Vegan Holiday Baking

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It's the holidays, and we all know what that means! Baking, baking, and more holiday baking!! The worst part about holiday baking? The clean up, and... the calories, the fat, the really bad ingredients that make so many treats taste so good. You can fix that though, by swapping out butter, milk and eggs for healthy dairy-free and soy-free replacements, that still taste so, REALLY, good. (Remember, soy and even dairy can be detrimental to our health, and it is in everything we eat!)  

1. Vegan LEMON (Gluten-Free) COOKIES! 

I used Bob's Red Mill Organic High-Fiber Coconut Four, Flax-Seed in place of the egg, Organic Coconut Oil instead of butter, Vanilla/Salt/Sugar and Fresh Lemon Zest! Crunchy, airy, and light!

2. Allergy-Free DELISH Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I used Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip Mini and Mega Morsel's (top 8 allergen free), Brown Sugar, Flour, Organic Refined Coconut Oil (so it does not taste like coconut), Cashew Milk, Flax or Chia Seed (Egg Whites are great too- just not vegan!), Salt and Baking Soda. I served these to friends and fam, and no one even knew they were allergy-free...

3. Peanut Butter Banana and Raw-Cacao Pie (with Dates and Almond Crust)

Top with Homemade Vegan PB Cups and Drizzle Warm PB on top

4. Healthy, Nutty, Delicious Peanut Butter Cookie-Cups 

I used Earth Balance Crunchy PB (Nino's brand of freshly ground PB would be great too) , Theo Chocolate PB Cups, Coconut Oil, Cashew Milk, Fresh Flour, Brown Sugar,  Fresh Baking Soda, Tahitian Madagascar Vanilla.



5. A 'Minimalist' Pumpkin Pie!

I used almost a whole 30 oz. can of Pumpkin Puree, Brown Sugar, Cashew Milk, Melted Organic Coconut Oil, Arrowroot/Cornstarch Powder, a Dash of Cinnamon and Salt. Topped with my most favorite "So Delicious" COCO-WHIP! (Allergy-Free Cool-Whip-Alike!)

6. Vanilla-Bean Cupcakes! 

I used Namaste baking mix which is top 8 free (Enjoy Life has mixes too!) and a top 8 free vegan icing. I recommend Miss Jone's, or creating your own with sugar, vanilla and a mixer. 

7. Banana-Bread...yummm!

I used smashed ripened banana's, butter and egg replacements, clove, cinnamon, brown sugar and baking soda! 


8. Cinnamon Rolls 

Alright these ones are not homemade, but they are allergy-free and so tasty! The only allergen in here is wheat, which may be indigestible for some. They are by "Annie's", found at Trader Joe's! 



9. Pancakes for Dinner!

I used NadaMoo Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream and Namaste's Pancake/Waffle Mix, Almond/Cashew Milk, Strawberry Drizzle (Strawberries sit in Sugar) and Slivered Almonds!


10. Super Simple, Easy and Quick "No Bake's" 

These contain only 2 ingredients: Oats & Banana's.


11. Berry Angel-Food Cake!

Angel Food Cake can be made vegan by swapping the eggs out for flax-seed or chia-seed replacement, or even the "Vegan Egg" by "Follow Your Heart". 


12. Box-Mix Ginger Bread Cookies! Choose your own substitutes with Nut-Based Milk, Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter by Earth Balance.

Thanks so much for reading... I hope you find your holidays to be a little more bright, knowing you will be doing good for your body, the environment, and those you love that surround you this season! 

~ Julia 

JoggingwithJewelz.blogspot.com 
JoggingwithJewelz@gmail.com
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Teaming Up with Williams-Sonoma

The original creator of Williams-Sonoma first took a trip to France in 1947, and immediately fell in love with French Kitchenware, cookware that was made out of copper! If you have ever set foot in a WS, you certainly notice the delicacy and originality of their cookware and homeware.

Besides "Grande Cuisine", WS is also known for hosting weekly culinary demonstrations! These are some of the creations made at WS of Rochester Hills. First as a hobby, and then recruited for retail in media marketing, I personally crafted these photo collages to help market and expose the Williams-Sonoma brand and culinary service.

 So, if you haven't before, stop into your local Williams-Sonoma on either Sunday mornings or Monday evenings. Gladly, WS will welcome you into their technique demo's (at no cost!) and enlighten you with great recipe inspiration and at-home cooking ideas. 

Thank you Williams-Sonoma. 

Locations in MI:

The Village of Rochester Hills

The Somerset Collection in Troy

12 Oaks in Novi 

Birch Run 

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Lincoln Park, Chicago 

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Check www.WilliamsSonoma.com for locations around the 50 United States.

WS also ships to over 90 countries, including the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific region.

All Things Dr. Oz - Mediterranean Diet

I don't know about you, but I really like listening to and learning from Dr. Oz!

Today, he discussed the healthful and holistic benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. (I couldn't agree with him more!)

