Pasta is one of lifes greatest comfort foods, and this vegan mac and cheese recipe is no exception! It is made with a base of potato, carrot, and cashew nuts and flavored with nutritional yeast, turmeric, onion, and garlic.

Not only is this a realistic take on a dairy-based macaroni cheese dish, but it is also much more nutritious. So we wont judge you if you eat this on the regular.

Before we show you how to make this delicious plant-based recipe we will first shed some light on the magic behind making vegan mac and cheese taste cheesy. We will also let you in on some secrets on transforming this macaroni cheese into a variety of other exciting dishes.

There are a few different ways in which you can create vegan mac and cheese. Most recipes simply substitute the ingredients with vegan versions. For example, the grated cheese will be swapped with grated vegan cheese and the dairy milk will be replaced with plant-based milk. This would allow you to use an existing mac and cheese recipe that you already know and love.

However, we are certain you are going to enjoy this take on mac and cheese, which comes from vegan recipe developer Molly Patrick (owner of Clean Food Dirty Girl). Instead of using vegan dairy alternatives, it uses vegetables and nuts. As well as some clever seasoning. It has a great depth of flavor and creates a wonderfully creamy mac and cheese.

No vegan mac and cheese is going to taste the same as its dairy counterpart unless you get your hands on a realistic vegan cheese alternative. But the flavors of this recipe do come pretty close!

The nutritional yeast brings a lovely umami cheese-like flavor whilst the cashews make it wonderfully creamy. Mac and cheese is all about comfort and this variation is like a big hug in a bowl.

We believe that mac and cheese is a tasty dish on its own, but if you want to serve it with some sides, we suggest pairing it with strong umami flavors, such as BBQ-seasoned mushroom steak.

Alternatively, you can use it as a topping on pizza, mix it into chili-flavored beans, or layer it on a burger patty. We have also heard on the grapevine that it makes a delicious toastie.

This vegan mac and cheese is a great base recipe that is perfect for experimenting with. If you like batch cooking, this means you can keep things exciting throughout the week. It also means that if you have any preferences, dietary or personal, then you can adapt the recipe to suit you.

Here are some of our favorite variations for this plant-based macaroni cheese recipe:

Make sure to prepare extra of this tasty vegan cheese sauce since it goes well with many dishes. You can use it as a sauce for vegan nachos, lasagna, or any other pasta dish. Alternatively, you could use it as a dip for bread and chips.

This recipe is really easy to make. You will need a few simple ingredients and a blender to turn them into a wonderfully creamy sauce to coat your pasta in!

Duration1 hr

Cook Time50 mins

Prep Time10 mins

Servings4 servings

Place the potato, carrot, onion, turmeric, and garlic in a medium-sized pot, cover with 2 cups of water, and place lid on the pot. Bring just to a light boil, lower the heat, and simmer with the lid on until the veggies are fork-tender about 20 minutes.

Follow the manufacturers instructions to cook as much pasta as youd like. Serving guidance can be found on the label. Drain and set aside once its ready.

Remove your cooked veggies from the heat and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes. Then carefully add everything from the veggie pot, including the remaining water, to your blender. Drain the cashews (discard the water) and add the cashews to the blender, along with the nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, salt, and the remaining cup of water. Blend until the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.

Return your pasta to its pot and place it over very low heat. Pour as much cheesy sauce over the pasta as you like and stir to coat everything. Add black pepper to taste.

Dish up and serve!

This recipe was created by Molly Patrick of Clean Food Dirty Girl. Start a trial to Plant Fueled Life for more plant-based and oil-free recipes like this. Photos by Amber Asakura.

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The Most Comforting Vegan Mac And Cheese Recipe - Plant Based News

Dean Ornish, MD, is renowned for putting former president Bill Clinton on a heart-healthy diet. As a growing body of scientific evidence emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet, Ornish continues to advocate for a plant-based lifestyle that not only sheds pounds but also promises surprising benefits for various aspects of life, including a natural alternative to Viagra.

Clintons journey to a healthier life began with Ornishs plant-based programnow reimbursed by Medicare when accessed virtually. The regimen is not just about cutting calories but centers around a low-fat, low-sugar diet that excludes most animal foods and fatty fruits such as olives, avocados, and coconut.

Nuts and seeds are included in moderation, along with a comprehensive approach that involves exercise, stress management, and social support. It encapsulates Ornishs mantra: Eat well, move more, stress less, love more.

