Innholdsfortegnelse for The Wellness Issue i VegNews Magazine

Wellness is more than simply a fleeting trend. In today’s trying times, it is a necessary way of life. Growing up in Silicon Valley in the 70s—long before I felt vexed by things like news headlines and climate change—I planted seeds of wellness by focusing on simple things that brought me joy: playing outside, listening to my favorite cassette tapes, and practicing ballet. If childhood pastimes such as these seem familiar, it’s because more than likely, our kid-selves knew how to practice self-care much better than grown-up us. The new issue of VegNews you hold in your hands can change all of that in one fell swoop. As a modern-day nod to our younger, simpler selves, each article in this issue will transport you to a time when happiness was…

1 Richard Bowie Black Health Matters, p.40 Where I live: Los Angeles, CA Veg for: 10 years Go-to healthy breakfast: High-protein tofu scramble with Lao Gan Ma chili crisp #1 wellness tip: Combat racism and anti-Blackness Favorite latte: Iced matcha Dream vegan getaway: Iran for its famous rose gardens New Year’s resolution: To reply to texts and emails on time 2 Rachel Krantz Viva Las Vegans, p.60 Where I live: Oakland, CA Veg for: 3 years Viva Las Vegans, p.60 Where I live: Oakland, CA Veg for: 3 years Go-to healthy breakfast: Oatmeal with nut butter and raspberries #1 wellness tip: Listen to your body and move it in a way that’s fun Favorite latte: Unsweetened soy Dream vegan getaway: Wherever I’m off to next! New Year’s resolution: To return…

$6 billion The estimated value of beauty and personal-care brand Dove, which recently banned animal testing in the production of its products, earning official cruelty-free status from PETA. The announcement comes as Unilever, Dove’s parent company and the world’s largest consumer-goods corporation, announced its commitment to ban animal testing across all 57 of its brands, except where explicitly required. A GROUNDBREAKING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT that will place a 16-year ban on commercial fishing in the Arctic Ocean was recently signed in Greenland. The agreement protects an area, spanning more than 1 million square miles, that has been made accessible to commercial fishing for the first time as ice in the region continues to melt at an increasing rate. Supporters include some of the world’s top fishing economies, such as: CANADA CHINA…

Less than 24 hours to live. This was the alarming prognosis New York City council member Fernando Cabrera was given after rushing to the hospital with excruciating chest pains. An angiogram revealed what the devoted husband and father of two was experiencing: a type of heart attack referred to as a “widowmaker” that’s characterized by a near-full blockage of one of the heart’s arteries. Cabrera underwent immediate surgery where two tubes were inserted into his heart to keep the vessels open, but was given the dismal news that, due to another clog, there were no contingency arteries in case of heart failure. Despite the dismal outlook, the surgery was considered a success. Determined to make the most of his second chance, Cabrera began researching how to turn his life around.…

Husband and wife Ricky and Starla Maurer have a lot to live for: four children, 10 grandchildren, and eight “fur babies,” to name a few. Yet when Ricky was rushed to the hospital with agonizing stomach pains—only to find out he had stage 3 colon cancer which had ruptured his colon wall—their lives came crashing down. Starla herself was no stranger to health concerns. Suffering from chronic high blood pressure, intense headaches, and asthma that required two inhalers and daily medication, her own path of healing started when she was selected to take part in a study conducted by health organization Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), in which her self-described “high-fat, veganish” diet slowly transitioned to low-fat and fully vegan. Experiencing incredible successes throughout the study—including ceasing all of…

For many, going vegan represents a huge step toward improved health and longevity. For Black vegans, it’s not as simple. African Americans are more likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. And today, even with a whole-foods, plant-based diet, many must battle a unique and insidious set of dangers not faced by their white counterparts, including inadequate access to resources and healthful food, financial and institutional inequity, and threats to mental health. But for all these challenges, the outlook is not bleak. VegNews Associate Editor Richard Bowie sat with five inspiring Black vegans who are changing the game and making strides to help their communities’ well-being during a time when it’s needed most. Angela Means on Nutritional Wellness In 1994, when Angela Means walked onto the set of the…

