Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

Everyone loves a good, soft, gooey sugar cookie, complete with all the sprinkles! This recipe is a delicious, vegan version of the treat we all love! Easy to make and super yummy to eat!

Vegan Ginger Bread

Tis the season for delicious, warm and festive treats! This Vegan Ginger Bread is the perfect treat for the holiday season!

Our Jamaican Vacation (Part 1)

     If you follow me on social media( you really should!) then you will already know that I just got back from a 12 day vacation to Jamaica! The trip was amazing! We had so much fun, met some new people and relaxed by the beach! In the next few blog posts, I am going to share the highlights from our Jamaican Vacation!

Gift Guide for the Health Conscience

     Its Christmas time! Its the time for giving, being with friend and family, and enjoying all the season has to offer! We all love to give gifts to our  friends and family members and see their face light up when they open the gift, and of course we like receive gifts too!

      Knowing what to get someone as a gift can be pretty tricky, especially if they have some interests or hobbies you don't know alot about! In that case, it can be helpful to do some research or talk to someone who does know something and get some gift ideas from them! I love running, fitness and nutrition. Taking care of my body and helping others do the same is one of my hobbies. You might need to get a gift for someone who has the same or similar interests and if so, you've come to the right place!

Gift Guide for Your Health Conscience Friends

 

 

 

Fitness Accessories

 

      For someone who is really in to fitness, staying active and working, there is nothing better to receive than some cool new gear to use! Whether its a pretty water bottle, a cute headband, gym bag, ear buds, or even some new kettle bells, who ever you give them to, will love them! You can even customize it to whatever activity he/she is interested in!

     For runners, ear buds, arm belt for their phone, running ID or even a new running watch are great ideas!

     For those into weight lifting, some new weight gloves, fun workout shirts or a bluetooth speaker to blast their tunes might just be perfect!

    And for those who are just getting in to fitness, some kettle bells, light weights, yoga mat, or resistance bands are great! Whatever your fitness-buff friend or family member is in to, getting them a gift that fits their activity is always a good idea!

 

 

Reading Material

 

     If you are a health conscience person, or you know some one who is, you probably know that we are always reading up on the lastest health craze, workout trend or lifestyle. Even if we don't agree with them 100%, we still love to learn about them! Getting someone a magazine subscription to a health or fitness magazine is a great gift that they get to keep getting all year long! I am subscribed to VegNews and I love it!

     Also, books make wonderful gifts during the winter because there is nothing better than curling up next to the fire with a good book! There are hundreds of health, wellness and fitness books out there, so you are sure to find the perfect one to gift!

 

 

 

Classes

 

     Like I said, health conscience people love to learn how to be healthier, and while reading about it is great, taking a class can be alot of fun too! Taking a fitness class in somthing they've never tried, or something they already love is a great way to give your friend/family member a day to remember!

     Cooking classes are also another fun gift to give to someone who is careful about what they eat. Learning to cook healthier, better or in a differnt way can really help to inspire them to continue living their healthy lives!

     There are tons of differnt kinds of classes out there to choose from, so you will have no problem finding the perfect one! Even offering to taking the class with your friend or family member can make the experience even more special!

FOOD!

     You might be laughing now, but get in between a runner/cyclist/yogi... and their food and you won't be! :) We all love food, especially fitness and health conscience people, so giving it as a gift is never a bad idea!
    If a person has a specific diet or allergy, then getting them food that is suited to them is very thoughtful. Maybe they are gluten free but love a certain type of dessert, so you could make or buy them that dessert in a way that they could enjoy it. Or, like me, they are vegan, so you could gift them some delicious vegan food goodies!
     Food subscription boxes are another fun way to give food this season! They are offered in various catagories, such as vegan, gluten free or whole-foods, and usually can be customized. Having a box of food to look forward to every month is pretty exciting and I don't know one person who wouldn't love it!

Pamper Time

     If food, books or new fitness gear don't seem to fit your friend or family member, maybe they just need a little pamper time. Time just for themselves, to relax and chill. Giving someone a day of relaxations is always welcome, whether they are into health and fitness or not.

