The kids are back in school in the bay area and it’s exciting to see their new clothes, bookbags and lunch boxes. I love watching them because it takes me back to a time (now many moons ago) where I indulged in picking out my new backpack and lunch box for the brand new school year. I can’t remember any of my choices, but I remember how those choices made me feel. Everything was brand new and fabulous! It seemed like even my lunches got better from one year to the next. Nobody likes whack snacks, so with a new lunch box comes new responsibilities.

Way too many studies have proven that what children eat at lunch and at snack time greatly contribute to their productivity in the classroom. If you have children, you are raising our future thought leaders, athletes, educators, entrepreneurs, entertainers, authors, doctors, public defenders, artists and financial planners. Let’s give them food made with love and not with chemicals.

Here are several ideas. . .

Baby Plums:
Grab these babies while they are still in season. I bought a bag of 15 from Trader Joe’s for next to nothing. Throw three of ‘em in a sandwich bag and help your kids fight icky germs and improve their concentration at the same time.

Strawberries:
Keep their vision sharp with a snack bag of strawberries. The kids only need about 3 or 4 strawberries to reap the delicious benefits.

Popcorn:
Yes, some popcorn is loaded with an insane amount of salt and preservatives, but the Organic Olive Oil popcorn from Trader Joe’s (I shop there for everything if you can’t already tell) is only about $1.99 and contains natural ingredients (no, seriously).

Cherry Tomatoes & Guacamole:
Okay, YUM! Besides being delicious, this snack is nutritious. It contains good fats and skin softening vitamins that will keep your child cute by the time picture day rolls around. HA! You can buy the individually packaged guac from T_a___ J_e's. :-) 

Dates:
These promote digestive health! You know I'm a stickler for regularity. It's VERY important for kids and adults to release. A constipated kid is a miserable kid. #NoTummyAchesThisSchoolYear

Peanuts:
Nuts are a snack that you can take anywhere and enjoy . . .unless your child has a peanut allergy. . .yikes! They are totally portable and convenient for a quick energy boost.

Larabars:
Fave. They are high in fiber and add a sweet note to your child’s afternoon. My favorite peanut butter and chocolate Larabar tastes like a decadent dessert, but it’s really a nutrient dense snack. 

​Happy Snackin'! Don't forget to take some of these with you to work. . .

Jasmine Leyva is goals - period! She is a DC native (woop-woop) living in Los Angeles and she is on a mission. She believes that the vegan diet is optimal for health, performance and compassion. Jasmine is putting her money where her mouth is by directing The Invisible Vegan. This documentary is about me! HA! End of blog. . .

Seriously, it's about our black community and how strong it already is but how we have become paralyzed by our food choices. "We are no longer on the plantation" and this documentary proves that. Take a look at the trailer and donate any amount that you can to support this beautiful, intelligent black woman with her goal of educating our black communities on health and culinary advancement. 

I'll never ask you to do something that I don't do myself. My black community needs to see more black vegan lifestyle advocates. We are out here and I believe that this documentary will eliminate our invisibility while also identifying, addressing and eliminating the need for animal cruelty and systemic racism in our communities. The availability and affordability of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and starches is necessary in ALL communities.

We've seen amazing vegan docs by them, now it's time to support our very own! 

Donate here and do it now. 

Our community needs US! 

I'm filled with so much joy today as Heather Lindsey just uploaded a new video and it's about. . .wait for it. . .her VEGAN lifestyle! I'm not only thrilled because Heather is one of my virtual spiritual advisers (in my head), but I'm elated because her reach is massive. With over 94,000 followers on YouTube, she is touching the body of Christ daily and now the plant-based message is getting out there as well. Win-win, don't ya think?

For over 30 minutes Heather walked us through breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options for the entire family. She gave no-nonsense advice on budgeting and useful tips on how to pack vegan lunch for the kids. Her beautiful daughter Taylor even made a cameo. 

Click the video below to see what Taylor's favorite snacks are. 

Shopping primarily at Whole Foods and Sprouts, Heather was transparent regarding the cost of some vegan foodstuffs and touched on why she stays away from soy and feels iffy about the Beyond Burger. It was so refreshing to watch her talk about stuff that I've been talking about since 2014 on this blog. Her video is basically my blog in video format and I loved it! Super inspiring. 

Heather is a stay-at-home, traveling, entrepreneurial mom, wife and believer of Jesus, theee Christ himself and she still manages to stay vegan. Despite church gatherings and social events she holds fast to her faith and health convictions. She's a big name and brand in the black christian community but she's never too busy to impart a healthy dose of wisdom to her vegan kids and her husband that is transitioning, respectively. 

