August 2023 - TanyaMansotra

11 August 2023

Easy Swaps to Make Your Favourite Meals Plant-Based

Veganism, a genuine and profound passion in my life, is an ethos that resonates deeply. It’s a commitment to aligning my choices with compassion for all beings and the planet. Embracing this lifestyle has taught me a great deal, but one thing I’ve learned is that transitioning to a plant-based diet doesn’t mean giving up the dishes you love. With a few creative swaps, you can transform your favourite meals into delicious and satisfying plant-based versions. These easy substitutions not only make your meals cruelty-free but also enhance their nutritional value. Let’s explore some practical ways to turn your go-to meals into tasty plant-based delights.

Plant-Based Swaps

Milk Alternatives

In recipes that call for milk, replace dairy milk with a variety of plant-based options. Oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk are excellent choices. They work well in recipes and even froth nicely for your morning coffee. These alternatives add a creamy texture without compromising on taste.

Vegan Cheese

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Vegan cheese has come a long way and now offers a wide range of flavours and textures. From mozzarella and cheddar to feta and cream cheese, you can find plant-based options that melt, stretch, and satisfy your cheesy cravings. Add them to pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Egg Alternatives

When it comes to baking or binding, eggs can be easily replaced. One versatile substitute is aquafaba – the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It acts as an excellent egg replacer for recipes like cakes, cookies, and pancakes. For scrambles or omelettes, tofu can be seasoned and cooked to mimic the texture and taste of eggs.

Meat Replacements

Plant-based diets often get a bad rap for not providing enough protein, but as we busted those myths in a previous blog, you should already know all the wonderful protein-packed plant-based foods out there!

Jackfruit is a game-changer in the world of plant-based meals, and my personal favourite meat alternative. With its meaty texture and ability to absorb flavours, jackfruit makes an excellent substitute for pulled pork, chicken, or even seafood. When cooked and seasoned, jackfruit can be used in tacos, sandwiches, curries, and stir-fries, providing a satisfying and hearty meal.

Make Your Meals Vegan

Breakfast Classics

For breakfast, whip up a delicious plant-based scramble using tofu, turmeric, and your favourite veggies. Or enjoy fluffy pancakes made with oat milk and topped with fresh berries. Swap traditional bacon for tempeh bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a savoury side.

Plant-Based Burgers and Tacos

Craving a juicy burger or a flavorful taco? Replace traditional meat patties with plant-based alternatives. Opt for patties made from black beans, chickpeas, lentils, or even portobello mushrooms. These options offer a hearty texture and rich flavour that’s surprisingly reminiscent of the real thing. Toss in some spices and herbs to enhance the taste, and you’ll have a mouthwatering burger or taco filling that’s entirely plant-based.

Lasagne and Pasta

Lasagne is a comfort food favourite. Swap out the meat for layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and plant-based ricotta or cashew cheese. The creamy texture of the ricotta combined with the savoury vegetables will give your lasagne a satisfying taste and mouthfeel. For pasta dishes, use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles and top with marinara sauce loaded with veggies or a dairy-free pesto.

Pizza Night Reimagined

Make your pizza night plant-based by using a variety of veggies as toppings. Load up on mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, onions, and even pineapple for a burst of flavour. Pair these toppings with dairy-free cheese, and you won’t miss the traditional version at all.

Remember, balance is key. While these plant-based swaps can turn your favourite meals into healthier versions, remember that balance is essential. Incorporate a variety of whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds into your diet to ensure you’re getting a diverse range of nutrients. Experiment, have fun in the kitchen, and explore the world of plant-based cuisine. With a bit of creativity and a willingness to explore new flavours, you’ll discover a world of delicious plant-based meals that nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds.

In need of ideas for dinner? Check out my vegan food venture, Plant Essence, where I curate straightforward yet scrumptious vegan dishes designed for your home cooking.

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4 August 2023

Manifesting for Beginners

Manifesting is a powerful tool that allows you to shape your reality by harnessing the energy of your thoughts, intentions, and beliefs. It’s about aligning your inner world with your outer world to attract positive outcomes. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to refine your manifesting skills, this guide will walk you through the principles and practices to help you manifest your desires and dreams.

Understanding Manifesting Principles

At the heart of successful manifesting are three fundamental principles that guide the process, enabling you to harness the power of your intentions and beliefs to shape your reality.

For effective manifesting, you must be clear with your intentions

Clarity of Intention

To effectively manifest your desires, you must first gain crystal-clear clarity about what you wish to bring into your life. The more specific and detailed your intention, the more focused your energy becomes. Vague intentions yield vague results, as they lack the direction needed for the universe to respond effectively. Take the time to delve deep into your desires. Ask yourself what you truly want, and then articulate it in precise detail. This clarity acts as a beacon, guiding your energy toward a specific goal, making the manifestation process more effective and efficient.

Belief and Positivity

Your beliefs have the power to shape your reality. Manifesting begins with cultivating an unshakable belief in the possibility of your desires coming true. Doubt and scepticism can sabotage the process. Instead, nurture an unwavering belief that what you desire is not only possible but attainable. Pair this belief with positivity. Negative thoughts and emotions create resistance, hindering the flow of energy necessary for manifestation. By maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on the potential for your desires to materialise, you create a fertile ground for manifestation to occur.