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Contrary to the notion that a health-focused diet might be a joyless experience, Ornish insists that the benefits extend beyond physical well-being. Your brain is getting more blood, so your cognitive function improves. Your skin is getting more blood, so you look younger, Ornish told AARP.

Your heart gets more blood flow so you can often reverse heart disease. Your sex organs are getting more blood in a way that works like Viagra, he added.

In addition to these health benefits, Ornish and his wife, Anne Ornish, the founder of Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, emphasize the importance of savoring every moment, especially during meals. Anne encourages what she calls full-sensory meditations, advocating for mindful eating to enhance the overall enjoyment of food. According to her, slowing down and fully experiencing each bite can be more pleasurable than mindlessly consuming large quantities.

When we give our full attention to what were eating, we enjoy it much more fully, Anne says. After the first of couple bites, most of us go into autopilot. When we slow down and recruit our senses, one by one, we can spend several minutes savoring a high-quality piece of dark chocolate and get far more from it than mindlessly consuming a whole chocolate bar.

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Because of these benefits, the Ornishs are committed to a plant-based lifestyle. They incorporate more affordable frozen fruits, making it a year-round option. Dairy alternatives like almond and soy milk take precedence, while tofu, tempeh, beans, vegan yogurt, and vegan cheese are staples in their diet.

Dean Ornish emphasizes the role of pleasure in eating when it comes to diet satisfaction. Food has a way of bringing people together. And intimacy is healing, he says. The couples holistic approach to health underscores the idea that a plant-based lifestyle not only fosters physical well-being but also promotes joy, connection, and surprising benefits in areas such as cognitive function and intimacy.

Dean Ornish is not the first to emphasize that a plant-based diet has similar effects to taking Viagra. In 2020, the medical group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) urged the Food and Drug Administration to inform users of drugs such as Viagra that artery disease is an underlying cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) and can be treated with a plant-based diet.

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ED is very common, affecting approximately 30 million men in the United States. It is a sign of narrowed arteries throughout the body and can be an indication of heart disease. PCRM, supported by scientific research, links the disorder to poor cardiovascular healthwhich can be improved by following a whole foods plant-based diet.

PCRM urged the FDA to include a notice on ED drugs that states: Erectile dysfunction is caused by artery disease, a condition that this drug will not improve. Artery disease can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and early death. A plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management, and lack of smoking can, in combination, improve and often reverse artery disease.

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PCRM cited several scientific studies to support the links between maintaining heart healthand therefore optimal penile functionand a plant-based diet. According to a study published in the journal Urology, each additional daily serving of fruits or vegetables reduced ED risk in men with diabetes by 10 percent.

Strawberries, apples, blueberries, and citrus fruits may be especially beneficial. A 2016 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition observed 25,096 men during the span of 10 years and found that a diet high in fruit reduced ED by 14 percent.

A prescription for Viagra should include a lifesaving wake-up call for men with ED to adopt a heart-healthy diet, PCRM President Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, said in a statement. Erectile dysfunction is a sign of narrowed arteries throughout a mans body, including the arteries to his heart and brain, putting him at high risk for heart attack, stroke, and death.

Nicole Axworthy is the News Editor at VegNews and author of the cookbook DIY Vegan.

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This Former Clinton Health Advisor Says Eating Vegetables Is Like Taking Viagra - VegNews

I was perusing TikTok for dinner ideas one day (all roads lead to TikTokIve learned to embrace it) and came across a few Indian-inspired chickpea and red lentil stews that looked simply delicious.

Theres nothing like a hearty bowl of stew when the weather outside is frightful.

But Im weird about recipes, in that its difficult for me to follow one exactly as its written. I dont mean that in an added an extra clove of garlic and more salt, youre so bad, Carol kinda way.

Its more like forgot to get a couple ingredients or cant decide which to try so combine different elements from each and hope it works. This method has not failed me yet (well, at least not in the past two months since I entered my cooking era).

So the recipe below is an amalgamation of several different recipes, and its incredibly easy to make. Plus, even my carnivorous husband loves it and requests it once a week.

It can also be made with mostly pantry items, so its perfect for those nights where you have no idea what to make. Ive made it both on the stove and in a slow cooker, and it tastes amazing either way. Got extra veggies you want to use? Throw those in there too.