If you are just starting out on your health journey, find someone who you can identify with. One of the best things about this lifestyle is that you can always find someone to relate to. If you can't relate to me, that's fine! I'm a plus size vegan; everyone won't "get it" due to aesthetics. But, there is someone in this movement that you can relate to and use as an example. Even the person is virtual, you can still absorb their wisdom. You are sitting on Instagram anyway (like the rest of us), so use your thumb power for good!
​ 

Kale is so filling and while raw kale can be a little hard to digest for me (unless I marinate or rub it first), cooked kale can be seasoned to perfection and delicious! Today, I wanted a quick late lunch/early dinner and I didn't feel like standing over a stove and doing a whole bunch of tricks. Just gimme the food and gimme it now! 

​Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of kale
• 1 sweet potato
• 2 cups of mushrooms
• 1 cup of chopped white onions
• 1/2 cup of fresh chopped red pepper
• 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pink Himalayan salt
• 1 tablespoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon of earth balance
• 1 1/2 cups of veggie stock
• 2 corn tortillas (optional)
• 1 squeeze of sriracha (optional)

Yields 9 servings
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Directions:

1. Over medium heat, add veggie broth to the skillet. Next add in chopped red peppers and onions. 

2. Chop the sweet potatoes into medium sized pieces and put them in the skillet. Place the lid on the skillet and let everything cook for about 7 minutes. Warning: Raw sweet potatoes can be tough to chop so be careful and use a sharp knife.

3. While the sweet potatoes, red peppers and onions are cooking, chop the mushrooms. Remember to stir the sweet potatoes at least once while you are chopping. 

4. Add the mushrooms in along with the dried basil, pink salt, liquid smoke and granulated garlic. Your kitchen should begin to smell delicious right... about... NOW!

5. After about 5 minutes, turn the stove down and add in the kale. Put the lid on the skillet and let stand for 2 minutes. 

6. Lastly, add in the earth balance and stir. Serve with a tortilla, over rice, alongside another main course or eat by itself. 

This my season to be social. I tend to cocoon at times, but during early June it’s all about the NBA Finals! When my favorite team The Golden State Warriors are on the floor it’s time to celebrate.  During this season, I am out and about.  

The question then becomes, “How do you have fun as a vegan?” That’s a great question because many associate fun with drinking, smoking and eating fried chicken. Since I don’t do any of those, people naturally assume that I don’t have a social life. Admittedly, I am a homebody, but I can be social too, Boo! I am a fun-loving person that enjoys live music, festivals and sports. ALL of those things are already fun for me, so I don’t feel the need to drink, smoke or eat fried chicken in order to enhance the experience.

Last night a cute guy knocked over my beverage by accident at the bar and he was so apologetic about it. We were talking throughout the night because he was in town from Miami and he was at the bar by himself too. As an only child, I go out a lot by myself. I have never needed an entourage! When I told him not to panic and that it was only ginger ale (with lime) he chuckled. He said “You don’t drink, you don’t smoke, what do you do for fun?” I pointed to the big TV screen full of excitement and said “This”. He replied “Touché.”

Assuming that you care what folks think to a certain extent, remember that people follow YOUR lead! If you are uncomfortable with your lifestyle choices, others will be too. Before entering into social situations, make sure you are confident and able to demonstrate that your choices are not a burden to your happiness. Trust me, people will talk about you anyway so keep your life interesting! 

It may sound simplistic to people, but I don’t participate in social activities that I am uncomfortable with. If I have to attend due to work obligations, I show up, laugh and then leave. It’s my right to protect my energy and accept responsibility for the energy I bring into social situations. This may make me lame in the eyes of others, but my concern is solely to stay true to Darilyn and if that makes folks uncomfortable, oh well!

Now to the good stuff. . . 

5 Tips for Social Vegans:

1. Cookouts: Bring veggie burgers, veggies for grilling and sides with you so you aren’t hungry. Feel free to also bring your favorite cupcakes, sorbets or fruits for something sweet. There is nothing worse than being hungry and angry (hangry)! People will ask why you don’t eat meat. Speak your truth to the best of your ability. Make it succinct and let them lead the questions. Be nice and smile. Don’t be the disgruntle vegan if you can help it. 

2. Parties/Clubs: Ginger ale, ginger beer and good ol' sparkling water is always a winner. Don’t forget the lime. Also, people will buy drinks for you all night because ginger ales cost nothing. Such a win! 
 
3. Family Gatherings: Your family loves you. They will probably judge you and laugh (maybe that's just my family...) but it’s okay, every action has a reaction. Lead by example and don’t persecute them for their choices if you don’t want the same treatment.  Have a sense of humor about it! Differences do not have to equal disharmony. If it does, get outta there! It’s not worth the hassle to stay somewhere if you are being judged. 

