Eat Your Veg - The Plant Based Podcast

We made it! One whole season of the Eat Your Veg podcast! Whew – what a season it's been.In this closing episode of Season 1, I'm chatting with my co-producer Breanna Lawlor about the most exciting vegan trends we've seen so far this year. In this extended episode, we're talking all things vegan fish, the best 'milk' chocolate and fried eggs, to name but a few!As someone who's recently transitioned to a more plant-based diet, Bre has some great insights into what new vegans crave and talks with honesty about why some animal-free products just don't work. I hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as we did recording it - and we can't wait to see you back for Season 2 this autumn!Find the Sauerkraut tutorial I mention here.Follow me on InstagramSubscribe to the blogShare your podcast review

You know those veggies you didn't grow up with so you know nothing about them? Yup. It's time to go from stranger danger to being the garnish on your avocado toast.Whether you're a produce aficionado or a total novice, this episode will make you think differently about those vegetables you've always overlooked when shopping. Listen in for my favourite easy ways to cook with these 3 underrated market veggies - you'll never look at them in the same way again!Follow me on InstagramSubscribe to the blogShare your podcast review

Finally delivering on the name of this podcast! This episode is - you guessed it - all about ways to eat more veggies.... Forget the usual boiled or steamed options, try these innovative ideas to make your meals even more nutrient-dense and tasty!If you can blend it, you can sneak it in your smoothies - cauliflower, zucchini, even broccoli!Veggies in your baking. Once you’ve tried this tasty trick, you may not think it’s as crazy as it sounds.Veggie pasta noodles vs. carb-heavy flour or rice noodlesRecipes mentioned:No Banana Berry SmoothieCarrot Cake MuffinsFollow me on InstagramSubscribe to the blogShare your podcast review

Ok, confession time. I love Daiya Cheese. I KNOW!!!!! For so many people it seems to be a love or hate thing. But I don't know what it is - maybe it's the stretchiness, the savoury taste or the junkiness: I just love it. So in that vein, in today's episode I'm focusing on all things vegan cheese and showing you exactly HOW to find the best vegan cheese for you. Whether you're looking for something artisanal to eat with sourdough or to spread on your pizza, I'm sharing what to consider and how to find your plant-based cheese match. Oh, and I'll share my favourite brands too. :)My faves:Blue Heron Cheese - https://www.blueheroncheese.com/Zengarry Cheese - https://www.zengarry.com/Pulse Kitchen - http://www.pulsekitchen.com/Other cheeses & brands mentioned:Violife: https://violifefoods.com/en_ca/ Daiya: https://daiyafoods.com/ Vegan Supply: https://vegansupply.ca/And if you want to know exactly how to make the Ultimate Vegan Cheese Board: follow my guide here.Follow me on Instagram Subscribe to the blogShare your podcast review

As you start exploring plant-based eating, you might find yourself browsing the wide array of vegan goodies in the aisle on your weekly shop. Is that a tummy rumble? Hmm. Those vegan cheeze puffs sure look tasty.  Aaaaaand there goes the grocery budget.But wait a second. Isn't plant-based eating supposed to be cheaper? That, my friend is the rub. In a modern grocery store, you can find a vegan version of just about anything, and all those goodies are tempting. But never fear! A balanced plant-based diet (and grocery budget) is made possible with a little planning and a handy vegan shopping checklist.  With a little meal-prep and will power, you'll find yourself eating better while saving money doing it.  In today's episode I'll share 6 tips for making your foray into vegan eating better for you, the planet and your wallet. Follow me on Instagram  Subscribe to the blog Share your podcast review  

Snacks. They're why we're all here, right? With plenty of us working from home within reach of the kitchen, it's only natural to feel peckish for midday treats. Thank your future self by planning ahead with a few of my go-to vegan snacks. These 4 treats are quick to prepare and will keep you topped up with plenty of plant-based protein. Try them for yourself so your afternoon Zooms don't become sugar-crash snoozes.Recipe links for the drool-worthy treats mentioned in this episode:Cacao Strawberry Energy Balls (vegan & gluten-free):https://vancouverwithlove.com/snacks/cacao-strawberry-energy-balls-vegan-gf/5 Minute Post Workout Smoothie (vegan & gluten-free):https://vancouverwithlove.com/drinks/5-minute-post-workout-smoothie/Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates (vegan & gluten-free):https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/chocolate-peanut-butter-stuffed-dates-vegan-gf/6-Ingredient Granola Bars (vegan & gluten-free):https://vancouverwithlove.com/snacks/6-ingredient-granola-bars-vegan-gluten-free/And plenty more where that came from over at: www.vancouverwithlove.com and www.instagram.com/vancouverwithlove

From an allegedly hippie childhood to "hey, that's kind of cool" – growing and fermenting your own food at home can be a tasty win. You don't need soil or containers for these two simple ideas, just a few ingredients, a jar, and a little time! Within a few days you'll have nourishing, delicious foods that you can proudly say  were the work of your own hand!Listen in for a quick DIY on how to make these yourself, then head over to my more in-depth tutorials on the blog if you want more info - How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts - https://vancouverwithlove.com/the-basics/how-to-grow-alfalfa-sprouts-at-home/How to Make Sauerkraut - https://vancouverwithlove.com/the-basics/how-to-make-sauerkraut-easy-vegan-gluten-free/For more tasty plant-based meal inspiration hop on over to Instagram (I'm there most of the time):  https://www.instagram.com/vancouverwithlove/

