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My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

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Next Step Challenge

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl

October 5, 2020 by Holly Yzquierdo 3 Comments

Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl

This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl has been living on my personal meal plan for months! We love it! Most often it takes the form of a Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad because I put all the ingredients on top of a giant bowl of greens.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl

I first shared this recipe during the Next Step Challenge. It’s been a big hit!

The flavor of this salad is my main reason for loving it. We love sweet potatoes and black beans. Corn and tomatoes are always a good choice for me. Add in the avocado and I’m a happy camper! Of course when I can’t find good avocados I’ll use a little packaged guacamole. Then, instead of salad dressing I use salsa!

The next reason is because I feel great after eating it. The potatoes and beans give me a lot of energy and fuel for my day. I get a lot of greens and veggies. Sometimes I even throw some fruit in there, usually berries.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl

Batch Cook

To make this easy to throw together on busy week days, we like to batch cook the sweet potatoes on the weekend. You can also cook your beans but I’ve been using canned black beans for ease.

To batch cook the sweet potatoes, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then wash and peel your sweet potatoes, then dice them into bite sized pieces. Bake them for 40 minutes.

This recipe serves about 4. It will depend on how much of all the veggies you use. We like to prepare this for busy week day lunches because we can throw everything together in a few minutes.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 head Romaine (or your favorite greens)
  • 1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 can Corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Salsa, divided
  • 2 Avocados

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Wash and peel 2 sweet potatoes. Cube them into bite sized pieces and place them on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Sprinkle salt on the potatoes and bake for 40 minutes. Allow to cook before eating.
  3. Assemble the bowl, starting with a layer of romaine or greens of your choice, add in black beans, cooked sweet potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Top the bowl with your favorite salsa.

Other additions we enjoy is adding fresh lime, cilantro, fresh jalapeno, sauerkraut (really), and any other veggies that need to be used up.

Yield: 4

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl

This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl is incredibly satisfying. You'll get a great variety of veggies in an easy to assemble meal. This vegan meal will leave you full and energized.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 head Romaine (or your favorite greens)
  • 1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 can Corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Salsa, divided
  • 2 Avocados

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Wash and peel 2 sweet potatoes. Cube them into bite sized pieces and place them on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Sprinkle salt on the potatoes and bake for 40 minutes. Allow to cook before eating.
  3. Assemble the bowl, starting with a layer of romaine or greens of your choice, add in black beans, cooked sweet potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Top the bowl with your favorite salsa.

Notes

You can also use fresh lime, cilantro, fresh jalapeno, sauerkraut, and any other veggies that need to be used up.

If you plan to carry this to work, I recommend using cherry tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes.

Save time by batch cooking the potatoes ahead of time.

Did you make this recipe?

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

© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Recipes

Salads don’t have to be only veggies, adding beans, potatoes and other higher calorie foods like avocados and nuts (if you make them a part of your diet) can help make your salads satisfying and give you the energy you need to conquer your day!

Filed Under: Main Dish Recipes, Recipes, Salads & Wraps Tagged With: plant-based diet, salads, Vegan

Pack a Plant-Based Lunch Box

September 28, 2020 by Holly Yzquierdo 2 Comments

Whether you’ve got a house full of kids or if it’s just you and your spouse, I’m sure that you could use a little less stress in your life. Planning lunches ahead of time by making plant-based lunch boxes makes life easier.

Vegan Lunch Box Ideas

This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using my link, I could make a small commission at not extra cost to you. Thank you!

If your home is anything like ours, it’s really busy and chaotic on school and work mornings. One of the biggest stressors used to be… what’s for lunch or what can I have for lunch or I don’t have any money in my lunch account.

Remove that stress from your mornings by making plant-based lunch boxes for everyone ahead of time!

So if you’ve got chaotic mornings or a field trip or a road trip, save yourself some stress, opt for plant-based lunch on the go. Pack one of these lunch boxes or even better create one of your own. Check out my Lunch Box Guide Here.

Vegan lunch box

Obviously you’re going to want to stay away from processed foods and meat or dairy but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little fun with it. Like a fiesta lunch with build your own bean burrito and salsa.

