Soy and gluten-free, and vegan? No way! It may be challenging, but hey, I’m one, so I can sympathize with anyone who is struggling to find balance (yes, I can walk and chew gum). Below are a few tips for those who are striving to avoid that white block of tofu and those loaves of gluten and, of course, meat and dairy.

1. Get your cruciferous veggies!

Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and bok choy are all brimming with nutrients to boost your body! Think of an Oompa Loompa on stilts! With sulfur compounds and such these veggies are satisfying and remarkably healthy, so you won’t miss tofu or muffins. If you do, just make a lentil loaf and get yourself a gluten-free, vegan dessert cookbook! Goodbye blueberry muffin, hello lentil loaf!

2. Don’t forget ancient grains!

Just because you don’t do gluten, doesn’t mean you can’t do grains! Come on guys, it’s all about ball bearings, just kidding. Quinoa, oats, rice, and other grains do not have the same structural protein as spelt, wheat, and rye, so you can eat them if you’re celiac. You can’t eat them if you’re a grain and gluten-free vegan, but give them a go if you can, or try garbanzo and coconut flour.

3. Dis not starches, my young padawan.

People say they make you fat, but wrong are they! Be responsible with your starch consumption, and your tummy will stay flat and happy! Starches keep you full: whether they are sweet potatoes or Kabocha squash, they are sure to satiate and silence your growling pains. Keeping Mr. Tumtum happy is important.

4. Dream of beans!

Instead of dreaming of sugar plums dancing through your head, dream of beans, the magical fruit! Beans lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels, unlike animal proteins which do the antithesis. Fiber and resistant starch are where it’s at, and beans have mass quantities of both.

Get yourself some dried beans; they’re uber cheap! Find some canned beans that aren’t contaminated with salt out-the-wazoo. Honestly, what better way to get your protein than from a beautiful, bounty of beans! Just forget those soybeans though, they aren’t that great.

5. Drink fluids!

Water is the thing of life, people! Drink up! Put down that Gatorade, Red Bull, Diet Coke, coffee, whatever and pick up water! Don’t pollute it with that Crystal Light and Mio crap, just drink it, please. If you really need some flavor, try adding fruits like lemons and strawberries to your water, but please, get a glass water bottle, and stop using plastic bottles. I don’t care if you’re a soy, gluten-free vegan or not, this tip is paramount to your overall health and wellness. Get off the bench and into the game. Just do it!

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