We caught up with Derulo (in an exchange over email) to ask him for his secrets to his fitness and healthy diet success and were surprised to learn that one of the things he relies on is a secret weapon drink that is now widely available.

Along with daily workouts, DeRulo has become a major fan of drinking the natural substance from tree bark called Birch water, which is the active ingredient in a beverage called TREO.

What are the benefits of birch water?

Birch water is derived from the sap of birch trees and provides natural minerals and antioxidants such as manganese and magnesium. Birch water is low in calories and it may even improve skin and hair health, though more research is needed.

Birch sap is naturally sweet, contains minerals, electrolytes, and micronutrients, and is an alternative to coconut water in sports drinks.

Here’s what Derulo had to share about this new-found natural hydration choice and why he has come to enjoy more plant-based protein choices in the mix of his healthy diet.

The Beet: Does eating dairy-free make you feel healthier? Have you seen any differences in performance when you eat this way?

Jason Derulo: Since transitioning to eating more plant-based foods, I have noticed that I have a lot more energy. I have noticed that I am able to work out for longer periods of time without breaks.

The Beet: Why do you like plant-based protein?

Jason Derulo: Limiting the amount of dairy in my diet and eating cleaner with the addition of plant–based beverages such as TREO has definitely helped me increase my stamina.

The Beet: What makes you stay fit and build muscle?

Jason Derulo: Before and after a workout, I think it’s super important to hydrate. That’s why I like TREO so much because Birch water, TREO’s star ingredient, is packed with vitamins and minerals to hit hydration goals quicker. In terms of working out and staying fit.

The Beet: How often do you work out?

Jason Derulo: I like to work out twice a day, five to six times a week. I do a mix of cardio and weight training and core exercises.

Read More: 7 Rappers Who Dropped the Mic on Meat

Read More: 6 Country Stars You Didn’t Know Were Plant-Based

The post Jason Derulo’s Secret to Fitness? Birch Water. Should You Try It? appeared first on The Beet.

Suddenly I craved more chickpeas and quinoa, healthy salads, and nuts and seeds. But that doesn’t mean I was a perfect eater. Far from it. I told myself that wine was plant-based, and enjoyed sweets (delicious almond-milk and oat-milk ice cream) and found lots of workarounds to eating healthy. Nowadays you can eat meat-free burgers that are made of fake ingredients and feel virtuous, even if what you are eating is highly processed food!

So I decided to write what I learned going plant-based: The good, the bad and the downright unhealthy. I have tried it all. Here’s what I learned.

Read More: The Top 20 Vegetables with the Most Protein Per Serving 

For me, way harder than giving up red meat was not eating cheese. I was a cheese-a-holic, having it at lunch (In a salad), and again at dinner, often as an extra “cheese and crackers” starter before dinner, and then on pasta. I also loved Greek yogurt for breakfast, cheese omelets for brunch, and ice cream for dessert. I had a lot of dairy.

It was easy to replace coffee creamer with oat milk, or yogurt with non-dairy options. Quitting cheese took discipline. Ultimately, I found new cashew-nut cheeses and also weaned myself off the need for cheese.

Read More: What Happens When You Give Up Dairy

Once I got all that dairy out of my system, however, my face looked less bloated, my body felt less inflamed and my joints (like my knees and hips) felt years younger and when I went running I felt physically lighter.

I have since learned that cheese is not only addictive (from the casomorphin in cheese) but that many people are partly or fully lactose intolerant. I think I have lactose sensitivity because when I gave up cheese I had less inflammation in my body and that meant running without knee pain and waking up with less bloat and a slimmer face, even.

Dairy Often Contains Growth Hormone and Has Been Linked to Cancer

I have since learned that there are growth hormones given to lactating cows that can end up in your milk, cream and cheese, and when I think of the possible diseases that keep me up at night, breast cancer is number one, so any possible “extra” estrogen that could be lurking in my milk or dairy products is a major turnoff.

I know that saturated fat in cheese and full-fat milk or in red meat and processed or fried foods is terrible for my arteries and can lead to elevated cholesterol, plaque deposits, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease. Even though 48 percent of  Americans have some kind of heart disease and can suffer a heart attack, stroke, and other related potentially deadly events it’s the estrogen that has me skipping or cutting way down on my cheese consumption.

Cows are given Bovine Growth Hormone, or BGH given to cows to increase milk production, as well as medical-grade antibiotics to treat infections, according to the latest research. Our own human exposure to these antibiotics can make us less able to fight off infection when we need antibiotics to work. But they can also increase cell growth, which is scary, and the American Cancer Society says that cows given BGH are given more antibiotics than cows not given BGH.

Read More: Is Milk Bad for You? Here are 7 Reasons Why Dairy Is Unhealthy

So dairy is what I miss, not meat. Here are the takeaways that I can share after going mostly plant-based for three-plus years as Editorial Director of The Beet.

Here are 5 Lessons I Learned from Giving Up Meat and Dairy for Three Years

1. Don’t Put a Label on Your Diet

I am not vegan, or even plant-based but I am leaning super hard into eating more plant-based foods, as often as I can. The first week I was trying to be fully vegan, a famous fashion designer had us over to see his new launch and served us a lovely kale salad with parmesan sprinkled on top. I ate it.

