I remember it like it was yesterday. I was riding the subway home with Victoria Moran after we filmed an episode of the Our Hen House TV show in Brooklyn, when she asked me if I would contribute an essay for her new book, The Good Karma Diet. The book, her twelfth, was going to be an inspirational guide to eating a truly rewarding plant-based diet.
What an honor it would be to share my “good karma” story in the forthcoming book by a respected vegan author!
Of course I agreed. And now I’m holding the book in my hands. Amongst nearly 300 pages of wisdom and inspiration are my words, and my journey of how becoming vegan changed my life for the better.
It’s really strange to think back to when I arrived in NYC 6 years ago (my anniversary was June 8th). Back then I had big dreams of becoming a famous actress. I was going to travel all around the world filming Hollywood movies, and live the life of luxury. But within a year my passion for acting was weakening, and within 2 years I no longer wanted to pursue that career. I was lost, I felt as though I had no other skills aside from acting, but I also had no interest in that. I went through an identity crisis and slipped back into a depression as I contemplated my life. Food was always a love, and had already started Sweet Potato Soul, but it was just a hobby––not a new career. For months I struggled, and then I became vegan.
The Good Karma Diet
That’s when my whole world changed. That’s when my purpose became clear. And that’s when I decided to share my passion for food, nutrition, and healthy living with the world, in the hopes of inspiring others along the way.
In The Good Karma Diet I go into more detail about the good karma I received after eliminating animal products from my plate. To this day my energy levels are higher, my thoughts clearer, my digestive system healthy, my skin glowing, and my passion ignited.
The Good Karma Diet is a truly fantastic book full of other good karma stories, words of wisdom, and healthy living inspiration.
Vegan very berry chia seed pudding
And let me not fail to say a few words about this vegan very berry chia seed pudding recipe. Listen, I made this on Saturday, and had it for breakfast for 3 days straight! I’m planning on making some more tonight. It’s delicious, creamy, and filling––full of healthy fat, fiber, and protein. I L.O.V.E fresh berries so I recommend loading your pudding up with as many as you can get your hands on. I bet it would be super delicious with cherries too…
Have you made chia seed pudding before? What’s your favorite way to make and top it?!
Very Berry Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup non-dairy milk I did a blend of coconut and soy milk
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 pint fresh berries I did strawberries and raspberries––my faves!
Instructions
- Blend the non-dairy milk, banana, syrup, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour into a large jar or bowl, then stir in the chia seeds.
- Cover and allow to thicken in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
- Serve with fresh berries.
Love this vegan very berry chia seed pudding? Comment below!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / August 18, 2017 at 3:48 pm /
I’d try adding more chia seeds. Do about a tablespoon more 🙂
Brittany Koelmel / June 16, 2015 at 2:19 pm /
I feel so much better eating plant based, and WAY less guilty!
Stella @ Stellicious Life / June 16, 2015 at 12:00 pm /
This looks lovely, and I bet delicious as well! Will make it for tomorrow as breakfast! 🙂
Terri Jones Cole / June 13, 2015 at 6:58 pm /
I know that a plant-based diet is best for the animals, best for the planet and best for my health. That’s a lot of good karma!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:55 pm /
So much good karma 🙂
Ellen's Vegan Kitchen / June 13, 2015 at 11:46 am /
I just tried my first chia recipe yesterday, a basic pudding with soymilk, and mixed in banana, vanilla and cinnamon. I like the idea of blending the banana and milk before adding the seeds!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:55 pm /
Fantastic!! Yes, I like to blend in the banana because it makes it creamier and thicker 🙂
lysette / June 12, 2015 at 4:14 pm /
I love Victoria Moran! I have most of her books. I’ll definitely pick up this one. That’s so cool you shared your story in her book!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:54 pm /
Thank you Lysette. I love her too 🙂
Kat / June 12, 2015 at 2:13 pm /
I’ve been making chia puddings for a while now and love them with raw cacao nibs and berries. Berries are my favorite over any other fruit. Blueberries to be specific. 🙂
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:54 pm /
Sounds delicious! I threw some chocolate chips in mine for dessert. I’ve got to pick up some nibs 😉
organicgirl / June 12, 2015 at 1:49 pm /
Eating a plant based diet has kept me healthier than others my age. Less wrinkles, low blood pressure, great cholesterol numbers!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:53 pm /
Amen!
organicgirl / June 12, 2015 at 1:47 pm /
I’ve used chia seeds in smoothies, but not tried pudding. It really looks yummy!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:53 pm /
Thank you!! It gives it such a yummy and interesting texture.
paula r / June 12, 2015 at 11:22 am /
i feel better and it gives me comfort to know i am decreasing my carbon foot print
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:53 pm /
Significantly 🙂
Ashling Mc / June 12, 2015 at 9:24 am /
Yummm
Wendy @ The Nomadic Vegan / June 12, 2015 at 7:25 am /
Going vegan has given me a stronger connection with animals and with all of the natural world.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:52 pm /
Oh yes! I love it <3
toyia / June 12, 2015 at 3:10 am /
I feel better and more energy from eating plant-based meals.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:52 pm /
Yay! That’s so great Toyia 😉
Barbara LaRosa / June 12, 2015 at 1:06 am /
Love the guilt free options!!!
luvnM3napturally / June 12, 2015 at 12:35 am /
Better digestive system, clearer skin.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:52 pm /
Oh yes!! I know that feeling so well 🙂
ammauceri / June 12, 2015 at 12:32 am /
It has helped me feel that fewer animals are suffering at my expense. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:51 pm /
Beautiful! Thank you 🙂
Anna / June 12, 2015 at 12:10 am /
Ooooh! I love chia seed pudding!! The berries make it even better!
Natalie Cartledge Ⓥ / June 11, 2015 at 10:41 pm /
Eating plant based meals has given me more energy,and peace of mind knowing that no animals died for my meals.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:51 pm /
Amen! That’s wonderful Natalie 🙂
Marie Salvino / June 11, 2015 at 10:21 pm /
I can’t wait to make this for breakfast!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:50 pm /
Let me know how you like it 🙂
Natural Muse / June 11, 2015 at 10:16 pm /
Eating more plant-based meals has help me to shed excessive weight that I gained from unhealthy dietary habits (I switched from vegetation to meat in college and gained 50+lbs), increased my level of energy on a daily basis, and it has helped to educate me about so many issues (social, economic, and ethical implications) that stem from the choices we make as consumers on a global level.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:50 pm /
That’s fantastic! Isn’t it incredible how our world can shift after making this change?
Antoinette / June 11, 2015 at 10:09 pm /
I love chia seed pudding and this looks delicious. Just printed off the recipe and will try it this weekend at my Girlfriend’s Breakfast gathering.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul / June 16, 2015 at 12:49 pm /
Fabulous! Let me know how it went 🙂
jpqueenbee / June 11, 2015 at 10:09 pm /
Looking forward to trying this. Great overnight recipe for a lazy weekend breakfast. Weekdays too!
Lindsey Evans / June 11, 2015 at 6:29 pm /
Clearer skin and guilt free meals!