      A day at the spa, a nice massage or a trip to the nail salon might be just what a person needs. For those who are busy staying active, pampering themselves like this is probably something they do once every blue moon. Giving them a massage or spa session is a great way to make sure they get the pampering they deserve!
    If going to the spa doesn't sound right, having a relaxing day in might be better! Putting together a 'at home' pamper session might even be more fun! Fill a box or basket with lotions, bath bombs, teas, a cozy rob or pair of PJs or whatever would make your friend or family member feel pampered!

     Gift giving can be hard, but if you take time to learn about what a person likes, then you can give them a gift that they will not only love, but remember! Gving them a gift that is personal or specifc to their lifestyle is thoughtful and always well received!


     I hope this gift guide has been helpful to you and that you feel more confident in your gift giving this year! Please share this post and my blog with your friends and family members to spread more love for a healthy lifestyle this holiday season!

You can follow the blog via email, Google and social media!

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Stay healthy, happy and laughing!
Happy Holidays!

-Hannah



Vegan Puppy Chow

Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies is the Perfect Holiday Treat!

     I don't know anything two things that go together as well as peanut butter and chocolate! Its a perfect blend of nuttiness, sweetness, and richness! Puppy Chow (or Muddy Buddies) pairs these two amazing ingredients together to make a delicious snack, treat or simple dessert for the holidays or anytime of the year!

     Who knew that 4 simple and easy-to-find items could come together to make such a delicious and addictive treat! I made these to take with us to our cousin's house and it was gone in a day! Thanksgiving weekend I made it for some different cousins and it was a huge hit! Needless to say, no matter where you bring it, who you serve it to, or how much you make, you probably won't have any leftover!

     This recipe is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and super easy to make! Just make sure the chocolate chips and cereal you buy is dairy/egg/gluten free if you are worried about that!

Ingredients

12 cups Chex Mix Cereal (I have used both the corn and rice and both work well)

2 cups Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips

2 cups Peanut Butter

3-4 cups Powdered Sugar

     For this recipe I used Trader Joe's Semi-Sweet chocolate chips (they are dairy-free) and I have also used a brand from Kroger's Grocery Store. Just read the labels and you should be able to find a brand that works for you! Usually semi-sweet and darker are dairy-free!

    Start by pouring your cereal into a large bowl. I was lucky enough to have a huge bowl, but if you don't, just split the cereal between as many bowls as you need!

     Next, mix together the chocolate chips and peanut butter. If you are having trouble getting the peanut butter out of the container, try warming it in the microwave for a few seconds first!

     Melt it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until it melts completely and mixes together.

     Just give me a spoon and I could eat this whole bowl! I would probably have a huge stomach ache afterwards, but oh well! You only live once, right? :)

     Pour the melted chocolate/peanut butter mix over your cereal and use a spatula for large spoon to mix it until all of the cereal is coated.

     Then, add one cup of powdered sugar at a time, stirring in between, until all the cereal is fully coated by the sugar.

     And we are done! See how easy and simple that was? No heating up the kitchen with the oven, or slaving away for hours to have a delicious treat! Just writing this post makes me want to make more!

     Store it in an air-tight container for a few days.......if it really lasts that long! I know at our house it never lasts more than 24 hours!

     I really hope you try this recipe out and see how delicious and addictive it is! I know that you and your family will love it as much as my family and I do! Its the perfect thing to make for a holiday party, potluck, or snack! Pair it with some dairy-free ice cream, hot cocoa, or coffee and you have yourself a perfect dessert!

     Please follow the blog via email, Google or social media so you can stay up-to-date on all the posts and even get extra blog content!

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I post every Friday! Check back every week for a new post on all things healthy living!

Stay healthy, happy and laughing!

Happy Holidays!

Hannah

5 Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays

     The Holiday season is upon us! Thanksgiving is in a few days and not long after that is Christmas and the New Year! This means a constant flow of desserts, treats, sweets, indulgent meals and lots of it! And while this food is delicious and fun to enjoy, after several weeks of indulging because 'its the holidays', you probaly aren't going to be feeling very festive!

