Vegan Staples

This year I will be giving two vegan workshops, one at Luna Yoga and the other at Wanderlust. I am just starting to work on my notes and decided it would be a good idea to create a Vegan Staples handout. Below is a list of items I like to have stocked in my kitchen. Please feel free to add your favorites in the comments box.

vegenaise

non-dairy milk: my favorite is almond milk, other options include; soy (a bit creamier), rice (closest consistency to dairy milk, but least nutrients), hemp (often difficult to find and more expensive, but lots of nutrients)

tofu: I usually use the firm blocks for cooking and occasionally the silken (soft) for lasagna or baking

tempeh: a nice alternative to tofu, a bit hardier and can be kept in the freezer

nutritional yeast: we use it mostly for dragon bowl sauce & tofu scram, it is a great source of B12

earth balance

miso: great for sauces/dressings (so many different kinds!)

veggies: onions, carrots, peppers, zucchinis, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, kale, mushrooms, etc...

fruit: apples, bananas, tangerines, in-season fruit, etc...

veganaise: for sandwiches and dressings

chia seeds: rich in omega-3 fatty acids, I sprinkle it over salads, can be mixed with water as an egg replacement in baked goods

chia seeds

flax seeds: contain high levels of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, sprinkle over salads, cereal, and use in baked goods

vegan chocolate chips: keep these on hand for baking

kamut flour: spelt flour is another good option, but a bit heavier (both have much more nutritional value than white flour) we use kamut in our pizza dough

tofu or veggie dogs: great for a quick dinner

field roast sausages: lots of tasty flavours, including soy-free

soba noodles: my favorite is kamut

brown rice noodles: great alternative to white pasta

nutritional yeast

whole grain bread: bread and hummus is definitely a staple in our house

hummus: our staple sandwich spread

ginger fake chicken: my husband likes to fry some up as a side dish, it always tastes to 'real' for me

maple syrup: sweetener for baking

mesa sunrise cereal: my 2 year old and I eat this almost every morning with almond milk

earth balance: butter alternative
quinoa: good source of amino acids, calcium and iron
nuts: great snack and/or salad topping, plus a good source of protein
chick peas: for salads, chanas & making hummus
lentils: high in protein, good for dhals, etc.
brown rice: much healthier than white rice

Unplugged in the Bahamas

We just came back from one week on a small island in the Bahamas. Most of the time we had no Internet and no phone. It was so liberating. We had so much more time to read, walk, talk, play games, etc. Emails, texts and the iPhone are all so handy, but also so distracting. When we're away from it, we realize how attached we are, and how much time it takes up. So I'll keep this short and sweet... Close your computer, shut off your iPhone and take the time to unplug and enjoy life! xo

 

Join me this weekend for Lighten Up Your Inversions: A dynamic asana practice infused with pranayama on Friday evening and a Jivamukti class on Sunday afternoon at Centre Luna Yoga.

Yoga in Banff

I'm just back from an amazing trip to Golden, B.C., where I visited my sister, her boyfriend, and my brand new nephew Devon! He's so adorable, words can't even begin to describe him.

While planning my trip out west, Kaeleigh (a student/friend/receptionist at Luna) hooked me up with Mindy from Rocky Mountain Yoga in Banff, and together organized a workshop.

The Banff yoga community was so welcoming and enthusiastic, it was amazing! I never know how people are going to react to Jivamukti Yoga, especially if they're coming from a softer or quieter practice, but everyone was super receptive and eager to learn more (for most people it was their first Jivamukti experience).

I love teaching in new places, meeting new people, and sharing yoga experiences. I feel very lucky to be doing something I love, and getting to travel too! Thanks to Kaeleigh, Mindy, and everyone who came out for the workshop.
xoxoxo
Jennifer*
Pic 1: Suzanne, Chris & Devon
Pic 2: Workshop at Rocky Mountain Yoga
Pic 3: Me & Mindy
Pic 4: Yoga Master Devon (in baby cobra)

P.S. If you ever visit Golden, BC, check out Chris's restaurants "The Kicking Horse Grill" and "The Fire Pit Smokehouse"... super yummy (there's even veggie options!)