For me, the idea of drinking chlorophyll for a week was to try out this health craze and discover whether it would help clear up my skin (which is not as blemish-free as I’d like) and provide digestive relief since I often have issues with my gut.

Is Chlorophyll Good for You?

For the benefits and rewards of chlorophyll, check out registered dietitian Lauren Armstrong’s take on whether this new health craze is a good idea. After hearing about it from all corners, we had to try it.

If you search the hashtag #chlorophyll on TikTok, you’ll find influencers and wellness gurus all over the country using green tinctures to infuse their water with chlorophyll, and with average folks like me trying it, together, all these videos have gained millions in views.

On the surface, chlorophyll looks just like something that you’d use to tie-dye your clothes, but a closer examination reveals that a few drops of this green pigment (found in plants like spinach, kale, wheatgrass, spirulina, and parsley to name a few) is extremely potent. If you recall any of your high school biology classes, the term photosynthesis may ring a bell.

Chlorophyll is actually an important part of the photosynthesis process, acting as the primary pigment that helps plants convert the sun’s rays into energy for growth. After a quick review of my old biology text, I remembered how important – in fact, essential – chlorophyll is to plants, but I wondered what kind of actual benefit it could have on my day-to-day health.

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Chlorophyll Water Health Benefits

Chlorophyll has been touted as a weight-loss secret that can also help in regulating cholesterol levels, relieving constipation, and regulating digestion, hormonal imbalances, and easing fibromyalgia and arthritis, according to MedicineNet. I was most eager for help with digestive health and clearer skin.

A friend of mine who had hopped on the trend before it took over TikTok, recommended a brand of liquid chlorophyll derived primarily from alfalfa leaves and mulberry plants, with added fresh spearmint flavor for taste.

How Much Chlorophyll Should You Take?

Chlorophyll isn’t something to mess with or take more than the safe dosage according to Lauren Armstrong, RD, who warns against overdoing the recommended amount. The FDA says that adults and children over the age of 12 can safely consume 100 to 200 milligrams of chlorophyllin daily, but should not exceed 300 milligrams.

Should You Drink Chlorophyll Water at Night?

Whichever time you drink your daily chlorophyll water is up to you. You can drink chlorophyll during the morning, day, or night, and it shouldn’t interfere with your sleep schedule. Drinking chlorophyll at night may be particularly beneficial after a night of drinking when you need an added boost of hydration. For many, taking it in the morning with your first meal of the day may be the easiest way to integrate it into your routine.

The moment I dripped the green drops into a glass of cold water, it became clear why this would be a TikTok sensation — it’s visually incredibly appealing, which is helpful when consuming what is essentially just a normal glass of water with some mossy aftertaste.

I have always had digestive issues and I was hoping chlorophyll would help me get more regular. As someone who needs to take fiber supplements, get daily exercise, and even take a laxative tea to stay regular, I was anticipating that the touted digestive benefits of consuming liquid chlorophyll would be helpful.

I Tried Drinking Chlorophyll Water. Here’s What Happened

Day 1: I tried 15 drops of chlorophyll in my 32-ounce water bottle

I poured a tall glass of 8 oz. of water and watched as 15 drops of chlorophyll swirled around. I took a whiff of the glass and was pleasantly surprised by the refreshing, slightly minty aroma, with a hint of “pond.” The chlorophyll water went down easily and made me feel like I had just reaped all the nutrients of algae. I spent the rest of the day sipping more chlorophyll from my 32-ounce water bottle which kept me hydrated all day long.

Day 2: I add chlorophyll to my green smoothie in the morning

Along with gulping it down first thing in the morning and during the day, I thought it might make a complementary addition to my daily green smoothie. I enjoyed that my smoothie’s hue turned an even deeper green, but I realized I preferred reaping the benefits of chlorophyll undiluted.

Day 3: I decide I actually  like the swampy taste of chlorophyll

Now accustomed to the ever-so-slightly swampy taste, I’m actually enjoying it. I upped my intake to 3 full droppers a day. I definitely started to experience the “detox” benefits, and the digestive health (not to get into too much detail but let’s just say I was more regular, without that nerve-wracking feeling of urgency that can come with a laxative tea). My digestion and gut health were becoming more regular, making me feel lighter and more energized.

Day 4: Chlorophyll is now my new go-to drink, all day long

I jumped out of bed, feeling especially dehydrated, to gulp down a glass of chlorophyll water the size of my head. Hydrated and ready to go, I continue to sip on my earthy, slightly minty beverage throughout the day. In the evening I added some ice to my water — just to spice things up a bit.

Day 5: Chlorophyll is my gateway health elixir to eating more vegetables

Five days down! Drinking chlorophyll water consistently throughout the day made me want to make healthier choices in other areas of my life as well. For lunch, what could go better with a green drink than a green salad, filled with vegetables and leaves? Chlorophyll itself might not be aiding in weight management but all this other fiber certainly has to help!

Day 6: My afternoon cravings are suddenly something I can control

By day six, I noticed that I was more hydrated and still making healthier decisions. The afternoons have always proved to be my most troublesome time of the day when sugary or salty cravings often spike, and my head screams for caffeine. When that happens, nothing sounds better than a carb-filled treat. Before I poured the second cup of coffee and started scavenging the pantry for cookies, I took a shot of chlorophyll, along with (yet again) another tall glass of water. Replenished and rehydrated, I opted for a spread of raw vegetables and some hummus.

Day 7: My Skin is clearer but that could be due to drinking more water

My gut health was actually better than it had been in a long time. As for my skin, I started to notice a new level of smoothness, fewer blemishes, and the texture was better than usual. As nutritionists and dieticians have mentioned, these changes may or may not be due to the chlorophyll since it can be difficult to specify whether benefits are derived from the chlorophyll alone or the fact that I was drinking more water.

Either way, I recognized that a supplement like chlorophyll can be a helpful tool that gets you to start consuming more water. And it’s a great alternative to drinking other sweet or canned beverages like soft drinks or processed water enhancers with fake flavoring.

Does Chlorophyll Help Skin?

After 1 week: My skin has definitely improved and looks brighter and clearer. Again, perhaps that can be attributed to a boost in my overall water consumption, but I had a facial, and instead of it leaving my skin inflamed, I was actually glowing, which may have something to do with chlorophyll’s magical wound-healing properties. (Although for better skin and wound healing benefits, they say you should apply the chlorophyll topically.) Finally, by the end of the week, my digestion started running like a well-oiled machine, which made me feel like I was absorbing the nutrients from my food better, leaving me feeling less bloated, and with more energy. I also noticed my eyes looked clearer, or more rested, so I will be continuing this ritual of reaching for yet a glass of chlorophyll water.

Would I keep taking chlorophyll after the first week was over? Yes!

The thing that immediately drew me into the trend was its simplicity. Besides purchasing the liquid chlorophyll, all you have to do is add it to your water. This was especially appealing to me since it’s so much easier than juicing. Compared to a recent trial of drinking celery juice every day, which involves purchasing bunches of celery, taking out my hefty juicer, juicing for many minutes, and of course, cleaning the juicer, just adding chlorophyll drops felt like a breeze. Plus, first thing in the morning, chlorophyll water mimicked that same detoxifying sensation that I got from celery juice.