Shifting from winter to spring is the perfect time to get in touch with the seasons and your system. Three of my favourites ways?It’s hard to pass up a trip to the local farmers market to find yummy veg that’s fresh and in season.Used to eating comfort foods all winter? Time to energize with lighter meals to put a spring in your step.Gain a closer connection to your food by foraging for tasty treats outdoors. I share one of my favourite additions found plentifully in the wild at this time of year.For more springtime inspiration, check out these recipes to see what I mean:Spring Colours Salad: https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/spring-colours-salad-vegan-gluten-free/Nutrient-rich Nettle Soup: https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/nutrient-rich-nettle-soup/Vegan Buddha Bowls with Tofu: https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/vegan-buddha-bowls-with-tofu/Rhubarb & Apple Crumble: https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/rhubarb-apple-crumble/  Yum, not a bad menu if I do say so. Not bad.What’s your favourite way to gear up your meals for Spring? I'd love to hear from you over on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CNVWfkPpU-B/

It's the first long weekend after an extra cozy winter season and we are so ready for it. While I grew up with Easter in the UK being aaall about chocolate eggs, it seems to be a highly regarded holiday in itself here in Canada. It's about pastel colours and everything spring, along with an excuse to gather with loved ones around the table. Whether you're planning to join forces virtually or whether small gathering are allowed where you are, I have some plant-based feast-worthy ideas for you to include as your Easter meal centrepiece. It seems the most challenging part about adapting traditional meals is trying to switch the main meat item for a plant-based equivalent. Hopefully these vegan suggestions give you loads of inspiration!You'll find delicious recipe ideas on the blog (https://vancouverwithlove.com/) and photos designed to inspire over on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vancouverwithlove/). Recipes mentioned:Classic Nut Roast - https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/classic-vegan-nut-roast-gluten-free/Ultimate Vegan Cheese Board - https://vancouverwithlove.com/the-basics/how-to-make-the-ultimate-vegan-cheese-board/Follow along and as always, please send me a message if there's something you'd love to hear on the Podcast. Happy listening! – Lizi 

But, how do YOU get enough protein in your diet as a [ vegan or vegetarian ]? We are taught that proteins are the building blocks of healthy cells. And don't get me wrong, getting enough protein is an important part of a well-balanced diet, but there are other amazing options than animal-based proteins that are inexpensive and widely available. Protein comes in many forms and I love to experiment with these 3 inexpensive ingredients in baking and meals. If you're wondering how to up your plant protein game, I think you'll enjoy this week's episode featuring my favourite Protein Rich Pantry Staples.  Recipe mentioned:Chickpea Flour Crepes - https://vancouverwithlove.com/breakfast/breakfast-crepes-vegan-gluten-free/

Batch meal prep is the equivalent of buying yourself time. When life gets busy, healthy meals all too often become the first thing to drop off the list of priorities. So, get ahead of a full week and set yourself up for a blissfully tasty meal plan. Hearty veggie soups and stews are a fantastic way to up your veggie intake. I love infusing added protein with legumes like lentils and ensuring my batch meals are full of flavour. Leave the Sunday scaries behind with weekly batch meals that will have you looking forward to Monday. Recipes here:Bolognese Sauce - https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/store-cupboard-lentil-bolognese-vegan-gluten-free/ Dhal - https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/red-lentil-dhal/Vegan Chili - https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/homemade-vegan-chili/Red Lentil Lasagna - https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/vegan-lasagna/For tasty plant-based meal inspiration hop on over to Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/vancouverwithlove/

Ahhh baking. It's therapeutic, delicious and so satisfying. Truly, there's nothing that satiates like a home-baked goodie. Making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle can be tough at the beginning, especially when you're looking for ways to adapt your tried and true recipes to become more vegan-friendly. In this episode, I share a handful of my go-to baking swaps including flaxseed, coconut oil and coconut milk. These are just a few of the amazing vegan baking substitutes out there that tend to follow a one-to-one swap ratio. Up next on my to-try list is aquafaba for a vegan meringue, aka chickpea liquid, which has to be the most glamorous name for a bean juice. With all the extra time we're spending at home, why not take advantage of some of the lesser-known superstar ingredients? You'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy these switches are to pull off. Happy baking! (I would love to hear your successes with vegan home baking and whether you, too, get excited when a recipe turns out just *chef's kiss* so. Drop me an email at elizabeth@vancouverwithlove.com!)

