Plant Based NYC Eats

Although I no longer like to label myself as a “vegan” or “vegetarian”, I do consider my diet to be plant based and free of animal products. New York City is a mecca for plant based living; restaurants commonly offer and label their vegan or vegetarian options, there are many vegan and plant based restaurants, and grocery stores even offer more options for veggies! I used to trek far and wide for my favorite dairy free milks, ice creams, cheeses, etc. and was extremely pleased to find that my local store has even more options than before! The nut cheeses I find are mind blowing, and every flavor of cashew milk ice cream! My cow loving heart is very pleased with the assortment of options.

Eating out is easier than ever before and more tantalizing for non-vegans to try! Here is a short list of some of my favorite places so far. Of course, I will continue to update this list in further posts.

Blossom

I had been previously with a meat eater, who was pleasantly surprised and loved it himself! I can’t remember what I had, but the food and experience was amazing.

My vegan mother came and I had to take her; we hit up Blossom on Carmine and enjoyed the Steak and Salmon (all meat free of course!) We still talk about how great it was and how often we crave it.

Seitan cutlet & gravy

Salmon dinner

Blossom Du Jour
Sister to Blossom, this "fast food vegan" offers your favorite comforts in a healthier and kinder manner! I had the BLT wrap.... fantastic. They even offer things like chicken tenders and Bacon Egg & Cheese sandwiches! A new favorite in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan. Perfect lunch spot on the go or before a Broadway show!

V Spot

Another of my favorites! I enjoy Latin inspired quinine which is sometimes difficult to find dairy and meat free. This place is off the charts, I’ve had the spinach burrito twice and I recommend upgrading your side salad to a Caesar. The bacon will make your day.

My sister had the Supreme Quesadilla which featured a spicy dip and plantains inside… incredible.

By Chloe

This uber trendy spot is popular among vegans and non-vegans alike. Their menu is all-American featuring sandwiches, burgers, salads, and incredible desserts. I have had the Guac Burger with Sweet Potato fries, and their tofu scramble breakfast platter. I would also recommend picking up a cup of their ice cream for your sweet tooth.

Bareburger

Veggie burgers are my ultimate weakness. I think I could actually eat one every single day. Bareburger has many locations throughout the city and the boroughs (one conveniently around the corner from me) and is my go to with friends. They offer 3 different options for veggie patties, sprouted vegan buns, vegan cheeses, and SO many veggie toppings and pickles! Meat eaters love it, veggies love it, beer drinkers love it. Seriously, something for everyone. And it is organic and cute to boot ;)

Franchia

On a rainy day in the area, I popped in with my friend Brooke to test this one out, and I have been back 4 times since. Wow. Exquisite, the décor is beautiful and well themed, the menu is extensive (all vegan) with appetizers galore, sushi, rice and noodle bowls, cocktails, and desserts! I love the Vegetarian ‘Duck’ Bibimbap (favorite), and I have also had the Javanese Noodles Goreng, and the Tofu and Vegetables Claypot in Spicy Ginger Sauce (pictured.) I could eat here everyday and never get tired of it because of their endless options! Vegs and meat eaters alike have enjoyed it, highly recommended for all!

My final eatery on this particular post:

Candle 79

Numerous times I have walked past Candle 79 and scoured their menu online, finally I had a reason to go! my best friend Allison was coming to visit for her birthday, and picked Candle 79 as her birthday dinner. After a long day of playing tourist, we were escorted through the restaurant to a cozy table upstairs. Deciding what to eat here was one of the hardest of our lives. We split the Empanadas appetizer and were immediately blown away. I can't say I've had many in my life, but these were the best by far. For my meal, I had the Mushroom Crepe with the most amazing sauce drizzled on top and a side Jalapeno salad. Allison chose the pasta special of the day and both were killer. Since it was of course her special day, she chose the Berry Crumble that came with a special candle (which I would expect from a restaurant with the name candle in it!) This was one of the best vegan experiences of my life based on the atmosphere, service, and food quality and options. I would recommend this for anyone, probably the easiest place for a non-vegan to eat because the choices were very similar to that of a standard restaurant. I will definitely be going back soon!

Thanks for reading friends, more restaurant posts to come as I explore the mecca of food here in New York City! 

Vegan at Disney

Eating well while traveling, it's hard. Being a vegan and traveling... Even harder! However, Disney accommodates all types of dietary needs and are very good for a vegan lifestyle! As a Disney Cast Member and avid park goer, I have found many nooks and crannies and tried many of the delicious vegan options, and want to share my knowledge with all those worried about being able to eat at the resort! Below are some of my favorite vegan Disney meals and some others listed I haven't tried or taken pictures of!

Sunshine Seasons (in the Land) at Epcot!

Vegan korma with Gardein Meatless Chik'n- with jasmine rice.

Highly recommend, so tasty!

Also pictured: veggie roll with avocado, cucumber and ginger!

My mom and I enjoying the 2015 International Food and Wine Festival! They only had two vegan options however, a vegan Korean BBQ in South Korea (using Gardein beefless tips, very good), and Vegan Moussaka in Greece.

My go to: Morocco's quick service- Vegetarian platter! Hummus, olives, salad, falafel, couscous, and lentils! Very filling, healthy, and delicious. 10/10

Craving ice cream on a hot day? The ice cream shop on Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom serves Tofutti and Rice Dream! Ask for flavors, they sometimes change. I believe the Electric Umbrella at Epcot sells as well.

