When it comes to Veganism or a plant based lifestyle, most of us pay a majority of our attention to what we eat, with the exception of milk, egg and other dairy replacements. Thankfully, in 2021, swapping out cow’s milk for oat or almond at your local cafe is easy as pie, but the same cannot be said when it comes to Beer, Wine and Spirits. 

Hold up, you mean Beer and Wine is not Vegan?! Well, yes and no. Unfortunately, finding vegan alcohol can be tricky, as manufacturers aren’t usually required to list ingredients on labels for beer, wine, and spirits. This makes it exceptionally difficult if you’re meeting friends at a bar or club, as chances are you’re not going to get the chance to question your bartender on the contents and manufacturing process of the drinks you’re being served. 

For the sake of your sanity, today I present to you a guide on Vegan Beer, Wines and Spirits. Save yourself the headache and hassle by simply reading through today’s article and hey presto, you’ll instantly morph into an expert on all things related to vegan alcohol (and you’ll be able to safely head out and get absolutely plastered without the guilt of possibly consuming animal products). I mean, that’s what alcohol is for…right? Lest, I digress.

All About Vegan Beer

Let’s start with the basics: The main ingredients in beer are water, a grain such as barley or wheat (those who lead a gluten free lifestyle needn’t worry – there are heaps of options on the market when it comes to the best gluten free beer),  yeast, and hops — a flower that provides beer’s distinctive, bitter taste. Through some chemical wizardly, the yeast component of beer ferments the sugar in the grain to produce alcohol. 

Now, the tricky part comes when the beer has to go through its filtering and clarifying process. This is where the originally Vegan beer may steer into a very different, non-vegan direction. 

Non-Vegan Ingredients in Beer 

Now that we know how beer is made, let’s look at the common non-vegan ingredients that are introduced during the filtering process. To of the most common ingredients include Gelatine, whey, honey and Isinglass (a type of fish-based gelatine product). Yeah, pretty yucky isn’t it. Most large producers of wine, beer and spirits tend to use these ingredients and methods to filter and ‘clear’ their beer, including popular options such as Guinness

To add to the confusion, it may be difficult to tell when such ingredients are used, as they’re not always listed on the label. Craft breweries may include the Vegan logo on their product labels, so it is worth the time to do a little research online or call up your local craft brewery to enquire about whether they use any animal products in their beer making process. 

Types of Beer that Typically Are Not Vegan: 

• Cask Ales –  AKA Real Ales, cask ales are a traditional British brew that often use isinglass as a refining agent. 
• Honey Beers – Some producers utilise honey to add sweetness and flavour to their brews. Any beer with “honey” in its name is likely not vegan.
• Mead – Mead is a beer-like alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey. 
• Milk Stouts –  Though vegan alternatives do exist in some places, milk stouts usually contain whey or lactose.

All About Vegan Wine 

Similar to Beer, wine is produced by the fermentation of grapes and grape juice. The yeast in the mix converts the sugar in the grapes into ethanol, carbon dioxide, and heat. Different varieties and strains of grapes and yeasts produce different styles and flavours of wine. Again, all of this is Vegan until we arrive at the filtering process. Similar to beer, wine is often filtered with the same ingredients (gelatine, albumin, casein, isinglass), thus turning what was once a Vegan friendly tipple into something that now contains animal products.

Alternative Filtering Methods for Vegan Wine

When it comes to filtering wine and keeping it vegan friendly, you’ll find that some producers use clay-based refining agents such as bentonite, or proteins derived from wheat, corn, legumes, potatoes and other plants. 

The World Of Spirits 

Unlike wine or beer, spirits rely on a process called distillation, in which the alcohol is concentrated from fermented ingredients. This makes most unflavoured spirits (vodka, gin, whisky, brandy etc) vegan. However, it is important to keep in mind that some flavoured liquors such as Bailey’s, Kahlua and a bunch of other options that include dairy, eggs and honey in their ingredient list are, of course, not vegan. 

Potential Non-Vegan Spirits and Cocktails

• Campari Alternatives – Though it once contained carmine, Campari  is now vegan – WOOP!. However, many alternatives may still use carmine for a bright, red colour. 
• Coffee Cocktails – White Russians, Irish Coffee, Espresso Martinis and other popular coffee based cocktails may contain milk, cream or eggs. Baileys, a whiskey made with cream, is also not vegan.
• Dessert Cocktails – Pay attention to cocktails, because some such as grasshoppers and mudslides are blended with ice cream. Jello shots also contain gelatine, so keep an eye out!

Tips For Finding Vegan Alcohol: 

• Ask The Manufacturer – The best way to determine whether an alcoholic product is vegan or not is to head straight to the manufacturer. You could always email them, contact them on Facebook or even head to their website to find out more about their brews. 
• Look for The “V” Symbol –  Some companies use vegan symbols or text to indicate vegan status. 
• Allergens –  Milk, eggs, fish, and shellfish are common allergens and will often be disclosed on the nutritional label. 
• Carmine Statement –  Look for phrases such as “contains carmine” or “contains cochineal extract” on the label.
• Do Your Research Online –  The internet is at your disposal, so I recommend hopping on websites such as Barnivore, which catalogue the vegan status of over 47,000 alcoholic beverages.

The post All About Vegan Beer, Wine and Spirits appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

People go vegan for a lot of reasons from environmental concerns, to address animal cruelty concerns, to improve health. Following a vegan diet can be a healthy and smart approach to avoid many chronic diseases while getting all the required nutrients. Since a vegan diet typically includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods are rich in fibre, micronutrients, and beneficial plant compounds. Vegan diets are lower in calories, fat, and protein. When added into your diet routine it helps you regulate and maintain your overall health more effectively.

Healthy Vegan Foods:

If you want to get healthier by trying a vegan diet, it’s important to choose the right foods. Healthy vegan foods include:

• Fibre-rich Fruits: berries, pears, apples, oranges, etc.
• Fibre-Rich Vegetables: broccoli, potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, etc
• Leafy Greens: kale, spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard etc.
• Healthy Fats: avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
• Plant-Based Proteins: tofu, soy milk.
• Whole Grains: oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread.
• Beans and Legumes (proteins): black beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

 VEGANISM AND ITS NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

1. High Fibre Foods

The fibre in the food you eat allows the body to access healthy nutrients while keeping blood sugar low and your insulin response in check. The lower your blood sugar, the lower your insulin response, and the less your body gets the signal to store the extra energy as fat. The high-fibre content of fruits and vegetables offers all the nutrients at fewer calories of the carbs, and fat from animal products. So the key to an effective response on the vegan diet is choosing foods that are as close to nature. Plant-based whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and grains, make up a healthy assortment of vitamins, minerals, proteins and complex carbs to make the person eating this way feel satisfied and full, healthy.

Benefits of a high fibre diet:

• Helps maintain bowel health
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Helps control blood sugar levels
• Aids in achieving a healthy weight

2. Superfoods

There are some foods, which are nutritious and low in calories. These foods are known as superfoods and they are excellent fitness companions. Some examples of superfoods include apples, blueberries, green tea, flaxseeds, almonds, grapefruit, oatmeal, olive oil, lentils, spinach, chia seeds, watermelon, etc. There are several green vegan superfoods available, but you should be wise in choosing them.  You can check their reviews, for instance, getting more info on Patriot Power greens, to know about its benefits to your health and lifestyle. These superfoods nourish your body with all the essential antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Superfoods contain certain compounds, which helps you boost your immune system.

Benefits of superfoods: nutrients of superfood reduce or neutralise the agents causing–

• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Stroke
• Respiratory Diseases
• Immune Deficiency

3. Anti-inflammatory Food

Many things affect how our bodies actually use calories, including inflammation, hormone imbalances, stress levels, and sleep. Increasing anti-inflammatory foods consumption helps your body function at an optimal level and maintain a healthy weight. One reason for the success of vegan diets in maintaining robust health is that whole fruits and vegetables are highly anti-inflammatory. To get the maximum benefits from your vegan diet, get more info and make sure you eat plenty of foods such as leafy greens, berries, cruciferous vegetables, olive oil, avocados, tomatoes, and spices and herbs as they reduce inflammation.

Benefits of anti-inflammatory food:

• Fights lupus and other autoimmune disorders.
• Decreased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression, cancer, and other diseases.

