My Plant-Based Family

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

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Simplify Your Morning Routine

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This conversation is sponsored by Silk. All opinions are my own.

I’m always looking for ways to simplify our morning routine. I’m usually out the door by 6:15 and my husband finishes getting our boys ready and to their schools. We don’t have enough time during the week for complicated meals or extra duties.

Simplify your morning routine with Silk

There are a few things we do to make the mornings run smoothly. If we neglect them we have a hard time getting out the door as quickly as we need to. Let’s face it, mornings are difficult enough without chaos.

Tips to Simplify Your Morning Routine

1. We pack lunches the night before

Yes, everyone gets a packed lunch. My husband and I usually have leftovers while the kids get sandwiches, fruit and kid-friendly fare. Both of the boys have to take a snack to school too. I make sure the snack is in the refrigerator right next to the lunches. I try to get these in the back packs before I leave in the morning but if I don’t it’s easy for my husband to grab.

2. Keep a Launching Pad

I don’t know about you but we travel with a lot of stuff on a daily basis. My kids have back packs, lunch bags, sweat shirts that they take to school every day. My husband and I have various things we have to grab like our phones, I have a company computer I tote around along with my purse, my husband carries his wallet, and a few things he needs for work. Let’s not forget our morning travel mug of coffee! When we don’t have all of these things in the correct spot then we forget something. Some people call this spot a launching pad but we just use the end of our counter.

3. Easy breakfasts

Simply breakfasts are really important during this season of life. I have my kids sit down for breakfast every morning while I finish things up. Gone are the days of slow cooking oatmeal in the morning, I need fast and easy. When I plan ahead I can have breakfasts prepped on the weekends.

I’m usually so busy that I just grab breakfast to eat at my office. I recently discovered Silk Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternative. It’s make from cultured soy so it’s not a traditional yogurt but it’s so good. We’ve loved every flavor that we’ve tried and with 6 grams of plant-based protein per serving and no artificial flavors or colors it’s a great option for us.

I’ll admit that I was skeptical until I had the first bite, it was smooth, creamy and delicious. My boys have always loved yogurt so I knew they would like it. It’s nice to have another product that is safe for my son with multiple-food allergies. Sign up for Silk’s newsletter here to stay in the loop about new products and join their community.

Do you have tips to help you with your morning routine? I’d love to hear them!

This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

Christmas Gift Ideas

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Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? I have not. In fact, I’ve barely begun.

Thankfully I do a lot of my shopping on Amazon. It’s much easier to shop when my kids are in bed and I love the 2 day free shipping (I’m a Prime Member you can also Give the Gift of Amazon Prime or just sign up for a Start Free Trial).

Christmas gift ideas

The Christmas Gift Ideas

This year’s gift guide will focus on my favorite things for the kitchen so you may want to email this to your spouse or post it on your Facebook to sufficiently drop the hint. Let’s face it, most of us need a few hints.

Instant Pot

Instant Pot

Of course the newest and most used thing in my kitchen is our Instant Pot. I’ve been hearing from readers who love theirs too. The best deal is usually on Amazon. It the Instant Pot is out of your budget a Crock Pot may be for you depending on your schedule and cooking preferences.

Blendtec

We love our Blendtec Total Blender. We got ours at Costco but you can find them on Amazon. The best deal is at the Blendtec site where you can find a refurbished blender with a great warranty.

If you cannot afford a high-powered blender but need something for chopping or making dips you could go with a Magic Bullet or a Food Processor. I used those for years before investing in a good blender and they did a great job but I’ve replaced them both with my Blendtec.

Budget-Friendly Ideas

There are many low-cost kitchen items that wear out and should be replaced every few years like Cutting Boards, Silicone Spatula’s (mine are always lost because my kids use them as ninja swords) and Pyrex Containers. My Measuring Cups and Spoons are always disappearing too. I don’t know a single friend who has a good set of pot holders, while they may not be romantic they are probably much needed.

Experiences

Cooking classes, tasting events and other experiences are also fun gifts. They can be made even more special if you buy two for a couples, girls night or mother-daughter experience.

