September Plant-Based Recipes and Updates from Melissa
Back to School Ideas, Eggplant Recipes, Homemade Applesauce, and More!
We have just gone back to school here in Pennsylvania, which is a bit of a shock to the system after a nice summer of relaxing! It always helps to get organized for quicker meals, planned leftovers, etc. for those longer days with lots of meetings, after-school activities, back-to-school nights, and more. I have been experimenting with more sheet pan meals and love those little steamer potatoes! What is working for all of you?
Here are some ideas for breakfasts:
21 Terrific Vegan and Vegetarian Breakfast Ideas for Teens
9 Simple Lunch Meal Prep Ideas
I don’t know about you, but I like to pack my lunch for work. Then I don’t need to worry about finding healthy plant-based options there, plus it can save time during my day and money. Here are some recipes I have put together (aimed toward adults but you may find ideas for kids too).
32 Vegan Eggplant Recipes
This is the season for eggplant. I have put together 32 vegan eggplant recipes for you to enjoy (I read and check each recipe first to find ones that are relatively low in saturated fat and sodium). What is your favorite way to have eggplant?
Honeycrisp Homemade Applesauce
Have you tried making your own applesauce? I enjoy tossing peeled apples in the slow cooker with a little water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. It is super simple and just reminds me of autumn. Then that applesauce can be used to help you make healthier baked goods too! Here is my recipe for homemade applesauce with Honeycrisp apples.
Plant-Based Diet Update
There has been a lot of research into the effects of ultraprocessed foods in the past few years. This article discusses two new studies about dietary patterns high in foods like processed meats, and low in nutrients but high in added sugar and saturated fat (and yes, the two do overlap often). They found a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, even leading to an earlier death. It further confirms the importance of having more fresh foods and less packaged, pre-made, and ultraprocessed foods.
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