Now (mostly) Raw :)

Hello friends!
I haven't posted a blog rant in a hot minute, it's good to be back!
These past four months have been a journey for self discovery. I wanted to educate myself on the external and internal reasons as to why I am vegan. I have grown in passion pursing this way of life. The benefits I have even further learned for the animals, our environment, and my internal health are so impactful. This has caused my love for vegan life to grow immensely.
Though I started vegan life for the external and environmental benefits, I wanted to understand what my body needs to thrive.
I had the opportunity this summer to work at an amazing vegan juice bar in downtown Redlands called The Living Root Cellar. While there, I learned so many different things about how to live a healthy and cruelty-free life. My boss was a huge help to talk to. He gave me great pointers and educated me on many aspects of a healthy life I did not know yet. The things I strive for in life is to decrease my carbon footprint and at the same time achieve my optimal state of health along with fitness.
I was encouraged by my boss to do a juice cleanse from my work. This consisted of 6 juices that were nutrient dense and filled with strictly produce. I was nervous to start the cleanse, but it was such an amazing awakening for my body. It helped cleanse out toxins in my body that have built up over time to cause different health issues. After going through the cleanse, I tried a few days of eating a (roughly) raw vegan diet. This pretty much consisted of me eating the same, just additionally avoiding foods that are cooked above 115 degrees F.
With this I mainly ate fresh produce, steamed produce, wheat free grains, nuts and seeds, smoothies, soaked legumes and lots more good stuff! While eating this way, I noticed my body was THRIVING the way I had been missing! The health issues I was having were slowly diminishing and I was feeling better each day. I had more energy and a happier attitude with each day I field my body raw.
I was still in the process of testing this, so I did return to just plain vegan eating and including non-raw items. Some things I noticed specifically that did not settle well with my body and caused me to feel slow, sluggish, and unhappy were in fact- not raw! This discovery was so enlightening that I have decided to go back to the mostly raw vegan way of eating. I view this as officially treating my body the way it deserves. I am making this new way of living distinct to my needs. I am making the diet form to what I need in nutrient requirements. I still eat legumes and grains high in protein. As well, I still have my daily cup of coffee! Yet the things I now avoid are fried foods, processed foods, and bread products.
Some may read this and think I am crazy for cutting out this much food. I view it as a necessity  everyone should pursue to discover about themselves. We all have different bodies and all thrive off of different foods, so we should fuel ourselves in accordance to that! :) while still paying attention to necessary nutrients and not become deficient in any macro/micro nutrients.
Thanks for reading! I encourage you all to live life focused on respecting and taking care of your body. Fuel yourself with foods that are kind to your bodies, and it doesn't hurt if the food is kind to others as well ;)
Philippians 1:20

Sweet tooth killing your goals?

How I trick out my sweet tooth with healthiness. :)
I have an insanely strong sweet tooth. I am almost always craving something sugary, and it's a huge road block when I am trying to achieve my optimal health goals.
I am currently aspiring to eat organic and find foods with little added sugar. This is just something I've wanted to pursue to become as healthy as I can. I am going to share with you all how I am finding enjoyable ways to achieve this goal.
As you all know, I firmly believe in enjoying life. One of the big way I find joy in life is through delicious food! Especially if I find delicious healthy food. It's a win win!
As I have been seeking out different ways to combat my daily cravings of cookies and ice-cream, I've discovered some pretty neat recipes.
(Protein) Cookie-Craving recipe (from @lilsipper)

2 tbsp of nut butter (your choice)
1 scoop of protein powder
2 tbsp of water
(optional) 1 tsp of vanilla extract
To top off my cookie, I added 1/4 of a dark chocolate almond crunch bar for that extra good sweetness. 

My healthy (n)ice cream hack is...
1-2 cups of Ice
1 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop of cacao powder
1 tbsp of agave nectar
(Optional) one small banana

Lastly, leave in the freezer until it hardens, just like a typical ice cream treat. Or eat it just straight up like a shake, its still hella bomb! 

This added with my protein cookie totally fulfills my sweet tooth desires, and its guilt free!
It's so good and let me know if you choose to try it! I as well love learning different versions/combats you guys have to battle your sweet tooth. Have a blessed day! Thanks for the read :) here's a pic of the finished product! 

What's good there?