Disembodied eyeballs sword-fighting each other to the death. Rainbow Brite reimagined as Hindu god Shiva, with one of her six arms pouring rainbow sprinkles onto a cupcake while another delicately holds a joint. Giant carnivorous plants opening their mouths to reveal human hands drenched in stomach acid, wielding bouquets of flowers. These are the hilariously grotesque details hidden in the pale-pink, toile wallpaper that plasters the interior of Kindred, San Diego’s premier vegan bar and restaurant. The reputation of this edge-heavy, glamorous plant-based eatery usually precedes it—diners from around the country trek here to experience the three-year-old Southern California spot known for its metal playlist and fearsome, onyx-black wolf’s head sculpture with four eyes, snakes for horns, and giant bared fangs. But remove some of these more eccentric features, and…

ON the surface, Nice, France appears to have more in common with beachside Los Angeles than its sophisticated urban cousin to the north, Paris. Along the palm-fringed Promenade des Anglais—a Mediterranean doppelganger for the Santa Monica beach boardwalk—bronzed locals whiz by on rollerblades and bicycles, joggers dodge tiny dogs on leashes held by impeccably dressed grande dames, and tourists hover around menus posted outside the beachfront restaurants whose open-air dining rooms offer prime sea-facing views. It’s these elements—sun, sea, and fresh, salty air—that drew Victorian-era English to Nice in droves every winter to take the Mediterranean cure and escape the oppressive gray skies of home. Today, Nice’s reputation as a haven for health-oriented, sun-worshipping types of all ages lives on, with its fast-growing crop of natural food stores, juice bars,…

VegNews Senior Editor Jasmin Singer (thinks she) knows a thing or two about love, and is baring all. IF you take one piece of advice from me, make it this: whatever you do, don’t lose yourself in your relationship. I’d venture to guess that if you don’t address your codependency, it will eventually end in a painful prying-apart that will bore your friends to tears while making you shed unending ones. The good news is that many-a-former codependent (ah-hem) has the war wounds to prove that getting past these toxic patterns is possible, as long as we are brutally honest with ourselves. Relationship Dos & Don’ts Take these tips to heart, and I promise you that after a little bit of initial angst, you will be feeling more like yourself…

1 The Vegan Starter Kit If you’re thinking of transitioning to a plant-based diet, nutrition expert and award-winning author Neal Barnard, MD’s guide to plant-based eating delves into every question you could have. From crucial vitamin sources to specialized dietary needs for pregnancy, even long-time vegans can learn from this science-backed resource. Must-make: Breakfast Apple Crisp, Lasagna with Cashew Tofu Ricotta, Raspberry Fudgy Brownies 2 East Meets Vegan Drawing from her Indian and Eurasian heritage, Sasha Gill shares essentials for a fully stocked Asian kitchen through 90 vibrant recipes. From how to fold dumplings like a pro to veganized versions of traditional dishes from six countries, this 22-year-old’s debut cookbook is just the ticket to veganizing our favorite Asian foods. Must-make: Mushroom and Chive Dumplings, Butter Bean Tikka Curry, Nigiri…

Veg News Wellness Edition Superfood Smoothie Cubes We’re lucky if we get out the door each day with our wits about us, let alone with a good breakfast. But now, with Live Pure’s line of frozen, superfood-infused smoothie cubes, mornings are a cinch. We’re loving inventive flavors like churro, chocolate peanut butter and jelly, and mint cacao chip, as well as mood-boosting ingredients such as lucuma, maqui berry, and maca. Quite a powerful punch for a few little cubes. Vega Protein Crisps Chips as a pre-workout snack? It sounds counterintuitive, but Vega’s new Sweet Chili and Garlic & Herb protein crisps are up for the challenge. Made from only five ingredients (rice flour, brown rice protein, pea protein, sunflower oil, and seasoning), these crunchy rice crisps are packed with 15 grams…

