Beyoncé’s name is in the spotlight yet again: but, this time, it’s not for her music, style, or marriage. Instead, it’s her new vegan program – 22 Days Nutrition – that’s hitting the headlines.
In the winter of 2013, Bey and hubby Jay Z took the 22 Days Nutrition Challenge. The Challenge was started by vegan and exercise physiologist Marco Borges (also Beyoncé’s trainer). The philosophy states that it takes 21 days to break a habit, and by eating vegan and gluten-free for 22 days it’ll change one’s health and habits. The power couple completed the challenge, and has since incorporated healthier, plant-based meals into their diets.
After taking the challenge and changing her eating habits, Beyoncé felt inspired to ‘lead by example’ and share the importance of eating healthy by starting her own vegan home-delivery food program. On the 22 Days Nutrition website, you can check out some of the positive benefits a plant-based diet has on your body and the environment, look at some sample meals, and order the program.
If the fact that Beyoncé is encouraging a plant-based diet isn’t a good enough reason for you to try one yourself, maybe the vegan recipes below will be!! They’re all super easy and cheap (sorry, we love you Beyoncé, but just can’t afford home delivery on a college budget).
For On-the-Go
A salad is the perfect meal to throw together in the morning, put in a container, and put in your bag for a healthy and filling lunch. Pick out a leafy base, add some protein like beans or nuts (I love chickpeas, edamame, and kidney beans!), and then fill it with some other veggies like corn, avocado, peppers, carrots, and onion. When going meat-free, be sure to look at the dressing ingredients. Ranch, Caesar, and plenty others have milk in them! Your best bet is a balsamic or other kind of vinaigrette. Salads don’t have to be boring! Check out Pinterest (because I know you’ll want to make a new board for these meat-free ideas) for some fun new ideas.
For Eating Out
Don’t worry, you can still be meat-free and love Chipotle. Whether you’re in the mood for a bowl or standard burrito, be sure to fill it with rice, beans, veggies, salsa, corn, and of course, guac. Check out Chipotle’s website for more info on their plenty of accommodations for dietary needs.
For the Italian Food Lover
Eliminating eggs, milk and cheese from your diet definitely doesn’t mean Italian food has to go, too! There are plenty of just as (if not more) yummy Italian pasta and sauce recipes for vegans. Check out this one – Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo with peas and kale (the one pictures above). Mmmmmm.
For the College Student
Trust me, I’ve dealt with the veggie-unfriendly Miller and 150 café’s. But it is possible to eat meat free, and well. Try out a hummus sandwich – quick, easy, and you can get it at the café! Head to the sandwich counter and get some bread (I like toasted wheat), with hummus, lettuce, tomato, and whatever other vegetables you want. You can even take it back up to your room and add some of your own – like peppers and avocado! The one above has hummus, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and pepperoncini.
Good luck and enjoy! xoxo