4. Healthy fats

Since fat is an important part of a healthy diet, rather than adopting a low-fat diet, it’s more important to focus on eating more beneficial “good” fats and limiting harmful “bad” fats. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are known as “good fats” because they are good for your overall health. Good sources of healthy fats are olive, canola, sesame oils, avocados, sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds. When your fat intake is low, your body will mobilise ready energy from what is stored in the body. A vegan diet low in oils is a natural way to prompt your body to find energy from within, essentially to burn fat and calories faster.

Benefits of healthy fats:

• Lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Lowers triglycerides associated with heart disease and fight inflammation

 Strategies that can help promote healthy eating on a Vegan diet

1. Filling half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables

The one food group you should eat without caution is non-starchy vegetables, including greens, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, carrots, summer squash, asparagus, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These plant foods average about 25 calories per serving, and their bulk, water, and volume can help you feel more full and satisfied.

2. Skip artificial sweeteners

Excess insulin drives sugar into muscle, fat and liver cells, where it’s stored as glycogen (a sugar) for later use. Sadly, we have a limited capacity to store glycogen. When this capacity is breached, the excess sugar is converted to fat for storage. Unless you know exactly what is in them, skip the dessert and enjoy a serving of seasonal unsweetened fruit to hit your natural sweet spot.

3. Maintaining a balanced diet

Make sure you are eating a balanced diet meeting all the macro and micronutrients requirements. Your body needs an adequate amount of calories from food for walking, thinking, breathing, and other important functions. The average person needs about 2,000 calories every day.

4. Keeping track of consumption

A smart idea is limiting the appropriate number of servings in a day. Adding a moderate amount of healthy plant-based proteins is a healthy habit. And limiting your amount of fats to 1 teaspoon of plant oil per serving can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy body.

Plant-based diets are a good option over meat-eaters if you want to cut off on extra calories. A vegan diet is good for the overall human body and it is something worth considering for good health.

The post Know the Benefits of a Vegan Diet on your Lifestyle appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

Have you ever thought of purchasing a juicer for your home kitchen? Perhaps you’re someone who has had a bad experience with juicers in the past. I get you – so many appliances on the market today are low in quality, a pain to clean and just end up collecting dust in the garage. Thankfully, over the years, a number of companies have really upped their game when it comes to slow juicers.

To me, the makings of a good slow juicer are the following: easy to clean, high juice yield, dry pulp and minimal preparation prior to juicing. If a juicer doesn’t have any one of these features, it’s a big fat “no” from me! Another thing that turns me off is an incredibly exorbitant price, so rest assured that this list will offer a variety of differing price points in order to appeal to the masses. 

Today, we have a look at the best slow juicers in Australia for the year 2020. If you’re looking for a quality juicer, I promise that any one of these juicers will be great value for money and are promised to last you years and years.

Let’s get your juice on with the best slow juicers~

 1. Optimum H3000 2nd Generation Horizontal Slow Juicer

Optimum is a brand that has stood the test of time, even when other brands seemingly come and go. The H3000 is a horizontal slow juicer, which may not be a common sight to most. Having personally tried both horizontal and vertical slow juicers, I really do enjoy the ease of cleaning that a horizontal juicer offers me. I personally think that the H3000 is one of the easiest juicers to clean, and this is coming from someone who has owned 4-5 juicers in the last decade.

The H3000 is a 76mm wide mouth juicer that allows you to throw whole apples and oranges in without needing to chop them up prior. It also comes with an incredibly cool heating function that allows you to make homemade nut and soy milk AND heat them too. This is a great feature that can be used to make fresh baby food as well. 

The H300 boasts an incredibly powerful 300W motor along with a world class vacuum function and cup that comes with the H3000 – this allows you to store leftover juice safely by removing all the air in the cup to prevent oxidation and deterioration of your juice. I must say at $489, the H3000 has got to be the best value for money out of all the juicers on this list. To me, this one is the winner. 

Price: $489 AUD

Warranty: Lifetime Domestic Warranty on Motor, 5 Years on Parts

Purchase Here

Watch the Optimum H3000 in action:

2. Kuvings EVO820 Evolution Cold Press Juicer

The Kuvings EVO820 Evolution is a beast of a machine with a 82mm wide chute which is slightly larger than the H3000. This one however, as you can see, is a vertical slow juicer and boasts a 240W motor that is sure to crush the life out of your fruits and vegetables! This isn’t as powerful as the H3000, but is certainly powerful enough to extract a high juice yield. The EVO820 does have a unique “O” shaped flip gate similar to the H3000 that allows for whole apples and oranges to be thrown in without prior chopping.

One of the downsides of the EVO820 is that it is pretty exorbitantly priced at $899 which is a rather large sum that many may not be willing to fork out for a juicer. Especially not when it doesn’t come with a vacuum or heating function. Kuvings is of course, an incredibly reputable brand with thousands of loyal customers who might look past the price point. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend. Personally, $899 for a juicer is a little steep. 

Price: $899 AUD

Warranty: 20 years warranty on motor 5 years on parts

Purchase Here

Watch the EVO820 in action:

3. Optimum 400 Evolve 

The Optimum 400 Evolve Big Mouth Juicer is yet another contender from Froothie, but this time it’s a vertical juicer. Labelled the “King of Juicers”, the 400 crushes your produce at 33rpm which mimics hand juicing, for the best quality juice imaginable. It also is one of the quietest juicers on the market at a measly <66dB, which can be a helpful feature for those who enjoy an early morning juice and don’t want to wake the entire family up.

The 400 also boasts a Vacuum function, similar to it’s H3000 big brother, and is an incredibly affordable $479. Optimum is definitely winning when it comes to price factor whilst offering a myriad of various features that most brands do not have. Similar to the Kuvings, it has a 85mm feeding chute that allows for whole apples and oranges. They’ve also eliminated the internal basket which helps with cleaning and cuts down the amount of time you have to spend scrubbing fruit fibre out of your machine. 

Price: $479 AUD

Warranty: Lifetime Domestic Warranty on Motor, 5 Years on Parts

Purchase Here

Watch the Optimum 400 Evolve in action:

4. Hurom H200 Cold Press Juicer

The Hurom H200 is a behemoth of a machine, and in my opinion possibly one of the bulkiest looking juicers on this list. However, it does feature a built in pulp container which can be very helpful in reducing the amount of mess on your countertop. The H200 is the first juicer in Hurom’s innovative range of Cold Press Juicers that incorporates a complete juicing system of chopping and juicing. 

Its new ‘Mega Hopper’ aka wide feeding chute, enables whole fruit and vegetables to be inserted without chopping, similar to the H3000, 400 Evolve and Kuvings. If you’re looking for a juicer that is going to sit inconspicuously in your kitchen, this may not be the one for you. Price wise, it’s on the steep end…not as expensive as Kuvings, but certainly a lot more expensive than Optimum. 

Price: $764 AUD

Warranty: 10 Year Warranty on Motor

Purchase Here

Watch the Hurom 200 in action:

5. Optimum 600M Cold Press Juicer

The Optimum 600M is the most affordable juicer from Optimum and has been around for quite a while. It’s got an impressive 4.5/5 stars on Product Review and is one of the more compact juicers on this list. At only $294, it’s an absolute steal and perfect for anyone who is not looking to invest big bucks in a juicer but is still looking for a quality machine.

The 600M boasts a low speed of 40 to 45rpm which isn’t as gentle as the 400 Evolve, but still  ensures that the loss of nutrients is kept to a minimum. The 600M is the Optimum juicer with the least functions and features and doesn’t come with vacuum technology or a wide feeding chute. However, at a $249 price, you can’t really complain about this one considering there are some juicers on this list with similar features but at triple the price.

Price: $294 AUD

Warranty: 5 years on Motor & 5 Years on Parts

Purchase Here

Watch the Optimum 600M in action:

6. Mod Cold Press Juicer

The Mod Cold Press Juicer is comes in at #6 with a wide feeding chute, 240w motor and multifunction blank attachment that can make frozen fruit sorbets and ice cream.Price wise, $499 is in the mid-range and in my opinion a great price for all that the juicer offers. Is it as competitive as the Optimum juicers? Probably not, but it’s another great juicer that is worth mentioning on this list. 