Its packed with protein, thanks to the chickpeas, lentils, and, surprisingly, nutritional yeast. I was flabbergasted to find that just two teaspoons of nooch (as its also known) contains three grams of protein.

Like, what? That adds up quickly. Plus, nooch gives recipes a savory, umami flavor that really works here.

Hungry yet? I know what Im having for dinner. Heres the recipe, with notes for modifications if you want to make it in a slow cooker.

Show us how you recreate (or modify) this delicious recipe and use hashtag #pooshpalate for a chance to be featured on our social.

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The Protein-Packed Vegan Stew Our Wellness Editor Makes at Least Once a Week - Poosh

An Expert Shares How And Why You Should Go Vegan This January  VOGUE PHILIPPINES

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An Expert Shares How And Why You Should Go Vegan This January - VOGUE PHILIPPINES

You Are What You Eat was guilty of cherry-picking statistics that project vegan diets to be the healthier alternative for people of all age groups and physiological make-up

Half the world is worried that artificial intelligence will take over the world, and the other half is certain vegans will. At least the makers of the Netflix docu-series You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment have tried their best to establish that veganism is the Captain America shield against every kind of chronic illness and planetary destruction. Without it, neither will the human race survive, nor will the planet.

The Netflix synopsis for the show was convincing and sincere: A set of twins from different demographics are put on different diets one vegan and the other omnivore for eight weeks, and a before-after comparison is done of their body composition, epigenome or biological clock, the gut microbiome and the brain.

But the execution was frustratingly over-literal, lacking nuance and unbiased science to the extent that barely 15 minutes into the pilot, it flew dangerously close to the mockumentary zone. Or, as a dismayed reviewer on Google wrote: It felt like a four-episode vegan commercial.

It was based on an actual study done by Stanford University on 22 twins, of which the filmmakers of the Netflix docu-series followed four throughout the duration. In the first four weeks, the subjects were provided packaged meals tailored for their diet and in the latter leg, they had to make their own food sticking to their respective regime.

The camera followed each of the twins grocery shopping at different aisles of the supermarket, preparing their food, working out and taking various kinds of tests. But apart from the home-video style camera movements, nothing felt like the fimmakers were honestly trying to give us an inside view of the lives of each sibling.

Every interaction, even the inside jokes, seemed forced. So, apart from blatantly trying to sway the opinion of the viewers towards vegan or plant-based diets, it also has low entertainment value, unless one loves to binge on heavily-scripted reality television.

The research led by Christopher D Gardner was funded by Vogt Foundation, which also funds the Oceanic Preservation Society, which was founded by Louie Psihoyos, who incidentally directed the docu-series. The foundation also produced some other documentaries by Psihoyos Academy 2009 favourite The Cove, a documentary on dolphin hunting in Japan, 2015 Racing Extinction on human-caused biodiversity loss and 2019 Game Changers, which is basically a tutorial on how to get jacked up without animal protein. Some news reports had established that mock-meat industry leaders financially backed the film.

Both Gardner and Psihoyos are celebrity vegans. Gardner is also the director of Stanford's Plant-Based Diet Initiative, a programme financially supported by Beyond Meat, one of Americas top plant-based meat substitute makers.

Like was the biggest complaint about Game Changers, You Are What You Eat also was guilty of cherry-picking statistics that project vegan diets to be the healthier alternative for people of all age groups and physiological make-up.

In fact, vegan diets have limitations and without supplementation can be inadequate to meet the bodys nutritional needs. Vegan diets are technically feasible, (but) the successful provision of a nutritionally complete vegan diet for a child requires substantial commitment, expert guidance, planning, resources, supervision and supplementation.

Moreover, some micronutrients have lower bioavailability from plant sources than animal sources. Besides proper fortification and supplementation, vegan children are at a risk of insufficient supply and deficiency of some critical nutrients such as protein, long chain fatty acids, cholesterol, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamin A, B12 and D. Deficiency of these nutrients could lead to various developmental and sometimes irreversible disorders, according to a study in the journal Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease 2022.

For adults, too, an unscientifically planned vegan diet can put endanger ones nutritional security. For instance, Plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is less bioavailable than the heme iron found in animal products, potentially leading to iron-deficiency anemia, according to Iron and Vegetarian Diets in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Although it lacks scientific rigour, the documentary brings attention to two important issues that can be relevant for everyone, whether they eat steak or just salad.

