Game On: Veganism

 Ignacio and I recently watched a documentary called Forks Over Knives, and it inspired us to take on a one-month challenge: a whole foods, plant based diet. This, my friends, is not going to be easy. After all, it's hard to find recipes that are delicious and healthy (let alone Vegan)!  I decided to go ahead and throw in gluten-free, so this post accommodates anyone on a restricted diet (besides those with personal food allergies).

Celiac disease is on the rise, and a gluten free diet is the only effective treatment for those affected.  That means no wheat or barley, and restricted oats, rye, and malts.  Veganism means abstaining from using ANY animal products. That means a full vegetarian diet (no meat), but with the additional elimination of dairy, eggs, and even honey. You're probably thinking, "Does that leave ANYTHING to eat?!" Why, yes. Yes, it does. 

I mean, no meat is terrible but doable for a month... but no dairy?! I may die from foodie depression. The recipes I have chosen try (hard) not to make use of any "fakey" foods. Sure, there's plenty of Tofurkey and Vegan "cheese" on the shelves these days, but I'm not buying. I want this to be a yummy diet change. I don't want to be scared to eat healthy. The last thing I want is to suffer from some sort of veggie PTSD that forces me to go running for the hills when my eyes lock in on the produce section. Or worse, to hurt someone from string cheese withdrawal.
Now, this post should help all hostesses out there when they come across the occasional diet-restricted house guest, as well as anyone looking for a few healthy recipes or a total lifestyle change. Be sure to read all labels in detail to ensure you're purchasing a 100% gluten free or vegan product. Grocers have made some efforts to simplify things (such as labeling a gluten free section in the aisles) but have also made things harder by leaving out some fine print that may leave you eating or serving something unacceptable. Good luck! I know I'll be needing some...

DISCLAIMER: The following links and photos were found online while searching for my "perfect" go-to vegan/gluten free menu and in NO way am I taking credit for these people's hard work. Once you click on a link you will find the source of each recipe and the genius foodie or writer behind it. Also, I am no professional. When it comes to food allergies and restricted diets, some of the recipes may contain ingredients or cooking styles that are not conducive to a specialty diet or may require substitution. So be warned that I am just me. Much as I would love to be, I'm not some sort of online golden child. So don't sue me. Thank you - I know disclaimers are boring.

BREAKFAST: First of all, eat it. The most important meal, remember? Now, I know it's a toughy. No Eggs. No dairy. No gluten. How about instead of thinking of all of the things you CAN'T have, try to remember all the things you CAN have, like FRUIT. All the delicious fruit you want.  For some complexity, add chopped mint, nuts, or basil. Here are some other options I found that aren't exactly impromptu on-the-go foods but, if prepared in advance, can be morning rush-friendly.
Chocolate Apricot Nut BarsGreen Pina Colada SmoothieFruit-on-the-Bottom Protein Peanut ButterTriple Almond Cherry Crumble SquaresStrawberry Jam Coconut Rice PuddingYummy Pancakes
 LUNCH: Lunch is a bit easier. Salad. The salad can be your savior. Veggies upon veggies that are crisp and refreshing. Opt for your own mixture of olive oil and vinegar in lieu of house dressing and you're home free. Here's a few easy lunches that can be ready when you are.
Summer Rolls with Spicy Peanut SauceRoasted Beet and Sweet Potato SaladZucchini Quinoa BurgersRed Lentil "Hummus" and Kitchen Sink Veggie WrapZucchini Pesto "Pasta"
Open faced Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Rosemary White Beans
APPETIZERS/HORS D' OEUVRES: Appetizers are usually fried. Which A) isn't healthy and B) can be an issue for vegans. 

