Vegetarian Zen
543 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 395 ratingsVegetarian and vegan information, tips, recipes, and more presented in a light, conversational, and nonjudgmental manner. We welcome input and feedback from our followers regarding issues you would like us to address as well as ways in which we can improve. Please don't hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help. If you enjoy and find value in our podcast, we would very much appreciate a favorable review on iTunes. This would help us tremendously. Thanks, and we hope you enjoy Vegetarian Zen.
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Episodes
VZ 447: We Love Casseroles! 10 Tasty Vegetarian Casseroles
February 25, 2024 10:00 - 44 minutes - 66.1 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, Larissa and I will be talking about vegetarian casseroles. The reason we want to talk about casseroles is that, much like a lot of topics we discuss on the podcast, they are a big interest to us primarily because of how much time we’ve been saving by making casseroles to have throughout the week. Meal planning and meal prep can be a big challenge for a lot of people so, much like our beloved Buddha Bowls, casseroles have come to our rescue whe...
VZ 446: 2024 Food and Beverage Trends That Sound Awesome!
February 11, 2024 10:00 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re going to be discussing some food and beverage trends expected this year. Neither Larissa nor I consider ourselves “trendy” but when it comes to all things veg, it’s neat to see how much people are adapting even more flexitarian lifestyles whether it be because of their own health, the animals, the environment, or a combination of these. Check out this page for full show notes.
VZ 445: The One About Us
January 28, 2024 10:00 - 40 minutes - 58.3 MBThis episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about us! One of our longtime listeners requested that we do a show letting eveyrone know what we're up to so here we are! You can get links to everything we discuss in the show notes.
VZ 444: Ed and Natasha Tatton of BReD - Organic Sourdough and Baked Goods
November 12, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 59.4 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re pleased to welcome Ed and Natasha Tatton, co-founders of BReD–Organic Sourdough, a 100% plant-based café and bakery in Whistler, British Columbia. We talk to Ed and Natasha about vegan baking and their new book, BReD: Sourdough Loaves, Small Breads, and Other Plant-Base Baking, a complete plant-based book for bakers that goes beyond just making bread. With their cookbook, bakers of all skill levels can create gorgeous vegan baked goods f...
VZ 443: What's New in Plant-Based News October 2023
October 29, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this episode of The Vegetarian Podcast, Larissa and I talk about 3 recent news articles that caught our attention. Things are moving so fast in the plant-based space that we like to discuss topics here. You can check out the full show notes and links to the articles here.
VZ 442: What Is World Vegetarian Day? 8 Ways to Celebrate Vegetarianism
October 15, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 30.9 MBWe’re in October (already…can you believe it?!) and smack dab in the middle of Vegetarian Awareness Month. In this episode, we discuss 8 ways you can celebrate vegetarianism this month. You can check out the show notes here.
VZ 441: 15 Delicious Vegan Fall Desserts You Need to Try!
October 01, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 45 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share 15 vegan fall desserts. We'll also share a quick vegan baking primer to help you swap ingredients in your own favorite dessert recipes to make them vegan. Check out the full show notes with links to all the recipes here.
VZ 440: Protein Power! 5 High Protein Milk Alternatives We Love
September 17, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we're revisiting the topic of high protein milk alternatives. The state of the plant-based milk industry is certainly booming so we're sharing the latest plus 5 of our own recommendations.
VZ 439: 10 Vegetarian Lunch Ideas We’re Trying This Month!
September 03, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 42.5 MBIn the quest to find healthy, satisfying, and delicious meals, vegetarian lunch ideas often top the list. Forget boring salads; we're talking about hearty salads, grain bowls, and so much more. This month, we've curated a list of 10 vegetarian lunch ideas we can't wait to try. These recipes are packed with simple ingredients that provide a complete meal, boasting both rich, savory flavor and vital nutrients.