Price: $499 AUD

Warranty: 20 years on Motor & 5 Years on Parts

Purchase Here

Watch the Mod in action: https://youtu.be/ztht_jmuyrs

7. Torus T5500 Pro Big Mouth Slow 

Not gonna lie, I’ve never heard of Torus before. However, after doing some in depth research, it seems that they’re a leading brand of juicers that for some reason I’ve never heard of before?! The Torus 5500 comes in at an affordable $399 and also boasts a 80mm wide feeding chute and has a more than decent 250w motor. In terms of extra features and functions, the Torus leaves much to be desired, but at $399 and 4.9 stars on Product Review, it still seems to be an incredible option amongst consumers.

Price: $399 AUD

Warranty: 8 years on Motor

Purchase Here

Watch the Torus in action: https://youtu.be/eR_NH6HRhd8

8. Biochef Atlas Pro Whole Slow 

The Biochef Atlas Pro Whole Slow Juicer is another wide mouthed juicer that boasts an 80mm opening that allows you to throw basically anything in there, similar to most of the juicers on this list. The Atlas is a sleek looking machine and offers 40rpm which is a lot better than Mod, but not as good as the Optimum Evolve. The website claims it has the largest feeding chute of any cold press juicer on the market but as we have seen, that is not the case. In fact, it is the Optimum Evolve that has the largest feeding chute on this list in particular, so -10 points for bold claims. Price wise, it’s a very affordable $279 which makes up for a lack of functions.

Price: $279 AUD

Warranty: Lifetime on Motor and 5 Years on parts 

Purchase Here

Watch the Biochef in action: https://youtu.be/QvPKwTH7ywI

9. Breville The Big  Squeeze

Breville produces a bunch of various kitchen appliances, but made its name for juicers a while back thanks to the documentary “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”. For a while, they were the leaders in centrifugal juicers (ie, blending and extracting juice), but were soon overshadowed by giants like Hurom, Kuvings and Optimum. The Big Squeeze is Breville’s attempt at a slow juicer, and it boasts all the basic functions that you’d expect a slow juicer to have. Would I pay $679 for bog standard juicer with no extra features? Probably not. That’s why this one gets last second last place on the best slow juicers list! 

Price: $679 AUD

Warranty: 10 Year Limited

Purchase Here

Watch the Breville 200 in action: https://youtu.be/To8xgA7IZAA

10. Kogan Cold Press Slow Juicer

And finally, the budget pick for cold press juicer is a spot taken up by none other than Kogan. The Kogan Cold Press Slow Juicer has an impressive 76mm chute and 240w motor power, which is an honourable mention considering it only costs. You can’t really ask for more when you are spending under 100 dollars. It’s got a 4.7 star rating on the Kogan website, and in my opinion I’d probably choose the Kogan over the Breville. But that’s just me  

Price: $89.99 AUD

Warranty: 1 Year 

Purchase Here

Watch the Kogan in action: https://youtu.be/S5ODwHPkvhA

——–

And there you have it – 10 of the best juicers in 2020. Depending on your budget and expectations, I’m certain you’ll find at least one juicer on this list that will fit your needs. I personally have a Kuvings and an OptimumH3000 (yes, I’m an appliance hoarder), and have also owned a Hurom in the past. I can say they’re all amazing (except for Breville lol) – but of course, this is my personal opinion. I was not sponsored or paid by any of these brands cos I keep it real. Peace out! 

Pssst: Need some juice recipes? Click here. 

The post Best Slow Juicers appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

Are you looking for a blender that will last you a lifetime? Sick and tired of bullsh*t appliances that break down after one or two months? I KNOW I AM! In the last 5 years, there has been an exponential increase in demand for quality commercial grade blenders for domestic use. You may have gawked at some of the blenders that you have seen being used in cafes, restaurants and juice chains, only to wonder if you too could have a powerful beast of a blender in your home kitchen. This is what inspired me to write this article on the top 15 blenders in 2020.

Thankfully, there are a number of amazing brands that manufacture high speed, top quality blenders in Australia that are suitable for both commercial and domestic use. Whether you’re looking for ultra-smooth smoothies, homemade nut butters or simply an all rounded appliance that can tackle any recipe, we’re sure there is a blender on this list that you’ll enjoy. Let’s get right into it:

The top 15 Blenders in 2020

1. Optimum G2.6 Platinum Series

First on the list of top blenders in 2020 is the Optimum G2.6 Platinum Series. If there was a blender that was sent down from heaven, it’s got to be this one. The G2.6 is a beast of a machine that boasts a 2400W motor, 2 litre jug and 6 blade stainless steel assembly. The G2.6 is by far the most powerful blender by Optimum to date, and can process nut butters, smoothies and so much more in literal seconds.

The G2.6 tackles both wet and dry, meaning you can make your own Almond Meal, flours and process other pulses for cheap and easy. It comes with a digital panel and six pre-programmed settings that include Milkshake, Smoothie, Bisque, Sauce, Mash, and Vegetables. This machine works flawlessly and grinds just about anything in just a few seconds. If there is only ONE blender you’re looking to buy, I highly recommend the Optimum G2.6 – the be all and end all of blenders in 2020.

Price: $598 AUD (limited time offer)
Warranty: Lifetime

Purchase Here

Watch the Optimum G2.6 in action:

2. Vitamix Professional Series 750

Vitamix is one of the most popular brands of blenders in recent years, and with good reason too. The Vitamix Professional Series 750 in particular, is one of their latest additions to the range. It comes with a commercial-grade 2.2-peak horsepower motor that is able to blend the toughest ingredients.

It comes with a 1.8litre jug, which is a tad shy from the 2 litres that the Optimum G2.6 offers. However, 1.8litres is more than enough for everyday practical use in a domestic setting. The 750 also boasts 5 pre-programmed settings that include Smoothies, Hot Soups, Frozen Desserts, Purées, and Self-Cleaning. This is one short of the Optimum G2.6 that has pre-programmed settings for Bisque and Mash. However, if you’re not the most adventurous cook, the 750 is ideal.

The Vitamix 750 is more compact than its classic predecessor, and a much better fit for home kitchens as it doesn’t take up as much space as previous models. It is also significantly cheaper than previous classic models, making it a great option for those who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a good blender.

Price: $599.95 AUD
Warranty: 7 Years

Purchase Here

Watch the Vitamix Pro 750 in action:

3. Optimum Evolve

At number 3 we have yet another contender from Optimum, this time with the Optimum Evolve Blender. This Blender comes with 2 glass jugs – as opposed to many other brands that only offer plastic jugs. The benefits of a glass jug is that it doesn’t dull over time and can handle piping hot soups, nut milks and other hot ingredients. It also boasts 2400w max motor power, meaning it can handle almost anything you throw into it.

The Evolve comes with a Hot Jug and a Cold Jug. The Hot Jug boasts an internal steaming basket that allows you to cook rice, vegetables and other grains with the blender’s pre-programmed “Steam” setting. The other 7 pre-programmed settings include Smooth Soup, Chunky Soup, Crushed Ice, Smoothie, Baby Food, Nut Milk and Raw Soup.

The Evolve is by far the most versatile blender on its list thanks to its multiple functions, but the one thing that TRULY stands out about this blender is its voice control function. Yes, you read that right. Voice control. You can talk to this blender with a range of command phrases and you can even hook it up via bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet. The Evolve is truly an out of this world blender and harnesses the power of technology like none other.

Oh, not to mention the vacuum function that sucks all air out of the blender prior to blending in order to prevent foamy smoothies or overly aerated ingredients. The vacuum also serves as a way to reduce oxidation of veggies and fruits in order to preserve the maximum amount of phytonutrients. Woohoo!

Price: $899 AUD
Warranty: Lifetime

Purchase Here

Watch the Optimum Evolve in action:

4. Blendtec Classic 575

You may remember Blendtec from their oh so popular “Will It Blend?” series in the late 2000’s. I mean, who doesn’t remember how they blended an iPhone? My heart cries. The Blendtec Classic 575 is a commercial grade blender that is also suitable for domestic purposes. It boasts a 1560w motor, which in comparison to the other blenders on this list may seem a little lacklustre.

The 575 has a plastic jug and comes with 5 incremental speeds + Pulse and two timed cycles that free your hands for other kitchen tasks while creating a wide range of recipes, including soups, bread dough, and ice cream. You simply choose a 60- or 90-second setting and let your blender do the rest. Again, in comparison to the myriad of pre-set programmes that the Vitamix and Optimum blenders offer, the Blendtec does pale slightly in comparison.