To sum it up:

* Countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea are amongst some of the healthiest in the world! *

* They have a holistic approach to wellness, by eating 1) Wholesome Foods, partaking in 2) Physical Activity and have 3) Stress Management Skills *

* This lifestyle helps to reduce the prevalence of developing heart disease and diabetes. * 

Here's what to eat:

* Omega-3's are found in Olive Oil and Seafood, and are very heart healthy!

* Fiber, Vegetables, Fruit and Legumes (Seeds) should be the centerpiece of your diet

* Limit consumption of Red Meat and Dairy

* Flavor your food with Herbs and Spices instead of Salt

Your meals should be leisurely, and you should get plenty of physical activity in throughout your day.

After all, the Mediterranean Diet is about eating well and enjoying life! 

Who else loves the Mediterranean Diet? Something you can feel good about eating, and feel good after eating it, too!

Stay tuned for more "All Things Dr. Oz" segments.

Citation: http://www.doctoroz.com/article/mediterranean-diet-formula

The Student Biodome / Greenhouse Project MSU

Michigan State University 

MSU is working to build a future greenhouse right here on MSU's campus! I had the wonderful opportunity to be introduced to this one-of-a-kind project.

This amazing student and community-lead project will provide a beautiful and holistic green space that students, faculty, staff, as well as people from the surrounding Lansing area, will be able to enjoy to the fullest. 

The project includes incorporating wildlife, fishery and many exotic tropical plants! Waterfalls, winding paths, lush tropical vegetation, a pond with a variety of fish and frogs, and even a study lounge (with wifi!) will be included within this 17,000 sq. foot structure. 

Did you know that Michigan State used to have 5 greenhouses spread throughout the historic campus? 

Each greenhouse spoke a different theme. There was a botany house and even a butterfly house that could be used for educational, recreational or even healing purposes.

Now, The Student Biodome Project is trying to bring this back to the surrounding community.  

Multiple uses for the future biodome will include hosting concerts, facilitating student events and evening catering to weddings. 

Can you imagine a vibrant and wholesome space to escape to in the winter, that is right down the street from your dorm, house or apartment? Well, imagine it because it is happening!

As a reminder... 

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Ghandi 

All the Student Biodome and Greenhouse Project needs is your help! Visit the website following this link and learn even more about this luscious space you can help facilitate. Or, participate by running in the annual Fall Semester 5K with Sparty!  

http://sgp.msu.edu/home/index.php

If you have a passion for living a healthy, happy, sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle, spread the word about building the future biodome or be a part of the weekly group meetings held in Berkey Hall on MSU's North campus.

If you are associated with any other clubs or groups around Michigan State University, you can help out too!  The Student Biodome / Greenhouse Project team will come and present their knowledge to your club or group, then take a group photo thereafter pledging your support for the Biodome Project.

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The Student Biodome / Greenhouse Project is officially supported by ASMSU, the Associated Students of Michigan State University. The plan is set for the project to be built by the year 2020, the newest incoming freshman graduating class at MSU.

As The Student Biodome leaders like to say, "Peace. Have a great day everybody!"

College Foodie Post

...The life of a college foodie. It's interesting. From ordering bread-sticks with marinara from the Pizza House at 3 AM,  zipping down the street to Fresh Thyme/Whole Foods, grabbing the MSU Food-Truck, heading down Trowbridge to Iorio's for a fresh fruit sorbet, or even going to the newly revamped Akers dining caf and coming up with your own mix and variety of cereal and pickles (lol).... the life of a college foodie is unlike any other. 

I am a believer of having everything in moderation, yet it's best to make a choice to live a lifestyle of healthy eating and living. [Eat less, eat better, move more.]

Itinerary:

-Fresh College Foodie Freezer Food

-For the ON-the-GO College Foodie

-Quick and Easy College Foodie Dinners

Background: For me, I loved checking out all MSU's main hubs my first two years up here. The Pizza House Chicago Deep Dish, Conrad's amazing spicy, tator-tot filled wraps, Menna's crazy-good potato dubs and even swiss-burgers from the Peanut Barrel. I also won free Noodles & Co. for a whole entire year once! Then, much like many other people of my generation, I developed some food allergies... (ultimately for the best) and totally had to switch it all around!


I still eat pretty much the same now as I did before having to stay away from two of the top allergens. Check out my "Eat Like a Flexitarian" page and you can do the same!

If you haven't already heard this, modified and hydrogenated soy is really bad for everyone, it's genetically modified, and it's in EVERYTHING. Seriously, just start reading labels. If you can, avoid it!

---> My College-Foodie FREEZER Go To's: Thanks to Whole Foods (and the EL one finally opened!) for not adding milk and soy as ridiculous additives like many main stream products...

(The most amazing little bites of veggies I ever had. Kind of reminds me of fried pickles...but better).

 Fish without harsh chemicals, preservatives or bad oils.

(Tomato Sauce, Veggies, Wheat pasta. Nothing else. That simple. That good.)

 (Soy-Free, Vegan. Tastes Bomb.)

Other College-Foodie GO-TO's!: 

(Soy-Free, Vegan. Kite Hill Ravioli from the refrigerated section of WF. Almond milk 'cheese' and spinach! Added Prego brand tomato sauce!]

