Conscious Evolution TV

Picture

We are, after all, talking about the star of Netflixs Fool Me Once, the who dunnit? series adapted from Harlan Cobens book of the same name that gripped audiences around the world as soon as it dropped on the streaming service at the start of the year, securing the number one show spot in more than 60 countries. More on that later

So, I shouldnt have been surprised to see that exact mental image greeting me IRL as soon as I joined a Zoom call with the 36-year-old Mancunian actress. Well, all except for her outfit, with Michelle actually dressed in a fluffy camel coordinating zip-neck sweatshirt and joggers. I look like Im wearing pyjamas! Michelle quickly says, as soon as weve said hello. I'm not wearing pyjamas, its actually a cosy tracksuit. I went out before and I was in a rush and I got absolutely soaking wet through. I thought, "Right, I want a warm shower and to put my comfiest clothes on," she continues.

Shes sat on a plush white sofa in her bedroom, plumped cushions lined up behind her, and loungewear or not, she still looks incredibly glamorous. Given the reason this interview is happening is to talk about Michelle and her husband Marks fitness brand, Ayetee Seven, launching a collection in collaboration with Very, its perhaps no secret just how she looks this good. But Michelle insists shes not one of those actresses.

I'm not one of those people who sets their alarm at six to get up to get to the gym, Michelle tells WH. If Ive got work in the morning, I won't force myself, it's not something that I punish myself with, you know? I was so busy last week, I think I did a Pilates class once that whole week and I was fine about it.

Instead, her morning regime is centred around her cup of coffee that immediately follows drinking a glass of water (because, wellness), allowing herself half an hour at the start of each day to go through emails while she gets her caffeine hit before getting ready. Be it for the gym, with the morning her preferred time to work out, or whatever she has planned.

I don't enjoy cardio. Its horrendous. Ugh, no, cardio has never been for me I was always the girl that came last in sports day. I don't mind doing weights, I normally do half an hour of weights if I can and then half an hour of Pilates after that. Or walking, I love walking when the weather is nice. Ill put a podcast on and take my dogs for a walk.

Her beauty routine is equally laid back. I am obsessed with Weleda Skin Food. Im gonna get it for you, its right there, she exclaims, jumping up and running out of shot of the camera to grab the tube from her bedside table. I always put it next to my bed and if I'm having a few days where my skin feels really tight and dry, Ill put that on at night. You can get it in all supermarkets. It's so easy and its so good. I save it for my dry days and I feel like when I wake up in the morning, my face is replenished and moisturised.

Her only slightly boujie beauty fix is an LED Light Therapy face mask. Normally you have to go to a spa or a facialist but Ive got one and to be fair, I have actually seen a difference in my skin. My redness has gone down, the texture of my skin has changed and gotten better and my makeup goes on a lot better when I apply it. Prioritising caffeine, hating cardio and sharing beauty secrets? Forget Hollywood A-Lister, shes more girl next door! If the girl next door owned her own gym wear brand, that is.

Michelle and her husband Mark Wright launched their athleisure label, Aytee7, in April 2022 offering both men's and women's ranges of fitness-first clothing designed to promote an active lifestyle. After first getting together in 2012, they were married in May 2015 and have always shared a love of fitness. More than just a celebrity endorsement, the couple have been involved in a hands-on capacity since day one, though Michelle is the first to admit the new partnership with Very and the launch of the latest collection has taken the brand to the next level.

It has definitely been elevated from the original collection that we did, its definitely levelled up. I love all of it, obviously, but I think my favourite look would be the olive green outfit, the former WH cover star says, referencing a two-piece set consisting of leggings and a matching one-shoulder double-spaghetti strap top. It's something different when you go to the gym, it's not a vest or anything. It's quite cool, she adds.

But again, this isnt just a celebrity slapping their name on a product and peddling it to the masses. Michelle insists a lot of thought and consideration has gone into the design process, with the pieces working as well for a quick workout as they do for lunch with friends. I have to be comfortable, especially when I'm going to the gym, but you want to feel confident in what youre wearing as well. That's a massive key for me [the gym] is quite an exposing place sometimes if you go to a class or when you're doing squats and lunges.

As for what shes wearing outside the gym, There's so much pressure on people to follow trends and wear clothes they don't feel particularly comfortable in just to either fit in or feel cool. Just wear clothes that make you feel confident!

Confidence really is a big part of it for Michelle, and shes clearly dedicated time to fostering a healthy relationship with both her body and her mind through fitness. When I've done some sort of workout or a walk, something active, is when I feel most confident. Not body-wise or anything like that, more for my state of mind and my mental health, she explains. If I work out in the morning, it sort of sets me up for the rest of the day and I feel like I've got more of a spring in my step. I think you have to have a healthy relationship with [fitness] and not put pressure on yourself. If you put too much pressure on yourself to stick to a routine or a regime, I think that's when people fail.

This latest venture with Very further allows Michelle to invest in her love of fitness and follows a six-year working relationship with the online retailer thats seen her release a staggering 39 collections to date. I'm very proud, and I feel like it's a perfect time to collaborate with [Very] on mine and Marks brand Aytee 7 as well. It just fell into place at the perfect right time, she says.

This is the first time Michelle has worked with the brand on exclusively athleisurewear, with her previous collections consisting of ready-to-wear pieces reflecting her own personal style. Think classic silhouettes and simple designs that transcend seasons, with an overtly feminine feel. I always wear and buy things that I know I'd wear again, whether it's next year or the year after. I don't really follow trends, Michelle explains.

What does that look like in her own wardrobe if she were to limit her must-have pieces down to five items? A good pair of jeans that you can wear day to night and with trainers or heels. Once I get a good pair of jeans, I'll probably have them for years, I can't throw them away. A really nice tracksuit that you can throw on in the day. And of course a pair of gym leggings, she says, counting each item off on her fingers. You know when you have a favourite pair of leggings and you go Oh my God, where have my leggings gone? and theyre in the wash. Maybe better make it two pairs of those then. And you have to have a good coat or two. I'd say invest in a nice winter coat and a spring bomber jacket ready to go into those warmer months.

Funny she should mention coats Youre on about Maya! she says, referencing her Fool Me Once character Maya Stern. I didn't realise how many coats Maya had until I watched it back and then I saw people doing TikToks of all Mayas coats. I was like Oh my God, she actually did have an array of coats! Michelle laughs.

From the Burberry trench to the AllSaints shearling biker jacket and not forgetting that Dolce & Gabanna Herringbone wool design with leopard print lining a fan favourite Mayas wardrobe generated as much, if not more, conversation across social media as the plots many twists and turns. It was really surprising because Maya as a character is quite stripped back, she's quite traditional in what she wears so I wouldn't have said when I was trying the clothes on it'd be a thing that people spoke about.

