simple steps to true health & a happy life COME ALIVE Welcome to the Plant Based Academy Podcast, where Nikki and Zuzana share simple steps and building blocks for true health and lasting well-being. Together let’s explore a better path that leads to a healthy future for people and the planet. 03 episode the mighty […]
simple steps to true health & a happy life COME ALIVE Welcome to the Plant Based Academy Podcast, where Nikki and Zuzana share simple steps and building blocks for true health and lasting well-being. Together let’s explore a better path that leads to a healthy future for people and the planet. 02 episode what causes […]
simple steps to true health & a happy life COME ALIVE Welcome to the Plant Based Academy Podcast, where Nikki and Zuzana share simple steps and building blocks for true health and lasting well-being. Together let’s explore a better path that leads to a healthy future for people and the planet. 01 episode now we […]
PLEASE NOTE This podcast was recorded on April 10, 2020 “Everything you do affects everything else. You, and what you do matters” – Ryan Leier Website Instagram The One Yoga Digital Studio 45 Minute Vinyasa Yoga Class with Ryan Leier The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice Light on Yoga: The Definitive Guide to…
“Instead of covering the problem, together we’ll get to the root cause, fix it, and find out how to prevent it in the first place. With a one-two punch of plant-based foods and easy lifestyle shifts like exercise and meditation, you’ll learn to take back control of the way you eat, look, and feel (because…
Zuz and I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Blake Ward – the founder of seed. Seed is known for it’s incredibly unique and versatile pant. Transforming the industry – by making the best clothing on the planet locally, naturally and ethically right next door to us in Alberta, Canada. You will not only…
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift. ~ Albert Einstein Understanding what intuition is and learning to use as a part of our lives can be very powerful! We all have a natural capacity…
Hello friends, thank you for joining us for this episode of the Active Vegetarian Show, it’s nice to have you here with us. In this episode, we share our thoughts on the global Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the increase rate of cancer cases and ways you can build resilient health. Arm yourself and your family with…
We are loving the fact that veganism has finally gone mainstream! We began our plant-based journey back in 1996 when the word “vegan” was mostly idolized by hippies and animal activists. Fast forward to 2020, and with more than 57 million #vegan posts on Instagram, it’s safe to say that this lifestyle is no longer…
I had the honours of sitting down with Cara Carin Cifelli and we talked about how we can take a holistic approach to our wellbeing. All of us humans are gifted with “four bodies” the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body. However, our society disproportionately focuses on the physical body – size, appearance, and what…
In this episode, we are going to answer a question that keeps coming our way on a regular basis these days – What are your thoughts on the plant-based keto diet? The ketogenic diet has become one of the most popular diet approaches in recent years, with everyone from celebrities to fitness gurus claiming that…
Hello Friend! Thanks for checking out our latest podcast episode. In this episode of the AV Show, Nikki and Zuzana give their opinion on the latest plant-based film The Game Changers. Without going into too much detail and giving the film away Nikki & Zuzana discuss the storyline of Game Changers, parts that they really…
LISTEN HERE | WATCH HERE Hello and thank you for tuning in! In this episode of the AV Show we are going to answer some of the common questions we receive about protein in a plant-based diet. You will learn how easy it could be for a plant-based eater to meet recommendations for protein, […]
Self-Care has become a trend and buzzword lately – which is great! We are happy more people are becoming aware of the value in attending to their personal needs! However, maybe you hear (or read) the word self-care and think “I WISH!”, the idea of a bath, a spa day or just curling up with…
As health coaches, we often talk with people and even see clients, who struggle with iron-deficiency anemia after adopting a plant-based diet. It’s common to hear people describe just how much better they felt eating this way until the issue of anemia arose, and they were ‘forced’ to return to eating meat and or taking…
Today we are going to tackle a question that comes up time and time again on this blog, when we speak at events, hold classes, workshops, in our Facebook community, and among our AV Coaching members. “What can I do when my family refuses to eat plant-based? I can barely prep & cook one meal…
This is a common struggle and in fact, most vegans, as well as vegetarians, are actually more “pastatarians” or “carbotarians.” They replace meat, seafood, and dairy products with bread, starches, processed carbohydrates and meat-substitutes, all of which are high in sugar and very acidic. We promise to give you practical advice on how to break…
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates So much has happened in recent years to expand the plant-based movement, and for Nikki and I, it has been very exciting to watch things unfold. An article by Food Revolution pointed out that the number of vegans in the U.S. has increased…
