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vegan ginger

Hooked On People Interview: The Vegan Ginger + Healthy One-Bowl Breakfast Cookies

July 27, 2017 By julia

Erin Marrs is all about simple, nourishing, delicious vegan eats. Her vegan journey started with the sole purpose of clearing up her skin. It worked. Her acne cleared up, then she went on to become certified in Plant-Based Nutrition at ECornell by Dr. T Colin Campbell. You can tell just by her glow that that eating all those plants is working for her! With two kids, and a hungry hubby, she knows how to satisfy all the taste buds in her family with whole-food, plant-based meals. Lucky for us, she has the blog ‘The Vegan Ginger‘. Let’s learn more about her, and her favourite recipe for the family.

Hooked On Plants (HOP): How long have you been vegan?

The Vegan Ginger (VG): I have been vegan since December 2007, but I consider myself REALLY vegan since September 2012 which is when I decided to a eat a healthy plant based vegan diet and really learn how to cook!

HOP: I love the name of your blog! When and why did you start The Vegan Ginger?

VG: Thank you! I started The Vegan Ginger blog in the summer of 2013 just really as a place to send my friends and family when they had questions or wanted recipes, which was basically every day for me.

HOP: What different types of vegan diets have you tried, and which one do you find the best?

VG: In terms of vegan diets, I have been the “unhealthy vegan” although not extremely but would still eat french fries and processed foods, and a healthy vegan. I would love to try fruitarian/raw HCLF but I just find it hard with the climate I live in where we don’t have as many delicious fruit options as say Australia or Hawaii. Although my breakfast is usually just a lot of fruit or a mono meal of fruit.

HOP: You’re raising the next generation vegans! You give a great overview of a what your kids eat in a day. But, can you give 3 tips to new parents for adding more plants into their kids diet?

VG:

  1. Eat more plants yourself! Monkey see monkey do! When I am eating a fruits and veggies that is all my toddler wants also. If I were to make popcorn or have some dark chocolate that is all he would want too. If it doesn’t work right away just keep eating well and eventually they will want everything you are eating.
  2. Don’t offer or have the “bad stuff” around. If I am serving a large quinoa salad for dinner but my toddler sees a big bowl of potato chips he, like most kids, will tell me he wants the chips.
  3.  Get them involved! Recently since the summer has hit we have lettuce and other vegetables growing on our deck and sprouts always sprouting indoors. Everyday we check them, water them, …etc…When I go to make a salad, if he gets to help cut the lettuce and take the sprouts out of the jar after watching them grow for a few days, he is way more excited about it. I also ask him what we should put in our salads and give him options. Give him a dull knife and let him help “chop” the vegetables . He will down any meal when he puts effort into. It is amazing to see!

HOP: Can you give everyone 3-5 tips on how to deal with vegan kids at ‘normal’ birthday parties, at school hot lunch days or any other kind of events with non-vegan food?

VG:

  1. As much as I love to only feed my family nourishing healthy vegan food, when it comes to social events I also don’t want for my kids to feel like they are “missing out”. We aren’t in school yet but we did just celebrate my older sons fourth birthday and I did go the pizza and cupcakes route. We also had fruit, and of course the pizza and cupcakes were vegan, just not necessarily part of a ‘whole foods diet’, but this happens on special occasions.
  2. When taking my son to birthday parties he knows ahead of time that he won’t be able to eat the pizza/cake because it has “cows milk” in it (as my toddler will tell you), and he is totally ok with that! He knows it would make him sick and isn’t good for him. We bring a piece of cake for him (these ones are great in a pinch and you can get them at Whole Foods) or we ask him what treat he would like and so far he has always been completely fine with it.
  3. Now I am sure this applies to all kids, but never go hungry! Parents, you either! haha There is nothing worse than a hungry toddler but also that way when it is time to eat you don’t have to worry about being stuck with a starving kid and nothing to eat. And I find toddlers much more rational and easy to reason with when they are fed. I also bring snacks for the ride home.

HOP: What is the next big project you’re working on?

VG: My husband and I actually decided to start a blog together of our vegan family adventures called “The Green Grazers” we share our favourite recipes, family travels, how we eat when we travel, and info about raising our vegan babies!

