I prefer to eat clean, healthy food. I must confess, though, that lately I've been having a rough time staying on track.
A lot of it has to due with recipe testing for the cookbook. It's not normal for me to have three big meals a day but with my deadline approaching, testing and re-testing has taken a toll on my normal, healthy meal schedule (Sure, I could just taste each thing, but it's me we're dealing with). I'm not complaining- I'm so thankful for this opportunity and I'm loving every bit (and bite) of it.
Just when I was feeling like I needed to get back on track with lighter meals and smoothies for lunch, I received a guardian angel in the mail. This "angel" is actually a copy of Brendan Brazier's (former Ironman triathlete and mastermind behind Vega) newest book, the Thrive Energy Cookbook, that I received to review. As soon as I opened it, I was instantly drawn to the vast number of smoothies and juices and healthy snacks in the book. Then I saw drool-worthy sandwiches, succulent-looking bowls, luscious soups, and of course, decadent desserts. All the recipes were made with healthy, whole food ingredients just like I like. All of the recipes are marked with icons showing which are gluten-free, raw, protein-dense, super nutrient-dense, and which recipes are suitable for people transitioning to a plant-based or healthier diet. This book was just the inspiration I needed to get me back on track.
The first thing I made was the Vanilla-Almond Chai Latte. I don't own an espresso machine so I heated the almond milk in the microwave and then frothed it with my Aerolatte. I felt super fancy using a spoon to hold back the foam as I poured the milk over the chai tea mixture and then topping it all with the reserved foam. I had no idea a chai latte could be so easy!
I also made the Black Bean, Avocado, & Chipotle Burgers for dinner one night.
I subbed cooked quinoa for the brown rice because I had some leftover quinoa on hand. I didn't make the chipotle aoli because I lacked the correct ingredients, but I mashed up some avocado with lime juice and red pepper flakes. Probably not the same thing, but still super delicious.
I made a few of the smoothies: The Mango-Orange Crush, The Super-Fruit Sangria, and the Acai-Berry Pre-Workout Energizer. Most of the recipes do not call for Vega products, but a few do. For the Acai-Berry Pre-Workout Energizer smoothie, I didn't have the Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer the recipe called for so I subbed Vega Bodacious Berry Protein Smoothie and drank it post-workout (though I'm sure it would've been just as wonderful without either products).
The folks at DeCapo Press and Vega are letting me share a recipe with you so I chose my most favorite smoothie of the bunch, the Acai-Berry Pre-Workout Energizer.
Designed to be consumed about 40 minutes before a longer or especially intense workout, this easy-to-digest pre-workout fuel will provide your muscles with clean burning carbs to carry you through the toughest of workouts. Since it’s in liquid form it will digest easily and therefore reduces the risk of a dreaded side stitch. Also, pineapple is high in a digestive enzyme called bromelain that further assists with digestibility. In addition, the Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer will give your fat metabolism a boost with its green tea and yerba mate, enabling your body to burn more body fat while sparing muscle glycogen, thereby directly boosting endurance.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) chopped pineapple
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 scoop acai berry–flavor Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) coconut water
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) acai berry juice
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) agave nectar or maple syrup (optional)
- _*The agave is recommended if you’re planning a workout that will exceed 3 hours _
- About 2 cups (500 mL) ice cubes
- _*If using frozen fruit, use less ice _
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients except the ice. Add ice to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the liquid line. Blend on high speed until smooth.
Notes
CREDITS: Thrive Energy Cookbook by Brendan Brazier Publisher: Penguin Canada
Vega is also being generous enough to let me give away 1 copy of Brendan Brazier's new Thrive Energy Cookbook here on the blog. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only and will run until 11:59pm on March 24th, 2014. Please use the box below to enter.
Thank you so much to Penguin Canada/DeCapo Press, Vega, and Brendan Brazier for letting me review this book and for hosting the giveaway. Thank you to all of you for stopping by and participating!
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this cookbook to review but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
What do you use for inspiration when you need to "get back on track?"
Photography by Chris Miller
Sara Cantillo
Knowing that I'm helping animals and putting good food into my body are what keep me inspired to eat healthier. And to teach my two-year-old about good food!
Jessica Eagle
My health...!!!
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway and bookreview. I'll try this smoothie soon 🙂
Heather
My profession (dietitian), my future health, and my family!
Nicollette
All the wonderful blogs out there (like this one). They are such a healthy inspiration!
Beth
What inspires me to eat healthier? Training for triathlon. I know that I need to eat right to keep my body fueled for what I ask it to do.