VZ 438: What's New In Plant-Based News: August 2023
August 20, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, Larissa and Vickie discuss 3 recent news articles and share their opinions and perspectives. You can get links to the articles plus full show notes here.
VZ 437: Reimagining Leather With Stephanie Downs Of Uncaged Innovations
August 06, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 48.8 MBIn this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re chatting with Stephanie Downs, CEO and Co-Founder of Uncaged Innovations, a company that creates material that mimics leather without sacrificing the characteristics that make it a desired material for the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries. We chat with Stephanie about her journey to veganism and her inspiration for creating Uncaged Innovations. You can check out the full show notes here.
VZ 436: Plant-Based Cooking Made Easy With Diane Rose-Solomon
July 23, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 49.7 MBToday, Larissa and I are thrilled to have Diane Rose-Solomon on the show. Diane's an animal rescue advocate, award-winning author, filmmaker, and the creator of "What's Plant-Based Cooking Good Looking?". A certified Humane Education Specialist, Diane has transformed her life and others through her dedication to animal welfare and plant-based cooking. We’ll talk to her about her journey of companion animal rescue and the power of plant-based cuisine. Check out the full show notes here. ...
VZ 435: Embracing the Reducetarian Lifestyle: Brian Kateman's Vision of a Healthier Planet
July 09, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 45.5 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re pleased to welcome Brian Kateman. Brian is the President and co-founder of The Reducetarian Foundation. He coined the term reducetarian, which we’ve often used on this show. A reducetarian is a person who is deliberately reducing their consumption of meat but not necessarily going all-in on a plant-based diet. We recently watched a documentary he produced based on his book Meat Me Halfway which explores reducetarianism through the le...
Mycoprotein: What Is It and Why Your Body and Planet Will LOVE It!
June 18, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 25.8 MBOver the weekend I read an article in the Vegconomist on the topic of mycoprotein. “What is mycoprotein?”, you might be asking. Mycoprotein is a plant-based protein made from a fungus, and it’s something you may want to pay attention to whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or are just looking to have less meat on your plate. We're going to discuss how this meat alternative is shaking up the food industry by introducing a whole new dimension to the vegan diet. You can check out the full show ...
VZ 433: The Ultimate Guide To Potluck Etiquette: How To Make Sure EVERYONE Has A Good Time!
June 04, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 37.6 MBPotluck etiquette is like the secret sauce that turns a good food fest into a great one. Picture this: your friends, family, and neighbors getting together for a massive feast, each showcasing their kitchen prowess and favorite recipes. Sounds pretty amazing, right? It’s a cost-effective way to have a good time and indulge in an array of delicious home-cooked meals. But as with any successful gathering, a few unspoken guidelines help keep potluck parties running smoothly. When the guest ...
VZ 432: Is Being Vegetarian Healthy? Our Journey And What We've Discovered So Far
May 21, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 39.9 MB2023 marks 10 years since Larissa and I made the decision to become vegetarians and we’ve learned a lot along the way. One question we hear every now and then from people not familiar with plant-based diets is, “Is being vegetarian (or vegan) even healthy?” Well, we thought the 10-year anniversary of when we made the decision to go veg would be a great time to discuss this and to look back on all we’ve learned so far. Check out the full show notes here with links to everything we discuss.
VZ 431: Vegan Charcuterie Boards: Enchant Your Guests with These Plant-Based Masterpieces
May 07, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 39.7 MBDiscover the world of vegan charcuterie boards! Explore creative ideas to craft stunning, mouthwatering plant-based spreads for any occasion. You can check out the show notes for this episode here.
VZ 430: Is Yeast Vegan? Let's Have Some Fungi Fun!
April 23, 2023 09:00 - 20 minutes - 26.8 MBIf you've ever wondered, "Is yeast vegan?" this one's for you! We'll answer the question and provide some yeast health benefits plus recipes! You can check out the full show notes here.
