Sticking to your vegan New Year's resolution

To vegans, choosing not to contribute to animal suffering seems like a no-brainer. The only reason the whole world hasn't followed suit yet must be their suppression of naturally compassionate instincts, right? Many people consider veganism "extreme," but there's a great notion that points out this irony when factory farming (the product of most meat, eggs, dairy, leather, wool, down, etc.) practices enslavement, confinement, rape, castration, skinning, throat-slitting, feather-plucking, and slaughter.

While most of us are creatures of habit and fearful of change, eliminating meat and animal by-products from our food, cosmetics and clothing is by no means a horrible process. In fact, you will likely feel incomparable satisfaction and peace when you establish your new routine. And what better time to start than now? If living a compassionate life is at the top of your New Year's resolution list, here are eight tips to help you stick to it.

 

Time to party... and make some good choices

1. Start small and slowly

While cutting everything out at once may work for some people, others will find the transition more realistic and long-lasting to do it in stages. You can gradually reduce the amount of meat, fish, eggs and dairy you eat by only having them once a day, then introducing two or three vegan days per week to start. A quick change to the way you eat, just like any change in diet, can make you fall off the wagon pretty quickly. Finding alternatives and creative new dishes for just those days will make you realize how great it can be without the pressure and, before you know it, you won't even miss the other food.

2. Educate yourself

Conducting some research online, watching helpful documentaries, speaking with long-established vegans, and discussing the issues in social media groups that are devoted to the cause are just some of the methods to help you learn more about it. Once you uncover the truth behind factory farming and even the reality of many small family farms, it will be easier to continue because you know there are many valid reasons and amazing benefits for it. If you are or plan to become a parent, some people argue that "forcing veganism" onto kids is wrong, but many vegans feel the opposite: we were forced to be omnivores for so long by being shielded from reality.

3. Find vegan versions of your favourites

In order for the transition to feel less drastic, simply making substitutions is a great way to start your vegan life. This talent will also come in handy when you want to veganize recipes that otherwise sound delicious and easy to make. There are tons of great products available, including SilverHills ancient grains bread, Gardein seven grain crispy tenders, Tofurkey roast, Soyganic smoked tofu, Chao sliced cheese, Amy's no cheese pizza, Yves bologna slices, Bentilia lentil pasta, Rizopia brown rice pasta, Field Roast veggie sausages, Daiya yogurt, Silk almond milk, Sweets from the Earth cookie dough, Earth Balance organic butter, Earth Island mayo, Pür mints, and more.

Some of my easy-to-find staples

4. Try new things

Before going vegan, I stuck to many of the same foods with little interest in experimenting. Since my change, my regular repertoire includes Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, Thai, Chinese, American, sushi, teriyaki, pizza, and some raw food. I went from rarely eating avocados, chickpeas, black beans, quinoa and freekeh to keeping all five as regular staples in my house. The point is, eating vegan is significantly different for most people. So, while you're at it, why not try significantly different foods? You might find you love them.

5. Check labels

Once you get into the habit, this new part of your life will become second nature. There's a joke that vegans can spot animal by-products and other questionable items among a large list of ingredients at lightning speed. This is a skill you will inevitably attain and even eventually learn the alternative scientific/fancy/confusing terms for many foods you probably wish you had never eaten before.

6. Apply your lessons to everything

Once you master the changes to your food, you will find alternatives for your other products much more easily than you may have thought. Health food, grocery, specialty and drug stores carry some haircare, skincare and makeup now that is both cruelty-free (no animal testing) and vegan (no animal ingredients). Simply investigate brands and ask around if needed. Live Clean, Jason, Desert Essence, Kiss My Face, and Meow Meow Tweet are just some of these awesome companies. For cleaning products, there's Method, Ecover, Eco Max, Seventh Generation, Attitude, and more. Check clothing and shoe labels for leather, suede, wool, mohair, alpaca, angora, shearling, down, fur, and silk. (Animal-free fabrics include: cotton, polyester, acrylic, rayon, viscose, hemp, bamboo, capro, and tencel). Skip bone china and bone porcelain dishes, as well as furniture and pillows with leather, silk or feathers―unfortunately, even mattresses may have down feathers or wool.

Cruelty-free cleaning products

7. Tell your friends

If it comes up and you feel comfortable, you can simply explain to loved ones that you've made the decision to give up meat and animal by-products out of compassion, not to mention the subsequent benefits like health improvements, reducing your carbon footprint, and the positive impact global veganism would have on reducing world hunger. If your best friend or sister happen to invite you out for lunch, this is a great opportunity to suggest trying a vegan (or at least vegan-friendly) restaurant that would have various options for you. Without being "an annoying vegan" that omnivores stereotypically believe us to be, spreading the word can help gently open up other people's eyes to the cruelty behind their food, clothing and other product choices.

8. Do your best

Especially at the beginning, it may seem hard to cover all your bases. There may be some aspects you don't initially take into consideration, such as replacing your razor, giving up honey, or finding a new nail or hair salon that does vegan treatments. The easy rule of thumb is that doing whatever you can is much better than simply giving up and doing nothing because it seems too hard and overwhelming. With any luck, as time passes, cruelty-free and vegan choices will become increasingly easier to find and you will have many friends and family members joining the movement.