Then I went to dinner with old friends and asked the waiter for vegan options. They looked at me as if I had called them animal murderers. I never said that! Still, labels set you up for failure, and even if you are successful at staying completely plant-based or vegan, they set up an oppositional approach to your life view. “I’m vegan, he’s not!”

As we launched The Beet in 2020 and worked to create the most inclusive content we tried to create a site that would embrace anyone interested in eating more plant-based, whether they were strict or simply curious. The Beet welcomed anyone, even someone who had just had a steak for dinner, but today wanted to eat a more plant-based diet for any reason.

2. More Plants Are Better Than Not

I am not perfect. I cheat at the effort to eat plant-based. No lesser light in the plant-based universe than T. Colin Campbell says you can go 95 percent plant-based and have virtually the same results and health benefits as someone who is stricter.

For me, that meant a meal a week that was not adhering to the no-cheese rule, and I also welcomed fish back into my diet, not because I wanted to be heartless or support overfishing but because I felt like I needed this protein source and benefited from the omega-3 fatty acid in fish.

Everyone has to draw their own lines, create their own limits, and let themselves off their own hooks (if that isn’t a painful metaphor right about now). For me, a pescatarian, mostly plant-based, or plant-leaning, or plant-forward approach feels right. Find what works for you.

3. Don’t Try to Convince Others to Go Plant-Based. Papa Don’t Preach.

How you eat is an intimate and extremely personal decision. It’s like religion or who and how you choose to love. No one else gets to tell you what choices to make. Just make the ones you can be satisfied with Your vegan friends don’t preach.

And likely they do think that when you eat animal products you have contributed to the harmful life and tragic death of another sentient being. But you don’t want to hear that, So you don’t need to preach either.

I want my loved ones to not smoke, to limit saturated fat, to eat fewer animal products. I also want them to wear their seat belts and drive safely and look both ways before they step off a curb. When they are young (my kids) I get to weigh in on their choices and explain why we stay away from junk food and limit sweets. Now that everyone I am related to is a grown-up, they make their own choices. As do I.

4. No, I Don’t Think I Will Go Back to Eating Red Meat Again

Everyone asks: If you leave The Beet will you go back to eating steak? The answer is no. Now that I have reported on study after study about the harmful ways red meat contributes to cancer and heart disease along with other lifestyle conditions like high blood pressure, inflammation, and obesity, I have no interest.

During the pandemic, I avoided COVID for two and a half years (until I finally got a mild case at an indoor drinks event during my college reunion). I believe that my plant-focused diet with tons of vegetables and legumes, nuts, and seeds helped my body’s immune system create helpful defenses. Most days I get up at 6 am to work out and have plenty of energy and feel strong. My only downfall was drinking more wine or eating more sweets than I should have!

Will I eat meat again? I hate to say never but from where I sit today, I have learned about the cruel and unhealthy ways that meat is raised and farmed, so my answer is no. That doesn’t mean I never liked it. I did, but I liked smoking too, and I don’t do that anymore either.

I used to love the way my mom made marinated steak, but I had many early “loves,” including roller skates and lots of delicious dishes like beef stew and meringues and she even served us tongue, which is about as gross a meal as I can imagine. (She was southern!) I have given up meat,  and I don’t play with trolls today either.

5. Vegan is Not Plant-Based but Healthy is Healthy

Skittles technically are vegan but they are not plant-based. Lots of junk foods can be called vegan but if something is not made primarily of plants, it can be vegan but not healthy. That said, what is healthy is a diet full of vegetables and fruit, legumes and whole grains, and nuts and seeds. The key is finding food as much in the same form as it grows as possible.

Refined grains and added sugar and white flour or white rice are going to spike your blood sugar, call out the insulin and cause your cells to store extra blood sugar as fat. So you can say that you are plant-based or vegan and still eat tons of simple cards, added sugar and wine. That was a trap I fell into for a while and it caused me to lose muscle and gain fat.

I’m now back to eating healthy, not hiding bad habits behind labels like being plant-based or mostly plant-based. Healthy is healthy. If you are eating healthy, good job. You know who you are!

The post 5 Things I Learned Going Mostly Plant-Based for Over Three Years appeared first on The Beet.

We recently visited Sona on a mid-winter day and got to sit at the bar to eat the amazing food, and before that, we visited the kitchen, where we were invited to watch Chef Hari Nayak create two of his signature dishes. He showed our small team exactly how to make Gunpowder Gobhi with Cauliflower and Chana Masala with Chickpeas. Check out the Reel below to show exactly how to make the dish at home.

Other than the fact that this extremely accomplished chef (with six cookbooks to his name) is both friendly and efficient, we could have been in a scene out of Hulu’s The Bear. The tight kitchen was teaming with activity and the sous-chefs were all busy preparing the dinner menu items ahead.

