12 days of holiday treats

You have just 12 days left until Christmas, y'all! Can you believe it?

You've probably seen me posting videos of these recipes to my 12 Days of Holiday Treats Instagram account. These recipes are too many to choose from, so don't limit yourself!

Hot for Food by Lauren Toyota first published the post 12 Days of Holiday Treats.

Share stories, passions and delicious recipes with our community and join us as we revolutionize how people think about healthy eating. We invite you to use this platform as a place for open dialogue around nutrition that encourages empathy, education and empowerment towards healthier living. All contributions are welcomed – email us at [email protected]!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much meat is OK on a plant-based diet?

No amount of meat is permissible on a plant-based diet. This dietary lifestyle eliminates all animal products, including meat, fish, and poultry. Many vegan substitutes can deliver the same flavor and texture with no animal products. Tofu, seitan and tempeh (fermented beans), are all examples of soy-based meats that can mimic the traditional taste of meat. Vegetarian burgers made from black beans and quinoa are very similar to beef burgers. You can also make vegan burgers with eggplant bacon bits or coconut bacon strips; tofu mayo; vegetable hot dogs with seasoned texture soy protein; and faux chicken strips made from wheat gluten. These are excellent options for those who want to switch to a plant-based diet. They're flavorful, protein-packed, and don't contain any animal products.

What are some great sources of protein in a plant-based diet.

A plant-based diet is rich in protein. These include legumes like beans, chickpeas, and chickpeas. Many of these plant-based proteins provide fiber in addition to essential micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. You can balance your nutrient needs by adding omega-3 fats to plant-based foods like flaxseeds. chia, walnuts, and hemp seeds.

Are supplements necessary for a plant-based diet or are they optional?

While a well-balanced plant-based diet can provide all the essential nutrients for maintaining good health, certain micronutrients are best supplemented to cover possible deficiencies. Vitamin B12, which is important for cognitive and nervous system health, is typically only found in animals. Supplemental forms of this vitamin might be helpful to vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, many foods on a plant-based diet lack enough iron and zinc, two minerals important for healthy metabolism, red blood cell production, tissue growth, and repair. The normal functions of the body, including controlling inflammation and maintaining proper brain function, are also affected by omega 3 fatty acids. Many plant-based food sources lack omega-3s because of their biochemical property. Supplementation might help to ensure that this important nutrient is in a balanced balance. Calcium is essential for strong bones. However, it can be found in small amounts through foods like broccoli and kale. If you are struggling to meet your daily calcium needs from food, you might consider supplementation. It is best to consult your doctor before you introduce any new supplements.

You can still eat out at restaurants while following a plant-based lifestyle.

Many restaurants are now offering plant-based options on their menus. Many vegan restaurants are opening in larger cities and towns, offering delicious food options. There are many options for vegetarians in mainstream restaurants. You still have the option to enjoy the food and enjoy the atmosphere while on a plantbased diet. You should look for recipes that feature vegetables and legumes like tofu, tempeh or seitan. Instead of using mayonnaise, high in saturated fat dressings or mayonnaise, use vinegar and healthy oil. Don't be afraid to ask your server what items can be made vegan or have dairy substituted with coconut or almond milk.

Additionally, consider researching vegan cookbooks in advance for ideas about what proteins can replace meats and rich sauces. Many restaurants will accommodate guests who eat a plant-based diet. They will also do their best to meet your needs. Easy to enjoy a plantbased meal at a restaurant if you are creative and willing to do some research.

Can children eat a plant-based food?

Adults are increasingly turning to plant-based diets for their many health benefits. Parents may be concerned about whether a plant-based diet can be safe for their children. Yes, children can have a plant based diet provided it is planned and meets their nutritional requirements.

Plant-based diets can provide all the necessary nutrients children need to grow and develop. But it is crucial to ensure children get enough iron, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. For growth and development, protein is vital. Good plant-based sources of protein include beans and lentils, tofu and nuts. Fortified cereals, leafy leaves, and beans all provide iron which is vital for healthy blood cell. Fortified plant milk and calcium-set tofu are good sources of calcium. Vitamin D is critical for bone health. It can also be obtained from sunlight exposure and fortified cow milk. Vitamin B12, vital for healthy nerves as well as blood cells, is only available in animal products. Children who eat a plant-based diet might need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.

A plant-based diet should ensure that children consume enough calories to meet energy needs. A variety of whole foods should be offered to children by their parents, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. Children might need to eat more or less frequently to meet their energy needs.

To make sure your child's nutrition is adequate, parents should consult a registered or licensed dietitian. They can also help with meal planning and supplementation as well as determining the best portion sizes for their child.

Children can follow a plant-based diet that meets all their nutritional requirements. With proper planning and guidance from a registered dietitian or healthcare professional, parents can ensure that their children eat a nutritious and healthy plant-based diet.

What can I substitute for meat to get protein?

Protein is an essential component to a healthy diet. It's available in animal- or plant-based sources. Common plant-based protein sources include legumes, nuts and seeds, grains, oats, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, seitan (wheat gluten), and hemp seeds. The high amount of antioxidants in many fruits or vegetables can have anti-inflammatory effects. Almond or oat milk are great alternatives to cow's milk. They also contain proteins so they can be used as dairy substitutes. Alternatives like pumpkin seeds and nutritional yeast can lend cheesy flavor to dishes while providing more micronutrients than their animal-based equivalents. Various vegan protein powders suitable for shakes or smoothies are also great for adding extra nutrition without consuming animal products.

Statistics

• According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
• A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

doi.org

• ScienceDirect - Plant-Based Diets For Personal, Planetary, and Population Health

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• Deteriorating beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes: a long-term model - PubMed


• A Plant-Based Dietary Treatment Improves Beta Cell Function and Insulin Resistance In Overweight Adults: A Randomized 16-Week Clinical Trial - PubMed

pcrm.org

• Weight Loss


• Plant-Based Diets and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

nature.com

• The association between plant-based dietary patterns and risk of breast cancer: a case-control study


• The carbon opportunity cost of producing animal-sourced food on land: Nature Sustainability

How To

How to cook delicious, nutritious plant-based recipes?

You can cook plant-based meals that taste delicious and filling with the right ingredients and creative recipes. It is important to start by purchasing fresh produce, and other quality ingredients. Also, it is important to create a grocery checklist based upon the recipes. Also, make sure to invest in proper storage equipment to keep your prepared food fresh.

Next, you need to be mindful of variety in meal preparation. You should focus on whole foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds. Try to find different colors for better nutrition. Each meal should contain a balanced amount of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. To maximize efficiency, you can use multi-cookers and slow cookers in your kitchen. Batch cooking allows you to prepare meals in advance.

To get creative in the kitchen while sticking to a vegan diet - consider various flavor profiles as an experiment; adding spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder can elevate dishes while still being healthy. Plant-based meals can be transformed from bland to delicious by using whole foods, rather than processed substitutes. For example, you can make beans instead faux "meats" or roast butternut squash in place of french fries. If all else fails you can mix leftovers from earlier in week to create something new.

By utilizing these tips, individuals can enjoy a delicious plant-based diet without sacrificing flavor or fullness - so go forth and get cooking!

Resources:

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