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

Dinner 'n dessert for the motivation-impaired

There are definitely days where figuring out what to make for dinner seems like a big pain in the butt. It can be hard to strike a balance between wanting something healthy but also delicious, and cooking because it's cheaper or getting takeout because it's easier. Am I right?

I tend to stick to a handful of the same dishes for awhile with a side veggies, but then I get bored. When that happens, I end up aimlessly walking through the grocery store for inspiration and pulling out mental notes I saved from people and the internet.

That's how I ended up with this dinner and dessert combination one night and, frankly, I was pretty pleased with myself. If you enjoy Japanese teriyaki, the meal portion is a little spin on that. The best part: it only uses four main ingredients so it's super easy :)

Someone told me about the Soyganic smoked tofu, which I bought but hadn't used yet. I also like replacing rice with quinoa or freekeh and, even more, if I can add that side veggie I mentioned right into the dish. This was the result (serves about 2).

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup organic fresh or frozen broccoli
• 1 package Soyganic Smoked Tofu, diced or mashed
• 2-3 Tbsp organic teriyaki sauce (approximately)
• Sea salt and seasoning pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa with water according to package
2. Meanwhile, drizzle olive oil in a pan
3. Sauté tofu and diced fresh broccoli (or boil frozen broccoli separately, then dice)
4. Once quinoa is ready, stir in teriyaki sauce
5. Add tofu and broccoli to quinoa, add salt and pepper, and serve

For dessert, I found this banana muffin recipe from Minimalist Baker since I had tons of frozen bananas socked away, and wanted a little treat without needing to leave the house.

 

Note: I reduced the crumble topping by half to cut some fat and sugar. Still delicious!

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

Halloween treats for the kids and your conscience!

It may seem tough to stick to veganism when the holidays roll around, but it's the 21st century and there are substitutions for everything. My family and I recently had delicious Gardein Holiday Roast with gravy for Thanksgiving :)

So as Halloween approaches, there's no reason to abandon your beliefs and give out mainstream candy to your adorable neighbour kids. Instead, here are a few snack-sized options you can find pretty easily at health food stores, grocery stores (in the specialty aisles), Well.ca and Walmart.

These yummy gummies are available in a few different flavours, including Berry Patch and Pink Lemonade. And they taste better without any animal by-products, like gelatin :)

Surf Sweets has 5 different versions of their candies that are vegan-friendly, including peach rings and new watermelon rings. They also have traditional gummy bears and sour worms. 

Gotta love caramels ‒ especially when they don't have dairy! These ones are made of coconut milk (hence the name) and come in a well-rounded assortment of original, sea salt, vanilla and espresso.

Candy on a stick is one of the great inventions and this organic version contains natural ingredients. Plus, like all of these 'do-goodies,' they're perfect for handing out to trick-or-treaters!

Chewy, chocolaty and delicious... like a Tootsie Roll? It's nice not to miss out on anything! This entire company is vegan and natural, plus they have minty and fruity versions

.

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

The Anti-Trump Burrito Bowl

For those who haven't realized yet, Mexican food happens to be perfect easy-to-veganize cuisine. It has beans, it has veggies, it has avocados, it has grains, plus loads of flavour so you're never bored. Put all those ingredients together and you're quite possibly stuffed, in fact, let alone satisfied.

Trump famously enjoyed a version of this dish from one of many Mexican-style chains around now, but what makes the In Your Vegan Face burrito bowl anti-Trump is the fact that it's healthy, good for you, and not hard to wrap your head around. The very fact that it's vegan also contradicts his omission of climate change and his family's history of hunting. 

While it's still easy to hop over to one of the many Mexican-style chains for your burrito fix, you can save tons of money (which is also anti-Trump) and make your own bowl even healthier by spending only 15 minutes to prepare it. And most of that time is just waiting for the quinoa to cook...

 

Not only is quinoa a better alternative to rice, it's also ready faster. Win-win!
Just note: This recipe makes about 3-4 servings, so feel free to cut in half or enjoy leftovers :)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of quinoa
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 can of organic corn
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup organic salsa
• 2 small soft avocados
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• juice from 1/2 lemon
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package, about 15 minutes.
2. Empty black beans and corn into strainer, drain and rinse. Then, dump into small pan with olive oil to warm up, about 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make your easy and homemade guacamole by peeling avocados and removing the pits before placing in a bowl. Mash with a fork and add garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper, then mix everything together.
4. Once quinoa is ready, fluff with a fork and let stand a couple minutes. 
5. Carefully pour quinoa into a dish, then add black beans and corn, then add guacamole. Top with salsa and serve!

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

Mushroom and Spinach Quinoa

I cannot stress enough how much I gravitate towards simple, quick recipes. It makes cooking feel a lot less daunting – especially being someone who used to set off the smoke alarm pretty regularly. Was it a faulty detector, was it me burning the pan? Who knows!