(Veggie Wraps!! Fermented veggies on spinach, no dressing needed. Use the extra pickle and banana pepper juice to drizzle over the other vegetables: carrots, cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, mushrooms)

When I'm out...College-Foodie On-The-Go's:

I also like to grab fresh and already prepared food from WF.  They list all of their ingredients on the tab above on the glass.

(Simple Brown Rice and Red-Skin Herbed Potatoes)

(Egg-Free Mayo with Canola Oil, No Dairy/Soy. Cranberry Tuna Wrap with dark Romaine)

(Salad Bar! Tip: Instead of dressing, ask for a lemon or lime wedge to drizzle across the top.)

(Pick up some freshly-ground peanut butter (or almond) and spread on Honey Crisp/Pink Lady apples! The combination is just bomb. My favorite homemade PB is from Nino Salvaggio's Marketplace, but Papa Joe's, Trader Joe's, Fresh Thyme and Whole Foods make their own too. No added oils or emulsifiers.)

For the College-Foodie who cooks: 

Being in college, there really is no time to cook...but if you can...

(Avo is so good, with almost anything! In Brazil, many people just sprinkle sugar (not even salt!) and eat them straight.

My apartment has outdoor grills. It's easy to zip down and use them!)

(Most bomb Cashew-No-Fredo!!! Like an alfredo, but not. Cashew milk, herbs, cashews...)

Spicy mix of brown rice, chick-pea, black bean, firey tomato, onion and bell peppers! And, of course, very spicy chilli sauce! Fun Fact: Spice is not a taste...it is a physiological pain. Though, it has been proven to be good for oneself, clearing the sinuses and speeding metabolism.

When it comes to desserts....

Allergen Free (really good) Treats:
1. Reece Cup... But BETTER. Theo PB Cup.
2. Tastes like a Crunch Bar... but WAY BETTER and SWEETER! Theo Quinoa-Brown Rice Banana Crunch.
3. Avocado-Cacao Pudding...umm, YES!
4. Angel Food Cake with Strawberries!
5. Enjoy Life Products...all so bomb.
6. So Delicious/Coconut Bliss/Nana Creme/Nadamoo 'Ice Cream'. Holy (no) cow!

Theo makes their chocolate using the original source, cacao. 

"Nice Cream" Sundae...! Vegan, soy-free. 

Zevia- clear and non-gmo ginger root beer, with Nadamoo vegan vanilla. Yum!

2-ingredient rolled oat cookies! Just oats, and banana!

Mindo Chocolate Bars are all vegan and allergy-free! They are made in Dexter, MI. This one is Orange Peel! Pick one up at Fresh Thyme on Trowbridge! (EL.)



So, how do you eat as a college foodie?

Contact: spitakularjulia@gmail.com
Insta: joggingwithjewelz

Water Sports and Fitness

If you live in Michigan, you probably know a lot of what we have to offer.  From gorgeous beaches on the Great Lakes, to mile-high sand-dunes, to state parks, waterparks and water sports, we've got it all.  

Especially in the summer months, whose to say we can't make fitness fun while enjoying various aspects of this great state?! 

1. Paddle Boarding/Kayaking

[Sail through the waters while activating the core! Lessons and rentals are available at almost any up-north city, like Grand Haven or Saugatuck. Or, do it locally at surrounding lakes in the Metro Detroit area! Bonus: MSU, Michigan State University, even offers sailing classes and a water sport course on Lake Lansing, for 1 credit!]

Julia S

Kayaking in WB

2. Airtime 

[Can't get outdoors? Rainy day? Fly high to the sky while jumping on trampoline after trampoline, shooting hoops, and diving into a mosh-pit. There are various locations around MI.] Watch the full mash-up video from this summer, 2016, @JoggingwithJewelz

patch.com

3. Football-Bowling (to open soon)

[If you're from the Metro Detroit area, brace yourself! Football-Bowling is just how it sounds. It will soon be coming where "Big Buck", a restaurant off I-75, once was... 10 years ago. There is also another MI location in Hamtramck.] 

fowlingwarehouse.com

4. Michigan Adventure "WildWater" Waterpark! 

[Get in your cardio by running around all day from slide to slide and swimming in the wave pool. Located in Muskegon, MI.]

mayjamesnewmediadl.com

5.  The Adventure Park

[You may have read about this in my Cardio/Climbing/Yoga/Barre article from last summer, 2015, but here it is again! Located in the city of West Bloomfield, complete many of the challenging courses and it will make for a fantastic work-out!] Watch the full video from last summer, @Julzizkoolz

Julia S

6. Ok, this last one isn't fitness related, but it is new to our state! 'Sea-Life' in a whole new way! Sea creatures do live in MI! 
[Aquarium located in Auburn Hills, MI.]

Julia S

Thanks for Jogging with Me! What do you love to do in Michigan?  Drop a note! 



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In need of an uplift? While we are on the fitness track, go check out my friend Anthony Vogel's blog! As a passionate Yogi, he is determined to help others.

starttheweekstrong.blogspot.com