I make a smoothie bowl almost every day. It’s the most delicious way to load up on healthy fruits, protein and fiber! Here’s the recipe for my new favorite.
Frosted Berry Bowl
For smoothie, blend together:
2 frozen organic bananas
1 cup frozen organic blackberries
1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
5 frozen organic strawberries
1 tablespoon Goji powder (I use Navitas. Extra boost of beta-carotene & antioxidants!)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/2 – 3/4 cup of dairy-free milk (soy, coconut, almond, cashew, hemp, etc!)
Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
cacao nibs (I use Navitas.)
sliced organic banana
frozen organic blueberries
frozen organic blackberries
sprouted buckwheat groats (I use Emmy’s Super Cereal. Stays crunchy in your smoothie!)
hemp granola (I love this granola by Nature’s Path Organic.)
Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see my smoothie bowl creations!
I woke up craving spicy food so I decided to dedicate today’s post to spicy, satisfying vegan recipes! These 5 recipes are filled with nutritious ingredients, metabolism-boosting spice and tons of flavor. Don’t they look delicious??
1. Easy One-Pot Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles {vegan, gluten-free} by Delightful-Delicious-Delovely
***view the recipe***
2. Gobi Manchurian: Fried Cauliflower in Spicy Sauce {vegan} by Sinfully Spicy
***view the recipe***
3. Kung Pao Chickpeas {vegan, gluten-free} by She Knows
***view the recipe***
4. Best-Ever Quinoa Chili {vegan, gluten-free} by Making Thyme for Health
***view the recipe***
5. Simple Bean & Veggie Tacos {vegan} by Craftsy
***view the recipe***
One of my favorite endings to chilly Winter days like today is getting cozy with a cup of hot chocolate on the couch. These recipes are delicious, dairy-free, and made with natural ingredients like cashews, almond milk, coconut milk, dates, and agave. For an extra treat, top your hot chocolate with Dandies vegan mini marshmallows
1. Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate by The Foodie Teen {view the recipe}
2. Chai Hot Chocolate by Fit Foodie Finds {view the recipe}
3. Luxurious Hot Cocoa by Oh She Glows {view the recipe}
4. Mexican Hot Chocolate with Coconut Whipped Cream by The Minimalist Baker {view the recipe}
1. Mint Matcha Latte
This latte is cool and dreamy! The antioxidant-filled matcha green tea powder gives an energy boost, the potassium-packed coconut water hydrates, and the fresh mint awakens your senses. Perfect for a morning walk.
Ingredients: water, almonds, coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt, coconut water, coconut meat, coconut nectar, matcha powder, mint extract, chlorophyll concentrate
2. Lucky Seven Juice
This is one of my favorite juice blends ever! The taste is fresh, sweet, gingery, and completely addictive. The beets are high in vitamins and minerals, help improve stamina, and lower blood pressure. The carrots provide more than your daily dose of Vitamin A and the ginger- in addition to tasting amazing with this mix- helps maintain normal blood circulation, prevents cold and flu, alleviates stomach discomfort, and reduces pain and inflammation.
Ingredients: carrot, pineapple, pear, orange, ginger, beet, lemon
3. Vital Force Very Berry (probiotic non-dairy superfood ‘yogurt’)
This smoothie tastes like an amazing berry shake and is an antioxidant powerhouse with a blend of delicious almond milk, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, and bananas. The probiotics balance your digestive system and the maca provides a natural energy boost. This is a must-try!
Ingredients: almond milk (water, almonds, coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt), bananas, filtered water, strawberries, soaked cashews, blueberries, raspberries, dates, lime juice, goji berries, proviotic vegan probiotic, maca powder, sea salt
4. OMG! My Favorite Juice
Alkalizing, cleansing, slightly sweet, and loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Try one of these in the morning (for best absorption) and you’ll feel the health benefits immediately.
Ingredients: celery, cucumber, pear, grapefruit, kale, and parsley juice
5. Pink Punk
A sweet, tart and gingery smoothie with all the benefits of beets and vitamin-filled pineapple and strawberries.
Ingredients: frozen pineapple, frozen strawberries, shredded ginger, cold pressed beet
6. Doctor Green Juice
This 5-ingredient juice is one of Juice Press’ all-time best sellers and once you taste it, you’ll see why! It is the perfect choice for skeptical, first time green juicers- the lemon, ginger, apple, and pineapple create a sweet and spicy base for the nutrition-packed kale. Your body will love the natural energy your body gets from juicing!
Ingredients: red apple, pineapple, kale, lemon, ginger
Juice Press has 22 locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Southhampton, Bridgehampton, and Long Island City! Find one here.
These pumpkin recipes are perfect for the Fall. They’re all easy to make, vegan (dairy and egg free), and full of nutritional benefits and flavor:
Pumpkin is loaded in Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): great for your eyesight and cancer prevention.
Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, keeping you feeling satisfied.
