Vegan Cookout Ideas

#whatveganseat #4thofJuly pic.twitter.com/PmC5gMCQ0G

— Catherine Gill (@theDirtyVegan) July 4, 2017

Just wanted to share what we ate today for lunch for some vegan summer cookout inspo. We grilled asparagus, veggie burgers, veggie sausages, boiled sweet corn on the cob, and had homemade ice cream pie for dessert. During lunch preparation we snacked on fresh watermelon, which was so refreshing because it was hot in New England today.

The veggie burgers were Dr. Praeger's (prepared with melted Daiya provolone cheese, Vegenaise, dijon mustard, ketchup, lettuce and natural pickles. The sausages were Tofurky (spinach pesto flavor) with relish, mustard and ketchup on them. The ice cream pie recipe was whipped up so quickly yesterday and topped with soy whipped cream.

Just a super easy lunch idea for some vegan cookout stuff that was put together without hardly any thought. Basically grab some cold, fresh fruit to snack on while grilling, some vegan protein to grill, buns, condiments, some veggies to grill or go along on the side, a dessert, beverages, and some snacky stuff like chips with hummus or guacamole is my go-to base for cookouts and then adding more, like fruit salad, other desserts and snacks, or more stuff to grill, if you like variety or are expecting more of a crowd. I get a lot of messages asking for inspiration and ideas for vegan meals, especially summer ones, so this is a simple way to approach cookouts or grilling without stressing out about it.

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off - Happy and safe Fourth of July!

3 FABULOUS Protein Shake & Smoothie Recipes for Our Fit Fam!

I've done fabulous Postum recipes for cocktails, desserts and dessert-like beverages, even savory recipes too, but it occurred to me that all of those recipes were very rich and some even included ice cream or alcohol - what about recipes using Postum for the health conscious? And let's face it, we are ALL health conscious every now and again, especially when we are trying to cut back a little or get in shape before a big event.

So I wanted to do some smoothies and protein shake type of recipes that would be great to enjoy before or after workouts, as meal replacements, or as healthy snacks for when you are trying to eat a bit more on the clean side - but of course, in true Dirty Vegan style, they are fun and delicious too!

All recipes make 1 large shake or 2 small ones.

Double Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake

Double Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake 
(tastes like the decadent dessert!)

What you will need:

-2 teaspoons Postum Cocoa Blend
-6 ounces boiling water
-6 ounces chocolate almond milk
-1/2 cup frozen strawberries
-1 serving/scoop chocolate protein shake powder
-ice (optional)

What you will need to do:

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water; set aside and allow to cool a bit. In a blender add prepared Postum and the remaining ingredients; blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Banana Split Protein Shake
(tastes just like a banana split - maybe even better!)

What you will need:

-2 teaspoons Postum Cocoa
-6 ounces boiling water
-6 ounces vanilla soy milk
-3 ripe strawberries
-1/2 ripe banana
-1/8 cup frozen pineapple
-1 serving/scoop chocolate protein shake powder
-2 tablespoons walnuts (optional)
-ice (optional)

What you will need to do:

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water; set aside and allow to cool a bit. In a blender add prepared Postum and the remaining ingredients; blend until smooth. Enjoy!


Carrot Cake with Coffee Smoothie
(tastes like you are drinking carrot cake with a cup of coffee!)

-2 teaspoons Postum Natural Coffee Flavor
-6 ounces boiling water
-6 ounces vanilla almond milk
-1/2 ripe banana
-1/2- 1 large carrot
-2 tablespoons walnuts or pecans, optional
-ice (optional)

What you will need to do:

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water; set aside and allow to cool a bit. In a blender add prepared Postum and the remaining ingredients; blend until smooth. Enjoy!