Bottom Line: Drinking Chlorophyll Water Helped My Skin and Gut.

Not only did chlorophyll help regulate my digestion, but also upped my water intake, and even had a positive effect on helping my skin clear up, so I now feel I can go makeup-free on  Zoom calls. I’ll definitely be finishing my bottle of chlorophyll, and most likely will buy another.

For more plant-based recommendations, check out The Beet’s product reviews. 

The post “I Tried Drinking Chlorophyll Water for a Week. Here’s What Happened” appeared first on The Beet.

Plant City X is located in Middletown, RI, and business is already booming. The joint can serve up to 65 cars in an hour, according to entrepreneur and financial backer Kim Anderson. The menu features vegan takes on some classic American fare, including several kinds of bean-based burgers, “chicken” sandwiches and nuggets made from crispy fried tofu, and a variety of hearty and healthy salad bowls.

The options for sides are equally appetizing: Both regular and sweet potato french fries (with toppings), as well as a home-cooked favorite, gluten-free mac and cheese. Moving beyond lunch and dinner staples, Kenney and his team set out to run the gamut of plant-based offerings, developing delicious and meatless breakfast sandwiches, frozen coconut yogurt parfaits, and vegan cookies and brownies for dessert.

The new restaurant is a natural progression from Kenney and Anderson’s earlier venture, the highly-successful, all-vegan Plant City in Providence, RI. The Middletown location was intended to appease fans of the Providence restaurant by offering a new location with sizable seating as well as the convenience of a classic drive-thru model. Kenney worked closely with Luis Jaramillo, Plant City’s executive chef, to develop a new list of offerings for the Plant City X location that would highlight a combination of Plant City’s best-sellers and some newly developed items.

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According to Anderson, the key was striking a balance between high-quality plant-based food and the convenient speed of the American drive-thru model. While the location does not aim to be a lavish restaurant, embracing success and expansion doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or conscience for the enterprising due. Anderson emphasized the importance of showing their appreciation for their “amazing” staff and community by using only local vendors for all of their ingredients and ensuring fair pay and pool tipping for front- and back-of-house employees alike.

Kenney attributes the popularity of his restaurants and his own substantial success to one key choice: Going plant-based. Kenney––who has been plant-based for over 18 years––stated that he has always seen large-scale plant-based eating as “the future,” and draws a connection between the growth of veganism in recent years and the appeal of his cookbooks, wellness work, and dozens of restaurants worldwide. “To me, food is plant-based,” Kenney said, “that’s what it’s meant to be, and I’m excited to see how quickly things have accelerated recently.

Drive-thru joints are at the heart of American food culture, but they are not always the best option for our heart health. Plant City X’s new vegan drive-thru proves that you can still have the ease of fast food dining with the benefits of plant-based eating.

The post Chef Matthew Kenney Opens First All-Vegan Drive-Thru in Rhode Island appeared first on The Beet.

In a news-making two-hour interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired last Sunday on CBS, the couple offered the world a glimpse of their private lives in Montecito, where they live with two rescued dogs and a handful of rescued chickens. Meghan talked about her mental health issues, the painful events that led up to their deciding to leave England and royal life behind, and the fact that she is having a baby girl, sometime this summer. Meghan did not discuss her mostly plant-based diet, or the fact that she encouraged Harry to give up his hunting guns, but it’s clear that her love of animals is one of the joys of her life. She told an interviewer last winter that her two rescue dogs have been a source of support during the pandemic.

The interview took place outside on a neutral property, but then the couple brought Oprah to their nearby home and allowed cameras to take a brief tour of the chicken coop, and they seemed eager to show off their rescued birds and coop to Oprah, who willingly obliged. The interview was done “at a friend’s house” so this part of the tour was obviously a separate shoot, and while we didn’t see the couple’s nearly 19,000 square-foot house, they were more than happy to show off where the chickens live.

The camera following the couple into the chicken coop paused for a second as Oprah and the Duke and Dutchess walked into the netted and wired area, showing the adorable sign and “Chick Inn” pun on the red house where the chickens get to live out the rest of their days,  clucking and pecking.

In a previous interview with James Cordon, Harry revealed that Archie’s first word was unpredictably, “crocodile,” so it’s safe to assume that the toddler is an animal-lover, like his mom who brought her rescued beagle Guy into her relationship with Harry. “I just love rescuing,” Meghan told Oprah. The couple also adopted a black lab in 2018 named Pula, the official currency of Botswana (where they first traveled as a couple).  “Our family is complete,” Harry said during the interview, referring to their upcoming birth of a sister for Archie. Two kids, two dogs, and a coop full of chickens.

They shared videos of the simple life, Meghan, Archie, and Gus walking on a foggy beach and through Harry’s legs at the end of the beach walking clip. Harry talked about how he loves taking bike rides with Archie on the back with his arms spread wide, as the toddler points out passing scenery and says: “Palm tree! House!” Harry noted that this was particularly joyful for him since he got to do all the little things he was never allowed to do as a child growing up in royal life, which is why he’s loving their new-found freedom.

The couple made it a priority to rescue hens from factory farms for their personal flock, feeding a lifelong love for helping animals in need. “I just love rescuing,” Markel told Winfrey as the group fed the hens. The coop also holds a special place in their hearts in connection to their 22-month-old son; the coop is adorned with a plaque bearing the structure’s name: “Archie’s Chick Inn.”

For Meghan Markle, Rescuing Dogs and Chickens Makes Perfect Sense

The family’s chicken coop jives well with her health-conscious diet, favoring gluten-free and vegan options during the week while allowing some flexibility on the weekends. Markle has reportedly shifted her diet to include more plant-based meals ever since moving to the United States, and has attributed significant changes in her skin health and energy levels to a better diet.

Her interest in sustainability has led her to invest in a plant-based brand. In 2020, Markle became a key financial backer of Clevr Blends, a self-described “woman-led, mission-driven wellness company” with an exciting line of “SuperLattes.” The drinks boast excellent support for the body through probiotics, coconut cream, adaptogens, mushrooms, and oat milk. Likewise, the company’s stated commitment to supporting “a healthier planet and a more just society” aligns well with Markle’s own philanthropic goals and the sentiment behind Archie’s Chick Inn.

Markle eats plant-based during the week and allows herself plenty of room for treats

Markle starts the day with a healthy breakfast, opting for steel-cut oats, bananas, and a bit of agave syrup. The Duchess tends to eat more at lunch, frequently choosing a salad for the benefits of a plant-based meal, and occasionally indulging in sashimi or her favorite vice––french fries. As for a healthy snack to fend off mid-day cravings, Markle loves something crisp, sweet, and simple; apple slices with a creamy nut butter are a personal favorite.

In the interview with Winfrey, Markle describes the couple’s new life in California in one word: “Peace.” The rustic pleasures of the property are a welcome respite from their busy public lives, and offer more opportunities “to live authentically,” according to the Duchess.