When you're doing a show, you have no idea how the audience is going to react. I had a massive build-up of anxiety around Christmas time thinking, Oh my God, it's actually going to come out in the next few weeks. Id watched Stay Close and Stay and The Stranger [other Harlan Coben Netflix adaptations] and knew they had done really well and obviously when I read the book I thought it was an amazing book. I'm a huge fan of Harlan. So yeah, [the reaction to the series as a whole] was a lovely surprise. I've got younger cousins who watched it and my granddad who's 90 watched it and theyve all loved the show. Thats a credit to Harlan and Danny [Brocklehurst, the screenwriter].

Its also a coat that is the answer to my next question. Having secured her role on Coronation Street aged 21, Michelle has spent the past 15 years in the media spotlight. A regular on the red carpet in her early years of fame, shes bound to have some fashion regrets. Years ago when I was first in Corrie I had this big furry orange coat that for some reason, I wore all the time. I have no idea why, but I genuinely really loved it. I look back on those pictures and I think God, that was hideous, she laughs. But at the time, I loved it so I wouldnt say it was a fashion faux pas because I felt great in that coat at the time.

But back to 2024, and looking ahead to the rest of the year. Michelle will soon be heading to Australia to start filming series two of Ten Pound Poms, the BBC drama that tells the story of a group of Brits who emigrate to Australia in the 1950s, with season six of Brassic, a comedy set in the North of England, set to drop on Sky Max later this year. But can anything compare to Netflix success? Fool Me Once with Netflix was just a pinch-me moment. Its made my whole year, and it was only in January! It's probably going to be hard to top because one, it was my first ever job on Netflix, and two, it was number one in so many countries.

All in all shes booked and busy, juggling her hotter-than-ever acting career (rumours of a Hollywood breakthrough have been rife since Fool Me Once was released) with her multiple fashion collections. But what is she looking forward to most in 2024? Summer, she answers immediately. I'm such as summer girl, I'm obsessed with the sun and warmer days so I can't wait for summer.

That makes two of us and is further proof Michelle is still the same down-to-earth Northern girl we first fell in love with all those years ago.

Aytee7 is available to shop now at Very.co.uk.

See the original post here:
Michelle Keegan interview: fitness, fashion and feeling confident - Women's Health UK

If it isnt on Strava, it didnt happen goes the popular saying, and what better way to make sure that your activities are logged accurately on Strava than by connecting your smartwatch?

The best smartwatches encompass a huge variety of options, but they all serve a similar purpose when it comes to fitness; to record activities in detail, and show health and recovery insights to get you on your next workout sensibly and safely.

Strava is one of the best fitness apps out there, especially for runners and cyclists. You can record GPS-based activities with the Strava app on iOS and Android smartphones, but with Strava on your smartwatch, you'll be able to start and stop activities from your wrist and get heaps more health data than just using your smartphone alone.

Strava supports pretty much all of the best fitness trackers and running watches. Many devices, including those from Garmin, sync activities to Strava through their own software. However, if you have an Apple Watch, Samsung Watch, or Android Wear device like the Google Pixel Watch 2, you can download the Strava app to your watch and use it to smash fitness goals on the go.

Ive worn pretty much every smartwatch brand out there either through review testing or indecision so I know how easy it can be to add the Strava app and track workouts. Heres how to connect your smartwatch to Strava for the best experience.

1. Start by downloading the Strava app from the App Store and getting logged in on your phone if you haven't already.

2. Then open the Apple Watch app, go to the My Watch section, find Strava, and tap Install.

1. When you first open Strava on your Watch, you should see a prompt appear on your phone asking you to authorize Strava for Apple Watch.

2. Once that's done, you're nearly ready to start recording, but you'll want to make sure that Strava can use your Watch's built-in heart rate monitor.

3. Launching the Strava app on the watch should trigger another prompt on your phone and the watch screen, asking you to grant Strava permission to access and update your Health data.

4. Scroll down within the Health app to find Allow Strava to Read and activate heart rate (and all your Health data unless you have a good reason not to). You can always find this data in the Sharing section of the Health App.

1. The Strava Watch app is much more streamlined than the iPhone version, and only gives you the option to start, stop and pause activities, plus show your progress during those activities.

2. To start recording an activity, tap the Strava icon on your Apple Watch, scroll and tap to pick the activity, then press the start button to begin.

3. Once the activity has started, there are two screens to swipe between. The main screen displays elapsed time, distance and heart rate in real-time, while a swipe to the left brings up the Pause and Finish buttons, Settings and a Screen Lock perfect for when you're running in the rain.

4. When you're done running, cycling, skiing or activity-ing, hit the Finish flag to end your session and sync the data with the full smartphone Strava app. Any miles logged will count towards your weekly progress automatically.

While using Strava on your Apple Watch is convenient, it does come with limitations. The app doesn't support Strava Live Segments (so no real time updates as you go) and you can't see maps or Strava Routes on the display.

There's a standalone Strava app for Samsung Gear and Galaxy smartwatches, but the installation method depends on how new your device is. Devices after and including the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic use Wear OS, which I've covered below.

If you've got an older Samsung smartwatch (pre-2021), you can still install the Strava app on your Samsung Gear device from the Galaxy Store. You'll need to visit this Strava page from a desktop to connect your Strava account and receive a four-digit code to link up your device.

Just like with Strava for Apple Watch, the interface is simplified. Once you've opened up the Strava app on your Samsung device, select an activity and you'll see the time, pace, or speed, plus distance and heart rate. A swiping motion lets you change settings, Pause, Finish, or cancel the activity.

Strava supports the best Wear OS Watch from Wear OS 3.0 and above, and that includes the likes of the Google Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, plus our current favorite Wear OS device, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review.

1. Open the Google Play Store from the watch, search for Strava, and tap to install it. Once you've done that, the button will show as Open instead of Install.

2. You'll be asked to sign in to Strava on your paired phone, too (you can't use a Samsung or Pixel watch with iPhones, but you probably know that already). When you open Strava on your smartwatch, it should automatically be signed in, but there's a quick authorization step to add your credentials if not.

1. Using Strava on a Wear OS Watch is super simple. The first time you open it up from your app drawer you'll be asked to permit it to access your location and health data. Accept the terms to get started.

2. To record a workout from the app, select your activity type, and hit Start. You might have to wait a few moments for the GPS to lock onto your location, but then you're ready to get moving.

Most people buy a Garmin Watch for serious fitness tracking. Garmin devices are definitely more fitness trackers than smartwatches, and there aren't any products in the Garmin range with a dedicated Strava app.

But, by syncing your Garmin watch with Strava via the Garmin Connect Mobile app and Bluetooth on your smartphone, any new activities be they runs, cycles, or swims will sync toStrava automatically. Head to the settings section of the Connect app, Go to Connected Apps, select Strava, and set up your connection and preferences.