These drinks totally taste like desserts in a cup, without adding any additional sugar, other than what is already in the fruit or the vegan milks. If you want to cut down on the sugar even further, you can always opt for protein powders sweetened with stevia or other sugar-free sweeteners instead. These pre- or post workout beverages are so easy to make and customize. Try using different fruits or nuts and even nut butters to create your own! Be sure to share pictures of your creations with us on social media! You can find Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook AND you can also find Postum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as well. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off, smiles from my kitchen to yours!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

Awesome, Easy Holiday Weekend Snacks Using Hummus!

Memorial Day Weekend is notoriously known for consuming empty calories where you ate or "picked" a lot but don't feel satisfied the way you would if you ate an actual sit down meal. I have a solution for that common summer holiday problem - the unofficial meal! When you include Sabra hummus in your entertaining, your snacking or munching is probably as healthy and filling as it gets and becomes a meal, unofficially.

I have created two fun recipes using Sabra hummus and they are so incredibly easy, that you might just want to forgo the usual junky options and go for these instead this holiday weekend.

The first recipe is so elegant and ever so simple that your guests will be thoroughly impressed and you won't break a sweat whatsoever. They are classy and dainty little finger foods that won't get your hands messy as you eat them, and they prove to be an excellent appetizer or snack that feels satisfying like a light meal.

The second recipe is a little more hearty, but will leave your party goers pleasantly surprised! They look so beautiful that people won't imagine that they were simply just a couple ingredients, thrown together in a super effortless way. Another substantial addition to your cookout or gathering that will make guests leave feeling better and not worse.

Ok, for the moment you have all been waiting for... the recipes!

Hummus Stuffed Vegetable Bites

• Mini cucumbers (as many as you'd like to use appropriate for your crowd size)
• Cherry tomatoes (as many as you'd like to use appropriate for your crowd size)
• Sabra hummus in Classic flavor
• Paprika, to sprinkle on top

Slice cucumbers into 1/2 inch "coins" and cut cherry tomatoes in half. With a small melon ball tool, carefully scoop out a little of the cucumbers and tomatoes leaving room for hummus and making a small "bowl" in them; arrange them on a serving tray or plate. Place hummus into a piping bag with a star tip and pipe the hummus into the cucumber and tomatoes. Sprinkle the tops with a little bit of paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve! They are bite sized so there's no need for tooth picks!

Broiled Olive Tepenade Hummus Stuffed Tomatoes

• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced in half with middles scooped out
• 8 tablespoons Sabra hummus in Olive Tapenade flavor
• Dried parsley, optional 

Place scooped out tomato halves on a baking sheet. Dollop 2 tablespoons of the hummus part (not the olive tapenade part that is in the middle of the container) into each tomato half. Then top each half with the olive tapenade found in the center of the hummus container. Sprinkle with parsley, if using, then broil on high for 10- 15 minutes. Serves 4.

These recipes are guaranteed to please! And if you would like more Sabra recipes, please check out my other Sabra post from earlier this month.

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off - I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend! On Memorial Day, and always, I am grateful to the service women and men of America who so bravely and selflessly gave their lives for our safety and freedom.

This blog post was sponsored by Sabra.

Healthier Takes On Classic Snacks & Apps For National Hummus Day! Everyday I'm Hummus'n!

Tomorrow (May 13th) is National Hummus Day, hooray! I'm celebrating along with Sabra and most of the nation because hummus has saved my vegan butt. I love hummus as it is, right out of the container, but I have particularly enjoyed using it to replace other ingredients in recipes to make dishes healthier but actually add more flavor than ever before. I have done this with so many types of dishes, but to celebrate National Hummus Day, I'd like to share some quick and easy appetizer and snack ideas. These are super simple to whip together, so you can grab some hummus and party along with me! Obviously, my go-to hummus brand is Sabra because they are the best at doing hummus and many other delicious products.

