Exciting announcements!: Ebooks and Health Fairs!

Happy Friday, fitties! So, I have some prrrreeeeeetttttyyyy exciting news...TWO things, actually.

Number 1: THE EBOOK IS OFFICIALLY OUT! You can now purchase your very own copy of "The Fit Vegan Ginger's '(Almost) No-Cook Book'!" for $10. My very first recipe ebook features 70 pages of delicious, single-serving vegan recipes...all ready in 15 minutes OR LESS! To purchase, simply click on the "Cookbooks and Ebooks" tab on the top of my homepage and select The Fit Vegan Ginger's "(Almost) No-Cook Book!"

Now for announcement number 2...are you in the Lynchburg, VA area this weekend?! Well, if so, you're in luck...I will be at the Health Fair at the Vitamin Shoppe in Lynchburg tomorrow, April 30, from 12-4 pm! I will have samples from my brand-new ebook, as well as a printed copy for you to browse through before purchasing! Be sure to stop by and say "hi" to me! I'd love to meet and chat...over some yummy snacks, of course (FOOD IS A MUST ALWAYS ALWAYS!).

As always, thanks for your support...keep commenting and sharing your input with me: I love to keep in contact with everyone! Check back this Sunday for a yummy new recipe...

Stay happy and healthy,
Anna,
"The Fit Vegan Ginger!"

Pancake Sunday!: Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes.

Happy Sunday, everyone!
If you're like me, Sundays mean a couple of things: 1. sleeping in. 2. rest day...aka extra time for yoga. 3. quality time with family and friends. 4. "catch up" and "prep for the week ahead" day. And 5. PANCAKES FOR BREAKFASTTTTTTT! It's pretty much the golden rule when it comes to Sunday breakfast or brunch: whatever you eat, your plate MUST include a short stack (or a tall stack...).
Now, what's special about this stack? Well, other than that it's INSANELY DELICIOUS, this stack of pancakes is completely loaded with nutrients...practically OVERFLOWING from all the health benefits (and maple syrup...)! So, what exactly is IN this stack that makes it so wonderful? Keep reading...
Turmeric. Turmeric is probably the most potent herb out there when it comes to health benefits. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties...it has been used as a natural alternative to prednisone in some case studies (with SUCCESS, I might add!). In addition, turmeric has powerful antioxidant properties, making it extremely effective at ridding the body of harmful free radicals. In other studies, turmeric has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease, treating depression, lessening the effects of alzheimer's, and even curing cancer!
Wild Blueberries. Wild blueberries are among nature's leading sources of antioxidant's. According to wildblueberries.com, "...a one-cup serving of Wild Blueberries has more total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than 20 other fruits and veggies, including cranberries, strawberries, plums, raspberries and even cultivated blueberries." Blueberries naturally contain the antioxidants pterostilbene and reservatrol, both of which are effective at neutralizing free radicals. They are one of the best sources of natural fiber, containing a whopping 6.2 grams in just 1 cup. Additionally, blueberries contain health amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, manganese, and copper. 
Coconut. Just one ounce of dried coconut contains 4 grams of fiber, making it a delicious way to help you "stay regular." Coconut also contains brain-boosting copper, which promotes the production of myelin, the protective coating around our brain's neurotransmitters. Studies also link coconut to improved memory.
As you can see, these pancakes are pretty darn healthy. But that's not all...they're pretty darn delicious, too! But don't take my word for it....try 'em yourself! And let me know watcha think in the comments! 
Have a great week, guys, and enjoy your pancakes! 

Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes.

 Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one (makes 5 medium-sized pancakes). 

Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (I used oat flour)
2. 1/2 tsp baking powder
3. One packet stevia powder
4. 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
5. 1/4 tsp ground ginger
6. 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
7. 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (refrigerated kind)
8. 2 T dried coconut chips
9. Peanut butter of choice and maple syrup, for topping

Method
1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk well. Add blueberries and coconut milk and stir. until a smooth batter forms.
2. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto heated nonstick pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. Arrange pancakes on a large plate and add toppings. Serve immediately. 

National Grilled Cheese Day Meets Taco Tuesday...GRILLED CHEEZE TACOS (and Summery Tomato and Sweet Garlic Soup).