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For the Best Indian Food Head to Sona, NYC

Sona Indian Restaurant at New York’s 36 East 20th Street is an oasis where you can enjoy upscale Indian food that ranges from traditional favorites to delightful innovations, with plenty of plant-based options on the menu. Sona is the perfect place to go for a date-night dinner, or even a relaxing lunch since its warm space and lovely atmosphere immediately make you breathe a little easier and enjoy a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

One time when we went to Sona recently we sat near Priyanka’s brother-in-law, Joe Jonas, and his wife Sophie Turner. (Any fans of Game of Thrones know her as Sansa Stark.)  In fact, we were seated right next to the duo and tried not to glance sideways once we settled on the banquet, being New Yorkers used to dining among notables.

Within just a few moments, the food arrived and every bite was so delicious and remarkable that it became easier than anticipated to focus on the meal and our own dinner experience than any of the famous faces dotting the room. The people-watching at Sona is great, but the food is even better!

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Here’s How to Make Sona’s Chickpeas, at Home

If you have ever wished you could recreate your favorite restaurant meal at home, consider this your dream come true. We asked Sona’s chef to show us his secrets and he obliged. Other than the fact that he had pre-mixed the garlic paste, this recipe was super fast and relatively easy to stir up, in his aluminum bowls and super-hot skillet.

Here’s the secret, but if you are ever in New York and want great Indian food, head to Sona. You may or may not see Priyanka, but we guarantee that you will have an amazing meal and experience.

Check out how to make Sona’s Gunpowder Gobhi with Cauliflower and Chana Masala.

For more plant-based recommendations, check out The Beet’s Find Vegan Near Me articles.

The post Sona Serves NYC’s Best Indian Food. Here’s How to Make the Chana Masala appeared first on The Beet.

Chipotle launched the Veggie Full Bowl and Plant-Powered Bowl on January 3 as digital exclusives in the United States and Canada. The Veggie Full Bowl features a bed of white rice topped with fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, guacamole, and black beans. The Plant-Powered Bowl features a bed of super greens and white rice topped with Sofritas (the chain’s tofu protein), fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, guacamole, and fajita veggies.

To accompany the menu items, Chipotle announced an augmented reality experience slated to launch on January 13. The program will be hosted on “Quitter’s Day,” which is known as the day that most people stop following their New Year’s resolutions. The Snapchat event will encourage fans to meditate and exercise in an effort to maintain healthy resolutions. Chipotle also noted that the first 100,000 US consumers to participate in the augmented reality event will win a free small side or a free guacamole appetizer.

Chipotle’s Tenure as a Plant-Based Leader

For hungry vegans everywhere, Chipotle has established itself as a safe haven for customers looking to eat healthier at affordable prices. The chain always served plant-based beans and rice bases for burritos and bowls but added Sofritas to the menu in 2014. The tofu-based protein is flavored with chipotle chiles, cumin, and poblano pepper. In 2018, Chipotle sold 7.5 million pounds of the popular protein choice.

Last January, Chipotle added another vegan protein to its menu, showcasing its pea protein-based Chorizo. The chain decided to add this item to menus nationwide following positive trials in Colorado, Indiana, and California. The vegan chorizo is flavored with chipotle peppers, ancho chilies, tomato paste, Spanish smoked paprika, crushed garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.

“Creating a delicious plant-based protein that sizzles on the grill with the robust flavor and texture profile chorizo-lovers expect was a real challenge,” Nevielle Panthaky, Vice President of Culinary at Chipotle, said in a statement at the time. “Our culinary team has worked relentlessly for years to develop this breakthrough Plant-Based Chorizo recipe that is uniquely Chipotle and aligns with the brand’s industry-leading Food with Integrity standards.”

Read More: Everything That’s Vegan at Chipotle 

Eating to Lower Heart Disease Risk

Keeping a healthier diet into the New Year can help curb the risk of several chronic or deadly diseases, including heart disease. Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC, killing over 650,000 Americans every year. And eating meat is the problem. Research shows that regularly eating red meat can increase heart disease risks by 18 percent.

With better access to plant-based foods, more Americans can choose to avoid red meat to protect their heart for longer. One study shows that a plant-centered diet adopted earlier in life can reduce the risk of heart disease nearly 30 years later. 

Read More: The Best Fast Casual Chains for Plant-Based Customers

For more plant-based happenings, check out The Beet’s News articles. 

The post Chipotle Introduces 2 Vegan Bowls to Help You Eat Healthier This Year appeared first on The Beet.

What is Gunpowder Gobhi?

Vegan Gunpowder Gobhi is a cauliflower dish made with a variety of spices such as chana dal, red chili flakes, urad dal, curry leaves, turmeric and dry coconut powder. Vegan Gobhi is a very common dish seen on menus of Indian restaurants. What makes this recipe unique is the gunpowder spice mix that adds a complex and layered flavor profile.

Is Gunpowder Gobhi Vegan?

This gunpowder gobhi recipe is completely vegan and gluten-free. This recipe uses corn and rice flour to give the cauliflower a crispy exterior during the frying process.

Vegan Gunpowder Gobhi Ingredients

• Florets cauliflower
• Salt
• Hot water
• Kashmiri red chilli powder
• Red chili flakes
• Curry leaves
• Coriander powder
• Ginger garlic paste
• Lemon juice
• Coriander
• Corn flour
• Rice flour
• Oil for frying

What ingredients do you need for Gunpowder Spice Mix?