No.2 Urban Beans
Hello my dear friends!
I'd like to apologize for my lack of blog posting this past week. I have been prepping for spring break, packing, doing homework, and all that crazy stuff. Now since the break is finally here, I can post about an amazing restaurant I tried out in Phoenix this week!
URBAN BEANS
This cute place is located on North 7th Street in Phoenix. I went there with my brother and got, quite possibly, the best meal of my life.
Urban Beans is a cafe and bar where they have a full menu ranging from coffee, baked goods, all 3 meals, wine, beer, catering options, and so much more! They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (wow.)
Their menu has so many options for everyone, so it is a perfect go-to spot if you have a picky crowd. They have allergy friendly, vegan, gluten free, and raw options for anyone who has dietary restrictions.
They have a patio and parties for renting/catering. They as well have a pooch-friendly patio! (YAY I'm dog deprived!) So in short, this place has it all. The workers there are super up-beat and kind to everyone who comes in. It is an awesome environment to be in, so I recommend checking it out if you haven't already!
So done with my rant, onto what I ordered there. :)

First thing I got...

Pulled Jack BBQ

"Virginia's own bbq sauce brings out the best in this pulled jackfruit sammie, made with arugula, apple slaw, and Amanda's pickles. Great with an Arizona tap beer!" (Description from menu)

There is something about putting apples and bbq'd jackfruit together! It is the best. thing. EVER. First sandwich I ever had like this was in my hometown at my favorite cafe, The Queen Bean Cafe. I died and went to heaven when I ate it. All I can say is I'm glad both of my hometowns have bean-titled restaurants with bomb jackfruit sandwiches. 

The next thing I bought was...

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cheesecake 

I think you guys know now how passionate I am about dessert. I strictly went to this joint to try their vegan cheesecake and I was not disappointed AT ALL! 

By far was one of the tastiest things I have had in a while. Normally, I eat food super fast because I have no self control. When I ate this cheesecake, it took me around 30 minutes to finish it because I didn't want my happiness or the cheesecake to end! 

I could eat this cheesecake for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy. 

My experience at Urban Beans was 10/10 and I will definitely be going back again. It is not only delicious, but just a fun cafe to experience and dwell in. If you have been there before, let me know your thoughts and comment below! :) 

Thanks for the read.

Love, Amanda

http://urbanbeans.com check them out!

Quick Campus Snacks/Meals @ GCU

Here is my list of what you can easily grab with no meal prep around campus (all vegan friendly!) If you are a GCU student wondering if you would be able to become vegan, read over this list and see if there are things you enjoy, like, dislike, and even drop me some comments if I missed anything! :) Hope you like! 

SWEET SNACK
-Protein/Granola Bars (@ Lopes Mart/Grid) 
-Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Luci's Cookies (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Apple/Banana/Mango/Orange/etc. (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Lenny and Larry's The Complete Cookie (@ Juniper Lopes Mart)
-Dark Chocolate Bites/Bars (@ Chap Lopes Mart)
-Vegan Brownie Brittle (@ Chap Lopes Mart)
-Dairy Free Ice Cream from Ben & Jerry's and So Delicious (@ Grid)
-Cup of Fruit (@ Lopes Mart/Grid/Einsteins/Slices/The Habit/Chic-Fil-A)


VEGGIES
-Celery & PB (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Carrots & hummus (@ Juniper Lopes Mart)
-Bell Pepper (@ Grid)
-Green Beans (@ Grid)
-Spinach (@ Grid)
-Mixed Veggies & Hummus (@ Einsteins)

NUTTY FOR NUTS
-Mixed Nuts (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Peanut Butter small containers (@ Grid)

SALTY
-Multigrain Tortilla Chips/Sweet Potato Chips (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Stacys Pita Chips (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Sabra Pretzels and Hummus (Lopes Mart/Grid) 
-Sunflower Seeds (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Pistachios (@ Lopes Mart/Grid) 
-Pita Chips & Hummus (@ Lopes Mart/Grid/Fresh Fusion)
-Chips & Guac (@ Qdoba)
-Sweet Potato Fries (@ The Habit)
-Tatertots (@ Habit)
-Waffle Fries (@ Chic-Fil-A)

