What’s everybody’s New Year’s resolution? I’m gonna try to go Vegan. Discipline test. NOT looking forward to it. Wish me luck!!
— Ne-Yo!! (@NeYoCompound) December 31, 2012
From the looks of it, the plant-based mafia has struck again. R&B singer Ne-Yo has decided to make the change as a “discipline test” in the New Year.
Even though he stated that he isn’t looking forward to it, we applaud the effort. Knowing what we do about how amazing a plant-based diet can make you look and feel, we’re sure the crooner will stick with it once he experiences the results.
UPDATE:
It seems that Ne-Yo is becoming immersed in the vegan lifestyle already. On Monday, he tweeted about how reading up on animal cruelty has changed his perspective and given his plant-based challenge more meaning.
Went vegan for the new year mainly just to test my discipline but after reading up on animal cruelty and what not, much more meaning to it.
— Ne-Yo!! (@NeYoCompound) January 2, 2013
Do you know anyone who’s taken the “challenge” to follow a plant-based lifestyle this New Year’s? Tell us about it in the comments.
Guilt-Free Haute Cuisine
Fabulous Finds: Vegan Caviar
Looking to add a little glamour to dinner? Ilena shares how to add a little panache with this decadent ingredient from a surprising source.
I’ll admit to being a big fan of caviar when I was omnivorous, particularly the wasabi variety. When I became vegan, I accepted that as one indulgence which was no longer an option. While researching great products for last year’s holiday guide, I discovered vegan caviar and the idea sent me on a search for this elusive foodstuff.
While sourcing a local supplier for another brand, I stumbled across a forum that mentioned Tangkorn, a seaweed caviar produced and sold by Ikea. The reviews were positive-even from the many herbivores who’d never eaten traditional caviar. I couldn’t get to the store fast enough.
Photo: Espen Faugstad
The holiday season is upon us once again & with it the travel experience. In an airport surrounded by processed chips and cakes, or on the road to small town America, going home for the holidays can bring on anxiety. Here’s your essential guide to making it home without losing your sanity–or your stomach.
Take your parents’ advice for once.
When traveling, it’s true what Mom used to say–breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Be sure to start with something hearty & nutritious,
to carry you through airport skirmishes with TSA or those first few hours of the drive. Blueberry Vanilla Overnight Oats are a great option. If you’d like something hot instead, try a tofu scramble skillet. To make your morning stress-free, prep the ingredients the night before.
You CAN take it with you.
On the road, one of the biggest issues for herbivores is finding suitable sustenance. Rather than searching for snacks in the middle of nowhere, plan ahead and carry a portable meal with you. Try a Kind Bar for a whole food snack anyone could enjoy. Check to make sure the flavor you select is vegan, or make your own.
For long road trips or flights, pack items that are easy to transport & safe to store at room temperature like hummus & pita chips, sandwiches and trail mix .
Drink it in.
When dealing with delays, annoying seat mates, & cross country car rides, healthy options are likely the last thing on your mind. Instead of grabbing that in-flight soda to quench your thirst, take a drink mix that’s sure to lift spirits.
You can’t carry liquids on-board, but having a packet of your favorite tea will make the ride much easier to take. Add an Emergen-c packet to a glass of OJ for an immunity boost.
If you’re driving, pack travel mugs of something warm & filling to bolster your efforts.
Layer it on.
One of the most annoying things about traveling during winter is the variable temperatures. Your car is 70 degrees, it’s 20 outside, the airport’s 65 and so on. Dress in easily removable layers to be stylish and comfortable. Thread4Thought’s Palisades wrap over a camisole adds warmth without bulk. It’s lightweight, and takes up little space in a carry on.
Top it all off with a great coat & scarf, and you’re good to go for miles.
Get a move on.
A pre-trip workout is a great way to combat sluggishness and swelling from lethargy on long journeys. Go for something like yoga, which aids flexibility, to keep illness at bay.
Don’t forgo your workout while you’re on holiday either. Follow an online training regimen like Blogilates or look up local gyms that offer guest passes to stay in the swing. You’ll stave off extra pounds and beat the winter blues.
–Ilena
Featured in our Comfort & Joy Sweets & Treats Holiday Gift Guide, Sophia’s offers great, 100% vegan teas (no dairy products). Check out their offerings with this week’s deal:
25% off your order with the code “HappyHolidays” until Dec. 26th. Visit them here.
Photo: Laurie Sparham
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the film adaptation of Les Miserables, opening Christmas Day, and Anne Hathaway in the role of Fantine. What we’re excited to find out about is Miss Hathaway’s choice to wear cruelty-free footwear for the duration of the film.
“We had to find very specific shoemakers to create lace-up boots and ankle boots,” costume designer Paco Delgado relayed to Footwear News, who broke the story. "We also did flats that were much more sophisticated.“
The level of awareness this single move has brought to plant-based fashion alternatives is striking. Though Hathaway is a fairly new vegan, she’s making her commitment known & spreading awareness. Kudos to her!
If you’re wondering what all the fuss around Les Mis is about, check out the trailer below. It might just wrap up your Christmas entertainment plans.
Still on the fence for a great plant-based gift? Look no further. We’ve put together a list of great sweets, treats & drinks for the plant-based giftee on your list.
For last minute shoppers, you have a couple more days to order & ensure timely delivery.
Download your copy now.
Happy holidays!