Made with SOLGAR® Spoonfuls Serves 1 Berries pack a ton of good-for-you vitamins and nutrients. So pack them into this smoothie, dive in with your spoon, and slurp your way to deliciously good health. And if you top your bowl with vegan chocolate chips, we won’t tell. 1 frozen banana½ cup frozen raspberries½ cup frozen blueberries½ cup frozen blackberries3 tablespoons Solgar Spoonfuls Mixed Berry Protein Powder1 cup plain vegan milk½ cup fresh berries1 banana, sliced¼ tablespoon hemp seeds¼ tablespoon pumpkin seeds What You Do: Into a blender, add banana, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, protein powder, and milk, and blend until smooth. Into a bowl, pour smoothie and garnish with fresh berries, banana slices, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately.…

Made with SOLGAR® Spoonfuls Makes 10 fudge cups Have a weakness for fudge? Imagine soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate fudge wrapped in a crisp chocolate shell with a kiss of flaky sea salt. Then, imagine it boosted with even more protein and fiber. Now stop dreaming, and get ready for a snack that’s as smart as it is mouthwatering. 1 cup vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips⅓ cup melted coconut oil⅓ cup Solgar Spoonfuls Chocolate Coconut Protein Powder¼ cup cocoa powder Coarse sea salt What You Do: Line a cupcake pan with 10 cupcake liners and set aside. Place chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave for 60 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and completely smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon melted chocolate into each well, coating bottom and sides. Place pan in…

Made with SOLGAR® Spoonfuls Makes 10 pops Looking for a simple sweet treat without too much fuss? This two-step frozen favorite gives the classic creamsicle a lip-smacking berry remix. If you’re in a hurry, simply blend everything together for a solidcolor pop that’s every bit as refreshing. 1 ½ cups vegan vanilla yogurt, divided¼ cup maple syrup, divided¼ cup Solgar Spoonfuls Mixed Berry Protein Powder½ cup strawberries½ cup raspberries What You Do: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt and 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and set aside. Into a blender, add protein powder, strawberries, and raspberries, and blend until smooth. Add yogurt mixture to blender, lightly swirl, and pour into popsicle molds. Chill in freezer for at least 4 hours until set.…

1 A great morning routine I love getting up at sunrise, taking a walk on the beach, and fueling my body with a healthy breakfast. 2 Daily yoga practice A regular yoga practice helps calm my anxiety, and keeps the energy flowing in my body. 3 Weekly massage Getting a massage on the regular has done wonders for stress management, and it feels amazing! 4 Digital detox In order to get my best sleep, I avoid keeping any digital devices in my bedroom. 5 Share gratitude Every moment I can, I express gratitude to my VegNews team, my loved ones, and myself.…

Lattes are sipped. Instagram boomerangs are shot. And vegan snacks are nibbled on. This is a typical workday at downtown Los Angeles’ Biz Babez—an über-chic co-working space that’s become a hidden oasis for creative female entrepreneurs. Founded by clothing designers Taryn Rasgon (aka @vegetaryn) and Danielle Roxanne Nagel, Biz Babez is just one example of the women-centered working spaces that have exploded in popularity in the wake of the #MeToo movement. But aside from a safe environment, the vegan-friendly, bohemian spot is a place for business owners and freelancers to commune, collaborate, and feel empowered. “Starting a business is hard,” Rasgon says. “Spaces like Biz Babez are so important because women of all colors and sexual identities deserve to be taken seriously, cheerleaded, and given their best chance to crush…

MAURICIO GONZÁLEZ HASN’T always had everything figured out. During the 37-year-old Mexico native’s college years, he had no idea where his future would lead. But with a prominent and respected doctor for a father, the writing was already on the wall. As González’s fascination with health, nutrition, and wellness set in, he followed in the footsteps of his established dad, but with one notable exception: he wanted to heal people with plants. Noting the scarcity of attention medical schools place on nutrition, González decided to help shift the tide. From founding Latin America’s first plantbased medical immersion program to educating his more than 161,000 social media fans with in-depth answers to their nutrition questions, González is the type of doctor we need now more than ever. VegNews Assistant Editor Aruka…