SMOOTHIES/JUICE
-Naked Juices (@ Lopes Mart/Grid) 
-Jamba Juice smoothies (@ Jamba Juice Union & Lopes Way) 
-Jamba Juice Acai Bowl w/o honey (@ Jamba Juice Union)
-Banana Bread Smoothie (@ Slices)
-Nana-Berry Smoothie, Good Morning Glory Smoothie, & Electrolytes Rx Smoothie (@ Lean Canteen/Slices)
-Hydrate juice, Awake juice, Sweet Greens juice, Vg juice, & 24 Karat juice (@ Lean Canteen)

COFFEE 
-Fresh Brew available at almost every restaurant on campus 
-Coffee with syrup add in's and milk substitutes (@ GCBC)

MEAL TIME? 
-Pre-made veggie sandwich/wrap (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Veggie Sushi Rolls (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Veggie Spring Rolls (@ Lopes Mart/Grid)
-Cereal Containers (@ Lopes Marts)
-Vegan/Gluten Free Soup (@ Grid)
-Amy's Kitchen Frozen Meals (@ Grid) 
-Hot Oatmeal (@ Lopes Mart/Grid/Lean Canteen)
-Sweet Potato Salad (@ Union GCBC) 
-Veggie Wrap and Salad (@ Union GCBC)
-Hummus Veg Out Sandwich (@ Einsteins)
-Bagel with PB and Banana (@ Einsteins)
-Burrito Bowl with Veggies (@ Qdoba)
-Fresh Fusion Wrap/Salad (@ Fresh Fusion)
-Veggie Sandwich/Salad (@ Subway)
-Steamed Veggies and Rice (@ Panda Express)
-Warm Quinoa Bowl (@ Lean Canteen)
-Earth Bowl with Tofu (@ Lean Canteen) 
-Salads + Protein (@ Lean Canteen)

How to be REALLY Healthy (the truth)

So many people are the image of health now-a-days. Or so it seems?

I find different fitspos every time I'm on social media. I scroll through pictures and all I think is "wow I wish I looked like this person".

I get inspired, so then I want to learn what they do to obtain their physique. When in reality, there is no healthy way I could get my body to look exactly like theirs. 

I may try and run my weight off at the gym, but I'm never going to have skinny legs or a small butt. Even if I do what feels like a million crunches, I still have the extra pouch where I store my cookies (New Girl fans way?)

Through this constant conflict I have, I find myself complaining about my body and how I'm not in the best shape. When in reality, I workout (almost) everyday, eat (fairly) good, and I take care of myself (98% of the time). 

Through this all, even the points where I mess up, I'm simply HUMAN. Not one of those fitspos has a perfect diet, workout, or routine everyday. Yet I find myself believing that they do and I get mad at myself for not being a flawless robot.

I want to share with you all my criteria of true health. As a person who has always struggled with my body image and how I view myself, it has taken me YEARS to accept these facts and follow them to become truly healthy. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

What is Healthy?

1. Doing what makes you happy and what is best for your health (working out and eating ice cream makes me happy, so I do both!)

2. Not defining your own/others' health by weight, measurements, body types, body fat, or unrealistic comparisons. This may sound cheesy, but God made us all different and that is such a beautiful thing we shouldn't take for granted. We should not strive to look like Kim K. Genesis 1:27

3. What does define health- digestive health, mental health, physical feeling of health, & internal health. All of these exceed importance over your waist measurements. 

4. How to stay healthy-eat whole and natural foods, hydrate over anything (get a reusable water bottle), choose activity over convenience (take the stairs, walk anywhere you can, take a bike for further excursions), plan to make food at home, pack your meals before you eat them, be stingy with your taste buds (don't eat food you don't like). 

5. Additional ways of how I stay healthy- 

Vegan life: has helped me to eat more things I used to not like (veggies) and has decreased my cravings for unhealthy food.

Intermittent fasting: This has not only helped my stomach's health and happiness, but my work initiative and productivity while I am fasting in the morning. As well helps me to portion control and eat only as much as I am hungry for.

Working out once a day with a planned workout: crucial for people like me who get easily distracted at the gym, setting out a time to go is super beneficial too.

Feeding myself food I would feed others: this is if you are chef of the family, make food that you know is good for others and tastes yummy! Thus you'll eat that healthy food to.