You can also make the burrito ahead of time if making it would be too troublesome, or use chips instead. My kids love eating beans and chips! We use this oil-free refried bean recipe in the Instant Pot! Here is the regular version.

Vegan Lunch Box

This plant-based lunch box is perfect for a day trip lunch! Carrot and cucumber sticks, cut long for easy dipping, are perfect for packing. This lunch has a Mediterranean flare, including veggie wraps with oil-free hummus. You could use your favorite fresh veggies and add olives on the side. We opt for popcorn since our whole family loves it.

Vegan Lunch Box

You could also try a good old fashioned peanut butter and banana sandwich with mixed veggies and mixed fruit with pretzels. This one may be my favorite. I’ve been on a peanut butter kick!

Use your favorite bread or even a tortilla to mix it up a bit. We use whichever fruit and veggies we have and everyone can pick their own.

Vegan Lunch boxes

We love these Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels! They are perfect for exposing kids to veggie variety. We make them with hummus. You can choose your favorite flavor of hummus.

Having fresh fruit as an accompaniment is always a winning choice! We all love apples dipped in peanut butter. We’ll often grab a granola bar or baked oatmeal to add to this.

Vegan Lunch Boxes

When you’re all done designing and building your vegan lunch box, then they’ll stack wonderfully in the fridge as well. We love Easy Lunch Boxes and have used them for 6 years. They are easy to open, durable, and inexpensive. If you like stress free, you’ll love these!

Filed Under: Back to School, On the Go, Tips for Plant-Based Living

Weekly Plant-Based Meal Plans

September 21, 2020 by Holly Yzquierdo Leave a Comment

I’ve been working on a secret project. I’ve only shared it with those on my email list and social media. Today is the last day so I thought I should share it here. I’ve just opened a Weekly Plant-Based Meal Plans membership!

Weekly Plant-Based Diet Meal Plan membership

Each week, members get a brand new meal plan that includes:

  • 5 dinners
  • a batch cooking plan
  • a shopping list
  • oil-free, plant-based recipes
  • recommendations for pleasing your meat and dairy eating family members
  • plus new bonuses every month
Learn More Now

Weekly Plant-Based Meal Plan Membership

Here are all the things you need to know. The Batch Cooking plan includes a few things. It usually includes a breakfast a snack, or both. It also includes a big soup and sometimes a meal prep salad, so you have plenty of healthy options during the week.

It also includes the parts of the dinners that would take a long time to cook. We like to cook those things on the weekend so our week night meals are quick.

Enrollment Ends Soon

Enrollment started last week and ends today, September 21st. That means if you want to sign up, today is your only chance. We will open again sometime in the future but it will only be to those on our wait list. It may be in 2021. We don’t know yet.

Sign Up Now!

Why Sign Up

This weekly plant-based meal plan membership will save you time and money. You’ll know exactly what to eat for dinner, you’ll be able to prep some of the items ahead of time making week night meals quick and easy, and you won’t waste food because you’ll have a plan and purpose for everything you buy.

Gabi purchased the meal plans as soon as they were available. She had participated in our sponsored challenge the week before where I provided a meal plan and batch cook plan similar to what’s in the membership. She said

I have found the new plan in the members area. I am so excited… The last week was easier, because of your batch cooking video. I had enough breakfast for the whole week and more time in the morning for other things.

Gabi, Plant-Based Diet Meal Plans member

Family Not Plant-Based

In a perfect world, families would all get along and be happy eating the same thing. We know that isn’t reality. In many families, there may be one or two plant-based family members and others who eat a Standard American Diet (SAD).

If that is your family these meal plans can help. The meals plans and recipes are completely plant-based but each recipe has a note that includes substitutions, storage instructions and recommendations for adapting the recipe for your family members. For example, this week we have Taco Soup in the meal plan. The note mentions that you can cook and add ground beef that is seasoned with taco seasoning along with dairy products. Since the recipe is for the plant-based version, those additions don’t appear on the shopping list but you can add them if it will keep the peace with your family.

What do our Meal Plans look like?

This video will show you behind the scenes of what our meal plans look like. The link is set to start the video about a minute and a half into the video to save you a little time.

If you want to view a longer, in depth explanation and Q&A about the Weekly Meal Plan membership you can view it here.

