vanilla Almond Milk for your next latté, overnight oat soak, or just for that plain ol’ comforting glass of milk with your Peanut Butter Quinoa cookies, or Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies, or these classic Black and White cookies.

Making your own milk doesn’t have to be complicated.

3 things you’ll need are:

  1. Nuts
  2. Blender
  3. Mesh (nut milk) bag.

Today we’re using almonds, and feeling a little flavourful…so we’ll add some date sweetness, cinnamon and vanilla goodness with a pinch of salt.

There’s nothing like a fresh batch of homemade plant milk.

Store bought plant milk is pretty darn good these days, but making your own gives you the advantage of knowing every fresh ingredient you put in there.

Of course, I’ve got to mention that ditching the cow’s milk is going to bring mega benefits to your body, the animal’s lives, and the environment.

Check out this video to see what Dr. Neal Barnard has to say about why humans are physically addicted to dairy and cheese. 

Benefits of Ditching the dairy:

  • Clearer skin – less inflammation and hormones
  • Less gastrointestinal issues – by decreasing any potential lactose sensitivity
  • Less fractures and healthier bones– contrary to popular belief, according to the Nurses’ Health Study dairy may increase risk of fractures by 50 percent! Plus, the countries with the lowest rates of dairy consumption (like Africa and Asia) also have the lowest rates of osteoporosis.
  • Improved digestion – that diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas and nausea could very likely be from a lactose sensitivity or intolerance (65-75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant)
  • Weight loss – by taking out the hormones, animal proteins, lactose, and saturated fat found in the dairy products, many people find excess weight coming off easily. This is because dairy milk is naturally meant to help a calf grow into a cow (it’s a growth fluid)
  • Cancer prevention – there has been a strong link between dairy consumption and cancers because dairy consumption increases the body’s level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a known cancer promoter that encourages tumour growth. 
  • Stronger bones – because the animal proteins in dairy are difficult for humans to digest, calcium is actually leached from the bones to help absorb with digestion. It’s better to focus on more absorbable sources
  • Better for the environment – the dairy industry has a big impact on air quality (greenhouse gas emissions), soil quality (land use, pesticides), and water quality (run offs of antibiotics, pesticides, pathogens, waste products and hormones). The plants grown to feed these cows to produce dairy could instead be eaten directly by us, saving vast amounts of resources.
  • Reduce your exposure to antibiotics and hormones – which are used regularly in the US dairy industry to reduce infection and increase production
  • Reduce the suffering of the cows – the less we demand dairy, the less it will be mass produced 🙂

Something to think about:

The majority of humans naturally stop producing large amounts of lactase (the enzyme needed to metabolize the sugar in milk, lactose) between the ages of 2 and 5. This is normal for most mammals once they have been milk been weaned, because we simply don’t need to produce the enzymes for properly digest and metabolize milk anymore. Our bodies just aren’t made to digest milk on a regular basis, especially as adults (we are the only mammals who continue to drink milk after weaning, let alone the milk from another species).

Most scientists agree that it’s better for us to get calcium, potassium, protein, and fats from other food sources, like whole plant foods —, fruits, beans, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and seaweed.

Vanilla Date Almond Milk
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Vanilla Date Almond Milk

Recipe by julia

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw almonds, pre-soaked (overnight or for 1 hour in hot water)

  • 3 cups water

  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

  • 2 dates, pits removed

  • pinch of sea salt

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • Optional flavour ideas: 1 tbsp molasses or 1/2 tsp cloves or 1/4 tsp spirulina or strawberries or banana or 1 tsp cacao… get creative!

Directions

  • Rinse almonds (after the overnight soak their nutrients are more absorbable because they started the sprouting process, plus they’re soft to blend)
  • Blend almonds and the rest of the ingredients in your blender. Start by pulsing a few times, then blend on high for 2 minutes
  • Pour the milk through a nut milk bag over a bowl. Squeeze the milk through the nut-milk bag. What you should have left is a dough-like almond pulp.
  • Pour the milk into a mason jar. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Left over almond pulp uses:
    – Binder in veggie burgers, veggie meat loaf or veggie balls.
    – Replace some of the flour in pancakes or waffles, cookies or muffins.
    – Add it to smoothies for a protein kick
    – Make into almond flour by using your dehydrator (110F for 12 hours) OR your oven:
    1) Pre-heat oven to your lowest setting
    2) Spread out almond pulp on a pan
    3) Bake for 2-3 hours
    4) Blend into a flour
    5) Use in your favourite recipes that call for flour

“It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal” – Joaquin Pheonix

Tag me if you make these! (@hookedonplants on instagram)

I love seeing your recipes.

For more inspiration and info on eating plant-based, sign up to my emails for bi-weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

Need a guide towards a plant-based lifestyle? Try the MostlyPlants program.

Try the #PlantsForAWeek challenge by grabbing my new E-Book