Finding the healthiest option on the menu and sticking to it: This is difficult to do, but I do this by finding the low calorie area of the menu (salads or other plates) and just choosing between plates offered there. I try to avoid looking at other options that are not so healthy because I know they will tempt me. I then just order as soon as I can so I stick to a plate and don't change my mind. I also always order water right away and don't even look at the drink menu, because I like eating my calories, not drinking them. 

Hope this blog post and thoughts help a bit with any struggles you may be having regarding dieting, food, and just acquiring a healthy life. Have a blessed day and thank you for reading! 
Love, Amanda 

"Why are you vegan?" & College Life at GCU

Hello friends!

Nowadays, there are a lot of different reasons as to why people pursue a vegan diet.  Common reasoning's you probably hear are for animal rights, loosing weight, or a difficult challenge to attempt.   Let me give you some background and context regarding my diet and why I chose this lifestyle.

I chose to become a vegan after I endured a "vegan challenge" of some sort.  I did it with my friends Matt, Brian, and my brother Josh.  The challenge was to see who could last the longest on the vegan diet during this past summer.  It was extremely difficult for me in the beginning, I messed up a lot.  Che months of May to July consisted of majority trial and error while attempting to eat vegan.  I would eat something thinking it had no animal products in it, but then later I would figure out it did.  As I went through all the mistakes and stumbles, my drive to become more and more educated of the vegan diet increased.

 I dropped the vegan diet after the challenge ended.  This being because I wanted to eat cake again and I didn't know vegan cake existed.  I also got my wisdom teeth out at the end of summer, so I didn't want to stress about having to eat mashed potatoes, jello, and shakes.  I stuck to the vegetarian lifestyle during this time and kept that up until October 2016, when I decided to become fully vegan. I decided to undergo this change as I found that vegan life was very possible in college.  Even with the restrictions of having no stove and only fast food restaurants around campus, I found new things each day that I could eat.

When you are a vegan on a college campus, you have many of the same encounters with different people. It isn't a bad thing, but you get asked a lot of the same questions over and over again. I can pretty much map out my reasoning as to why I am vegan and how I do it through my typical answers to these question:

1. You're a vegan? Isn't that super hard? -> It was in the beginning, but it became easy after education and understanding of food ingredients. Only becomes hard when you seek out or feel the need to substitute. 

2. Why are you a vegan?-> I do not purchase or consume animal products when I can control it because of the environmental effects that come with mass production of meat, dairy, and eggs.  Through excess release of greenhouse gases of animal slaughter, over production of waste, and using grains to feed animals that are supposed to be grass-fed is a waste of valuable food resource.  I do not agree in supporting the treatment of these animals as they are fed unnatural foods, kept in harmful living conditions, given hormones to promote growth, and are not treated well in any manner.  The benefits of me not eating or purchasing animal products surpass my own desires of food.  I want to be the change I want to see in the world.  

3. Where do you get your protein? -> Although protein is an important macro nutrient, it is very over estimated in its importance when a non-vegan speaks with a vegan. Suddenly, protein becomes the sole necessity of nutrients. It is important to consume protein and vegans do when they eat things such as...tofu, tempeh, nutritional yeast, plant based protein powder, edamame, quinoa, mixed raw nuts, and so much more.

4. Do you really think just you alone can make a difference? -> ABSOLUTELY especially through interactions like these, where I can show you how great vegan life is for the consumer and the animals not consumed. :) 

Against all assumptions, I eat at least 1500 calories a day and find plenty of wholesome, healthy food around my college campus.  

I'm such a foodie, it's become an issue!  I find so much joy in food, and I've become even more of a food lover ever since my vegan journey! 
I used to be fairly picky and I would eat pretty unhealthy food.   I used to hate so many vegetables that I eat on the daily now (avocados, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, etc.) My previous favorite meals were pasta, ice cream, chic fil a (anything), taco bell (anything), croissants, frappuccinos, and so much more. Though all of these foods still sound delicious to me, I have no further desire to eat them (except ice cream... but BEN & JERRYS HAVE VEGAN FLAVORS) 
Through becoming vegan, I've branched out my tastes to be equally satisfied through eating plant based and genuinely healthy food.  In all reality, vegan life has made me into a healthier and happier person. 