Glenn Livingston from NeverBingeAgain.com is on the show today, and he will share with us secrets for gaining the power to permanently overcome unhealthy food behaviours. Both his professional and personal journey is quite interesting and also inspiring. As a trained psychologist Dr Livingston was disillusioned by the way traditional psychology deals with overweight and/or food obsessed individuals.…
This episode is a little different than normal. I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Michelle Roots, A personal trainer, business owner and new mom from here in Vancouver BC. As a trainer, Michelle understands the importance of staying healthy and active, she talks about how she balances it all. She gives…
Let’s face it. Life gets busy and cooking at home can be tough. Meal planning takes work. But those who’ve mastered it know it’s the key to saving money, eating healthier and feeling their best. To help you get started, we will break down steps to create a customizable healthy plant based meal plan you…
Did you know your home is like a mirror reflecting your emotional state? Yep, you read it right – and clutter is a sure telltale sign of inner struggle. Where am I going with this? Why do we create clutter? Often it’s in an attempt to try to fill some void inside us. So how…
Anyone who is interested in being healthy understands that good nutrition is super important. Many of us also know that in order to prevent disease, to be in great physical shape and perform at high levels we need to feed our body with a variety of clean wholesome foods, preferably plant-based. But what about the…
We can either learn to embrace it or use all our energy and force to fight against it. Why? Why do we resist…change…resist control…resist acceptance? All of these things that can actually help propel us forward yet we often push back. When you start to realize that it takes just as much effort to…
“According to a Boston Medical Center study, 45 million Americans go on a diet each year.“ If you are like most people, at some point in your life you will decide to go on a diet to either improve the way you look, feel or perform. Maybe this idea gets sparked by a new…
Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. It’s the thing that keeps you alive! Ignoring it is the worst thing you could do! I feel that we should start things off with a definition. Most of us use the word “cardio” very loosely. What are we really referring to when we say “cardio”?…
Let’s face it – things in life are easier when you are strong. Strong physically and mentally. When we think of our physicality – it’s easier to carry groceries, do regular everyday chores, play with our children – I am sure you get the picture. When we refer to strength and our mentality – it’s…
Before we dive into today’s topic (Meal prep) let’s first talk a little bit about meal plans… Most of our new clients get really excited about the weekly plans that are a part of the program. And we get it. A well put together meal plan can be a wonderful tool. It tells you exactly…
Whether you’ve been exercising for years or are just starting a fitness program, it’s always important to pay attention to your body and avoid any possible injuries. This way you can stay on track and keep moving closer to your health and fitness goals. NO PAIN, NO gain. Forget it! Believe it or not, that…
For the past few years, the media headlines have been advising us to rethink the amount of time we spend sitting down. I am sure you have seen them… “Sitting Will Kill You, Even if You Exercise” and “Sitting is the new smoking” Although this might sound pretty extreme, these statements start to make a…
The key to successful healthy nutrition starts in the kitchen. Taking the time to properly set yourself up is step one for transitioning to a healthier and more sustainable way of life. In this post/podcast we will explains how to properly set yourself up to optimize your plant-based diet and ultimately succeed by consuming the…
LISTEN NOW! Dear Friends, Alright, we will keep it short and sweet. WE DID IT!!! THANK YOU!! As you probably know, we have been working on writing a book. This project started eighteen months ago and today we are excited to announce that the wait is finally over. Vegan Weight Loss Manifesto is finished and…
Q: How to deal with eating out, especially going to a dinner party or to a “non-vegetarian” restaurant and staying true to a plant based diet? A: Great question and a legit concern for many plant based eaters. If you strive to keep your diet clean and healthy you might be able to relate. Although many formerly…
LISTEN NOW! Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in urban environments and we are being surrounded by more and more concrete – and less trees. Not to mention the rise in technology, another distraction or excuse for not connecting with nature. Given this separation, do you ever question if this could be…
LISTEN NOW! On todays episode we are joined by a special guest Dolores Luber. Dolores has been a long time client of ours and over the years of working with her, she’s provided us with many valuable lessons. At the age of 78 Dolores lives a very active and vibrant life. She keeps challenging herself…
Sleep is an amazingly powerful, but commonly overlooked element of creating a healthy lifestyle. This is precious time that allows our bodies to heal and rejuvenate. Without enough sleep, soon your health will start to suffer. Paying close attention to the quality of sleep you are getting is just as important as eating a clean…
