Junk Food Meets Health Food!

I'm a Libra, so naturally, I'm all about that balance! Most of the time, I eat a whole foods, plant-based diet with low oil and limited sweets (I enjoy dessert a couple times a week!). But deep down in my heart, I'll always be a junk food vegan. That stuff doesn't make me feel great after I eat it, but it feels really good going down!

Once a week in the pandemic, I've been treating myself to Imagine Vegan Cafe takeout. They have a few healthier selections, but they pride themselves on being a haven for vegans who want to indulge. And so, when I order from Imagine, I typically do just that. Last week, I treated myself to this amazing platter of Vegan Turkey Cutlets, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Mac & Vegan Cheese, and Seasoned Greens.

Last Friday was National Donut Day! And lucky me, I had some cream-filled donuts from Darling Donuts Memphis in the freezer. I thawed a chocolate one and enjoyed as an indulgent afternoon snack.

And now for the balance! No Meat Athlete shared a recipe to their email newsletter list for these Pumpkin Spice Protein Date Balls. I subscribe to Complement Plus protein powder, and I had some extra left from last month. So it was the perfect excuse to use some in date balls! These have dates, cashews, coconut, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and protein powder, and they've been a nice treat when I'm craving something sweet post-workout.

Most days, I get my fruit servings in my morning protein smoothies, but on weekends, I have to be a little more creative. I've been loving Banana Nice Cream for that (I added strawberries for this!). 

And finally, here's a weird and yummy breakfast inspired by the Engine 2 Plant-Strong podcast. On a recent episode, Jane Esselstyn (Rip's sister) mentioned that she liked Savory Oats with Kale and Pickled Ginger. It sounds yummy and macrobiotic-y, so I tried it. Really good! I seasoned the oats with soy sauce and steamed the kale. Will eat again!

And now for another picture of me as a kid, stuffing my face with cake. My mom found all these old pics of me eating. In this one, I am REALLY into this cake. Like 100% focused. Eyes on the prize.