Norma Wheelock has been confined to a wheelchair for 39 years, ever since being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). So when she was given the additional diagnosis of type 2 diabetes—difficult for anyone, but devastating for someone confined to a chair—Wheelock felt utter despair. She knew that unless there was a radical intervention, this could be the beginning of the end. It was her daughter and primary caretaker, Jennifer Wheelock, who started to research natural healing approaches to diabetes. Jennifer couldn’t sit idly by as her mom became insulin-dependent, unable to hold up her own head, suffering from chronic respiratory infections (which could lead to life-threatening pneumonia for someone with MD). Her frantic research led her to Neal Barnard, MD’s book, Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes, which spoke…

The quality of Nzingah Oniwosan’s life was poor, at best. After suffering through a lifetime riddled with illnesses including childhood obesity, Oniwosan—a passionate and talented interdisciplinary artist—was told she wouldn’t live a long life. A brain tumor, though benign, combined with a rare and painful autoimmune disorder, led to a prognosis that nobody (let alone a driven and fiery 30-something) wants to hear. “I would have to be on medication for the rest of my life,” she says. “If not, I would have organ failure.” Oniwosan suffered from debilitating migraines, bouts of uncomfortable hay fever, and unending doctor visits with multiple specialists week after week, but it all changed when she learned about the powerful healing properties of raw vegan cleanses. Feeling as though this was her last hope, she…

Mango Mojito Breakfast Bowl Serves 1 ¾ cup packed baby spinach3 tablespoons unsweetened vegan milk1 banana, sliced and frozen1 tablespoon avocado1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint1 teaspoon lime juice½ cup ice¼ cup diced mango4 mint leaves Into a blender, add spinach, milk, banana, avocado, mint, and lime juice, and blend until creamy. Add ice and blend until smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl and top with mango and mint leaves. Fresh Find will make a world of difference for your Mango Mojito Breakfast Bowl (go figure!). So here’s how to do it. Picking the perfect mango will make a world of difference for your Mango Mojito Breakfast Bowl (go figure!). So here’s how to do it. Squeeze it A ripe mango has firm skin with a slight give, just as a…

1 Seared Cauliflower Steak The thick, blackened cauliflower steak is served with a brilliant orange squash purée, deep burgundy tahini-mashed beets, and two Satanic puff pastry horns. 2 The Faded Spade Don’t miss this weekly special that blends white rum, chocolate and banana liqueurs, orgeat syrup, tiki bitters, and a pour of midnight-black charcoaled rum featuring a lone astronaut swizzle stick decked out in human skulls. 3 Creepy cat art-adorned bathrooms Go to wash your hands and be greeted by countless framed photos of demonic (or otherwise just mischievous) cats snuggling with Glenn Danzig, playing the electric guitar, or sporting an inverted cross on the forehead.…

Pissaladière This to-go snack is served at takeaway stands throughout Nice. Essentially a square pizza topped with caramelized onions, it’s both savory and mildly sweet. Look for slices sans anchois (without anchovies), an option that’s becoming increasingly popular. Ratatouille This sumptuous local dish melds tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, olives, and garlic, then applies the chunky concoction to rice or noodles, or serves it toute seule (all by itself). All the flavors of the Côte d’Azur in one vegetable-packed dish! Soup au Pistou Imagine a tomatoey broth loaded with hearty white beans and al dente pasta, topped with a fragrant pesto made simply of basil, garlic, and olive oil. It sounds amazing because it is, and we recommend savoring it with chunk of the local crusty bread.…

VegNews Beauty Editor Aurelia d’Andrea dishes the latest in vegan style. IF THERE’S ANYTHING more counterintuitive than cleaning your mouth, face, and body with products the color of coal, we’ve yet to discover it. Yet jet-black carbon (otherwise known as charcoal) really does have magical cleansing properties that work by binding with dirt and toxins, so all you need to do is whisk them away with a splash of water. Try the trend yourself with these vegan-tested- and-approved products that promise to transform your smile and your skin from drab to absolutely dazzling. 1/ Brush Black The first time you squeeze some Terra & Co. Brilliant Black Toothpaste out of its sleek white tube, you’re in for a surprise. It’s really, really black! Getting it onto your brush and into…