One, is the focus on epigentics. It is the branch of science concerned with the chemicals that tag genomes to tell it how to act, governing how the body reads our DNA sequences. Our environment, diet and lifestyle can cause epigenetic changes, which are reversible, thus changing the way our genes express themselves, without changing the DNA sequence.

Unlike the genome, the epigenome is variable by cell, tissue type, and developmental stage. These mechanisms also represent an adaptive intermediary that interprets and responds to environmental stimuli, resulting in alterations in gene expression, the authors of a review article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives noted.

While the docu-series oversimplifies the correlations, a gamut of studies have explored the link between epigenetics and disease predisposition.

Recent research in epigenomics has revealed that diet plays a crucial role in influencing these epigenetic markers, according to a review article in International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

For instance, foods rich in folate, such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can promote DNA-methylation, a process vital for normal development and associated with reduced risk of cancer, the authors of the piece added.

Nutrients and bioactive food components can therefore reversibly alter the DNA methylation status, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling, subsequently altering gene expression and having an impact on overall health, the article noted, adding:

Moreover, For instance, at its extreme, the Dutch Famine Birth Cohort resulting from the Dutch Famine of 19441945 has been used to study the effects of starvation during pregnancy and subsequent health and developmental outcomes including, but not limited to, increased risk of type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and decreased cognitive function in later life.

Several studies on epigenetics highlighted the harmful effects of high-fat western diets. One illustrated how such a poor diet can lead to obesity and stress, subsequently affecting gastrointestinal physiology and potentially leading to chronic diseases through epigenetic changes.

Epigenetics can also influence the severity of diseases like COVID-19 in patients with chronic lung diseases, which are associated with gene expression programs favoring SARS-CoV-2 entry and severity, according to a 2021 research paper in Nature Communications.

The documentary also highlights the negative aspects of modern food production, such as the farming of salmon. Farmed salmon, often raised in crowded conditions, are prone to diseases and parasites, which can spread to wild salmon populations, posing ecological and health risks.

In India, the farming of prawns and fish faces similar issues. Intensive aquaculture practices have led to environmental degradation and disease spread to wild populations. The use of antibiotics and chemicals in these farms raises significant health concerns.

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You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment: Two truths about nutrition amid plenty of half-truths - Down To Earth Magazine

If youre considering going vegan, or if youre simply interested in the movement, here are the best Netflix shows for vegans, and about veganism.

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Just in time for Veganuary the challenge to follow a plant-based diet for the month of January Netflix has released a docuseries based on scientific research presenting the positive health benefits of a plant-based diet. Its a hard-hitting series thats already provoking much reaction and debate, yet its far from being the only small- or big-screen project to tackle the sometimes sensitive subject of veganism. Here are five shows you should watch if youre considering going vegan, or if youre simply interested in the movement.

[Hero Image Credit: Appolo Films / Nation Earth / polyband Medien GmbH]

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This is the latest documentary project to demonstrate the benefits of a plant-based diet. Recently released on Netflix, this docuseries is based on the results of a Stanford University study released last November, which compared the impact of a vegan diet versus a meat-eating diet in 22 pairs of identical twins. Landing just in time for the Veganuary challenge, Louie Psihoyos film sets out to highlight the influence of lifestyle factors, more than genetics, on health. Leading figures from the vegan world, such as star New York chef Daniel Humm, who went vegan in 2021, and the founder of the alt-meat startup Impossible Foods, feature in this project hailing the benefits of a plant-based diet.

Ten years ago, Netflix released a documentary highlighting the consequences of intensive livestock farming. Kip Andersens film uses shock and sensational tactics to expose the role of giant farms in climate disruption, species extinction and water resource depletion. With its investigative format, the film above all encourages political reflection, calling out public authorities and environmental associations alike, denouncing their lack of commitment to finding sustainable solutions.

In 2021, the French comedian Fabrice Ebou used veganism as a theme in this darkly humorous and irreverent cartoonish comedy starring the actress, Marina Fos. The comedian plays a butcher who mistakenly kills a vegan activist, then ends up selling the body as meat in a bid to conceal the murder. But the commercial success of his customer-pleasing preparation gives the butcher new ideas

Narrated by the actor Joaquin Phoenix, who makes no secret of his vegan diet especially since he has lent his support to the Veganuary challenge this documentary shocked viewers when it was released in 2005, using hidden cameras to show the real fate of farm animals. The subject covers not only the animals we eat, but also those used in the fur industry, medical research and entertainment, such as circuses. Shaun Monsons film illustrates all the consequences of animal exploitation.