But I also like to use healthy ingredients, and fewer is preferable. The following recipe is one I recently discovered from a Facebook friend, posted by Detoxinista. I adapted it the second time I made it though for even more simplicity. Have I mentioned I like fast clean-ups too?

In your easy vegan face!

Ingredients:

• 1 box of quinoa
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 package cremini mushrooms
• 2 handfuls of spinach
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce, liquid soy seasoning, etc.
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa in pot according to package, about 15 minutes, while melting oil in pan.
2. Cut up mushrooms into slices and sauté with garlic, about 5 minutes.
3. Rip up spinach and add in to cook for the last minute or so.
4. When quinoa is finished, stir soy sauce and spices into the pot.
5. Add mushrooms and garlic to quinoa and serve warm.

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

Awesome natural deodorant for non-believers

Honestly, one of the last toiletry items I changed after going vegan was my deodorant. I think it's a common sentiment among people that no one likes to sweat excessively, and we definitely don't want to smell while we're doing it. That's why the mainstream norm has been wearing strong antiperspirants for years, which prevent our body from releasing sweat in the first place. Hmm.

I tried natural deodorant originally because I heard from a few sources that parabens are often found in breast cancer cells, and there are actually parabens in antiperspirants – not to mention the aluminum and other chemicals hidden in those sticks and sprays. Think of how you apply antiperspirant and how close that is to your breasts. No wonder men are being diagnosed with the disease, too!

Then, while discussing the vegan deodorant dilemma with someone once, I mused, "I just wish I could find a natural antiperspirant!" To which she replied, "They don't exist because it's not natural not to sweat." Well, that just changed my mindset right there.

I'm not sure what made me try Meow Meow Tweet in the first place, especially considering it was formerly only available as a cream. But I have really grown to love it and even got used to applying the little pea-sized amount recommendation with my finger. Recently, the company launched a deodorant stick anyway, so now you have options!

Approximately $30 for the 128 g stick and $20 for the 68 g cream

They might seem a bit pricy, but you only need a little and I have never had to reapply throughout the day. Furthermore, the light and natural fragrances are relatively unisex. The male sales associate at the store from which I recently bought it again in Toronto told me he also uses and loves Meow Meow Tweet deodorant.

Both versions come in two or three different scents: the stick in Lavender Bergamot or Lemon Eucalyptus, and the cream in Lavender, Tea Tree, or Baking Soda Free Grapefruit (for people with sensitivities). I'm sure you'll find the same great results! Smell ya later :)

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

Sorelle and Co. is the newest booming business (that happens to be vegan)

Perhaps even more because I grew up in the suburbs, it warms my heart to see veganism spreading to the outskirts of Toronto. Sorelle and Co. is an adorable and quaint new addition to the area, located on Rutherford in Thornhill, between Bathurst and Dufferin and close to highways 400 and 407. Although out of the way for mid or downtown residents, at least it’s easily commutable.* 

The converted heritage house resembling a cottage on the outside makes it the perfect spot for pretty pastel colours and vintage-chic décor inside. It’s lined with various packaged items by the front door, as well as a plethora of fresh vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and preservative-free baked goods in the majestic clear case.

 

There’s also a full lunch or light dinner menu of salads, sandwiches, soups and smoothies. Not to mention the coffee! If you feel like you’ve arrived at a bridal shower, or get an immediate rush to host one, you’re in the right place. With an always-springtime ambiance, comfortable seating area and oversized chandeliers, Sorelle and Co. seems purposely designed to host a beautiful gathering – even if it's just a brunch date.

Oreo Donut                                  Caesar Salad

Since its July opening, the eatery has been regularly busy serving a wide range of patrons. The growing rise of allergies today, coupled with the fact that many young families live in Thornhill Woods, makes the business model well-suited for its geographical placement. Plus, millennials are known to have a large part in advancing the vegan revolution. 

Perhaps the cute styling and welcome addition of a bakery in the area (let alone one that accommodates so many dietary restrictions) will be Sorelle's not-so-secret recipe for long-term success! Chocolaty fingers crossed.

*UPDATE: A new Sorelle location has since opened downtown at Yonge/Queen!

 Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

 

Chickpea "Tuna" Salad

Although I gave up meat in 1998, I spent over a decade as a "pescatarian" still eating fish. It's difficult for me to rationalize now, but this included my fair share of tuna salad while living in that limbo period. As does much of the Western world, I ate it in sandwiches, salads, and even on its own.

So being without it for five or six years after turning vegetarian and then vegan, I was so excited to try fish-free soy-based tuna a couple times. That is, until I discovered another version made with chickpeas. I was pumped that it tasted closer to the real thing!

Yum!

Considering the many incidents in which I burnt the pan and set off the smoke alarm, I am not the most eager when it comes to cooking. But I looked online if there was an easy way to make it myself and, lo and behold, "chickpea tuna" is now one of my staple meals. Now I have adapted the recipe and made it so many times, I have lost count.

Before going vegan, I never even bought or ate chickpeas and now I regularly stock up on them. Organic, low sodium and on sale? Even better! It helps that this recipe is quick to throw together, requires minimal ingredients, and is both nutritious and delicious. Plus, eating a can of chickpeas is a good way to reduce some carbo-loading.