• Sesame seeds, dry roasted
• Oil
• Urad dal
• Chana dal
• Red chili flakes
• Curry leaves
• Dry coconut powder
• Brown sugar
• Turmeric
• Salt

How to Make Vegan Gunpowder Ghobi

Blanch the cauliflower with salt and hot water for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the water and cool in a large mixing bowl.

Add all the ingredients, mix well .

Add enough water to create a very lite coating of batter around the cauliflower. Heat oil and deep fry the cauliflower until crisp. Toss with the gunpowder seasoning. Recipe for Gunpowder seasoning follows

What to Serve With Vegan Gunpowder Gobhi

• Steamed Basmati Rice
• Dairy-Free Naan
• Vegan Roti
• Vegan Raita (Indian Yogurt Dip)

Vegan Gunpowder Gobhi

Ingredients

• 15 florets cauliflower
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 cup hot water
• 1 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes
• 1/4 cup curry leaves , minced
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp coriander finely chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup corn flour
• ¼ cup rice flour
• oil for frying

Gunpowder Spice Mix

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, dry roasted
• 2 tsp oil
• ½ cup urad dal
• ¼ cup chana dal
• 2 tablespoons red chili flakes
• 10 curry leaves
• ¼ cup dry coconut powder
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Blanch the cauliflower with salt and hot water for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the water and cool in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add all the ingredients, mix well .
3. Add enough water to create a very lite coating of batter around the cauliflower . Heat oil and deep fry the cauliflower until crisp. Toss with the gunpowder seasoning. Recipe for Gunpowder seasoning follows

Gun Powder Spice Mix

1. Dry roast sesame seeds in a pan until golden brown and lightly toasted. Transfer to the blender and keep aside.
2. In the same pan , heat oil and add in the dals. Roast on low flame till the dal turns slightly golden in color. Transfer to the blender and keep aside.
3. Add chili, coconut, sugar, salt and turmeric. Blend into a coarse powder and set aside.

Vegan Indian Recipes You Might Like

• Vegan Chana Masala
• Saar Tomato Soup

The post Crispy Vegan Gobhi With Gunpowder Spice appeared first on The Beet.

What is Chana Masala?

Chana Masala also referred to as chole masala, is an Indian dish made with chickpeas that originated in Northern India. Chana Masala is naturally gluten-free and vegan. In India, Chana Masala is typically eaten as a snack or dinner.

What’s the difference between Tikka Masala and Chana Masala?

Tikka Massala uses small pieces of meat such as chicken whereas Chana Masala recipes use chickpeas as the main component. Chana Masala is a vegan dish that is packed with plant protein, folate, iron and fiber from chickpeas. Chana Masala is also widely considered one of the healthiest dishes in Indian cuisine.

What does Chana Masala taste like?

This Vegan Chana Masala recipe has a spicy kick from the green chilies, chili powder and cumin. The chickpeas are cooked in a tomato and onion sauce that is thick and creamy. By cooking it in the sauce, chickpeas are able to develop flavor while still retaining a tender bite.

Vegan Chana Masala Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Bay leaf
• Onions
• Green chilies
• Ginger
• Garlic paste
• Cilantro
• Salt
• Sugar
• Tomatoes
• Water
• Chickpeas
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Black Cardamom
• Cloves
• Coriander seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Fennel seeds
• Black pepper
• Fenugreek leaves ( kasoori methi)
• Kashmiri red chili powder
• Turmeric powder
• Dry mango (amchur) powder

How to make Vegan Chana Masala

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add in a bay leaf, and finely chopped onions and sauté till the onions are light brown in color. Mix in the green chilies, ginger garlic paste and coriander leaves. Sauté the mixture for two minutes.

Season with 2 tablespoons of chana masala spice powder. Add in the salt and sugar to balance the flavors. Sauté for a few seconds.

Add the tomato puree to the pan. Mix well to combine. Add 2 cups of water.

Mix in drained chickpea. Bring it to a boil, reduce the flame and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes masala and cook for 15 minutes. Adjust for water and salt as needed.

Chana Masala Spice Powder

Note – You can buy a ready-made chana masala spice mix from a grocery store.

Dry roast cinnamon, black cardamom, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds and black pepper on a low flame till the spices are fragrant.

Switch off the flame and add in the kasuri methi, red chili powder, turmeric powder and amchur powder. Saute for a few seconds on the residual heat from the pan.

Set aside this mixture to cool. Once the mixture is cool, grind to a fine powder. Set aside. This powder can be stored in the freezer for months and will stay fresh.

Can you buy Chana Masala spice mix at the store?

Chana Masala spice mix can be purchased online at Amazon or in grocery stores such as Whole Foods. If you are unable to find Chana Masala spice mix, you can either make it from scratch or buy Garam masala and mix it with dry mango (amchur) powder.

What to serve with Vegan Chana Masala

• Steamed Basmati Rice
• Naan
• Gunpowder Gobhi

How to store Vegan Chana Masala

Vegan chana masala is the perfect recipe to make in bulk and keep in the fridge for when you are short on time or don’t feel like cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for one to two days. Vegan Chana Masala can also be frozen for up to two months. Microwave or heat up on a stovetop when ready to eat.