Life for this busy royal has given her many titles: actress, wife, mother, Duchess, and ethical investor. Settling down in California marks a new stage for the couple, founded on a healthy balance of busy public careers and satisfying private lives.

While the red-painted wooden boards and hay-covered ground of Archie’s Chick Inn may not be Buckingham Palace, these contented chickens are certainly able to enjoy a safe home, while Markle pursues new projects and get her nest for the arrival of a new family member.

Sandra Oh and 20 Others It Might Surprise You to Learn Are Plant-Based

1. Paul McCartney

Sir James Paul McCartney is no stranger to a meat-free life as he’s been vegetarian for 45 years. He initially went vegetarian in 1975 with his first wife Linda McCartney and began his advocacy for animal rights.

2. Sia

If you find yourself constantly singing along to the song The Greatest, then you’re already a Sia fan. Sia tweeted that she is “fully vegan now” back in 2014 and stays true to her word

3. Sandra Oh

Way back at the start of Grey’s Anatomy, Sandra Oh took the cast out for a plant-based lunch at Truly Vegan in Hollywood. In her effort to inspire contemporaries to eat vegan, the TV star is known to invite her friends for vegan meals that are delicious. She adopted the vegan lifestyle years ago and continues to quietly live a cruelty-free life.

4. Gisele Bündchen

Giselle revealed that when she was at the peak of her modeling career, her diet consisted of “cigarettes, wine, and mocha Frappuccinos,” according to an interview in People Magazine. Now 39 and the mother of two children, Gisele eats a “mostly” plant-based diet to nourish her body and stay fueled.

5. Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has made a bigger commitment to plant-based eating since he was first told by doctors that he was pre-diabetic and needed to change his diet. That was decades ago. But, over the last few years, he’s been vocal about the benefits not only to his health but also the impact plant-based eating has on the environment.

7. Pamela Anderson

We all remember Pamela Anderson as the curvaceous blonde in the hit series Baywatch as she played Casey Jean in the red one-piece swimsuit that brought her world-class fame. She is a life-long active animal rights advocate and teamed up with PETA to join the Animal Protection Organization.

8. Kristen Stewart

“We shouldn’t eat as much meat guys,” Kristen Stewart told GQ in an interview in January. The Twilight star has made a full 180 from vampire to vegan. When she appeared on the game show “Hot Ones” she chose to skip the wings and instead compete by eating increasing spicier sauce on vegan cauliflower wings.

9. Jared Leto

This award-winning actor eats a high-protein diet consisting of only plants. Leto, who has been plant-based for 20 years, says it keeps him “shredded” in an interview. Now, 48, Leto looks half his age.

10. Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith switched up his diet from vegan to vegetarian, meaning that he doesn’t eat meat but does eat dairy from time to time. In a recent article by Plant Based News, Smith admits he skipped meals and was not getting the proper nutrition when he was vegan, but this hasn’t stopped him from espousing the plant-based life.

11. Meghan Markle

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex has never admitted to being fully vegan, but sources say, she eats a plant-based diet most days during the week. She is teaching Prince Harry vegan cooking and in a Plant-Based News article, Markle explained how she hopes to raise baby Archie on a mostly vegan diet.

12. Serena Williams

As a professional athlete, fueling the body is a key factor to Willaim’s successes. In a Bon Appetite article, she explained that she adopted a plant-based diet back in 2012, she was eating a lot “healthier” for her sister, Venus, who eats a strict vegan diet for health reasons.

13. John Mackey

The popular grocery store, Whole Foods Market sells vegan products and nonvegan products which arises black lash from ethical vegans as CEO John Mackey follows a strict vegan diet. The successful businessman grew up in Houston Texas and told Business Insider that he would traditionally eat processed foods for dinner while watching TV with his family. Now, Mackey steers clear from the processed isle and eats a clean vegan diet and feels amazing at the age of 65.

14. Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz, singer of the popular song, I’m Yours, committed to a vegan diet to support his friend diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Mraz says he eats mostly raw food and told magazine sources his favorite vegan dish is “Chocomole, a mixture of avocados, dates, cacao, agave nectar, and coconut oil.”

15. Leona Lewis

Long time vegan, Leona Lewis grew up in a vegan household and continues to eat a plant-based diet. Lewis first adopted the diet at 12 when she learned about the health risks of eating animal products but told Women’s Health Magazine she occasionally eats an omelet. She also mentioned her 2:30 lunch is normally a kale salad topped with dried cranberries and she loves a veggie stir-fry for dinner.

16. Hannah Teter

Hannah Teter changed her diet after watching the documentary, Earthlings when she discovered how “horrible” factory farming is. After a strict vegetarian diet, Teter liked the way she performed as an athlete and believes that her diet helped her win gold at the 2006 games.

17. Maggie Q,

You may recognize Maggie Q as the star of the Nikita series, but in the plant-based world, she’s well-known for her heroic activism. Maggie Q has followed a strict vegan diet for 19 years, making her a true veteran of the lifestyle. She made the plant-based diet transition because she felt sluggish and had low energy, she has said. The famous actress keeps in shape by eating veggies and plant-based protein and working out with a passion.

18. Madelaine Petsch,

Winner of the first Masterchef vegan cook-off with Gordon Ramsay, Madelaine Petsch was raised vegetarian and went completely vegan at age 14. She claims that she started this diet before it was “trendy” and shot a campaign for PETA last year wearing a dress made of bok choy. Petsch says her vegan diet allows her to feel “healthier” and not “lethargic.”

19. Millie Bobbi Brown

After doing a little sleuthing on her social media platforms we think Millie Bobbi Brown qualifies as plant-based. Whether or not she is actually skipping all meat and dairy, one thing is for sure: She eats mostly salads, vegetables and grains and lives a predominantly plant-based lifestyle full of healthy foods.

20. Chloe and Halle Bailey

The grammy-nominated sisters went vegan for a week with their mom but liked it so much they decided to stick with it. For one thing, it helps keep their “voices in shape” by eating a vegan diet and they emphasize the fact that dairy helps to limit extra mucus build-up, according to a PETA interview.

21. Hilary Duff

Best known for her role as Lizzie Mcguire in the long-running series, Hilary Duff is a recent vegan advocate and entrepreneur. She recently launched the vegan and cruelty-free eyeshadow palette, “Day Dreamer” and changed her diet to plant-based last fall.

The post Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Rescue Chickens and Show Off Their Coop appeared first on The Beet.

It’s Almost Been a Year Since Fantasia Taylor Ditched Meat and Dairy

A little less than a year ago, Taylor shared with her 4.2 million Instagram followers her major diet change, announcing in a story, “Taylor’s Gone Vegan.” For Taylor, eating more plant-based is about prioritizing herself and her health. In the past, she has been open about discussing her health and weight issues. She told Tamron Hall that it has been a three-year journey to get pregnant this time, and it required IVF treatments since one of her tubes was closed. (Taylor has in the past opened up about overdosing on aspirin and sleep aids). Being vegan is an important step for Taylor in her journey of self-love, and she and Kendall have spoken about how their faith led them to this joyful point of expecting a child together.