     If you strive to eat fairly healthy, as I am sure you do, seeing as you are reading this blog, then the Holiday season might be a bit stressful for you. You might worry about hurting your friend's or family's feelings by turning down their desserts, cheeseballs or candies. What about all those parties and special gatherings you are sure to be invited to? You could just put your healthy lifestyle on hold for the holidays, which is expected by most people and completly understandable..or you might deicde to tough it out and stick to your ideals as much as possible.  I am a vegan, which, to me, isn't a 'diet' that I turn off and on, but its a lifestyle change, which means I am going to eat vegan during the holidays. How am I going to do this? Keep reading to find out!

#1 Learn to Cook!
    Makeing your own food is a sure way to insure that you will be eating the way you want to. Make your own cookies, cakes, breads and candies (or don't) to fit your diet, and enjoy those when your friends and family are enjoy theirs! Offer to bring a dish to a dinner party or potluck ( don't be shy! This is often a blessing to the host or hostess!) or at least ask the host/hostess if there will be any dishes suited for you at the gathering. If so, rejoice! If not, then plan to bring your own dish! Its really not that diffiucult, it justs takes some planning! I have several great recipes that are perfect to make during the holidays and share with your friends and family!

Vegan Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Brownie Batter Balls
Sweet Potato Casserole
Easy Holiday Truffles
Harvest Salad
Pumpkin Muffin Tops
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

#2 Practice Moderation!
     One thing about the holidays is, they don't last forever..so, if you want to indulge a little, let yourself...just in moderation. Having a small piece of pie or one cookie every few days or so isn't going to hurt you! On Thanksgiving Day, when people usuing gorge themselves with a huge feast, just practice portion control and you will be just fine! Take a small serving of the dishes you like and you will have a delicious, well portioned meal and feel much better afterwards than if you had eaten multiple portions of everything! This can be applied to any meal really. If don't want to miss out on the food, then just eat a small bit of it and enjoy it!

# 3 Stay Active!
     There is nothing better to do during the holidays then getting some exercise! No matter what your diet is, or whether you are sticking to it during the holidays or not, being active is never a bad idea! It helps with digestion after a big meal and burn off some of those extra calories! You don't even have to spend a lot of time working out either! A simple jog or walk around the neighborhood, or doing some home exercises like pilates or yoga is enough to be beneficial! It can be fun too! If you have family or friends staying with you (or you are staying with them) invite them to come along with you! Company always makes exercising more fun!

 

Here are a few links to my blog posts where I have great workouts, link to workouts and exercising ideas!

Fall in Love with Fitness
Everyday Activities+Workouts 
'Love Yourself' Workout 
Pilates 
Daily Workouts 
Workout Video 



#4 Be Verbal!
     You can't expect people to underand your food choices if you don't explain it to them! Let people know that you are trying to eat healthier, have smaller portions, cut out certain foods or have a food allergy. This way, they know what to make when they ask you to a meal, or even help you find food to eat at a party or potluck. I have found this helpful so many times! If you tell people how you like/need to eat, then most likely they will make sure you always have something to eat, and will understand when you refuse certain foods!

#5 Eat at Home
     When you are vegan (or are following any other diet or lifestyle) it can be difficult to find things to eat at restuarants, parties and other people's houses. If you know you can't eat at a cetain place, or you aren't sure, then I suggest eating ahead of time. Instead of sitting there, hungry and wishing you could eat something, you can be full and able to participate joyfully! Don't let this make you feel left out! Accept that you eat differently that other people, and move on!  Also, I wouldn't suggest making a big deal about it either! This can make people( especially the host/hostess) feel bad or even kind of angry! Make yourself some delicious food, suited to your needs, and eat it at home before you go to the party (or where ever you are going) and enjoy yourself without stressing about the food situation!

     I hope these tips have helped you! I know that I find them pretty helpful! Eating healthy during the holidays doesn't mean your a snob or that you don't care about the holidays, it just means that you prize your health over a cookie or piece of pie! Apply these tips during the holiday season and you won't have to lose your 'holiday weight' or get back on track come January!

