Becoming a vegan can seem like a daunting life change that almost seems impossible, especially at college. The temptation of ice cream and pizza around every corner can seem unavoidable. Whether you’re a strict vegan or just looking to try some new healthy meals these recipes are for you!
- Vegan Smoothie Bowl: Smoothie bowls are super easy and delicious, and did we mention they also make great Instagrams? This is one of the easiest recipes all you need is a blender or a Nutribullet and the fruit of your choice.
- Most recipes recommend using one cup of the frozen fruit of your choice and blending them on low until they are small chunks.
- Next add 2-3 tbs of your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or coconut.
- After adding your non-dairy blend until it becomes a thick puree
- The last and most exciting is decorating your smoothie bowl with fresh cut up fruit. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with things like chia seeds and coconut flakes! The more toppings the better!
2. Black Bean and Brown Rice Bowl: If you want something a little more substantial, a rice bowl is the perfect thing for you! What you will need is an avocado, bell peppers, microwavable brown rice, and a can of black beans. This is one of the easiest recipes and is one that can be made at Barone’s stir-fry station! All you’re going to want to do is heat up your ingredients whether it’s at the stir-fry station or in your microwave. After heating up the beans and peppers you’re going to want to place all the ingredients in your bowl of rice and enjoy! Super easy and the black beans are a great source of protein!
3. Avocado Toast: Okay so this may be an obvious one but who isn’t obsessed with avocados?! They’re a great source of energy and healthy fats! All you need is an avocado and vegan bread (don’t worry, it’s much more common than you would expect). What you’re going to want to do is toast your slice of bread and mash the avocado in a separate bowl adding a little salt and pepper. After that, all you have to do is add the avocado to the toast and enjoy!
4. Vegan Energy Balls: Don’t worry vegans and healthy eaters, you do not have to give up your daily granola bar! Instead try to make these three ingredient energy balls that will not only brighten your day but they might just help those healthy eaters with the undeniable sweet tooth! Here is what you will need: 1/4 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chopped into chunks, 1 cup of almonds, 1 cup of dates, pitted and chopped optional, but recommended: a pinch of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. After you add all of the ingredients into a food processor and mix well until the mixture forms a giant, evenly mixed chunks. You may have to stop mixing and scrape down the blender once or twice. After it’s blended form into about 8-10 evenly sized balls. You can also chill in the fridge for a snack later!
5. 10-Minute Avocado and Mango smoothie: Name one person who doesn’t love a great smoothie–especially one that only takes ten minutes to prepare. This is a super easy and delicious recipe that anyone can make! All you need is one mango, one avocado, one teaspoon of honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Fist cube up the avocado and cut the mango. Put the fruit in the blender, add the lemon juice and the honey and blend until smooth! Chill for a cool and refreshing treat!