Pumpkin is a great source of Potassium- perfect for a post-workout meal.
1. Ginger Roasted Pumpkin + Quinoa Salad w/Mint, Chili and Lime by My Darling Thyme
view the recipe
2. Pumpkin Alfredo Linguini by Veggie and the Beast view the recipe
3. Five-Ingredient Thai Pumpkin Soup by Foodie Crush view the recipe
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake (vegan) by Kitchen Grrls view the recipe
Pucker up and sip on one of these sweet & tart lemonades in honor of the holiday!
Ideas:
*Replace white granulated sugar with agave syrup.
*Serve in chilled mason jars.
*Adults- add a splash of vodka to make a cocktail.
1. Cucumber Mint Lemonade by The Little Epicurean view the recipe
2. Blueberry Lemonade by Damn Delicious view the recipe
3. Frozen Blackberry Basil Lemonade by The Kitchen McCabe view the recipe
4. Pink Watermelon Lemonade Slushies by Half Baked Harvest view the recipe
5. Raspberry Peach Lemonade by Delacy view the recipe
Deborah Lippmann is the go-to manicurist of the stars and the fashion industry and her high-quality line of polishes puts all others to shame. This amazing nail polish brand is cruelty-free, entirely vegan (except for the cuticle remover), and full of the most gorgeous sheer, creamy, and sparkly shades! They are easy to apply, fast-drying, and long-lasting. And, best of all- you’ll feel extra beautiful knowing that no animals were harmed for your manicure or pedicure! Here are my picks from her current collection.
Crème, Sheer, Glitter & Shimmer: Treatment-infused nail colors with Biotin and green tea. No Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, or DBP. No animal testing.
1. Before He Cheats Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
2. Between the Sheets Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
3. Mermaid’s Dream Glitter Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
4. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) Sheer Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
5. Daytripper Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
6. Happy Birthday Glitter Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
7. Shape of My Heart Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
8. Let’s Go Crazy Glitter Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
9. Flowers in Her Hair Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
10. Build Me Up Buttercup Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
11. Stop and Stare Crème Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
12. Mermaid’s Kiss Glitter Nail Lacquer {view on Amazon
Watermelon is one of my favorite foods to eat (and drink) in the summer, especially post-exercise. It’s hydrating (about 91% water) and is a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and cancer-fighting lycopene! Here are 4 healthy and delicious recipes to try this Summer:
1. Watermelon Peach Cooler by Yummy Healthy Easy view the recipe
2. Watermelon Lime Vegan Ice Cream by Family Fresh Cooking view the recipe
3. Watermelon Gazpacho by A Couple Cooks view the recipe
4. Grilled Watermelon with Smoked Salt & Jalepeño Rings by Boulder Locavore view the recipe
Here are five delicious salads to make this summer- all vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make!
1. Coconut Roasted Carrot Salad by Healthy Green Kitchen recipe
2. Quinoa Bowl with Citrus, Avocado and Edamame by Food to Glow recipe
3. Ginger Roasted Pumpkin + Quinoa Salad w/ Mint, Chili + Lime by My Darling Lemon Thyme recipe
4. Creamy Broccoli-Quinoa Salad by Beard & Bonnet recipe
5. Shaved Brussels Sprout, Pomegranate and Lentil Salad by Golubka Kitchen recipe
I was so happy to see the Van Leeuwen truck today! It means Summer is almost here! This ice cream company’s vegan options are the BEST in NYC. Last time I had Van Leeuwen, there were only two vegan flavors: chocolate and vanilla. Sounds boring but it was actually the most creamy, rich, and indulgent ice cream I’d had since going vegan. Now, they have 4 vegan flavors! Chocolate (Michel Cluizel), Pistachio (Hand-Picked Bronte Nuts), Banana Nut (Roasted Bananas & Candied Walnuts), and Mint Chocolate Chip (Oregon Peppermint & 72% Askinosie Chocolate Chips). Their vanilla flavor is on hiatus undergoing reformulation! I just tried the Banana Nut and am blissfully in dessert-before-dinner heaven.
Read about Van Leeuwen here and make sure to try a cup or cone next time you see the yellow truck!
These are some of my absolute favorite vegan beauty products- perfect for sensitive skin and those who want to take a stand against animal cruelty (while looking gorgeous). It’s easy to shop cruelty-free with amazing options like these!
1. Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée by Josie Maran ($22) view on www.josiemarancosmetics.com
This 14-hour cheek gelée adds a natural-looking flush and hydrates with coconut water and argan oil. Available in 6 flattering colors. My shade: poppy paradise.
2. 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil by Urban Decay ($20) view on www.urbandecay.com
This waterproof liner is a creamy, long-lasting, and available in over a dozen gorgeous colors- everything you need in a liner. My favorite is their new, pitch black “perversion”.
3. Argan Beautiful Eyes by Josie Maran ($36) view on www.sephora.com
This shadow is infused with argan oil and fruit and floral extracts. The result is a soft, nurturing shadow that you’ll want to wear everyday.
