My Favorite Dairy-Free's (that really taste like dairy)

Hey everyone! As we are headed into the weekend, I want to share some of my favorite products with you if do not eat dairy, or don't want to any longer. And trust me, I've tried just about EVERYTHING.

I remember years ago first trying Daiya products, and I really wasn't a fan. I know my taste buds have changed since then, to the point that fruit tastes like a decadent dessert and the smell of actual cheese makes me almost a bit nauseous. But, I also think that Daiya products along with many other products have improved! 

Here's what I've got recommended for you eating plant-based: (everything is also SOY-FREE)

1. Daiya Provolone Slices (for a yummy "grilled cheese"!) Just LOOK at it...

2. Katz Pie's {Cherry, Blueberry, Apple} & Donuts/Donut Holes (SO GOOD)

Dairy-free, soy-free and nut-free! 

3. Coco-Whip (by So Delicious) Glazed-Donut (by Kinnikinnick) with Raspberries and Lemon Shavings!

One of my favorite creations. Yes, it is completely vegan and dairy-free, as well as soy-free, nut-free and gluten-free. Crazy, right?

The donut is by Kinnickinnick, a top-8-allergen-free brand. They have many flavors like vanilla glaze, chocolate glaze, cinnamon, powdered sugar...the list goes on. Trust me, these donuts taste so "real" that you would not know they are free of so many allergens. People I know who do not have any allergies have told me they LOVE these as much as I do! 

4. Daiya New York Style Blueberry 'Cheezecake' 

Yum! This is the closest product I have found to tasting like a traditional cheesecake!  (I added a tiny bit of Trader Joe's Cran-Orange 'Relish' on-top).  They even have chocolate 'cheezecake' now, too.

5. Limited edition Jet-Puff Square Marshmallows (regular and s'more) 

You may be surprised that these actually contain no dairy or soy...and they are a yummy treat to eat, obv! 

You don't need a bonfire to roast a marshmallow... you can use your gas-stove top and even pair it with "Golden Grahams" cereal. Yum!

6. Hello, probiotic yogurt!! Coconut-based yogurts by So Delicious. 

Top this coconut-based delight with your favorite fruits, cacao crunch or paleo granola.

TIP: Watch out for products that are only "non-dairy" or "lactose-free", you'll still be consuming milk proteins- whey and casein. If you can, however, digest these proteins and don't mind consuming them (or are not practicing veganism), then you're good to go when you see these labels.


I'll have more articles to come recommending more *delicious* allergy-free and plant-based products (just like these!) soon... Until then, I hope you'll give some of my favs an honest try. 

If you're from the states, you can find these products at Whole Foods and some Fresh Thyme locations. Specifically in the midwest, you can find many of these products at Kroger and Meijer grocers now (Giant Eagle, Publix, etc.)! I have even started to see these products pop up in other markets like Nino Salvaggio's.

Thanks for Jogging with Me! - J

Bike Riding to Soul Cafe: Friendship Circle/WB

For those of you who are all up in the fitness world (like me), this may have sounded like a tongue twister for a second...thinking this says "Soul Cycle"! Lol, well, today was not about Soul Cycle, but SOUL CAFE in West Bloomfield, MI! 

My mom, her friend and I went biking for about 5 miles early this morning to the very cool and modern Soul Cafe.

Here's why it's so cool:

- It was created to embrace the special needs community

- It is all Kosher 

Soul Cafe is a part of Friendship Circle - a nonprofit - where its educational and activity center is for both those with and without special needs. 

I had this lovely brunch:

The smoothie is pom, lime, mint and date.

Via their homepage, Soul Cafe is "...a loving and inclusive environment for artistic self-expression, vocational training, and employment opportunities" (p.1). 
Sounds wonderful to us! 

Next time you're out, consider giving Soul Cafe a try. You won't want to miss out on the beautiful decor, unique food and jubilant atmosphere. 

Thanks for "Jogging with Me!" - J 

Spin on Banana Sushi

Weird right! Check it out, you can make your very own healthy take on the classic "banana boat" by making Banana Sushi!

It is so simple to do!

All you need is your favorite nut butter or sun butter spread, chopped nuts, chia seeds, coconut shavings and a dark chocolate bark! 

Impress your guests the next time you feel like making something unique, delicious and totally satisfying. (Not to mention the protein benefits from the spread, cacao benefits from the bark, and potassium from the fruit!) 