Allison
I have lost 40 pounds and I love the way my body feels when I fuel it right...crap just brings me down!!
selena
Maintaining fitness inspires me to eat healthier. I'm injury prone, and I find that good nutrition allows me to recover easier and reduce instances of injury
Nezumi
That smoothie looks delicious. I love açai!
I just remember how good I feel after a workout and how food taste so much better because my body needs refueling.
Jennifer
The way I feel when I do -- although I, too, have been finding it harder than usual lately and would love some help getting back on track!
Jessica
My family and the future health of my kids inspires me to eat healthy!
Faith
Having more energy inspires me to eat healthy!
Beth
What inspires me to eat healthy? My family and the desire to live a long and enjoyable life without issues! Plus I always feel amazing when i eat healthy whole foods!
Becky
I have osteoarthritis that is so much better when I eat well. Less pain makes for great motivation!
saniel
My husband, he is diabetic and hbp. He finally changed his diet to plant based (can't make them do it, gotta wanna do it on their own) and we exercise, juice and plan healthy vegan meals for our son. Thanks for the inspiring delicious recipes, keep them coming.
Katie
Inspiration for healthy eating: I am a duathlete, and my performance is fueled by my food. Plus, it tastes so much better!
"Back on track": I don't believe in tracks 🙂 I prefer a road - you can wander in the ditches every once in a while picking wildflowers, but the road is just a step away. This philosophy allows for treats once in a while!
kirk lilwall
I'm inspired to eat healthily when I see the results of doing so. The way I feel after a healthy meal makes me wonder why I would ever eat poorly!
Shannon
I just feel so much better after a day of real, healthy food. Truly that's all the inspiration I need {though I'm definitely known to indulge now and then}. Thanks for offering the giveaway!
Denise
Right now I am attempting to train for a marathon, I have noticed that running 30+ miles per week my body has started to... lag. I think it must be the diet. I need to "get back on track" and find my optimal nutrition. Good thing I have your blog to help!
Heather
My inspiration for eating healthier is how amazing I began feeling once I made my diet changes. I no longer feel dizzy as often as I used to, I sleep better, and my hair and skin looks so much better among many things! I also am a nurse, so I see how people are affected by unhealthy eating habits almost daily. Reminds me to keep on track!
Beth R.
What inspires me to eat healthier? My triathlete lifestyle! 🙂
Amanda
I've been having trouble staying on track this winter - the cold makes me want carbs and sugar! But I feel so much better when I'm eating whole, unprocessed foods, and that's what I'm trying to remind myself.
michelle
This past month too many dinner with friend events going on (one at which I finally met you.. and you looked amazing) so I need to definitely get back on track for my health and over all feeling better
Kris
What inspires me to eat healthier? Knowing that it can only help my running and my long term health and happiness!
dana
thinking about summer motivates me
Jess C
Feeling good & ready to conquer the world!! ☺
eddie davis
Eating healthy benefits me and the planet!
Alicia
My high cholesterol. Trying to get it down naturally!
Kristy
My inspirations to eat healthier are increased energy levels and glowing skin!
Kelly J. R.
When I see all of my friends and coworkers getting colds and the flu, I know that eating healthy is keeping ME healthy.
Kim
I eat healthy for my health, family and for energy to get me through my day and hard workouts. I feel so much better when I eat clean healthy foods! There are so many yummy recipes in that book!!! I have the first Thrive book and am excited for this one! I am a Vega girl!
Katie @ Produce on Parade
I'm inspired to eat healthy because, usually, it what's best for the planet and our animal friends. Not to mention our bodies! 🙂 Plus, it gives me energy. No one feels very good after eating half a box of birthday cake Oreos. I'll never learn 😉
nicole
My health and the health of my family
Raquel
I have a wedding coming up - that sure inspires me to eat healthy!
Jen
I'm inspired to eat healthy just to feel better and have tons of energy to hang out with my kid and to do the things I love! I always feel better if I'm on track with eating, just makes every other part of the day better.
Sara Klink
I want to be around for my daughter as she grows up but not just around I want to be active and I know that one day we will be running together (she's 4 now). I want to live as best I can off of the nutritious food we have without altering it too much. And finally I know they way we eat is what is best for living creatures and our planet!
Rachel
I have an autoimmune disease that I am trying to keep in check. With my plant based vegan eating so far so good 🙂
Jeannelle
Encouraged to eat healthy to promote my own health and wellbeing!
Heather
I'm inspired to eat healthy to avoid the aches, pains, and other issues I hear so many people complaining about every day. I love to feel great in body!
janice montroy
my daughters inspire me to eat healthier, 2 are vegetarians and 1 is a vegan
Becca
Having energy and staying active!
