10 favourite foods

1. Apples. To me, apples are the perfect food. They are chock full of so many helpful nutrients and they are so juicy and good – not to mention the pretty little compact package they come in. You know how they say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? I think they really are one of the best things you can do for your body.

2. Black Beans & Rice. There’s a special little dish I make that is one of my favorites, and my family loves it too. Black beans and rice topped with cheese, green onions, tomatoes, olives, and sour cream. Simple, complete, and delicious.

3. Spinach. One of the best greens. With a mild, sweet flavor and tasty whether raw or cooked, I add spinach to almost everything and use it instead of regular lettuce. It packs a nutritional punch that can’t be topped.

4. Veggie Whopper. The first time I had one, it was by accident when Burger King got the order wrong and gave me a Veggie Whopper instead of the Veggie Burger I ordered. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was to open it up and find nothing but lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions between a sesame seed bun (Veggie Whoppers are nothing but Whoppers without the hamburger patty). I expected it to be unfulfilling and unappetizing. Boy, was I wrong! It was so surprisingly tasty, I get them on a regular basis now. You should try one.

5. Tofu. A wonderful meat substitute. Good for you and super-versatile. Tofu can be used in almost any recipe, comes in several different textures, and absorbs the flavors within the rest of the dish wonderfully. For vegetarians, you can’t do much better than that.

6. Triple-Fudge Brownies. Because who doesn’t love the chocolatey goodness of triple fudge brownies? Pure bliss.

7. Green Smoothies.I recently discovered green smoothies. These are regular fruit smoothies with the added extra of kale or spinach for a nutrient boost. In the summertime, I love to make these almost daily, it’s an easy and tasty way to add more nutrients into your daily intake.

8. Vegan Banh Mi. My favorite restaurant has this fantastic banh mi made with vegan beef. The flavors just explode in your mouth and there is absolutely nothing to feel guilty about when eating it. Even regular meat-eaters have commented on how good this sandwich is.

9. Popcorn. With lots of butter and salt. Especially at the movie theater.

10. Nutella. I just can’t help myself. I discovered Nutella in Paris, France – the street vendors there sell crepes filled with the gooey goodness. I’ve been in love ever since. It’s so fattening and so sugary; but it is also so good. Best thing since sliced bread. Or on it.

I’ve been a strict vegetarian for about five years now, but I started on this journey nearly eight years ago. It has been a fulfilling experience and I’ve learned so much along the way. In fact, I’m still finding out new things so I wouldn’t be surprised if this list of mine looks very different a year from now. It’s been fun sharing this list with you, though – I haven’t really ever taken the time to actually think about what my favorite foods are and why that is. It makes me wonder if any of you have the same faves. Thanks for reading!