New year, new you – you’re going to probably hear this a lot. I understand the rise of New Years goals and resolutions can annoy some, but I truly believe there’s absolutely nothing wrong with feeling inspired to take charge of your health at the beginning of a new calendar year. After all, that’s how I got started. Exactly four years ago this month I made the decision to go vegan. It was single handedly the best decision I’ve ever made.
To kick-off this month right I wanted to share with all of you my favorite healthy substitutions, recipes and a few recommendations for incorporating healthier habits into your lifestyle. Of course this comes from personal experience, please consult your doctor before drastically changing your diet.
Since I’m vegan, I don’t consume any animal or animal-based products. Like meat, dairy, gelatin, etc. So I have quite a few substitutions for replacing those items in my day to day life. Of course all the recipes I share here are vegan, many of which focus on different substitutions, like for instance eggs.
Depending on the reason for using it will determine the best replacement. In baking, if you’re trying to make a cake rise you can in place use baking soda and apple cider vinegar. The reaction between the two creates a similar effect that eggs have in baked goods. Mashed bananas or apple sauce are also great to replace eggs when combined with the above mentioned for the reaction portion.
If you’re looking to use eggs merely as a binder. You can in place use a combination of 1 tbsp flax meal (ground flax seeds) to 3 tbsp water. The two create a gooey egg-like consistency that helps bind things together. It’s perfect for dredging tofu. You use seasoned flour, the flax egg and a non-dairy milk and breadcrumbs to make a delicious baked or fried tofu entree. Totally cholesterol free!
To help you to dive back into getting in better shape, I’ve teamed up with Kroger to offer balanced eating coupons. You can expect to see some serious savings at Kroger stores throughout the month of January with over $100 in digital coupons. Helping you achieve your wellness goals without breaking the bank and actually being rewarded for eating right. Focusing on products from brands like Simple Truth, Amazing Grass and Silk.
I’m most excited about stocking up on all the salad greens from Simple Truth. Greens are probably my favorite food ever for feeling my absolute best. You can never go wrong with a diet heavy in leafy greens. My digestive health has never been better!
If you’re interested in checking out the savings and recipes for yourself, head on over to WellnessStartsNow.com for more details. Below you can find ten of my favorite plant-based recipes for optimal health overall.
What products are you most excited about buying?
Answer in the comments below for a chance to win a $25 gift card from Kroger Co. to help you save on essentials. Winner will be randomly selected and contacted January 6, 2017.
Top 10 Healthy Recipes:
Green Smoothie Bowl
Basic Tofu Scramble
Black Bean Hummus
Green Mango Smoothie
Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Steaks
Rainbow Sushi Burritos
Grilled BLT Salad
Slow Roasted Buddha Bowls
BBQ Cauliflower Wings
Crispy Tofu Spring Rolls
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kroger. The opinions and text are all mine.
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I am most excited about buying products to get the smoothie starters ready to go. My husband even said he would give it a shot! :). More fresh greens and fruits coming our way!
Yay! I hope the two of you enjoy the smoothie starters. Happy New Year!
I shop at Kroger every week and I get allot coupons from them
That’s awesome, Susan.
I agree, I’m not sure why people get annoyed with New Year’s resolutions. I think it’s always a good idea for people to make goals, no matter when they are. A new year is the perfect time. =) Also, thanks for the tip about apple cider vinegar and baking soda- I didn’t know that! =)
I completely agree, Christin. Goals are essential for personal growth and development. Wishing you a Happy New Year! <3
While we don’t have a Kroger in our area, we do have an Oregon based chain they purchased so we get their products. Since i rely heavily on greens and fresh fruit that would be my choice. I have a large smoothie almost ever morning
Hopefully you can find everything you need and love most. Smoothies are the best way to start the day off. Wishing you a Happy New Year, Tamar!
I am looking forward to incorporating some raw meals into my diet and trying the vegetables and fruits I usually overlook in the produce section. It’s easy to fall into a routine and make the same meals over again so I’m ready to mix it up this year!
I love to hear that Michelle. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is brave and most times rewarding too. Hoping you discover some new favorites to mix it up and have an amazing 2017!
i’m most excited about buying all the fresh veg + fruits, almond milk, nuts and nut butters, and of course some dark chocolate 🙂
Yes! I’m couldn’t agree more, I love everything you’ve mentioned, Bianca. Happy New Year! <3
Congratulations on winning a $25 Kroger gift card! I’ll be contacting you shortly for more details. Thanks for entering, Bianca. I hope you use your card to pick up some of your favorite goodies! <3
So excited to buy all the awesome plant based products they carry like Malk Organics nut milks and Good Karma yogurts!
I love it, me too! Wishing you the best in 2017, Sarah.
The Rainbow Sushi Burrito and the BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a must try! Thank you for the post!
Those are my favorites! Hope you enjoy, thanks so much.
I eat very little dairy right now, but I want to eliminate even more! I think it is causing me skin problems so I’m excited to try all of the dairy free things and see if my skin clears up! 🙂
I think an elimination diet is a great place to start to see if dairy is the source of your skin problems. Wishing you the best with that, there are so many delicious dairy-free alternatives available!
I am most excited about buying the Simple Truth Organic Salad and the Simple Truth Organic Cheese.
cshell090869 at aol dot com
I love their raw almonds and soy milk options!
I found you through the Kroger post about your smoothie starters. Looking forward to getting all the ingredients to have these on hand for our hectic mornings!
So happy you found my site, thanks for checking it out Dina. Can’t wait to hear what you think about the smoothie starters!
Just found your blog!! So excited! I love kroger abd slay buy alot of my natural foods there. As a treat I like their meatless breakfast patties by simple truth and also their non dairy milks! So affordable and super yummy!!!
So happy you found my site, Stephanie! I really enjoy the Simple Truth meatless patties as well, I always keep a bag in my freezer.
I really love the condiments, especially the dressings! I’m looking forward to trying the almond milk (hopefully, there is an unsweetened option?)
Yes! They have unsweetened almond milk!