Happy Easter Everyone!!

Hopefully we didn't eat too much chocolate yesterday.  But if you did, I have a great African inspired workout for you that's going to help you to burn off a few of those calories.  Just check out the video at the bottom of the blog.
Anyway, over the last few weeks, I have spoken to a lot of people who have said they are giving the vegan lifestyle a try; whether its through the Veganuary campaign or during the period of Lent - people are giving it a try!  Whilst this is music to my ears, it makes me wonder whether some may be thinking that veganism is a fad and just about plant based eating.

So what is veganism really all about?

Here is the official definition of veganism by the Vegan Society;

a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.

1. Conscious Lifestyle

In the officially definition of veganism by the vegan society, it is described as a way of living or lifestyle. So you can see that the diet is just a small part of your it goes beyond following a plant based nutrition, but understanding the greater message behind why you are making these conscious choices and its importance in the wider context.  

2. Promoting animal free-alternatives

Ok, I am not talking about bombarding people at the entrance of a supermarket or throwing stones at meat eaters, but getting the conversation going about alternatives.  Social media has been a lifesaver when it comes to this!!  I remember Pinterest and You Tube being my library for finding animal free alternatives!    In fact, my entire Intstagram page is all about sharing dishes that are 100% animal free and by no means "Rabbit food".
Celebrities have also played a role in promoting animal-free alternatives.  I  remember a few years ago when Beyonce went vegan and it started a whole new movement!  To an extent, celebrity endorsement does help to get the conversation going, but it is disappointing to find people treat it as just a diet and go back to bad habits :-(  but nevertheless, it made more people want to find out what veganism is all about.

3. For the benefit of humans, animals and the environment

This part of the definition highlights the ripple effect of veganism.  I started as a vegan to improve my health, but I soon realised that it goes beyond what I choose to put on my plate, but the negative impact of the meat and dairy industry.  Even our current UK dietary recommendations have started to reflect an emphasis on a plant based lifestyle! Check out the following useful links for some more insight;

-https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/why-go-vegan
-www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/the-eatwell-guide.aspx
-www.cowspiracy.com/
-Gary Yourofsky's speecch:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=es6U00LMmC4
-http://www.nationearth.com/earthlings-1/
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Try Me on A Friday:  Spring Tofu Scramble

As a vegan, I don't eat eggs, but I remember growing up in my house, my mum used to make a lot of scrambled eggs!!  She would add peppers and onions are all sorts to make it good!  However, I just can't stand the smell of eggs at all - even the vegan "egg" smells like real eggs.  I've seen plenty of recipes online using tofu or ackee as a replacement and I thought I would try it out myself and give you guys my verdict. So here is my take on a tofu scramble;







Spring Tofu Scramble (Serves 4 at 94kcal per serving)

Ingredients
300g Tofu
200g Mushrooms
100g Mixed peppers
50g Spring Onions
1/2 TBSP of Tumeric (or curry powder)
1 TBSP Herbs de provence
1 TBSP Black pepper (you can add more or less if you like)
A pinch of salt

Method

-In a heated pan, add your oil along with your chopped up veggies and tofu.
-Give the mixture a good stir as you add in your spice mix
-Keep the scramble on a low heat for another 10 mins max and that is literally all it takes

Serving Suggestions

As you can see from my picture above, you can eat your tofu scramble with anything!!  I am a big lover of hash browns, so why not serve some as part of an English breakfast.  I also used my sandwich maker to make a toasted sandwich filled with spinach, tofu scramble and ketchup!  Yes I said ketchup!  You can add sliced tomatoes, but I found it makes the toasted sandwich pretty wet!

The verdict?
Well it's certainly a thumbs up for me.  There were no egg like smells for me and tofu really absorbs flavours very well.  If I had to make this all over again, I would drain the tofu more and I have tried the same method with ackee and it tastes just as good.  In terms of nutrition,tofu is a great source of plant based protein that is full of calcium (so great for strong bones and good teeth)

Check out my video for todays recipe and don't forget to share with your friends and family

I CANNOT believe this is my first post in 4 months?!  So much has gone on, but I am back and ready to bring you back some of your favourite workouts and recipes!!  
Today's workout of the week is Cardio Abs Challenge.  No equipment needed, just three minutes of your energy!! The thing about those abdominal muscles, is that we actually work them all the time without having to get down on the floor. Give this workout a try and let me know how you get on.

I actually filmed this video back in September, when I had a chance to spend a restful break at Center Parcs! Honestly, for those of you who haven't been, I'd DEFINITELY recommend it!  

Tomorrow , I will will be sharing one of my new favourite breakfast recipes, so stay tuned!!