Ingredients:

• Can of chickpeas (350 to 500 mL)
• 2 tsp (approx.) vegan mayo
• 1-2 tsp (approx.) lemon juice
• Pinch of sea salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas (Yves are good because they tend to be softer).
2. Use a potato masher for easy clean-up and a small arm workout to get a tuna-like consistency.
3. Add vegan mayo to the chickpeas at your discretion (I like Earth Balance Chipotle for extra flavour), usually about 1/2 tablespoon.
4. Squeeze half of a lemon, approximately a teaspoon.
5. Sprinkle sea salt and pepper, then keep mashing (chickpeas will be even softer now with the additions) and mix everything around together. 

Tip: I always start with less mayo, lemon juice, salt and pepper and add more as needed.

For added taste and textures, you can mix in diced celery, red pepper, pickles, onions, garlic, and even some nutritional yeast. I put that stuff in everything!

Use the finished product in salads and on sandwiches, or melt vegan cheese on top for "chickpea tuna melts". Or serve as is. To yourself. With a fork.

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

Going to a wedding, gotta find some vegan shoes!

Most women have experienced the arduous task of finding a dress when they have a special event approaching. This time, I checked out at least nine different shops for something to wear to my cousin's wedding before finally choosing one to which the family and friends I showed gave rave reviews.

Being vegan can make the process even more complicated if you are checking labels and descriptions for cruelty-free materials. And we all know formal footwear is that much harder because omitting leather on the top, in the lining and on the soles, sadly, doesn't leave many suitable options.

This became the second part of my search for my evening ensemble but, rather than just scouring for any old vegan-friendly shoes, I was hoping to find a pair I also really liked that didn't have skyscraper heels. Do some people lack nerve-endings in their feet or something? Because mine can't handle shoe-stilts for more than like, 10 minutes. Alas, my search of the internet and malls ensued.

In the end, I found that the prettiest options ranged from a higher-end brand that Hudson's Bay carries called Jacques Vert (upwards of $200 regular price) to the middle mark at Nine West (between $100 and $140) and Le Château (around $70 to $100). Payless is a good option for lower-end (around $50), but it seemed there wasn't much variety there for formal wear.

Furthermore, while I know there are some vegan styles at Call It Spring, Globo, Aldo, Steve Madden, and The Shoe Company, it was challenging to find ones now that fit all of my requirements. It always seems that the best time to hunt for something specific is when you don't actually need it.

Two years ago, I bought new shoes for a different dress that were gold satin peep-toes from Nine West with some small sparkly detail on the top. This time, I decided on silver satin peep-toes from Le Château with some small sparkly detail on the top. So, maybe after all that, I have a type.

Payless

Le Château

Nine West

Jacques Vert

Note: Unless a particular shoe brand or store is completely vegan, it is still necessary to check the inside of the shoe for a description of the materials, or the bottom for symbols that indicate what they are made of. This visual will help if you have been previously unaware of their meaning. ("Other materials" usually means man-made, but "Textile" may encompass calf hair or something similar. Ask an associate in the store or an online customer representative if you're not sure.)

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

 

Juice cleansing for beginners

Although I have been interested in health topics for a long time, it wasn’t until I went vegan that I slowly started practicing eating well more consistently. Going vegan led me to become an incessant ingredient-checker. There’s a joke I’ve seen that says vegans have super skills when it comes to finding any animal product or by-product listed on the side of packaged or prepared food items.

Well, getting into that habit has made me a lot more conscious of the food I eat – whether or not it’s vegan. I’m not a total health nut, but I’m a lot more into salads and raw food now than I ever thought I would be. I’m also a lot less into chocolate. I still like my sweets, but I prefer one bakery item made with homemade ingredients over a store-bought package of cookies made with preservatives and chemicals – and, frankly, I think it tastes better.

I try to eat more fruits and veggies now and stick to heartier carbs like ancient grains bread, brown rice pasta, quinoa and freekeh. Unfortunately, it’s still easy to get side-tracked sometimes and feel a little gluttonous, weighed down, tired and blasé. But that’s why I finally decided to try juice cleansing. (It also helps that I have a wedding to go to in a couple weeks – and an accompanying cocktail dress to fit into.)

Juice cleansing is said to help detoxify your body, boost your metabolism, and improve your immune system. So, after much deliberation, I emailed Yamchops to order my one-day cleanse, which was the least expensive and most realistic option for me. With this particular company, customers can cleanse for up to seven days. More power to those people, but I don’t know if I would have it in me!

I started off well. I couldn't pick up the bottles until noon but purposely only had water until then. So I excitedly drank my first one as I headed out the door. I noticed ‘watermelon’ on the bottle and the colour matched that description, but then I tasted a surprising kick mixed into the fruity flavour. When I looked back at the bottle, I read ‘jalapeno’. It was a weird, but kind of wonderful, combination.