Yes, people. I'm completely serious right now. VEGAN. GRILLED. CHEEZE. TACOS. And they are sooooooo gooooood. What made me think of such a bizarre and ridiculous thing?! Well, since you asked...
You guys already know that I'm a pretty die-hard foodie...especially when it comes to holidays. One of my favorite things about holidays is making delicious vegan food: for myself, for my family, for my friends, and heck...for my puppy! (Candy cane dog biscuits are gonna be a thing in my household this Christmas...I'll share the recipe, don't worry! :) ) However, when said holiday happens to be a FOOD HOLIDAY like today (HELLOOOOOO #NATIONALGRILLEDCHEESEDAY!), the little girl that still lives inside me screams even louder than she does on regular holidays. I mean, what's better than AN ENTIRE DAY DEDICATED TO ONE FOOD...especially when that food just so happens to be a GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH. With that said, let's backtrack a little bit. I'm a huge food-holiday lover...including the WEEKLY food holidays: Meatless Monday, Waffle Wednesday, Pancake Sunday, and the star of today's recipe inspo: TACO TUESDAY. I was trying to think of a creative way to combine these two food holidays into one, and thus, it seemed I had two options. Option 1: taco grilled cheese. Think crispy bread slathered with homemade guac and stuffed to the brim with all my fave taco topping goodness. Tempting, but BORING. Everyone does that. (Although this recipe looks pretty darn tasty when swapped with vegan "meat" and cheeze!) That brings us to option 2: Grilled cheese tacos. WHAT?! Uh-huh. My first thought was, "HOW?!" (This might have been your first thought too...!) I mean, think about it: a grilled cheese is delicious, gooey,  melty cheese inside two slices of bread (duh...). How exactly can you turn that into tacos without just changing the shape of the grilled cheese sandwich?! Ah-ha...now we're getting somewhere!
Behold, my friends, my original creation...the first recipe of it's kind, straight outta my crazy head: The Fit Vegan Ginger's Grilled Cheeze Tacos. Delicious toasty bread cubes inside perfectly crispy romaine lettuce leaves and slathered in my sinlessly gooey and delicious cheeze sauce. And because a grilles cheese isn't complete without a bowl of tomato soup, I've included the recipe for my luscious Summery Tomato and Sweet Garlic Soup! This is such a unique and delicious spin on an old-time foodie fave, and it's a perfect meal for a warm spring day like today! The lettuce "taco shells" in place of bread give it a nice and light feel, while the slightly sweet tomato garlic soup adds a nice palate cleanser to the richness of the cheeze. Convinced?! Mission accomplished. Enjoy, fitties!

Grilled Cheeze Tacos and Summery Tomato and Sweet Garlic Soup.

THAT CHEEEEEEEEEZE.

Crispy, crunchy, cheesy, healthy...all in one. So good.

Summery Tomato and Sweet Garlic Soup.

Thick and creamy goodness.

Grilled Cheeze Tacos with Summery Tomato and Sweet Garlic Soup. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one.

Ingredients
Grilled Cheeze Tacos
1. 4 large romaine lettuce leaves, washed and dried
2. Two slices vegan bread of choice, cubed
3. One recipe "Basic Cheeze Sauce" (see this post!)
4. Chopped parsley, for garnish

Summery Tomato and Sweet Garlic Soup
1. 1 cup canned tomato sauce
2. 1 cup plant-based milk of choice (I used cashew, but soy would be BOMB)
3. Salt, to taste
4. 1/2 small clove garlic, grated (less if you're not that into garlic's spiciness)
5. 1/4 tsp onion powder
6. Less than 1/8 tsp stevia or sweetener of choice
7. Chopped herbs of choice, for garnish (I used parsley, but chives would be great too!)

Method
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Place bread cubes on parchment (you cold spray with coconut oil cooking spray, if desired) and bake until crispy, about 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Remove bread cubes from oven and let cool 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, fill lettuce leaves with bread cubes and set aside.
3. Combine all ingredients for soup in your vitamix or high-speed blender and blend until smooth, starting on low speed and working up to high. Pour into small bowl and chill until ready to serve.
4. Prepare cheeze sauce according to recipe instructions. Drizzle cheeze over tacos and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with chilled tomato soup and a side salad.

Workout Wednesday Poll: Should You Have Different Shoes for Different Types of Workouts?

