Different people who are switching into the vegan lifestyle have different reasons for doing so. Weight loss, better health, more beautiful hair, nails and skin, and to look and feel better are just among the most common reasons. However, not everyone who turns vegan successfully achieves their goals as some ended up still leaving unhealthy lives in spite of becoming vegans.

The Healthy Vegan

A healthy vegan knows that the foundation of a healthy lifestyle is based on eating fresh food. Vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, whole-grains and legumes consist the biggest part of their diet. They know that preparing their own food or by eating at stores they know serve fresh vegan dishes are the way to keep up with this lifestyle, and spare quick, nasty vegan junk food. Packet food like chips, vegan packet cookies, chocolate bars, pretzels, and sweets are only eaten on special occasions because they know the consequences of regularly consuming these types of food. They are very conscious in their choices and have their own recipes of vegan snacks and treats, and continues to find more to add variety to their choices without unhealthy eating.

Healthy vegans also know that exercise and sufficient rest and sleep are vital components to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Unhealthy Vegan

Unhealthy vegans are often too lazy to regularly prepare their own food. In most cases, they opt for store-bought foods instead of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. They are familiar with all the vegan packet food brands in the market and they indulge in it most of the time.  There are even cases when they solely rely on these types of food for their consumption; and because some of these foods have an addictive nature, they end up overeating.

An unhealthy vegan lacks physical exercise and dreads getting up on the treadmill or go for walks. They also neglect the importance of sleep and rest that they end up being over-stressed.

The Difference

The difference is obvious in the above situations. So have a self-check and ask yourself which type of vegan you belong. You may also change some of your habits and start doing better ones. After all, going vegan means going healthy.

Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip that is taking America by storm. According to the U.S. food retailers report, what used to be a -million dollar business a little more than a decade ago, has now blossomed into a 0-million hummus industry. There’s a pretty good reason for. First, it has a creamy texture and an addictively delicious taste. Second, hummus is a nutritional powerhouse.
This simple dip made from chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and salt packs a whole lot of punch, pair it with warm pita or other flatbread and you’ve got a winner. Not a big hummus fan? Well, here are some pretty good reasons to start picking up a hummus habit.

1. It lowers cholesterol and reduces heart disease. Chickpeas, the main ingredient of hummus, has a very high fiber content. Compared to other sources, chickpeas contains about a third of soluble fiber that lowers LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Chickpeas are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids namely polyunsaturated fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acids, known to be good for the heart. In addition to the chickpeas, the olive oil in hummus is also rich in monounsaturated fats that reduces artery-clogging lipids in the blood. Including hummus in your daily diet can significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risks.

 2. It is a cancer-fighting super food. The insoluble fibers found in chickpeas provide extra amounts of energy to colon cells, keeping them strong, active and healthy. This means lower risk of colon problems, including colon cancer. Meanwhile, olive oil is also rich in anti-oxidant polyphenols and lipid oleic acids known to reduce inflammation and fight certain cancers.

 3. It promotes weight management and busts belly fat. Hummus is rich in protein, stomach-filling fiber and slow digesting carbohydrates. That means when you snack on hummus, you stay fuller and more satisfied for longer periods. The protein and good fat in hummus gives a good energy boost, increases the body’s fat burning potential, helps curb cravings and even balances blood sugar levels.

Hummus is indeed a great addition to your diet, however it is also important to remember to watch your portions and be careful what you pair it with. Whole wheat pita, flat breads and raw veggies are excellent choices, crispy bacon, not so much. Enjoy other hummus varieties like sundried tomato or basil hummus, if you are buying from a store, make sure you get the ones with extra virgin olive oil or fat-free yogurt.

The holiday season is a time for spreading good cheer and celebrating beloved traditions with family and friends. It is also a time that brings many opportunities for eating and drinking. A holiday banquet laden with favorite family dishes is a minefield even the most disciplined struggle to navigate. With temptation lurking in every dish, it is important to have several strategies for healthy holiday eating.  Here are some of our recommendations:

1. Set your Holiday Table for Success! While some sinfully delicious Holiday treats cannot be avoided, there are plenty for dishes you can cook in a healthier way. Take it easy on the gravy, salt, butter, cream sauces and whipped cream. Serve healthier side dishes like steamed vegetables, collard greens and roasted sweet potatoes sans all the unnecessary holiday sabotage of butter and marshmallows. Keep your cranberries healthy, use a natural sweetener like Stevia instead of dousing it in coma-inducing sugar. As for the stuffing, not to mess with your Momma’s recipe but make a healthier version packed with dried fruits, nuts, carrots and celery. Make sure there are plenty of healthy and tasty options for everyone to enjoy.

1. Go for healthier options first. Take a quick survey of the Holiday feast and reach for the best-for-you dishes first. Go for broth based soups and salads first, take bigger portions vegetables, grains and beans before going for the heavier fare. Indulge on fruits and no, that does not include the butter-laden apple crumb pie. The key is eating the right portions not depriving yourself.

1. Stay away from the drinks & munchies. Holiday tables are full of them. Small, innocent looking squares of brownies, toffees and butter cookies. Take a bite or two so as to not deprive yourself, but if you find yourself staying in front of the dessert buffet for more than a few minutes, it’s time to move on. Watch what you drink. Alcoholic drinks are loaded with calories so alternate it with equal amounts of water to keep you hydrated and less intoxicated.

1. Don’t go to a party hungry. It may seem a little silly to eat before going to a party but it is an effective strategy to avoid Holiday over-eating. Having a light snack like a piece of fruit or a granola bar can spell the difference between enjoying the holiday delicacies and going on a full-on binge fest.

1. Regular physical activity helps to partially offset all the calories you gain from Holiday eating. Exercise also give you more energy, relieves holiday stress and prevents further weight gain. If you’re not much of a work-out person, incorporate physical activities into your day like taking a walk instead of riding a cab or using the stairs instead of the elevator.

Remember to cook healthier versions of your favorite dishes, attack the holiday feast with care, put in moderate amounts of exercise and you just might survive the Holidays unscathed. Happy Holidays!