However, it is still a fantastic blender that is used by many commercial establishments such as Boost and is a relatively compact blender that is easy to fit into most kitchen decor.

Price: $699 AUD
Warranty: 8 Years

Purchase Here

Watch the Blendtec in action:

5. Breville The Boss BBL915

Breville is a popular brand in Australia and has recently upped their game in the blender department. Once upon a time, all you could expect from a Breville was a semi-decent blender that was overshadowed by giants such as Optimum and Vitamix. Fast forward to 2020 and Breville The Boss BBL915 takes its place as the fifth contender on this list.

The Breville Boss®features a high velocity ProKinetix® blade and bowl system that pulverizes virtually any combination of ingredients. It also comes with 12 speed settings and a large 2 litre shatter proof jug. The Boss also has several one touch settings similar to the other blenders on this list.

In terms of aesthetics, The Boss, in my opinion, has a long way to go. It’s somewhat bulky design and kitschy silver exterior look a little like what you’d expect to see in your grandma’s kitchen in the 90s. While it certainly is a good blender, it’s in no way the sexiest looking one which may prove to be a problem for those who want their kitchen to SHINE.

Price: $799 AUD
Warranty: 7 Years

Purchase Here

Watch The Boss in action:

6. Optimum 9200A 2nd Generation

Optimum does it once again, with its third contender on this list. The Optimum 9200A 2nd Generation was rated #1 blender on Product Review and Choice, so you know this one’s a good one. The people have spoken!

The 9200A boasts a 6 blade assembly and a powerful 2611W power which blows Blendtec out of the water. I’m pretty sure that the 9200 has been one of Froothie’s top sellers year after year, and I personally know at least 5 people who have one sitting on their kitchen counter. The 9200A makes Nut Butter, Crushed Ice, Smoothies, Soups, Frozen Fruit Ice Cream, Juice and also boasts commercial functions such as a Proprietary Carbon Brush Motor and Intelligent Overload Protection.

The most impressive bit of the 9200A has got to be its price – at a shockingly low $398, this blender is an absolute STEAL. GO GET ONE!

Price: $398 AUD
Warranty: 10 Years

Purchase Here

Watch the Optimum 9200A in action: https://youtu.be/yZk-laoNwi0

7. Vitamix 5200

The Vitamix 5200 is the classic Vitamix that you’ve probably seen over the years. This is actually the first ever high speed blender that I purchased in 2014, and it still works absolutely perfectly now in 2020. I’ve made countless raw cheesecakes, smoothies and milkshakes in this bad boy and it has never let me down.

The 5200 easily blends frozen drinks and creamy desserts in minutes and has an adjustable variable speed to achieve a variety of textures. The dial can be rotated at any point during the blend, so you’re in complete control. The blades in the Vitamix container reach speeds fast enough to create friction heat, bringing cold ingredients to steaming hot in about six minutes. Whilst you can indeed make soups in this, it is no comparison to the soups made in the Optimum Evolve as the Evolve actually steams ingredients prior to blending.

Price: $449.95 AUD
Warranty: 7 Years

Purchase Here

Watch the 5200 in action: https://youtu.be/I6Fo0udCzqI

8. Biochef Living Food Vacuum Blender

I’ve gotta say, Biochef is not a brand I’m too familiar with, but it seems to have rave reviews all over the internet. The Biochef Living Food Vacuum Blender is a versatile, high-performance blender that offers a powerful, 1680w commercial motor. You also have the option of standard or vacuum blending that is complete with a 6-pronged, Japanese Stainless Steel blade system.
The Vacuum Blending Accessory, which comes as a separate attachment, quickly and quietly removes the air from the jug prior to blending, which preserves the nutrition, flavour and colour of the ingredients as well as resulting in a smoother, richer, foam-free texture. This is very similar to the Optimum Evolve, and another great feature of the Biochef. In terms of design, I really love the shape of the Biochef’s base as I’ve never quite seen a blender that looks like it. It would be the perfect addition to any modern kitchen!

Price: $579 AUD
Warranty: 10 Years on Motor, 7 Years on Parts

Purchase Here

Watch the Biochef in action: https://youtu.be/t7LrAR4i80U

9. Ninja HB150

Ninja is another popular brand that has been around for years and is loved by many. The Ninja HB150 has the regular crushing power you would expect from a Ninja with an added ability to cook ingredients like proteins and vegetables.

The 150 has an 800-watt precision heating element boils in minutes to unlock and amplify flavours in every drink, soup, and sauce. This is similar to the Optimum Evolve that heats ingredients up prior to blending. Additional features include 12 intelligent programs for blending and cooking possibilities at the touch of a button. The HB150 also comes with a 1000w motor which is impressive, but unfortunately nowhere near the power of a Vitamix or Optimum blender.

However, the Ninja HB150 is very modestly priced at a more than affordable $399, which may make it a better option for those who aren’t looking to break the bank when purchasing a blender.

Price: $399 AUD
Warranty: 1 year

Watch the Ninja HB10 in action: https://youtu.be/XDleOqmerlI

10. Nutribullet Blender Combo 1000

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of the NutriBullet. The Nutribullet is the ultimate compact blender that is ideal for anyone who isn’t looking for something that is too high end but still in search of quality.

The Nutribullet Blender Combo 1000 comes with multiple speeds, a pulse function, extraction capabilities and a vented lid to accommodate hot ingredients. The 1000 is a full-sized unit that gives you more capacity, more power, and more versatility than the standard Nutribullet and allows you to blend and extract a much wider range of dishes and recipes.

Don’t worry though, the Combo 1000 still comes with the classic NutriBullet 700ml cup for ease and portability, along with a 500ml travel cup, tamper and pitcher lid with lid cap.

Price: $229 AUD
Warranty: 1 year

Watch the Nutribullet 1000 in action: https://youtu.be/unZr8o2b9MQ

11. Omniblend-V

The Omniblend-V comes with a 1.5litre jug, which is a little smaller than most of the other blenders on this list. However, OmniBlend V has both automatic and manual controls which allows users to set & forget. The OmniBlend-V is an extremely versatile food preparation machine that can be used for smoothies, soups, nut butters, nut milk, ice cream, grind grains into flour, coffee beans & more.

Similar to the Optimum Blenders, the Omniblend-V also comes with a 6 blade assembly, powerful 2238W motor and metal drive sockets that apply all power directly to the blades, eliminating slippage and premature wear that is usually seen with plastic drive couplings.

All in all, the Omniblend-V is a fantastic mid-range priced blender that gives you top of the range power and is also a great first time high speed blender for anyone who is new to the blender game.

Price: $479 AUD
Warranty: 1 Year

Purchase Here

Watch the Omniblend-V in action: https://youtu.be/tw5w02hIORo

12. Phillips High Speed Vacuum Blender HR3756/00

Don’t knock it till you try it – some may assume that Phillip’s has no place in the high speed blender race, but they’ve really upped their game with the HR3756/00. This blender comes with 3 pre-programmed settings that include Smoothie, Pulse and Ice Crushing. Whilst this is far less than most of the blenders on this list, I’ve got to give props to Phillip’s for offering a blender with 1400w at a reasonable price. 1400w is more powerful than the Ninja, and almost as powerful as the Blendtec, which puts it in between these more popular brands. Bravo Phillips!

This blender also comes with vacuum technology which sucks the oxygen out of the jar before blending. This is very similar to the Optimum Evolve and Biochef blenders mentioned in this list, which impresses me a fair bit considering Phillip’s notoriety as our usual run of the mill appliance brand.

Price: $429 AUD
Warranty: 2 years

Purchase Here

Watch the HR3756 in action: https://youtu.be/yxsZU-pghk4

13. Sunbeam PB8080 Two Way

Sunbeam is another brand that one may not expect much from, but they’re here to wow us with the Sunbeam PB8080 Two Way Blender. This bay boy comes with an extra wide 9cm reversible blade system that changes the direction of the blade motion to make sure all ingredients get drawn into the vortex for a smoother and more even blend. PB8080 also comes with 7 functions that let you choose from 3 pre-programmed recipes (Smoothie, Chop/Salsa and Milkshake) or 4 manual settings. This blender also comes with a 1100W motor, which isn’t the highest on this list but is more than one would expect from a Sunbeam appliance. At $199, this is the second cheapest blender on this list and honestly if you’re someone with a limited budget, I’d recommend this in a heartbeat.