I have had nothing but good experiences with this diet.  If you asked me a year ago today if I would try going vegan, I would laugh in your face. 
I never thought I could let go of all of my past favorite foods. I didn't think I would be able to enjoy life as a vegan and that I would always be missing out. The truth of it is yes, you miss out on some delicious things, but in time you have no desire for those things. Some cravings will stick around and you just simply substitute for them (you can make almost anything vegan I promise!)
 In all reality, becoming vegan means you get to try new things. Which is even better than sticking with the old ways you used to live by. 
I find that becoming vegan has made me appreciate food, my body, the environment, animals, and so much more that i took for granted! 
This lifestyle is not one of giving up. Rather it is making a change for the better and learning a new way of life that is better for you and our planet! :) 

Eating Dorm Style! (no stove, no problem)

As I've talked to many people about my vegan diet, many say they are very interested in pursuing this lifestyle. I get super stoked hearing this, but many say they can't because they are in college, don't have a stove, or are too busy to make their own food. Well I'm going to show you how possible it can be with just some fresh produce!

In my first year here at college, I've had to learn to make food for myself. I've always loved learning recipes and trying them out, but almost all recipe videos for vegans require a stove, food processor, and lots of stuff I do not have available to me.

After Christmas break, I decided to teach myself how to prepare food for my unique situation of life right now. I've started by seeking out alternatives and finding ways to make due with my microwave and $20 blender.  Through ideas from other people and recipes, I've made some progress I'd like to share with you guys!

I'll start by giving you a run down of what I eat on a normal school day where I have a workout, class, and a shift of work.
My average days are either working out in the morning, class from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and then work 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. My other average day is work in the morning 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. & class from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. and lastly working out at the gym around 4 p.m. Either way, majority of the day is pretty busy. With all this business, it is easy to not eat the best or eat too much food.  What I do to make sure I don't fall into my sweet tooth temptations (I struggle with that a lot) is I pack my lunch!
I pack my lunch first thing in the morning while my coffee is brewing. As well I do intermittent fasting (I eat for eight hours a day and don't eat for the other sixteen hours) so I don't eat my first meal in my dorm. I begin eating at 12:00 p.m. and eat for an eight hour window and stop any eating after 8:00 p.m.
My first go to meal that I pack is a banana and PB2. A banana is a high carb fruit that is an energy boost. Packed with potassium and goodness, it is a perfect food to break the fast with. PB2 is peanut butter, but in a powdered form. It is low in calories and has a lower carb and fat count rather than traditional peanut butter. All you do is take 2 tbsp of the powder and mix it with 1 tbsp of water and BOOM deliciousness!

My second meal I start eating around 2:00 or so. This is normally a salad of some sort. My go-to salad is spinach, baby tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, carrots, avocado (sometimes), mushrooms, cucumber, and a balsamic dressing if I'm needing a bit more flavor. I love packing this because it's an easy way to ensure I get a good serving of veggies in for the day. Normally if I'm on the go and hungry, I'll grab chips and salsa, a candy, or a bagel. These are ok in moderation, but while on a college campus it's easy to go for them everyday. Packing my lunch with a salad helps me curve that temptation and I end up feeling better and more energized throughout the day. If I'm feeling extra hungry, I'll add a whole grain tortilla with hummus on it at the bottom of my salad to make it a DIY burrito bowl! 

My next meal normally consists of some coffee and a snack. My snacks range from protein bars, smoothies, or an apple. Sometimes if I am still super hungry after eating one of those I will grab some mixed raw nuts or have nut butter and bread.  I'll be adding some of my favorite protein smoothies to future blog posts! 

My dinner meal will always consist of a grain & veggies. My latest go-to has been a sweet potato, brown rice/quinoa, and steamable veggies such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, Brussel sprouts and much more. I will as well make veggie pasta (I love the Vegetti it's SO GREAT) it's one of my favorite dinners!

Lastly, I will have some form of dessert (because why not?!). Dessert is one of my favorite meals of the day, so I'm actually going to do a separate blog showing some of my sweet tooth favorites. All vegan friendly!

I hope this helped give some perspective and some ideas of what to eat.  These are all great go-to's for vegans without a stove and with limited time. Vegan life is due-able for all if you are truly interested! It's so beneficial to yourself and to others. I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know what you think! :)
Love, Amanda
Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."