My Plant-Based Family

Eating Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet recipes, On a Budget.

Holly Yzquierdo

December 5, 2016 Plant-Based Meal Plan

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Our calendar is getting full of Christmas parties and holiday get togethers. Do you want to know my trick for staying sane? I say no! I can’t accept every invitation that comes up; I’m too introverted for that. We carefully choose the things that we can attend based on our over all schedule and our normal routine.

Sometimes that means we have to miss things that are really important to us but when we over do it, we suffer. It’s a hard lesson to learn.

Another thing that really helps is to have a plan. Right now I’m focused on eating healthy. My dishes and laundry may pile up but my priority is cooking real food and eating at home.

Plant-Based Meal Plan that is also allergy-friendly.

By the way, in the My Plant-Based Family Facebook Group, several of us are keeping each other accountable by sharing our daily meals and/or workouts. Each day I start a new thread (post) for everyone to leave comments on for that day. Those of us who commit to sharing daily are able to encouage each other and offer motivation. It’s a great group! Join HERE!

Plant-Based Meal Plan

Monday

Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot

leftovers

Dinner out for a Christmas party

Tuesday

Blueberry Pancakes and fruit

Chickpea Noodle Soup

Enchilada Casserole

Wednesday

Overnight Oats

Tostadas and Mexican Rice

Easy Asian Noodles

Thursday

Banana Bread and Smoothies

Veggie Burrito

Chickpea Quinoa Stir Fry

Friday

Cashew Chai Latte Oatmeal

Leftover stir fry

Veggie Burger, Oven Fries and Fruit Salad

What is on your meal plan for this week? Any Instant Pot Recipes? I’m working on some new ones for you! I also have a new resource for everyone that gets my Saturday morning emails! It’s a collection of my favorite Instant Pot recipes! Click the link to get your copy!

Spiced Apple Cider

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I’m willing myself to get in full-on holiday mode. I haven’t pulled out the decorations yet but Thanksgiving has come and gone. It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit and this Spiced Apple Cider will do the trick.

Spiced Apple Cider is perfect for your holiday party or to get in the Christmas spirit.

One area that I typically neglect during the holidays, is the drink category. I usually think about food but not beverages. This year I started drinking cider in October. I’m not sure why but during the evenings I craved warm sips of the holidays and apple cider is a great, non-caffeinated option.

Spiced Apple Cider is perfect for your holiday party or to get in the Christmas spirit.

Since I started drinking apple cider so early in the season I had to mix it up a bit. This Apple Cider Recipe is perfect for special occasions and holiday parties. It takes an average cider up a level and makes your guests feel the holiday spirit. Go ahead and turn on Elf or Miracle on 34th Street.

It may just be me but this might taste even better if you are wearing your favorite flannel jammies.

If you’re serving this at a party, I recommend getting clear glasses, mugs or jars so your guests can see the deep honey color of the cider. If it’s just you and your family just go for your favorite big mug.

Spiced Apple Cider is perfect for your holiday party or to get in the Christmas spirit.

Spiced Apple Cider

Prepare to experience your favorite Christmas memories rushing back as you sip this delicious Spiced Apple Cider. This simple cider recipe will make your home smell like the holidays. If you make it, tag me on Instagram so I can see your photos!

Ingredients

  • 4 Cups of Apple Cider
  • Half of a small orange
  • Half a cinnamon Stick
  • 2 Tbsp of brown sugar
  • ½ tsp of whole allspice berries
  • ½ tsp of whole cloves
  • ¼ tsp of black peppercorn
  • A tiny pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Heat 4 cups of apple cider in a small pot with brown sugar on medium heat, stir until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add in the orange, cinnamon stick (half), whole allspice berries, whole cloves, whole black peppercorn, the pinch of nutmeg and give it a stir.
  3. Decrease the heat and cover with a lid, simmer for about 15 minutes.
  4. Strain into jars or mugs. I recommend using a cheesecloth or coffee filters to strain the other ingredients from the liquid
Yield: 4 Servings

Spiced Apple Cider

Spiced Apple Cider is perfect for your holiday party or to get in the Christmas spirit.

Spiced Apple Cider is perfect for your holiday party or to get in the Christmas spirit.

