Vegetarian Zen

Breathe cleaner air today. Discover how to purify air naturally at home using plants, ventilation, and simple tricks to reduce indoor air pollution and boost health. You can check out the full show notes here. 

Eat the rainbow for real health benefits! Discover how colorful foods boost heart health, brain function, and more—with tips you can actually stick to. Check out full show notes here. 

Struggling to fit exercise into your routine? Celebrate Move More Month with these 10 fun and creative ways to stay active—no gym required! Check out the full show notes here. 

Pi Day is March 14. If you're not sure what Pi Day is, it's a math-inspired holiday honoring the number π (3.14). What's to celebrate about that? You can find out more at Piday.org. But, if you landed on this page, I'm guessing you're here for the P-I-E kind of pie. When it comes to dessert, I'll choose pie over cake every time. There's absolutely nothing wrong with cake but for me, a perfectly flaky crust, creamy or fruity filling, and the first forkful of pure comfort food satisfies more than any cake ever could.  In fact, I've even started asking for birthday pies instead of cakes!  And since Pi Day is basically an open invitation to indulge in all things pie-related, how about we celebrate with a lineup of 10 delicious vegan pies (including my favorite)? Check out the show notes for links to all 10 vegan pies. 

In this article, we're going to share information about a special day every year where wildlife gets the spotlight, World Wildlife Day. We'll tell you a bit about this important day and share some powerful wildlife quotes to help inspire action. Check out the full show notes here.   

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we're sharing a detailed frozen pizza review of 6 of the best vegan frozen pizzas out there. From crispy sourdough crust pies to rich, cheesy pepperoni vegan pizza, we'll share some of the current faves.   Full disclosure, to make sure this list wasn't just limited to those I've tried, I thoroughly researched vegan discussions on Reddit for what vegans recommended there to give you a more complete list of what's available and what your fellow vegans are loving when it comes to vegan pizza. You can check out the show notes here. 

Learn 10 easy ways to embrace a plant-forward lifestyle with tips to reduce meat, enjoy plant-based meals, and create healthier, sustainable habits. Check out the full show notes here. 

Discover the ultimate vegan popcorn seasoning ideas for your next movie night! From cheesy flavors to spicy kicks, make every bite unforgettable. Check out the full show notes here. 

Have you been thinking about trying out a vegan diet but not sure if you're ready? Every January, the annual month-long challenge known as “Veganuary” is a great opportunity to explore a plant-based lifestyle. Whether you're curious about a vegan diet, inspired by compassion for animals, or motivated by health benefits, Veganuary is for you. It's encouraged millions of people to rethink their food choices and embrace plant-based alternatives for a healthier planet and a kinder way of living. Ready to give it a try? Here are seven practical tips to help you make the most of your Veganuary experience! In this episode, we share 7 tips to help you succeed in the Veganuary challenge and beyond! You can check out the full show notes here. 

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means—it's time for delicious sweet treats like vegan Christmas cookies! Who doesn't love cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa and a plate of delicious cookies while watching a favorite holiday movie (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation for me!)? Vegan Christmas cookies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer with family and friends. In this episode, we'll share 10 yummy vegan Christmas cookie recipes plus some tips to help ensure your cookies come out perfect every time.  You can check out the full show notes with links to the recipes here. 

Wow your guests with these vegan holiday appetizers! From creamy dips to crispy bites, these easy, delicious recipes will make your party unforgettable. Check out the show notes for a full list of tips for hosting plus all of the recipes. 

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we discuss 5 places you can adopt a turkey plus 25 awesome vegan gifts everyone will love!  You can check out links to everything we discuss in the show notes. 

If you're not quite ready to go vegetarian or vegan, how about a Meatless Monday? These 22 family-friendly are a perfect way to ease into meatless meals. You can check out the show note with links to all of the recipes here. 

The Vegetarian Mediterranean Diet combines plant-based eating with Mediterranean flavors. Discover the health benefits, foods to eat, and delicious recipes! Check out the full show notes here.    