HOP: Do you take your own photos?

VG: I always take my own photos! It is kind of a passion of mine also. That is kind of another reason for started the blogs. I absolutely love photography and taking beautiful photos of food and people and scenery so it is a great way to share it.

HOP: What are 3 tips for beginner photographers?

VG:

  1. ALWAYS use natural lighting. There are obviously ways around this, but as a beginner just take your photos beside a window it makes the world of a difference.
  2. Declutter your photo, this might just be a personal preference but for a beginner on Instagram just taking photos with an Iphone, try to make sure there isn’t anything in your background that you don’t want there, or that takes away from your subject (food or people)
  3. Do not use flash! This goes hand in hand with #1 but aside from using natural lighting, make sure your flash is off and if your photo is a bit dark use an editing app to brighten the photo!

HOP: What does your breakfast, lunch and dinner look like?

VG: 

  • Breakfast is usually fruit and or a smoothie/smoothie bowl and I always try to start the day with a hot lemon water.
  • Lunch would usually be leftovers. I always double recipes so my lunches are already made for us. Or hummus, crackers & veggies, and snacky foods. Recently I started eating “wrap it up raw” wraps with hummus and veggies and they are delicious!
  • Dinner is usually something planned. Our fave meals have got to be bowls. So rice/noodles/lettuce as a base with veggies, beans, legumes and tofu and then topped with a sauce. We have all the cookbooks from Fresh Restaurants and make all of their recipes many times. They are delicious!

HOP: What is your favourite kitchen dance song?

VG: Most of the time my toddler controls what we listen to while we are in the kitchen. He goes between dancing and helping me cook. Right now he loves ‘Can’t stop that feeling‘ – Justin Timberlake.

HOP: What do you love feeding your kids, and what are you excited to make next?

VG: With two kids it is all about having quick healthy snacks and these are jam packed with oats, seeds, nuts, banana and zero added sugar! A recipe I am really looking forward to trying is your Homemade Kombucha! I LOVE kombucha and I would love to be able to make my own! It can be so expensive at the store!

Find Erin here:

Blogs: www.theveganginger.com   |    www.thegreengrazers.com

Instagram: @theveganginger   |   @thegreengrazers

Pinterest: The Vegan Ginger

Twitter: @TheVeganGinger

Now it’s time to share one of Erin’s FAVE recipes! 

Photo credit: The Vegan Ginger

HEALTHY ONE BOWL BREAKFAST COOKIES
A healthy breakfast cookie great for mornings on the go and the little ones will love them!

Photo Credit: The Vegan Ginger

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Serves: 18-20 Cookies
Ingredients:
  • 2 Ripe Bananas – mashed
  • 1½ cup – Gluten Free Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 tablespoon – chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon – sesame seeds
  • ½ cup – unsweetened applesauce (can be substituted with any fruit puree or try pumpkin! yum!)
  • 1 tablespoon – cacao nibs/chocolate chips (optional, my husband did not like the version with the cacao nibs)
  • 1 tablespoon – sunflower seeds/or any other nuts/seeds you prefer** (read note)
  • ⅓ cup – natural peanut butter (or sub any nut other nut butter)
  • 1 teaspoon – vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon – blackstrap molasses (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside
  3. Once that is done mash the ripe bananas with a fork on a plate and add to a large mixing bowl
  4. Add remaining ingredients (expect the chocolate chips) and stir until well combined.
  5. Then take a heaping tablespoon of the cookie dough and place them on the baking sheet about an inch apart. (Don’t worry too much about spacing because they don’t grow or change shape). Press a few chocolate chips onto each cookie.
  6. Bake cookies for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Let cool and enjoy!
Notes:
This recipes is VERY adaptable! Add whatever you like or have on hand and whatever you don’t have just leave out! You really can make them very simple or add your whole pantry!