At first, it was exciting not to worry about preparing any meals, having healthy drinks ready to go, and knowing I was doing something great for my body. By around 2 pm, however, I got pretty hungry and ate my one permitted healthy meal for the day (a kale Caesar salad with mock chicken, coconut bacon and small sundried tomatoes from Yamchops). I felt a bit hungry in the evening too, but the juice helped satisfy me. Maybe not my mind, but my body.

Since I started the cleanse relatively late in the day, my last drink was around 10 pm. I consistently drank a lot of water too. Once I got on a roll, all that liquid led me to hit the washroom a lot. I also heard my stomach rumbling from digestion – and probable shock – intermittently. The one physical surprise was, well, if you don’t know what the effects of beets are, maybe you should just Google it for yourself. I also woke up in the middle of the night after my cleanse with some involuntary body twitches, but I'm not sure if this was related.

The juices themselves were really good. Picante Punch was the watermelon and jalapeno drink, rounded out with red grape and lime. Second Base was comprised of cucumber, green apple, kale, parsley, spinach, lemon and ginger. Number three was BPM, including similar ingredients, but the beets gave it a strong purple colour. Tropic Tonic had pineapple, spinach, cucumber, kale and lemon, while Pina Vida had pineapple, apple, turmeric, lemon, ginger and cayenne. My final drink was Beta Rush, made with orange, carrot, turmeric, lemon and lime.

Despite there being spices and/or ginger, they all tasted well-rounded and refreshing, a lot more fruity than spicy. Yamchops will also accommodate any allergies or dislikes, customizing the drinks to substitute ingredients you wish to omit. I personally didn’t have any, so I assume my roundup was pretty standard. The bottles are also only 500 mL so it wasn’t hard to get through them. I drank one every couple of hours, and had the second with my lunchtime salad.

When I weighed myself the next day, I was down about one pound. If you keep going, I’m sure there is even more gratification. But I’m happy I did the shortened version for my first attempt. A juice cleanse is not only supposed to help you physically, but also adjust your conception of food and eating. Knowing you committed to doing something healthy and good for yourself – and spent the money doing it – should be motivation to keep going, eat more salads, less junk food, drink more water, and generally toss out some bad habits.

As much as I love my cupcakes, donuts, chips and bread, overdosing on any of them immediately changes my opinion. Many people say “life is short” to excuse their bad eating, but life is also too short to feel dumpy all the time. Similarly, I think many vegans would agree we should extend the “life is short” expression to animals and not support taking theirs away to satisfy 15 minutes of ours. 

Luckily, juice cleansing is cruelty-free :)

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!
 

What's for dinner?

People wonder what I eat sometimes because, being non-vegan, many of them tend to have some kind of animal product or by-product at every meal. To me, that seems crazy. To them, I seem crazy. But here is one of my average dinners to exemplify that omitting meat is not actually difficult – nor does it sacrifice flavour.

* Gardein products are easy to find and make when you don't feel like preparing something from scratch. There are usually a few cooking options, but I prefer the toaster oven because it's healthier than the microwave and less messy than stovetop.

A lovely trifecta!

Vegan nuggets

One of the many vegan secrets you should know is that Mandarin Orange Crispy Chick’n from Gardein is delicious! I have found this and many of the company’s other products in the frozen section of grocery store organic/specialty aisles and various health food stores. It looks and tastes pretty close to the real thing and all you do is cook a bit on both sides, then mix around in the sticky sauce provided.

Brussel Sprout Chips (adapted from Mayim’s Vegan Table)

For a side veggie, which I try to include with every dinner now, Brussels sprout chips ― courtesy of the Mayim Bialik cookbook ― are so good. And I say this as someone who never enjoyed Brussels sprouts the old fashioned way, steamed and smelling like feet.

Ingredients:

• 2 dozen Brussels sprouts
• 1 capful extra virgin olive oil (about 1 Tbsp or less)
• Sprinkle of sea salt
• Hemp seeds and nutritional yeast (optional)

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350˚F. Wash the Brussels sprouts and discard top layers, then keep peeling layers and place them on cookie sheet (I like to put down parchment paper first for easier clean-up). Discard the remainder of the Brussels sprouts once you can’t peel any more layers.

Drizzle olive oil over the layers, sprinkle on the sea salt, then add some hemp seeds and nutritional yeast (if you’d like) for extra protein and B12, respectively. Mix them around with a spatula to evenly distribute the oil and toppings.

Bake for 5 minutes, mix around again (I pull out the whole tray to do this while wearing oven mitts to avoid injury) and place back in the oven for another 5 minutes. Brussels sprout layers should have slightly crispy edges at this point. If you’d like them crispier, try one more set of 5 minutes before removing.

Easy Peasy Mini Garlic Bread

Most people these days seem to want to avoid carbs but, frankly, I still think we should have some! To round out this meal, I spontaneously thought of how I could make a little something extra that would be easy, quick, relatively healthy and taste great. SilverHills products are also fantastic and almost as easy to find as Gardein.