Fantasia accompanied her announcement about going vegan with a video of herself and  Kendall making a delicious vegan dish consisting of stuffed zucchini, captioning the post “Healthy Living – IT’S TIME!!!” A few posts later, she shared with her followers an array of vegetables, cooking supplies, and vegan ingredients.

Fantasia Taylor is Making Delicious Vegan Pregnancy Treats

Taylor revealed that she and Kendall are getting ready to welcome a baby girl. Eating for two hasn’t shaken Taylor’s commitment to her plant-based diet and healthy lifestyle. Instead, she’s finding new ways to enjoy being vegan during her pregnancy. In a recent post on Instagram, she shared that even pregnancy cravings can be satiated with vegan treats. Mornings meals for Taylor look warm and delicious and feature a steaming cup of hot chocolate, marshmallows, almond whipped cream, all topped with a drizzle of chocolate and caramel syrup.

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Doctors from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics fully endorse vegan pregnancies; they note, it’s just important to give some extra attention to your protein intake to ensure you’re getting everything you and the baby need.

Fantasia Taylor Shares More Vegan Recipes

Taylor’s morning vegan hot chocolate is just the start of a number of other satisfying and flavorful meals she’s been cooking up in the kitchen with her friends and husband. Late last year, she shared a healthy taco bowl dinner that her husband helped whip up, captioning the post “#husbandswhocook.” Even Thanksgiving at the Taylor household was plant-based. With some help from Chef Joya, who calls herself the “Queen of Transitioning Meat Eaters,” Taylor cooked up a soulful spread that included a spicy dish of peppers, cornbread, bean salad, and sautéed swiss chard. Taylor, who is also committed to tradition and family, shows the ease and simplicity of making traditions plant-based.

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Taylor Incorporates Fitness into Her Self-Care Routine

Taylor’s commitment to her health doesn’t stop at her diet. She’s also making time for herself at the gym. In another recent post, she went live with Jaz Jackson, the founder of @jsculptfitness, where she talked about her health, diet, and love of Jackson’s line of waist trainers. In a video from September 2019, Taylor expresses her interest not just in her aesthetic appearance, but her entire wellbeing, stating “For me, it was having to go to the doctor with my grandmother and my young cousins that are my age and have high blood pressure…[my body] is my temple, I have to protect it––I want to look good, but I also want to be healthy.” Along with the help of a trainer (and her vegan diet), Taylor stays in shape by doing high-intensity cardio sessions, body weight, and heavyweight training.

Fantasia Taylor has been in the spotlight for a long time, first rising to fame after winning American Idol season three. Since then, she’s continued to awe fans with her myriad talents, from her Broadway debut to chart-topping albums, to starring in a Lifetime Television film based on her autobiography. Taylor is just at the beginning of her plant-based journey, and we’re here to follow every step.

Sandra Oh and 20 Others It Might Surprise You to Learn Are Plant-Based

1. Paul McCartney

Sir James Paul McCartney is no stranger to a meat-free life as he’s been vegetarian for 45 years. He initially went vegetarian in 1975 with his first wife Linda McCartney and began his advocacy for animal rights.

2. Sia

If you find yourself constantly singing along to the song The Greatest, then you’re already a Sia fan. Sia tweeted that she is “fully vegan now” back in 2014 and stays true to her word

3. Sandra Oh

Way back at the start of Grey’s Anatomy, Sandra Oh took the cast out for a plant-based lunch at Truly Vegan in Hollywood. In her effort to inspire contemporaries to eat vegan, the TV star is known to invite her friends for vegan meals that are delicious. She adopted the vegan lifestyle years ago and continues to quietly live a cruelty-free life.

4. Gisele Bündchen

Giselle revealed that when she was at the peak of her modeling career, her diet consisted of “cigarettes, wine, and mocha Frappuccinos,” according to an interview in People Magazine. Now 39 and the mother of two children, Gisele eats a “mostly” plant-based diet to nourish her body and stay fueled.

5. Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has made a bigger commitment to plant-based eating since he was first told by doctors that he was pre-diabetic and needed to change his diet. That was decades ago. But, over the last few years, he’s been vocal about the benefits not only to his health but also the impact plant-based eating has on the environment.

7. Pamela Anderson

We all remember Pamela Anderson as the curvaceous blonde in the hit series Baywatch as she played Casey Jean in the red one-piece swimsuit that brought her world-class fame. She is a life-long active animal rights advocate and teamed up with PETA to join the Animal Protection Organization.

8. Kristen Stewart

“We shouldn’t eat as much meat guys,” Kristen Stewart told GQ in an interview in January. The Twilight star has made a full 180 from vampire to vegan. When she appeared on the game show “Hot Ones” she chose to skip the wings and instead compete by eating increasing spicier sauce on vegan cauliflower wings.

9. Jared Leto

This award-winning actor eats a high-protein diet consisting of only plants. Leto, who has been plant-based for 20 years, says it keeps him “shredded” in an interview. Now, 48, Leto looks half his age.

10. Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith switched up his diet from vegan to vegetarian, meaning that he doesn’t eat meat but does eat dairy from time to time. In a recent article by Plant Based News, Smith admits he skipped meals and was not getting the proper nutrition when he was vegan, but this hasn’t stopped him from espousing the plant-based life.

11. Meghan Markle

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex has never admitted to being fully vegan, but sources say, she eats a plant-based diet most days during the week. She is teaching Prince Harry vegan cooking and in a Plant-Based News article, Markle explained how she hopes to raise baby Archie on a mostly vegan diet.

12. Serena Williams

As a professional athlete, fueling the body is a key factor to Willaim’s successes. In a Bon Appetite article, she explained that she adopted a plant-based diet back in 2012, she was eating a lot “healthier” for her sister, Venus, who eats a strict vegan diet for health reasons.

13. John Mackey

The popular grocery store, Whole Foods Market sells vegan products and nonvegan products which arises black lash from ethical vegans as CEO John Mackey follows a strict vegan diet. The successful businessman grew up in Houston Texas and told Business Insider that he would traditionally eat processed foods for dinner while watching TV with his family. Now, Mackey steers clear from the processed isle and eats a clean vegan diet and feels amazing at the age of 65.

14. Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz, singer of the popular song, I’m Yours, committed to a vegan diet to support his friend diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Mraz says he eats mostly raw food and told magazine sources his favorite vegan dish is “Chocomole, a mixture of avocados, dates, cacao, agave nectar, and coconut oil.”

15. Leona Lewis

Long time vegan, Leona Lewis grew up in a vegan household and continues to eat a plant-based diet. Lewis first adopted the diet at 12 when she learned about the health risks of eating animal products but told Women’s Health Magazine she occasionally eats an omelet. She also mentioned her 2:30 lunch is normally a kale salad topped with dried cranberries and she loves a veggie stir-fry for dinner.

16. Hannah Teter

Hannah Teter changed her diet after watching the documentary, Earthlings when she discovered how “horrible” factory farming is. After a strict vegetarian diet, Teter liked the way she performed as an athlete and believes that her diet helped her win gold at the 2006 games.