Price: $152 AUD
Warranty: 1 year

Purchase Here

Watch the Sunbeam PB8080 in action: https://youtu.be/6lpQGn4dXeQ

14. Mod Blend Pro

You may have seen an ad by Mod on Facebook or Instagram recently. They’re an upcoming brand that sells a range of juicers and blenders. The Mod Blend Pro is one of their most popular blenders and includes 5 intelligent pre-set programs, instant pulse and touch swipe multi power, all effortlessly controlled from a stylish digital display.

This is one of the few blenders on this list that boasts a digital display, the others being the Optimum G2.6 and Evolve. Whilst this isn’t a “must-have” feature, I do enjoy the sleek look of a digital display.

The Mod Pro also comes with a generous 2 litre jug and a cool little drink flask that I actually think looks sleek AF. In terms of power, it boasts a 3.5 horsepower motor which beats even the Vitamix 750. Honestly pretty impressive for a $399 blender!

Price: $399 AUD
Warranty: 5 years

Purchase Here

Watch the Mod Blend Pro in action: https://youtu.be/jmaiY5DZDkU

15. KMART Digital Blender

Last but not least, our token budget pick – every article needs one in my opinion. I’ve heard rave reviews about Kmart appliances, from their toasters to their air fryers, pie makers and waffle makers. I must say, the Kmart Digital Blender is of course, with no surprise, the cheapest blender on this list. Now, in no way am I saying it compares to any of the other blenders on this list, but if you’re someone with a budget under $100, this may be the ideal option for you.

For a cheap blender, you get 10 pre-set functions, ice crushing function, 1 grinding cup, 1 lid and 2 blades. In terms of power, all you’re going to get is 700w, but hey, for $49.00, you can’t really complain or expect more. Aesthetically, I’m actually quite impressed by the sleek design of this blender and I think it looks more expensive than the Breville Boss (sorry Breville). It’s got a full 5 star rating on the Kmart website, so hey, BRAVO K MART, you made it into the top 20 blenders in 2020 list!

Price: $49 AUD
Warranty: 1 year

Purchase Here

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And there you have it – a comprehensive list of the top blenders in 2020! Most of these blenders will carry their “best blender” title way past 2020 I’m sure. With a wide range of options in terms of price, power, speed and versatility, I hope that this article has helped you decide which blender is the best for you!

The post Top 15 Blenders in 2020 – Australia appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

You’re starting the keto diet to be healthier. But, just like any diet, starting and maintaining the keto diet takes a bit of work. 

I know this very well myself, considering I’ve had a long history of trying every diet under the sun. From the infamous Dukan Diet and Atkins to an entirely Raw diet of nothing but fruit, you name a crazy fad diet and I’ve probably tried it. Recently, I’ve been looking into the Keto Diet…yes, I know what you’re thinking…Vegan Keto? Is that even possible? Well, I’m here to tell you that it is indeed possible, as long as you do a little research and are willing to put in some time and effort into finding the right foods for your Vegan Keto journey. 

The blunt truth is, if you’re not motivated or simply don’t have the time to put in the effort, you won’t get the most out of your keto diet. The Keto Diet is quite a strict one which limits Carbohydrate intake to around 25-50 grams a day. It follows a general macronutrient profile of:

• Fat 55–60%
• Protein: 30–35%
• Carbohydrates: 5–10%

Considering this ratio of macronutrients is such a stark difference to the standard American diet, it is important that anyone looking to switch to a Ketogenic lifestyle do their research, look into various foods and source tips and tricks on Keto Forums, Facebook groups and so on. Thankfully, there are quite a few cheats that you can use if you want to be successful and improve your health while eating keto.

Here are five of my top top cheats for making the keto diet easy to stick to, regardless of what scope of diet and lifestyle you may fall into:

1. Starting Slowly

In order to increase the chances of sticking to a diet, you need to start slowly. Jumping into ice water straight away never did anyone any good. You can’t expect to completely change your diet come Monday morning and keep at it for more than a week. This is especially the case if you are currently struggling to maintain a healthy diet. Think of it as more of a marathon, rather than a sprint. You can’t “unlearn” life-long habits in one weekend.

If most of your current diet includes a copious amount of carbohydrates, your body and mind will be in for quite a shock when you suddenly stop eating them throughout the day. Therefore, the best idea is to take baby steps. You can start off by replacing some ingredients and small dishes with Keto options first. As you begin to get used to them, start swapping in more and more Keto options until it becomes a natural part of your daily diet.

Eventually, you’ll be in the full swing of things and be more likely to continue with the diet. Here are a list of common Vegan Keto foods that will help you make your transition into a fully Ketogenic lifestyle:

• Tofu / Tempeh
• Soy Milk
• Sugar Free Coconut Yogurt
• Nuts and Nut Butters
• Coconut Creams and Milks 
• Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil and other Nut Oils
• Seeds
• Coconut Flesh
• Avocados
• Small quantities of Berries
• Non-starchy Veggies (Spinach, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Peppers, Zucchini etc)
• Stevia
• Coffee/Tea 
• Vegan Butter 

2. Using a Pressure Cooker

One of the major issues that come along with the keto diet is making recipes that fit into the keto diet. They’re usually very time consuming and require a lot of effort and patience to make. If you simply don’t have the time to make keto-friendly foods, you’ll fall off the wagon and return to a diet that’s much easier to maintain. Thankfully, by using options such as a Pressure Cooker, you can greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to prepare certain ingredients and recipes. 

Pressure cookers can make the keto diet much simpler! Rather than spending hours in the kitchen each day preparing your Keto meals, you can use a pressure cooker to speed up the process. They’re great if you don’t like cooking, as they minimize the cooking time by up to 90%.

The less time you spend making the food, the more time you have to exercise and improve your life in other areas.

3. Finding Keto Recipes

If you’ve never jumped on the Keto diet bandwagon before, the guidelines for the diet may prove to be a bit confusing. Making your own recipes with the foods and ingredients you can eat will take a ton of time and may even prove to be frustrating.

Well, that’s what’s great about the internet. You have access to basically everything.

The internet is loaded with cooking and baking websites that will give you the play-by-play for hundreds of different keto meals. These websites are usually very easy to use and quite clearly display the ingredients you’ll need for each dish. They’ll also walk you through the cooking process and the nutritional information of each recipe. Youtube is also a fantastic resource when it comes to sourcing Keto recipes, and you’ll be amazed at how you can create Pizzas, Cinnamon Rolls and even Waffles using Keto friendly ingredients. (PS: Google “CHAFFLES”, you’ll thank me later).

All you need to do now is pick up the required ingredients from the grocery store and set aside some time to actually make it.

4. Knowing What You Can and Can’t Eat

Your previous diet was likely filled with fats, carbs, sugar, and salt. As you begin your keto diet, you’re probably realizing that you can’t eat a majority of what you were eating before.

The good news is, there are guidelines for what you can and can’t eat while on the keto diet. Once you eventually figure out why you should be avoiding certain foods and intentionally eating others, it’ll be easier for you to determine which foods fit into your keto diet. By knowing exactly which foods you should eat and which foods you should avoid, the transition to the keto diet will be much simpler and much less frustrating.

Doing some research into alternatives of your favourite foods that you can enjoy will also make the transition into a Keto lifestyle that much easier. Looking into sweeteners such as Erythritol, Stevia and Monk Fruit will allow you to create some tasty Keto cakes, pancakes, breads and other desserts so that you don’t feel like you’re missing out entirely on all the good things in life.

5. Keeping a Food Diary

In reality, everybody can benefit from keeping a food diary. I actually can’t stress enough on how much a food journal or log helps you stay accountable on any diet/lifestyle. There are tons of apps available on your smartphone that you can use to record what you’re eating each day. Most of these applications now come with various settings, including a “Keto Diet” option. These apps will take note of several things that are important in the keto diet, including carbohydrates, sugars, and calories. 

The apps will also record each of the major nutrients that you’re taking in each day. Once you have this data, you can compare it to the recommendations for the keto diet to see if you’re good to go or just missing the mark.

By using these apps, you can select better food options and stay within the recommended guidelines for your new keto diet. This will make it much easier for you to visualize your food intake on a daily basis. My current app of choice is Lifesum, as I find it easier to navigate than My Fitness Pal and generally better designed than the latter. 