Ingredients:

• SilverHills Sprouted Ancient Grains Hot Dog Buns (high in protein/fibre) 
• Earth Balance Organic Whipped Buttery Spread (check other types too)
• Minced garlic (not as healthy in the little bottle, but ready to go and easy to spread)

Directions:

These hot dog buns come frozen, but it’s relatively easy to break them apart. Butter both halves on the inside, then spread minced garlic generously before placing in the toaster oven. 

Depending on your appliance, you can experiment with how long and at what level to put it. I toast mine at Level 2 for about 3 minutes. Remove from the oven carefully and voila! 

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

 

Cottage road trip

I recently headed to the cottage with a cooler bag full of vegan food because I didn't know what or where I would be able to eat otherwise. I haven't been up north much in the last few years since I became vegan. Well, most of the food I packed came home with me because I found some fantastic meatless options trickling up to cottage country! Because vegan food is even better when you have a spectacular view :)

Boon Burger – Barrie

Most cottage travelers know the burger joint right off the side of Hwy 11 with the skywalk. It's been around for ages, but now there’s finally a cruelty-free alternative! Just a ten-minute drive from the highway, Boon Burger is located along a cute and popular strip on Dunlop Street with great ambiance and, more importantly, delicious food. The extensive burger menu is all vegan and optionally gluten-free. But you can also order pizza, fries and soft serve ice cream. We enjoyed the Bacun Cheezeburger, with a mushroom and tofu patty, perfectly melted dairy-free cheese, and plenty of delicious toppings. (Other patty options include black bean and chickpea.) The mango lemonade was super refreshing and I loved all the beautiful photos of animals on the walls.

Boon Burger counter 

Shine – Orillia

Another not-too-far-off-the-highway delight, Shine was really easy to find and nestled in an adorable part of town. The restaurant itself is very small, only a few tables and looks more like a grab-and-go or takeout place, but the side patio is perfect for the warm summer, comfortable and completely shaded. Plus the food was delicious! We shared Caesar salad with coconut bacon and the perfect amount of dressing, as well as the refreshing and fruity Beauty Berry smoothie. Then, I enjoyed Mexican Quinoa that had a nice little kick and watched my boyfriend devour the Falafel Bowl featuring zucchini noodles and vegan tzatziki. On the way out, we shared a yummy chocolate chip cookie and took Pleasantville ice cream to go.

                                         Mexican Quinoa                                                Caesar Salad

Falafel Bowl

El Pueblito – Bracebridge

Once you arrive in Muskoka, vegan food is expectantly harder to find. But a quick and pretty drive to Bracebridge (we even saw a deer on the way!) will take you to this popular spot with a quaint patio and several vegan options. Mexican food is relatively easy to veganize anyway, but the options here are delicious and the staff is super friendly. We shared the scrumptious guacamole with house-made chips and then I inhaled the vegan tacos, including black beans, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and rice. Despite the lack of vegan dessert on the menu, it’s still muy bien :) 

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

 

Some of Toronto's vegan spots

Apiecalypse Now! (Bloor/Christie)

It's very exciting for a vegan to have somewhere to grab pizza slices -- and it's pretty central too! There are about eight staples and a few other menu options, as well as changing sweets in the counter to enjoy afterwards. Some fun options include Pepperphony, BBQ Buffalobotomy, and The Pig Destroyer Destroyer. Enjoy a pizza picnic at Christie Pits across the street if the weather permits.

Bloomer's (Bloor/Ossington)

Another bustling spot on what is clearly becoming the vegan strip in Toronto, this cool eatery serves delicious coffee, salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, desserts and even bagels! Order at the counter and head out for a stroll along Bloor, or take a seat in what is arguably the closest thing to a vegan coffee shop in the city right now. You can hang out with friends or do some work on your laptop.

Bloomer's Cobb Salad

Bunner's (Keele/Dundas, Spadina/College)

We couldn't know for sure, of course, but this cute spot might bear some resemblance to heaven. It's small but open with a bakery-wide counter filled with goodies, like cinnamon buns with icing in regular or mini. Naturally, they feature cupcakes, cookies, pies, brownies, ice cream, and even some savoury items too. There's also a no-judgement vibe because, in heaven, there would be no such thing as calories.

Doomie's (Queen/Lansdowne)

Straight out of Los Angeles, the anti-vegan vegan establishment proudly displays the sign 'No Salads'. They serve warm, greasy food instead, like their signature Mac Daddy. (Hint: You can order their classic burger in the same style if you don't plan on sharing). There's also an extensive list of "crazy fries", decadent desserts, and alcoholic milkshakes, as well as free non-alcoholic drink refills. After visiting three times, I'd recommend sharing an entree so you still have room for dessert!

Doomie's Mac Daddy in classic burger size with crazy fries

Doug's Public Kitchen (Allen Road/Glencairn)

Owned and run by vegan chef, Doug McNish, this midtown spot is easily accessible and has free parking. It's not fancy, but the food is scrumptious 'clean eating'. They also try to be mindful of other dietary restrictions by offering gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and raw options (though there's a disclaimer for people with severe allergies that suggests they can't guarantee no cross-contamination).