Ingredients

  • 4 Cups of Apple Cider
  • Half of a small orange
  • Half a cinnamon Stick
  • 2 Tbsp of brown sugar
  • ½ tsp of whole allspice berries
  • ½ tsp of whole cloves
  • ¼ tsp of black peppercorn
  • A tiny pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Heat 4 cups of apple cider in a small pot with brown sugar on medium heat, stir until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add in the orange, cinnamon stick (half), whole allspice berries, whole cloves, whole black peppercorn, the pinch of nutmeg and give it a stir.
  3. Decrease the heat and cover with a lid, simmer for about 15 minutes.
  4. Strain into jars or mugs. I recommend using a cheesecloth or coffee filters to strain the other ingredients from the liquid

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Heather Mayes

My Plant-Based Meal Plan + Support Group

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The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be hard to navigate for plant-based eaters. There are more parties, potlucks and holiday dinners than any other time of year. The temptation will mount as you see all your old favorites, platters of treats and the “one won’t hurt” attitude.

I’m not immune to the barrage that is coming but I can counter it by being very intentional with my meal planning and food prep. Maybe most important is saying NO. Say no to the extra treats, gravy, parties, and quick run for fast food. If you’ve been around My Plant-Based Family for a while you know I’m not some crazy, hard-core, healthy eater. But, if you are really wanting to eat healthy through the next month (especially if you are new to the plant-based diet) then you have to be a little more stubborn about making healthy choices.

I want to help all of you who need the extra help. I’m determined not to overindulge during the holiday festivities this year. That doesn’t mean I’ll skip all of the Christmas fun, or even all of the desserts, but I won’t allow it to ruin my progress.

Join me in the My Plant-Based Family Facebook Group. I’ll post a daily thread where you can chime in with what you are eating, cooking, or planning. This group has been a little quiet but it is the perfect place to share. It’s a closed group so only group members can see what you post. Will you join me?

As mentioned, I’m going to be very intentional about my meal planning. It’s so important to have healthy food available. My husband has already done our grocery shopping for the week and we’ve decided what we will eat for the week.

This plant-based meal plan is perfect for the cooler temperatures of fall.

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Plant-Based Meal Plan

Monday

Steel Cut Oats made in my Instant Pot topped with Bananas

Leftover Soup

Mini Lentil Loaves, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

Tuesday

Smoothie and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins

Leftover Lentil Loaf and veggies

Pizza made with Enjoy Life Food Pizza dough mix and a side salad

Wednesday

Toast topped with peanut butter (or peanut-free alternative) Bananas or Apple Slices

Big Salad

Recipe testing a new pasta recipe

Thursday

Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot with apples

Chickpea Noodle Soup

Lentil Tacos (in my Instant Pot), Mexican rice and Unfried Black Beans

Friday

Yogurt and Granola

Leftovers

“Beefy” Lentil and Veggie Soup

I’ve stepped up my cooking lately so we are sure to have healthy leftovers for lunch. If something changes we have to eat out we will grab Chipotle. It’s our go-to choice when we eat out. I always go for the Veggie Bowl.

 

My Favorite Instant Pot Accessories

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You know I love my Instant Pot, but did you know that there are a few accessories I love too? I’m sharing all of my favorite finds with you!

This page will contain my affiliate links. That means I’ll make a very small percent of each sale, at no extra cost to you.

The Instant Pot is one of my favorite  purchases in the last few years. I have the 7 in 1 Multi-functional Instant Pot! Check out why I love my Instant Pot!

If you already have an Instant Pot or are shopping for someone who already has on, I recommend and extra sealing ring, the tempered glass lid for using the slow cooker mode, or the silicone lid. (The IP brand lid isn’t available. I haven’t tried this version but it is on my wish list!) I also use this steamer basket and love it!

You can also get very reasonably price accessory bundles that have items for users who want to do more with their Instant Pots!

There are also many great pressure cooker books! I own The Vegan Fast Food Kitchen and Vegan Pressure Cooking. I’ve heard great things about Vegan Under Pressure too!

 

Plant-Based Thanksgiving Menu

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In years past, I would start planning for Thanksgiving weeks ahead of the holiday. I would plan my menu, my shop days and when each recipe would be started and finished. I even planned what dishes I would need so that I would make sure to have everything ready. I wrote a rather long post about it years ago.

Thanksgiving Planning

I’d like to say I’m much more laid back now but that isn’t really the case. You see, I make the same recipes every year. A few years ago I wrote the Healthy Holiday Meal Plan and Cookbook and shared all my recipes and tips. Now I just follow the plan, adapting it each year based on our plans and what we will bring to dinner.

We usually start cooking a few days ahead of time. Some years we start cooking on Monday but this year it will be Tuesday or Wednesday. We are getting together with a few other families and everyone is bringing a few dishes. I’m bringing my Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, a few desserts and drinks.

Dividing up the cooking makes it so much easier. I still remember when I used to cook EVERYTHING for Thanksgiving and wear my self out. This year I’ll make a few dishes, enjoy spending time with family and friends, then relax (and prep for Gilmore Girls).

