Being Plan Strong (Vegan) Does Not Mean Eating Bland Foods

Being Plant Strong (Vegan) doesn't mean I don't enjoy what I eat.  It's the exact opposite!  Veggies are the best foods to add in a variety of seasonings as they absorb and always deliver such a greater flavor by taking on the seasoning of your choice.  Veggie dishes are satisfying and deliver the greatest health benefits. There are several credible resources I have learned from, watched their DVD's and read just how great these foods really are to eat. I not only learned there were so many varieties and taste to the foods I was eating, but all the great health benefits that went along with it.  Eating "healthy" should never just be about looking good in the mirror or to fit into that bikini, but to feel great on the inside too!  

As I begin to share with you some of my favorite healthy plant strong recipes, you will often see me source Dr. Joel Furhman, Jeff Novick, Engine 2 Diet (Rip Esselstyn) and Dr. John McDougall.  They have been an instrumental part of my transition.  I admire, respect and am thankful they have shared all their knowledge on nutrition including healthy recipes.  I enjoy learning from others, educating myself on a healthy lifestyle that includes fitness and nutrition and sharing this with others.  Educating yourself and expanding upon your comfort zone or habit of eating the same foods, will give you the success you desire with your clean eating plan.    

One of my favorites and the first one I want to share with you, is a Veggie Lasagna made by Jeff Novick.  This veggie lasagna not only has less preparation time than traditional lasagna, but dramatically lower in calories and fat.  Amazing taste and very satisfying.  I hope you give it a try and enjoy this as much as I do.  Being vegetarian or trying a vegetarian dish for the first time does not have to mean salad or plain broccoli...it means exploring, learning from others and sharing!  

Tomato Sauce
2 Boxes POMI Chopped Tomatoes
Fresh Garlic, Basil, Oregano

Lasagna
1 lb frozen chopped spinach

1/2 lb frozen mushrooms

1 lb frozen zucchini
1/2 lb frozen carrots
1/2 lb frozen onion, pepper mix
2 sweet potatoes baked

Filling
Mashed sweet potatoes and thin with warm water while veggies thaw and then mix thawed veggies in with the mashed sweet potato to make the filling

1/2 cup sauce on bottom of pan
1 layer whole grain noodles (cooked)
1 1/2 cup sauce
1/2 sweet potato/veggie mix
1 layer noodles
1 1/2 cup sauce
1/2 sweet potato/veggie mix
1 layer noodles
1 1/2 cup sauce
sliced tomatoes

Bake covered for 45 minutes at 375

Enjoy!