I’m sure by now that everyone knows about quinoa around here. You can make everything from cereal to tacos with it, but are you familiar with another ancient powerhouse grain called Amaranth? Well, like quinoa, it’s also a fantastic source of complete plant-based protein but it is also high in lysine which is known to help promote collagen growth, burn fat as energy and it keeps cold sores at bay. These tiny powerhouse seeds are a great source of fiber and they are just as versatile for cookin’ as our friend quinoa. And you can pop it like popcorn. That’s right, teeny tiny popcorn. I’ve made a How To’sday video to show you how it’s done, so watch it after the jump. Read more…
Archive for the ‘Fun’ Category
#YUMadeIt Photo Contest: Win a YumUniverse 3-Pack
Roasted Sesame Brussels Sprouts Photo © Jen Smith
We are starting a photo contest to see what you are up to in your plant-based kitchen. When you make a YumUniverse recipe, or adapt one, take a snapshot and share it via Twitter using the hashtag #YUMadeIt, and/or add to the YU Made It Flickr Pool. For extra brownie points, share it on our Facebook page, too.
Every Monday we will choose our fave from the previous week and give that person the YU 3-Pack (value $30)! When does this contest end? Maybe never. We will choose the first winner December 12. Read more…
Happy Happy Thanksgiving YU
At the table this year, ask the person next to you what they are passionate about. Listen.
And when you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Know that when I’m giving thanks today, I’ll be toasting to YU. Read more…
City Mouse/Country Mouse
This next year I will be spending a lot of time closer to family—and simplicity—in a small cottage in the country. No, I am not leaving Chicago (it has been my home for almost 14 years), this farm girl is just going to bring both of her loves back to her life—the city and the country. Balance.
Last week I drove 11 hours from my city home to see the ’lil cottage for the very first time. I arrived around midnight, exhausted from anticipation, the long drive, the audiobooks, the giant bags of kale chips and the new tunes I loaded my iPhone with, and it was all I could do to set up my Aerobed upon arrival and throw some covers on it. Like an old tree, I fell down hard fading off to the new and unusual sound of crickets, and the rainy drizzle on the tin roof. Before I crashed, I had opened some windows, so I woke up to the smell of fresh air and the brightness of autumn sunshine filling the empty main room. I got myself up and was greeted by these two (above) at the living room door. Thankfully, I was prepared with some organic carrots and apples, so we made friends right away. Read more…
The Unofficial Official Dairy Freedom Theme Song & Video
I have to let YU in on all the fun Team YU and I are having with this video. It has become the unofficially official inspirational theme song for the newly released Dairy Freedom eGuide. Get a copy and I bet you will feel as happy and free as 1980’s Billy Crystal, Gregory Hines and Michael McDonald. Read more…
Simple Things Sunday: Classics
What do you think? Is this a pile of shoes? Or a dance-off? Look for the fun in the ordinary… Read more…
Fitness Fridays with Mark Beier: Triceps Series
It’s the first installation of our Fitness Fridays series with YU Contributor and Fitness Expert Mark Beier. Today, he’s sharing three exercises that you can do at home, or at the gym, to sculpt your triceps. Along with your nutrient-rich, plant-based diet, tricep pushups, single leg dumbbell kickbacks, and a side plank with a dumbbell extensions will make your arms chiseled, strong and proving to everyone that plants do indeed make you powerful. Read more…
Introducing Fitness Friday’s with Fitness Expert Mark Beier
Healthy bodies fueled with whole, plant-based foods have tons of extra energy, and that makes fitness something to look forward to. Many people have shared with me that their clean diet has given them more flexibility, more stamina and more strength than ever before. I have also heard, and have experienced, that recovery from more intense workouts is greater, thanks to a diet loaded with greens and whole foods. And just like with a healthy diet, with exercise, folks need variety. Read more…
Happy 1st Birthday, YumUniverse!
This morning I woke up feeling like a very proud mama. See, on this day one year ago, over 600 people came out to welcome my baby, YumUniverse, at the official launch party in Chicago. But August 12, 2010 wasn’t just the launch of a new website dedicated to clean, whole foods, it was the beginning of a community. A dedicated, diverse and welcoming group of people that has inspired me every day since. Read more…