As with Garmin wearables, not everyone counts Fitbit devices as smartwatches. And while there's not a dedicated app for Strava on Fitbit devices, you can sync up your activities in just a few taps, so that your Fitbit workouts get sent straight to Strava.

The easiest way to connect your Fitbit device is at this Strava link. If you're on an iPhone, then you'll also find the option nestled with settings. Once synced up, Garmin sends activity data from the last 90 days, while Fitbit only sends new ones after you've synced up your devices (unless you export and add them manually).

Using a smartwatch with Strava can give a real boost to your fitness journey, integrating powerful tracking technology with your active lifestyle and letting you go hands-free without your smartphone. I've loved the freedom of going running without my iPhone, while still being able to track my miles and listen to music.

Whether you're using an Apple Watch or the latest Wear OS device, the smartwatch-Strava combination gives you instant insights into your performance, so that you can push boundaries and smash your PBs. Try using Strava with your own smartwatch and get more motivation on every stride or pedal.

Here is the original post:
How to use Strava with your smartwatch - TechRadar

Xiaomi could be gearing up to announce the next generation of its best fitness trackers, after a telecoms certification was spotted online.

First reported by ITHome via Wareable, Xiaomi filed information referring to two different devices, numbered M2345B1 and M2346B1, to the State Radio Regulation of China. This is standard procedure when preparing to release a new device with any kind of communications technology, and weve caught wind of many new devices before launch via lists of this kind on government databases.

The filing hinted at two different versions of the fitness tracker, assumed to be the Mi Smart Band 9 and perhaps the Mi Smart Band 9 Pro. Just like the Mi Smart Band 8, which is currently being tested by a TechRadar writer, and the Mi Smart Band 8 Pro, Xiaomi could announce a new standard version of the Mi Smart Band 9 as well as an NFC-enabled Pro version, allowing the user to make contactless payments from their wrist. However, nothing official has been announced just yet.

Xiaomi recently revealed its Watch 2 Pro at MWC 2024, which is shaping up to be a true Pixel Watch rival at a very low price. Xiaomi is unlikely to be prepping a fully-fledged smartwatch so soon after its last launch, so its logical to suspect this is more likely to be a slimmer, cheaper fitness tracker.

It will launch in China first, but with the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 not available for purchase in many regions including the US and UK Xiaomi could be seeing a gap in the market in those regions for a new high-quality, low-price fitness tracker. Its just got to get past Fitbit.

As we sit and wait for further announcements, lets look at last years model: the Mi Smart Band 8 is Xiaomis latest model in the series equipped with a 1.62 AMOLED screen and detachable straps. It stood out from the Mi Band 7 due to its unique (for the series) pebble mode feature, where you can remove the wrist straps and fix the tracker to your shoes for a more advanced running experience.

While we dont know a lot about the Mi Smart Band 9 models, both are speculated to receive upgrades to the previous Mi Smart Band 8. From the recent rumors, its likely that the smart band will be set for a spring release in China before being rolled out globally later this year - similarly to its predecessor, which was launched in China in April 2023 ahead of a world-wide release in October 2023.

The first day of spring technically falls in late March (March 19, if youre curious), but while images of grassy fields and warmer weather are in our minds, the reality is that March is still an uncomfortably cold month for the majority of the US. Trader Joes new and returning vegan products recognize this transition period, offering up sweet treats like strawberry popcorn and comfort foods like vegan pepperoni slices.

We never know how long these products will stay, but thats part of the fun of Trader Joes. Heres how to make the most of March with these new, intriguing, and craveable vegan Trader Joes products available now.

Here are eight vegan products to look forward to at Trader Joes this monthand you can take them home in one of the chains new mini $2.99 canvas tote bags, too.

This tangy sorbet is pleasantly citrusy, nourishing, and delicious. Inspired by two of the Philippines most popular (and juicy) fruits, its the perfect sweet treat to keep on hand for days when you want something cool, refreshing, and a little lighter than ice cream. Find it here

Trader Joes

The chocolate-filled tip is arguably the best part of the ice cream cone, and we wont hear any different. And neither will Trader Joes, which is why it has launched these tasty, crunchy, Hold the Cone Tips. The mini cones are actually cookies (not ice cream!) and are packed with rich vegan-friendly dark chocolate. Find it here

This Strawberry Kettle Popcorn will take movie night to the next level. Each kernel is drizzled with dark chocolate and contains real pieces of freeze-dried strawberries. Its unlikely youll want to share, so we recommend stocking up on a few bags. Find it here

Stay with us, they sound odd, but these vegan gummies are actually tasty. Youll be pleased to know that this is largely because while they are peas and carrots-shaped, they are not peas and carrots-flavored. Made with plant-based pectin instead of gelatin, they are the perfect mix of fruity, sweet, and sour. Find it here

Craving a meaty pizza? Trader Joes has you covered. Now you can make your own vegan pizza pie with the chains Vegan Pepperoni pieces, which are made with a blend of plant-based protein. For the perfect cheesy base, you can also grab its Dairy-Free Mozzarella Style Shreds, too. Find it here

Trader Joes

If youre looking for a delicious, spicy, peppery vegan cheese that will go perfectly with your favorite Mexican dishes (and that melts beautifully), then were pleased to say that Trader Joes has got you covered, thanks to its Shredded Spicy Mexican Blend. Grab the nachos, its time to get cooking. Find it here

Trader Joes

Trader Joes recently announced the return of its Midnight Moo Chocolate Syrup. According to the chain, Its richer, more chocolatey, and more drizzle-able than ever. Best of all? This time around, its dairy-free. Find it here

You cant beat chips and dip. It is, arguably, the snack for everything from movie nights to game days to wine nights with friends. Hummus is always a great choice, but this new Almond Chipotle Dip from Trader Joes is also a great choice. Its deliciously smooth, creamy, smoky, and incredibly addictive. Find it here

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

View post:

What's Vegan at Trader Joe's: The 8 Hottest Products in March - VegNews

The owners of a Long Island, New York-based vegan market are claiming that the donuts they ordered from a local vegan bakery were actually from Dunkin and a state agency is investigating.

The evidence for the accusation? Dunkin's signature "D" sprinkles.

Cindysnacks co-owners John Stengel and Indiana Cindy Kay first postedon Instagram on March 3. They said the items they purchased from The Savory Fig were delivered by baker Michelle Siriana on Feb. 23.

I (John) immediately became concerned as to why this one donut was decorated differently than all the others and in such a strikingly similar way to a recognizable chain, Stengel wrote on the social media platform.

The accompanying carousel begins with a photo of a donut with a pale pink glaze and orange and magenta sprinkles that appear to be in a D shape, similar to those found on Dunkins donuts.

I pulled all of the items delivered out of our racks immediately and stored them in the back out of precaution until I could confirm what was or wasnt happening here, Stengel continued.