Vegan Brownie Sunday at 50s Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios, chef made for us on my 23rd birthday! Fantastic. They have recently changed their meat balls from vegan to vegetarian, containing egg now. Big disappointment their spaghetti and meatballs was a favorite in the fun environment.

Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC (formerly BabyCakes) is a vegan and gluten free bakery with all sorts of delicious treats at Disney Springs!

Also at Hollywood Studios, at Pizza Planet you can request dairy free Daiya cheese on your pizza! Very good.

Not Pictured Vegan Spots!

-Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco at Epcot

-Veggie Burger at Sci Fi Cafe at Hollywood Studios

-Lighthouse Sandwich (without the broccoli slaw) at Magic Kingdom

-Veggie Burger at Cosmic Rays Primetime Cafe at Magic Kingdom
-Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge is known to be very vegan friendly

Also, Disney is very accommodating! If you ask ahead, the chefs are more than happy to create a delicious meal for you! Feel free to email or comment with questions :)

Health and happiness!

How to Live a More Conscientious Life

We live in a world over run with information, technology, pulling us in a million different directions of this "go go go" world. So how to make peace with it all?

I have been actively engaging in living a simpler and more conscientious life. Living more presently and being aware of my actions and how I am spending my time has brought me to feeling much happier, more complete with the things I have, and more directed with my life and my time. How does one do this?

1. Put DOWN the technology.

I cannot stress this enough. Sure, technology is great. It connects us with those we love, brings us information faster, and makes daily tasks simpler. However, it is disconnecting us from living presently and takes us out of our present minds. Social media to many portrays a "perfect" version of peoples lives. Its easy to stage a picture, pick a filter, and post it with a catchy phrase to make it seem like everything is going well. Many people feel depressed about what they have and are doing with their lives seeing these "picture perfect" things going on in each others lives and it is far too easy to compare yourselves with them and thus feel like you don't have or are not doing enough. The easy way to solve this is to be real and vulnerable about what you do post. Do not edit your life.

Also, take social media off of your phone. We waste too much time checking in on other people every chance we have. Take a short amount of your day to go on and limit yourself. Instead, you can choose to think about your own blessings and interact with others rather than stare into your phone or ipad.

2. Run with a purpose.

I like to run early in the mornings to begin my days with positive vibrations as I have said before. Dedicating your runs to thought help me to make them more than just physical activity. Running without music can help you to think inwardly rather than distract yourself with your favorite tunes. If you do enjoy listening to something as I do, I now choose to listen to meaningful podcasts. My favorite is the Rich Roll Podcast hosted by ultra-marathon legend, Rich Roll. He has overcome addiction, changed his life with exercise and plant based food, and is ultra inspiring. He interviews guests from all different backgrounds ranging from runners, yogis, nutritionists, and speaks about things that are raw and real like addiction, depression, spirituality, etc. They cause me to think very deeply and inwardly about myself and my relationships and have greatly inpacked my life. I urge everyone to give them a listen.

www.richroll.com/category/podcast/


3. Engage your brain not your eyes.

Many of us are accustomed to coming home after a long day, and binge watching our favorite shows and movies on Netflix. Instead, engage your brain. Change it up and watch a documentary or a Ted Talk, read a book, paint, do an adult coloring sheet! (Thanks mom.) All of these leave me much more relaxed and in a thoughtful state of mind. I feel better when my brain is engaged and thinking rather than turning to mush.


4. Slow down

Take time. Wake up a little earlier so you can have a relaxing morning. I spend a good 30-40 minutes for coffee and breakfast while I can catch up with my thoughts for the day ahead. Don't plan your days out, leave time for that afternoon bike ride, a coffee with a friend, life is about the little things and being peaceful beings. So slow it downnnn.

And after all, take time for that run. And run slow if ya want to!

Keep running friends :)

Some Eats & Some Feels

When life gets busy, I find it even more important to make time to run. Whether it is 30 minutes, an hour, or a cross training/yoga type workout I always feel less stressed and am more productive and level headed. Work gets stressful sometimes, however I find myself cool, calm and collected when I have already hit the pavement before I even punch the clock. Running keeps my sanity in all aspects of life. I choose better food options, make sure I sleep more, read more, and think presently. I know, I am one of those runners who wants to preach it from the rooftops and tell everyone about how much I love it, and I can't help it! 

 Preach!

Running is my favorite form of meditation, my body knows what to do, I don't have to think, and I can simply focus on the world around me and my thoughts. Lately life hasn't been the easiest, but running is always there to clear my head and help me appreciate life and solve my problems. Emotions are a big thing on my mind at the moment, and from today's run I discovered this: We have emotions, we are not our emotions. Take life one small step at a time. Don't think big picture if it scares you, think of the task ahead, not even the day ahead. Thinking presently is a great way to enjoy the here and now, and also to reduce life's ever constant stresses and anxiety. 

Just the trees themselves, always there, always tall and strong. The wind may bend and blow them but they will always stand right back up.

I also thought I would share some of my eats from the week! 

 Breakfast bowl! Banana, blueberries, granola and cashew milk aka my favorite. 

 Ezekiel toast with flax peanut butter (Trader Joe's) and fruit!

 Simple veggie/hummus wrap

Vegan pizza! Daiya cheese, broccolini, mushrooms and tofu strips :) new favorite and so easy!

Remember friends, don't sweat the small stuff. And when the going gets tough, go for a run. You WILL feel better :)

Charlie and I wish you a great weekend and week ahead! Keep running friends :)