Vegan Chana Masala

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1.5 cups onions, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 2 teaspoon ginger
• Garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chana spice mix
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 5 tomatoes, ground to a puree
• 500 ml water
• 2 cans of chickpeas drained

Chana Masala Spice Mix

• 1 small piece cinnamon
• 2 cardamom
• 1 black cardamom
• 4 cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek leaves ( kasoori methi)
• 2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mango (amchur) powder

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add in a bay leaf. Add in finely chopped onions and sauté till the onions are light brown in color.
2. Add in the green chilies, ginger garlic paste and coriander leaves. Sauté the mixture for two minutes.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of spice powder. Add in the salt. Add sugar to balance the flavors. Sauté for a few seconds.
4. Add the tomato puree to the pan. Mix well to combine. Add 2 cups of water.
5. Add in drained chickpea. Mix well. Bring it to a boil, reduce the flame and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes masala and cook for 15 minutes. Adjust for water and salt as needed.

Chana Masala Spice Powder

1. Dry roast cinnamon, black cardamom, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds and black pepper on a low flame till the spices are fragrant.
2. Switch off the flame and add in the kasuri methi, red chili powder, turmeric powder and amchur powder. Saute for a few seconds on the residual heat from the pan.
3. Set aside this mixture to cool. Once the mixture is cool, grind to a fine powder. Set aside. This powder can be stored in the freezer for months and will stay fresh.

Vegan Indian Recipes You Might Also Like

• Gunpowder Gobhi
• Indian-Inspired Pickled Carrot and Cauliflower
• Saar Spicy Tomato Soup

The post Easy, Vegan Chana Masala Made in One-Pot appeared first on The Beet.

Starbucks will debut the five new menu items across the United Kingdom to celebrate Veganuary 2023, beginning with a new signature beverage: the Carmelized Macadamia Oat Latte. To accompany this espresso drink, the coffee shop will also launch the Plant-Based Breakfast Wrap filled with tofu scramble, spinach, barbecue pinto bean sauce, and Lincolnshire-style sausage.

For lunch, Starbucks unveiled the No’Beef and Red Onion Focaccia sandwich with the help of The Vegetarian Butcher. The coffee chain also debuted two new desserts to give customers a sweet treat straight from the bakery case. The two deserts include the Banana Caramel Muffin and the Raspberry & Almond Mini Loaf.

Within the United Kingdom, Starbucks dropped the surcharge for vegan milk –– a policy that remains to this day across the United States. Customers can order any drink on the menu with oat, soy, coconut, or almond milk without an extra charge.

Starbucks Tests Vegan Food in the United States

Starbucks’ Veganuary celebration is exclusive to UK customers, but the slow-to-act coffee chain began testing 18 new menu items in the United States last October –– and six are fully plant-based. Starbucks teamed up with Daring and JUST Egg to debut three signature plant-based food items including:

• Plant-Based Chicken Sausage and Pepper Sous-Vide Bite: Special plant-based breakfast featuring a never-before-seen Daring jalapeño chicken sausage paired with JUST Egg’s signature egg replacer.
• Plant-Based Smoky Poblano & Black Bean Sous-Vide Bite: A small bite with a base of high-protein JUST Egg mixed with black beans, lime zest, sweet corn kernels, roasted poblano peppers, and smoky chipotle chili.
• Plant-Based Chicken Sausage & Pepper Sandwich Mini: Starbucks’ first-ever vegan chicken sandwich in the U.S., featuring the Daring chicken and JUST Egg’s mung-bean plant-based egg.

The restaurant also tested out three vegan pastry items including a Warm Oatmeal Bite with Granola Crunch, a Golden Ginger Coconut Boba Bite, and a Mocha Coconut Boba Bite.

Starbucks debuted several plant-based or plant-forward food items in the past, including the Impossible Breakfast Sandwich. However, this sandwich cannot be ordered vegan due to its eggs and cheese. Last year, Starbucks introduced a vegan lunch option with the Chickpea Bites and Avocado Protein Box.

Despite commitments to reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprints by 2030, the international coffee chain is moving slowly to permanently add plant-based menu items to its food menu. However, Starbucks’ signature drink menu continues to expand, debuting the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato last Fall.

Starbucks Vegan Food Available Outside the U.S.

Starbucks is expanding its vegan menu at a much higher rate outside of the United States. Within the UK, Starbucks has debuted several food items including a Tu’NAH Sandwich and a Chick’n & BBQ Bean Hot Wrap. The UK bakery case has featured Pecan & Caramel Brownies, Carro Cake, and Chocolate & Caramel Muffins made with exclusively plant-based ingredients.

In Hong Kong, Starbucks has partnered with OmniFoods to offer several plant-based menu items featuring vegan fish. The menu items have included a Thai Style Crab Cake Salad and Omni Golden Fillet Ciabatte –– showcasing OmniFoods’ OmniSeafood Golden Fillet.

READ MORE: 7 Coffee Chains with the Best Plant-Based Options

For more plant-based happenings, visit The Beet’s News articles. 