Final Thoughts

Changing your diet can be difficult, but it’s much easier when you know what you’re doing and how to do it more efficiently. As long as you’re staying focused on the diet and taking the necessary steps to maintain it, the keto diet should be pretty easy to stick to, Vegan or not. I hope this article has helped you in one way or another. Leave me a comment if you have any questions or have any tips/tricks that I haven’t mentioned above! 

The post The 5 Cheats that Make the Keto Diet So Easy appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

We are what we eat. Our nutrition determines whether we get health or any diseases.

You’ve probably heard a lot of arguments for veganism and plant-based diets. For various reasons, different people get motivated and start making changes in their lives.

On one hand, being a vegan is not easy. But as long as you have two hands, the right tools in the kitchen, you can make your vegan diet almost as varied and high-quality as you would with a normal diet. What tools will help you? Read on Cookingtopgear.

If you are already committed to the transition to veganism or are still just thinking about it, here are 29 answers to the question “why?”. These answers can help you make the right decision!

Pictured: Quinoa Crunch Salad 

Meal Time Benefits:

1. Reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Dairy and meat products contain large amounts of saturated fats. If you reduce their proportion in your diet, take care of your health and prevent cardiovascular disease.
2. Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply your body with energy. When there aren’t enough carbohydrates, your body burns your muscle tissue.
3. Cellulose. The high-fiber content in a vegan diet provides stable “trips to the toilet” and prevents large intestine cancer.
4. Magnesium. Although magnesium helps absorb calcium, its important role in a healthy diet is often overlooked. The ideal source of magnesium are nuts, seeds, and dark green leafy vegetables.
5. Potassium. Potassium provides a balance of water and hydrochloric acid in your body and helps your kidneys remove toxins.
6. Folic acid. This vitamin is an important part of a healthy diet. Folic acid plays an important role in cellular repair, in the formation of red and white blood cells, and in the metabolism of amino acids.
7. Antioxidants. Antioxidants help your body protect cells from damage. Many researchers also believe that antioxidants help protect your body from cancer.
8. Vitamin C. Vitamin C not only helps protect your immunity but also prevents gum disease. What’s more, it helps bruises heal more quickly. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant.
9. Vitamin E. This vitamin is good for your heart, skin, eyes, brain, and can even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. A diet high in grains, nuts, and dark greens is full of vitamin E.
10. Phytochemicals. Vegetable food supplies our body with phytochemicals that help prevent and cure cancer, activate protective enzymes (biocatalysts). Work as powerful antioxidants in your body.
11. Proteins. It’s no secret that protein is good for our body. Red meat is not the best source of protein. And beans, nuts, peas, lentils, soybeans are the perfect source of protein for vegans.

Pictured: Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Slice 

Prevention of Disease:

Studies have shown that a vegan diet can prevent many diseases.

12. Cardiovascular diseases. If you eat whole grains and nuts while at the same time removing dairy products and meat from your diet, you will prevent cardiovascular disease. British research has shown that a vegan diet significantly reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
13. Cholesterol. If you remove all animal food and “diet” cholesterol from your diet, your heart will thank you!
14. Blood pressure. A diet rich in whole grains has a beneficial effect on your health. It also helps lower your blood pressure.
15. Colon cancer. If your diet is made up of whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, your risk of developing colon cancer is significantly reduced.
16. Breast cancer. Statistics show that in countries where women eat little meat and animal products, breast cancer incidence is much lower.
17. Retina disease (yellow spot degeneration). A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, carrots, pumpkins, and yellows, can prevent age-related yellow spot degeneration.
18. Arthritis. For a long time, doctors believed that excluding dairy products from the diet helps to mitigate the symptoms of arthritis. But new research has shown that a vegan diet combined with a gluten-free diet significantly improves the health of people with rheumatic arthritis.
19. Osteoporosis. Bone health depends on the amount of protein consumed, sufficient calcium intake, large potassium intake, and small sodium intake. If you follow a healthy vegan diet, these 4 components will do a great job in preventing osteoporosis!

Pictured: Roasted Cauliflower, Brown Rice and Lentil Salad 

Pictured: Vegan Peanut Soba Noodle Salad 

Physical Benefits:

20. Weight loss. Weight loss is the result of following a vegan diet. By following a vegan diet, you eliminate all harmful foods from your diet, which causes weight problems.
21. Energy. If you are a vegan, you probably noticed that you have gained strength and energy.
22. Healthy skin. Our skin is influenced by vitamins such as A and E (contained in vegetables) and nuts. That’s why vegans always have healthy skin. Many people who have switched to a vegan diet have noticed that their acne began to appear much less frequently.
23. Longevity. Studies have shown that vegans and vegetarians live on average 3-6 years longer than meat-eaters.
24. The scent of the skin. If you exclude meat and dairy products from your diet, you will notice that you smell much better.
25. Bad breath. Vegans do not have bad breath. Just imagine what it’s like to get up in the morning and no longer feel that awful breath smell.
26. Hair. Many people who switched to a vegan diet noticed that their hair had become stronger, thicker and healthier.
27. Nails. A vegan diet also helps strengthen nails. They become stronger and healthier. In general, it is by the nails that you can judge the health of a person.
28. Migraines. With the transition to veganism, people stop experiencing severe headaches.
29. Allergies. If you reduce the proportion of dairy and meat products and eggs in your diet, you will relieve the symptoms of your allergy.

Pictured: Vegan Fudge Brownies

Arguments in favor of veganism can be listed at length. But the most important, of course, are healthy food, good health, getting rid of chronic diseases and preventing new ones. In addition, the decision to become a vegan will help to improve the world’s ecology and relieve animals from suffering.

PS: Click here to check out this Green Juice Review that is tasty, healthy and a great way to incorporate vital greens into your Vegan diet! 

The post The Vegan Diet Works Wonders – 29 Reasons to Become a Vegan appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

We’ve all been there – you swear you’re going to be “good” and only purchase the ingredients for your weekly meal plan at the grocery store. 30 minutes later, your cart is magically filled with candy bars, chocolate, chips, snacks and everything you swore you’d stay away from. Fret not, for there is a perfectly intellectual reason behind your impulse buys. This is what we call Supermarket Psychology. In more technical terms, supermarkets utilise expert retail merchandising methods and strategies to ensure that each customer purchases more than what they actually need. Sneaky? Maybe. Smart? Definitely. Today, I’ll be going through 6 of the most commonly used retail merchandising tips in supermarket. We’ll go through how you can spot them and perhaps even avoid falling for the junk food traps set all around for you to succumb to. Let’s get on with it, shall we.

1. Notice They Always Play The Best Tunes?

Okay, so music isn’t OFFICIALLY considered a retail merchandising tool, but it sure has an effect on how long shoppers dawdle around the supermarket or grocery store. Ever noticed that supermarkets tend to play catchy tunes that everyone just loves singing along to? This is one of the tactics utilised to encourage us hanging around for longer than we intend to. A famous study from a couple of decades ago found that people spent up to 35% more time in stores that play music VS stores that don’t. Music is one of the easiest ways to calm the soul, and as we know, our calm souls also love a bag of hot Cheetos.

2. Got Milk?!

Ever noticed that regardless of what kind of milk you purchase, you almost always can never spot the milk aisle from the supermarket entrance? Whether it’s Almond Milk, Oat Milk, Dairy Milk or Rice Milk, milk is one of the basic necessities for most households. If you’re planning to just grab a carton of milk on the way home from work, chances are you’ll have to walk down at least 5-6 aisles or to the back of the store before you can get your paws on your delicious milk. What does this mean? This means more time for you to come into contact with other items that are being sold such as chips, chocolate, candy and other quick purchases that most of us succumb to. Leaving the basic necessities out of sight and putting you through a jungle gym of incredibly tempting treats to get to your milk is truly, supermarket psychology 101.

3. Your Supermarket Has Revamped its Layout

Everyone loves a fresh and brightly renovated supermarket. I’ll admit I get excited when my supermarket revamps itself every once in so often. What I don’t like, however, is how they change aisles and put things on different shelves all the time. If you’re used to going down Aisle 2 for bread and now Aisle 2 is full of baking products, chances are you’ll have to walk all around the supermarket looking for your beloved bread. This is another trick employed by supermarkets to ensure that you spend more time in the store, in the hopes of you purchasing things you may not really need.