Do you ever use food to cope with your emotions? Reach for a bag of chips, chocolate bar or a box of cookies to cope with uncomfortable feelings? “You are not alone. Emotional Eating effects a large number of people and often is a precursor to many serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, digestive…
Demanding career, challenging relationships, house chores, kids’ schedules, money, and, yes, even keeping up with healthy eating and regular exercise could lead to stress. Stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life. However if the goal is to be healthy, thrive and enjoy life we got to learn ways that will help us cope…
*If you would rather listen than read – PODCAST is AVAILABLE for DOWNLOAD HERE I believe a lot of stress and unhappiness is caused by the pursuit of stuff. More money, a bigger house, a better car, more clothes, more jewellery, more this, more that. Do we really need it? What if all that is…
*If you would rather listen than read – download our PODCAST HERE. Dealing with a cold or suffering through a full blown flu is not exactly my idea of a good time. Feeling all stuffed up, run down, not able to function or fully perform at work is kind of a bummer. Wouldn’t you agree? Today we…
We’ve all starred at a label wondering what all those words like riboflavin, folic acid, and thiamine really mean. The B vitamins are a group of eight individual vitamins, often referred to as the B-complex vitamins. In this podcast, we will take a look at how the B vitamins work so you can begin to…
We are back with part 2 of our Nutritional Deficiency Series, if you missed our last one on Calcium and Magnesium check it out HERE. Better idea – if you are not subscribed already – head over to iTunes and subscribe to our podcasts, so you never miss an episode 😉 Okay so enough about us…
As Plant Based eaters we are often asked, “where do you get _____ from?”, “Are you getting enough _____?” Sadly, healthy plant based diets are often questioned whether to truly be good for you or not. Yet diets based mostly on processed foods don’t seem to get any attention. Something seems wrong here, doesn’t it? With…
Before we get into today’s topic please read this important disclaimer: Just like any post or podcast on this blog, Nikki and I share only our personal experiences. None of the material here is meant to give you diagnosis or treatment. This is purely our way of sharing what has helped us and perhaps some of…
In today’s episode – we are changing things up, Zuzana interviews me as we talk about why we have been more absent than usual with our site, as well as podcasts. With this podcast, I open up and become quite vulnerable. All in hopes that those of you reading this or listening understand that we…
The word ‘vegan’ doesn’t simply mean meatless, milk-free, or egg-free. Unfortunately, various animal parts and bodily fluids have found their way into numerous food items that are often mistaken as being plant-based. No need to panic. In this post and a podcast we want to help you recognize these items and give you an idea what…
A couple of weeks ago we’ve received a FB question from one of our podcast listeners Lee-Ann: How to go from vegetarian to vegan? “I was wondering if you could do a podcast on “Vegan 101”. The basics for anyone looking to start. I’m a vegetarian looking to go vegan but it’s a whole lifestyle…
Recently I came across two hugely inspiring ladies who both live the “Zero Waste” life and after learning more about them I couldn’t wait to share their message with you beautiful people. Bea Johnson – Zero Waste lifestyle expert, originally from France, today lives with her family in Mill Valley, California. She is the author of…
We often hear about people having a huge success dropping weight after changing their diet to fully plant-based losing 20, 40, 60… or even 100 lbs. is not an unusual story. However there is also another side to this story we rarely hear or read about. Throughout the past decade I’ve worked with many vegetarian…
We are constantly under an influence of media promoting products that are promising tons of benefits, convenience and the ability to save us time. However very little attention is paid to health and safety of them. Before we know it some of the advice will even become deeply ingrained habits we think are doing us…
In this episode of AV podcast we were fortunate to sit down with an author, blogger and mom of three beautiful girls,Dreena Burton. The topic? DOWNLOAD EPISODE HERE OR PLAY BELLOW pleasing picky eaters structuring your child’s diet supplements dealing with challenging social situations (birthday parties, family members) incorporating and implementing a healthy plant based diet…
It usually doesn’t matter if the trip is leisure or business, most people give up on their healthy eating and exercise habits. With either the constant rush of things, new excitements or even locations we are often challenged with either food choices or staying active and exercising while traveling. DOWNLOAD EPISODE HERE So we wanna…
Beans are a super healthy, super versatile and super affordable food. Here is just a short list why to include beans into your diet: high in antioxidants, fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and zinc. Eating beans regularly may decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, colorectal cancer, and helps with weight management.…