17. Maggie Q,

You may recognize Maggie Q as the star of the Nikita series, but in the plant-based world, she’s well-known for her heroic activism. Maggie Q has followed a strict vegan diet for 19 years, making her a true veteran of the lifestyle. She made the plant-based diet transition because she felt sluggish and had low energy, she has said. The famous actress keeps in shape by eating veggies and plant-based protein and working out with a passion.

18. Madelaine Petsch,

Winner of the first Masterchef vegan cook-off with Gordon Ramsay, Madelaine Petsch was raised vegetarian and went completely vegan at age 14. She claims that she started this diet before it was “trendy” and shot a campaign for PETA last year wearing a dress made of bok choy. Petsch says her vegan diet allows her to feel “healthier” and not “lethargic.”

19. Millie Bobbi Brown

After doing a little sleuthing on her social media platforms we think Millie Bobbi Brown qualifies as plant-based. Whether or not she is actually skipping all meat and dairy, one thing is for sure: She eats mostly salads, vegetables and grains and lives a predominantly plant-based lifestyle full of healthy foods.

20. Chloe and Halle Bailey

The grammy-nominated sisters went vegan for a week with their mom but liked it so much they decided to stick with it. For one thing, it helps keep their “voices in shape” by eating a vegan diet and they emphasize the fact that dairy helps to limit extra mucus build-up, according to a PETA interview.

21. Hilary Duff

Best known for her role as Lizzie Mcguire in the long-running series, Hilary Duff is a recent vegan advocate and entrepreneur. She recently launched the vegan and cruelty-free eyeshadow palette, “Day Dreamer” and changed her diet to plant-based last fall.

The post American Idol Star Fantasia Taylor Shares Her Pregnancy Cravings on a Vegan Diet appeared first on The Beet.

Here’s how to make Lizzo’s signature protein shake: First she uses two scoops of Ka’chava protein powder (she prefers the chocolate flavor). powder includes You can use any plant-based protein for your shake but Lizzo extolls the virtues of Ka’chava, with a blend with over 70 superfoods, proteins, and fiber.  In the video, Lizzo combines the protein powder with just half of an avocado, 12 ounces of alkaline water, and blends three together for a thick taste: “It’s so good––it’s like pudding!” she adds.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzo/video/6944079366737480966

This is What Lizzo Eats For Breakfast on Her Vegan Diet

Lizzo has also gained serious attention for championing a viral version of a healthy plant-based breakfast option, which people are calling nature’s cereal, which is a bowl of mixed fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, and pomegranate seeds, immersed in fresh coconut water and a few ice cubes to keep it cool. Lizzo has made clear that she first encountered the recipe on the TikTok account @natures_food, giving the user credit while boosting its visibility with a staggering 5.3 million views on her own TikTok. Trend or not, nature’s cereal is one of her new breakfast staples. “I’m addicted… don’t knock it till you try it!”

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzo/video/6936224601521360134

Lizzo’s Lunch of choice is a Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac and Cheese with Dino Kale, Spinach, and Yams, which she calls the big three ingredients to her healthier mac and cheese. By making the dish over from chickpea pasta, which is naturally gluten-free and has 25 grams of protein, and the vegan cheese sauce and then adding in fiber-filled leafy greens and yams she has just elevated an unhealthy American classic to a healthier one.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzo/video/6943997275211402502

Lizzo’s Go-To Snack is Loaded Nachos Made With this Unexpected Ingredient

Followers can enjoy watching Lizzo experiment and innovate with simple recipes in her kitchen. In a recent TikTok, Lizzo walks viewers through her recipe for “Brussels sprouts nachos.” The recipe calls for a blend of walnuts, bell peppers, onion, seasoning (improvisation encouraged), and cumin seed in order to make a meatlike filling and puréed tomatoes for acidity. She cooks the Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, and finally, adds Mother’s Raw Vegan Queso on top and drizzles the whole thing with melted vegan cream cheese. The recipe was an instant hit among fans, prompting millions of likes, comments, and responses.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzo/video/6944356129417858309

At the core of Lizzo’s TikTok output is a strong and invaluable message on body positivity for all of her fans. Throughout her posts on food, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, Lizzo makes a careful distinction between health and physique. Back in June, she told people “they need to work on themselves” if they are spending time thinking about her body.  Her message:

“So next time you want to come to somebody and judge them, whether they drink kale smoothies or eat McDonald’s, or workout or not workout, how about you look at your own f**king self and worry about your own self, because health is not just determined by what you look like on the outside but who you are on the inside. So how about you look at your own self and a lot of yall have to a f**king cleanse for your insides. Namastay. Have a great day.”

Last December, Lizzo posted about her experience doing JJ Smith’s 10-day green smoothie cleanse, which she undertook to hit “reset” on her health after a period of gastrointestinal issues, and she explained at the time that she was doing it for her health and not a diet.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzo/video/6906197137520921861

Lizzo is a thought leader who shows fans how to live healthy on her own terms

Lizzo has been a force to be reckoned with in the pop music scene ever since her hit single Truth Hurts back in 2019. While the artist has won over many fans with her unrivaled vocals and fantastic stage performances, Lizzo has also cultivated a serious following because of her plant-based, body-positive lifestyle.

Lizzo often describes her plant-based journey in videos, captions, and interviews. She first discovered veganism while living in Minneapolis, and began incorporating healthier eating options into her everyday life as a working musician. She began by cutting out meat before adopting a fully plant-based lifestyle in April of 2020.

According to Lizzo, keeping up a vegan lifestyle became easier as time went on. By making a choice to seek out new plant-based restaurants and markets, “[she] found places that were really creative with how they made vegan food.” Today, her social media accounts document all the delicious ways she has found to eat healthy, creative plant-based meals. Most recently, Lizzo has been exploring raw veganism, sticking to organic, uncooked, and unprocessed whole foods. She has shouted out Rawvolution––a vegan meal kit delivery service––as an excellent way to eat raw every day. “Being raw has a lot of internal benefits,” says Lizzo, most importantly higher energy levels for the busy life of a superstar.

The end goal of her plant-based eating habits is not seeking a certain body ideal, she has told fans over and over, but rather to harness the health benefits of eating this way. In an Instagram video, Lizzo shows herself in March 2020, when she was eating more animal products, followed by a video of herself a year later, with her protein shake. Rather than framing the comparison as a successful transformation, Lizzo declares that “Honestly, I am both of these women, and I cannot condemn one woman or the other.” Lizzo keeps her eyes set on what makes her feel best and how to maintain that positive feeling.

Sandra Oh and 20 Others It Might Surprise You to Learn Are Plant-Based

1. Paul McCartney

Sir James Paul McCartney is no stranger to a meat-free life as he’s been vegetarian for 45 years. He initially went vegetarian in 1975 with his first wife Linda McCartney and began his advocacy for animal rights.