If you're listening to this, I'd bet money that you're someone who pays attention to what goes on your body as much as you pay attention to what goes in it. Harmful chemicals you might be putting on your body worry you just as much as harmful additives in your food. Because people are starting to understand the harm that harsh chemicals have on their bodies and the planet, they're turning to clean beauty brands that prioritize natural ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals.  These brands offer a safer, healthier approach to beauty, making it easier to take care of your skin without compromising on quality. In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast,  we'll explore some of the best clean beauty brands out there to help you find products that are good for you and the planet. You can check out the full show notes here. 

July 3rd is International Plastic Bag Free Day (yep…there really is a day for everything!). The goal of International Plastic Bag Free Day is to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags by encouraging individuals, communities, and governments to rethink their reliance on plastic bags and adopt more eco-friendly alternatives. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we'll share:  the history of plastic bag free day some impacts that plastic bags have on animals, the environment, and humans 7 ways you can celebrate International Plastic Bag Free Day You can check out the full show notes here. 

Discover the best animal dads in nature and their unique parenting skills in this detailed exploration of top animal fathers. Check out the show notes for more about these amazing dads! 

In this episode, in honor of Pride Month, we'll highlight 15 LGBTQ+ celebrities and famous people who have chosen vegan or vegetarian lifestyles. These folks are using their fame to advocate for compassion, health, and the planet, showing that even small choices can lead to big impacts. You can check out our full show notes here.   

In this episode of the podcast, we're talking about some of the best veggie hot dogs on the market today with a little help from our closed Facebook group the Peas and Carrots who voted on theirs. Check out the full show notes here.

Discover the remarkable world of animal moms and their nurturing ways. Explore the depths of maternal instincts across wildlife species. Check out the full show notes here. 

In this episode of Vegetarian Zen, we're pleased to welcome Gregg Rozeboom, owner of Fruitive, a 100% organic, vegan, and sustainable restaurant located in Virginia Beach and in Washington DC.  We're going to talk to Gregg about his inspiration for opening a 100% plant-based restaurant and about some of the yummy offerings on his menu.  You can check out our full show notes with links to everything we discuss here.   

In recent years, there's been this huge protein push with a lot of companies trying to convince us that we're protein deficient, especially if you're plant-based or plant-based leaning.   While a lot of this is media hype, there is some truth to the importance of making sure you have enough protein in your diet. In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we're sharing some High Protein Breakfast Ideas to help you start your day with a protein-packed meal with zero animal products.  We're going to discuss some of the benefits of making sure you get enough protein in your meals, share some great sources of vegan protein, and of course, we're not going to leave you without sharing some recipe ideas from some of our favorite sites. You can check out the show notes here.   

April is National Garden Month, a perfect time to embrace the warmer weather, get your hands dirty, and indulge in the many joys and benefits of gardening.  Larissa and I have experimented with vegetable gardening over the years. We've had some very knowledgeable gardeners on the show in the past, including our friends Augie Sanchez (The Unkempt Gardener) and Megan Cain (The Creative Vegetable Gardener). These days, however, we're sticking to flower gardens as they are easier for us to keep up with.  Whether you're cultivating a lush flower garden, starting a vegetable garden, or simply looking to green up your living space, this entire month of April is dedicated to celebrating the beauty that gardening brings into our lives.  In this episode of our podcast, we discuss some benefits of gardening for you and our planet and give you 10 ways to celebrate National Garden Month.  You can check out our full show notes here.   

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we're pleased to welcome Kate Galli, a visionary vegan health coach who's been at the forefront of the fitness industry for over a decade.  What really interested me about Kate's story is that she focuses a lot of what she teaches on mindset, which I feel is critical to accomplishing anything…including making changes to your health. Whether you're a vegetarian ready to go vegan, a vegan who just needs a bit more motivation, or an omnivore looking to start eating less meat, mindset is key to making any long-term significant changes.  We're also excited to talk to Kate about how she used her own advice about changing her mindset to move from what she describes as being an “angry “vegan into choosing compassion. You can check out the show notes here.  

