the blog

 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 […]

Are you a hot sauce lover? I used to be intimated by the stuff, but I’ve found that the more hot sauce I use, the less spicy it seems to be. This may be why I go through a bottle of Frank’s Red Hot every two weeks. Sriracha, Frank’s spicier, saucier cousin, is also a favorite (and apparently […]

 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 […]

It’s officially Winter Olympics season! I have always been a lover of the Olympics. They’re exciting, dramatic, and I find myself completely inspired by them. Inspired to get off my butt and move. Bring on the protein smoothie! If you too are inspired, use that inspiration as a fuel to fire up your workout! And, if you’d […]

Refreshing, delicious and satiating, green smoothies are pretty much what started me on my way to a plant-based lifestyle. If you haven’t dipped your toe into the smoothie pool, or you’re nervous about the color of this drink, you’re not alone. I was nervous when trying my first green smoothie but quickly after that, I fell in love with them. With […]