4. Kick Backs with Friends: Same rules apply. Bring your food. If the hosts want to accommodate you, let them! They are at least trying. Warning: well-meaning people often confuse vegan and vegetarian, so make sure you clarify the differences before eating a morsel of their accommodations. I don’t want you to get sick on their fixins. 

5. Restaurants: This is the easiest one, but other people make it complicated. Check the menu ahead of time, inform your waitress that you don’t eat meat, seafood, dairy or eggs. When you say “vegan” they don’t always know what that means. Honestly, I try not to go anywhere without something on my stomach so if the food is whack I won’t be too disappointed or hangry. Utilize the salad bars, sides menu and appetizers to create-a-meal if need be. Carry your favorite snack/energy bar with you and eat it before going in if you haven’t checked the menu beforehand. 

Remember that being social should be fun. Don’t allow your cruelty-free lifestyle to be cruel to you. Get a grip on why you are choosing veganism or holistic living and why it’s important to you and you won’t lose. Hopefully, my Warriors won’t either! 

Remember when your Mama used to stop by the local chicken joint after school? She would pick up a bucket of chicken and then go home and open a can of string beans and corn and then put dinner on the table? I KNOW I'm not alone in this. I was raised by a single Mother and she did NOT like to cook, so she did what was painless. Life gets busy and while I no longer enjoy chicken, I still enjoy shortcuts! 

I'm thankful for the Mediterranean spot by my house. I love falafel wraps but I wasn't in the mood for the extra bread tonight. So, I ditched the extra large wrap and ordered individual falafel balls. They were only $0.75 per ball!! As soon as I got home, I put some noodles in a pot and chopped up cherry tomatoes, onions and mushrooms (you can buy all of those veggies pre-cut to make the process quicker), added in some unsweetened almond milk, earth balance and spices and BOO-YAH; dinner was on the table in no time flat! 

Use what you already have at home to make simple, delicious, vegan meals and when those meals need a boost, head to your local veg-friendly restaurants for reinforcements.  

Falafel > Bucket of Chicken

Ingredients:

• Spring Greens/Lettuce/Spinach
• Pre-made/cooked falafels 
• Gluten-Free/Wheat noodles
• Chopped onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chopped mushrooms
• Assorted dried spices - basil, garlic, salt, chili pepper
• Almond Milk
• Earth Balance
• Nutritional Yeast (optional) 

Directions:
1. Boil noodles as directed
2. Drain noodles
3. Add in 1 cup of almond milk
4. Add in spices, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and 2 tablespoons of Earth Balance
5. Mix and serve 

 Every single time you go out to eat, you are voting with your dollars. Either you are supporting fresh foods and healthy options or you aren't! It's really just that simple. Whenever I eat at Chipotle I know I am doing a good thing. The options for meat-eaters are cooked healthfully and each item on the menu can be "veganized".

My favorite thing to eat at Chippy is the burrito bowl. I want it piled high to the sky! I like it with brown rice, black beans, fajitas, sofritas (seasoned tofu), hot and mild salsa, corn, guacamole (yes, there is an extra charge for guac...don't get me started with that *rolls eyes*) and shredded lettuce on top. Yummy!

Did you know that the Sofritas are Oakland made? The tofu used at Chipotle comes from Hodo Soy. They are a tofu manufacturing company right here in West Oakland. Fun Fact: I used to live two blocks from the company headquarters AND it is the best tofu that I've ever tasted. I know you're probably thinking "Uhhh, I thought tofu was tasteless!?" It is, but consistency matters and Hodo Soy recognizes that. Additionally, their flavored products are absolutely delicious. If you want Hodo Soy products, you can find them at Safeway (bay area residents only...for now)! 

I can wholeheartedly stan for their products because I recently had the opportunity to tour their headquarters/plant and meet Minh Tsai, creator and owner of Hodo Soy. Not only are they extremely clean, the staff seems happy (even the staff working with the machinery). I feel better knowing that the people preparing my food have a good disposition. I also feel better knowing that the tofu of my choice is locally created and the company is providing jobs to bay area residents. Food is more than what lands on your plate; it's a business. Let's keep it clean, ethical and cruelty-free. 

With the NBA playoffs happening as I type this, I am elated to bring to you my recipe for veggie curry in honor of the current 2x MVP of the league - Stephen Curry! He is LIFE. He has a beautiful family, skills on the court (colossal understatement) and a reputation for keeping God first. Who can argue with that!?!? Maybe his amazing wife Ayesha will recreate my dish. How bomb would that be? She should invite me over and I can veganize her dishes too. How fun!! *manifesting* 

Directions:

In a skillet, add in 1/2 cup of onions, 1 cup of veggie broth and 1/2 cup of Earth Balance and saute until onions are caramelized. Then add in 1 cup of diced mushrooms, 1/4 cup of a diced red peppers and 1 1/2 cups of frozen or fresh peas and cook on medium heat until done. Dice the 2 baked potatoes and add into the skillet. Add in 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder. Lastly, add in 2 pinches of cherrywoood smoked salt (or the salt of your choice), 1 pinch of cayenne pepper and 1 pinch of black pepper. Reduce the heat, miix and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Yields 2 servings. 