1 You tend to base how you feel on your partner’s mood, or their perceived mood. Also, you didn’t balk when I said “their perceived mood,” because you spend a great deal of your energy guessing what mood they might be in, and why. 2 You regularly abandon yourself in various ways in order to make your relationship work. This includes setting aside your sexual, financial, or logistical needs because your partner’s needs regularly overshadow yours, and you are wary of bringing that up with them because you just know it will go badly. 3 You feel relationship anxiety more than you feel anything else. You are not only walking on vegan egg-replacer boxes when you’re around your lover, but you’re also spending a great deal of your solo time…

At just 18 years old, Haile Thomas is not only a CEO, but a sought-after speaker, podcast host, and the youngest Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach in the United States. Most people her age are just graduating high school, but this Dallas-born ray of sunshine is currently working on a book, creating mouthwatering vegan recipes for her Instagram, and teaching more than 15,000 eager kids about the benefits of plant-based nutrition through her educational non-profit, HAPPY (Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth). With buzz about this teenage wonder all over mainstream media outlets from the Today Show to O Magazine and Teen Vogue, when it comes to emboldening others to be their best selves, this passionate youth activist is just getting started. Here are Thomas’ secrets for creating a happy, bold,…

Made with SOLGAR® Spoonfuls Serves 4 Pancakes are the epitome of comforting breakfast food. But when you whip them up with a punch of plant-fueled protein and natural sweetness from banana (pro tip: make sure they’re extra ripe), even a short stack can become the breakfast of champions. 1 cup all-purpose flour¼ cup Solgar Spoonfuls Mixed Berry Protein Powder2 teaspoons baking powder¼ teaspoon salt1 cup vegan milk1 ripe banana, mashed Cooking spray, for greasing1 cup diced fresh strawberries What You Do: Into a large bowl, whisk flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and banana, and stir to incorporate thoroughly. Let batter rest for 5 minutes. On a lightly oiled griddle or in a nonstick frying pan, ladle 3 tablespoons batter. Cook on one side until bubbles appear…

Made with SOLGAR® Spoonfuls Serves 1 This mint chocolate milkshake gets an ice cream-free makeover in this indulgent-yet-healthful smoothie. Bright mint flavor will wake up your taste buds, and crunchy cacao nibs add texture to this creamy, rich blend that feels like a meal in a glass. Swap in chocolate chips instead to satisfy those with a bigger sweet tooth. 1 frozen banana1 Medjool date, pitted2 tablespoons Solgar Spoonfuls Chocolate Coconut Protein Powder½ cup ice½ cup unsweetened vegan milk¼ teaspoon peppermint extract1 tablespoon cacao nibs What You Do: Into a blender, add banana, date, protein powder, ice, milk, and peppermint extract, and blend until smooth. Add cacao nibs and blend again until broken down into smaller pieces. Serve immediately.…

Made with SOLGAR® Spoonfuls Makes 4 cups Smooth, thick, and decadently dark, this chocolate gelato is as divine as it is easy to make. Simply blend and churn—no cooking required. Prepare to have your willpower tested though, as the hardest part of making this tempting treat will be waiting for it to freeze. 2 (14-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk½ cup Solgar Spoonfuls Chocolate Coconut Protein Powder½ cup cocoa powder½ cup maple syrup1 teaspoon vanilla extract½ teaspoon salt What You Do: Into a high-speed blender, add all ingredients and blend. Once completely smooth, transfer to ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, pour mixture into a large baking dish and place on a flat surface in your freezer. Use a fork to scrape ice crystals as they form,…