Fast-food restaurants have finally got the memo that their customer base isn’t just coming through for a burger, fried chicken, or a beef taco. Many now have plant-based foods and are coming up with creative, delicious ways to get more greens on the menu. Here are the 6 best fast-food chains with plant-based options on the menu.

1. Burger King

Turns out there’s a lot more to rely on than a salad if you’re eating plant-based. Burger King has the Impossible Whopper featuring a meatless patty as well as a few secretly vegan options such as the French Toast Sticks and Hashbrowns.

2. White Castle

Known for its mini square-shaped sliders, this hamburger chain jumped on the plant-based bandwagon at some participating locations. You can find an Impossible Slider on some White Castle menus.

3. Del Taco

This was the first national Mexican fast-food chain to offer Beyond Meat at the company’s 580 restaurants across the country. Del Taco has the Beyond Avocado Taco on the menu along with the Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito and Avocado Veggie Bowl.

4. Carl’s Jr.

Another brand synonymous with beef burgers, Carl’s Jr. offers several plant-based options for veggie and plant lover such as Beyond Famous Star Burger and Guacamole Thickburger.

5. Taco Bell

This fast-food restaurant may have been one of the first you frequented while transitioning to plant-based eating. That’s because Taco Bell has eight million vegetarian combinations and sells 350 million vegetarian items a year through menu substitutions or ordering off their vegetarian menu. In fact, they were the first quick-service restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options.

6. Starbucks

From the time it started offering breakfast sandwiches in 2006, the coffee conglomerate became a competitor in the fast-food space. You can get your favorite hot and cold beverages made with almond, coconut or oat milk but there are also plant-based food options available such as the Baja Black Bean Veggie Wrap, bagel with vegan cream cheese and Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

The post Starbucks Just Added 5 New Vegan Items to Its Menu. Here’s Where appeared first on The Beet.

With the help of YouGov, Veganuary found that committing to a New Year’s resolution makes people happier and more hopeful on average at the start of the new year. The poll found that those adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet at the beginning of the year feel better about the year than those who opted out of a resolution (78 percent versus 59 percent).

“The fact that I learned about Veganuary on the radio just driving down the road makes me hopeful that plant-based living is becoming more and more thought about, normalized, and easy to achieve,” Veganuary 2022 participant Anne, age 52, of Watkinsville, Georgia, said in a statement “Learning the numbers Veganuary shares with us about the impact it makes on the environment and the people it reaches and how many people participate makes me feel very hopeful as well!”

Veganuary intends to encourage people worldwide to try eating healthier and more sustainably at the start of the year. Now, the global movement has enlisted over 2.5 million since its founding in 2014. Nearly every country in the world has been involved in Veganuary. The poll also noted that 85 percent of non-vegan past participants have reduced their animal-based consumption since their first Veganuary.

Participants receive 31 days worth of coaching emails including nutrition guides, a meal plan, discounts, and plant-based recipes. The movement also compiled a celebrity e-cookbook with recipes from Dr. Jane Goodall, Venus Williams, Alicia Silverstone, and more.

Vegan New Year’s Resolutions

Veganuary’s recent poll also reveals the most common resolution for 2023. The YouGov survey found that 34 percent of resolution-makers hope to eat healthier overall; 28 percent intend to budget better; 28 percent wish to reduce stress; and 39 percent aim to exercise more. Veganuary primarily intends to instill hope in consumers everywhere, helping encourage people worldwide to fulfill their resolutions.

“Many of us could use a little hope right now,” Wendy Matthews, Veganuary’s US Director, said in a statement “But hope isn’t just wishful thinking –– it’s taking steps that lead to the changes we want to see. Participating in Veganuary is a powerful way to start the year off with positive action, no matter what your resolution.”

Following last year’s Veganuary challenges, 49 percent and 48 percent of participants recorded having improved energy and enhanced mood, respectively.

Plant-Based Debuts For Veganuary 2023

Similar to last year’s campaign, several major brands including Wicked Kitchen, Beyond Meat, Aveda, Violife, and more are debuting vegan items to celebrate the movement. In the United Kingdom, pub chain Hungry Horse unveiled a menu with Meatless Farm burgers, OmniFoods fish and chips, and Impossible Nuggets.

Across the UK and Ireland, McDonald’s is doubling down on its McPlant with the newly imagined Double McPlant, complete with two Beyond patties. Burger King joins in with a collaboration with La Vie and Violife, debuting the Bakon range –– vegan iterations of its classic bacon burgers.

New York City is celebrating Veganuary with its first-ever vegan dining month. Several restaurants will participate in the event hosted by the food and travel website Vegans, Baby. Restaurants featuring plant-based deals and spotlight include Lady Bird, Avant Garden, PLNT Burger, and more.

“I am so excited to launch Vegan Dining Month in NYC after running it for six years in Las Vegas,” Diana Edelman, Vegans, Baby’s founder told Forbes. “The city has such a dynamic vegan dining scene and I am thrilled to create an event here that encourages people to dine out during the month and give restaurants –– both vegan and vegan-friendly –– a try for a good cause.”

