Microwave Scrambled Eggs

Welcome Back Veggie Lovers!
Eating eggs from the dining commons is definitely not the most enjoyable experience. Also, if you even wanted to make eggs for yourself at school you can't since most dorms do not have kitchens. Thankfully, I have found a recipe for scrambled eggs in the microwave! I know this might not sound very good but I can assure you that they actually come out really good and are simple to make! I found this recipe on the blog I Heart Naptime.

Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp shredded cheese
• Salt and Pepper
• Toppings of your choice

Directions:

• Spray a microwave safe bowl with cooking spray
• Crack the egg whites and egg into the bowl
• Whisk for about a minute
• Stir in the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper
• Place bowl in the microwave on high for about 1-1 1/2 minutes 
• Carefully remove the bowl and add any toppings

Vegan vs. Vegetarian

Hello Veggie Lovers!

Throughout my journey as a vegetarian, I have seen the common mix-up between being Vegan and Vegetarian. Commonly, I have seen people just thinking that the two are just the same diet! The two lifestyle choices are very different but to an uninformed individual, the two just seem like the same thing. 

Vegan:

In this lifestyle, no animal products of any kind can be eaten. So no meat, eggs, dairy, fish, honey, gelatin, and many other foods. 

Commonly people in this lifestyle's diet consists of mostly vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and anything that animal free. This diet is very natural and simplistic. 

Vegetarian:

In this lifestyle, no meat products of any kind are to be consumed. So, eggs and dairy are okay for vegetarians to eat.
Commonly vegetarians eat similarly to vegans. So they consume vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains. However, their diet also allows for eggs, dairy, honey, gelatin, and other non-meat food items.

The Main Difference: 
So overall, Vegans do not eat any meat products or animal products. Additionally, they do not possess any household items or cosmetics that have to do with animals. Vegetarians are more about just not eating the flesh or meat of an animal whereas veganism is considered more of an overall lifestyle change. 

Delicious Chocolate Mug Cake

Hello Veggie Lovers!
If you're someone like me who loves to bake and are in college with no easy way to bake, this mug cake recipe is perfect for you! It is super simple and you can make it in the microwave 2 minutes. So basically, you can have almost instant chocolate cake. What could be better?

I got this recipe from one of my favorite bloggers, The Edgy Veg. Candice Hutchings, the face of The Edgy Veg, describes her blog as, "a delicious vegan and vegetarian movement catering to forward-thinking meal-creators of the often-boring veg community." She is a hilarious and creative food blogger who puts up videos on YouTube every Monday as well!

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cacao
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 tsp vinegar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 2-3 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined
2. Combine all wet ingredients in another bowl and whisk until smooth
3. Add dry ingredients into wet and mix until smooth and well incorporated
4. Pour batter into a ceramic mug or mason jar (any microwave safe dish)
5. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes
6. Remove from microwave and cool
7. Top with icing, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or chocolate chips if desired

Top 5 Difficulties of Being Vegetarian

Welcome Back Veggie Lovers!
Throughout my journey as a vegetarian, I have found that some things are more difficult as a vegetarian. The vegetarian lifestyle has an abundance of positives that come as a result of the diet but, there are also negatives that come with it as well. Unfortunately, some of these difficulties of this lifestyle make people not want to switch over from a meat-based diet. For me and many other vegetarians, these disadvantages and challenges are easy to overcome but can still be a annoying.

1. Going Out to Eat: For meat eaters, going out to eat is nothing to stress over since there are always countless food options for them. However, for vegetarians, it's not as easy since most restaurants do not offer many vegetarian options or just don't offer any at all.
2. Nutritional Challenges: Even though there are many ways to get enough protein on a daily basis without eating any meat, it still can be quite difficult. Protein is something that you have to think about on a daily basis and make sure each meal as a substantial amount just so at the end of the day, you eat a sufficient amount. Additionally, essential vitamins like B12, which is necessary for numerous reasons, can only be found in animal products. So, as a vegetarian, I have found taking a multivitamin or a B12 vitamin a good idea. 
3. Holiday Traditions: In my family, for Christmas we have turkey and ham, for Thanksgiving we have ham, and for Easter we also have ham so, as a vegetarian, this can obviously get a little difficult. Normally, I end up just eating all the sides which don't contain meat and it's fine! However, many of the side dishes that my family always makes for Christmas dinner contains chicken stock so I end up having to make one with chicken stock and one with vegetable stock so I am still able to eat the same side dishes at least. 
4. Reading the Labels of ALL Food: Many pre-made foods that are labeled as vegetarian or don't contain any meat actually end up having some sort of meat based product. Because of this, I always have to read the label of everything I buy to make sure it is vegetarian friendly. 
5. Friends and Family Having Different Eating Habits: Among my family and friends, I am the only one who is vegetarian. This makes going out to eat, eating at home, and grocery shopping so much more difficult. 

Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding with Avocado?

Welcome Back Veggie Lovers!
So I was looking through YouTube and found this amazing Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding made with avocado by the YouTuber, The Edgy Veg! At first I was hesitant about the avocado part but this recipe is actually amazing. I definitely recommend this for a healthy late night snack when your craving chocolate or peanut butter. Plus it only takes about 10 minutes to make so it is perfect for a quick snack as well.

Recipe by The Edgy Veg

Ingredients:

• 1 Avocado
• 1/2 banana
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/8-1/2 cup coconut milk (based on preference)
• Cacao nibs and peanut pieces for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients besides the coconut milk and topping and place in blender or food processor
2. Add the coconut milk slowly until you reach your desired constancy
3. Should end up think just like pudding!

Enjoy!

Vegetarian Restaruants

Hello Again Veggie Lovers!
Being vegetarian and finding a good restaurant that offers quality vegetarian foods can be difficult. Either there are no restaurants that even offer vegetarian options or if you're lucky to have a vegetarian restaurant, the food is not the best.  For all of you located in the Wayne area, I have found 5 quality vegetarian restaurants that are all less than 30 minutes from Eastern University and offer delicious food!

1. Raw Can Roll Cafe - This is a complete vegan restaurant that is mostly organic and offers raw and cooked options. At Raw Can Roll Cafe they believe in the phrase, "You are what you Eat" because they believe that "our bodies are made of all the food we put into it, so why not give it the best nutrition possible." They are located at 767 W Lancaster Ave in Wayne and are about 11 from campus. They carry fresh juices, homemade lemonade, smoothies, appetizers, sandwiches and wraps, salads, and raw entrees.
2. White Dog Cafe -  They are a dog themed restaurant that carries regular meat based food and vegetarian/vegan options. They are located at 200 W Lancaster Ave in Wayne and are about 4 minutes from campus. On their vegetarian menu, they carry soup, salads, appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. 
3. Vge Cafe -  "Vge cafe is a casual Pure Vegetarian restaurant option for health-conscious individuals. We are 100% Vegan and Certified Kosher." Everything that they offer is under 550 calories! They are located at 845B W Lancaster Ave in Bryn Mawr and are about 13 minutes from campus. Vge carries a variety of vegan options that range from soups and salads to vegan burgers and pizza. 
4. Gangster Vegan - Their mission is "inspiring and improving, the quality of life, one fruit and veggie at a time. Spreading the love, and knowledge, of an all plant-based diet. Opening the possibilities of a happier and healthier life experience." They are located at 2454 W Main Street in Norristown which is about 21 minutes from campus. Gangster Vegan carries a variety of foods like juices, raw foods, desserts, pie/cakes, and snacks. 
5. Fuel - "1st Cafe in the USA to offer a full menu under 500 Calories." They are located at 5 W Lancaster Ave in Ardmore which is about 19 minutes from campus. Fuel carries a variety of vegetarian foods and also offer some meat based options for meat lovers. They offer foods like starters, salads, paninis, wraps, juices and coffees, burgers, rice bowls, brunch options, and desserts.

 

8 Dorm Room Food Necessities

Hello Veggie Lovers!
Whether you're craving a midnight snack and the dining commons is closed or want a quick and easy food option for when you're in a rush, having healthy vegetarian foods stored in your dorm is a must. Here are the 8 essential foods that I have found necessary to store in your dorm!

1. Leftovers - If you go out one night and have left over food make sure to take it back to your dorm. The next day you'll be thankful you did. 
2. Ramen - Even though Ramen is not the healthiest food, it is still something I recommend to keep in especially if you need something quick. To make the Ramen a little more interesting, try using this vegetarian ramen recipe!
3. Peanut butter - Keeping peanut butter in your dorm is essential since it has a high percentage of protein and of course, since it's delicious!
4. Protein bars - These contain a high amount of protein and are also an easy breakfast if you're in a rush.
5. Fruit - I have found that if I keep fruit in, that I am more likely to snack on fruit than something unhealthy so, having fruit in is good for a healthy snack or even to put on top of oatmeal for breakfast.
6. Oats - Oatmeal is a quick and nutritious breakfast that is easy to make in a dorm. If you have a microwave, then you can have breakfast in about 2 minutes! Also, you can top with brown sugar or fruit for more flavor!
7. Veggies and Hummus - This is definitely a favorite for me since I love the taste and it is a very nutritious snack.
8. Organic Chips and Cookies - For when you have cravings for a midnight snack or just want something to snack on, having organic chips and cookies is a good option since they are at least a little healthier than the original. 

Going Out to Eat

Welcome back Veggie Lovers!

Going out to eat as a vegetarian can be quite tricky sometimes. It involves some planning, research, and calling ahead of time. Luckily, most restaurants nowadays are very accommodating and often have vegetarian or vegan options already available!  