In the next slide, Stengel showed correspondence allegedly between him and Siriana.

"These are definitely not Dunkin' Donuts! If you don't wanna put them out, don't. But they are not Dunkin' Donuts!" reads one text.

In another exchange, Stengel asks to see the container that the "D" sprinkles allegedly came from and a reply reads, "I could send you the picture later. I made a bunch of donuts for someone's birthday."

When Stengel responds that he's seen the same sprinkles at Dunkin', the response says, "I would never do that!"

The following morning, Stengel appears to get a follow-up message that includes an Amazon link and reads, "I'm still out in Montauk visiting my boyfriend. I won't be back till this afternoon. These are the sprinkles that I bought for the kids birthday party."

I raised my concerns respectfully, hoping a simple explanation with confirming evidence would clear this up, Stengel wrote. We (Cindy and I) were not given satisfactory answers nor evidence and in that moment knew deep down how bad this was. Still trying to hold out hope that our trusted fellow vegan small business wasnt doing something so horrific, we scoured the internet for possible sprinkle dupes that would make it make sense.

Stengel says they bought the colored sprinkles that Siriana identified as the ones she used, which he claims are not labeled vegan, nor do they match the sprinkles on the donut he received.

The market owners then ordered an at-home gluten test, which they say found that the donut in question contained substantial amounts of gluten.

We can only assume, given this recognizable logo design, where these donuts really came from and what other ingredients they might contain, Stengel wrote. We have cut all personal and business ties with this person effective immediately. We are mortified that we provided any of her products to our customers and our own family.

Neither Cindysnacks owners nor Siriana have responded to PEOPLEs request for comment. The Savory Figs Instagram account appears to have been deactivated.

Cindysnacks posted an update on Instagram on March 6 saying the company had contacted the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Food Safety and Inspection, which was launching an investigation into the matter.

Never miss a story sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The post also said that Cindysnacks had alerted the Suffolk County Department of Health about what happened and was looking into other avenues to ensure accountability is met.

A New York State Department of Agriculture spokesperson told PEOPLE in a statement, "Ensuring the safety and proper labeling of our food supply is a critical function of the Department, which includes overseeing home processors in New York State. The Department has received several complaints regarding this home processing business and is conducting a full investigation."

The spokesperson added that even though Savory Fig is registered as a "home processor," and thus exempt from certain licensing requirements, it still must clearly identify all allergens in products.

PEOPLE also reached out to the Suffolk County Department of Health, and was told that if Cindysnacks filed an official complaint, they would have been referred toNew York State Agriculture & Markets, which oversees home processors.

While Cindysnacks said they wont be issuing further statements on the situation, they explained on Instagram that they shared the initial post with the safety of the vegan community in mind.

We want to make it clear that we came forward with this information to keep our community of local vegans and those with food allergies safe from future harm, the post added.

Go here to read the rest:

Bakery Called Out for Allegedly Trying to Pass Off Dunkin' Donuts as Homemade Vegan and Gluten-Free Donuts - PEOPLE

This go-to, one-stop shop for many people is quickly becoming a vegan haven thanks to a surprising number of plant-based products. The freezer section boasts cases packed with vegan brands such as Gardein, Field Roast, and Impossible Foods, and you can even find vegan tuna, chocolate chip cookies, and heat-and-eat bowls. With an abundance of options, Walmart is further proving veganisms place in the mainstream. So, grab your oversized shopping cart (and this list!) to make sure you dont miss these amazing vegan finds.

This mega-store has become more and more vegan-friendly over the years with the addition of a wide variety of vegan products. Occasionally, vegan brands will exclusively launch their products at Walmart before expanding their retail footprint.

In 2021, the store became the first to carry marshmallow brand Yummallos vegan marshmallows at all Walmart locations nationwide. In the same year, the superstore began carrying Impossible Foods vegan meatballs at over 3,000 locations nationwide.

Walmart

In 2022, Beyond Meat launched its first vegan steak product, Beyond Steak, at over 5,000 stores, including many select Walmart locations. In the same year, family-size packs of vegan buffalo chicken wings from meatless brand Like Meat hit the freezer sections at over 3,600 Walmart locations just in time for the Super Bowl.

But thats not all. When Grammy-award-winning artist Jermaine Dupri launched JDs Veganhis very own vegan ice cream brandhe chose to partner with Walmart for the launch. Walmart and I share the same vision of providing consumers with the best products and making healthy alternatives accessible to everyone, Dupri said in a statement.

And beyond food products, Walmart has incorporated more sustainable initiatives into its other product offerings.

But for now, well get into our top editor picks from the superstores offerings. Think vegan meatballs, burgers, mac and cheese, pints of ice cream, cookies, and more.

Whip up one delicious breakfast sandwich by layering these meaty sausage rounds with avocado, tomato slices, JUST Egg, and vegan mayo all on an English muffin. FIND IT HERE

@myrealdish/Instagram

Even mainstream brands like Hellmans are getting in on the vegan mayo game. This giant tub retails for less than $4 and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. FIND IT HERE

@bigboxvegan/Instagram

The classic vegan biscuit cookie gets a tasty upgrade in this dairy-free, cream-filled treat. Both vanilla and cookie butter varities exist, and they are both irresistible. FIND IT HERE

@theveganzombie/Instagram

Ready in just a few simple steps, this vegan macaroni and cheese makes feeding the kiddos a breeze. Each box retails for less than $3, making them an affordable buy. FIND IT HERE

Dont miss Impossibles cult-favorite sausage grounds available in the freezer aisle. Keep an eye out for the just-debuted red packaging and cook up a deluxe vegan brunch right at home. FIND IT HERE

Field Roast

Melty quesadillas, grilled cheeses, vegan omelets, and so much more get a step up with this creamy, meltable cheese from Chao Creamery. FIND IT HERE

Eat Just

The ever-popular egg substitute is available in the refrigerated goods section at Walmart. Get ready for frittatas, omelets, scrambles, and more. FIND IT HERE

@fiercebrownmama/Instagram

This avocado oil-based buttery spread is delicious on toast, in baked goods, slathered over waffles or pancakes, or for adding that perfect crisp when frying up foods in a pan. FIND IT HERE

@veganwalmart/Instagram

Every major butter brand is recognizing the demand for vegan butter even when its not butter! Plant-based oils make up the base of this perfectly meltable spread. FIND IT HERE

@mama_vegan_finds/Instagram

Dont miss this extra creamy mac and cheese found among the shelf-stable goods. Made with gluten-free pasta, this cheesy concoction makes for an easy weeknight meal. FIND IT HERE

JDs Vegan

Launched by music legend Jermaine Dupri, this vegan ice cream is made from a base of coconut cream for an extra thick texture without the use of animal-derived ingredients. FIND IT HERE