VZ 429: Tostada-rific! 10 Vegan Tostada Recipe Ideas for Busy Weeknights
April 02, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we’re going to share 10 vegan tostada ideas for busy weeknights. Larissa and I appreciate quick easy meals as I’m sure a lot of you do as well. Tostadas are a meal we have in our rotation but they can sometimes get a little boring so we’re going to share some ideas we’ll be trying soon. You can check out the show notes here.
VZ 428: Toni Okamoto Shares How to Be Plant-Based on a Budget
March 19, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 52.8 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Toni Okamoto who is the founder of Plant-Based on a Budget, the popular website and social media platform that teaches millions how to eat more plants without breaking their budget. She’s also the author of the book Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy cookbook, and the co-host of The Plant-Powered People Podcast. We talk to Toni about her own plant-based journey and she'll also share some tips for being plant-based on a budget. B...
VZ 427: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With These Vegan Girl Scout Cookies
March 05, 2023 10:00 - 16 minutes - 24.5 MBIt’s that time of year again! The Girl Scouts of America will be out in full force, green sashes and all, peddling their delicious boxes of cookies. But if you’re vegan, are you able to partake of this yearly deliciousness? The short answer is YES. There are some delicious vegan Girl Scout Cookies to choose from! Let’s go over your vegan cookie options. You can check out our full show notes here.
VZ 426: 7 Tips for a Successful Veganuary and Beyond!
January 29, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this episode we share 7 tips to help you succeed through Veganuary and beyond!
VZ 425: 10 Years of Vegetarian Zen!
January 15, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 26.9 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we celebrate 10 years of the podcast by reminiscing about some of our favorite guests. You can check out our full show notes here.
VZ 424: Vegetarian Zen Presents Your 2022 Vegan Gift Guide
November 27, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 37.3 MBLooking for some great gift ideas for your favorite vegetarian or vegan? Check out our 2022 vegan gift guide for some of our faves! You can find a link to all of the products we mention in the show notes.
VZ 423: Vegan Thanksgiving To Go? Yup! 5 Places You Can Get it Now!
November 13, 2022 10:00 - 17 minutes - 20.1 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re talking about something that is relatively new — vegan Thanksgiving to go! If you're not in the mood to cook your turkey-free feast this year, don't fret! Several meal delivery services now offer holiday menus that you can have delivered to your door (or available for pick-up). You can check out links to everything we talk about here.
VZ 422: New in Plant-Based News (Oct 2022)
October 30, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MBLarissa and Vickie discuss some hot topics in plant-based news. Check out the articles and show notes here.
VZ 421: 20 Vegan Halloween Candy Favorites Your Trick or Treaters will LOVE
October 16, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 32 MBWe're keeping the spooky season theme going from our last episode and sharing 20 awesome vegan Halloween Candy treats! These are store-bought candies that are pretty easy to find. So pop in a scary movie and get your sweet tooth ready for some of these awesome vegan Halloween candy options! You can check out the show notes here.
VZ 420: Trick or Treat! 12 Fun Vegan Halloween Recipes To Try
October 02, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 26.6 MBWhether you’re heading to a Halloween get-together or just want to enjoy some fun foods at home, these 12 Vegan Halloween treats will add some delicious fun to the season! Check out the full show notes here.
VZ 419: Is Tofu Vegan? Benefits Plus 5 Awesome Recipes To Try
September 18, 2022 09:00 - 22 minutes - 25.5 MBThis episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast is about Tofu. We talked about tofu a loooong time ago. Since then, we’ve learned a TON about cooking with tofu so we wanted to recap some of the benefits of cooking with tofu and also share 5 of our favorite recipes. Be sure to check out the show notes where we share more about how to press and marinate tofu.
VZ 418: Say Pleese Cheese! Chatting with Kobi Regev of Pleese Foods
September 04, 2022 09:00 - 37 minutes - 43.5 MBIn This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Kobi Regev, CEO and Co-Founder of Pleese Foods, a company specializing in plant-based cheese made from a proprietary blend of bean and potato proteins. We talk to Kobi about his own plant-based journey and about his inspiration for creating Pleese Cheese. Check out the links for everything we discussed here.