Happy Workout Wednesday, fitties! :)
Today's WW post isn't a workout, but it's a common question in the fitness world these days: should you have multiple pairs of workout shoes if you do multiple types of exercise? I get asked this question so often...but there isn't one set answer. Just like one brand of running shoe isn't perfect for every runner, the same answer to this question may not be a good "fit" for everyone. So how can you know what YOUR answer is? Well, first we need to look at what types of exercise you do.
For example, let's say you're primarily a runner, and also lift weights a couple times per week...do you need different shoes? Most likely not. Now switching gears, let's say you're a cardio queen (or king) that alternates between the elliptical, stair stepper, and treadmill, who occasionally throws in a cross-fit class. The verdict for you? Get a second pair. How can you know, though? What is your situation is different from either of these? No problem...here's the bottom line and my rule of thumb when it comes to workout shoes: if both/all of your exercise routines are upright mileage based (think running, walking, hiking, even elliptical), definitely have 2 pairs. However, if your workouts are 1 type of primary cardio (i.e. running) and 1 type primary strength training, then you don't necessarily need a second pair (unless you're simply a workout shoe junkie and can't seem to have enough sneakers...like me...hey--there are worse addictions!). In addition to having different shoes for different workouts, many running coaches even advise having two pairs of shoes that you alternate between on a regular basis--regardless of cross-training or alternate workouts, for the sole reason that each pair will last longer. You literally buy two pairs of the exact same shoe at the exact same time, and alternate between the two pairs (say, weekly). The more you switch up your shoes during your workout week, the more life you'll end up getting out of all of them. And, as mentioned above, this goes for more than just running.
I'll use myself as an example: I run 5 days per week and cross-train on the elliptical once per week, in addition to lifting 3 times per week and HIIT 3 times per week. I have one pair of running shoes I wear for my runs and my lifting sessions, and one pair I wear for my XT and HIIT sessions. I've been doing this for a few years now, and have definitely noticed better life span in my shoes because of it.
Now, if you're reading this and going, "Hold up now, Anna. ONE pair of running shoes is expensive enough...how will I buy TWO pairs all the time?!" My sentiments exactly...at the beginning. Remember how I said you can, in some cases, get DOUBLE THE LIFE out of your shoes when you alternate between two or more pairs on a regular basis?! Well, there's your solution: you're not spending any more money than you normally would be...LESS, even! Yes, it's more money up front, but you'll end up saving money in the long run.
Now what kind of shoes do you need? Well, if you're a hard-core runner (or really a runner at all), you should without a doubt get fitted at least once for a good, solid pair of true running shoes. After I recovered from my stress fracture in 2012, I went to my local running store and got fitted for a really good pair of shoes, per my Physical Therapist's suggestion...and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. They matched me with my beloved Mizuno Wave Inspire running shoes, and I fell in love instantly! I'm now on my 6th pair of these babies...they're the only shoe I'll run in!

My beloved Mizuno Wave Inspire running shoes...in the color I'm currently running in! 

As far as the cross training shoes go, you've got two options. Option 1: when you hit your mileage limit on a pair of your running shoes, simply switch them to your XT shoes. Option 2: buy a much cheaper pair of general workout/athletic shoes of your choice from a non-specialty (and thus, non-EXPENSIVE...think $70 or so) store for your alternate workouts. This one is not as thrifty as option 1, obviously, but your XT shoes can double as "fashionable athletic shoes" that you can wear around town (think grocery shopping!).
I've done both of these options and have had good success with both.

My current pair of "XT/alternate workout shoes": simply a pair of cute New Balances I got from a department store!

In summary, it really doesn't matter which route you go...just make sure you're rotating your shoes in some way--feel free to come up with your own method and way of doing it...see what works for you! Just make sure you are, truly and diligently rotating your shoes. I cannot stress this enough. After one round of alternating your shoes, you will be amazed--6 months after you purchase the shoes, when you would normally have to fork out another $120-$150 bucks for another pair, your shoes will just barely be worn...and you'll be a believer for life!

Think you wanna try my method? Let me know! Comment on the post, shoot me an email (my email can be found on my page, "Link up with TFVG!"), or send me a message on my Facebook page (Facebook.com/thefitveganginger). I'd love to connect and keep up with you on your new shoe experiment! 

Until next time, fitties. Have a wonderful Wednesday...and stay healthy! :)

~Anna, 

"The Fit Vegan Ginger" 

White Cheddar Cheeze-Chive Soup.