Fresh (Spadina/Bloor, Spadina/Richmond, Queen/Crawford, Yonge/Eglinton)

Possibly one of the most successful mainstream local vegetarian places, Fresh has acquired many regulars since opening in 1999. Health-conscious patrons can go for bowls, salads, fresh juices and smoothies, but there are also awesome quinoa-breaded onion rings, burgers, wraps, and Sweets from the Earth desserts. Some locations have a great patio for nice weather, while the newest Yonge and Eglinton spot features a slightly more glam ambiance.

Fresh Powerhouse Bowl

Hogtown (Bloor/Dufferin)

This is a great option when you just want a casual vibe, comfort food, and you might be travelling with non-vegans. It's basically classic American dishes that happened to be veganized, like macaroni and cheese, the pulled pork sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, collard greens, taco salad, chili cheese fries, chicken fingers with barbecue sauce, and more. Then, you can choose between desserts like chocolate mousse and apple pie with vanilla ice cream.

Hogtown Philly Cheese Steak and Mac 'n Cheese

Kupfert and Kim (Spadina/Richmond, King/York, Bay/Wellington, Bay/Harbour)

The 'meatless and wheat-less' restaurant has expanded greatly over the last four years, with perfect placement amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown work traffic. Their super healthy breakfasts and fresh lunch or dinner bowls combine amazing ingredients with smoothies, coffees, other beverages and raw desserts rounding out the menu. Try the Oaxaca bowl with a PB & J energy ball.

Live (Dupont/Spadina)

Part raw, part cooked and more of a 'granola' vibe, the transit-friendly spot is more convenient than some others (especially for midtowners) given that it's located across from the subway. It's also perfect for health-conscious non-vegans and vegans alike. The chickpea patty burger and kale Caesar salad are fabulous, but some other great options include pizza, nachos, smoothies, and raw desserts. It also has an adorable and quaint backyard patio for summertime eating.

Live Breakfast Burrito

Rawlicious (8 locations, including Bloor/Bathurst opening soon)

This all-raw vegan joint is hip and happening with a natural vibe, and everything delicious and clean. It's the kind of food that seems overpriced, but is worth it when you consider the effort involved and the wholesomeness of eating things like bread made from sweet onions and wraps made of the greenest lettuce leaves. Everything is fresh, seasonal and cold except for their hot coffee options. They have raw desserts too, including an awesome salted caramel square.

Rawlicious Taco Wrap

Through Being Cool (Bloor/Lansdowne)

Best known for its wide selection of big donuts that change every day in their glorious case, including classics like sprinkled, chocolate glaze, Boston cream, cinnamon buns and fritters, TBC (as it's known for short) has also stepped up its meal game, with pizza rolls, sandwiches, Caesar salad, seitan, egg-less salad, pot pies, burgers, and more. Their relatively recent introduction of 'freezer cakes' is a game-changer: they're clearly inspired by the Deep 'N Delicious classics we grew up with.

Urban Herbivore (Yonge/Dundas, Spadina/College, Dovercourt/College)

Perhaps the closest thing to vegan 'fast food' place you can find locally at the moment. They offer a fresh and bountiful salad bar where you can pick five ingredients from the many options in front of you, sprinkled with seeds and coconut bacon and the dressing of your choice (lemon tahini is most popular for good reason). There are also sandwiches, soups, fresh juices and fantastic desserts, including muffin tops and some of the best vegan cupcakes (like Hostess).

'Urb Herb' Make Your Own Salad

Vegan Danish Bakery (Thornhill at Yonge/Centre)

The original all-vegan spot in the area makes everything delicious! You can cupcakes, cakes, muffins, butter tarts, cinnamon buns, cookies, truffles, and true Danish treats (including gluten-free and special order items, like mini cupcakes). They also make pizza rolls and empanadas, plus they sell Stokes nut cheese, some staple packaged items, and various books. Since expanding into an adorable coffee-shop style eatery with bistro tables, you can indulge in delicious sundaes and bagel options, too!

Vegan Danish Bakery Salted Caramel Pecan Cashew Sundae

Yamchops (College/Crawford)

Known ironically as a 'vegan butcher shop', this unique Toronto joint has glass cases full of prepared foods that you would expect from the term. Instead of meat, they sell items like beet burgers, no pork pulled pork, tuna-less tuna, kale Caesar salad and, of course, yamchops! The store also offers pre-orders for pick-up or delivery, as well as complete juice cleanses with a plethora of choices. And the chocolate almond pudding is better than any of the packaged crap you had as a kid.

Like and follow In Your Vegan Face on Facebook!

Busted arguments for eating meat

People come up with a million excuses to continue eating meat. I have heard so many justifications and, even worse, those who mock veganism or put it down for the reasons they have made up in their minds. Here are a few of the common stances...

"Meat is the best source of protein."

That would be wrong. Chickpeas, lentils, various other beans, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, seitan, textured vegetable protein, peas and other vegetables are all rich in protein with more than enough to satisfy your appetite and daily nutritional requirements. There are a growing number of substitutes from which to get ample protein, as well as other vitamins and minerals. Check out some of my staples.

"Humans are natural carnivores / omnivores."