4. Lots of RED and YELLOW!

Ever noticed that “special” stickers and signs often come in bright colours, mainly reds and yellows? Well there is a reason behind this too! Red is a colour that is psychologically linked to increasing ones appetite and can stimulate hunger in shoppers. Similarly, yellow triggers feelings of happiness and friendliness. Combine these two colours and you have a recipe for someone purchasing a lot of junk food, snacks, cakes and other feel good foods in the moment. (McDonald’s uses Red and Yellow, ahem ahem). Supermarkets craftily utilise colour to affect shoppers psychological states in the hopes of them purchasing more, and thus allowing revenue levels to soar! WOO CAPITALISM!

5. Candy at the Checkout Counter

So you’ve stuck to your grocery list and successfully managed to avoid the candy and chocolate aisle. You go girl! Ah, but wait, all of a sudden, you rock up to the checkout counter and you are faced with a mountain of candy bars on SPECIAL! The candy bars stare at you, and you stare back. “I shouldn’t”, you think. “AH FK IT!!”, you grab one. You have succumbed to Satan. Okay, I may be getting a little overdramatic, but we’ve all been in that spot. And guess what, it’s not really your fault. You’ll notice at every grocery or convenience store that the checkout is lined with an array of candy and chocolate, simply because it is the point of your shopping adventure where you are suffering from decision fatigue. This is also the same point at which you are more vulnerable to making impulse choices or decisions, hence resulting in you purchasing 10 Mars bars even though you said you were going on a diet. Don’t worry, I feel you, I always cave. You’re not alone.

6. Falling For The Bundles and Multi-Buys

Everyone loves a deal. This I know to be a universal similarity between all individuals on the planet. This is also what supermarkets love to use against us. Ever noticed that supermarkets make us believe that purchasing their bundles or multi-buy options is the most cost efficient way to shop? Whilst you may indeed save money per item, you’re still purchasing more than you need, which equates to spending more than you need. It is a known fact that people are likely to purchase more if there is a higher quantity offered in an offer. You may think, oh, I’ll just save these chips for next week. Chances are, you won’t save them and you’ll end up eating them all this weekend, only having to go out and purchase more the next week. Man, they’ve got us good.

So, How Can You Beat The Supermarket?

1. Create a grocery list and stick to it. Ensuring that you do not deviate from your list is a great way to avoid purchasing things that you do not need, even if you have to walk past them a thousand times. Get everything you’ve listen out, pay and leave!

2. Don’t shop when you are hungry. It has been proven time and time again that people who shop on an empty stomach end up purchasing more food than they need, often in the form of junk, ready-meal or candy/chips/chocolate. When you are hungry, you buy more. It’s as simple as that. Being hungry can also affect our decision making ability, allowing us to succumb to impulse purchases and buy more than we need.

3. A great way to avoid buying too much or purchasing things you don’t need is to use a shopping basket instead of a trolley or cart. Why? Well, simply because you’ll be less tempted to buy more stuff if your basket already looks full and plentiful. Shopping trolleys, on the other hand, offer you endless amounts of space to pile up with junk food and other purchases that you don’t really need.

4. Only purchase what you need, not what is on offer. Yes, it may be tempting to buy that three pack of cereal – but do you really need it? Sometimes less is more. You can always buy another box next month if need be. Always focus on what you need NOW, as opposed to what you THINK you may need next week. This is by far the greatest way to avoid falling for bundle traps or multi-packs. You’ll also save money at the end of the day which is always a great thing in my books!

5. Don’t fall for the bright lights or colours. Yes, that huge SALE sign may seem appealing, but it’s only there to encourage you to purchase things that you almost always don’t need. Just because something is surrounded in bright lights or fancy looking signs doesn’t mean you have to purchase it. Beware of the red and yellow devils for they are everywhere!!

____________

And there you have it. HOW TO BEAT THE DAMN SUPERMARKET and hopefully save some money and take some inches off your waist for good! Until next time!

The post Undestanding Supermarket Psychology 101 appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

If you’re a regular on this blog, you’ll know that I’m a die-hard cat lady. I have 4 lovely cats of my own, Richard, Bingo, Pudding and Ebichu. They are the literal center of my world…which is why I’ve decided to write about a slightly controversial topic in the Vegan community – feeding your cats a carnivorous diet. Now, if you’re looking for an article that goes more into taking care of cats, cat supplies and all that jazz, do have a look at this article I wrote last year. Today, however, I want to touch on why my cats will only ever eat meat, or a carnivorous diet. Let’s get straight into it.

Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Unlike humans or even Dogs, who are herbivorous/omnivorous by nature – depending on your personal beliefs, cats are obligat carnivores. For this reason alone, cats should always stick to a carnivorous diets, regardless of your personal ethics or beliefs. So, what is an obligate carnivore? An obligate carnivore is an animal that requires a diet consisting of mainly meat simply because it does not posses the physiology to digest plant or vegetable matter. Ever noticed that cats tend to throw up after they’ve chewed on flowers and glass? This is exactly why that happens. Cats are in no way adapted to a Vegan diet and their digestive systems are not geared to handle plant matter. Cats who follow a human-imposed Vegan diet will almost definitely suffer from Taurine deficiencies due to the plant based diet not being able to provide them with this very crucial amino acid.

Why Do Cats Need Taurine?

As mentioned before, Taurine is one of the key components to a healthy diet for cats. Taurine is absolutely critical for healthy heart muscle function, digestion, vision and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Taurine is also incredibly important for cats that are pregnant as it is a key component of healthy fetal development. Unfortunately, Taurine is not naturally manufactured in a cat’s body, meaning that it is vital for them to receive it via their diet. Taurine is an essential nutrient that cats in the wild get from animal protein. Of course, the regular house cat does not have access to prey, which is why it is so important that the diet a pet owner feeds to their cat is nutritionally balanced and full of essential nutrients that contribute to the wellbeing of one’s pet.

What Happens If My Cat is Deficient?

If you choose to feed your cat a Vegan diet, I can almost guarantee you that your cat will be deficient. I personally consider feeding cats a Vegan diet the same thing as animal abuse, and I will explain why I have this belief. Cats that are deficient in Taurine and all the other vital amino acids and nutrients found in a meat-based diet will start to develop symptoms such as Feline Central Retinal Degeneration, Dilate Cardiomyopathy (the weakening of heart muscles) and growth deficiencies in cases where your cat is pregnant. Now, does any of that sound good? Obviously not. Would I ever risk my cats suffering from any of those diseases? Abso-f*cking-lutely not.

How Does A Vegan Get Themselves To Purchase Meat For Their Cats?

This is a question I get all too often. How do your ethics not get in the way of you purchasing meat based pet foods for your cats? The answer is pretty simple – my beliefs are not to be forced on any creature, human or non-human. Human beings have the cognitive ability to choose what diets they want to adhere to. Cats, on the other hand, simply cannot communicate anything of the sort, and by default, should be fed what nature intended them to feed on. Is it difficult knowing that I’m paying for dead flesh? Of course. But you know what would be more difficult? Having any one of my cats suffer or even die due to my personal ethics and morals. In my opinion, letting your cat or cats suffer because YOU are a Vegan is one of the most un-vegan things anyone could do.

Just as one wouldn’t go out of their way to feed their cats/dogs toxic food substances such as Chocolate, Onions, Garlic and so on, why would one go out of their way to provide them with a diet that is sorely lacking in essential Amino Acids and nutrients that are necessary for a happy and healthy life? I leave you with this – the next time you think about feeding your cats a Vegan diet, take a moment to sit down and think about whether you are doing it for YOURSELF, or for your cats. Chance are it’s the former. And if so, please consider other pet options. The end.

The post Why My Cats Will Only Eat a Carnivorous Diet appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

Hey ho, let’s go. As everyone knows, Vegan restaurants are popping up EVERYWHERE. This is especially apparent in Melbourne, where supermarkets are now a mecca for Vegan products and every high street has at least one Vegan restaurant or cafe to choose from. From simple restaurants that have existed for years to newer hip spots with some of the fanciest POS systems in Melbourne, our little city has caught the plant based craze. In today’s article, I’m going to walk you through my five favourite Vegan spots in Melbourne. For those of you who don’t know, I live in Melbourne, Australia…so if you’re thinking of visiting us down under some time, you definitely need to hit these spots up. I promise your belly with thank you.  Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Smith and Daughters

Smith and Daughters is possibly one of the most popular Vegan restaurants in Melbourne. With a loyal fanbase of both Vegans and non-vegans, this place is situated in Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. Walk in and you’ll find punk-rock themed restaurant with its cafe furniture decked out in Vegan stickers and groovy tunes being played in the background. Smith and Daughters was once renowned for their Latin fare, but have recently refreshed their menu for an Italian one. Some of their stand out dishes include their “Beef” Ragout on Soft Polenta and the enormous “Chicken” Schnitzel which will challenge even the hungriest of diners. Smith and Daughters is a spot that you definitely need to check out, so remember to make a reservation before you jet set your say into Melbourne.