2. Sia

If you find yourself constantly singing along to the song The Greatest, then you’re already a Sia fan. Sia tweeted that she is “fully vegan now” back in 2014 and stays true to her word

3. Sandra Oh

Way back at the start of Grey’s Anatomy, Sandra Oh took the cast out for a plant-based lunch at Truly Vegan in Hollywood. In her effort to inspire contemporaries to eat vegan, the TV star is known to invite her friends for vegan meals that are delicious. She adopted the vegan lifestyle years ago and continues to quietly live a cruelty-free life.

4. Gisele Bündchen

Giselle revealed that when she was at the peak of her modeling career, her diet consisted of “cigarettes, wine, and mocha Frappuccinos,” according to an interview in People Magazine. Now 39 and the mother of two children, Gisele eats a “mostly” plant-based diet to nourish her body and stay fueled.

5. Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has made a bigger commitment to plant-based eating since he was first told by doctors that he was pre-diabetic and needed to change his diet. That was decades ago. But, over the last few years, he’s been vocal about the benefits not only to his health but also the impact plant-based eating has on the environment.

7. Pamela Anderson

We all remember Pamela Anderson as the curvaceous blonde in the hit series Baywatch as she played Casey Jean in the red one-piece swimsuit that brought her world-class fame. She is a life-long active animal rights advocate and teamed up with PETA to join the Animal Protection Organization.

8. Kristen Stewart

“We shouldn’t eat as much meat guys,” Kristen Stewart told GQ in an interview in January. The Twilight star has made a full 180 from vampire to vegan. When she appeared on the game show “Hot Ones” she chose to skip the wings and instead compete by eating increasing spicier sauce on vegan cauliflower wings.

9. Jared Leto

This award-winning actor eats a high-protein diet consisting of only plants. Leto, who has been plant-based for 20 years, says it keeps him “shredded” in an interview. Now, 48, Leto looks half his age.

10. Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith switched up his diet from vegan to vegetarian, meaning that he doesn’t eat meat but does eat dairy from time to time. In a recent article by Plant Based News, Smith admits he skipped meals and was not getting the proper nutrition when he was vegan, but this hasn’t stopped him from espousing the plant-based life.

11. Meghan Markle

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex has never admitted to being fully vegan, but sources say, she eats a plant-based diet most days during the week. She is teaching Prince Harry vegan cooking and in a Plant-Based News article, Markle explained how she hopes to raise baby Archie on a mostly vegan diet.

12. Serena Williams

As a professional athlete, fueling the body is a key factor to Willaim’s successes. In a Bon Appetite article, she explained that she adopted a plant-based diet back in 2012, she was eating a lot “healthier” for her sister, Venus, who eats a strict vegan diet for health reasons.

13. John Mackey

The popular grocery store, Whole Foods Market sells vegan products and nonvegan products which arises black lash from ethical vegans as CEO John Mackey follows a strict vegan diet. The successful businessman grew up in Houston Texas and told Business Insider that he would traditionally eat processed foods for dinner while watching TV with his family. Now, Mackey steers clear from the processed isle and eats a clean vegan diet and feels amazing at the age of 65.

14. Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz, singer of the popular song, I’m Yours, committed to a vegan diet to support his friend diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Mraz says he eats mostly raw food and told magazine sources his favorite vegan dish is “Chocomole, a mixture of avocados, dates, cacao, agave nectar, and coconut oil.”

15. Leona Lewis

Long time vegan, Leona Lewis grew up in a vegan household and continues to eat a plant-based diet. Lewis first adopted the diet at 12 when she learned about the health risks of eating animal products but told Women’s Health Magazine she occasionally eats an omelet. She also mentioned her 2:30 lunch is normally a kale salad topped with dried cranberries and she loves a veggie stir-fry for dinner.

16. Hannah Teter

Hannah Teter changed her diet after watching the documentary, Earthlings when she discovered how “horrible” factory farming is. After a strict vegetarian diet, Teter liked the way she performed as an athlete and believes that her diet helped her win gold at the 2006 games.

17. Maggie Q,

You may recognize Maggie Q as the star of the Nikita series, but in the plant-based world, she’s well-known for her heroic activism. Maggie Q has followed a strict vegan diet for 19 years, making her a true veteran of the lifestyle. She made the plant-based diet transition because she felt sluggish and had low energy, she has said. The famous actress keeps in shape by eating veggies and plant-based protein and working out with a passion.

18. Madelaine Petsch,

Winner of the first Masterchef vegan cook-off with Gordon Ramsay, Madelaine Petsch was raised vegetarian and went completely vegan at age 14. She claims that she started this diet before it was “trendy” and shot a campaign for PETA last year wearing a dress made of bok choy. Petsch says her vegan diet allows her to feel “healthier” and not “lethargic.”

19. Millie Bobbi Brown

After doing a little sleuthing on her social media platforms we think Millie Bobbi Brown qualifies as plant-based. Whether or not she is actually skipping all meat and dairy, one thing is for sure: She eats mostly salads, vegetables and grains and lives a predominantly plant-based lifestyle full of healthy foods.

20. Chloe and Halle Bailey

The grammy-nominated sisters went vegan for a week with their mom but liked it so much they decided to stick with it. For one thing, it helps keep their “voices in shape” by eating a vegan diet and they emphasize the fact that dairy helps to limit extra mucus build-up, according to a PETA interview.

21. Hilary Duff

Best known for her role as Lizzie Mcguire in the long-running series, Hilary Duff is a recent vegan advocate and entrepreneur. She recently launched the vegan and cruelty-free eyeshadow palette, “Day Dreamer” and changed her diet to plant-based last fall.

The post Everything Lizzo Eats on Her Vegan Diet Including Her Meatless Nacho Recipe appeared first on The Beet.

The three Refreshers offer flavor-bursting combinations of coconut milk, fruit extract, and a spectrum of B vitamins—great for plant-based eaters who may be concerned about their vitamin intake. The flavors include Pink Strawberry, a blend of dragon fruit and strawberry, Golden Peach, a blend of peach and passion fruit, and Purple Pomegranate, a blend of blueberry and pomegranate.

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Perfect for a pop of flavor and color first thing in the morning or a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, these Coconut Refreshers will not only satisfy fruity cravings but also provide essential vitamin nourishment. Now that it’s spring, I’ve swapped my hot coffee order for Dunkin’s signature cold brew with a splash of oat milk, but I might just have a cool new drink to add to the rotation. In the past, I haven’t strayed far from the coffee selection, but now that Dunkin’ has such a range of plant-friendly treats, I’ve decided that there’s no better time than a perfectly sunny day to try their most bold and colorful offerings. I walked to Dunkin’ today to try the new Coconutmilk Refreshers. Here’s what I thought:

Pink Strawberry Coconutmilk Refresher

Remember licking your lips after applying a fresh coat of Smackers lip gloss? Well, Dunkin’s Pink Strawberry Coconut Refresher is exactly how you wanted the lip gloss to taste, but never really did. If you favor floral, aromatic flavors, this is the drink for you.

Gold Peach Coconutmilk Refresher

The Golden Peach flavor has the most subtle notes, combining sweet peach and passion fruit, leaving a lingering taste of lychee in your mouth that’s sure to make you return for another sip. You can’t really taste the coconut in this one, so if you’re coconut-shy, the Gold Peach might be the best option.