What should I do for a workout? We get this question at least once a day, and I’m sorry to say that we don’t have the perfect answer for everybody. As much as everyone is hoping for that magic tip and solution to this question I am afraid to say “there isn’t one”. The reason…
PLAY HERE: Walk up and down the aisles of any major health store, and you’re bound to feel overwhelmed by the variety of protein powder available. If you’re unsure about what which nutritional supplement is for you, this is your guide. In this episode we discuss few key points about what to look for and what to…
Most of us spend the majority of our lives doing work that doesn’t align with our innermost values, principles and convictions, and most of us hate it. The road to meaningless and unfulfilling work is well mapped – we know how to get there. But what about the road to doing work we care deeply about, that offers…
Today we sharing our top tips for saving money on nourishing, plant-based foods. “Do your best to invest in yourself today; your future depends on it.” Even on a limited budget, we can each make small upgrades that have a massive impact on our health. And get this, your body will be so grateful that…
PLAY HERE Download the episode Here! (24:36) Today we dive deep into the topic of plantbased nutrition. Is it possible to truly thrive on 100% plant based diet? What should someone do to make sure that they’re staying nutritionally balanced while on a vegan diet? What vitamins and supplements do we need? Paleo vs Plant Based …
With the New Year come new goals. Have you thought about starting a running routine? If you’ve never run before or you’ve had a long break from running, it can feel intimidating to get out there and get started. In this week’s podcast we talk about steps to help you ease into running and…
A good day starts the moment you wake up. To have a good start, you must also have a good morning routine. The following are 7 small ways you can give your mornings a makeover and set yourself for an awesome day 😉 Download the episode Here! (17:44) DOWNLOAD: 7 Small Changes CHECK”sheet” Zuzana
A well-planned vegetarian diet can meet the needs of people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and pregnant or breast-feeding women. The key is to be aware of your nutritional needs so that you plan a diet that meets them. So what are some basic rules of eating healthy as a vegetarian? We will talk…
In this episode we will look at most common social aspects of living a plant based life. Once you decide to adapt to this way of living you’ll find new favorite foods. You’ll find out what you like and don’t like to eat. You’ll find great new food options on menus and in your grocery…
In this episode of Active Vegetarian we uncover the truth about the top 9 veggie-eating myths. Whether you’re interested in learning more or are already plant based eater, test your knowledge of animal-free living. Nikki & Zuzana hope to help in answering some questions and correcting any misconceptions that may exist around the vegetarian lifestyle.…
From guzzling lemonade and gulping green juices to popping herbal pills, it seems everyone is talking about detoxing and cleansing these days. But what works and what doesn’t? Listen to this episode to find out more. In this Podcast episode Nikki and Zuzana give a great deal of helpful information for those who are looking…
If you have to drag yourself through the day, it’s easy to think popping a supplement or chugging an energy drink can help recharge your battery. Not so fast. All-day energy doesn’t come from a pill or a concoction in a can. It comes from real food, which is packed with nature’s secret stash of…
In this episode of Active Vegetarian we discuss 5 energy-boosting changes you can apply to your daily routine that will leave you feeling recharged. If you’re tired all the time, a change in what you eat or what you do all day may be all you need to turn things around 180°. You might not be…
In this episode, Zuzana and Nik discuss the number one question surrounding plant based eating… You will learn how easy it could be for a plant based eater to meet recommendations for protein, as long as calorie intake is adequate. Strict protein combining is not necessary; it is more important to eat a varied diet throughout…
In this episode, Zuzana and Nik discuss the difference between someone who succeeds at achieving their health and fitness goals and someone that fails…. Most of us let life act on us – we are asleep at the wheel of our own lives. And the days slip into weeks, the weeks into months and the months…
In this episode, Zuzana and Nik give you advice on how to get rid of excess body fat. Effective, healthy weight loss isn’t only due to the simplistic calories in, calories out paradigm. Nor is it solely reliant on diet and exercise. It’s everything – it’s all the various signals our body receives from the…
We all want to be happy and we all want to feel good about ourselves and about the world around us, and even though so many of us think that happiness depends on something outside ourselves, and that only material objects and people can make us happy,that’s not really the case. “There is no way…
It may come as a surprise to some, but buying foods labeled cage-free or grass-fed does not necessarily mean that those items are what they say they are, or what we assume they mean. This can be really frustrating if you are trying to do your best to purchase humane and sustainable food, not to mention…
