Eat Veg

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Care of Andrea Howe of Glowingongreens.com Autumn is a time that brings warmth into your life through hearty meals, family gatherings, and cozy sweaters. When I think of autumn foods, butternut squash recipes are without a doubt my go-to. Butternut squash is not only good for comforting and warm recipes, but it is packed full of nutrients. Squash is a category of many vegetables, including zucchini, pumpkin, or butternut squash. Their bright orange colour comes from the same nutrient that gives carrots their colouring– carotene! In the body, carotene is converted into Vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, bone health, and immune function. Butternut squash is also packed with vitamin C which aids in immune health, as well as skin and tissue repair. Both vitamin A and C are important to have in the colder months to help keep your immunity strong. Butternut squash contains many antioxidants, which help fight free radicals that can lead to cancer and disease development, one reason consuming at least one green and orange vegetable every day is recommended. Eating a diet rich in orange vegetables, including butternut squash can lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic… Read More

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Discount Profile: Valiant’s Modern Plant-Based Eatery

If you are ever in the Barrie area, or even relatively close by, a great place to stop by for a wonderful meal and some special treats is Valiant’s Modern Plant-Based Eatery. My partner and I were on our way back to Toronto from Muskoka one afternoon and had been looking forward to this stopover for quite some time. Valiant’s certainly did not disappoint! Being in the downtown area, near the waterfront and Heritage Park, makes it the perfect location for an after-meal stroll. The interior space is relaxing, casual, and inviting. They had some great music playing in the background which really created a genuine ambience of friendliness and community. The menu itself was very large and in fact a bit overwhelming! Of course, this is a good thing, since there are so many awesome options to choose from. It all sounded and looked so good, gluten-free and non-gluten free alike! Although the pizza was tempting, we decided to go for the burgers including the bacun cheeze burger…. doubled! This, as it sounds, included 2 patties, 2 bacun strips and 2 cheeze slices. As you can imagine it was extremely filling and tasted… Read More

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Food and Recipe of the Month: Basil Pesto

Basil – the famous herb which is likely in everyone’s vegetable garden in the summertime. Basil is known for its fresh and flavourful taste, and is popular in many recipes in Italian and Thai cuisine. The two most common variaties of basil are Genovese basil and Thai basil, however there are well over 15 types. Basil is rich in many vitamins and minerals that can greatly benefit our health. It contains antioxidants, including chlorophyll, giving it that bright green colour. Antioxidants are able to fight free-radical damage, and reduce the risk of cancer cells and diseases from forming. Basil also contains essential oils, which are anti-inflammatory, so it may be beneficial for those with arthritis, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also be helpful for those who experience headaches, poor digestion, or acid reflux. Not only does it contain these powerful nutrients, but it can also be used as a flavour enhancer in cooking, replacing added sugar or salt. Therefore, using basil in your cooking can reduce the amount of unnecessary additional seasoning. Basil can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, sauces, and tea. It’s most popular use is in pesto,… Read More

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August Veg Guide Updates!

Happy August everybody! A short but very sweet update this month, featuring lots of Mexican food, ice cream and savoury pies! How amazing is it that we continue to have great vegan restaurants open, even during a pandemic? Give these places a try, they all sound amazing!    La Bartola Taco Shop 588 College St If you were lucky enough to try La Bartola’s awesome Mexican food at the World Cafe during last year’s Veg Food Fest, you know this new spot in Little Italy is not to be missed! Check out their awesome brunch, or go for dinner and cocktails, there’s an outdoor patio, and indoor seating available!    M1lk Gelato 536 Queen St. W. Operating out of the front of Pizzeria Du, Queen West’s newest vegan pizza joint, M1lk Gelato offers 100% vegan gelato in scoops and cones. Flavours like black & white sesame, hazelnut, coffee, pistachio, and even stout beer are all creamy and delicious!    Mexhico Restaurant 37 Dunlop Street West, Barrie Opening August 28th, this Mexican restaurant in Barrie… Read More

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Food and Recipe of the Month: Black Beans

Care of Andrea Howe of glowingongreens.com Beans are certainly a magical fruit due to their nutritional content, but especially the black bean, being a popular legume used all around the world. It can be found in Mexican cuisine, veggie burgers, chilies, and more. Its significance may be deceiving, because even though it’s small, it is packed full of important nutrients. Black beans are famous for their fibre content. Fibre can help regulate stools, lower blood sugars and weight, as well as decrease the risk of heart disease and various cancers including bowel, colon, breast, and prostate. Just one cup of black beans contains 15g of fibre, which is half of your recommended daily intake. Black beans are also full of vitamins, specifically B vitamins. These vitamins, including thiamin and niacin are important for growth and development in children, as well as for our brain health. Finally, black beans are a great source of plant-based protein, as well as rich in iron, with about 4 grams of iron in every cup. This makes them an important ingredient for vegetarians/vegans, women, and infants. The soft texture makes them a great snack for infants, but make sure to add a little lemon juice… Read More

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Food and Recipe of the Month: Spinach