You could also look into my 31 Day Plant-Based eCourse and Challenge. It starts January 1st and would be a great gift. We have great prizes lined up (hello Pampered Chef) and some great contributors!

Most importantly remember the reason for the season. Christmas is not about receiving gifts, it is about Jesus.

So instead of spending too much money on gifts that will soon be forgotten I hope you will find ways to love others. Remember those who have less than you or those who may be alone for the holidays.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

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Simple Veggie Soup in the Instant Pot

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I want to start by telling you that this soup can be made on the stove or in the Crock Pot as well. For those of you with an Instant Pot you can cook this soup much more quickly.

This Simple Veggie Soup (in the Instant Pot) is so easy and delicious. You can add different ingredients if you prefer but this is made with basic veggie staples that we always have on hand. You know me, I like to keep it simple.

simple veggie soup

There are a few variations on this recipe. To make this soup heartier you can add Great Northern beans. It will cook more quickly if you soak the beans ahead of time. The soup is delicious with or without beans.

I added all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot in the morning and set the timer to come on 4 hours later so it would be ready in the afternoon. This will allow the beans to soak for a while if you are using them

Simple Veggie Soup in the Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1/2 an onion, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli, chopped
  • 1 large carrots, sliced (this equaled 1 cup of carrots for me)
  • 5 red potatoes, quartered (I didn’t peel them)
  • 3 liters of water (12 cups)
  • 1 cup dry Great Northern beans (optional)
  • bullion or dry broth mix (read the label to figure out the appropriate amount)

Do

  1. Put all of the ingredients into the Instant Pot and close the lid.
  2. Press the SOUP button, then if using the timer press the TIMER button.
  3. Use the + or – buttons to select the appropriate number of hours you’d like the Instant Pot to delay cooking. (The time will be the delayed time before the Instant Pot starts.) Remember that it takes time for the Instant Pot to heat up and cool down, especially when cooking soup so you need to take that time into consideration.
  4. Once the Soup is done the Instant Pot will keep it warm until you press CANCEL. Allow the steam to release naturally or use the quick release.

Serve

We eat this soup as is with maybe a sprinkle of salt. It’s perfect if you’ve been fighting a cold or are just in the mood for warm veggies.

Notes

If you are cooking it immediately you do not need to select the TIMER button.

If you are using dry beans they need to be soaked OR you may need to increase the cooking time, check the cooking time chart to be sure.

If you are making this in the Crock Pot just cook it all day or for about 6 hours.

If you are using beans and cooking this on the stove it will take about 90 minutes to cook soaked beans, if the beans haven’t been soaked it will take longer. I recommend you cook the beans first then add them to the soup.

The soup will take about 30 minutes without beans or with previously cooked beans.

Do you ever just make a simple soup? What are your “must” have ingredients? 

Eating Healthy at Holiday Parties

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How many parties will you attend between now and the end of the year? I have 2 on the schedule so far. Take the Christmas parties, special dinners, New Year’s and birthday parties (we have two birthdays coming up.) Some years, we have had celebrations every week.

Indulging at every party can take its toll. Especially if you mindlessly graze all evening.

eating healthy at holiday parties

Eating Healthy at Holiday Parties

The following tips for eating healthy at holiday parties will save you a few calories but you will still have to remain diligent if you want to avoid holiday weight gain.

1. The Veggie Tray is your Best Friend

Almost every party I’ve attended has had a decent veggie tray but you should still be careful about the dips. Most dips are high calorie and may contain lots of dairy or oil. You can ask to read the labels but if they aren’t available choose salsa and hummus over Ranch or cheese dip. I’m a big fan of guacamole when it’s available but it can add a lot of calories if you aren’t careful.

2. Keep a Drink in your Hand

Preferably water or seltzer but feel free to add lime or other fruit. If you’re at a party where you are mostly standing and mingling the drink in your hand will make it difficult to continuously shovel food in your face.

Alcoholic drinks are high in calories and should be limited or avoided.

