Health

Hummus is healthy, versatile, easy to make, delicious, and vegan. Although the exact origins of hummus are not certain, evidence indicates that it was probably developed somewhere in the Middle East. Today, it's popular throughout the world and can be found in most grocery stores in the United States and elsewhere.

This delicious, creamy dip is an easy way to get some healthy fats and other nutrients into your diet as well. Hummus is a good source of protein and fiber; vitamins like vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folate; and minerals like manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium. (The exact amounts of these nutrients will vary depending on the recipe you use or the brand you buy).

I had my first taste of açaí in 2011 at a beachside stand in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was a simple cup of frozen tart fruit topped with granola and banana slices. Since that time, I'm happy to report that açaí has become more widely available in the United States, from juices to powders to frozen packets. Unfortunately, the fruit spoils too quickly to be transported here fresh.

Açaí bowls are the most common way to enjoy this exotic fruit, but I've come to love acaiaçaí smoothies just as much. It's a really versatile flavor that makes great combinations with other fruits, and even chocolate and peanut butter. I've decided to share my four favorite açaí smoothie recipes with you so you can enjoy this fruit just as much as I do!

I've changed my diet many times in my life. At the age of 10, I abruptly stopped eating meat. In my 20s, I switched over to a mainly organic diet and started cutting out most junk food and fast food. In my 30s, I gradually went vegan. Every time I made a change to my diet, I used different approaches and techniques. Some were better than others. But I didn't "go on a diet." Instead, I changed my eating habits. I've been able to sustain all these changes over the long term, without feeling like I'm missing out on anything. This is my ultimate guide to how I did it, with my most effective methods (and how you can too!)

Note: I personally am vegan and eat mostly organic foods, but these methods can be applied to any changes you want to make to your diet, whether it's cutting out sugar, eating whole foods, or any other diet change you want to make. I'm not here to tell you what you should or shouldn't be eating, because that's up to you!

Everyone talks about how much protein vegans are getting.... but I rarely hear anyone discussing what kind of proteins vegans should be eating. And no, not all protein is the same!

Yes, protein is used to build muscle. But our body uses proteins for so much more than that. For example, our bodies produce the protein keratin for our hair, skin, and nails. Our skin also uses the proteins collagen and elastin, which you may know are responsible for giving our skin its elasticity and fullness.

Proteins are also used in our organs and bones. They help us see, they produce hormones, and assist with replicating our DNA. Antibodies are a type of protein—these proteins are critical for our immune response to outside invaders that shouldn't be in our bodies, like viruses and bacteria.

“It's just one cup of coffee a day, I know people who drink 3, or 4, or 5... I'm definitely not addicted.”

“Most days, coffee is the only thing I have to look forward to—it's my self-care ritual.”

“I can't focus without my coffee.”

These were all things I told myself to justify my caffeine habit. I'm not the type of person who likes to be dependent on anyone or anything, but I felt sure I wasn't addicted. Until one day, I was really short on money and I couldn't get groceries until payday. That was 5 days away. And I was out of coffee.