Kira
I love the way my body feels when I eat healthier - always full of energy and (almost) never sluggish and bloated!
Norma
I eat healthy for my health, to feed my body the right things and also to be a good example for my children.
Jillian
Delicious new recipes that prove eating healthy doesn't have to be boring inspire me to eat healthier!
Vegyogini
I feel inspired to eat healthier for the sake of the animals, the health of our planet, and my own personal health. Thank you for the giveaway!
Shannon
SO many things inspire me to eat healthier. Feeling good, doing well in school, having energy to get out and enjoy the world, my family and friends, and just overall being kind to my body.
Melissa
The way I feel when I eat healthy is what makes me keep at it. Simple, but true.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Keeping my health and body the best it can be inspires me!
Erin
I am inspired to eat healthier to contribute to the decrease of unnecessary animal enslavement and for the future of my body.
Yoojin
I'm inspired to eat healthier when I FEEL the best. When I feed my body good, it tells me so 🙂
Jen
Feeling more energy that lasts throughout the day is what inspires me to eat healthier. When I find whole food recipes that taste awesome and make me feel great, they inspire me to continue eating healthier!
Erin S.
The results I experience when I do nourish my body with healthy, whole foods, inspire me to keep living a healthy lifestyle.
Nichole N
What inspires me to be healthier is the way I feel when I eat healthy and workout, that amazing energized feeling!
nmn10365@huskies.bloomu.edu
Lauren @ Dash of Soul
This will come out sounding very cliche, but my future inspires me to eat healthier! I want to have a long life, have healthy kids, and be able to feel great in my old age!
Mason
I eat healthy for super powers: longevity, giving animals life, saving the planet, and the occasional use of invisibility. But seriously, I just feel awesome when I eat what my body needs and wants!
Celeste Yeung
The promise of feeling at my best, both physically and mentally
Greg Allbee
Living a long, healthy life in general has always motivated me, but now my son makes me want to be strong and healthy so I can see him grow up.
Bethany
I eat healthy foods to fuel my body and mind. When I feel that I am eating healthy, I notice that I come alive. And by "alive," I mean "more awesome."
Becca from It's Yummi!
Knowing that I'm doing my part to avoid the heart disease and diabetes that run so wildly in my family is what inspires me to eat healthier! My dad was only 48 when he died, and I want to live a long HEALTHY life!
Leah
Because I feel SO much better when I healthfully AND I want to live a long life 🙂
Stacy L.
Reading blogs like this and other books (like Dr. Fuhrman's books) helps inspire me. As I LEARN how the body functions with fresh, whole foods, I am more and more inspired and convinced.
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I've been hearing sooo many good things about this book!
Kate
The health of my current and future self, the health of my family and the health of our environment and planet are what inspire me
Megan
My health for the future!
cheryl
i love brendan's books. thrive was the first book i used to transition to a plant-based diet.
i stay inspired to eat healthy just by how i feel day-to-day.
Jerry
For my personal health and well being
Keri
I take care of myself out of self love. I know the more fully I love myself, the more fully I can show up to the world and love others.
Nataliya M.
I feel so good and life over-all seems better and happier, when I treat my body right and feed it the right things.
Jason
I see my friends reaching goals and it inspires me to try harder. I want to reach those fitness goals as well
jessicagr19
My Goals in Sport inspire me to eat healthier.
Kayleen
I eat healthy because I'm graduating from high school in a few months and I want to look fit. Besides, taking care of my health makes me feel great!
Stephanie C.
The fact that eating healthy food makes you feel good!
Erin
I eat healthy to be my best self!
Lauren
I am inspired by all the animals in the world that deserve the love they need, rather then the suffering they endure.
Donna
I am inspired to eat well because I know how great I will feel!
Jenn
Eating healthier so I don't feel as awful as I used to!
Andrea
I am inspired to eat healthier because of how it makes me feel and the good I know I am doing for my body.
Denise
Reading "China Study" inspired me.
jessica z
My mom inspires me to stay healthy!
Janel M.
All the information--the realities of factory farming and GMO's.
Julie
I use old pics of myself to remind me that I can do it and that it inspires others when I do well. I love Thrive, would LOVE this cookbook!
Alice
I only have 1 body and I need to make it last!
Bobbie {the vegan crew}
Just knowing how much better I feel when I eat healthier is my inspiration! 🙂
Yat
First - loved that you actually made a lot of recipes from the book already! I've also been on a huge smoothie kick, and that acai one looks AWESOME. Knowing that I have 100% control over what goes in my mouth and that it can impact me as I grow older motivates me to be healthy and take responsibility for my health.
sarah
My children inspire me to eat healthy.