“A few of my favorite things, including the latest issue of @VegNews magazine!” @livecleankitchen “I’m starting off my morning with the latest @VegNews and some pumpkin spice coffee!” @laurenalicerose “Starting my holiday planning with @VegNews; I learn so much from each issue and discover so many amazing products!” @aforkfullife Tag your Instagram pics with #vegnews for a chance to be featured in the magazine! “The latest issue of VegNews is so well done. Several articles made me tear up with joy for where the future of food (and our planet) is headed; there are so many great innovators, thinkers, and contributors to positive change are out there. Not to mention, it’s a really fun issue!” Julie Litalien VegNews.com Must-Reads! 1. 11 Stellar Vegan Jackfruit Recipes2. 8 Reasons to Forget Keto and…

Fast Food Nation Vegan fast-food chain Veggie Grill will open its first location in New York City this spring. Purveyors of quick and casual grub like Just Egg breakfast burritos and Beyond Meat burgers, Veggie Grill currently operates 31 locations primarily on the West Coast, with the new Flatiron outpost joining another in Boston as the first East Coast ventures for the Veggie Award-winning chain. New Yorkers, just wait until you try Veggie Grill’s Buffalo wings. Swedish furniture giant IKEA has recently introduced a vegan hot dog to its bistro menus nationwide. The new veggie dogs costs 75¢; are made from ingredients like kale, lentils, and quinoa; and are topped with spicy mustard, pickled red cabbage, and roasted onions. The plant-based weiners made their trial run in Europe where 1…

Instagram’s favorite vegan doctor knows the key to longevity is an arsenal of nutrient-dense, plantbased foods. Here is the lowdown on a few of the plant-powered meals he shares on social media (@dr.mauriciogonzalez) for your own healthy-eating inspo. Breakfast Steel-cut oats with flax seeds, soy milk, cinnamon, stevia, and sea salt, with a side of pomegranate seeds and walnuts PROTEIN: 20 grams Lunch Chickpeas and wild rice, roasted peppers, and okra, with fresh strawberries PROTEIN: 23 grams Dinner Cooked lentils with chipotle powder, potatoes, baby carrots, and steamed kale with tahini dressing PROTEIN: 26 grams…

After needing to have his life revived not once, but twice—the dire effects of sky-high blood sugar levels from life-threatening type 1 diabetes—Joshua Turner knew he was on borrowed time. Suffering from morbid obesity as well as a host of other ailments that were leaving this doting dad in a severe depression and physical agony, it was a powerful encounter with long-distance runner and old friend Josh LaJaunie (featured in last year’s “Veganism Saved My Life”), who had lost 230 pounds, that changed everything. Up until then, Turner had been living a reckless life, turning a blind eye to the adverse effects of the abundant fried junk foods he would regularly consume. Mourning the loss of his mother, who had recently died of a heart attack, Turner was feeling sicker…

For something sweet If you get excited by words like “apple fritter” and “bear claw,” you have to make the pilgrimage to Ronald’s Donuts to tackle the glorious, sugary carbs that reign supreme here. It’s a struggle choosing among the vegan offerings displayed like jewels inside a glass case, but we recommend the decadent Boston cream, made with a custardy, not-too-sweet soy cream filling. For something elegant Sin City is home to the world’s largest Nobu restaurant, where vegans craving a high-end experience can partake in the chef’s Vegetarian Omakase tasting menu. Each dish wows, from the bright, tangy vegetable ceviche to the grilled onion steak with balsamic reduction. Be sure to ask about the secret, off-menu vegan choices and how to swap animal protein for yuba—the meaty, delicate skin…

Guest Columnists! Vegan know-it-alls Ari Solomon and Mikko Alanne are here to solve all of your tough conundrums. Q These cold, short days get me down every year. Any tips for beating the winter blues? We live in Los Angeles so we have no idea what you’re talking about. Kidding! Mikko actually grew up in one of the darkest, coldest places on the planet—Finland—so we understand. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very real condition that affects millions of Americans each year. But don’t stress, because there are remedies. Number one: get moving. Even though it’s a frozen wasteland outside, taking a brisk walk or a nice jog will help you release endorphins and improve your mood. Two: try a light box. Light boxes mimic sunlight and help with your…