Healthy Hummus Queso Dip

I have always loved cheesy queso dip but I don't like the feeling after eating too much... and let's face it, that dip is addicting. I won't ever stop making vegan queso, but for those times when I really do need to scale back on the fat and cals for a few (and need the nutritional boost that adding Sabra provides), I do my queso with hummus and I do it like this:

• 1 (10-ounce) container of Sabra Hummus (any flavor but I like Classic or Garlic for queso)
• 1/2 cup- 1 cup Sabra Salsa (I like using their Restaurant Style in Medium spicy)

Just mix in a bowl - that's it! You can warm it up a little if you like, but I never do. I think the best part of this dip is the refreshing quality it has and it is perfect for summer entertaining.

Creamy Hummus Guacamole Dip

I love creamy guac but usually when you make it creamy, you add sour cream. Well I thought, why not add some more protein and nutrition to an already nutritious ingredient (avocado guacamole)?

• 1 (10-ounce) container of Sabra Hummus (any flavor, but I like using Classic for this)
• 1 (8-ounce) container of Sabra Guacamole

Mix together and serve with chips! It doesn't get much easier (or more delicious) to serve and enjoy snacks or appetizers on National Hummus Day!

Tortilla Taco Pinwheel Bites

Sabra came out with this new flavor of hummus, Taco Inspired Hummus with pico de gallo and it is amazing! My mind was racing with ideas for recipes to make using this hummus just after I took one taste of this stuff! I wanted to make a quick snack using it and pinwheels came to mind. I have served this hors d'oeuvre so many times due to the fact that it is so easy to put together but really impressive to serve to guests,

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup of Sabra Hummus in Taco Inspired flavor
• 1/4 cup shredded lettuce/ fresh greens
• 2 tablespoons salsa
• 4 slices veggie deli style"turkey"

Lay 4 flour tortillas flat and spread each evenly with hummus, sprinkle on olives, lettice and salsa, then place a deli slice on top. Roll each tortilla up tightly, then slice into "wheels", 4- 6 wheels per tortilla, depending on how large you want them. I prefer to make them smaller because when you entertain you don't want guests feeling like they have too big a mouth-full of food as they are chatting and drinking cocktails, so bite-size works awesome.

With these simple recipes, you can see why hummus has become the "unofficial meal" - fresh, filling but also good for you! What I like about the unofficial meal is that it takes the formality out of eating and makes getting together with family or friends fun and entertaining, but you are munching on a food that isn't just "empty" calories like other snacks can be - it really is a good meal. The unofficial meal; I love that.

Stay tuned this month for more hummus recipes from me! I have some recipes that you wouldn't imagine could be made so flavorful but also much healthier for you because of the addition of Sabra hummus.

Everyday I'm Hummus'n

This blog post was sponsored by Sabra.

Orange Carrot Tomato Celery Smoothie Recipe

This recipe came over to me from Tyler at Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. Enjoy!

Orange Carrot Tomato Celery Smoothie

Servings: 2 smoothies (14 oz each)

Ingredients

•1 container (about 5.3 oz) vanilla flavored vegan Greek yogurt
•1 banana, broken into 4 pieces
•1½ cups frozen berries
•½ cup Natalie’s Carrot Tomato Celery Juice
•½ cup Natalie’s Orange Juice
•1 cup baby spinach leaves, washed and dried

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until the mixture is well blended and no large pieces of fruit remain. Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy.

Credit: Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company

Thanks to the lovely Folks over at Natalie's for sharing this recipe with me and the Dirty Vegan community! And if you would like to check them out, here's their social:

Twitter: @nataliesoj

Instagram: @nataliesoj

Facebook: @nataliesoijc

www.orchidislandjuice.com

Baby It's Cold Outside...Beefless and Tomato Stew

Brrrr! It. Is. Cold. Outside.

When the meteorologist said that the wind chill was 1 degree, I didn't believe her. It was just in the 40's a few days ago. But yes, I report that when the wind blew today, it was mighty chilly...right to the bones.

What do you need to soothe your soul (and stomach!) after a long, winter day? Oh, just this super comforting but also simple and easy stew. Trust me, after you try this dish, you will be wondering how you got by with this recipe in your life. Especially on these uber-cool January nights.