Annie
I'm inspired to eat healthy because it's reassuring to eat REAL food and know that I'm nourishing my body instead of harming it.
Shannon Leahy
The fact that summer is coming up has me wanting to eat better and get outside!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
I know this totally not what this post is about, but that Aerolatte makes awesome foam! It's going on my amazon wishlist!! Beautiful! May I ask what almond milk you used?
What inspires me to eat healthier? Just the fact that I look and feel better when I do. The difference is so stark it's all I need!
Thanks for the giveaway lady 🙂 I've been a fan of Vega and Brendan Brazier for years and years!
Alison
The way I feel when I put whole food in my body!
kim l
my health....Being celiac I must pay attention to nutrition
Joy
I'm inspired when I see athletes like Brendan Brazier and Robert Cheeke who are able to be so strong and fit without cruelty. It can be done!
Courtney
I'm inspired to eat healthy because it makes me feel amazing physically, mentally, and emotionally 🙂
Darlene Wright
My Daughter
Miss. Zoe
Keeping up with my nieces and nephews. I want the energy to be the fun aunt!
ali
I am inspired by how wonderful I feel when I eat 'healthy' (healthy food is delicious and we too often associate it with tasteless drivel).
Richa
that bean burger definitely is an inspiration:)
Angela
My energy level is what inspires me. I like to always feel like I'm ready to tackle the day or any workout.
Laurie
I try to remind myself how much better I feel when I eat wholesome foods and maintain an active lifestyle. I really feel better from the inside out.
Jayne Hamilton
I can't imagine my grand daughters lives without me in it. So hopefully eating healthy will extend my time with them.
Karin
Knowing how much better my body and mind are when I feed them right! Also... maintaining a 120+ lb weight loss is a motivator.
Kirsten
Definitely the way I feel when I do... more energy, better mindset... everything!
Marilyn
Growing up with undiagnosed food allergies, I always hated figuring out what to eat because food never made me feel good. Now, realizing there's so many options that allow me to feel good, I'm inspired to not only eat healthy but experiment and try new things.
Terri Cole
I am inspired both by the 70 pounds I have lost, and the 40-50 left to lose!
Kelsey
I get inspired to stay healthy just because I love how it makes me feel. I used to eat so poorly and exercised all the time but saw no changes. Once i switched to a plant based diet I saw instant improvements and now I can't go back!
Jo
I am inspired to eat healthier by how much more amazing I feel when I do!
Carol Lustig
What inspires me to eat healthier is the fact that I want to have a healthy life not just now, but down the line and into my senior years.
Juliet
setting a good example of sustainable active living for my family.
Jami
What inspires me to eat healthy? Well, I started to lose weight, like so many people do. But after a while I decided that my body deserved good food. I wasn't treating it well by feeding it junk. Now I just feel better all around!
Purnima Barve
For my and my family's health.
Sarina @ Earthgiven Kitchen
My children inspire me to eat healthier, not just to stay active and well for them, but to be a good role model and build a lifetime of good habits.
Thanks for the giveaway! I'm from Waterloo, ON and have been a customer for years of Thrive Energy Lab where many of the recipes were created. Thrive and Brendan Brazier are awesome!
Emily
i'm inspired to eat healthier because i know of so many common illnesses that can be prevented with a nourishing diet!
Michele
I am inspired to eat healthier because I know I will feel better when I do.
Andrea
Being kind to the animals, health and setting a good example for my children (:
Laura
LOVE inspires me to eat healthy. Love for myself, for both animals and humankind, for my family, and for my community.
stacey h
the way my body reacts to healthy food inspires me.
eat junk = feel like junk
eat great = feel great
Lindsey
My kids!
Rosanna
My age.. I'm 52 and pretending to stay healthy as long as possible. Since I went vegan a year ago, my life has changed in so many ways. I feel better for one but I'm also a better person.
Fe
My future. I want to achieve all my life goals and I know I need my health to do so. 🙂 I know...deep stuff 😀
Heather
I am sooooooo in love with that cover!
char eats greens
Ooo. I like the cover of that one. I have the Canadian version, and didn't know the covers were different (but after the fact, it makes sense, seeing as Oh She Glows had different covers too :)).I'm actually making the Middle Eastern Rice Bowl from the book (pg. 156) tonight and I'm excited to see how the falafel burgers turn out! That smoothie looks amazing - mainly because I love the colour (and your photography ;)).