Filed Under: Breakfast, Dessert, Hooked On People Interviews, Lifestyle, Oil Free, Recipes, Salt Free, Snacks, Uncategorized, Veganism Tagged With: breakfast cookies, healthy cookies, hooked on people, hooked on plants, plant-based tips, vegan cookies, vegan ginger, vegan interview, vegan kids, vegan tips

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Hi, I'm Julia! I like to simplify plant-based eating and make yummy recipes. I'm a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, certified plant-based chef, Olympian, and I make cereal (Jules Fuel). Enjoy! Read more

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Use code hookedonplants for a discount — link in bio or just message us ‘DOG FOOD’ & we’ll send more info. 

~ With love, Zak & Tez 🐶💛
Whistler people! Name where this is from & I’ll Whistler people! Name where this is from & I’ll give you extra high fives today 🏆 
The OG rainbow collard wrap 🤤 

PS: if I were to create a Whistler Vegan Guide, drop in the comments what can’t be missed ??!!

#whistlerveganguide #whistlervegan #veganwhistler #plantbasedfinds #plantbasedwhistler #vegantravel
15 Minute Protein-Packed Vegan Pesto ChickUn Fettu 15 Minute Protein-Packed Vegan Pesto ChickUn Fettuccine 

1) Soak soy curls in water for 10 mins, then strain and pan-fry in olive oil & @bragg liquid aminos
2) In a pan, sauté 1 onion, lots of crushed garlic, 8-10 sliced mushrooms 
3) Add vegan pesto (used @love.legrand), nutritional yeast, and the pan fried soy curls to that pan. 
4) Boil pasta of choice (drop your fave pasta below… macaroni? Penne? Fettuccini?
5) Strain then pour pasta into the pan of goodness & mixy mixy
*** optional: add mushroom benefits with 1 tbsp each of @staywyldorganics Immunity Blend powder, and extra protein with @complement unflavoured protein powder. Use ‘hookedonplants’ for a discount - links in bio. 

 
🤤 Devour. 

Anything can be veganized. 👌 

📌 Save this for your next 15 minute dinner recipe idea.

#vegandinner #veganpasta #pestopasta #15minuterecipe #easyrecipe #easyveganrecipe
Ok, I’m biased… but this mama has to be the mo Ok, I’m biased… but this mama has to be the most inspiring plant-based athlete out there.

@stephaniejdsloan always supporting, motivating, moving, adventuring (in braids), and top-cheffing it up with the goodness of whole plant foods.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mama’s out there. 💕 

#momsrule  #nomeatathlete
#plantbasedathlete #veganmom #mothersday
This isn’t just any tofu scramble… it’s next This isn’t just any tofu scramble… it’s next-level creamy and eggy thanks to 2 secret weapons:

🥄 Hummus for texture 
🧂 Black salt (kala namak) for that eggy flava flave

Serve it up with avo, tomato, and a drizzle of hot sauce for the ultimate #MothersDayBrunch moment 🥑🔥

🌱 Tofu Scramble Recipe - from the #hookedonplantsarchives 

Ingredients:
	•	½ large yellow onion, diced
	•	2 cloves garlic
	•	6 white mushrooms, sliced
	•	1 red pepper, diced
	•	1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
	•	½ tsp turmeric
	•	1 tsp cumin
	•	½ tsp black salt (kala namak)
	•	¼–½ cup nutritional yeast
	•	½ cup hummus (use your fave — or try my Roasted Garlic one!)
	•	1 block medium or soft tofu (~350g)

Directions:
	1.	Sauté onion in a hot pan (no oil needed). Let it brown, then splash with water to deglaze as needed.
	2.	Add mushrooms, garlic, and red pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
	3.	Stir in spices + ¼ cup water.
	4.	Add hummus and mix until incorporated.
	5.	Crumble tofu into the pan with your hands (tiny crumbles = perfect texture).
	6.	Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until golden and hot.

Top with avo, tomato slices, hot sauce… or wrap it up in a tortilla 🌯

💌 Save this for your next brunch or breakfast for dinner (the best) and tag @hookedonplants if you make it!

#TofuScramble #VeganBrunch #EasyVeganMeals #HookedOnPlants #MothersDay #HummusHack #TofuScramble #BreakfastforDinner #PlantBasedProtein #VeganComfortFood #WeekendEats
… vegan for a decade and she’s still kickin’ … vegan for a decade and she’s still kickin’ 👌 

Plants have all the protein 🌱 💥 Who here is early in their plant-based journey? Need some tips? 