Cozy up with this 'Beefless and Tomato Stew' Recipe

What you'll need:

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1.5 cups butternut squash, cubed

2 packages Gardein Beefless Tips

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 cup vegetable broth or stock

3 garlic gloves, minced

1 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

2 tbsp dried parsley

What you'll need to do:

So easy...put all of the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

You can serve this delicious stew over brown rice or with hearty bread; your choice. I served mine over brown rice and it was a fantastic dinnertime experience. Enjoy! And stay warm as well.

Breakfast Banana Bites: Toddler Approved!

Any parent knows that getting a toddler to eat, especially around that molar-teething phase, is a full time job in itself. If you have a toddler like mine, who yells "cupcake!" in poo-poo protest of my delicious and nutritious full course meals that I serve, you have to get inventive. I am betting that you'll appreciate this recipe for banana bites.

These breakfast bites are not just for kids... and not just for breakfast either. You can make these anytime, for anyone. Dipped in warm maple syrup, they are a delightful addition to your day. Toddler and mama approved!

What you will need:

• 2 large bananas 
• 1 cup all purpose flour (I used Target's brand this time)
• 1 tbsp cane sugar
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 cup vegan milk (I used Very Vanilla flavored soy)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

To garnish and dipping:

• vegan butter (I used Earth Balance)
• pure maple syrup

What you will need to do:

Slice your bananas in long horizontal slices, try to keep them thick enough to handle without breaking, but thin enough to warm nicely, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Then make your batter by mixing the rest of the ingredients.

Dip your banana slices into the batter and place on your preheated griddle. Grill each side for about 1 minute, or until you see tiny bubbles in the batter.

Keep doing that until all of your banana slices and batter are gone. Butter your bites when they come off the griddle and place them onto a plate while you're doing this. Once you are finished griddling, warm up some maple syrup for dipping.

Enjoy!

Vegan Blueberry Brown Sugar Coconut Muffins Recipe

Blueberry Brown Sugar Coconut Muffins

What you will need:

1.5 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup vanilla soy milk
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup shredded coconut

What you will need to do:

Preheat oven 400°. Line 12 spots in a muffin pan with liner cups. Combine first 3, dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine next three (wet) ingredients. Combine both dry and wet ingredients, then fold in blueberries and coconut. Divide batter evenly among 12 spots in muffin pan. Bake for 20- 30 minutes, or until toothpick can be inserted and come out cleanly. Enjoy!

Read THIS Before Buying Your Next Batch of Protein Powder!

When I first tried protein powder by Naturade, I tried their Pea Protein, Vegan Formula in Vanilla flavor. I was overjoyed to find this in my local natural foods store because it has 20 grams of plant based protein, potassium, and some fiber. Basically all I would need to boost my protein intake or help my body out when I have a french fries only day. But then again, on those days I am still supplementing with vitamins, omegas, etc. Well, it wasn't until I tried Naturade's VeganSmart All-In-One Nutritional Shake that I thought of their Pea Protein powder as great and all, but more like VeganSmart's annoying (but still loved) little brother.

Naturade was nice enough to send me some VeganSmart to try. And as a technicality, I must disclose that I am only paid in VeganSmart sample packets, and no other green stuff. As you can see from my picture, the packaging is a lot more hip looking than their Pea Protein packets. You can get VeganSmart in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Chai flavors. In my opinion, Naturade is like the better version of Vega protein powder, and I'm not just saying that because Vega hasn't sent me any samples, I say that because VeganSmart is cheaper to buy, and it tastes better than Vega.