Purple Pomegranate Coconutmilk Refresher

This drink tastes like a blueberry muffin and looks like spring—only in liquid form. Notes of blueberry and pomegranate balance each other out. Purple Pomegranate is just the slightest bit more tart than Pink Strawberry and Purple Pomegranate, making it a great breakfast companion.

Some days, especially hot ones, you want something sweet and fruity that reminds you of childhood but that doesn’t go against your new and improved and plant-based lifestyle. Dunkin’s Coconut Refreshers pack a nostalgic, fruity punch, without all the negative side effects of cream and dairy-filled concoctions—plus some bonus B vitamins!

Dunkin’ is serving up medium-sized coconut refreshers for the special price of only $3 from April 28 to May 25, making our Spring pastel and plant-based dreams come true.

The post We Tried Dunkin’s New Coconutmilk Refreshers: Here’s What We Thought appeared first on The Beet.

Williams plans to serve as a company ambassador, helping to promote the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and PlantX’s mission to serve plant-forward or plant-leaning consumers by allowing shoppers to order everything they want from one place (which has been a challenge up until now). Williams is world-renowned for her staggering success in sports, claiming seven Gram Slam titles, five Wimbledon titles, and four gold medals. Venus Williams is probably one of the first names to come to mind when most think of the sport tennis. As one of the most decorated female tennis players, Williams emphasizes that there’s more to just talent and training—her plant-based lifestyle is actually an important and long-standing part of her life.

About ten years ago, Williams was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can lead to extreme levels of fatigue and joint pain. Chronic illnesses like Sjögren’s cannot be cured but can be treated with medication. After months of trial and error with medications that left Williams still frustrated and fatigued, she experimented with lifestyle changes, most importantly, a plant-based diet. Fueled by plants, Williams began her journey toward healing her illness and returning to her tennis career.

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As part of her new role as ambassador, Williams will work with PlantX to share her own experience with plant-based eating, promoting their mission and their myriad product offerings. “I’m extremely excited to be partnering with PlantX. It is the first marketplace of its kind and I wish it had been around when I was transitioning to a plant-based diet over a decade ago,” said Williams. “Living a plant-based lifestyle has improved my quality of life and I am looking forward to working with PlantX to help others learn about the benefits of living plant-based.”

PlantX is more than an online shopping site, but it is also the “digital face of the plant-based community.” It boasts an expansive array of products, comparable to Amazon, paired with an authentic and powerful mission to educate and meet their community’s expectations for personal health and wellness morals. Their products all meet plant-based standards but aim to be accessible to anyone following or experimenting with a plant-based lifestyle. With an offering of more than 10,000 plant-based products, including cosmetics and supplements, as well as a meal delivery service on the horizon—directed by the cutting-edge plant-based Chef Mathew Kenney—PlantX has something for everyone.

For those curious to know what exactly fuels plant-based super-women, such as Venus William, PlantX has announced that Williams will curate a list of her favorite PlantX products through a dedicated “Venus’ Favorites” section on the company’s website. Sean Dollinger, PlantX founder added to the announcement of Williams’ new role, “Venus’ success as an elite plant-based athlete is incredibly inspiring. I am thrilled that our values align to powerfully in a way that encourages people to give plant-based living a try.”

We may never come close to having as powerful a backhand swing as Williams, but at least we’ll get a glimpse into her plant-based pantry—which, seeing how it’s helped get her back onto the court, must be pretty powerful.

The post Venus Williams Joins Vegan Market PlantX as an Investor and Ambassador appeared first on The Beet.

The reason for going vegan for at least one day is simple: By eating plant-based, each person saves 1,100 gallons of water, nearly 40 pounds of grain, and 30 square feet of forested land per day. It’s a classic demonstration of the incredible impact that an individual can wield. PETA challenges everyone to ask themselves how they could possibly not celebrate Earth Day when just one day of eating vegan is so attainable and does this much good.

In the accompanying webpage for the campaign, PETA suggests several other activities that almost anyone can practice in honor of Earth Day. The group encourages participants to share their vegan-for-a-day (or more) pledge on social media, along with facts about veganism; for example, skipping a pound of beef saves more water than not showering for six months. Adapting the Earth Day message in the era of work-from-home, everyone is encouraged to share their favorite vegan recipes with co-workers and to host viewing parties of the documentary Cowspiracy through popular video conferencing platforms Zoom and Teleparty.

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Most importantly, the best thing that truly anyone can do for Earth Day is to eat vegan. “When it comes to the climate crisis,” PETA writes, “animal agriculture is a leading culprit.” With the world of dynamic and exciting plant-based cooking growing every day, there are many ways for newcomers to a plant-based lifestyle to start to make a change in their lives and for their planet.

Beyond the environmental benefits, PETA reminds us that eating vegan is an excellent way to respect our fellow animals and the ecosystem we all share: “Living on Mother Earth is one of the things humans and all other animals have in common, along with a will and a right to live.” Just as bees help the Earth by pollinating plants and beavers contribute by creating dams that naturally prevent flooding and erosion, it is the responsibility of our species, says PETA, to give back to the world that sustains us.

While PETA’s campaign acknowledges that individuals have a crucial role to play in the future of our planet, more than 100 restaurants across the United States have also answered PETA’s call as well, vowing to celebrate April 22nd by promoting delicious vegan options to their customers. Participating restaurants include Boss ChicknBeer in Cleveland, Ohio, the chain Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, The Village Restaurant in Litchfield, Connecticut, and Juicy Kitchen in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk explained the reason behind the campaign the best, saying, “The enormous variety and array of vegan foods available today not only are delicious but also spare animals’ lives, save water, slash greenhouse-gas emissions, and might just bring you years of good health. PETA encourages everyone to be a force of nature by fighting the climate crisis with vegan eating on Earth Day and every other day.

The post PETA Is Challenging You to Go Vegan for the Planet This Earth Day appeared first on The Beet.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzo/video/6936224601521360134

1. Nature’s Cereal

Lizzo has taken over our Spotify accounts, and now she’s set her sights on inspiring us in the kitchen. A couple of weeks ago, Lizzo made a recipe from the creator @natures_food go viral, sending TikTok into a tailspin over something called “Nature’s Cereal.” The two key ingredients in Nature’s Cereal are pomegranates (the crunchy “cereal” part) and coconut water (the “milk” part). Then you can top it off with your preference of berries.

Lizzo likes to add ice cubes to keep things cool. If this sounds like a far cry from your childhood Cap’n Crunch, you’re right—but it’s a lot healthier. In fact, according to nutritionists, the trendy Nature’s Cereal is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also a fun and refreshing way to add more berries to your diet. The antioxidants derived from the berries and pomegranate seeds are great for boosting immunity and fighting off free radical damage. Fresh coconut is full of electrolytes and super hydrating, making Nature’s Cereal a perfect pre or post-workout snack.

https://www.tiktok.com/@twincoast/video/6815685864916569349

2. Blue Spirulina Smoothie

The blue spirulina smoothie bowl trend looks like a dish that mermaids would have for breakfast. The key ingredient here is blue spirulina, a close relative to green spirulina. Blue spirulina is a blue pigment derived from blue-green algae. As a superfood, it’s rich in nutritional value. Packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage, blue spirulina is certainly an easy, colorful, and nutritious addition to any smoothie. Plus, a little bit goes a long way, so one package will last you a while.