Read More: Make 2023 your year of health with The Beet‘s Healthy Plant-Based Diet Cooking Course. 

For more plant-based happenings, check out The Beet’s News articles. 

31 Delicious, Plant-Based Recipes to Make on Repeat

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Compared to the alternative, Dry January is definitely a healthier choice, according to the CDC and a study in The Lancet, which found that alcohol, despite the purported benefits of red wine, has “no health benefits” in itself, and in fact, can increase your risk of cancer, liver disease, death, and anxiety. Alcohol is the seventh leading cause of death in adults the world over.

Is Alcohol Bad for You?

Drinking acts against all your best health efforts: It slows the immune system, robs your bones of calcium, and leads to weight gain (a recent study shows the drunk munchies are real as your mind on alcohol tricks your body into thinking it’s in starvation mode). Imbibing also puts you in other danger of accidents (since even after one drink your judgment is impaired), so going dry is a good idea no matter how much the world events may make you want to reach for the vino or vodka.

How to Go Sober for a Month

As we all make our New Year’s resolutions of every variety, and even if yours did not include going dry this month, you can start now. Taking a complete “detox” from drinking right now, for a week, two weeks, or a month or longer, will benefit your health at every level, according to doctors and addiction experts (alcohol abuse or over-imbibing is defined as drinking more than five drinks in a single day in the past 30 days).

Here are seven tips to help you crush Dry January, and go alcohol-free now, or get back on the wagon if you toppled off. (No judging here…)

1. Make a Plan

You may have planned to abstain from the booze for a whole month, but it is not always easy to stick to it. Build a plan with a list of goals –– it may be helpful to write it down somewhere as a visual reminder of your intentions. Don’t take the big leap right away, start by setting small milestones that are realistic for you.

You’re also more likely to follow smaller goals in the early stages of this resolution, according to recent research. So whether you reduce the number of drinks per week or slowly refrain from purchasing your favorite booze, try doing it in small increments to change your relationship with alcohol.

2. Develop Coping Mechanisms

Many use alcohol to cope with their stress or cultivate feelings of calmness. However, drinking only leads to positive feelings and relaxation in the short term, not the long term, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Therefore, it’s best to address the underlying issue of stress and find healthy ways to cope instead of coping with alcohol, recommends Dr. Joseph DeSanto, MD, an addiction specialist for BioCorRx.

“Meditation is a readily available and potent technique, to begin with, he says. Meditation is a part of mindfulness activities, which have been proven to ease anxiety and stress, according to research. Finding a coping mechanism like deep breathing or journaling will help you manage your stress better for both long-term and short-term well-being.

3. Avoid Triggers

For a lot of people, there are probably some environments that they associate with alcohol. It could be pregaming with drinks at a sports event or a weekly happy hour with friends. Whatever the case may be, it’s best to understand these triggering environments and how you can avoid them, says Dr. Stacy Cohen, MD, a double board-certified general and addiction psychiatrist who practices at The Moment in Los Angeles, California.

“You’re best off avoiding people, places, and things that can remind you of drinking. If you’re struggling with going booze-free for the month, perhaps have your loved ones put away the alcohol ahead of time and try not to drink around you. You can also participate in an event with someone else who agrees not to drink so you don’t feel alone,” she says.

4. Focus on Physical Activity

It’s almost the New Year, but you’re probably continuing the same routine as the year before. Shake up things a bit to move around and add more things you love to do, such as a salsa class or an outdoor sport. Joelene Knight, CADC-CAS, Board Member at Awakening Recovery and Executive Director/Co-Founder at Grace Recovery says.

“One of the best ways to fight boredom and continue to abstain from alcohol during Dry January is definitely getting physical activity as it gives your body the chance to release endorphins or “feel-good” chemicals. You can take a walk, hike, walk on a treadmill, or do an online yoga video.”

Whether you hit the gym or walk along the shores of a beach, these active changes will help you curb that urge to pour a glass of liquor and leave you feeling great.

5. Build a Support System

According to a survey conducted in 2019, one in five Americans annually participates in Dry January. Understand that you’re not alone –– there’s probably a community of friends, family members, and colleagues that are giving up alcohol this month too. It may be helpful to make your Dry January goals public so you can cultivate a network of people close to you to hold yourself accountable and on track.

There are also a lot of resources and support groups online as well, says Dr. DeSanto. “Self-help groups, while not for everyone, can help you find a safe environment to communicate with other individuals who have changed their relationship with alcohol. Finding your tribe of supportive people will help you feel less alone,” he says.

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6. Find Drink Alternatives

If you find yourself usually drinking often (this means going over the limits of up to 2 drinks a day for men and up 1 drink a day for women per CDC guidelines), it’s probably time to find a replacement drink. Water is usually the best option as it keeps you well hydrated, crucial for many bodily functions.

However, if it’s hard to give up the fresh taste of your favorite drink right away, an alternative option like an alcoholic-free drink may be your best bet, says Dr. Cohen. There are so many brands out there that have mocktails so you can enjoy the fresh citrus taste of a Moscow mule or sweet champagne without the booze. Some of our favorite non-alcoholic products include Rock Grace Crystal Elixir, Gruvi’s Bubbly Rosé, Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, and Heineken’s 0.0.