Now let's take a look at the scientific stuff. As you can see from this picture of the Supplement Facts in Naturade VeganSmart, this can be a vegan's most valuable insurance policy. With a healthy vegan diet and drinking one of these babies everyday, how can anyone say that they are deficient in anything as result of a vegan diet (unless there is seriously something medically wrong with them, like they can't absorb nutrients correctly)? Not only are you getting 20 grams of plant based protein in each shake that you make with each packet, the protein that you are getting is complete (Pea, Hemp, Chia, Potato, and Chlorella). And 20 grams of protein in your daily diet that comes from something other than soy, will shut your friends and relatives up won't it? Yeah, if you are vegan you know exactly what I mean. Other than protein, this is an all-in-one nutritional shake, including good stuff like a whole food complex (yes, with real food), fiber and omega blend, probiotic blend, and digestive enzyme blend. Looks like I only have to drink this and take my daily vitamin rather than supplementing to achieve a superior level of healthy everyday. VeganSmart has everything that I would want and more! This is what I want to have tons of in an apocalyptic situation. These shakes taste great too! They are decent on their own, but I recommend vegan milk and/ or fruits and ice. I have created a yummy recipe for you to try with Naturade. I call this peanut butter and jelly tasting shake the Purple Protein Monster!

Add 1 packet/ serving of Vanilla VeganSmart in blender with 9 ounces of almond milk, 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of strawberries, 1 cup of ice, and 1 tbsp peanut butter. Blend all ingredients for at least 30 seconds.

Enjoy!

Naturade's VeganSmart tastes delicious, is packed with lots of protein, 22 vitamins and minerals, and lots of other really great stuff! I loved the taste, but I also loved the way it made me feel. My body started feeling better than it had before I drank the protein shake. I also felt a gentle energy boost. This protein is terrific for breakfast to replenish your body after the fast of the night, or ideal after a workout for recovery. And you gotta love how this product is nearly half the price of those other vegan protein powders and has the same all-in-one nutrition that us vegans desire. Hey, anything that provides me a healthy cushion so that I can still enjoy my vegan pancakes and french fries, is alright in my book!

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Hats off to Purple Protein Monsters and Pea Protein!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Fruit, and Nuts with Veggie Burger Pasta Alfredo

This recipe has such complexity in it's flavors that you really need to make it to truly understand. My inspiration for this was the lovely flavor compliments of cheese, nuts, and fruit; the savory and the sweet. You will love this recipe! Enjoy!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Fruit, and Nuts with Veggie Burger Pasta Alfredo

What you will need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups fresh brussels sprouts, halved
• dash of sea salt
• dash of pepper
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp mixed nuts, chopped
• 2 tbsp dried fruit, chopped
• 1 lb box of mini shells pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup vegan milk
• 4 oz vegan cream cheese
• 1/2 cup vegan parmesan
• dash of sea salt
• dash of pepper
• 4 veggie burgers, cooked according to package and cut into chunks

What you will need to do:

Preheat oven 400 degrees. In a baking dish, toss olive oil and brussels sprouts, sprinkle salt and pepper on them, then bake for 35 minutes stirring once. Then mix in brown sugar, nuts, and fruit, and bake for 5 more minutes. Cook shell pasta according to package directions, drain, and mix with olive oil back in pan or in a large bowl. In a saucepan melt vegan butter and whisk in flour, then whisk in vegan milk, cream cheese, and parm and heat on medium until bubbly, stirring frequently. Once bubbly, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and mix well. Toss in brussels sprouts and veggie burger chunks and serve immediately, Enjoy!

YUM!

Attention Mommies! Oatalicious Breastfeeding Breakfast!

For me, there is nothing more boring than a bowl of plain oatmeal. And for me, there is nothing that boosts my milk supply more than a bowl of oatmeal. With that being said, I have gotten creative with my bowl of morning oats. Here is a recipe that I love for taste and as a great breastmilk supply booster. If you try this for milk boosting, I would suggest eating it for a few days in order to start seeing a difference. Sometimes I notice a difference just after one bowl and sometimes I notice the increase after a couple days, but then it is a huge difference. Let me know how it goes for you or how you like this recipe!