🐾 PS: These rescue dogs are thriving on plants too. Check the link in bio for info 🐾 

#vegan #veganolympian #plantbased #plantbasedtips #vegannutrition @virchewdogs
@alohaanimalsanctuary needs support right now. ➡ @alohaanimalsanctuary needs support right now.
➡️The GoFundMe page is linked in @alohaanimalsanctuary bio.

A few years ago, I had the beautiful experience of volunteering with Aloha Animal Sanctuary, and supporting their team with @complement products to help the volunteers and founders thrive—so they could give their best selves to the animals.

It’s a dream of mine to spend more time physically supporting farm sanctuaries. 
And to have my own one day… 💫 
… to rescue animals like the lucky ones you see here, living out their best lives.
Just putting that out there 🌱✨

💪🏽 The work, love and energy the founders have poured into Aloha is incredibly inspiring, but it comes with its challenges… Funding expenses being the main one. 

If you’ve got even $5 to spare, it could make a huge difference in helping save Aloha.

Since I don’t have my own sanctuary (yet!), the least I can do is share, volunteer, and spread the word.

& look back on the cute animal pics from my few days there. 

🐾 Hug a dog today. 
🐾Reconnect with the magic animals bring into this world.
🐾Donate if you can. 
🐾Visit a sanctuary. 
🐾Support the people doing this heart-led work.

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Need a serotonin boost? Hug a dog today. 10/10 re Need a serotonin boost? Hug a dog today. 
10/10 recommend.

PS: dogs can thrive on plant-based diet and it may actually extend their life 🎉 If you have sensitive pups, or don’t feel like feeding other animals to your family animals or want to try a more sustainable dog food for 🌍 try feeding them a vegan option. Check out the studies on @virchewdogs site, and try their starter pack (link in bio). Developed with vegetarians. Feel free to use ‘hookedonplants’ for a discount. 

Zak & Tez just love it. 
Tez actually vibrates with excitement every time. 😆 

#vegandogs #plantbaseddogs #dogfood #vegandogfood#adoptdontshop #rescuedogs #rescuedogsrule
🥞💛 Vegan 3 Ingredient Blender Pancakes—so 🥞💛 Vegan 3 Ingredient Blender Pancakes—so easy, super delish, and protein-packed.✨ 
Just blend, pour, flip, and devour.

3 main ingredients plus a few powders / spices 👌 

👨‍🍳 Ingredients:
✔️ 3 ripe bananas 🍌
✔️ 3 cups oats (GF if needed)
✔️ 1-1.5 cups plant milk (oat, almond, soy… whatever floats your nut milk boat)
✔️ 1 tsp baking powder
✔️ 1 tsp baking soda 
✔️ 1/2 tsp cinnamon
✔️ 1 tsp vanilla extract
✔️ Pinch of salt
Optional:
@complement Daily Greens
@complement Chocolate Protein 
@staywyldorganics Mushroom powders 🍄‍🟫 
Vegan chocolate chips?!

Use ‘hookedonplants’ for a discount on all. 

… beer powder makes these babies nice & pink…! 

🔥 Directions:
1.  Add oats, powders to the blender, and blend to a flour
2. Add milk and bananas, blend until smooth (add a little extra milk if needed & use a tamper to help blend. 
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium and lightly grease with coconut oil or vegan butter.
4. Pour the batter into the pan (small pancakes work best), cook for ~3 mins until bubbles form.
5. Flip, cook another 2 mins, then stack ‘em high!
✔️ TOP IT with maple syrup, nut butter, warm berries, coconut chips, chocolate drizzle… whatever makes your heart happy! 🍓

Save this for your next cozy brunch and tag me if you try it. 
Who’s flippin’ pancakes this weekend?! 💛

👌Freeze & pop in the toaster for a quick Breaki. 
** Can also be used in the waffle iron 🧇 

Are you in team waffle or team pancake?? 
👇Do tell. 

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