@theveganventures/Instagram

In 2021, this longtime dairy-based company debuted vegan ranch to much acclaim. Grab a few bottles on your next Walmart trip for drizzling over salads or adding to vegan Buffalo wraps. FIND IT HERE

@lakeerievegan/Instagram

These Instagram-famous vegan nuggets can be found at Walmart! Late-night snacking just got a lot better. FIND IT HERE

Daiya

Layered with the brands mozzarella shreds, plus roasted red onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and basil, this frozen pizza is a step above the rest. Add your favorite beefy crumbles or vegan pepperoni for some extra heartiness. FIND IT HERE

VegNews

Ready to make the best meatball sub of your life? Pick up a bag of these extra meaty meatless meatballs for stuffing into subs with melty vegan cheese. FIND IT HERE

@hauntedherbivore/Instagram

These original vegan breaded chicken tenders are just so tender and delicious. Add them to wraps or toss over salads for a crispy, flaky protein addition. FIND IT HERE

@veganonthegogirl/Instagram

These classic, chewy treats get a gelatin-free makeover perfect for summertime smores! Were keeping these bite-sized sweets in our cupboard for cereal treats, cookie bars, and hot chocolate. FIND IT HERE

Quinn Snacks

Enjoy all the irresistible flavors of pizza in this bite-sized, on-the-go snack. FIND IT HERE

Larabar/Instagram

Larabars prove that snacks can be healthy, delicious, and made with simple ingredients. This Apple Pie flavor is made with just dates, almonds, apples, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. FIND IT HERE

Lightlife/Instagram

Summer isnt complete without hot dogs, so keep these stocked up in the fridge and ready for your next cookout. They have all the flavor, just none of the meat. FIND IT HERE

Nasoya/Instagram

Next time youre hosting and youre short of appetizer ideas, try these tasty Thai dumplings, which are filled with tofu, green peas, carrots, red bell peppers, and basil. All you need to do is heat them up on the stove and theyre ready in five quick minutes. FIND IT HERE

Gardein/Instagram

Crispy, citrusy, and pretty addictive, these Mandarin vegan chicken pieces from Gardein make for a delicious meal when paired with rice. Add a side of lettuce cups for even more sustenance. FIND IT HERE

So Delicious/Instagram

These creamy ice cream sandwiches are made with organic coconut milk, plus, theyre soy-free, which is ideal for those with soy allergies or sensitivities. FIND IT HERE

Tofurky/Instagram

Make the ultimate sandwich by layering up these Hickory Smoked deli slices from Tofurky. Dont forget the chutney and the pickles. FIND IT HERE

Nutiva/Instagram

Forget Nutella, this spread from Nutiva is just as indulgent, just as chocolatey, and just as creamy, only, unlike the OG, it doesnt contain any milk. FIND IT HERE

Natures Bakery/Instagram

Made with real blueberries, figs, and whole grains, these bars from Natures Bakery are a great lunchtime snack. Plus, theyre nut-free. FIND IT HERE

Unreal/Instagram

Peanut butter cups are one of the nations favorite snacks for two very good reasons: theyre creamy and delicious. But you dont need dairy chocolate to enjoy them. These cups by Unreal are made with dark chocolate and theyre just as delectable. FIND IT HERE

Annie Chuns/Instagram

This is another great find to keep on standby for a lazy day. Ready in just two minutes, the Korean-style gochujang sauce is bursting with flavor, and the Hokkien noodles will likely keep you feeling full until bedtime. FIND IT HERE

Miyokos Creamery/Instagram

If you thought you couldnt get that same melty, creamy consistency with vegan butter, then you were wrong, and Miyokos Creamery is here to prove it. Honestly, youll barely even notice the difference. FIND IT HERE

Reddi-Wip/Instagram

Stock up on this Non-Dairy Reddi Wip for the next time your sweet tooth comes calling. Add to milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, or straight from the canno judgement here. FIND IT HERE

@jpolepdistribution/Instagram

If you want a great-tasting, nutritious, easy option for lunch on the go, then look no further than Amys Kitchen Beans & Rice Burrito, which features a mild, yet flavorful Mexican-style sauce. FIND IT HERE

TalentiTalenti

We say sorbet is underrated. This delicious, fruity dessert (which contains sweet mangos sourced from India and a hint of lemon) can compete with any tub of ice cream. Plus, the jar is made of recycled plastic. FIND IT HERE

Sarah McLaughlin (@sarahmclaughlin) is the New Products Editor at VegNews and is always on the search for the newest innovations in plant-based food.

Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission. In no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.

See the original post:

The 32 Best Vegan Food Finds at Walmart: The Ultimate Guide - VegNews

A film described as the vegan documentary weve all been waiting for is being released in cinemas next month.

I Could Never Go Vegan, which comes from Dartmouth Films, explores and refutes some of the many arguments that non-vegans use against veganism.

The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Thomas Pickering, who switched to a vegan lifestyle after being raised vegetarian. Despite the undeniable benefits veganism has for animals, us, and the planet, Pickering has stated that he is constantly being told by others that they are unable to drop animal products.

I Could Never Go Vegan is truly a film for anyone who has ever heard or said these words, Pickering said in a statement. Its not uncommon for me to have daily conversations with friends, colleagues or strangers, and for them to utter these words to me. But why? Thats exactly what I wanted to explore in this film, seeking to find out whether the arguments that face the vegan movement are justified or not

Arguments explored in the film include Where would I get my protein?, that animals live a good life, the B12 issue, as well as the idea that veganism is too expensive.

The film features a number of well-known faces in the vegan community, including environmentalist and author George Monbiot, powerlifting champion Sophia Ellis, as well as health professionals Dr Shireen Kassam, Dr Gemma Newman, and Dr Alan Desmond.

Vegan actor Alicia Silverstone endorsed the film describing it as the vegan documentary weve all been waiting for. She, alongside musician Alissa White-Gluz, businesswoman Heather Mills, and actor Peter Egan, serves as executive producer.

There will be two premieres of the film one in Londons Curzon Soho on April 10, and the other at Curzon Sheffield on April 11. Both premieres will also feature a Q&A session, and Peter Egan will host the London one. Premiere tickets are available to buy on the Curzon website.

The film is set for release on April 19, and will be available to watch in cinemas in the UK and Ireland. The current confirmed dates and locations are as follows (please note: there will be more cinema dates added in due course).

Buy tickets for Picturehouse screenings here

Pickering confirmed to Plant Based News that the film will be available to watch online after the cinema release. This means that viewers in the US and other countries will be able to watch it. The filmmakers will confirm what online platform it will be on at a later date.

Read the original post:

'I Could Never Go Vegan': How To Watch The Hugely Anticipated Documentary - Plant Based News

Traveling as a vegan has gotten easier than ever, especially given that nearly 50 percent of restaurants across the country now offer plant-based options. Yet, the concept of a fully vegan hotel is a relatively new phenomenon that goes beyond the food we eat, expanding to animal-free bedding, furniture, cleaning products, and guests complimentary soap and shampoo.