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, Larissa and I will be talking about vegetarian casseroles. The reason we want to talk about casseroles is that, much like a lot of topics we discuss on the podcast, they are a big interest to us primarily because of how much time we've been saving by making casseroles to have throughout the week. Meal planning and meal prep can be a big challenge for a lot of people so, much like our beloved Buddha Bowls, casseroles have come to our rescue when it comes to quick meals that can be as healthy as you want them to be. Today, we're sharing 10 vegetarian casseroles we've either tried or will be trying soon. We're also going to talk about how to store these because being able to eat these for days is a big benefit but you want to be sure you're storing it properly so it actually tastes good when you reheat it.  You can check out the full show notes with all of the recipes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we're going to be discussing some food and beverage trends expected this year.  Neither Larissa nor I consider ourselves “trendy” but when it comes to all things veg, it's neat to see how much people are adapting even more flexitarian lifestyles whether it be  because of their own health, the animals, the environment, or a combination of these.  Check out this page for full show notes. 

This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about us! One of our longtime listeners requested that we do a show letting eveyrone know what we're up to so here we are! You can get links to everything we discuss in the show notes. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we're pleased to welcome Ed and Natasha Tatton, co-founders of BReD–Organic Sourdough, a 100% plant-based café and bakery in Whistler, British Columbia.  We talk to Ed and Natasha about vegan baking and their new book, BReD: Sourdough Loaves, Small Breads, and Other Plant-Base Baking, a complete plant-based book for bakers that goes beyond just making bread. With their cookbook, bakers of all skill levels can create gorgeous vegan baked goods from cakes, muffins, and scones to biscuits, cookies, and tarts. You can learn more about Ed and Natasha and find links to everything we discuss in the shownotes. 

In this episode of The Vegetarian Podcast, Larissa and I talk about 3 recent news articles that caught our attention. Things are moving so fast in the plant-based space that we like to discuss topics here. You can check out the full show notes and links to the articles here. 

We're in October (already…can you believe it?!)  and smack dab in the middle of Vegetarian Awareness Month. In this episode, we discuss 8 ways you can celebrate vegetarianism this month. You can check out the show notes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share 15 vegan fall desserts. We'll also share a quick vegan baking primer to help you swap ingredients in your own favorite dessert recipes to make them vegan.  Check out the full show notes with links to all the recipes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we're revisiting the topic of high protein milk alternatives. The state of the plant-based milk industry is certainly booming so we're sharing the latest plus 5 of our own recommendations. 

In the quest to find healthy, satisfying, and delicious meals, vegetarian lunch ideas often top the list. Forget boring salads; we're talking about hearty salads, grain bowls, and so much more. This month, we've curated a list of 10 vegetarian lunch ideas we can't wait to try. These recipes are packed with simple ingredients that provide a complete meal, boasting both rich, savory flavor and vital nutrients.

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, Larissa and Vickie discuss 3 recent news articles and share their opinions and perspectives.  You can get links to the articles plus full show notes here. 

In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we're chatting with Stephanie Downs, CEO and Co-Founder of Uncaged Innovations, a company that creates material that mimics leather without sacrificing the characteristics that make it a desired material for the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries.  We chat with Stephanie about her journey to veganism and her inspiration for creating Uncaged Innovations. You can check out the full show notes here.   

Today, Larissa and I are thrilled to have Diane Rose-Solomon on the show. Diane's an animal rescue advocate, award-winning author, filmmaker, and the creator of "What's Plant-Based Cooking Good Looking?".  A certified Humane Education Specialist, Diane has transformed her life and others through her dedication to animal welfare and plant-based cooking. We'll talk to her about her journey of companion animal rescue and the power of plant-based cuisine. Check out the full show notes here.   

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we're pleased to welcome Brian Kateman. Brian is the President and co-founder of The Reducetarian Foundation. He coined the term reducetarian, which we've often used on this show.  A reducetarian is a person who is deliberately reducing their consumption of meat but not necessarily going all-in on a plant-based diet.  We recently watched a documentary he produced based on his book Meat Me Halfway which explores reducetarianism through the lens of his own personal decision to eat less meat. Meat Me Halfway (2021) is a groundbreaking investigative journey that seeks to create some common ground at the dinner table. You can check out the full show notes here.  

