Vegetarian #GoodEats you’ll want to stock up on!

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx; all opinions are entirely my own. 

After 20+ years, I can proudly say that vegetarianism isn’t “just a phase” but a longtime lifestyle choice I am happy to have committed myself to. I gave up eating meat in ’97 for a variety of reasons—mainly to lower my cholesterol (which was dangerously high during my high school years), to sustain a healthier body, my deep-rooted love of animals, and a desire to create change in the global ecosystem. I believe it matters when you give up eating meat, but my reasons are personal and I try not to push them onto others. Food is one of my favorite topics though, and I’m always open for discussion!

Vegetarian food has come a long way since the PB&J sandwiches I devoured in college when I didn’t quite know/understand how to transition to a healthy diet and the plant- and soy-based burgers that were available back then. I have noticed a wide assortment of veggie trends (for better or worse) come to market over the years—you may also have seen that plant- and soy-based burgers are having a moment right now. Even big box retailers and massive global food chains are getting in on the action. Why? Because they recognize that plant-based is here to stay! What a time to be alive. 

I love love love trying new food trends and passing them along, which is why I was so excited to see that this month’s Babbleboxx was filled with veggie goodies. Let’s dive in! 

Birds Eye OvenRoasters Sheet Pan Vegetables: Broccoli & Cauliflower
I’m a big fan of frozen veggie mixes because they are so easy, healthy, and delicious to heat and eat for dinner. This frozen bag is so great to have on hand for any kind of easy lunch or dinner prep. Pop in the oven and roll in a tortilla for a wrap. Add baked tofu for an incredibly satisfying and filling stir fry. Or have it on the side with the item #3 on this list. #options 

These veggies come already pre-seasoned and deliciously crispy—simply add them to a single sheet pan, roast in the oven for 25 minutes and boom: dinner is served. No artificial preservatives or flavors. Click here to purchase your own Birds Eye products!

Please excuse the creeper in some of these pictures. 

Healthy Choice Vegan and Veggie Bowls (Falafel & Tahini)
I’m not sure if you’re aware, but I’ve never met a falafel ball I didn’t like. Imagine my chagrin when a Mamoun’s came to Hoboken the minute I moved out. I mean, really! Now you don’t have to schlep into the city (or Hoboken) to get a yummy falafel ball. These microwaveable bowls are perfect for a quick vegan lunch when you’re in the mood for Mediterranean (in this household, that happens quite often!). Crispy falafel, red onions, and tomatoes combine with a creamy tahini sauce and sit on a beautiful bed of nutrient-rich whole grains and leafy greens like red quinoa, black barley, and kale. Is your mouth watering yet?? Bonus points for bringing a lunch to work that smells as good as it tastes! Had this yesterday; whole kitchen smelled amazing for hours 🙂

Gardein Nashville Hot Chick’n Tenders
I’ve probably mentioned my love of this brand on my blog, in social media, and in everyday conversation, but the truth is, I FRIGGIN’ LOVE THESE PRODUCTS. Whenever I see they’ve come out with a new item, I flock to stores to purchase and Bryan and I try our hardest to match the taste with what we remember the meat counterpart to be. It’s a really weird game that veggies like to play sometime ? anyway, these “chicken” tenders are juicy plant-based chick’n breaded with a bit of a kick. I made these for dinner last night and added them to sesame seed burger buns with a sweet BBQ sauce. I wish we had some slaw in the house, but thumbs up dinner all around! Made with their proprietary Pea + Wheat protein, Gardein products are always certified vegan, non-GMO, dairy-free, kosher, and amazeballs. You won’t find that last description on their label, but it really should be. 
  
And there you have it. Sunrise, sunset. These are a few of my favorite vegan things. Have a new veggie product to share? Let me know in the comments and hope you have a beautiful and short week ahead!