Jump to the hotels

Hidden gems like the Stanford Inn in Northern California have been running a vegan operation for 40 years, but as travelers continue to call for more transparency, higher sustainability standards, and ethical business models, more hotels and resorts are popping up to meet these demands. While they may not all be fully vegan, many are making eco-travel easier.

For those who need to get away, here are 16 hotels and resorts from Hawaii to upstate New York that are making eco-travel easier than ever.

The accommodations listed below are immensely vegan-friendly, pet-friendly, and eco-conscious. However, while there may not be a vegan bed and breakfast or luxury resort at every travel destination, some lodgings are more vegan-friendly than others.

When looking for a hotel, the first thing we do is look at the Experiences or Specials tab. For example, St. Julien in Boulder, CO isnt exclusively vegan, but it does offer a Very Vegan experience that alerts the hotel to take every measure to ensure your stay is in alignment with your lifestyle, from the food to the mini bottles of hand lotion.

The next telling sign of a vegan-friendly hotel is the inclusion of a dedicated vegan menu at one of the property restaurants. The Peninsula in Beverly Hills offers a fully plant-based menu for dinner as well as consistent vegan options on its breakfast and lunch menus.

Its important to point out that the travel and tourism industry is becoming more vegan-friendly and eco-friendly all over the world. Santorini, Greece, for example, became home to a new vegan boutique hotel in 2021. And in the same year, a new family-run, boutique vegan hotel opened in Costa Rica. For more on vegan-friendly resorts all over the world follow our guide here. More of an Airbnb kind of traveler? Check out VegVisits for vegan vacation rentals throughout the US and abroad.

But if you want a domestic getaway, there are many great vegan vacation options in the US. From quiet bed and breakfasts to inclusive resorts, pack your bags and let these hotels dictate where you book your next vacation.

Heart Core Hotels

As part of the Heartcore boutique eco-hotel group, this all-vegan, adults-only retreat gives sustainability-minded travelers peace of mind. The property has a zero-waste mentality and uses pure Hawaiian rainwater recycled on-site. All single-use plastics have been banned and only biodegradable cleaning products are used.

The resort is located between the city of Hilo and Volcano National Park, making it an ideal spot to get away and relax or go exploring. The property serves a complimentary vegan brunch every day and offers an outdoor spa, zen garden, and morning yoga. At some point, you will need to leave to get foodbrunch is the only option for nowbut think of it as an opportunity to explore the sights and eats the Big Island has to offer. Find out more

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

Whether youre volunteering at the nearby Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or just passing through, Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile gets a gold star in its vegan-friendly offerings. The rooms are designed with pets in mind and are perfectly suited for hosting a sleepover with a dog or cat from the sanctuary. Plus, the bathroom amenities are animal- and cruelty-free, and each room features a large-scale photograph of a sanctuary animal. And while theres not a dedicated restaurant, the hotel does have a mercantile that offers guests vegan snacks, beverages, and complimentary breakfast. If you want to eat out, youre within walking distance of a surprisingly high number of vegan-friendly restaurants in this small town of Kanab, including Best Friends Angel Village Cafe just a few minutes away. Find out more

St. Julien Hotel & Spa

Health and wellness are a focus for this eco-conscious resort, which is no surprise considering its located in one of Americas most active and athletic cities. Thats one reason the hotel offers a Very Vegan Package at various times during the year that includes two vegan cocktails, a vegan spa treatment, and a $50 food and beverage credit. Be sure to dine at Jills Restaurant & Bistro, an on-site eatery with enough vegan options to keep things interesting (hello, vegan yakisoba noodles and blackened tofu!). If youre staying for the weekend, arrive a bit early to take advantage of the First Friday Vegan Buffet, which is held from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm the first Friday of every month. Find out more

Stanford Inn by the Sea

This eco- and pet-friendly resort with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean may be one of the most established vegan resorts in the United States. The Stanford Inn is the home of the highly acclaimed vegan restaurant The Ravens, which sources organic ingredients from its gardens and serves complimentary breakfast every morning. At night, the restaurant turns into a fine-dining experience (and you can rest assured that all food waste is composted and glass, cardboard, and paper are recycled). Every afternoon, the resort also offers free desserts and coffee or tea. To round out your physical and mental well-being, Stanford Inn offers a large menu of wellness classes, including those focused on cooking and gardening. Additionally, you might encounter real animals, either those who are guests or the rescued animals who reside on the resorts property. Find out more

Dreamers Welcome

This art-filled, cozy oasis in the historic Wilmington downtown area functions as a bed and breakfast that goes above and beyond for vegans and their dogs. All of the furnishings and bedding are vegan, as are the hand soaps (black charcoal made in Puerto Rico) and toiletries (vegan Castile soap products). When you arrive, youll receive a map with staff recommendations for vegan-friendly establishments in the neighborhood, and every morning, guests enjoy a complimentary vegan breakfast with dishes such as quinoa porridge and cherry pistachio scones. Its vegan kitchen also serves other breakfast dishes you can purchase, as well as boxed lunches and special dinners. Feel like getting your wellness on? Book an in-room massage, take an on-site yoga class, or just hang out on its old front porch with your pup. Find out more

Park Lane Guest House

True to its word, Park Lane Guest House may be the greenest little hotel in this vegan-friendly city. The cottages are solar-powered, the complimentary coffee is fair-trade, chemical cleaners are never used, and bath amenities arent just organic but also cruelty-free. And every morning, guests wake up to vegan options such as ginger lemon and rosemary buckwheat waffles or breakfast tacosa staple in Austinfilled with veggies. You can even try the organic grapefruit picked straight from Park Lanes trees. Find out more

Gray Barn

What vegan wouldnt want to stay at the Gray Barn where a private tour of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is included with every stay? Plus, the lounge area offers beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge and the pasture where the sanctuarys rescued goats graze. You do need to become a member of Woodstock to stay here, but the base membership costs only $40 and with that, youll get a five percent discount on your stay. You can then slumber in one of five bedrooms (youll have your own bathroom and terrace), each named after an animal at the sanctuary. Every morning at this non-profit hotel, an organic vegan breakfast is served in the communal space. Because this is an all-vegan organization, guests are asked not to bring any non-vegan food into their rooms. Find out more

The Ginger Cat

If youre looking for a relaxing home away from home, with plenty of cats about, Rock Streams The Ginger Cat has to be on your list. Just 15 minutes from Farm Sanctuary, which is the founding farm sanctuary in the US, the cozy, welcoming bed and breakfast is a vegan oasis, with plenty of organic and local produce on offer. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, expect to be served a delicious array of homemade dishes including muffins, tofu quiche, bean burritos, and much more. Find out more