Dirty Vegan Lactation Boosting Oatmeal Breakfast

What you will need:

• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1 cup vegan milk (I like soy for the creaminess but almond also tastes great. I use anything that has a lot of nutrients, protein, and calcium)
• 2 tbsp nut butter (I use Smart Balance with omegas. Remember the importance of getting Omega ALA that turns to EPA and then DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding. DHA is essential for your baby's brain development. Here is an article I wrote about this.)
• 1/2 cup Kashi Go Lean Crisp Cinnamon Crumble (the first ingredient in this cereal is oat and it has 10g of protein per serving)
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

• 1 cup Bolthouse Farms Amazing Mango smoothie (I love drinking this with breakfast as a way to up the nutrition factor)

What you will need to do:

Place quick oats and vegan milk in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and melt in nut butter. Mix in cereal and berries. Enjoy with a glass of mango smoothie!

                         

Breastfeeding: What I do to Keep A Healthy Milk Supply

Breastfeeding offers great benefits for baby and mother. Here are some things that I do to keep a healthy milk supply. I also notice a boost in supply while doing these things.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is important for nursing mothers. Think about it, how is your body going to make and give another person fluids if it doesn't have enough for itself?

Tip: Fill up a giant water bottle and carry it around with you. That way you only have to fill it up maybe twice, depending on how much it holds. My husband fills mine up for me. This is a good husband job.

Breast-milk Boosting Foods

Certain foods really benefit a nursing mother. The ones that I have researched and noticed a boost with are oatmeal, carrots, cashews, other raw nuts and seeds, beans, brown rice, asparagus, and other healthy foods. Basically, the vegan diet. Healthy vegans are the epitome of healthy milk making.

Tip: Healthy instant oatmeals (Rachel Ray makes one), individual pouches of trail mix (Trader Joe's makes them), and portable produce (bananas, apples, carrot sticks, etc.) make healthy eating easier when you are a busy momma.

Continuing Prenatal Vitamins

I continue to take my prenatal vitamins as a back-up or insurance of sorts. For the days when I want to eat Italian ice as a snack instead of granola with almond milk and blueberries.

Tip: Carry a few around in a pill box or zip baggie in your purse for when you are on the go and forget to take your vitamin. Don't just throw them in there, however. Your baby will soon be getting into things and thinking ahead about how to store things safely, is always a good thing.

Rest

I notice a huge difference in my milk supply when I rest versus when I can't. Your body has a 24 hour job to do, so rest is key.

Tip: Sleep when the baby sleeps. I would tell people that was easier said than done until I actually started doing it. I get in a safe position for naps and the baby nurses and we sleep at her nap time. She'll latch on and off if she wake up and still wants to eat. However, if you cannot do this safely, I would not recommend doing so. When baby is sleeping in the swing, I also take that opportunity to rest. Even sitting with your feet up and relaxing when you can, is better than nothing.

Milk Making Tea

I love Mother's Milk tea by Traditional Medicinals. What a noticeable difference when I consistently drink the recommended 3- 5 cups per day. Plus, that is an added 3- 5 cups of fluids per day to add to your hydration.

Tip: In the morning, brew 3- 5 cups and keep it in the refrigerator to drink as iced tea throughout the day. I make mine with my Keurig's hot water, so there is always one brewed there at all times and I just go and grab it when I get a chance.

Stay Calm

Staying relaxed and stress-free does wonders for me. When I am relaxed, comfortable, and happy I notice lots of let downs during nursing.

Tip: If you are worried about something, give your lactation consultant, your baby's pediatrician, or the maternity ward at the hospital a call. The hospital where my baby was born offers a 24/7 baby hotline that you can call whenever for whatever. I also really adore my lactation consultants and the baby's doctor office. They have been really helpful if I have a quick question and would like to set my mind at ease, rather than worry about it. I've come to realize that things are often no big deal and nothing to be concerned about, however the support of others is important for any new mom. There is also a free breastfeeding support group at the hospital. I also found mom and baby yoga class to be a great way to bond with baby and other moms, and nursing your baby during class is encouraged. Things like that will help you become comfortable nursing in public so that you will have successful feedings. I can recite my state's breastfeeding laws so in case anyone gives me a hard time I can respond to them in true momma bear fashion. I think confidence helps with all this as well.

