Have you ever considered reducing your red meat intake?  Research reveals that doing so may prolong your life.  

​A study from Harvard School of Public Health found an association with red meat consumption and increased risk of a shortened lifespan. Eating healthier protein sources such as fish, poultry, nuts, and legumes was associated with a lower risk of mortality. “We know processed red meat like hot dogs and salami are the worst,” says Larry Santora, MD, medical director of the Dick Butkus Center for Cardiovascular Wellness, Saint Joseph Hospital, Orange, California.  The cause is not clear, but it may be in the preparation, since charring meat increases toxins (nitrosamines) that can lead to cancer of the stomach, says Dr. Santora. Adopting a whole food plant-based diet is the one nutritional regimen that has been scientifically proven to prevent and even reverse chronic illness.  

In 2015, I started eating a plant-based diet and it improved my health dramatically.  Although I'm not currently eating a 'strictly' plant-based diet, the majority of the meals I consume are plant-based & I love to cook healthy, plant-based meals at home that I know my family will enjoy.  And to make it easier, I especially love using my slow cooker.  

Regardless of how full your daily schedule is, you can always enjoy healthy meals with the help of a slow cooker!  You will never get bored with them and all you have to do is throw together the ingredients in the pot, put it on the right settings and leave it alone while you go about your day.  Here are seven great plant-based/vegan slow cooker cookbooks you can use to get you started or keep you going on your plant-based/vegan journey.  You don’t have to waste endless hours in your kitchen, to enjoy wholesome meals.  Try one (or more) of these cookbooks and begin to feel relaxed and confident that you’re moving rapidly towards your best health and body ever!

Yes, this is happening!  I made these last night and I couldn't wait to share them with you all.  They're super nutritious, nutrient-dense...those are kinda the same thing, right?  Anyway, they're really healthy ice cream peanut butter cups.  There was a time in my life when I couldn't eat enough Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, but all that sugar is just not good.  I've been using my daily dose of Shakeology to get rid of that craving.  My go-to shake is Chocolate Vegan Shakeology + 1 frozen banana + 1 spoonful of peanut butter + water + blended up really well = amazingness.  This helped me kick my reese's peanut butter cup cravings to the curb!  But, I'm even more excited about these little ice cream cups because they look like the peanut butter cups.  

Wanna know how I made them?  Here ya go!

Ingredients:  

• 1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology (vegan or regular)
• 1 tbsp all-natural peanut butter
• 4 oz water

Directions: 

1. ​Combine and blend all ingredients in a blender.
2. Divide the peanut butter mixture into round muffin tins (I used silicone muffin cups), filling about 3/4 full.  
3. Place the muffin tin in the freezer and let freezer for about an hour or until firm.
4. Enjoy!

​I'd love to hear what you think!  

PS....Want to learn more about Shakeology?  Click HERE