the blog

The healthiest, most delicious gluten-free vegan and refined sugar-free cookies ever!

Are the holidays not some of the best times of the year?! There’s something so magical about turning off everything- work, your phone, distractions and just spending time relaxing with the people you love. I always get way too into planning, making, and obsessing over my family’s holiday dinners. I’m not sure why. Thanksgiving and […]

  Merry Christmas! Since the holidays are here, I’ve been baking a lot. It’s the one time of year (this and Thanksgiving) when I indulge in sugar- usually in the form of coconut sugar. I usually don’t consume it, which started a few years ago and has been a decision I’m very happy with. I […]

I’m not going to get it twisted here and claim that holiday sweets aren’t delicious. Because they are. But they’re also a little heavy and a few days of holiday parties/dinners/work things can leave you feeling less than stellar. This grab and go snack-breakfast-dessert will pretty much make you feel the opposite of that. Light, healthy, […]

  Happy holidays!! Are you looking for any last minute thoughtful gifts for loved ones? A sweet treat is always an awesome option, whether that means yummy cranberry loaf, tasty cookies, or this veganized peppermint bark. This bark is my personal fav because it packs up so well, looks super cute, and is easy to make. On a personal note, […]

There’s nothing better than a deliciously yummy, fun-to-snack on appetizer at a holiday dinner. It gives guests something to gather around and enjoy conversation over while you’re finishing up the main dishes. These vegan hummus dips are easy to make, super clean, and an overall awesome way to start a holiday dinner. They’re also perfect to bring to someone else’s dinner because […]

The holidays have officially arrived and with that usually comes PUMPKIN! Do you have any favorite holiday pumpkin food or drinks? My mom made pumpkin roll every holiday season growing up, which inspired today’s recipe. It’s a gluten-free, vegan (BOMB) version of the classic holiday dessert. It’s free of any processed sugar, nutrient-lacking white flour, or unhealthy dairy add-ins […]

  This recipe is such an awesome way to get into eating meatless meals if you’re currently trying to get into a vegan lifestyle. If you are already vegan, this recipe is a fantastic way to show any of your meat-eater family or friends that eating a vegan diet does not mean depriving yourself of tasty […]

  This is a rockstar drink for summer mornings. It’s refreshing, energizing, minty, and packed with healthy carbs. Feel free to pack it with as many bananas or as much fresh water as you want!

Happy holidays! Before I get into the plant-based vegan holiday meal prep details, I wanted to let you know that I’ve created a new YouTube channel which will be completely dedicated to plant-based food!(YouTube username: Lauren Vacula) I’ll be posting gluten-free plant-based recipes, tips and tricks, thoughts, and plant-based travel finds on this channel and I […]

In honor of Mardi Gras (and Fat Tuesday), I’m bringing you a veganized version of one of my favorite childhood treats: the powdered sugar-covered Vanilla Kreme Donuts (seen here). I used to love these powdered sugar-drenched donuts loaded with sickeningly sweet vanilla cream. Because I now eat gluten-free vegan, I didn’t see eating one of these guys again […]

Do you remember Oatmeal Creme Pies? A soft oatmeal cookie filled with sugary sweet marshmallow gooeyness….. mmmm. Given that the first ingredient in these childhood favorites is corn syrup (along with partially hydrogenated oils, Red 40, and numerous other nasty artificial ingredients), I set out to make a healthy gluten-free vegan version. I replaced the […]

What is it about fall that screams comfort food? Longer nights, frequent family holiday gatherings, or colder temperatures? (Probably a mix of all three.) Shepard’s Pie is quintessential comfort food, usually filled with ground beef or lamb, a heavy gravy sauce, and topped with butter-filled potatoes. I came up with a gluten-free, vegan recipe makeover for this classic […]

Happy holidays! I have some festive AF gluten-free gingerbread pancakes for you today. They’re pretty quick to prepare and make an awesome weekend breakfast during the holiday months. As far as ingredients go, you can find almond meal and oat flour at most grocery stores. Trader Joe’s has some awesome gluten-free flour options, which is […]