VZ 417: These Amazing Vegan Fashion Brands Are Shaking Up The Fashion Industry
August 21, 2022 09:00 - 38 minutes - 43.7 MBWhen it comes to vegan clothing and cruelty-free beauty products, the fashion industry is taking notice. How do we know this? Because the competition is ramping up when it comes to vegan products. When we started the Vegetarian Zen podcast in 2013, there wasn't a ton of brands or products to talk about in the vegan lifestyle space. Sure, there were some but when you compare it to the offerings these days, it doesn't even compare. Even for those not living a vegan lifestyle, there is a l...
VZ 416: Actor Torrey DeVitto On Conscious Consumerism and Cruelty-Free Fashion
August 07, 2022 09:00 - 45 minutes - 51.8 MBIn this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Torrey DeVitto. Torrey is an actor and musician who has recently wrapped up 6 seasons on Chicago Med. In addition to being an actor, Torrey is a passionate animal advocate. We’re going to talk to her about her own plant-based journey and how she incorporates eco-conscious sustainability into her life. You can check out some of the cruelty-free products and vegan fashion Torrey mentions in the show notes.
VZ 415: Body On Fire with Dr. Monica Aggarwal
July 24, 2022 09:00 - 37 minutes - 43.4 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Monica Aggarwal, MD, co-author of the book, Body on Fire Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook: Your Guide to eating Plant Foods that Fight Disease We’ll speak to Dr. Aggarwal about how improving your diet is one of the most important things you can do to reduce inflammation and improve your health. You can find the show notes here.
VZ 414: 8 Simple Tips for Eating Plant-Based on a Budget
July 10, 2022 09:00 - 26 minutes - 29.9 MBA common misconception about eating a plant-based diet (besides a lack of protein) is that plant-based eating is way more expensive than eating an omnivore diet. In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re sharing 8 tips for eating plant-based on a budget. Links to everything we discuss on the in this episode can be found in the show notes.
VZ 413: The Top Vegan Ice Cream Brands of 2022
June 26, 2022 09:00 - 26 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this episode of our podcast, Larissa and I talk about the top brands creating deliciuos non-dairy frozen desserts. We take a deeper look into our favorite brand, Ben & Jerry's.
VZ 412: 15 Easy Zero Waste Swaps The Planet Will Love You For!
June 12, 2022 09:00 - 43 minutes - 49.2 MBThese 15 zero waste swaps are not only great for the planet but can save you money in the long run.
VZ 411: Vegetariana: A Mix of Wit, Lore, and Delicious Vegan Recipes with Nava Atlas
May 29, 2022 09:00 - 40 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Nava Atlas, author of multiple vegetarian and vegan cookbooks. We’re going to talk to Nava about her recently updated book, Vegetariana that was just re-released in it’s 4th edition.
VZ 410 Vegan Fitness Coach Gabriel Zhanay On How to Empower Yourself and Others
May 15, 2022 09:00 - 45 minutes - 52 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Gabriel Zhanay, a vegan fitness coach who helps empower vegans through health and fitness. We’ll talk to Gabriel about his own plant-based journey and how his coaching program helps empower fellow vegans.
VZ 409: Rym Selmi of MiiRO Talks Vegan Chocolate Bars & Treats!
May 01, 2022 09:00 - 43 minutes - 49.9 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Rym Selmi, CEO of Miiro, a company that makes wholesome chocolate treats and baking goodies. We’re going to talk to Rym about her own plant-based journey and also about her inspiration for creating Miiro.
VZ 408: Easy Vegan Home Cooking With Laura Theodore
April 17, 2022 09:00 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome back one of our greatest inspirations for our podcast, Laura Theodore, aka, The Jazzy Vegetarian. Laura is back to talk about her new book, “Easy Vegan Home Cooking”. You can find all the links to the show notes here.