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Set amongst the stunning red-rock scenery of Angel Canyon, and with plenty of animals around, a stay in one of the cottages or cabins at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (just minutes away from the Roadhouse and Mercantile) ticks a lot of vacation boxes. Plus, there is plenty of vegan food on offer at the sanctuarys Angel Village Cafe, which offers plant-based lunch options for just $5 every day. Find out more

Wynn

If youve been searching for a vegan-friendly hotel that stands amongst all of the Las Vegas action, stop what youre doing. Youve found it. Set on the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, Wynn offers a luxurious weekend experience, packed with jaw-dropping entertainment, bustling nightlife, and lots of vegan food. While none of the on-site restaurants are totally plant-based, most, like Tableau, Lakeside, and Mizumi, offer plenty of suitable, delicious options for vegan diners. Find out more

Tal Ronnen

Another go-to option right on the Las Vegas strip, Resorts World wont disappoint when it comes to vegan fare. In 2022, Crossroads Kitchena beloved vegan restaurant with locations in Los Angeles and Calabasas, CAopened at the resort, becoming the first vegan fine-dining restaurant to open on the strip. And the following year, Crossroads launched a plant-based brunch buffet to much fanfare. The glitz and glamor of Las Vegas paired with vegan fine dining? Were so in! Find out more

Deer Run on The Atlantic

This boutique eco-lodge has just four rooms, so make sure to book soon if youre after a stay there this year. As the name suggests, the inn boasts stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean, making it the perfect destination if youre a fan of relaxing by the water or engaging in fun activities like paddle boarding or kayaking. Before your day by the ocean, expect to feast on plenty of hearty plant-based food, because the lodge is 100 percent vegan. Find out more

Country Hearth Bed and Breakfast

If youre after interesting history and culture, rolling green hills, and fresh produce, head out to Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This bed and breakfast in Lancaster County is the perfect place to stayits small, its quaint, and it will feed you well. Every morning, a full vegetarian spread, complete with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farm stands, is laid out at 8:30 am. The food is meat-free, but make sure to specify if you want vegan food when you book, as the hotel does serve eggs and cheese. Find out more

Pebble Cove Farm

If you want to get back in touch with nature, you cant go wrong with a visit to Washingtons stunning Orcas Island where you can spend the days hiking and taking in the beautiful scenery. If you stay at Pebble Cove Farm, you can also get involved with activities like kayaking, gardening, and, our personal favorite, playing with rescue animals. Plus, all the food is totally vegan. Find out more

The Black Sheep Inn

Situated in picturesque Hammondsport, a village in Steuben County, New York, this historic inn and spa offers five-star service, hearty vegan food, and a unique feel and style. Its location also makes it the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the beautiful Keuka Lake, which is just a matter of minutes from the inn. Find out more

The White Pig

If youre planning to visit Virginias iconic Blue Ridge Mountains this year, we recommend heading to The White Pig for some respite, plenty of delicious vegan food, and rescue animals. The hotel is even named after a rescue animal, a pot-bellied pig called Norman. Its cozy, its quaint, and its perfect for a restorative stay away from busy day-to-day life. Find out more

Sarah McLaughlin (@sarahmclaughlin) is the New Products Editor at VegNews and is always on the search for the newest innovations in plant-based food.

Karen Asp is a VegNews digital writer, regular contributor to numerous other publications (like Forks Over Knives, Eating Well, Sentient Media, O and Real Simple), author of Anti-Aging Hacks, and a vegan lifestyle coach and educator in Indiana.

Go here to read the rest:

16 Best Hotels in America With Vegan Options - VegNews

If you have lunch at Follow Your Heart vegan cafe on Sherman Way in Canoga Park, you may see a friendly-looking guy hovering around. Hes there for a few hours every day, doing a little bit of everything.

Its kind of my job to eat different things on the menu to ensure consistency. One cook teaches another cook and recipes totally change.

Take note that man is not just the food taster. Hes Bob Goldberg, now a wise elder to the vegan food scene in Los Angeles. He began Follow Your Heart with friends in 1970, as a vegetarian hippie hangout in the valley.

Bob Goldberg and his partners

Courtesy Follow Your Heart

Today, more than 50 years later, its a vegan grocery store and diner, with a college town food co-op vibe, selling plant-based diner food: sandwiches, pot pies, chili cheese fries. And even more importantly, Goldberg has had a massive impact on plant-based eating, creating Vegenaise and starting the Follow Your Heart and Earth Island brands.

The Follow Your Heart cafe first started as a juice bar in the back of Johnny Weissmullers American Natural Foods on Owensmouth. Weissmuller was an Olympic gold medalist and star of the Tarzan movies.

In 1973, Goldberg, along with partners Paul Lewin, Spencer Windbiel and Michael Besanon, bought out the market, and got rid of all the meat and dairy products.

When we first started, this strip was still Antique Row wed get thrifted plates from the Salvation Army, he remembers.

The place soon attracted a loyal following, with people traveling long distances to the West Valley, because back then, as Goldberg says, "vegetarian places were few and far between."

By 1976, they outgrew the store and moved into a former butcher shop, which is the current Sherman Way location.

"I grew up in a family of grocers, says Goldberg. His grandfather Sam Kapitanoff opened Crystal Foods shortly after the turn of the century when he arrived in Beloit, Wisconsin from Eastern Europe very New Agey name, he laughs. Hed visit the store as a kid with his parents from Chicago, an hour-and-a-half away.

The other side of Goldbergs family was in the model airplane kits industry. In those days, Carl Goldberg Products was a hugely inspiring company for would-be aeronautical engineers. However, model planes later fell out of popularity in the 70's with the emergence of the space program. I was a national champion as a child, he says with a smile.

Chef Proof Fujiyama-Ahira and owner Bob Goldberg at Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe in Canoga Park.

Brian Feinzimer

/

LAist

In 1967, Goldberg got drafted into the army. Initially, he thought hed have to travel overseas, but he received a last minute change of orders to join the Army Band. (Goldberg had played trumpet since he was 10 and studied music at Indiana University).

Goldberg says he wasnt yet critical of the war in Vietnam. It was a bad time a turbulent time. But I was on board for everything. I didn't question authority ... that came later.

In the barracks he was assigned to a room with one other guy who had the "opposite of my background. Hed been in trouble with the law and a judge had given him the choice to go to jail or enlist. His barrack-mate showed him something rolled up in aluminum foil he didn't know what it was. "I'd never seen marijuana, he says. They went into a closet and got high.

A moment later Bob remembers sitting down on his bed and thinking Everything I know was wrong it just hit me. I remember an overwhelming feeling that I'd been lied to.

In the Army Band hed travel to midwestern states playing a lot of parades, Bob pauses, but also Taps at a lot of funerals. This experience made him see the impact of what war can do, which led to his embrace of meat-less eating.