I love the feeling while nursing (especially during my baby's first morning feed), having full breasts and seeing excess milk in the corners of her mouth. What a wonderful feeling to no longer worry about milk supply like in the first few days and weeks, right? Staying hydrated and taking good care of myself will ensure that I can breastfeed my little one for as long as she wants to. The longer you breastfeed, the more the benefits percentage increases for you and baby. The risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer also decrease even more the longer you can breastfeed. That is a win win for all of us! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Wishing lots of milky success to my fellow breastfeeding mommas!

Get Rid of that Bloat...Duh, Drink Water!

So, I make this fruity water that I always like to drink when I'm in need of some cleansing or flushing out of my system. It also promotes hydration because if you like what you are drinking, you are more likely to drink the recommended daily amount. A lot of people tell me that they do not drink enough water because they feel that it has a boring taste. Well, this concoction of mine is anything but boring, and you also get some of the antioxidant benefits from the fruit as well.

After delivering my sweet little baby, I drank this along with plain water, and I found that it really helped get rid of the postpartum bloat and fluid retention you get after baby and from receiving IV fluids at the hospital. Also, it is really important during breastfeeding to stay well hydrated. So here is how I make my special citrus water. Enjoy this refreshing beverage!

My Not So Dirty Fruity Citrus Water Recipe

What you will need:

• A pitcher
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 10 mint leaves
• (other additional fruits that you might like to add)
• 8 cups water
• Muddling tool (optional)

What you will need to do:

Clean your produce well (choose organic, if not be sure to peel your fruit). Place your lemon, orange, cucumber, ginger, and mint in your pitcher. If you choose to use a muddling tool, muddle (mash) together your ingredients so that they release their natural juices and extracts. This does make the water cloudy, so if you are looking for more of a clear water or a nicer presentation, you may not want to muddle. Add the water to the pitcher, cover, and let chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (the longer it's in there, the more potent and strong of a flavor). Sip throughout the day.

I chose these ingredients for their nutritional and antioxidant benefits. When I really want to amp up the antioxidants, I add things like blueberry, raspberry, or pomegranate. Sometimes, I just change up the fruit for a different flavor. Let me know what you think if you try this recipe. It is not sweet or all that Dirty, but it is definitely refreshing!

Fast, Fun, & Delish, High Protein Snack

"We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are." -Adelle Davis

Here is a fun and fast snack idea that I eat all the time, especially when I know my body needs some protein. This can be a great pre or post workout snack, or just a fun way to "indulge" because these roll-ups taste seriously naughty. Have fun!

Tofurky Roll-Ups

What you will need:

5 slices of Tofurky Deli Slices (I used Hickory Smoked)

2- 4 tbsp hummus (I used garlic flavor with little bits of fresh garlic in it)

1/2 tomato, cut into 5 wedges

fresh herbs (optional)

Step 1: Lay out Tofurky slices.
Step 2: Place dollops of hummus and tomato wedges in the center of the slices.

Step 3: Roll up using hummus to stick slices together and top exposed hummus with fresh herbs. I used dill.

Cool Variations of this snack:

-Use avocado instead of tomato

-Use bell pepper instead of tomato to add some crunch to this snack

-Use different types of deli slices and hummus for some variety

Comment below or holler at me on Twitter and Facebook if you have any neat suggestions for variations of this snack. I love hearing them!

Protein Breakdown:

5 Tofurky Deli Slices - 13g

2- 4 tbsp hummus - 2 to 4g (depending on brand)

1/2 tomato - 1g (depending on size/ type)

So....

My snack that I just ate contained a total 18g of protein. Quite good for just a mid-morning snack, especially since I eat vegan protein with each meal. Feel free to share this post with anyone who thinks that plant based diets equate to lack of protein. Dirty Vegans are definitely proof that we love our food, and we don't skimp! Hope you can fit a fun roll-up into your day (or at least your week)! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

Tweet