Over the weekend I read an article in the Vegconomist on the topic of mycoprotein. “What is mycoprotein?”, you might be asking. Mycoprotein is a plant-based protein made from a fungus, and it's something you may want to pay attention to whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or are just looking to have less meat on your plate. We're going to discuss how this meat alternative is shaking up the food industry by introducing a whole new dimension to the vegan diet. You can check out the full show notes here.   

Potluck etiquette is like the secret sauce that turns a good food fest into a great one. Picture this: your friends, family, and neighbors getting together for a massive feast, each showcasing their kitchen prowess and favorite recipes. Sounds pretty amazing, right? It's a cost-effective way to have a good time and indulge in an array of delicious home-cooked meals. But as with any successful gathering, a few unspoken guidelines help keep potluck parties running smoothly. When the guest list includes vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies, these potluck rules of thumb become all the more crucial. Whether you're playing host or bringing a dish as a guest, nailing a potluck usually boils down to common courtesy and basic manners. But let's be honest, it can get a bit tricky at times. That's why we're here to share some guidance on the right potluck etiquette. Let's dive in! You can check out the full show notes here.  And be sure to check out the 40 Vegan and Vegetarian Potluck Ideas we discuss in this episode. 

2023 marks 10 years since Larissa and I made the decision to become vegetarians and we've learned a lot along the way. One question we hear every now and then from people not familiar with plant-based diets is, “Is being vegetarian (or vegan) even healthy?” Well, we thought the 10-year anniversary of when we made the decision to go veg would be a great time to discuss this and to look back on all we've learned so far. Check out the full show notes here with links to everything we discuss. 

Discover the world of vegan charcuterie boards! Explore creative ideas to craft stunning, mouthwatering plant-based spreads for any occasion. You can check out the show notes for this episode here. 

If you've ever wondered, "Is yeast vegan?" this one's for you! We'll answer the question and provide some yeast health benefits plus recipes!  You can check out the full show notes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we're going to share 10 vegan tostada ideas for busy weeknights. Larissa and I appreciate quick easy meals as I'm sure a lot of you do as well. Tostadas are a meal we have in our rotation but they can sometimes get a little boring so we're going to share some ideas we'll be trying soon.  You can check out the show notes here. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Toni Okamoto who is the founder of Plant-Based on a Budget, the popular website and social media platform that teaches millions how to eat more plants without breaking their budget. She's also the author of the book Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy cookbook, and the co-host of The Plant-Powered People Podcast.  We talk to Toni about her own plant-based journey and she'll also share some tips for being plant-based on a budget.  Be sure to check out the full show notes here. 

It's that time of year again!  The Girl Scouts of America will be out in full force, green sashes and all, peddling their delicious boxes of cookies. But if you're vegan, are you able to partake of this yearly deliciousness? The short answer is YES. There are some delicious vegan Girl Scout Cookies to choose from!  Let's go over your vegan cookie options. You can check out our full show notes here. 

In this episode we share 7 tips to help you succeed through Veganuary and beyond! 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we celebrate 10 years of the podcast by reminiscing about some of our favorite guests. You can check out our full show notes here. 

Looking for some great gift ideas for your favorite vegetarian or vegan? Check out our 2022 vegan gift guide for some of our faves! You can find a link to all of the products we mention in the show notes. 

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we're talking about something that is relatively new — vegan Thanksgiving to go! If you're not in the mood to cook your turkey-free feast this year, don't fret! Several meal delivery services now offer holiday menus that you can have delivered to your door (or available for pick-up). You can check out links to everything we talk about here. 

Larissa and Vickie discuss some hot topics in plant-based news. Check out the articles and show notes here. 

We're keeping the spooky season theme going from our last episode and sharing 20 awesome vegan Halloween Candy treats! These are store-bought candies that are pretty easy to find.  So pop in a scary movie and get your sweet tooth ready for some of these awesome vegan Halloween candy options! You can check out the show notes here.