Health claims on food packages can be confusing! Have you ever been confused by the information on the food labels you buy ? Especially when you are eating a healthy plant-based diet and watching what goes into your body? Are you taking the time to read the labels? If not, it is time to educate…
In this episode, Zuzana and Nik give you advice on how to avoid and treat a cold or flu. During the episode they discuss a few home remedies that will help speed up the recovery process and make you feel better, see below for recipes. Download the Episode Here! (27min – 54sec) Sore Throat –…
We are back…… Do you suffer with low energy, brittle nails or hair loss? In this episode, Zuzana and Nik talk about common health challenges plant based eaters might be dealing with and how to fix them. Download the Episode Here! (27min – 21sec) Zuzana
In this episode, Zuzana and Nik talk about enjoying the holiday season while still sticking to your healthy lifestyle. Also you will learn the importance of training your glutes – stay tuned for a short workout video for a strong sexy booty 🙂 Download the Episode Here! (15min – 57sec) Zuzana
In this episode of Active Vegetarian we discuss 5 essential tools every vegan/vegetarian kitchen should have. We put together a list of kitchen essentials we personally use on daily basis to help you create healthy and nutritious meals without wasting your money and kitchen counter space. Download the episode HERE (19:25) Zuzana
Hello! Sorry it’s been so long (again). We get asked about healthy weight loss more than anything else believe it or not. So in this episode we share 3 ways to make sure you are successful in losing weight and keeping it off! I’m also going to warn you that we did this podcast completely…
With so many celebrities and high profile people going vegan lately we discuss whether or not we feel it’s best for the average person. In our fitness tip we teach you how not to fall victim to the next useless fitness craze. WARNING: I did very little editing to this episode so it may not…
In this episode of Active Vegetarian we discuss how to maintain a healthy weight, and stop the cycle of Yo-Yo dieting forever. And in the fitness tip, we talk about how to add pull ups and chin ups into your fitness routine, even if you can’t do a single one. Our Suggested Home Pull Up…
In this episode of active vegetarian – we give you a full 4 week workout program for free to help you reach your fitness goals. We also discuss how to deal with the social aspects of being a vegetarian – such as living with a non-vegetarian, and how to handle somebody critisizing your decision to…
The number one question people ask plant based eaters is…”So where do you get your protein?” In this episode we address this question …and reveal some shocking information about how much protein you really need, and the best sources for plant based protein. And in this fitness tip we review 3 of the hottest fitness…
In the first podcast of 2011 we will be sharing some great tips about eating healthy on a budget. We’ll also share the one fitness tool we could never do without …and everybody has access to it! Download the episode Here! (17:20) Zuzana
In this episode we will be sharing 5 ways to get your fitness and nutrition back on track after the holidays. And in the fitness tip we discuss how to make a plan for 2011 to help you reach your fitness goals. Download the episode Here! Please leave a comment below!! Zuzana
In this episode of Active Vegetarian we discuss how easy it is to make your own healthy Vegetarian meals. In the fitness tip you will learn 3 things you must do if you want to make progress in your fitness program. Resources: Recipes Mentioned On Podcast Easy Veggie Meal Plans Download the Episode Here! (25:28)…
In this episode we uncover some secrets about why you need to be drinking enough water. We answer an email question about how to maintain a healthy weight on a Vegetarian diet. And in the Fitness Tip we give you a complete fat burning workout, that can be done at home …that is guaranteed to…
In this episode you will learn the 5 mistakes that most plant based eaters make when it comes to fat loss. We will also discuss the two types of fitness activities that you must be doing if you want to be lean, healthy, and strong. Download the Episode Here! (19:12) Zuzana
In this episode we reveal how to make “Power Smoothies” that are so packed full of plant based goodness that you wont even believe it. Plus …we teach you the proper way to warm up (most people do this wrong and end up hurting themselves). And find out how you can get a FREE copy…
You’re listening to Active Vegetarian episode 1. Joe: Hello and welcome to Active Vegetarian, the plant-based eaters’ guide to fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. For more cutting edge information about healthy plant-based eating and for real fitness advice that actually works, stop by ActiveVegetarian.com. We’re your hosts Joe & Zuzana and let’s get started. Hello everybody,…
In this episode, we discuss the KEY to a successful plant based diet (You don’t want to miss this one) and the importance of staying consistent with your workouts. You’ll learn: * What almost everybody does dead wrong when changing their diet…. * How to never miss another workout again. * The power of creating healthy…
In this episode, we will discuss the basic of eating natural food and the importance of enjoying your exercise. You’ll learn: * The BEST sources of Plant Based Protein – WARNING! ….this may shock you!! * All about “natural eating” and what it can do for your health. * How…