I became vegetarian for moral reasons. I was against unnecessary killing. And sometimes the practice of killing animals can lead to the killing of people.

Out of the Army, in 1969, Goldberg drove across the country to Los Angeles. He spent the first few weeks on a buddys couch in Woodland Hills before finding a place up the street from Johnny Weissmullers.

Goldberg was glad to find somewhere he could get camaraderie and vegetarian food. I was meeting my people and getting an education in living in a more peaceful way.

A promotional image for Vegenaise that shows the product when it was first introduced in wide release in 1995.

Courtesy Follow Your Heart

Their customers included many seeking a more spiritual parth, and would suggest books, which theyd sell in the corner of the shop. The Whole Earth Catalog, books on environmentalism or eastern philosophy, Hindu- buddhism, the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Michael Besanon was a follower of a guru whose followers culinary practice excluded meat, fowl, and eggs (though dairy was okay). So the menu at Follow Your Heart applied that approach to their familiar diner fare.

But they wanted to serve that part of the community that didnt eat eggs. And without mayonnaise, the cafes sandwiches were less than appealing. They still needed a lube," laughs Goldberg.

So they set about finding a mayo alternative. They went through lots of options before stumbling upon a guy whod created a product called Lecinaise which was supposedly an egg-free substance made from lecithin, which helped emulsify lipids.

They began using it in the restaurant. But a few months later they started hearing that there were actually eggs in this Lecinaise. Eventually, Goldberg says the guy got busted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture he was soaking jars of regular mayonnaise to get the labels off and then putting his own label on top!

The fried chicken sandwich from Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe in Canoga Park.

Brian Feinzimer

/

LAist

The sprouts sandwich love plate, fried chicken, reuben and club sandwiches from Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe in Canoga Park.

Brian Feinzimer

/

LAist

They immediately had to look for other options. But when they approached food manufacturers, they were told an egg-free mayo alternative wasnt possible.

So Goldberg started experimenting. What could be a good plant-based solution? He tried mixing various oils and fats trying to find the best way to make them cohere. It took a lot of trials, my whole fridge [was] full of various stages, he says.

He finally came up with the answer in a dream. I bolted up, and then sat in bed, waiting two hours for light then mixed tofu scraps in a blender and combined them with oil, he says, which gave the consistency he was looking for. Eventually they replaced the tofu with isolated soy proteins and began making it themselves, as Vegenaise.

We didnt want to be a manufacturer, but that became the only option, he says.

It was so popular that in 1988, Follow Your Heart started a manufacturing division, Earth Island, which expanded from Vegenaise into other plant- based products like salad dressings, dips, and cheeses.

It was highly successful but around that time the original Follow Your Heart partnership started to dissolve. Goldberg says we all wanted to do different things. Like many bands we broke up. We lasted about as long as The Beatles.

Goldberg and Lewin bought out their other partners. Goldberg says Spencer went into early retirement, and Michael went on to become an executive at Whole Foods.

At that time Follow Your Heart and their Earth Island products were vegetarian, which meant they made some dairy products in their factories.

But when they started making white label products for Trader Joes, they were forced to wrestle with whether to go vegan. Trader Joes Caesar and Blue Cheese salad dressings had been made with a plant-based rennet. But when that became unavailable, they faced a choice.

"I wasn't comfortable with the company using a natural rennet the enzyme used to coagulate cheese from the intestine of a baby cow when the vegan one ran out, he says.

They ultimately decided to give up that part of the business, and became completely plant-based. I wasn't willing to be involved in the slaughter of animals.

He says they walked away from millions. "We saw a short-term drop in sales, but eventually it paid off.

Goldberg spent nearly 30 years building Earth Island. In that time, their products became available at grocery stores across the country and around the world. Their offerings helped spread the ubiquity of plant-based eating to a new generation that could now more easily access vegan food.

In 2020, Bob's long-time friend and business partner, Paul Lewin, unexpectedly passed away. "His passing was a big part of why I was ready to close that chapter of my life" says Goldberg "as it was something that we had done together for 50 years, and without him, it just wasnt the same". So in 2021, he sold Earth Island for an undisclosed amount to French food-product corporation Danone, famous for their yogurt, who also had a dairy-free division, including the plant-based milk alternative, Silk.

At the time, Goldberg felt like he had spent enough time at the factory. It was a good thing but it was just so big, he says. I wasnt having as much fun as the first ten years with the four partners behind the bar. I didnt know everyone on the staff anymore. I didnt know our customers, it was all big grocers. It wasnt the same personal experience.

Part of the sale required Bob to stay on at Earth Island/Danone for an extra year to help the transition, but now Bob is back where it all started at Follow Your Heart in Canoga Park.

He still has an eye to the future, seeing trends and wanting to be part of them.

"I have a sense, and a vision that Canoga Park is beginning a real renaissance of development, with the Rams building a training facility and Warner 2035. If you look around, this was an almost affordable area. Over the next twenty years it's gonna be very much in demand. Were hanging in there we want to be a part of the next phase.

Diners eat in the cafe at Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe in Canoga Park.

Brian Feinzimer

/

LAist

They own the building across the parking lot, which still says Mr Jacks Wig Shop (which was never actually a business, just the set design from the movie Licorice Pizza).

In that space they are going to build out a bakery and a coffee roaster. We still have our wholesale bakery but we want to get into the retail side, says Goldberg.

When I visited Follow Your Heart to interview Goldberg recently, we had a lunch of plant-based Reubens. Afterwards, he gave me a copy of his 2020 book The Vegenaise Cookbook, Great Food Thats Vegan, Too and signed it To Josh my great new friend. Integrity is the answer.

For Goldberg, integrity means making sure that ones actions are congruent with ones beliefs. That you are living in your truth. And when you arent, those relationships get fractured. Integrity is what makes things cohere.

Kinda like Vegenaise.

Have An Idea For A Food Story?

Send it our way. We cant reply to every query we receive but we will try to help. Wed love to hear from you.

Michelle Keegan interview: fitness, fashion and feeling confident – Women’s Health UK

How to use Strava with your smartwatch – TechRadar

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 9 spotted online, and it could be a Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 rival – TechRadar

What’s Vegan at Trader Joe’s: The 8 Hottest Products in March – VegNews

Bakery Called Out for Allegedly Trying to Pass Off Dunkin’ Donuts as Homemade Vegan and Gluten-Free Donuts – PEOPLE

The 32 Best Vegan Food Finds at Walmart: The Ultimate Guide – VegNews

‘I Could Never Go Vegan’: How To Watch The Hugely Anticipated Documentary – Plant Based News

16 Best Hotels in America With Vegan Options – VegNews

Vegan OG Of The Valley – Los Angeles – LAist

The OG Vegan: Bob Goldberg On Creating Vegenaise And Popularizing Plant-Based Eating – LAist

Pages

Categories

Partners

Recommended Resources

Archives