Based on our flat teeth and long intestines, it is believed that our bodies are physiologically designed to eat plants. True carnivores have sharp teeth to bite into raw flesh and short intestines to properly digest meat.

 Perhaps we were once carnivores, as cave people, but we have naturally evolved over thousands of years. The same can be said for the image many people reinforce that we are highest up on the food chain. After all, it doesn't take much strength and toughness to drive to the grocery store.

"Vegan food is tasteless!"

Some vegan food can be bland, sure. But that goes for all food. You may find stuff you like and stuff you don't like, but that's part of the fun! People have a tendency to assume vegan food is going to be weird or bad and if they're not happy with the first taste, they'll be damned to try anything else. There are many different styles of food, from mock meats to rice and pasta dishes. Not everything is salad, salad, salad either.

"Not eating meat, dairy and eggs causes people to become malnourished."

Actually, there are many studies that point to meat and dairy actually causing health problems. People who cut out meat and dairy have often noticed clearer skin, shinier hair, subsided symptoms of IBS, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, arthritis, and more. Apparently, a raw vegan diet can even reverse grey hair!

"But meat is delicious!"

If humans actually ate animals without cooking up their meat and slathering it in barbecue sauce, seasonings and whatnot, it probably wouldn't taste good. It can also make humans sick when not cooked, so what does that tell you? Ecoli and salmonella are publicly addressed concerns about uncooked meat.

Similarly, there are so many commercials that advertise medications for issues like heartburn and lactose intolerance. Doesn't it make better sense not to consume the foods that cause them, rather than just cook away the bacteria or mask the symptoms of indigestion?

"Animals don't feel pain or have personalities anyway. They are bred for us to eat."

Have you accidentally stepped on your dog's tail or hung out with someone's cat? All animals (yes, fish too) feel pain and are unique individual beings, just as people are. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise.

People spread this lie to remove their rightful guilt when they watch movies like "Babe", "Bambi", "Dumbo" and "Charlotte's Web". Aside from the fact that they speak a language humans can understand, these are arguably more accurate depictions of animals, in all seriousness, than what slaughterhouses would like us to believe.

Animals communicate with each other and are sensitive, often maternal, creatures who don't want to suffer and die. If you are a "dog person" or a "cat person", you already understand this. So why would you think that cows, pigs, lambs, chickens, turkeys, ducks and fish are any different?

A day in the life of a vegan

Most people don't think about what it means to be vegan beyond the food we eat. While some may give up meat for health or dietary reasons, ethical vegans abolish all ingredients, materials, products and processes that come from or harm animals.

I usually start off the day with almond milk and coconut sugar in my instant coffee and some ancient grains toast. I like Live Clean shampoo and conditioner when I wash my hair, which are affordable and easy to find in stores like Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart. The company's hand soap, skincare and baby products are also great.

Buck Naked Soap Company is owned by one of my former colleagues and I happen to love the different kinds of over-sized bars like Drunken Soap, Warm Cocoa Butter, and Shea Butter. Nowadays, I use products like Desert Essence facial cleanser and Kiss My Face for toner, as well as Jason Powersmile for toothpaste. Everything is easy to find in Loblaw's organic aisles, health food stores, or online.

Vegan products are actually very accessible if you make the effort, and they are increasingly easier to find. I use Meow Meow Tweet deodorant cream (a bit pricey but works great) and make-up from 100% Pure and Pure Ananda. I like moisturizer from Arbonne for my face during the day and coconut oil at night, plus hand cream from Yes to Carrots or Arbonne. Some additional products include Lacc nail polish (at Shoppers), Almost Natural nail polish remover, and Rescue Cream instead of products like Polysporin.

Most of my clothes are made of cotton, polyester, rayon, linen or acrylic. My shoes are fabric or polyurethane with rubber soles and "man-made" insoles. I don't wear leather, suede, wool, cashmere or angora, and I have stopped buying anything new that contains silk. I even stick to vegan perfume now, which is either Stella McCartney most of the time, or Pacifica scents that are nice and light.

When I'm at home, I sit on mostly fabric or wood furniture (no leather) with cushions and pillows made of polyfill (not down feathers). My dishes are earthenware, not bone china. I do laundry with products from Eco Max and Echo Clean, and clean the bathroom and kitchen with Method and Mrs. Meyers.

At the grocery store, I stick to as much organic produce as possible. Some of my staples are avocados, leafy greens, mushrooms, bell peppers, bananas, clementine oranges, and frozen raspberries. My regular purchases also include Silverhills ancient grains bread and buns, Silk almond milk, Gardein meat substitutes, Bob's Red Mill nutritional yeast, Earth Balance butter, Yves canned chickpeas and black beans, and Earth Island vegan mayo.

For additional foods, I like Sabra hummus, Sunflower Kitchen soups, Neal Brothers tortilla chips and salsa, Casbah quinoa and freekeh, Rizopia brown rice pasta, PC Organic brown rice, and Eden Organic lentils. My latest favourite item is Bee Free Honee.

Check out your local stores and websites like V Word Market and Well.ca to find these and other great vegan-friendly products.