If you are looking for a way to simplify eating a plant-based diet, even if you are short on time and don’t have family support, this Weekly Plant-Based Diet Meal Plans may be the solution you’ve been looking for! Sign up here!

Sign Up Now!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Next Step Challenge

August 24, 2020 by Holly Yzquierdo Leave a Comment

Next Step Challenge to plant-based eating

Update: The Next Step Challenge is over. If you’d like to hear about other opportunities, plus get weekly plant-based tips for free, sign up to my weekly plant-based email.


Do you need help taking the Next Step on your plant-based journey? I’m so excited to invite you to the Next Step Challenge!

We’ve created this challenge to help you reach your plant-based goals! If you are brand new to plant-based eating, or if you’ve tried but struggled to eat a plant-based diet, this challenge is for you!

Next Step Challenge to plant-based eating

Free 7 Day Plant-Based Challenge

The Next Step Challenge starts September 10, 2020. You’ll want to sign up now because we will be sending out all the information you need ahead of time. You’ll get:

  • A 7 day dinner meal plan + recipes + shopping list
  • A live class where we show you how we prepare for the week
  • A guide to easy plant-based breakfasts
  • Our favorite snacks your family will love
  • A supportive community cheering you on

This challenge is designed to help you regardless of experience level.

Feeling Alone Since Going Plant-Based

We often hear from people who are eating plant-based without any support. Maybe you don’t know any other people who are plant-based? Maybe your family is giving you a hard time about your food choices.

We know it can be a struggle. That is why we will be hanging out in a private Facebook group. We will be encouraging one another and celebrating all of our success together! You will not be alone.

Will This Work if My Family isn’t Interested?

It can be incredibly challenging to cook Standard American Diet (SAD) foods for your family when you are plant-based. No one wants to cook multiple meals to keep everyone happy!

One of the features of our meal plans during the challenge will be providing plant-based recipes and including a way to adapt the recipe to keep your family interested. I know this may not be popular with some hard core plant-based eaters but I’m not making this challenge for them. I’m making it for people like you and me that want to thrive on a plant-based diet but that may not have their whole family on board.

Where will the Challenge take place?

The challenge is a virtual event and will take place where ever you have an internet connection. The meal plans, recipes and other materials will be delivered via email. These will start coming before the challenge starts so don’t wait til the last minute to sign up.

The videos will be available online, everyone who signs up will be sent a link to watch them and a schedule so they can plan ahead.

The group will be on Facebook. After you sign up you’ll get an invite to the group. These will be sent out at least a week before the challenge starts.

Sign Up Now!

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    Is eating a plant-based diet as easy as you thought it would be? Take a chance and spend 7 days completely committed to eating a plant-based diet! You won’t be alone! What have you got to lose? Sign up here!

    Filed Under: Uncategorized

    Plant-Based Taco Bar

    August 10, 2020 by Holly Yzquierdo Leave a Comment

    Plant-Based Taco Bar

    Back when we did potlucks, a Taco Bar was always a favorite! It’s easy, everyone can make their own, and almost everyone loves tacos. A Plant-Based Taco Bar is also really versatile because all the ingredients can be mixed and matched! Tacos, burritos, taco salads, choose your own adventure.

    Plant-Based Taco Bar

    Whether you are feeding a crowd (whenever we get to do that again) or your family, give the Taco Bar a try!

    Keep in mind that you don’t have to make it super complicated. You don’t have to have all of these options or toppings. Just in case you need it, I’m giving you permission to simplify this and do the easiest version with ingredients you already have!

    Vegan Taco Meat

    We choose whole food versions of taco filling. My absolute favorite is my Instant Pot Lentil Taco filling. The stove top version is really good too!

    I also have a version that combines Quinoa and Lentils or a version with just quinoa.

    Tortillas

    Our tortilla choice varies but we usually have corn tortillas for the adults and flour tortillas for the kids. Sometimes we will use lettuce wraps or tortilla chips. We mix and match based on what we are in the mood for and what’s available.

