Healthy alternatives to fast food

It's old news. Many so-called 'fast food' are laden with unhealthy toxins. For example, fast food usually contains dairy, egg or meat which often feature excessive levels of antibiotics, pesticides, arsenic etc. Instead, there are better ways to eat that reward your health, your skin, your mood and keep animals off the menu (which is great news for our animal friends!). 

Here are some healthy alternatives to fast food:

• non-GMO popcorn (air-popped only as microwaves have been shown to negatively affect food) with sea-salt and lemon juice (you can also add a little turmeric, coconut oil, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, Himalayan salt or curry powder for an extra 'zing')
• organic vegan burger (without the bread), layered with hummus (without canola oil), tahini (unhulled), quinoa, shredded raw beetroot and avocado
• steamed rice noodles with frozen Thai vegetables (lightly steamed), lentils, coconut milk, fresh lemongrass, fresh ginger, raw sesame seeds and homemade vegan peanut sauce 
• 80-85% dark cocoa vegan chocolate
• baked cauliflower, sweet potato and broccoli covered with coconut creme and sprinkled with vegan nutritional yeast
• rice pasta (i.e. wheat free/ gluten free) with fresh basil, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, semi-dried tomatoes, white beans, capers, extra virgin olive oil and a drizzle of pure balsamic/ pure apple cider (with the mother) vinegar
• falafel with hummus (without canola oil)
• vegan dolmades (rice & olives wrapped with vine leaves & marinated in lemon juice, sea-salt and olive oil)
• homemade vegan guacamole (with lime, red onion, chili, coriander, Himalayan salt, flaxseed oil) and homemade vegan jalapeno & tomato salsa dip with homemade sweet potato or kale chips (baked or dehydrated)
• homemade spicy vegan chilli beans
• vegan lemon or mango sorbet (without sugar or corn syrup etc; instead, try natural non-GMO Stevia)
• homemade mixed berry, banana, pear, nectarine & fresh orange juice popsicle. Simply chop fruits in small pieces and place in a ice cube tray or freezable tray, (but not a non-stick tray, as these are lined with toxins that can be absorbed into your food thus detrimental to your health). Add fresh orange juice until it covers the fruit at a depth of  5 or 10 centimeters. Freeze for 1 hour before adding 5-10 popsicle sticks. After 2-3 hours, they are ready to serve, just cut out each rustically shaped popsicle with a warm knife. Alternatively, you can place the fruity ice cubes in a blender and make slushy icies - just serve in a dainty cup or small bowl & spoon
• baked eggplant & artichoke marinated in extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, rosemary, thyme served with quinoa topped with fresh grated garlic & lemon juice.
• mixed mushroom, bok choy, water chestnuts and tempeh very lightly sauteed in organic soy sauce and served with steamed brown & wild rice
• quick tasty salad: mix various salad leaves including salad spinach leaves with 1/2 a Tuscan red onion finely chopped, capers, mixed nuts, walnuts, lentils, fresh lemon juice, flaxseed oil, sea salt and black ground pepper
• homemade vegan spring rolls (baked or steamed not deep fried) served with homemade sweet chili sauce
• homemade or store bought organic spicy bhuja mix (without canola oil).

You can also find fast food outlets that serve a healthy salad (just hold their dressing and ask for a wedge of lemon and a dollop of extra virgin olive oil instead). You can then add mixed nuts, chia seeds, avocado and/ or quinoa to boost the nutritional value and protein of  the salad meal. The added protein will also help you feel fuller.

Now there's no excuse not to eat healthy and vegan! Healthy meat-free wholefood can be fun, fast and good for you too. Try it for yourself today.