VZ 407: Vegan Life Coach, Ella Magers, on Being a Sexy Fit Vegan
April 03, 2022 09:00 - 43 minutes - 49.5 MBIn this episode of The Vegetarian Zen Podcast, we welcome Ella Magers of Sexy Fit Vegan. Ella has been a dedicated vegan since the age of 7 and is on a mission to transform the culture of the vegan movement from the inside out. We talk to talk to Ella about what it was like becoming vegan at such an early age and about her coaching program to help empower fellow vegans with the tools they need to heal themselves.
VZ 406: New In Plant-Based News (March 2022)
March 20, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 28.2 MBLarissa and Vickie discuss 3 recent articles impacting the plant-based industry.
VZ 405: 10 Immune-Boosting Meals That Will Make Your Body Happy!
March 06, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 32.9 MBAs we write this in February 2022, the world is experiencing a pandemic and many people are concerned with keeping themselves as healthy as possible. It’s important to make sure our immune systems are functioning at their best. This is especially true for people with pre-existing conditions; exposure to any type of illness can further compromise their health. One way to help ensure a healthy immune system is by incorporating immune-boosting foods into your diet. Eating immune-boosting foods ...
VZ 404: 9 Tips For An Amazing Vegan Wedding
February 20, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 24 MBLarissa and I were married in 2015 (we’ve been together since 2002). We’ve discussed our wedding here and there on this show but we thought it might be a good time to discuss how we had a vegan wedding without people even realizing that it was vegan! As things are starting to open (with the caution of course during a pandemic) we thought this year and this month (February) would be a great time to talk about how we planned our wedding to help anyone out there planning a plant-based weddin...
VZ 403: Plan To Eat Is The Best Meal Planning App We’ve Tried! Here’s Why
February 06, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 34.1 MBPlan to Eat is definitely our favorite meal-planning app by far. In this review, we’ll explain some of the great features that have kept us loyal Plan to Eat customers for years.
VZ 402: Malibu Mylk with Brittany Fuisz
January 23, 2022 10:00 - 31 minutes - 36 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Brittany Fuisz, CEO and Founder of Malibu Mylk, a sustainable, allergen-free alternative milk. We talk to Brittany about her background, how she created Malibu Mylk, and also, let you know where you can find MM. Brittany also has a generous offer for our community so be sure you listen all the way through!
VZ 401: Veggie-Only Burgers with Jason Rosenbaum of Actual Veggie
January 09, 2022 10:00 - 36 minutes - 41.4 MBVegetarian Zen LOVES to celebrate awesome plant-based businesses because we think they are a big part of what helps make life easier for vegetarians and vegans while also helping to show those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan that life is without meat is possible and, in fact, can be quite delicious! In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we welcome Jason Rosenbaum, Co-Founder of Actual Veggies, delicious chef-crafted fresh and refrigerated burgers that celebrate vegetables because ...
VZ 400: Celebrating 400 Episodes of Vegetarian Zen
December 26, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 34.2 MBIn this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we celebrate 400 episodes! Larissa and I discuss what we've learned, some of our favorite episodes, and what the future holds for Vegetarian Zen.
VZ 399: 14 Delicious Vegan and Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Recipes
December 12, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 31.6 MBThe holiday season is my absolute FAVORITE time of year! For me, it's always meant Christmas Eve with family, friends, and a great Christmas meal. Contrary to many stereotypes, being a vegan or vegetarian doesn't mean missing out on a great dinner! Here are 14 vegan and vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas that will satisfy vegetarians, vegans, and even your omnivore family members.
VZ 398: 20 Vegan Costco Finds That Make The Membership Worth It!
November 28, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 42.8 MBRecently, a Costco opened up just down the street from our house and we were SUPER excited! In this episode of the podcast, we share 20 awesome vegan Costco finds that make the price of membership TOTALLY worth it! Check out links to the products we discuss in the show notes.