Heathy Changes - One Vegan Dinner a Week

Happy New Year! I believe in you making 2014 your best year ever! To do that let's try something a little different than a big, giant, hang over your head, beat yourself up resolution and lets just make a few small changes here and there to a healthier, more vibrant, happier YOU! A super easy change that you can make today is having one healthy, vegan dinner a week. Now if you are already a vegetarian - this will be an easy change and if you are already a vegan well then this is your routine every night  so maybe find some inspiration by trying a new protein source or new vegetable one dinner a week. This dinner doesn't just affect you - how about your dining companions? Kids, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, parents, roommates - make sure they are included in your healthier choice. Now…what to make that will be delicious, healthy and make everyone happy? This time of year a fresh salad and a vegan soup or chili is the perfect choice. Add some root veggies to your salad like carrots or roasted beets. As for your soup - you can go to pickydiet.com for a great Kale and White Bean soup or you can just wing it - here's what you need…

-1/2 white onion chopped
-2 Tablespoons olive oil
-salt and pepper
-a clove of garlic chopped or some garlic powder
-1 box of organic vegetable broth
-any fresh or frozen veggies you have in your fridge or freezer (this is a great way to use up odds and ends and save you a trip to the store)
-can of beans (kidney, white, black - whatever you have)
-water

In a larger size pot sauté onion, olive oil, salt and pepper and garlic until onions are soft. Chop up your fresh veggies (carrots, celery, parsnips, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach - whatever you have can work and be delicious!) and toss them in with the onions. Add any frozen veggies you have also - this soup works even if all you have is frozen veggies! Cook everything over medium heat for a few minutes and then add the box of broth and then any additional water until you are happy with how "brothy" it is. Cook on medium for 30 minutes, drain the can of beans and add them in, cook for another 15 minutes and then season to taste. Easy and so yummy! You are getting a full serving of vegetables full of vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, you are getting hydrated from the water which will also make you feel full and you are getting protein and iron from the beans. What a wonderful, healthy small change to a better YOU!