Whether you are making a dish or two or taking on the whole meal by yourself I have a meal plan that will help. My Healthy Holiday Meal Plan and Cookbook makes planning for Thanksgiving much easier.

A Healthy Holiday Meal Plan and Cook Book contains 20 plant-based recipes that are also gluten-free and allergy-friendly. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans during the holidays.

The Healthy Holiday Meal Plan & Cookbook

The Healthy Holiday Meal Plan & Cookbook contains 20 plant-based recipes that are meat, dairy, and gluten-free! The top 6* recipes also come with a detailed shopping list and your choice of 3 different planning guides that show you how to prepare the top 6 recipes ahead of time (or all on the same day) and have your food on the table as efficiently as possible.

Recipes include:

  • Thanksgiving Sage Dressing*
  • Gluten-Free Cornbread for Dressing
  • Perfectly Whipped Mashed Potatoes*
  • Sweet Potato Casserole with optional Pecan Glaze*
  • Thanksgiving Mushroom Gravy*
  • Green Bean Casserole*
  • Creamy Crustless Pumpkin Pie*
  • Dry Veggie Broth Mix
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Holiday Lentil Loaf
  • Cheezy Potatoes (Vegan Scalloped Potatoes)
  • Faux Cheese Sauce
  • Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad with Oil-Free Cranberry Dressing
  • Oil-Free Cranberry Salad Dressing
  • Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
  • Veggie Pot Pie (this recipe contains gluten but can be made GF using the GF Pie Crust Recipe)
  • Recipe for Easy All Purpose Sauce for Veggie Pot Pie
  • Roasted Asparagus
  • Maple Glazed Carrots
  • Gluten-Free Pie Crust
  • Apple Pie
  • Creamy Apple Pie Bars

Order your PDF download of A Healthy Holiday Meal Plan & Cookbook for only $4.99. This is also available on at Amazon on Kindle. Please note that the PDF and Amazon versions have different covers but the content inside is the same. If you’ve used the Healthy Holiday Meal Plan and Cookbook please consider leaving a review on Amazon. You’re honest review will help other people make an informed purchase. 

If you have any Thanksgiving meal prep plans feel free to send them my way. I’ll be watching for emails with Thanksgiving in the subject line. I try to make myself available for those last minute questions on Thanksgiving Day too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Food Allergy Bloggers Conference

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I recently attended the Food Allergy Bloggers Conference (FABlogCon) in Denver. This is my favorite conference and some of my best blogging friends attend each year.

There are many reasons I love FABlogCon and go each year.

  • Great session about blogging, social media and more.
  • Informative sessions from food allergies experts.
  • Meet the best sponsors that bring allergy-friendly products.
  • Discover the latest innovations in food allergy technology.
  • Connect with other bloggers!!!

I’ll admit that the last point is my favorite. I love connecting with other bloggers. Even though I’m primarily a plant-based blogger I jumped into the world of food allergies when my youngest son was small. He is no longer allergic but I had found my tribe. Plus, food allergy bloggers totally understand avoiding dairy, eggs and more.

We no longer have to avoid gluten or peanuts but I know many of you do so I continue to create allergy-friendly recipes and mention substitutions when needed. Plus, I’ve fallen in love with some of the allergy-friendly brands like Enjoy Life Foods, Zego, So Delicious, and more!

Food Allergy Bloggers Conference Instagram Giveaway

Who Should Attend FABlogCon?

There are three kinds of people who should consider going to FABlogCon.

  • Any blogger but especially food bloggers
  • Anyone wanting to learn more about food allergies
  • Brands wanting to learn more about food allergies, blogging or social media

There really is something for everyone.

In addition to all of the helpful sessions, the chefs accommodate even the most restrictive diet. I loved splurging on Daiya non-dairy yogurt every day. Their peach flavor is life changing! I also found another non-dairy milk option, Good Karma flax milk; and a gluten-free and vegan bread, by BFree Foods.

Food Allergy Bloggers Conference Instagram Giveaway

Want a Taste?

I know it’s hard to travel to conferences. If you’d like a taste of the what it’s like to travel to FABlogcon I’ve got some swag for you. (swag is all the stuff you bring home from sponsors.) I’ve picked some of my favorite products from the conference that would handle being shipped. I’ll also include some coupons for other products.

Enter to win a collection of some of my favorite products from FABlogCon on my Instagram! It’s easy as easy as 1, 2, 3.

  1. Follow me on Instagram.
  2. Like one of the contest posts (more will come until the contest ends).
  3. Tag a friend (up to 3) for extra entries and use the hashtag #FABlogConSwag

I’ll pick a winner on November 27th and ship a flat rate box full of swag to one winner in the U.S. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.

*Please read the labels. Most products are allergy-friendly but may not meet your specific food restrictions.