EVERYBODY KNOWS BY NOW that feathers are out and high-tech synthetics are in, but finding that perfect winter jacket can present some challenges. When you’re looking for cold-weather style that offers flair and function, these winter-ready jackets are your saving grace. This company’s commitment to providing feather-free coats is so firm they named themselves Save the Duck, and every one of their puffy coats and jackets is made with eco-friendly Plumtech that breathes. We especially love the Iris coat in navy blue for its stand-up neck that keeps the arctic breezes out, and thigh-length hem that keeps core body heat in. savetheduckusa.com The Canadian-crafted Gweyn jacket by NOIZE offers that perpetually alluring combination of function and style with an extra bonus of being lightweight. The jacket’s flared sleeves elevate the…

Open Sesame Maybe you’ve noticed it on restaurant menus, transformed into a dressing and tossed with Szechuan noodles. Or perhaps your trend-obsessed coworker raves about swirling it into their smoothies for a tasty, nutritious boost. For us, our eyes light up at the sight of vegan cookies, brownies, tarts, and scones infused with the toasty, umami stuff. We’re talking about tahini—a humble staple of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean kitchens, made purely from sesame seeds. And in The Magic of Tahini by Croatian native and cooking instructor Dunja Gulin, this innocuous paste breaks from its usual (but delicious) associations with hummus and falafel, and steps into the spotlight as a bona fide wonder ingredient for any culinarily curious foodie. The 128-page cookbook features more than 65 creamy-dreamy recipes; bright, ultra-cool photos…

“Whenever I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I take a scroll through millennial poet @CleoWade’s inspirational Instagram account. This vegan artist and author’s soothing words tackle the anxiety surrounding the current political moment and provide gentle reminders of the power we each possess to be a force for good in the world.” —Sarah McLaughlin, Assistant Editor “As a cancer survivor and fan of vegan author Kris Carr, I was excited to discover her album, Extraordinary: Meditations for a Magnificent Life, which offers an assemblage of guided practices from the cancer-conquering wellness maven herself. Featuring 12 meditations, from ‘Self-Acceptance’ to ‘Instant Stress Reduction,’ Carr’s simple instructions guide even the most restless minds—including my own.” —Maya Gottfried, Digital Editor “I’m obsessed with pit bulls, and now I’m also obsessed with Brooklyn-based Sophie Gamand’s…

Purple on the brain Purple potatoes boast four times the amount of antioxidants as Russet potatoes, and can help enhance memory. Heart of the matter Compounds called anthocyanins found in purple grapes can boost heart health and reduce the risk of stroke. Cell service High concentrations of quercetin found in purple onions can reduce the risk of certain cancers and even prevent tumor cell growth. Bloody good Beets have one of the highest levels of nitrates of any vegetable, which help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.…

Made with SOLGAR® Spoonfuls Serves 2 Kettle corn goes from the carnival to the café with the help of aromatic spices, a touch of coconut oil, and chai-infused protein powder. This treat is best eaten fresh and crisp, so cut down the batch by half to enjoy a single serving. ¼ cup popcorn kernels2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, divided¼ cup Solgar Spoonfuls Vanilla Chai Protein Powder½ teaspoon ground ginger¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon ground cardamom¼ teaspoon salt What You Do: Warm a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add popcorn kernels and 1 tablespoon coconut oil, cover, and shake to coat kernels evenly with oil. Let sit undisturbed for 1 minute. Once kernels begin to pop, shake pan continuously for 2 minutes. Once popping slows, remove from heat but…

Made with SOLGAR® Spoonfuls Serves 1 Have your cake and drink it for breakfast, too! Warm spices and fresh fruit make it easy to squeeze in an extra serving of vegetables first thing in the morning, or whenever a craving strikes. 1 frozen banana¼ cup diced pineapple2 tablespoons Solgar Spoonfuls Vanilla Chai Protein Powder½ cup ice½ cup carrot juice½ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon ground ginger What You Do: Into a blender, add all ingredients, and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.…