In 2011, the filmmaker Marisa Miller Wolfson unveiled her documentary project following three New Yorkers, self-confessed lovers of meat and cheese, who agreed to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. The aim of the project was to show just how difficult this choice can be on a day-to-day basis, requiring perseverance and tenacity.

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5 Netflix shows that tackle the sensitive subject of veganism - Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

No, absolutely not, Cox says. I always tell people I am a budget queen. Its all about educating yourself about whole foods like beans, chickpeas and lentils, which are easy to find and cheap.

Its true some meat replacements, like plant-based bacon, may be more expensive. But when you compare it to meat, especially high-quality meat, you realise that is also incredibly expensive.

According to a recent study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, weekly grocery costs decrease by 16% on a vegan diet. Whole foods tend to provide better value for money and better nutrition compared to meat-based alternatives or vegetarian processed options.

Myth busting: what if it doesnt taste as good?

This is no concern for vegan foodies, according to Cox. Thats a big misconception about vegan diets. I can assure you, in my experience you are not missing out on flavour.

A lot of the meals you already eat and plan in your every day, as she points out, have the benefit of being accidentally vegan from your pasta favourites to a multitude of sweet bakes.

And there is nothing wrong in having a primarily plant-based diet with exceptions, whether it is cheese you cant do without and want to indulge in every now and then, or a Nandos takeaway.

People feel like its an all-or-nothing situation, but it doesnt have to be that. You dont even have to label yourself as vegan you can choose to have a mainly plant-based diet and adapt it to what works for you.

So is the cost of living crisis a barrier or an incentive to go vegan in 2024?

Among the items with price points worst affected by inflation are yoghurt (12%), fish (10%), cheese (9%), meat (10%) and eggs by as much as a staggering 50%.

It is such a smart move for people to decide to go vegan now, Cox says. Youre winning on all aspects: youre saving money, eating healthier, and saving the planet.

Starting with whole foods and fresh items can help you budget effectively both through meal planning and by making zero-waste solutions easier in everyday shopping and cooking.

Veganuary is only one way people are embracing better sustainability practices. A survey on ethical consumer behaviour led by Thinks Insight Strategy found that while 81% of respondents are concerned about the cost of living crisis, nearly 90% took steps towards a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle in 2023.

According to lead researcher Jon Edwards, cost and price are the biggest perceived barrier for people who want to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, be it about switching to a plant-based diet or buying second-hand clothes.

Interestingly, topping the list of 2024 New Years resolutions is buying food without plastic packaging, with 37% of respondents giving this as their top sustainability priority, followed by 23% aiming to buy locally sourced or grown food.

Whether for Veganuary or as part of an ongoing sustainable revolution, ethical consumption seems to be at the forefront of UK minds heading into 2024.

Simply Vegan Baking by Freya Cox is out now (Murdoch, 18.99). You can buy it fromThe Big Issue shopon Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops.

This article is taken from The Big Issue magazine, which exists to give homeless, long-term unemployed and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy!

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Will the cost of living crisis make us all go vegan? - The Big Issue

Elizabeth Douglas | Wealth of Geeks

Adopting a vegan diet can drop the household food bill by as much as 16%, potentially saving $500 or more per year. Veganism is widely recognized as a more environmentally sustainable, healthy, and ethical dietary choice. Now, cost saving can be added to this list.

Minimize Substitutes

Mock meat, dairy, and eggs are the plant-based versions of the animal alternatives. The retail price tag reflects the additional cost to develop and produce these faux foods. Good Food Industry reports that plant-based meats are two-thirds more expensive than animal meat. And plant-based egg prices are more than double their animal counterparts. Mock substitute products can be considered a treat, like the caviar of plant-based food. Save them as the focal point for a special meal, or for those occasions when available time trumps the cost.

Stick To Basics

Although substitute products may be convenient, they arent a necessity. Experts want people to know that a vegan diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans is good for health and the budget.

We hope it becomes common knowledge that eating a vegan diet based on fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans and avoiding meat, dairy, and other animal products will help you save money and stay healthy, explained Hana Kahleova, Ph.D., director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, when discussing their new research with Nutrition Insight.