There's something absolutely irresistible about a thick and creamy, "cheesy" soup...I think for many people, cheese is the ultimate comfort food. And when it's made into a warm and comforting soup? Well, then...I'll be right over :)
This White Cheddar Cheeze-Chive Soup is so simple to whip up and perfect for any time of year. Add some toast and seasonal veggies on the side, and you've got yourself a yummy dinner (or lunch! Yep, it's that fast to make!). Enjoy...and be sure to let me know what you think by posting your comments! :) I'd love to know what you served with your soup and how you liked it!

White Cheddar Cheeze-Chive Soup.

So  thick and creamy!

White Cheddar Cheeze-Chive Soup. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one (can easily be doubled or tripled to serve additional people).

Ingredients
1. One large white sweet potato, steamed
2. 3 T nutritional yeast flakes
3. 1/4 tsp onion powder
4. Salt and black pepper, to taste
5. 1 T dijon mustard
6. 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk
7. 1/2 tso freeze-dried chives, for garnish

Method
1. Peel sweet potato and combine in Vitamix or high speed blender with all ingredients except chives. Blend low to high until super smooth.
2. Pour into small soup pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour into a bowl and garnish with chives. Serve warm.

"Throw-It-Together Thursday". What to fix when you're too tired to think! (BONUS: TWO recipe this week!)

I think we all have that one night per week when we simply just don't want to cook. Or at least, we don't want to spend a long time thinking about WHAT to cook. Maybe you have a weekly after-work activity, late afternoon study group that always ends later than you expect it will, or an impromptu mandatory staff meeting...whatever it is for you, it's making you not wanna cook. We've all been there. For me, that day of the week is Thursday. I have to be at work very early on Thursdays, and get off just in time to head to ballet, which don't end until 9:30. You can probably imagine that by the time I get home on Thursday nights, I'm ready to eat and go to bed! So what are my favorite quick, healthy go-to meals and meal ideas? 

Wraps.

Wraps are one of my very favorite "go-to's." All you need is a gorilla or wrap of your choosing and whatever happens to be in your fridge! I've done sweet, savory, crunchy, warm, gooey, you name it...I've probably done it (I may or may not have done a sweet and savory combo wrap...don't knock it till you try it!). Let's take yesterday, for example:

Spinach Tomato "Ricotta" Wrap.

This was super simple and quick, but so so good! I simply took a gluten-free, spinach wrap, filled it with fresh spinach (you could also do steamed), topped it with my Vegan Ricotta Cheeze for my cookbook, and added fresh Roma tomato slices. I served it with some steamed carrots and asparagus, fresh fruit, and homemade tomato basil soup. Delish! And super quick.

What's your favorite type of wrap or tortilla?  Mine would have to be these guys...

My all-time favorite wraps...wRAWps!

I'm totally obsessed with wRAWps. They're gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, oil-free, sugar-free, AND 100% raw! They have tons of different flavors to choose from, perfect for whatever type of wrap you're craving! They even have pizza crusts, too!

Salads.

A big 'ol salad is ALWAYS a good idea, but ESPECIALLY on a "fast-food" night! Many times, I will make a big salad in the morning and leave it in the fridge so it's ready to go when I get home! And like wraps, salads don't require much thought, either: just use what you've got in your fridge...I have to say I've never eaten a gross salad! :) And in the winter, when you don't necessarily want a cold salad? I love doing WARM SALADS--simply steam or sauté all the veggies you would normally use raw! Steam spinach for your base, and add sautéed onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Add some canned chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with cooked brown rice on the side. BOOM. So good.

Easy Asian Salad with Peanut Ginger Dressing. (recipe below!)

Easy Asian Salad with Peanut Ginger Dressing.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup fresh snap peas, chopped

2. 1 cup chopped red cabbage

3. 1/2 cup sliced white button mushrooms

4. 4 oz. water-packed extra firm tofu, diced

5. 2 T peanut butter of choice

6. 1/4 tsp ground ginger

7. 1 tsp soy sauce (or soy sauce substitute)

8. 1 1/2 T water

9. 1 tsp fresh lime juice

10. Pinch of stevia (or sweetener of choice)

11. Cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss to mix.

2. Combine peanut butter, ginger, soy sauce, water, stevia, and lime juice in a small ramekin and whisk until thoroughly mixed. 