But they are delicious. While oil is  vegan and so, hopefully, is whatever you're throwing into it, most restaurant fryers have also cooked all kinds of meats and cheeses. Non-homemade batters may also be an issue, as most use glutenous proteins, eggs or beer.
 Dips (like Hummus and Baba Ganoush) served with fresh vegetable crudites, can be quick "just put something on the table" lifesavers, along with these:
DolmadesWhite Bean DipLettuce WrapsPolenta with Tomato TapenadeGrilled Artichokes with Caper Drizzle
STARTER SOUPS & SALADS: One could argue that starter soups and salads are meals to vegans. While I partially agree, when you've recently cut out heavy foods like meats, your body is breaking down food fast and making you RAVENOUS. Soups can be made in advance, enjoyed for a few days, then frozen. Small salads that lack protein-packed beans and tofu are a great way to waken up a pallet before indulging in a big rice-or pasta-based meal. Here are a few fresh foods that can tide you over until meal time:
Blood Orange, Beet and Fennel SaladTomato and Watermelon SaladSpiced Lentil Soup with Coconut MilkCarrot Apple Ginger SoupCool and Crunchy Cucumber Salad
SNACK FOODS: Snacks are important part of my life. A little healthy and satisfying something to nosh on between meals is always a winner, especially with house guests. No one wants to feel like an intruder, so rarely does a house guest rummage through your fridge in search of a quick bite. Leave out some snacks or let your guests know you've prepared some dips in the fridge and set out a bag of tortilla chips. Their rumbling tummies will love you for it. Here are a few go-to recipes for healthy snacks:
Baked Kale ChipsGrilled Corn GuacamoleHummus en FuegoGarlic FriesPeanut PralinesSpicy Edamame
SIDES: Side dishes usually consist of a veggie - most often potatoes or salad. These are a few favorites that are super easy to execute.  The flavor packs a punch and makes a nice change-up from your go-to recipes.
Roasted Root VegetablesFennel and Artichoke HeartsRoasted Butternut Squash with KaleSesame Almond Brown Rice BallsThyme Garlic Hasselback Potatoes
DINNER: Ahhh, dinner. The main event. Heartier than other meals, dinner is a great way to get full for the night. This is where vegans embrace the beans, rice and starchy potatoes. Tofu is always a gluten free vegan option that can make dinner preparation quick and easy. Mixed with sauteed vegetables and a hearty sauce, tofu can be replaced as the protein in any entree. It has such a mild taste and, like a sponge, it will soak up any flavor you drench it in.
Garbonzos con EspinacasCreamy Pumpkin and Cashew CurryChickpea, Potato and Spinach JalfreziBaked Mushroom RisottoChilaquiles with Pepitas, Charred Corn and Black BeansQuinoa Stuffed Acorn SquashStuffed Peppers with Braised Potatoes
DESSERT: Dessert is no easy task. With a lack of dairy based products, if you want something chocolatey you have to search high and low for a suitable type. You'll be better off if you're only craving something sweet.  Sorbet is probably the easiest option, besides fruit, to shop for pre-prepared. Frozen grapes and Italian ice make great quick and easy desserts for anyone.
Frozen Mango, Kiwi, Raspberry PopsFive-Spiced Plum and Red Wine SorbetChocolate Hazelnut SpreadCocoa-Date TrufflesRaspberry Lemon Mousse TartCaramelized PearsBanana Ice Cream
NON-ALCOHOLIC: While non-alcoholic drinks aren't a huge problem, sometimes when you're limiting your diet, you want more flavor out of everything you consume. All of these recipes can also be mixed into heavenly relaxing pamper-yourself-style cocktails.
Sparkling Peach PunchCoconutty Thai Iced TeaStrawberry Basil SodaSpiced Pomegranate Apple Cider

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: This list is better for those who are planning on a night out with buddies but aren't looking to cheat (either themselves or their diets). Do the research and you can live "like a normal person" -- eat and drink freely with all the right foods! 
Vegan Alcoholic Beverage ListGluten Free Alcoholic Beverage List
Good luck and enjoy! I'll be sure to keep you posted on the results of our little contest.
 A special thanks to: Fork Over KnivesWhole Living TheKitchn Oh She Glows FitSugar Cookie+Kate The Healthy Foodie Food52 Eat Drink Better Recipe.com The Shiksa In The Kitchen David Lebovitz Veggie num.num Delish Feasting At Home Bon Appetit Epicurious Sprouted Kitchen Spoonful Smitten Kitchen The Pioneer Woman 101 Cookbooks Leites Culinaria Serious Eats 52 Kitchen Adventures Spoon Fork Bacon Martha Stewart Lululu At Home Healthy Crush Serge The Concierge Skinnytaste.com Food Republic Americas Test Kitchen Feed Cookstr She Knows Vegan Good Life Eats, etc.   Barnivore