Care of Andrea Howe, of glowingongreens.com  Spinach, a favourable leafy green, is famous for being packed full of non-heme iron, as well as shrinking down into almost nothing when cooked. This vegetable is unique as its mild flavour can be incorporated into almost every type of dish, from smoothies and green pancakes, to pasta and salads. Not only is it impressively versatile, but it comes with an abundance of nutrients. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, which is especially important for infants, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers, and those not eating meat. Iron travels in the blood attached to hemoglobin to help deliver oxygen around the body. It is best absorbed with vitamin C, so add a little lemon or lime juice over your spinach salad for maximum nutrient benefits. Spinach is also packed with potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and calcium, which are all important nutrients for strong bone health. These nutrients can strengthen bone density and reduce fractures, especially in older adults and women over the age of 50. Spinach loses volume when wilted and condenses, which is the best way to maximize the benefits of these nutrients. Spinach can be found in various forms, such as… Read More

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Food and Recipe of the Month: Cilantro Lime Taco Sauce

Care of Andrea Howe, of glowingongreens.com Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb many people love or hate due to its particular flavour. Cilantro are the leaves and stem of the plant, and are commonly found in Mexican dishes, while the seed, commonly found in Indian dishes, is named coriander. However, all parts of it can be incorporated into a variety of dishes including soups, salads, and sauces. Cilantro, along with many herbs, are packed full of antioxidants. These immune-boosting components are known to fight damage and inflammation in the body, from viruses, pollution, smoke, and other free-radicals. Antioxidants neutralize and repair the damage, helping reduce risks of cancer formation, as well as slow the growth of existing cancer cells. Along with their free-radical fighting abilities, coriander contains antimicrobial compounds which have been seen in studies to fight certain infections such as salmonella, and urinary tract infections. Additionally, coriander appears to act as diuretic, helping the body flush excess sodium and water which can lower blood pressure and levels of LDL cholesterol. In populations that consume large amounts of coriander, heart disease rates tend to be lower. So, next time your cilantro-hating friends and family members doubt… Read More

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Food and Recipe of the Month: Kale Caesar

Care of Andrea Howe, of glowingongreens.com  Kale is the king of salad greens. It is among the most nutrient-dense foods out there, with one cup containing around 200% of your daily Vitamin A levels, and about 700% of your daily vitamin K levels. This cruciferous vegetable belongs to the same family as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, all which are known to have powerful health benefits. Kale is packed full of antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamin C. These antioxidants bind to free radicals to reduce oxidative damage. Essentially, they can prevent cancer cells from forming, reduce the risk of many diseases, and reduce the signs of aging. Additionally, the abundance of fibre in kale has many benefits to our health. The fibre in kale can help reduce cholesterol and blood sugars, thus reducing the risk of many chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. That pungent, sulphuric taste and smell that cruciferous vegetables are known for come from a compound called sulforaphane, which in many studies has been seen to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. So, if you or anyone you know is fighting cancer, increasing their kale intake may not be a bad idea. Read More

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Food and Recipe of the Month: Grilled Lemon and Garlic Asparagus

Care of Andrea Howe, of glowingongreens.com  With Spring on the horizon and buds beginning to grow, local asparagus is the perfect April vegetable to have in your fridge. Grilling, steaming, or roasting, this vegetable is so versatile and can be prepared with a variety of meals. Asparagus is known for its bright green colour and crunchy texture. This green colour is from a pigment called chlorophyll, which is a phytonutrient with abilities to reduce inflammation and stop free-radical damage. This means it can reduce cancer cell formation, heal wounds and tissue damage, as well as increase energy levels. Additionally, that crunch from asparagus is from their high fibre and water content. Studies show that a diet rich in fibre can help with a variety of comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It makes us feel full longer, reduces blood sugar and blood pressure, and improves overall well-being. Although blanching asparagus is the healthiest way to cook it, they can be prepared in just about any way. Try this Grilled Lemon and Garlic Asparagus recipe to serve at your next dinner party. Grilled Lemon and Garlic Asparagus – 1 bunch asparagus – 1 lemon, juice and zest… Read More

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Vegan Meal Ideas for People Who Can’t (or just don’t want to) Cook

A lot of people have been talking about how the extra time at home in social isolation due to the Coronavirus has given them an opportunity to cook and bake. There has been no shortage of exchanges of recipes or online cooking classes going on. But what if you truly don’t know how to cook, or you just plain hate it, and suddenly you are cut off from the world of vegan restaurants and coffee shops you usually frequent? We’re here to help with some ideas for meals you can throw together right now without having to learn any new skills. Breakfast cereal with soy, almond, or oat milk toast with peanut butter (or your favourite other nut or seed butter), topped with some sliced bananas and hemp seeds for extra nutrition giant fruit salad: slice up oranges and apples and sprinkle with some nuts and/or seeds, and cinnamon already flavoured instant oats can be bought so that all you need to do is add boiling water or, if you don’t even know how to use your kettle, there are usually instructions for microwaving too! Thaw some frozen berries and mix those in for added nutrition, and/or add in some peanut or… Read More

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