Ingredients: 

Peas
Red Pepper
Potatoes (2 baked potatoes. Bake prior to creating this meal)
Mushrooms
Onions
Earth Balance
Veggie Broth
Curry Powder
Turmeric Powder
Cherrywood Smoked Salt
Cayenne Pepper
​Black Pepper 
Mixed Greens (for garnish and enjoyment) 

​I don’t just like mushrooms, I LOVE them! They are filling and absolutely wonderful for immune support, potassium and protein. I know that a lot of people don’t enjoy mushrooms but I secretly want you to! So, I have cooked them 3 different ways and I want you to try at least one of the recipes. Please? Okay! Thanks!!! Report back. 
​
Not only are these dishes cost effective, but they also use some of the most inexpensive veggies on the planet – tomatoes, yellow onions and leafy greens! Therefore, I have you covered if you are broke, hungry AND vegan. Here are my mushrooms 3 ways!

Mushroom Risotto
In a skillet, add olive oil and yellow onions and sauté. Then, add in diced mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Add in your spices. Once the sushi rice finishes, spoon it into the skillet with the mushroom and sun-dried tomato and mix it all together. You may need to add in a ½ cup of water. Eat with mixed greens or raw spinach for freshness.

Ingredients:
1 cup of Sushi Rice (cook as directed, softer rice - perfect consistency for risotto)
2 table spoons of Oilive Oil
½ of a Yellow Onion
1 cup of Sundried Tomatoes
5 Baby Bella Mushrooms
5 White Mushrooms

Spices:
Herbes de Provence, Basil, Salt, Pepper

Yields:
2 servings

Feel:
Satisfied and all warm inside

​Mushroom Tacos
In a skillet, heat ½ cup of veggie stock and add in ½ of a yellow onion and sauté. Dice 2 portabella mushrooms lengthwise and add to the skillet. Stir and let cook for about 5 minutes. On a plate, assemble the tacos starting with spinach, mushrooms and then salsa on top.

Ingredients:
Veggie Stock
½ Yellow Onion
2 large Portabella Mushrooms
4 Soft Taco Tortillas
1 cup of chunky salsa (your choice)
Handful of Cherry Tomatoes
Handful of Spinach

Yields:
2 Servings

Feel:
The easy answer to Taco Tuesday at home. 

Mushrooms Steaks
In a skillet, sauté onions and then add in 2 large portabella mushrooms. Season the mushrooms with seasonings of your choice. I like Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on each side.

On a plate assemble your mixed greens and tomatoes and add a dressing of your choice. To get the recipe for the dressing that I made, click here.

Ingredients:
½ of a Yellow Onion
2 tablespoons of Olive oil
2 Portabella Mushrooms
2 handfuls of mixed greens
1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes
​1 piece of grilled wheat bread (optional)

Yields:
1 serving

Feel:
Gourmet but not heavy 

After being told from several people that I neeeed to see Get Out I went to see Get Out last week.  Ahhhhhh I was scared outta my mind for many reasons. Between the metaphors and the symbolism, I was simply SHOOK! What a gripping tale of race in modern America. I learned so much and I was really able to apply it to my life and to the people around me.

I saw the movie at Jack London Square and directly across the street from the movie theater is a Ben & Jerry’s. For those of you that think you can no longer have Ben & Jerry’s if you go vegan, GET OUT of here! See what I did there? :-)

Ben & Jerry’s supports the Black Lives Matter movement AND they support my choice to refrain from eating animal by-products. It's a win-win! A while back, they released new vegan flavors. So far, I’ve only tasted 3 of the 7 flavors. I have plans to taste all 7.

#NoRegrets

But I digress. . .

So, I’m sitting outside of the Ben & Jerry’s trying to calm down and totally emotionally eating (due to PTMS - post-traumatic movie syndrome) and this guy comes up behind me while I’m sitting on the bench. I jump.

Him: Oh, I’m sorry, did I scare you?
Me: Ahhhhhh yeah!!! Don’t come up behind me like that! I just saw GET OUT!
Him: I just wanted to give you this pamphlet about the Lord.

He was a Jehovah’s Witness

Me: Oh.

Point of it all? Leave the movies at the movies! Eat ice cream and pray.  
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ben & Jerry’s Vegan Flavors:
Caramel Almond Brittle (tasted) | Cherry Garcia | Coconut Seven Layer Bar | Chocolate Fudge Brownie | Chunky Monkey (tasted) | Coffee Caramel Fudge | P.B. & Cookies (tasted)