Girls & Boys

If you’re a sugar fiend like me, Girls & Boys is the freakin place to go for. Imagine Vegan Choc Tops, luscious Pistachio Gelato, Ice Cream Sandwiches and a frickin multitude of Ice Cream Sundaes and Thick-shakes to choose from. Run by the lovely people who also own the ever popular Vegie Bar, Girls & Boys will leave your sugar cravings intensely satisfied. Some of my personal favorites include their White Chocolate Choc Tops and Classic Baked Cheesecake. To die for.

Weirdoughs

Now, if there is one thing I cannot stop myself from indulging it, it has got to be bread and pastries, also known as carb laden pillows of love and affection. This is where my love story with Weirdoughs begins. Think  Aperol-Spritz Doughnuts with Champagne Custard, 100% Vegan Almond Croissants and their incredible Notella Croissant – a chocolate Croissant stuffed with Cookie Dough, Homemade Vegan Nutella and Honeycomb. I mean, what the frick right? If heaven existed, it would be filled with every item on the menu from Weirdoughs…and if it’s not, send me straight to hell.

Trippy Taco

Mexican food is life. Vegan Mexican food however, is the afterlife. Trippy Taco is one, if not the best spots in Melbourne to cure your craving for Mexican. With an extensive menu that includes French Fries with Trippy (Taco) Seasoning, Vegan Elotes, Tofu Asada Tacos and even Sweet Corn Tamales, the range of various plant-based Mexican fare here completely blows even non-vegan Mexican joints out of the water. I absolutely love their seasoned Fries, and their ginormous Burritos are exactly what you need after a long and stressful day. Trippy Taco is located in St Kilda on Acland Street as well as on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy.

Neko Neko

Looking for Vegan Ramen? Look no further than Neko Neko. Situated in Smith St, Fitzroy, this place serves up an array of Japanese dishes that will satisfy any sushi lover. Forgoing dairy and red meat, all the dishes at Neko Neko will fill your gaping appetite. Some of my favourites include their Vegan Japanese Curry, Potato Croquettes and their Vegan Tantanmen, a Ramen dish that has a Miso-Sesame broth and Soy Milk. Neko Neko also does Teishoku, also known as Bento Boxes, for those who are looking for a little taste of everything.

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And there you have it – 5 of my favorite Vegan joints in Melbourne, 2020 edition. Be sure to check these places out and let me know what you think in the comment box below!

The post My Favourite Vegan Spots in Melbourne – 2020 appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.

Aloha readers! I’ve been meaning to do a little post like this for a while, since so many people always ask me what appliances or gadgets I use when preparing my recipes. Although I live in a tiny shoebox apartment, I seem to have more kitchen gadgets and appliances than anyone else I know, so I thought I’d share my top ten must-have kitchen gadgets with you lovely people. Most of these appliances are pretty affordable sans a few which I have invested in over the years, but I’d say 80% of them are things you could probably even find on E-Bay for a discounted price. Anyway, without further ado, here we go!

1. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

Now, I’ve owned a variety of different Kitchen Aid Stand Mixers since the age of 15. The first one my dad got me was a bright orange stand mixer that lasted me close to ten years. Ever since moving away from home, I tried going without one for a couple of years but finally caved and bought another in 2016. The Kitchen Aid is also the mixer we used at Le Cordon Bleu London, and I absolutely love everything about it. Aside from looking flash AF, it comes with multiple add ons including a Pasta roller, mincer, Ice Cream attachment and so much more, essentially turning your cake mixer into 10 gadgets at once.

2. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker

When I was a teenager, I went on a crazy ice cream making rage. I churned batch after batch and made everyone fat. Back then I used a compressor Ice Cream Machine, but since my Ice Cream phase has come and gone, I’ve settled with a standard Cuisinart Ice Cream Machine. This simple gadget does the job wonderfully and also comes in a range of pretty colours that will suit any kitchen design. You can easily get one at under $100 and you can be assured that you’ll be able to churn Froyo, Ice Creams and Sorbets with ease.

3. Vitamix

I’ve done a post on the Vitamix over 5 years ago, and to this day I still use the same blender as I did before. The Vitamix is to me, one of the best and most long lasting blenders anyone could have. It is a little costly, but rest assured it’ll last you ages. You’re not only able to make smoothies and all the regular blended stuff you can think of – you are also able to make Nut Meals, Icing Sugar and Flours from scratch. I was totally amazed when I blended regular sugar in the dry container and it turned it into Icing Sugar in under 30 seconds. You can find Vitamix Blenders at any reputable purveyor of  kitchen supplies in Melbourne.

4. Philips Food Processor

Next on the must-have kitchen gadgets list is this food processor. I kid you not, this Philips food processor is one I’ve had for 6 years. It’s basic AF, but always does an amazing freaking job at processing anything I need. It’s not fancy, it’s not flash looking, but it WORKS. It also comes with a blender attachment if that’s what you’re looking for. I have nothing but praise for this one.

5.  Cuisinart Waffle Maker

Whilst Waffle making isn’t on the top of most people’s agendas, I really enjoy having a waffle maker around just in case I’m trying to impress someone with a fancy breakfast. I love my Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker because it’s simple to use, not too expensive and can also be doubled up as a sandwich press. WAFFLED TOASTIES ARE COOLER THAN NORMAL ONES. I’ve had mine for 5 years now and it still works an absolute charm each and every time.

6. Digital Candy Thermometer

If you’re someone who enjoys making Italian Meringue, Candy or any other dessert that requires paying close attention to temperatures, then a digital cooking/candy thermometer is something that has to be on your must-have gadgets list. I have been using a digital probe thermometer for years, especially when making Macarons, James and Meringues as it gives me a very accurate gauge of what I’m working with as opposed to a manual candy thermometer that can sometimes be a little off.

7. Julienne Peeler

This one may seem stupid compared to every other appliance on this list, but trust me, a Julienne peeler is something that every home cook needs. Whether you’re making Spring Rolls, a Noodle Salad or anything else, a Julienne peeler is the fastest, easiest and cleanest way to get Julienned vegetables without the fuss. I’ve been using a Jamie Oliver one that I’ve had for 7 years now and I’m pretty sure I’ll still be using it in 7 years from now. Get one!

8. Vegetable Spiralizer

If you’re into Zoodles, Sweet Potato Noodles or any other form of spiralized vegetable, then a Spiralizer is definitely to be added to your top ten kitchen gadgets list. I use my Spiralizer in recipes such as my Healthy Japchae, Aglio Olio and so much more. Most Spiralizers come with various sized attachments as well which allows you to control the thickness or shape of your vegetable noodles.

9. Bamboo Steamers

Do me a favour and don’t waste your money on fancy steamers or other steaming paraphernalia. All you need is a bloody Bamboo Steamer. Whether you’re looking to steam veggies, frozen Dumplings or Buns, a bamboo steamer is one of the easiest, fastest, most in-expensive ways of steaming your way to perfection. You can get these steamers at under a few dollars at most Asian grocery stores and they last freaking ages and ages which is always a plus!

10. Cast Iron Grill Pan

Last but certainly not least, a Cast Iron Grill Pan. If you’re tight for space like I am and don’t have a grill or BBQ in your non existent backyard, a Cast Iron Grill Pan is the easiest way to get charred grill lines on your Veggies, Tofu or any other thing you’re looking to “grill”. A good quality grill pan should feel heavy and seem like a real pain in the bum to clean, but trust me when I say this is the best way to achieved a “grilled” flavor without using a real barbecue! If you have both the budget and the space, don’t hold back and get a grill or smoker for yourself. Find a good one (some are mentioned here: (Cookshack smokers reviews) and take your vegan cooking to the next level. However, you don’t always have to spend a lot of money for great home cooking—a grill pan can always do the job.

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And there you have it, 10 kitchen gadgets that little ol’ me can’t live without! Until next time!

The post My Top Ten Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets appeared first on Crazy Vegan Kitchen.