Karinna's High Protein Post-Workout Salad Recipe

When I first went Vegan in 2007, I had to break down some of my paradigms.  The word protein was synonymous with meat.  I had to unlearn a lot of myths that I had learned since childhood.   Now, I see food for the nutrient content.  It is quite easy to construct a well-balanced, healthy meal once you realize that everything you need can be found in plant sources without the saturated fat and chemicals found in the typical American diet.  

"But Organic food is expensive."  

Actually, heart disease, diabetes, and organ failure can be even more expensive.

Exercise and eating clean are habits we need in order to live a long and healthy life.  After a rigorous workout, I need some carbs and a good amount of lean protein to recover.

Karinna's High Protein Post Workout Salad

In a large bowl, mix together these power foods!

Kale

Broccoli

Radicchio

Edamame

Pinto Beans

Butter Beans

Avocado

SpicyTomatillo Salsa

Tips:  

I almost never use salad dressing; substitute salsa instead.

Use black beans, garbanzo beans, or any other legume you prefer. 

Add red onion, mushrooms, carrots for a heartier meal.

Enjoy!

Join my 30 Day Vegan Challenge today!

Karinna's 30-day Vegan Challenge!

The CHALLENGE begins August 1st!!

In 2007, I made a lifestyle shift that changed my life!  I chose to eliminate all processed, unhealthy, animal-based foods from my diet permanently!  My energy level soared; I slowed down the effects of aging which showed in my skin, hair, stamina, endurance, and figure; I cleansed out my system and removed harmful toxins, I regulated my organs and reached optimum health within a year; I shocked my doctors and my friends who saw me at my heaviest weight after carrying and giving birth to 3 children within 23 months and losing all extra weight 4 months after having the twins!  Soon after going 100% plant-powered, I became inspired to help others and started a little blog called Verdelicious ("Green and Delicious") and hosted meetups to promote healthy eating and eco-friendly living.

Back then, there were ZERO mainstream vegan restaurants, very few blogs, and NO vegan food sections in the grocery store.  I made everything from scratch from whole foods and farmers market ingredients.

Now, 7 years later, going Vegan is HOT.  Vegan restaurants are easily accessible and Vegan foods are even available in your supermarket and warehouse store!  Even Bill Gates is investing in "Meatless Meat!" by supporting the company Beyond Meat. Celebrities everywhere are taking Vegan Challenges to see how living and eating "CLEAN" can make them feel.  Oprah, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Samuel L Jackson, Ellen, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Clinton...all examples of influencers who have gone fully vegan or took the vegan challenge.  Do you want to perform at your FULLEST potential?  I believe it takes at least one month to see results and regulate your GI tract, get over the cravings, cleanse your palate, and start to feel the energy surge.

I'm launching a 30-day challenge in August to help you incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet.  You don't need to commit to a lifetime of giving up your healthy seafood or cage-free eggs, or free-range meats...simply commit to 30 days of PURITY and clean eating for YOU, for your community, local economy, and for the planet.  Going Vegan even a few days a week brings a circle of compassion around you and impacts all of these things.

Vegan is not a diet, Vegan is a lifestyle of peace, compassion, and health.   For those of you truly considering making the transition for life, going vegan also means you care for the planet around you and make choices that help your local economy and don't harm the environment,

Sign up today by joining my email list!
karinna@karinnazarate.com or http://www.karinnazarate.com/contact

Berry-licious Smoothie

Tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body from the inside out with this delicious raw, organic, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, nutrient-dense Triple Berry smoothie.

Karinna's Berry-licious Smoothie Recipe

20 oz Organic Almond Milk

1/2 cup Garden of Life Raw Protein Powder

4 tablespoons Organic Sprouted Golden Flax

2 tablespoons Kal Nutritional Yeast Flakes

1/2 teaspoon Health Force Nutritionals Truly Vitamin C Powder

1.5 cups fresh or frozen Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries

4 tablespoon Organic Blue Agave Nectar

Place all ingredients in a blender on medium-high setting and blend until smooth, adding agave nectar to taste. (Makes 2 large servings)

This smoothie is great for fighting colds for its antioxidants, vitamin c, and other immune boosting nutrients. It is also a great meal-replacement for lunchtime or between meals. This is not a low-calorie smoothie but it is nutrient-dense and vegan so you don't have to worry about saturated fats, low-density-lipoproteins (bad cholesterol), or refined sugars.

Ingredient facts:

• Almond Milk is low-calorie, approximately 35 calories per 8 ounces in the unsweetened version and 60 calories per 8 ounces if lightly sweetened which makes it a perfect alternative to soymilk. It is appropriate for smoothies since you will be adding so many other nutrients, you want the liquid base to be as low-calorie as possible. (Try Pacific Foods, or Silk)
• Garden of Life Raw Protein is an excellent protein powder from raw organic sprouts. It contains 18 grams of protein per scoop (and the recipe above calls for double that amount). The organic sprouted proteins include brown rice protein, amaranth sprout, quinoa sprout, millet sprout, buckwheat sprout, garbanzo bean sprout, kidney bean sprout, lentil sprout, adzuki bean sprout, flax seed sprout, sunflower seed sprout, pumpkin seed sprout, chia seed sprout, and sesame seed sprout. Garden of Life Raw Protein also contains live probiotics and enzymes, bioactive glycoproteins and lipoproteins, amino acids, and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K.
• Organic Sprouted Flaxmeal provides essential Omega 3 Fatty Acids and dietary fiber and lignans which help maintain a healthy digestive system, maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and sugar, protect against heart disease and help regulate metabolism.
• Nutritional yeast is one of the only plant-based sources of Vitamin B-12 and is essential for cellular metabolism and healthy circulation. It is water-soluble and is not stored in fat, so unused B-12 is excreted by the body. B-12, or cobalamin, is "essential," therefore must be consumed daily. Vitamin B-12 is also essential for proper neurologic function. It is hard to find, but i've found that KAL is a great brand and can be purchased at your local health food store.
• Health Force Nutritionals Truly Vitamin C is a great addition to your smoothie. Most Vitamin C supplements contain synthetic forms of Vitamin C like Calcium Ascorbate or Ascorbic Acid. Health Force Nutritionals uses pure Acerola Cherry which is highly absorbable and does not create high acid levels in the body or put a negative strain on the liver or kidneys upon excretion.

Enjoy a healthy super meal in a glass for your longevity and immunity!