the blog

Monday’s back, so why not take on the week with some gusto? Maca powder has become one of my favorite smoothie ingredients. It’s a Peruvian root that you can buy at some grocery stores (Wegman’s, Whole Foods) or order online. (It’s expensive, but lasts for a long time.) The root is thought to have many benefits which include increased […]

Skin tightening benefits without an expensive price tag (or hours of sleep)? Count me in  (although I do wish I could get a little more sleep). Blackberries are not only packed with cancer-preventing antioxidants, they also help to improve skin elasticity as well as increase brain clarity. Start you morning with this juice and skip the over-priced […]

 Are you in love with kale yet? With its’ slightly bitter taste, our relationship took a little bit of time to develop. Now, kale is my favorite leafy green. It’s packed with iron, antioxidants, and numerous other healthly compounds that you can feel good about putting into your body. If you buy leafy whole kale, it’s a little […]

The holiday weekend is officially here! Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays for food; there’s always fresh fruit and veggies available and watermelon is in season. If you’re looking for a great vegan dessert option showcasing summertime berries, this quick Vegan Peanut Butter Dip is where it’s at. It comes together […]

  I recently picked up a popsicle mold and knew I wanted to make fresh, healthy, and light fruit pops. I also knew I wanted to make some patriotic treats for the weekend. These healthy, light Patriotic Berry Popsicles are easy to prepare in under twenty minutes. Once you mix up the liquid, you pour into a popsicle […]

 I’m having a recipe countdown to the Fourth of July this week; yesterday I had quinoa and today we’re having detox lemonade. I usually stay away from lemonade at parties or in restaurants due to the high sugar content. I still love the stuff though. Can we drink it without the guilt? Yes! This metabolism-boosting drink […]

Fourth of July weekend is almost here! If you’re trying to figure out what to make, I have a few great options coming up on the blog this week. This detox Berry Quinoa Salad with Almond Butter Dressing is not only the perfect color for the upcoming holiday, it’s also delicious and easily portable to take […]

Carrot cake that leaves you revitalized and refreshed rather than in a sugar coma? Count me in! Also count me in because this sweet juice is high in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene has powerful anti-aging properties and protects us from free radical damage. Plus, with it’s yummy taste and lovely color, it’s the perfect starter juice for beginners. Whether […]

 They may be difficult to crack, but coconuts are worth the trouble for their numerous health benefits. While coconut meat is high in saturated fat, the fat is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, which are more quickly broken down than long-chain fatty acids, and are actually thought to help lower cholesterol. The meat is also […]

One thing that can add unnecessary stress to our daily routine is figuring out what to eat when we’re strapped for time. I pretty much always end up eating a random, non-satisfying dinner of tortilla chips, salsa, hummus, and whatever else I can find if I don’t have a plan for dinner. Not only is this […]

Are you a fan of the beet? What about a Beet Detox Smoothie? Prior to a year ago, I was not (probably because I never tried making beets myself- this makes a big difference). If this is you, buy a bunch of beets immediately and boil.  Boiling beets probably sounds pretty boring, but oddly enough, I […]

 Hi friend!!!! Today, I’m continuing with the detox recipes. This pear smoothie is a spin-off of my Banana Bread Green Smoothie, with pear replacing the banana. If you’re not into pears yet, get some as soon as possible! They’re high in vitamin C and A, which act as antioxidants to protect us against cell-damaging free radicals. Plus, […]

 I’ve been a chana masala lover for a few years. While probably not the same as the traditional dish, Wegman’s (a local grocery store) has some seriously good chana masala. Their chana masala, piled over a little bit of brown rice and a ton of fresh spinach is pure bliss. My Wegman’s chana habit changed […]

Today, I’m offering up three detox green juice recipes. They’re each a yummy, healthy way to start your day. Plus, if you’re looking to reduce your coffee intake (which is a good idea if detoxing), fresh juice is an awesome drink to supplement. You’ll get incredible energy from the fresh nutrients you’re drinking and won’t miss any […]

First, this juice tastes ridiculously delicious. Second, it has numerous health benefits that are definitely worth the time it takes to pull out the juicer. This juice helps with inflammation, digestion, and calming the nervous system. Plus, it’s the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Calming Pineapple Celery Juice Author: Lauren Vacula, LaurenVacula.com Serves: 2 […]

A juice that fights aging, helps with hair and nail growth, and improves skin tone? Sign me up. Carrots are nutritional powerhouses containing vital nutrients that leave your skin looking radiant, not to mention they happen to be very tasty in juice form. Pair with vitamin C-rich clementine and you have yourself a delicious beauty cocktail rivaling your […]

This juice is one of the best post-wakeup hydrators and energizers. Swap out your morning coffee with this juice and you’ll have sustained all-day energy, rather than the spike/crash effects from coffee. I typically prep the fresh ingredients the night before and make this in the morning, or, if I’m pressed for time in the […]

This coming weekend marks the unofficial start to the summer (YESSSS). Why not kick off the season with some tasty morning juices?! This spicy and tart Morning Jumpstart Grapefruit Juice has a strong kick to it, but oddly enough is one of my favorite juices to wake up to in the morning. Both grapefruit and […]

As we get closer to summer, I’ve been wanting to do a good cleanse to hit the refresh button, reset my metabolism, and help me enter the warmer weather feeling lighter and more energetic. In the past few months, I’ve felt like I’ve had a ton of sweets (I’m looking at you Healthy Vegan Chocolate Cream Eggs). And although the sources of […]

Today we are celebrating a brand new chapter!! And the start of this new website blog- LaurenVacula.com. And I can not think of a better way to celebrate the launch of this new website than with a yummy gluten-free vegan Funfetti Smoothie! What’s better than funfetti? And a side note about sprinkles- you can purchase […]