I definitely recommend calling the restaurant ahead of time just to let them know that you are vegetarian and reviewing the menu ahead of time. I have found that reviewing the menu beforehand makes the experience must less stressful and enjoyable since you will already know what your options are before arriving. In addition, if the restaurant knows that someone in the party is vegetarian, often they can make special accommodations as well. 

Just this past Thursday, my boyfriend and I went out to a restaurant called “White Dog Café” in Wayne. We both love going there since they have both a regular menu (for him) and a vegetarian menu! 

While we were there, we were given a special tasting, ordered an appetizer, two entrees, and got a dessert to share!

Special tasting:

This contained sweet potato chips with green apple, balsamic reduction, and crumbled blue cheese underneath. Both of us thought it was good but wish it did not come with the blue cheese crumbles. 

Appetizer: 

For our appetizer, we ordered the Hummus Trio. This contains three different Hummus's (beet, garlic, and roasted red pepper), Grilled Pita, and Toasted Lavash. My personal favorite out of the three Hummus's was definitely the Beet Hummus while my boyfriend would not go near that one. He preferred the Garlic and Roasted Red Pepper better.

My Entree:

For my entree, I got the Granny Smith Apple Salad. This salad contains Brussels Sprouts, Birchrun Blue Cheese, Dried Cranberries, and Honey Mustard Vinaigrette. I personally loved this salad and the flavor combinations. I will definitely get it again!

 My Boyfriend's Entree:

Since my boyfriend is not a vegetarian, he got the Green Meadow Double Cheddar Burger. This contains a hamburger on a Brioche Bun with Grilled Red Onion, Tomato, Smoked Bacon Mayo, and comes with Truffle Parmesan Fries. His opinion on his entree was, "It was very cheesy and the flavor was really good, the meat was cooked very well and had a really nice smokey flavor and the smoked bacon mayo complimented it will with the roasted onions!"

For Dessert:

For dessert, we ordered the Chocolate tasting. This came with Chocolate Espresso Layer Cake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and a Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich. Both my boyfriend and I love chocolate so we had to order this and we were not disappointed at all! This dessert is a must have and we will definitely be getting this again. 

Ramen? Yes Please!

Hello Veggie Lovers!

Ramen definitely a favorite among all college students since it is cheap and generally tastes good. However, trying to find ramen that is vegetarian and still is delicious can be difficult at times because of the amount of meat based ramen flavors on the market!

The YouTuber, “The Edgy Veg,” created a delicious ramen recipe that is Vegan and Vegetarian friendly and can also be easily made in a dorm room! To create this easy vegan dorm ramen, you only need a hot water boiler and a blender for the sauce.

The Recipe:

Vegan Dorm Room Ramen Hack

by The Edgy Veg

Ingredients:

• 3-4 Tbsp almond butter
• 2-4 Tbsp sriracha sauce
• 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce (optional)
• 2-4 Tbsp water, as needed
• 1 package instant ramen noodles
• Handful of shredded cabbage (optional)
• 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into sticks (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the almond butter, sriracha, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, and water 2 Tbsp at a time, in blender and mix until combined.
2. Add more water and blend until your desired consistency 
3. Add salt if you omitted tamari or soy sauce
4. Prepare ramen noodles with hot water as directed on the package. 
5. Drain noodles and toss with sauce
6. Top with veggies and sesame seeds and enjoy immediately!

Commonly Asked Questions

“What about bacon?”

This is always my favorite question to be asked since my answer is always so shocking to people. Personally, I have never been that fond of bacon since it is has such a weird texture to me no matter how it is cooked. For me at least, after switching over to a plant based diet, all the meat based foods that I used to love become almost nauseating just thinking about them.
So eliminating bacon out of my diet was never a huge deal.

“How do you get protein?”

Incorporating protein into my diet can get a little tricky from time to time especially while having to eat Sodexo but there is always a way. Peanut butter has become a huge part of my diet just because of the high protein content (not complaining since it is so delicious). For me, it is one of the easiest ways to increase my protein intake since you can eat it with almost anything or just right out the jar.

Most foods that people eat on an everyday basis actually contain more protein then people think too. So even if I did not eat peanut butter, I could still get enough protein on a day to day basis with minor modifications to my diet.

“What can you eat?”

I never understood why people always asked this question since there is so many different foods that do not contain meat. Honestly, being vegetarian taught me about the extensive amount of foods out there that do not contain any meat products.

So anything you can think of that does not contain meat, I can eat.

Other questions that I also get asked include: "You're a vegetarian?", "What food do you miss most?", and my all time favorite "Why would you do that to yourself?!"

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Hello fellow veggie lovers!

My name is Rebekah, and welcome to my blog! In the future throughout my posts, I hope to share a bit about my vegetarian journey, how to manage being vegetarian in college, recipes that can be made in a dorm, and much more.