Hannah Coyne, campaign manager for The Vegan Society, says, Our cost-comparison research found that vegan protein sources such as lentils, peanut butter, and beans are some of the cheapest food options.

A whole food, plant-based diet centered around vegetables, grains, legumes, and fruits can be highly affordable if planned correctly, and is generally less affected by inflationary trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price per pound for ground beef is $5.22 more than triple that of beans, which are just $1.63 per pound. In addition, beef has increased by 8.1% in the last year, whereas the price for dried beans has dropped by 3% despite the current inflationary market.

Make It Taste Good

Theres no denying that a wholefood plant-based diet is a significant change from the average American diet, which is low in fruits and vegetables and high in fat and sodium, according to the Missouri Medicine Journal. Transforming your diet overnight might be inspiring, but it probably wont last too long. An enjoyable, sustainable transition needs some planning.

Long-term change is essential to have a meaningful impact on your bank account and your health. Recreating familiar foods that you enjoy is a key step. Begin by thinking of your favorite meals, then swap out the meat, dairy, or eggs for cheaper wholefood alternatives. For example, instead of chicken curry, try chickpea curry.

Craving buffalo wings? Try cauliflower wings instead. Finding an option you like might take a few attempts, but stick with it, and youll reap the rewards. Families, in particular, will benefit from a gradual transition. Giving family members time to adjust helps sidestep the risk of people expecting different meals.

Shop Smart

Smart shopping is a crucial element in maintaining a budget-friendly vegan diet. Embrace local markets and seasonal produce for the best deals. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper and at their peak flavor and nutritional value. Take a look inside Asian and South Asian stores for unique ingredients like spices and grains that are often pricier when purchased in mainstream supermarkets.

Comparing prices and being open to shopping at different stores or finding bulk deals can lead to significant savings. Shopping online for private-label pantry staples can also be a way to save extra money. As a bonus, buying canned or dried beans, legumes, and rice with a long shelf life will also mean less food waste.

Meal Prep

Meal prepping is an efficient way to save both time and money. Dedicate a day to prepare meals for the week and prioritize high-protein options like tofu scramble to keep you full and satisfied. This approach minimizes the temptation of impromptu takeouts or expensive convenience foods.

Writing out your weekly meals provides a helpful diet overview and will make it easier to meet your nutritional needs. As long as they are appropriately planned, vegan diets can be healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may even help prevent certain diseases, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Batch cooking and freezing portions ensure you always have quick, healthy meals on hand. Meal prepping also allows you to buy ingredients in bulk, which is often more cost-effective. By planning your meals, you can ensure a varied and balanced diet, reducing food wastage and making the most of every grocery purchase.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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Cut Costs, Not Flavor: 5 Ways To Save Money on Vegan Diet in 2024 - Cut Costs, Not Flavor: 5 Ways To Save Money ... - New York Daily News

By Sauce Staff // December 28, 2023

This week onthe Sauce podcast,Michelle and Meera discuss Hidden Gem, the new "disco dive bar" in Midtown St. Louis.Hidden Gems inclusive attitude and affection for glitter were the initial draw, but drinks like Barbie With A Buzz Cut their take on an espresso martini with reposado tequila and the charming Boot Scootin Boogie, a beer served in a boot-shaped glass with an accompanying shot, prove that this bar is much more than an aesthetic treat.

They also discuss two vegan spots, South City stalwart SweetArt and the newly-opened Looking Meadow Cafe in Maplewood. At SweetArt, they chat about iconic vegan desserts like The Maine Event and their fudgy vegan brownie. From Looking Meadow Cafe, the biscuits and gravy and garlicky quiche cups were standouts. The conversation also takes in several forthcoming spots Meera and Michelle are looking forward to trying in the new year, including Brasas in the Delmar Loop, Taqueria Moritas permanent location in the Central West End, and Telva at the Ridge in Webster Groves.

Click hereto listen to this week's episode of the Sauce podcast, and be sure to check out the previous episodes as well.

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This week on the Sauce podcast: Hidden Gem, vegan cafes and where we'll be eating in 2024 - Sauce Magazine

I want my babyback, babyback, babyback Can you name the jingle? Chilis seared the tune into our heads for years while promoting its famed baby back ribs. So whats a vegan to eat at a restaurant known for barbecue-slathered rib cages? Actually, plenty.

The next time youre seated in a plush red booth or hightop with a giant chili anchored on the wall in front of you, pull up this guide to order the best vegan food at Chilis.

