Everywhere I turn, I hear people say, “How can I be more like Go Jules Go? What’s up with this vegan thing? What do you eat? Do you save money?”
I’ve only been vegan for two years, but I’ve been a foodie for 35 and counting, which means you can be dang sure I’ve found a way to eat fabulous fare even after parting ways with my old standbys, cheese and bacon.
Whether you’re interested in improving your health, spending less money, or putting your dollars towards preserving the planet and protecting animals, just a few vegan food choices here and there can truly rock (y)our world (and your wallet).
DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase the linked product, at no additional cost to you. I only ever link to products that I truly love. Like this
Go Jules Go’s Top 5 Money-Saving Vegan Food Hacks
1. Frozen potato and onion pierogies
Poppy’s brand pierogies are currently EIGHTY CENTS a package at my local New Jersey ShopRite. Caramelize an onion, maybe toss in some bell pepper or spinach, and put your carb-o-phobia on hold while you enjoy this filling meal for two. (I dip mine in ketchup…shhh.)
2. MUNG BEANS (yes, they demand all caps)
I buy these little green gems in bulk from Whole Foods and, when combined with onion, garlic, ginger and coconut milk, you have yourself a fine ass curry. They taste like a delicious split pea-bean hybrid, and they’re a nice change of pace from your standard lentils and legumes. (In fact, Just brand is coming out with a vegan scrambled egg liquid made out of mung beans!)
3. Peanut (satay) sauce
Need I say more? Use some of that leftover fresh garlic and ginger from your mung bean curry, and – bam! Put over pasta, stir fry, rice/grain bowls, even raw cabbage/veggies for a salad… you can’t go wrong. You can prepare ahead of time if you’re entertaining (it’s a major crowd-pleaser) and it even freezes pretty well. My go-to recipe is a lot like this, with some lime juice and cilantro thrown in.
4. Banana ice cream
Do you like watching freezer-burned bananas turn into creamy dog doo deliciousness? This “recipe” is that magical! Peel a couple of ripe bananas, cut them into chunks, and pop them in the freezer for a few hours. (I don’t recommend leaving them in there for more than 24 hours.) Then, put them in a food processor and let it go. Wait at least a minute or two, and you’ll have yourself some silky smooth banana fro-yo. You can add chocolate chips, peanut butter, cocoa, strawberries, your lost dreams of ever working on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, whatever. It’s miraculous! (AND cheap. AND healthy. You’re welcome.)
5. V-Dog kibble
Hear me out. After gobs of research and learning that vets prescribe plant-based kibble to dogs with skin conditions, I switched my 8-year-old pooch, Uncle Jesse, to V-Dog
And because I love you – a bonus hack!
6. InstaPot Hummus
If you’re one of the proud new owners of an InstaPot
who totally reads this blog and did I mention she is the cat’s meow? sent me this amazing InstaPot hummus recipe using dried chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans). The trick is using the warm, cooked beans and cooking liquid to whip ’em into a pillowy bean dream after they’re done in the iPot (I’m trademarking that). Grab a bag of dried chickpeas for about $1.00 and don’t do what I did yesterday, which is cave to convenience.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Have you tried (or would you try) any of these? Have any other plant-based hacks?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Go Jules Go 
You are on fire, Jules! I read every word. And yes…I am the cat’s meow.
Dear Manager,
We should really unpack this dynamic so we can lean into next year’s goals with renewed energy. I want to make sure we’re not reinventing the wheel as we develop stretch opportunities and S.M.A.R.T. objectives for 2018 and beyond. Perhaps if we assemble a quorum we can quickly reach consensus on a path forward that best embodies our shared mission.
I welcome your thoughts and am happy to set up a call to discuss further.
Kind Regards,
Go Jules Go, PMP
Every recipe looks yummy! I have always wanted to make my own hummus. When can I come over for dinner?
I’ve had plenty of time to perfect it since the church bells have kept me up all week! …Can I come to you instead?!
Always great to see a person who reinvents themself or, at least, a part of themself. Btw, that pic of you at the top of the post? Gorgeous! Whatever you are doing, keep it up. Still would buy you a dinner here at a very nice restaurant if you are ever this way. 🙂
Anyway, I have now-tried method of saving that works for me. I have narrowed down what I can eat (diabetic) and what I like – combined them and I only buy a few few foods now. They may be somewhat expensive, but I don’t waste money on stuff I “might” eat.
Just a thought.
Scott
There is really something to be said for simplicity all around. In fact, I’m thinking of paring down to one outfit and calling it a day. Unfortunately for my coworkers, that outfit is a Snuggie.
If you are pretty enough, they will be quiet.
I’ve been attempting one vegetarian day per week and it’s hard for this meat-lover. Thanks for the inspiration.
BTW, love the new avatar. You look fabs, Miss Jules!
That is awesome, Peggles! I’m so curious what some of your favorite meat/dairy dishes are, in case I have any recipe ideas for swaps that aren’t a total joke (oh suuuuure tofu tastes just like prime rib…)!
P.S. – Please don’t tell anyone that that photo is over 2 years old and likely taken after eating a BLT. I still wear that shirt so that counts as recent, right?
It counts!
*fist pump* Yes!
Hi, Jules
I just came across your site, it was interesting reading it. Mong are very healthy protein. If you make mong sprout then it becomes more rich in vitamins. I am a vegetarian since my childhood. And I love being one.
Hi Rita! So nice to see you here. Thank you for “planting” this idea in my head – I really want to try sprouting beans!
Hi,Jules
If you want,I will be happy to help you as I do it weekly. If you want,I will make a picture blog of the process. It’s very simple don’t worry. It takes two days to sprout properly.
Oh my gosh, Rita, I would LOVE that! If you post it, I can link to your blog from mine!
Jules, I would be very happy to do it. Give me time till Sunday, hopefully you will get notification by that time.😃
Hi Rita, You are awesome! No rush for posting, but I’m very excited to see it. Thank you again!
Reblogged this on SEO.
Lovely post.. nice and easy options..
Thanks so much!
Banana ice cream is DOPE SHIT in the very best way!
My nephew even made it as a demonstration for his 7th grade science project, ha!
Nice blog 🙂 Good to see so many fellow vegans out there! Here’s my blog. You might love it too
https://theveganartist2017.wordpress.com/
Be blessed!
Thank you so much – very nice to “see” you here and I’m looking forward to checking out your blog!
Reblogged this on Random Repeat.
I love these ideas! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank YOU so much, Sarah! I JUST started working on a part two because I had so much fun with this one!
Congratulations, well deserved.. 🙂
I’m revisiting this post so I can make some of that yummy vegan goodness.
Oooh keep me posted!!