4. Absolutely Flawless Concealor by Two Faced Cosmetics ($20) view on www.amazon.com
This flexible coverage concealor does it all: it smooths, moisturizes, and de-puffs with vitamins a, e and chilean treebark plant extract while covering imperfections and masking redness.
5. Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion by Urban Decay ($24) view on www.urbandecay.com
This is the ultimate eye shadow primer. It keeps lids creaseless for 24 hours while smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and plumping, firming, and hyrdating your skin!
6. bareMinerals Matte Foundation by Bare Escentuals ($27) view on www.sephora.com
I fell in love with this mineral-based makeup almost 10 years ago. I saw the infomercial, bought a starter kit from Sephora and could not believe the light coverage the product delivered. I never went back to liquid foundation and know lots of ladies who followed suit. Their Matte version controls oil while providing the same coverage and SPF as the original- perfect for Spring and Summer!
7. Glamour Gloss by Two Faced Cosmetics ($14) view on www.amazon.com
This volumizing gloss comes in a variety of shades to flatter your complexion and is infused with a combination of omega 3, 6 and 9, natural vitamin e, jojoba oil, and avocado oil.
8. Primed & Poreless Primer by Two Faced Cosmetics ($30) view on www.amazon.com
I’ve tried so many primers and this is one of my favorites. Vitamins A & C, Mulberry Extract and a dose of Retinol smooth over pores and and hydrate, firm, and detoxify!
9. gifted™ Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara by Tarte Cosmetics ($19) view on www.tartecosmetics.com
This “smart” mascara’s Amazonian clay lengthens, conditions, repairs, and replenishes thirsty eyelashes.
10. Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer by 100% Pure ($28) view on www.amazon.com
Get a sexy faux glow with this natural bronzer.
More Cruelty-Free Recommendations:
Cruelty-Free Beauty: Vegan Cosmetics
Cruelty-Free Beauty from Head to Toe
The Best Non-Toxic, Cruelty-Free Cleaning Products
16 Must-Have Vegan Skincare Products to Brighten & Tighten Your Face
Happy First Day of Spring! Here are 5 light, nutrition-packed vegan recipes to kick off the season.
1. Roasted Eggplant + Noodles with Chinese Black Vinegar Dressing by My Darling Lemon Thyme
view the recipe
2. The Everyday Superfood Salad by The First Mess
view the recipe
3. Zucchini Fettuccine with Rosemary Butternut Creme Sauce by In Sonnet’s Kitchen
view the recipe
4. Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad with Beet Green Salsa Verde by Brooklyn Supper
view the recipe
5. Artichoke Olive Tapenade by Keepin’ It Kind
view the recipe
After going vegan, I found myself craving cheesy crackers like Goldfish. I found an amazing recipe from Chef Chloe and adapted it slightly to add a bit of spice and change the cracker’s shape into a heart. They are easy to make, out-of-this-world good, and completely addictive. I can’t believe I didn’t try making my own “cheese” crackers earlier- these are way better and much healthier than any box of Goldfish or Cheez-Its! No food coloring and no artificial chemicals! The magic ingredient in this recipe is nutritional yeast, which adds the nutty, cheesy flavor and a boost of vitamins.
To make your No-Cheese Cheesy Heart Crackers, follow this recipe from Chef Chloe and instead of using a goldfish cookie cutter, use a heart. Before baking, sprinkle the tops of your crackers with chili powder and pink himalayan sea salt or leave bare for picky eaters!
1. {lip primer} Two Faced Lip Insurance View on Amazon
2. {anti-crease eyeshadow primer} Two Faced Eyeshadow Insurance View on Amazon
3. {face primer} Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer + No. 28 Primer Serum Duo View on Amazon
4. {anti-aging cream} 100% Pure Cosmetics Super Fruits Reparative Cream View on Amazon
5. {face scrub} MyChelle Dermaceuticals Fruit Enzyme Scrub View on Amazon
6. {deep moisture face cream} MyChelle Dermaceuticals Deep Repair Cream View on Amazon
7. {mud mask} MyChelle Dermaceuticals Cranberry Mud Mask View on Amazon
8. {vitamin C serum} MyChelle Dermaceuticals Perfect C Serum View on Amazon
9. {SPF} Mineral Fusion SPF 30 Brush On Sun Defense View on Amazon
10. {anti-aging peel} DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Alpha Beta® Peel View on Amazon
11. {jojoba oil} Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil View on Amazon
12. {gentle cleanser} Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser View on Amazon
13. {lip balm} Hugo Naturals Grapefruit Lip Balm View on Amazon
14. {lip scrub} LUSH Bubble Gum Lip Scrub View on Amazon
15. {toner} LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner View on Amazon
16. {day cream} Acure Gotu Kola Stem Cell + 1% Chlorella Growth Factor Day Cream View on Amazon