Jump to the Guide

Before diving into the specifics of the Chilis restaurant menu, it helps to know what to look for when seeking out vegan options at non-vegan eateries.

The first tier is to look for a vegan menusome chains and quite a few independent establishments offer a dedicated menu for plant-based patrons. The second tier is dedicated vegan items. Each company signifies these animal-free options differentlyV, VG, Vegan, or a carrot or leaf icon are the most common. Scan the bottom of the menu to look for the key and ensure the icon stands for vegan, not vegetarian.

Jessie McCall

Chilis doesnt offer a dedicated vegan menu, but it does offer a vegan/vegetarian/allergen menu online that indicates vegan-as-is items and denotes common allergens.

When a restaurant does not label its vegan-friendly items, thats when you need to get creative and ask for help. First, look at the sides. These are often vegetable or grain-based and are naturally vegan or can be modified as such. Steamed or roasted vegetables, fries, side salads, beans, and more are usually fair game. All of these options are available at Chilis, making it easy to cobble together a filling meal if you cant find a satisfying entre option.

After scanning the sides, look at the salads, but dont get your hopes up. Many colossal chain restaurants (like Chilis) go heavy on the meat and cheese for their entre salads, and putting a plant-based spin on them may reduce a $20 salad down to sad lettuce. Modify to the best of your ability by removing any animal products, choosing a vegan dressing, and omitting croutons (they often contain dairy).

Priscilla Du Preez

The best strategy when assessing an omnivore menu is to go back to your food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein in the form of beans, tofu, or plant-based meats. Find these items, ensure theyre not paired with animal ingredients, and you can hack your way through any menu.

A note of importance: once you decide on your order and modifications, tell your server you are vegan and double-check that your request is free from animal products.

Looking at the menu and not seeing a single vegan thing? Ask the chef. Some chefs are more than happy to accommodate a vegan diet. Youre more likely to encounter a flexible chef in an independently owned, table service restaurant as opposed to a fast-casual or a large chain, but it never hurts to ask. Some people may pleasantly surprise you.

The next time you find yourself at Chilis, check out these options for a vegan-friendly meal.

Chilis

The Chilis menu is a bit of a chain restaurant smorgasbord. The eclectic selection brings to mind a taste of Outback Steakhouse, On the Border, and TGI Fridays. As such, youll find Tex-Mex staples such as guacamole and chips and salsaall of which are vegan.

Chilis

Every salad at Chilis comes with meat, cheese, or a combination of the two, but that doesnt mean you cant find a vegan green here. For a salad that has a little more to it than just chopped lettuce, opt for the Santa Fe Salad (no cheese, chicken, ranch, or Santa Fe sauce). Request a side of the Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette and avocado to add even more substance to your bowl of greens.

If youre looking for something basic to accompany a larger main, the House Salad made with romaine, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumbers is vegan when ordered with no croutons or cheese.

Chilis has some work to do in the burger department. But it does now offer a vegan burger bun and one vegan black bean patty, which is great progress. You can also order the Mushroom Swiss Burger, which comes with sauted onions, mushrooms, lettuce, and tomato, without the mayo and the Swiss cheese.

Chilis

Chilis used to offer a Black Bean & Veggie Fajita, but this has been removed from the menu. However, for a completely plant-based sizzling skillet, ask to modify the Chicken Fajitas, instead. You can swap the chicken for one of the chains vegan black bean patties, and dont forget to take off the dairy-based sauces and cheese, too.

You wont find a menu subsection with this title, but if you look under the Chicken & Seafood section, youll find the Chipotle Bowl. Its layered with field greens, Mexican rice, pico de gallo, corn salsa, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla stripsall of which are vegan-friendly. Just request no meat, pesto, cheese, or ranch, and youve got yourself a flavorful rice bowl. Add Mango Habanero Sauce for a fruity accent.

Chilis

Chilis isnt a steakhouse, but it does offer steakhouse-adjacent sides. Vegan options include steamed broccoli, plain corn on the cob, roasted asparagus, and fries. Ask for a side of the House BBQ Sauce (which is vegan) for dipping. On the Tex-Mex side, the corn and flour tortillas, Mexican rice, black beans, grilled avocado, guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo are vegan as well. You could easily build your own tacos from that hearty spread.

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

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The VegNews Guide to Chili's - VegNews