Share this post with your friends and family to help everyone staying healthier during the holidays! Sharing this post and my blog will help spread the message of living a healthy lifestyle, so please share to inspire others to live a healthier life!

You can follow the blog via email, Google or social media!

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Happy Holidays to you and stay healthy, happy and laughing!

Hannah

Washington D.C - 5 Days, 7 People, 1 Amazing Trip!

Over the week of Thanksgiving, my family and I went to Washington D.C and spent 5 days there. We had a great time, seeing the sights, eating great food, and celebrating the holiday! The trip flew  by so fast, its almost unreal!

We saw a lot of monuments and memorials, went to several museums, and ate at a of really delicious restaurants! There were a few things we learned, that we wished we had know before hand! I want to share with you the highlights of our trip to D.C and a few of the tips we picked up along the way!

Day 1
In order to catch our flight, we had to leave the house at 3:30 am! After 2 flights we landed in Ronald Reagan airport and rode the Metro to our hotel! Our hotel was in Foggy Bottom, which turned out to be a perfect location! It was called The River Inn and we couldn't have chosen a better hotel! Great service, great amount of space and beds, and it even had a little kitchen, which came in really handy!

The first restaurant we ate at was called Roti and it had awesome Mediterranean food! I got the falafel rice plate, and it was to die for! The hummus was also delicious!

After we ate, we walked to a Whole Foods store and picked up a few things to have for breakfast in our hotel! There was a store not to far from our hotel, and we were told there was  Trader Joes too, but we didn't stop there.

That night we walked to see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and the WW II Memorial. It wasn't a long walk at all from our hotel, and we arrived just as it was getting dark. In my opinion, the monuments are even more impressive at night!

Lincoln Memorial

 

View of the Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial.

 

 

 

World War II Memorial.

 

From there we walked to a restaurant called GCDC which is a grilled cheese place! I ordered the Tomato Soup with a Kick, which just happens to be dairy free and vegan! My family order sandwiches, and the said they were delicious! Also, we had great service there!

Day 2

 

We walked by the White House, but there was security all over the place and we weren't able to get very close. From there we went to the American History Museum, which is a Smithsonian. All of the Smithsonian museums are free, which is great! My favorite thing at this museum was the Julia Child exhibit.

 

 

We ate lunch at the Stars and Stripes Café in the museum. It was good, but a little pricy!

We walked to the Natural History Museum next and went through that. We all really liked this museum, especially my little brother!

 

 

 

For supper that night we ate at Teaism which is a tea shop and restaurant. I got the lentil curry soup and it was amazing! We also tried a few of their iced teas- Lavender, Green, and Mint- and they were delicious too!

 

 

On our way back to the hotel we stopped at Whole Foods for treats! I got there vegan choc chip cookie and it was really good! I guess you can't go wrong with Whole Foods!

 

Day 3

 

We walked to a coffee shop called Bourbon Coffee. They have really good coffee and apple cider! I also love the fact that they are passionate keeping their coffee natural from crop to coffee!

 

 

From there we walked to the National Geographic Museum.

This museum is not free, but I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see some amazing photos, and a great Indiana Jones exhibit! I loved this museum because of all the stunning photos!

We ate lunch at a BBQ restaurant called Hill Country Barbecue Market.  Again, great service here too! I ordered the Market Salad, and my family ordered some BBQ. They assured me it was delicious!

After lunch we walked to the National Archives and saw documents like the Declaration of Independence, First Amendment, Bill of Rights, and so on. It was a really cool experience!

 

 

Then we went to the Ford's Theater and saw the place were Mr. Lincoln was shot. Then we went across the street to the boarding house where he died. The museum personal were really nice and informative! We grabbed coffee at Peet's Coffee and Tea. Again, really great coffee!

 

From there we rode the Metro to the Kennedy Center and listened to a live band give a free concert! It was really good music and fun to listen to them!  We went to the top of the Kennedy Center and saw the view after the music was over! It was really beautiful!

 

 

From there we walked to Georgetown. There was an ice skating rink set up there and some holiday decorations!