    Plant-Based Taco Bar

    Taco Toppings

    This is where the fun begins. You can use whatever you like but my favorite taco toppings for a Taco Bar include:

    • Lettuce
    • Diced Tomatoes
    • Sliced Jalapenos
    • Corn
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Salsa (red and green)
    • Avocado or Guacamole
    • Black Beans (whole)
    • Pinto Beans (whole)
    • Cilantro
    • Lime

    Some people like pickled onions and dairy-free cheese but we aren’t into that. I have used vegan sour cream or vegan plain yogurt for a little extra tang!

    Oil-Free Refried Beans

    Side Dishes for a Taco Bar

    I don’t think you really need side dishes when it comes to a taco bar but since I love these I’ll mention them. Plus, they go perfectly with tacos!

    Mexican Rice is so easy to make. Cook it in the Instant Pot or stove top. Refried Beans are easy too, just a little time consuming to make from dry beans but don’t let that stop you. I actually prefer to follow this recipe for Instant Pot Refried Beans (oil-free of course)!

    What are your must have Vegan Taco Bar options? I’d love to hear if you use the same basics or if you have other options we haven’t thought of!

    By the way! I just started a Youtube Channel! I’d love it if you would subscribe! Just CLICK HERE to check it out!

    Filed Under: Main Dish Recipes, Mexican Food, Recipes, Tips for Plant-Based Living Tagged With: Plant Based Diet, Recipes, Vegan

    Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

    July 24, 2020 by Holly Yzquierdo 2 Comments

    Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

    We’ve been eating my Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole for years. It’s a crowd pleaser. I’ve adapted it and made many different versions. It seems like it’s time to do it again. I’m taking the same flavor and most of the ingredients plus quinoa! It make it even easier, I’m making it in my Instant Pot!

    Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

    This page contains affiliate links.

    If you are like me, you probably have a giant bag of quinoa in your pantry. I don’t know why, but in the summer I always gravitate toward quinoa.

    What is Quinoa?

    Quinoa is technically a seed but most people treat it like a grain. It should be cooked before eating. Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor.

    Quinoa is a great versatile food to add to your rotation. We enjoy it in stir frys instead of rice, in breakfast bowls instead of oats, as a replacement for taco meat, your imagination is the limit.

    • Breakfast Quinoa
    • Quinoa Chickpea Wrap
    • Quinoa Tacos
    • Quinoa Lentil Salad
    • Chickpea Quinoa Stir Fry

    Should I Washing Quinoa?

    If you are new to quinoa, you will want to rinse your quinoa first. Quinoa is coated in saponin. It’s bitter and will make you think quinoa is gross. If you rinse the quinoa well, we use a fine mesh strainer, you’ll be able to get the saponin off easily.

    Many brands of quinoa will prewash it to remove the saponin.

    Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

    Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

    I love how versatile this recipe is. I enjoy it hot and cold. Whether I reheat leftovers or serve them cold, I love topping it with my pico de gallo. What can I say, fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic and cilantro are irresistible.

    When I know I need a filling meal on the go, this is one of my top choices.

    Yield: 4 servings

    Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

    Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

    Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa is a quick and easy recipe your family will love. Adapt it to your individual preferences.

    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Additional Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 15 ounce can Black Beans (drained, rinsed)
    • 1 1/4 cups water or veggie broth
    • 1 cup Quinoa (uncooked)
    • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (from the can, drained)
    • 1 cup Frozen Corn
    • 2 teaspoon Chili Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin
    • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
    • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
    • 1 Lime, sliced for garnish
    • 2 Avocado (diced)

    Instructions

    1. Dump the black beans, water/veggie broth, quinoa, tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt into the Instant Pot.
    2. Close the lid and close the pressure valve. Press manual/pressure cooker and cook for 5 minutes on high pressure. Once it is done, release the pressure manually. Remove the lid carefully.
    3. Serve in bowls topped with lime wedges and diced avocado. Fresh pico de gallo is my favorite way to enjoy it.

    Notes

    Refrigerate leftovers in an air tight container. Enjoy for 3-4 days.

    You can eat leftovers warm or cold.

    Did you make this recipe?

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

    © Holly Yzquierdo
    Category: Instant Pot

    Filed Under: Instant Pot, Main Dish Recipes, Mexican Food, Recipes, Side Dishes Tagged With: Instant Pot, plant-based diet, Pressure Cook, Quinoa, Vegan

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