3. Avoid the Creamy Dishes

If you are at a fancy dinner there may be course after course of decadent items covered in sauces. That pasta Alfredo may seem innocent but all of the cheese and cream will probably make you sick if you’ve been eating a plant-based diet and may derail you all together if you’ve been struggling to stay the course. The same goes for queso, spinach-artichoke dip and any other creamy sauces.

4. Finish with Fruit

Most of the parties I’ve attended included beautiful desserts with a fruit garnish. While I enjoy a little of the accompanying cake, I also grab the fruit. Most places can easily put together a fruit plate for you.

5. Coffee

I usually feel like coffee is enough of an indulgence. It can be the perfect end to a nice dinner. If you are indulging in a decadent dessert make sure you choose a coffee that isn’t loaded with extra calories.

6. Be Mindful of the Snack Foods

Some parties are more casual and have bowls of chips, nuts, and platters of sweets sitting around. Although one or two might not do too much damage, repeated trips will. If you must indulge in these snack foods do so after a real meal and a stop at the veggie tray. If they have small, dessert-sized plates use those instead of a larger dinner plate.

7. Enjoy the Party

Remember the reason you are celebrating. Have fun, enjoy the people in your life and even the food. Don’t feel like someone else’s eating rules are imposed on you. Just make sure you aren’t getting too far off course.  If you over do it just start fresh tomorrow.

If you see me at a party I’ll have some chips, cookies and maybe even cake. I’m celebrating after all but I’ll pass on the creamy dishes and the bowl of nuts. I’m comfortable with my choices.

The next day I’ll eat a bowl of soup or chili and focus on healthy eating.

If you need some help recovering from all of the celebrating sign up for the 31 Day Plant-Based eCourse and Challenge starting January 1st. It’s a great way to get back on track. The eCourse portion will teach you what you need to know to be successful on a plant-based diet while the Challenge portion will help keep you motivated to meet your goals.

31 Day Plant-Based eCourse and ChallengeDo you have a tip to share?

 

Tips for Eating Healthy When Your Family Is Not

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Wouldn’t it be nice if we could decide to eat healthy and just do? You know, today I give up fries, or pizza, or whatever it is you over indulge in. Not only do we have to “fight” our own desires and cravings when choosing to eat healthy but many of us also have to deal with family members who may not be happy or supportive about our choices.

Trying to eat healthy by yourself is hard. 6 Tips to help you eat healthy when your family is not. [Read more…] about Tips for Eating Healthy When Your Family Is Not

Meal Plan Monday: December is Here

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If you still have Thanksgiving leftovers just eat them. Don’t cook another thing until those leftovers are gone. Thanksgiving leftovers are some of my favorite. I’ll eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I have them. I’m always sad when they are gone.

Did you over indulge on Thanksgiving? If you cooked healthy, plant-based recipes you probably only ate too much. If you used some of my recipes I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you don’t have any Thanksgiving leftovers you may need some dinner inspiration.

Plant based meal plan

Plant-Based Meal Plan

I’m taking advantage of my Instant Pot this week. I love that I can cook dinner quickly after I get home or set a timer so it doesn’t begin cooking until I want it to start. If you don’t have an Instant Pot I recommend you buy one or at least put it on your Christmas list. You could also make these recipes in a Crock Pot or on the stove although it will take much longer.

Enchilada Soup made in the Instant Pot

Chili  made in the Instant Pot

One Pot Pizza Pasta

Sautéed Mushrooms and Baked Potatoes (cooked in the Instant Pot) with steamed greens

Lentil Quinoa Tacos

Now that December is here things start to move more quickly, or so it seems. Don’t get caught off guard by everything you “have to do.” Prioritize your health!

31 Day Plant-Based eCourse and Challenge

Have you Heard?

The 31 Day Plant-Based eCourse and Challenge starts January 1st! It’s going to be a life changing experience for a lot of people. Are you one of them?

You’ll get daily tips and encouragement to turn your plant-based aspirations into a reality. If you’ve been meaning to make a change now is the time! The eCourse is packed with information and the challenge will give you the extra push you need to achieve your goals whether they include weight loss, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, or physical fitness.

Have you signed up yet?