The bark is almond sea salt by Taza Chocolate (SF, GF, DF, V)

Let me know how your Banana Sushi turns out!! Enjoy! 

19. June. 2017

Benefits of a Community Garden

It's always good to get involved in your community in some form or another. 

This summer my mom, neighbors and I have community plots at the community garden in our city.

We are so excited to grow:

Lilac Peppers

Orange Peppers

Red Peppers

Pablano Pepper

Boston Lettuce

Mixed Lettuce

Spinach 

Cilantro 

Parsley

Basil 

Broccoli (Stir-fry broccoli, thinner)

Snap Pea's 

Green Beans 

I can't wait to see how everything grows, and I especially can't wait to taste and eat everything!!!

We also have an herb garden in our backyard, and it's so simple to just go grab some herbs to top off many summer dishes. 

Stay tuned to see how everything turns out in August!

For now, thanks for "Jogging with Me!" 

Homemade Pop-Tarts!

Homemade Pop-Tarts!

What is a day without dessert?! Without the unnecessary additives and fillers (especially dairy and soy!) here is my own version of "Pop-Tarts" using fruit jam filling (blueberry and raspberry) on filo dough, plus homemade icing!

The Steps:

1. Lay out the filo dough

2. Plop fruit filling and spread. Brush around the edges with egg or water, fold over the dough to stick.

3. Use a fork to pinch the sides.

4. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is crispy and browned. 

5. Decorate with homemade icing, consisting of powdered sugar, non-dairy vegan milk (coconut for example) and a bit of the fruit jam! 


Now you've got the final product to enjoy without feeling too guilty. 

Check it out and more on @JoggingwithJewelz on Instagram! 

Thanks for "Jogging with Me!" 

MiAMi EATS!

If you're ever planning on taking a trip to exciting, vibrant and sunny city of Miami, FL - this guide will serve you well for finding healthy and tropical eats! 

First up, COCONUT WATER OUT OF A COCONUT! I have been wanting to try this ever since I made friends with people from Brazil at my university a few years ago. I got to drink pure coconut water right on the ocean at Fontainebleu, an incredible resort right in Miami Beach.

Next, South Beach is a young and buzzing place to hit up if you're looking for some tourist shops, (plus DASH by the Kardashian's), spunky bars on Ocean Drive (think The Clevelander or Mangoes), or especially ethnic Cuban food! I recommend eating at Lario's on The Beach, a completely Cuban restaurant that catered to my allergy-needs. 

I have here grilled grouper with avocado and fresh salad toppings. So delicious! Their Cuban espresso was also rich and velvety- so good! 

Now... UNDER THE MANGO TREE serving up DRAGONFRUIT and AÇAI BOWLS! Yummmmmm! These have sliced banana, coconut shavings, and organic soy-free granola. Completely vegan, completely nutritious, completely AMAZING! (A food-blogging friend of mine actually recommended this place, since he grew up around the area!) 

Here is some Mahi Mahi from Pelican's, also on Ocean Drive. Don't forget try a Jumbo-Marg, while you're at it!

At the little shop in the chateau of our resort/hotel, here we have black coffee and a favorite brand of mine, Theo Chocolate: a spicy chili pepper/choco duo (vegan, df/sf/gf).

I hope this guide will serve you well for finding the best Miami eats on your next trip to this great Floridian city. All the places I visited were extremely helpful when it came to catering to my allergies. 

That's all for now. Thanks for "Jogging with Me"! 

The Girliest Vegan Cupcakes

Yes, these ARE the girliest vegan cupcakes! 

Making the most girly and fun vegan cupcakes is actually simpler than you may think! I made these cupcakes from scratch, but here is all you need to know when using a box mix. 

1. Choose your favorite healthy box mix that excludes additives like milk and soy
2. Replace the milk with nut-milk
3. Replace the butter with coconut oil
4. Replace the egg with flax 

The icing is a vanilla and chocolate swirl, with pretty pink sprinkles an a pink pearl on top. 

The icing can be homemade, or you can find a dairy-free/soy-free/vegan icing from the grocery store, as there are a good amount on the market to choose from.

Voilá! You're on your way. My dad is the pickiest eater I know and trust me, you won't even know they're dairy-free! 

I made these for a friends going-away party!

Thanks for "Jogging with Me"!