Crissandra Angel Hall is a single vegan mom of four. You may recognize her three girls as the acro yoga trio known as DZ Vegan Kid Athletes on Instagram, but what their back-bending poses dont reveal is the dedicated woman behind the camera. In addition to being a full-time mom, shes a full-time nurse, and when the pandemic hit, she was sent across the country to hot spots such as New York City, NY and Austin, TX. After weeks away from her family with intermittent cross-country flights to attend her childrens birthdays and gymnastics competitions, she continues to show up for both her family and her patients. Even though many of us see a light at the end of the tunnel, essential workers are still essential, and they deserve every kindness we can spare. This Mothers Day, lets treat all momsnot just our own, but those working in these essential roles. Here are nine vegan things that can make a working moms day.

Nurses and moms alike are constantly rushed, and when theres no time to sit down for a meal, a plant-based protein bar is a reliable go-to. Hall is allergic to peanuts, and she brings up a fair point: if youre donating to your local nurses, its best to err on the safe side and go peanut-free. Her favorite pick-me-up snack is Garden of Lifes Organic Fit High Protein Weight Loss bars. The vegan Smores and Chocolate Coconut Almond only taste like candy barsnutrition-wise, they fuel far better than something out of a vending machine.

When a nurse or busy mom does get a bit of time to herself, she doesnt necessarily want to spend that time cooking. Hall relies on certain store-bought staples to toss together a tasty and satiating meal. She prefers food on the spicy side, so Gardeins Nashville Hot Chickn Tenders are a comfort at the end of a long day. If youre dropping off food for essential workers, incorporate a few non-spicy options as well for workers with more sensitive palates.

Sure, even vegan Cheetos arent the healthiest of options, but its no secret that hospital workers are frequent vending machine shoppers. Curb the demand for animal-based goods by offering up a veganized version of their favorite packaged snacks. Hall is a big fan of PeaTosparticularly the Fiery Hot flavor. Bonus: they contain four grams of protein and three grams of fiber!

A little something sweet can brighten anyones day, but nurses and moms need something they can pop on the go. Make up a basket of individually wrapped vegan chocolates and caramels that nurses can divvy up and stuff in their pockets to savor in between patients. Hall recommends No Whey Chocolates and Cocomels.

A fruit basket may seem old-fashioned, but amidst the steady rotation of packaged foods, essential workers crave a bit of freshness. Plus, many fruits provide a natural energy and hydration boost. Hardy fruits such as perfectly ripe bananas, apples (not Red Deliciousthe name is an oxymoron), dates, tangerines, and mangoes are all stellar options.

High-stress jobs do a number on your hairjust look at every US presidents before and after shots. The gray sets in quickly. Hall explained that nurses are also under a heavy amount of stress and that can lead to early grays and even thinning hair. Every mom deserves to feel beautiful, even if her hair is under a nurses cap. Hall is in love with Donnas Recipe hair products by Tabitha Brown. From vegan biotin hair vitamin gummies to strengthening hair oil, Browns collection will help revive even the most stressed-out locks.

With multi-day shifts, nurses rarely have time for a dedicated hour-long workout. Particularly for those who travel like Hall, they need something thats fast, effective, and portable. Hall recommended a set of resistance bands which she relies on to keep her in shape no matter where she is. A few squats and bicep curls complement the constant rushing required of every nurse (and mom).

Hall swears by her immunity shots from Kor and Pressed Juicery. She told us, I love these because theyre strong, potent, and have helped me stay healthy while looking after tons of COVID-19 patients over the past year and more. A steady stream of juices also provides quick, immunity-boosting nutrients to nurses dealing with at-risk patients. A package of green and citrus juices with a few drinkable vitamin C wellness shots is more than just a thoughtful gestureit could allow these workers to stay healthy and continue their essential work.

Okay, yes we know its cheesy, but its Mothers Day, after all. If your mom goes in for the hug, dont stand there like a stiff. Embrace the embrace. Like any solid relationship, find ways to say I love you every day. These little reminders can make anyones day. And if its not your own mom, show some appreciation either with a friendly smile, a thank you note, or a full basket stuffed with all of these vegan goodies. Actually, all three would suit just fine.

Happy Mothers Day to all the essential workers.

Tanya Flink is the Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.

Photo credit: Crissandra Hall

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Essential Workers Are Still Essential. One Vegan Nurse Shares How to Give Back - VegNews