Read More: The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks

7. Seek Professional Help

Starting the new year booze-free is amazing, but what happens after that? For a lot of people, Dry January is the time when they realize they have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. In that case, it may be time to seek support from a professional to transform your alcohol habits for the better.

If you’re unsure of where to start, speak to your local healthcare provider about the treatment options available. They will be able to assess your situation and guide you to the right resources for recovery. Remember, it’s never too late to start.

If you feel like you need immediate assistance with your substance use or mental health issues –– in the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.

For more expert advice, visit The Beet’s Health & Nutrition articles. 

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“You asked. We listened,” McDonald’s wrote on the company website announcing the new menu item. The Double McPlant is the second iteration of McDonald’s’ partnership with Beyond Meat. The original McPlant features a Beyond Meat burger with ketchup, mustard, vegan special sauce, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and dairy-free cheese on a toasted sesame bun. The Double McPlant will feature an additional Beyond patty.

“It’s no secret that people went wild for the taste, with many taking to Twitter to express their desire for a doubled-up version,” McDonald’s said.

Within the United Kingdom and Ireland, McDonald’s guarantees that the plant-based burger is prepared on a separate grill from the traditional beef burgers. This vegan burger is developed under the three-year partnership deal between McDonald’s and Beyond Meat.

One enthusiastic customer tweeted: “I know it’s 7 am, but when [is] @McDonaldsUK going to allow a Double McPlant?? All I want is the option to have two patties. This is the important stuff I need addressed.”

McDonald’s Meatless Fast Food

McDonald’s sells more burgers than any other fast-food chain, and now, its plant-based burger provides customers everywhere with an affordable and appealing sustainable option. The original McPlant is offered in Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Australia, and the U.K. Most recently, the signature vegan burger became a permanent menu item in the Netherlands.

“We’re so pleased that our McPlant is now officially ‘everywhere’ and available for more of our customers to taste and enjoy,” Michelle Graham-Clare, chief marketing officer at McDonald’s U.K. and Ireland said in a statement last year. “We saw a remarkable response to the trial period back in October. And, now McPlant is on the high street, in retail parks and service stations all over the U.K. and Ireland.”

Although the burger has had several trial runs in the United States, the company has yet to release information about a national launch stateside. Last February, McDonald’s rolled out the McPlant at about 600 locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Francisco Bay areas. Before that, the burger was tested at eight select locations across the entire U.S.

McDonald’s aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and the McPlant is a central component in reducing methane emissions related to beef. The meat and dairy industries are responsible for about two times the greenhouse gas emissions caused by plant-based diets.

Hungry for Plant-Based Burgers

Before McDonald’s debuted its McPlant, Burger King broke into the plant-based market with the Impossible Whopper, featuring an Impossible Foods patty topped with the signature tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and onions from its animal-based counterpart. This burger is fully vegan without mayo. Now, Burger King offers the plant-based classic at over 7,000 locations in America.

An estimated 1.6 million Americans have purchased vegan products in the last few years, which can be partially attributed to fast-food burger chains. Local chains including Plant Power Fast Food and Noomo join fast-food giants such as Carl’s Jr. and Fatburger in the plant-based shift. One report shows that plant-based is showing up on menus nearly 3,000 percent more than four years ago. 

READ MORE: The Best Fast Food Chains for Plant-Based Customers 

For more plant-based happenings, check out The Beet’s News articles. 

Fast-food restaurants have finally got the memo that their customer base isn’t just coming through for a burger, fried chicken, or a beef taco. Many now have plant-based foods and are coming up with creative, delicious ways to get more greens on the menu. Here are the 6 best fast-food chains with plant-based options on the menu.

1. Burger King

Turns out there’s a lot more to rely on than a salad if you’re eating plant-based. Burger King has the Impossible Whopper featuring a meatless patty as well as a few secretly vegan options such as the French Toast Sticks and Hashbrowns.

2. White Castle

Known for its mini square-shaped sliders, this hamburger chain jumped on the plant-based bandwagon at some participating locations. You can find an Impossible Slider on some White Castle menus.

3. Del Taco

This was the first national Mexican fast-food chain to offer Beyond Meat at the company’s 580 restaurants across the country. Del Taco has the Beyond Avocado Taco on the menu along with the Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito and Avocado Veggie Bowl.

4. Carl’s Jr.

Another brand synonymous with beef burgers, Carl’s Jr. offers several plant-based options for veggie and plant lover such as Beyond Famous Star Burger and Guacamole Thickburger.

5. Taco Bell

This fast-food restaurant may have been one of the first you frequented while transitioning to plant-based eating. That’s because Taco Bell has eight million vegetarian combinations and sells 350 million vegetarian items a year through menu substitutions or ordering off their vegetarian menu. In fact, they were the first quick-service restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options.

6. Starbucks

From the time it started offering breakfast sandwiches in 2006, the coffee conglomerate became a competitor in the fast-food space. You can get your favorite hot and cold beverages made with almond, coconut or oat milk but there are also plant-based food options available such as the Baja Black Bean Veggie Wrap, bagel with vegan cream cheese and Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

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