Unlike green spirulina, it is not as pungent, and is masked well by the other fruits in the smoothie. The smoothie bowl itself is super customizable—just throw in your favorite frozen fruit (frozen fruit helps to keep the consistency thicker and more spoonable). Add some bananas, mangos, blue spirulina powder, and almond milk to a blender and blend until smooth. Top with granola, coconut flakes, or fresh berries, and enjoy!

https://www.tiktok.com/@futurelettuce/video/6931144450911636741

3. Flour and Water “Chicken”

If you’re scrambling to whip up dinner and forgot to buy beans, tofu, or tempeh, chances are you have everything in your pantry to make this trendy TikTok “chicken.” All you need is flour, water, some spices, and oil to cook with. TikTokers couldn’t believe this recipe, not only for its ease but for its shocking resemblance to real chicken. TikToker @futurelettuce combines flour and water, kneading until smooth, then uses a “washing” method of rinsing the gluten out until the water runs partially clear, creating the perfect consistency. An important trick is to twist the dough into a pretzel shape to create that shredded chicken-like texture. Finally, just fry your dough in some oil or veggie stock for extra flavor, and voilà, dinner is served!

https://www.tiktok.com/@bearenger/video/6935894566495063302

4. Baked Oats

Oatmeal is a sacred staple among plant-based eaters. It’s infinitely customizable, sweet or savory, and loaded with protein. It’s the perfect breakfast to keep you satiated and full of energy due to the oats’ complex carbs. If you’re in an oatmeal rut and are thinking about switching things up or having oats as dessert, then you might want to try TikTok’s baked oats. Many creators on the app enjoy blending their oats to create a creamy consistency and adding creative flavors like peanut butter, vanilla, or fruit. The trick here, unlike your regular stovetop oats, is to add baking powder and baking soda so the oats fluff up in the oven. Baked in an oven-safe container at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, and these little treats are perfect as cakes, muffins, or a sweet breakfast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@officialgoodful/video/6883271035152583942

5. Vegan Cheese

A nice pairing with the viral vegan “chicken” recipe might be the vegan cheese recipe that is taking hold of vegan TikTok. Gooey and comforting, this vegan cheese boasts the taste and texture of real cheese without the inflammation and cholesterol found in dairy. This rich cultured non-dairy cheese requires only a couple of ingredients, a blender, and less than thirty minutes. Soak cashews in warm water. After the cashews have plumped up from some water, you’ll need to add lemon juice, agar agar powder, tapioca starch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, a little tahini, and warm water in a blender. Cook the blended mixture on a non-stick pan on medium-low for 5-10 minutes until stretchy. Place your vegan cheese in the fridge and add to any dish. Full of healthy fats and protein from cashews, this vegan cheese is sure to be a rotation to your weekly recipes.

The post 5 Viral Vegan TikTok Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again appeared first on The Beet.

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Last week Kenney shared a recipe for a Beet poke dish, celebrating the Dubai Food Festival and his company’s partnership with Four Seasons Dubai. Although poke usually conjures up images of raw meat and fish, Kenney demonstrates how seamlessly a simple roasted beet can take the place of raw tuna, not to mention it shares the fish’s deep red color. The dish is surprisingly simple, but astoundingly elegant––certainly a dish meant for the Four Seasons. And like a lot of vegan dishes, there is room for creativity, layering of garnishes, and your own spin on the recipe.

The recipe comprises three main components: Beets, ponzu, and garnishes. Together, these three ingredients combine to capture the essence of a poke dish with Asian flavors.

How to Make Matthew Kenney’s Beet Poke

The first step is to roast your beets. You can use a classic red beet, or, if you prefer, golden or candy cane beets. The roasting requires almost no work: just preheat your oven to 400 degrees, wash the dirt of the beets, wrap them in some foil and roast them whole for about thirty minutes, depending on the size of your beet (the bigger the beet, the longer it might take to roast). Let the beets cool outside the oven for thirty minutes before you tackle peeling the skin off. Once they’re cool, the skin should fall off easily. A word of warning, your fingers and cutting board will be stained a deep, hard-to-get-off magenta. If you find the staining bothersome, just switch to golden beets.

For that unmatchable umami flavor, which will turn your beets into a five-star restaurant appetizer, Kenney’s simple ponzu sauce is key. Kenney’s take on the ponzu sauce combines soy, lime juice, orange juice, rice vinegar, a touch of water, just to emulsify the ingredients, and some dried chile pepper. Whisk all these together in a bowl. Kenney notes this is not a typical ponzu, but these particular acidic notes of orange and lime work to compliment the beet.

For the main garnish, Kenney suggests pickled ginger, a condiment that is both sweet, spicy, and a touch acidic to offset the earthy quality of the beet. Combine organic cane sugar and rice vinegar in a bowl to create your pickling environment. To make the pickled ginger extra special, add some thinly sliced kombu, an edible kelp used in many Asian dishes. Next, slice some fresh ginger root (make sure to shave off the skin first), either with a sharp knife or a mandolin, if you prefer super thin pieces of ginger, and discard the fibrous pieces at the end. As Kenney notes, the thicker slices of ginger require more pickling time. The pickled ginger is best made a day in advance, to ensure a good pickle. The ginger will soak up much of the liquid, turning a lighter, white color.

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Presentation is Key With Matthew Kenney’s Dishes

Like in many of Kenney’s dishes, the presentation and layering of ingredients and flavors is key. Begin with the beets, by slicing them into even slabs; cut your slabs across the other way, resulting in a heap of diced beets. There are various ways of creating poke, either very fine, completely ground, or closer to cube size. Kenney opts for a modest cube sized. If there is any unevenness, just trim a little off the slab, Kenney adds. Let the beets marinate in the ponzu sauce for at least thirty minutes to ensure the beet has soaked up a nice amount of flavor.

When you begin plating the beets, Kenney advises not to move the beets around too much to avoid staining the plate with streaks of red. Next, dress the beets by adding some lemon zest, fresh black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Assemble slices of pickled ginger on top of the beets. Kenney suggests playing and layering your garnishes, putting lighter ingredients on the top. Try adding some nori, microgreens, avocado, toasted sesame, dried chile or toasted ginger to add different kinds of textures and flavors. Finally, Kenney likes to use a microplane to grate some macadamia nuts on top, resembling a dusting of parmesan. The macadamia nuts give the dish a subtle, but impactful punch of nutty richness. Kenney shares how the final dish is a colorful array of components. He also suggests that another take on the recipe is to add a base of rice or quinoa for a more satiating plate. Whatever spin you put on this beet poke recipe, you’ll be sure to impress a friend, as well as your very own taste buds.

The post Chef Matthew Kenney Shows You How to Make His Famous Beet Poke Bowl Recipe appeared first on The Beet.