Working from home has its perks. The commute is short, the fridge is close and lunch is entirely yours to create. A little bit of planning ahead and creative thinking will give you a wholly refreshed look at how amazing at-home lunches can be. Listen in for my favourite 5 Easy Vegan Work from Home Lunch Recipes, and  treat yourself to a midday boost chock-full with healthy veggies, superfoods, saucy concoctions and flavours that will make you extra grateful to be stuck at home. For more weekday foodie inspiration visit www.vancouverwithlove.com and check out Instagram for beautiful photos and how-to's. Check out this blog post for all recipes mentioned in the episodehttps://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/work-from-home-lunches/

Blogs mentioned:Deliciously Ella - https://deliciouslyella.com/Minimalist Baker - https://minimalistbaker.com/Oh She Glows - https://ohsheglows.com/Feasting on Fruit - https://feastingonfruit.com/Mississippi Vegan - https://www.mississippivegan.com/

Dessert decadence. You know what makes buying store-bought desserts such a bad idea? Knowing that you can whip up something SO much better that just so happens to be vegan and dairy-free! Mmm hmm. This week's bonus episode makes waves with simple whole food ingredients like coconut, cacao and maple syrup. Indulge in these recipes and you'll find yourself amazed with the flavours and textures you can create with easy-to-find plant-based ingredients. (Also, these recipes are all naturally gluten free.) Recipes mentioned:Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies-vegan-gluten-free/Chocolate Glop Cake - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/chocolate-glop-cream-cake-vegan-gf/No Bake Black Forest Cake - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/no-bake-black-forest-cake-vegan-gluten-free/Dessert Nachos - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/dessert-nachos-vegan-gluten-free/Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/chocolate-peanut-butter-stuffed-dates-vegan-gf/

We're a week into February and while the days may be longer, they are not long enough to wipe out the need for chocolate. With Valentine's Day on the horizon, I thought I would share a few easy DIY treats to help take the edge off the winter chill. Conventional chocolate offers little in the way of true satisfaction because it is often loaded with palm oils, dyes and processed sugar – leaving you feeling worse than before you scarfed the chocolate bar in the first place. Indulge your sweet tooth with tasty refined sugar-free swaps and plant-based ingredients for a refreshing update on the chocolate fix. The recipes are a delicious, easy way of satisfying your chocolate craving, guilt-free!  Mentioned in the episode:Chocolate Mousse recipe - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/avocado-chocolate-mousse/DIY Chocolate - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/3-ingredient-sugar-free-chocolate/A little extra inspiration:Chocolate Glop Cake - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/chocolate-glop-cream-cake-vegan-gf/No Bake Black Forest Cake - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/no-bake-black-forest-cake-vegan-gluten-free/Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/chocolate-peanut-butter-stuffed-dates-vegan-gf/Dessert Nachos - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/dessert-nachos-vegan-gluten-free/Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies - https://vancouverwithlove.com/sweetthings/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies-vegan-gluten-free/

Tofu. Say the word and naturally you're going to be met with opinions. Some find themselves immediately frustrated with how challenging this versatile flavour vessel can be to prepare. Well, I'm delighted to share 3 easy ways to manage a more tofu-friendly prep and cooking process.  Tofu is amazing for absorbing herbs, sauces and spices, making it the perfect protein source for breakfasts, vibrant veggie bowls and focal points for your vegan medleys. If you have 3 minutes, I highly recommend listening to this short episode for learning how to cook tofu like a pro. It just might just change your life. For some of my favourite tofu recipes head over to the the blog here: https://vancouverwithlove.com/?s=tofu and for the visual guide to cooking tofu you'll find the 3 cooking methods in detail hereAlso, check out Vancouver with Love over on Instagram. 

We're all raised on the idea that a solid breakfast begins with eggs and toast. Well, it's 2021 and there are way more options for healthy, veggie-centric breakfasts than ever before. In this week's episode I share six protein-rich vegan breakfast ideas that are quick, delicious and even a little unconventional, in the best way. I hope you like, learn and love these breakfast staples as much as I do. Here's to starting your day with something to look forward to. Check out my blog at https://vancouverwithlove.com/mains/ for easy breaky ideas, recipes and more! Find me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/vancouverwithlove/Or on the blog here: https://vancouverwithlove.com/My favourite protein powder: https://omeganutrition.com/products/pumpkin-protein-powderTofu Scramble: https://vancouverwithlove.com/the-basics/how-to-cook-tofu-3-ways/

If you're short on time (or patience!) these veggie-centred medleys are sure to set you off on the right track. Sumptuous smoothies, addictive avocado toast and plentiful pastas are all featured in this week's podcast episode. For more tips and plant-based meal guides, visit https://vancouverwithlove.com/vegan-how-to-guides/ and set yourself up for a plant-i-ful 2021.Find me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/vancouverwithlove/Or on the blog here: https://vancouverwithlove.com/

Whether you're new to a vegan diet or a seasoned vegetarian, January is a wonderful time to reset your meal time go-to's. Explore and invest in some fresh vegan recipes with a little help. We're excited to share the first episode of 2021 with 5 quick tips on making the switch to a vegan diet so much easier. And, be sure to pop on to Vancouver with Love for the helpful 'How to Shop Vegan Meal Prep List' and Meal Prep Guide to get you started. Happy 2021 and Veganuary, friends!Find me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/vancouverwithlove/Or on the blog here: https://vancouverwithlove.com/