Energy Alignment

Everything in the universe is energy, and your thoughts, emotions, and actions are no exception. Manifesting involves aligning your energy with your intentions. Think of your desires as a radio station you want to tune into. To pick up the desired frequency, you need to be on the same wavelength. Similarly, aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions with your intentions creates a magnetic force that draws your desires closer. This alignment signals to the universe that you’re ready to receive what you’re asking for. It’s about living as if what you want is already on its way, infusing your energy with the anticipation of success.

Incorporating these manifesting principles into your practice provides a strong foundation for your intentions to take shape. Remember, manifesting is not just about wishing; it’s about aligning your inner world with the universe’s energy, ensuring that your desires resonate with the vibrations of creation.

Practical Manifesting Practices

Affirmations

Create affirmations in the present tense that align with your intention. Repeat them daily to reprogram your subconscious mind with positive beliefs. For example, “I am abundant and attract opportunities effortlessly.”

Visualisation

Spend a few minutes each morning and night visualising your desired outcome. Feel the emotions associated with achieving it. Visualisation imprints your subconscious mind, making your intention more potent.

Scripting

Write a detailed script of your life as if your desires have already manifested. Describe your daily experiences, feelings, and interactions. This practice amplifies your belief in your manifestation.

Vision Boards

Vision boards are visual representations of your goals and dreams. They serve as powerful tools to make your intentions more tangible and specific. Creating a vision board allows you to focus your energy on what you want to manifest.

Create affirmations in the present tense

I’ve personally experienced the incredible impact of vision boards in your manifesting practice. I created one that featured images of travel destinations, adorable dogs, vegan food, and motivational fitness quotes. As I looked at it daily, it kept my intentions clear and inspired me to take action. I found myself researching travel options, exploring new vegan recipes, and embracing a healthier lifestyle. Before I knew it, I was jetting off to stunning destinations, savouring delicious plant-based meals, and embracing a fit and energetic lifestyle.

My Personal Manifesting Practice

Utilising mood boards and affirmations became instrumental in materialising my vegan business endeavour, Plant Essence. Immersed in vibrant images of flourishing greenery and bolstered by affirmations of business success, not only did I successfully launch a thriving venture, but I also attracted kindred collaborators and customers who resonated deeply with my vision.

Furthermore, the transformative power of mood boards extended to fostering meaningful friendships and even manifesting dream getaways to enchanting destinations like Santorini and Bali. These visual representations and empowering affirmations served as constant, tangible reminders of my aspirations, and remarkably, the universe responded in kind.

Manifesting is about aligning your energy and focus with your desires. Whether you’re crafting affirmations, visualising success, scripting your future, or creating vision boards, the key is to infuse your intentions with positivity and unwavering belief. As you venture forth on your path of manifestation, it’s vital to trust in the process and bear witness to the enchantment that unfolds in your life. Through consistent practice and an open-hearted approach, you have the power to manifest the life you’ve long envisioned.

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28 July 2023

5 Grounding Techniques to Relieve Anxiety

Amongst the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from our natural surroundings. Grounding, also known as earthing, offers a simple yet powerful solution to alleviate anxiety and restore our inner balance. By connecting with the earth beneath us, we can find solace, centre our minds, and experience a sense of calmness that transcends daily stressors.

There’s no wrong way to approach grounding; for me, personally, I find solace in grounding through yoga poses, nourishing my body with grounding foods (such as root vegetables, whole grains and fruit) and indulging in the rejuvenating embrace of a sound bath. Let’s explore five grounding techniques you can easily practice whenever anxiety strikes, allowing you to tap into the healing power of Mother Earth.

Walking Barefoot

Step out of your shoes and feel the earth beneath your feet! Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil is an instant grounding technique. As your bare skin connects with the earth’s energy, you absorb its healing vibrations. Take a mindful stroll, focus on each step, and let the earth’s gentle embrace soothe your worries away.

Lying on the Ground

Find a quiet spot outdoors, lie down, and rest your body on the earth’s surface. Letting your body make direct contact with the ground helps discharge any built-up stress and tension. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and allow yourself to become fully present in the moment. Feel the support of the earth beneath you, and visualise your worries dissipating into the soil.

Gardening

Spending time in a garden can be a profoundly grounding experience. As you plant seeds, tend to the soil, and witness the growth of plants, you connect with the cycles of nature. Gardening allows us to nurture life, fostering a sense of purpose and connection with the earth’s abundant energy.

Touching Water

Water is a potent conductor of grounding energy. Whether it’s dipping your feet in a natural stream, taking a relaxing bath, or simply splashing your face with water, these acts can instantly calm your mind and restore a sense of balance. The gentle flow of water connects us with the flow of life, reminding us to let go and embrace the present moment.

Earthing Equipment

If going outside is not feasible, earthing equipment provides an excellent alternative. Grounding mats, sheets, or patches allow you to receive the earth’s electrons indoors. These tools can be used while working, sleeping, or simply relaxing, providing you with the benefits of earthing without leaving your home.

Water is a powerful conductor of grounding energy.

Grounding is a transformative practice that brings us back to our roots, both literally and figuratively. By incorporating these grounding techniques into your daily routine, you can create a profound shift in your well-being. As you let go of worries and stress, the earth nourishes your body and soul with its healing energy, leaving you feeling centred, refreshed, and renewed. Embrace the simplicity and power of grounding, and experience a newfound sense of calmness and connection in your life.

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