 

 

For supper that night we ate at a pizza place called Pizzeria Paradiso and had some of the best pizza ever! I order a veggies pizza with no cheese, and we got a few other pizzas as well! Amazing food and service! I don't know what it is about the people in D.C but most of them are super friendly!

 

 

Day 4- Thanksgiving

We rode the metro to the Smithsonian Castle, which is just a information center, but a really pretty building. It reminded me of our trip to Europe a few years ago!

 

 

From there we went to the Air and Space Museum. My older brother, who is a pilot, really enjoyed it! The rest of us did too, but it is a lot of information!

 

 

For a lunch/snack we walked to the Native American Museum and ate at their café. It was authentic Native American food, but again a little pricy. But the museums are free, so if you look at it that way, the café prices aren't too bad.

We walked through the National Art Museum as well, but we didn't get to spend as much time there was we wanted! Then we walked to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and WW II Memorial because my Dad and brother hadn't seen those yet.  There was an amazing sunset, which made for great pictures!

 

 

From there we walked to the Jefferson Memorial. It was a long walk, but along the way are other memorials like the MLK Junior memorial and Roosevelt Memorial. The Jefferson Memorial was pretty impressive, and worth the walk!

 

 

Then we had a long walk back to Georgetown. Mom had made reservations for Thanksgiving dinner at Farmers Fishers Bakers and we still had to wait for our table! The food was amazing though! So delicious, and fresh! They had a set thanksgiving menu, with a few options for the main course. I order the meat 'less' loaf version, and it was amazing! We finished it off with dessert and coffee!

If you are going to D.C during the holidays, make a reservation!

 

 

Day 5

 

We rode the metro to the Pentagon and saw the 9/11 Memorial. It was really impressive! There is a visitor's center at the Pentagon, but you have to make reservations ahead of time. We didn't know this until we got there, so we weren't able to do that.

 

 

Then we rode the metro to Arlington Cemetery. We saw the Kennedy graves and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also saw the changing of the guard, which was very cool! They do it every half hour, so try and plan your trip to be able to see it!  

 

 

 

We ate leftovers at the hotel for a lunch/snack. The kitchen in the hotel really came in handy several times during our trip!

Then we rode the metro to the Capital and discovered that we had to stand in line to get in. Also, they make you thow out any and all water and food! This was a little frustrating, since we had brought snacks with us! After standing in line to get in the Capital, we went on a tour, which was free, around the Capital. It was under construction to refurbish the Capital, but we still got to see a few cool

things!

 

 

 

Each state has two pieces of art in the Capital. We found 1 from Texas and 1 from Tennessee, which was pretty cool!

Then we rode the metro to the White House. We were able to get a little closer this time and get some pictures!

 

 

For supper that night we ate at &Pizza. I could describe it as a Chipotle's, but instead of burritos, its pizza! Delicious pizzas with almost endless toppings and sauces! They also have homemade sodas which were delicious! It was the first time I had had a soda in a long time! We also tried the dessert pizza, which was delicious, but heavy on the ricotta cheese!

 

 

The next day we woke up early again and took a shuttle to the airport! And that was the end of our trip to Washington D.C! We had a blast, and I would totally go back again!

 

A few things we learned- You have to book a tour of the White House 6 months in advance.

 

You have to go through security and bag checks for just about everything!

 

See the Monuments and Memorials at night!

 

You have to stand in line at the Capital for a tour. and you can't have food or drinks with you.

 

The Pentagon's visitor's center requires a reservation.

 

Make dinner reservations on the weekends and holidays!

 

Bring good walking shoes!

 

I hope you enjoyed my post about our trip to Washington D.C! I know I read a lot of blogs about traveling to D.C, so I hope you find this post as helpful as I found those! If you are planning a trip to D.C, I hope you have a good time!

 

Please share this post and  my blog with your friends and families! Spread the love of a healthy lifestyle and some tips for traveling to D.C!

 

You can follow the blog via email, Google, Pinterest @ Hannah Plunkett, Tumblr @ justrunningforfood, Twi