3. Drizzle dressing over salad and garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Bagels. 

Ooooooooh, who doesn't love a good old bagel?! Bagels are literally one of the most comforting foods on the planet, in my opinion. And they're such a great option for a quick evening meal: carbs are proven to help you sleep better, so they're great if you have to eat a late dinner! And they're super versatile: again, you can get totally creative with a bagel. Sweet or savory! 

Toasted Gluten-free bagel with Homemade Veggie Cream Cheezeless.

Casseroles.

Ahhh, the casserole. Another one of those things you can literally throw everything into a giant mixing bowl, mash it up, bake, and hey--you've got a delicious dinner! Even better? You can cook them ahead of time, store in the fridge, and warm back up in the microwave/oven when you get home late. Whoever invented the casserole, I love them. 

Here's a fun little casserole I created the other night, sort of inspired by...A CHILI DOG. Yes, I'm serious. (The recipe is still vegan of course, and TOTALLY healthier than even a vegan chili dog!). It combines loads of plant protein, gut-healthy probiotics from sauerkraut, tomatoes which pack a healthy dose of lycopene, and tons of flavor. I drizzled my casserole with my "Rockstar Ranch Dressing" for my cookbook, but get creative! Mustard would be delish too.

"Meaty" Sauerkraut-Tomato Casserole.

"Meaty" Sauerkraut-Tomato Casserole.

With toppings, of course.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup sauerkraut

2. 1/3 cup TVP granules

3. 1/4 tsp each onion and garlic powders

4. 1/2 tsp chill powder

5. Salt, to taste

6. 1/3 cup water

7. 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained

8. 2 T panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free, if needed)

9. Toppings/dressing of choice (ketchup/mustard, etc.)

Method

1. Combine TVP, spices, and salt in a medium-sized bowl and mix well. Add water and microwave 2 minute.

2. Add TVP, sauerkraut, and tomatoes to a large bowl and mix very well. Spoon into small casserole dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 25 minutes.

3. Remove from oven, let cool 10 minutes, and drizzle with toppings of choice. Serve warm, with a side salad, homemade potato chips, and fresh fruit.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION!

Other than my ideas above, use your imagination...and whatever is in your fridge! It's truly amazing the flavor combinations and tasty creations you can come up with by using fresh veggies and fruits. You really can't go wrong! The best thing you can do is experiment...and enjoy! :)

Until next time, guys. Enjoy! 

--Anna,

"The Fit Vegan Ginger" :)

Holiday Post!: Resurrection Cookies (HIGH PROTEIN!).

When I was growing up, my mom would always make "resurrection cookies" every Easter. Not only were they delicious, but I have so many happy memories surrounding the whole process of making these. I remember it just like it was yesterday: standing in the kitchen with my mom and sister, with all 6 of our hands shaping these little cookies...and then eating them while watching movies!
So what exactly ARE resurrection cookies, you may be wondering? Besides the MOST DELICIOUS THING IN THE WORLD, of course...so easy you almost can't call it a recipe. When I used to make them as a kid, they were simply pre-made crescent roll dough with a marshmallow wrapped inside. When you bake them, THE MARSHMALLOW "DISAPPEARS!" Or at least, that's what it seems like to a 6 year old ;) The idea behind these cookies is that you're "placing Jesus in the tomb." And when you open the tomb (i.e. "bite the cookie" haha) HE IS NO LONGER THERE! I've always thought it was creative (and of course delicious!). And with my recipe, they're HEALTHY, too! Happy Easter guys! Go make some resurrection cookies :)

Resurrection Cookies!

So good.

Protein Resurrection Cookies. Vegan, Gluten Free. Makes three large cookies.

Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup flour of choice
2. One scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
3. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4. 1/2 tsp baking powder
5. One packet stevia powder
6. 4 T water
7. 3 vegan marshmallows (like Dandie's brand)

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix flour, protein powder, stevia, and baking powder. Add water and mix to form a dough.
3. Divide dough into 6 sections. Take one section in hands, roll into a ball, and flatten into a circle. Place on parchment and repeat with remaining 5 sections.
4. Place one marshmallow in the center of one circle of dough. Top with another dough circle and gently press outer edges together to seal. Repeat for 3 large cookies.
5. Cover cookies with a foil tent and bake for 25-30 minutes, until firm and set.
6. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before enjoying.