How to Crush Non-Vegan Cravings

Whether you’ve been eating a vegan diet for ten years or ten days, you’re bound to have a non-vegan craving from time to time. So what should you do? Rather than giving in, here are some tips on how to crush non-vegan cravings.

Satisfy your cravings with a vegan dish from Beyond Sushi! On the menu, you’ll find globally-inspired options that will leave a lasting impact on both your palette and the planet. Order Now

Find Vegan-Friendly Alternatives

Sometimes the easiest way to “scratch the itch” is to seek out a food that’s similar to what you’re craving. Today, there are a variety of vegan alternatives that replicate not only the taste, but also the texture of their non-vegan counterparts. There are also a lot of vegan restaurants that are cooking up delicious animal-free cuisine that tastes better than the real thing! If you’re having a craving for the following foods, explore some great vegan-friendly alternatives to eat instead:

Eggs

Craving scrambled eggs? Make a tofu scramble. If you want that sulfur, egg-like flavor, try adding black salt or kala namak, which you can buy at Indian markets. You can also try one of the vegan egg substitutes, like “JUST Egg.”

Cheese

Cheese is one of the hardest non-vegan foods to shake. Luckily, vegan cheese has stepped up its game. From slices to gourmet spreads, there are plenty of prepared options available. You can also make your own with cashews or tofu. 

Nutritional yeast is another popular cheese alternative that can be sprinkled on top of foods like pasta or veggies. It can also be incorporated into recipes to provide a cheesy flavor.

Beef

Dying to sink your teeth into a big, juicy burger? You can still do that on a vegan diet! More and more companies are starting to offer meat-free burger patties that look and taste like real beef. Other plant-based foods known for their “meaty” texture include portobello mushrooms, tofu, beans, and seitan.

Satisfy your beef craving with Beyond Sushi’s Impossible Sliders or Meatball Marinara Sandwich. Order now!

Chicken

Whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken or buffalo wings, there are plenty of finger-lickin’ good vegan options out there. Tofu, seitan, tempeh, chickpeas, and even cauliflower are all amazing vegan chicken substitutes.

Satisfy your craving with Beyond Sushi’s Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers. Order now!

Sushi

Did you know that you can still have some types of sushi on a vegan diet? Most traditional sushi restaurants offer veggie rolls and vegetable side dishes that won’t make you miss fish. However, more restaurants are starting to pop up that specialize in plant-based sushi options.

Get your sushi fix with one or all of Beyond Sushi’s vegan sushi options. Order now!

Seafood

While there’s a growing number of fish-free options appearing in the vegan frozen food section, tofu and hearts of palm make great whole-food substitutes. Also make sure your pantry is stocked with seaweed products such as wakame and furikake.

Try Beyond Sushi’s Crab Cakes or Jackfruit “Tuna.” Order now

Understand Why You’re Having Cravings

Most cravings are triggered by mental factors such as stress or physical factors like lack of sleep, poor diet, and dehydration. Food can also be tied to memories or emotions. It’s why you seek out “comfort food” when you’re feeling sad or you crave your mom’s homemade soup when you’re feeling sick. The next time you have a food craving, pause and think why you’re craving that specific item and figure out how you can address the underlying cause.

Make Sure You’re Eating Enough Calories

One of the top reasons people fall off the vegan wagon is because they complain that they’re always hungry. If you’ve only recently made a transition to a vegan diet, it’s important that you eat enough food. Incorporate plenty of calorie-dense foods into your daily meals, like legumes, nuts, seeds, and potatoes.

Remember Why You Went Vegan

Whether it’s for the animals, the planet, or your health, sometimes all you need is a reminder of why you went vegan in the first place to break your craving. The next time you notice you’re having cravings that would make you stray from your vegan diet, take some time to watch one of the popular plant-based documentaries, like “What the Health” or “Forks Over Knives.” Another option is to create a daily reminder. Write down your “why” on a post-it note and leave it someplace you’ll see it every day, like on your bathroom mirror or the refrigerator door.

The Toughest Craving

Some of the hardest foods to give up when transitioning to a vegan diet are dairy products. Cheese (and all dairy products) contain opiate-like compounds called casomorphins, which attach to the same brain receptors as addictive drugs. According to the plant-based doctor and author of “The Cheese Trap” Neal Barnard, when these compounds attach to these receptors, “the brain releases dopamine, leading to a sense of reward and pleasure.” In other words, cheese is physically addicting! However, most people stop feeling cravings after three weeks.

Give Your Tastebuds Time to Change

As with any new lifestyle change, it takes time to adjust, especially if you were eating a lot of processed foods before. This is where the power of habit comes into play! Some people say it takes 21 days to form a new habit, but research shows it all depends on what new habit you’re trying to create. Every time you choose to eat a vegan meal, the more likely you are to stick with it and not give in to those non-vegan cravings. You’ll also find that your tastebuds will adjust over time, and fruits and vegetables will become more flavorful.

Be Prepared 

Like any emergency, it’s best to be prepared! Make sure your kitchen is stocked with healthy options, like fruits and vegetables, to keep curb your cravings. And if that’s not enough, keep your favorite vegan treat on hand to squash those cravings.

Visit Beyond Sushi in NYC

We hope you better understand how to beat non-vegan cravings. When you’re ready to fuel up on a nutrient-rich, vegan meal, choose Beyond Sushi as your vegan restaurant of choice. We’re best known for our innovative, plant-based offerings and globally-inspired menu that will leave a lasting impact on both your palette and the planet. Dine-in with us or order takeout or delivery today!

How to Plan the Perfect Catering Menu

There are a lot of details that go into planning an event, including the guest list, venue, decorations, music, and more. But the food you serve is by far the most important selection, and it can make or break any event. Whether you’re throwing a wedding reception, business meeting, or family reunion, here’s how to plan the perfect catering menu so your next event is a success.

If you’re searching for the best catering in NYC, Beyond Sushi is the perfect choice. We offer a variety of catering services, an extensive vegan menu, and a friendly staff that’s ready to serve you!

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Set Your Budget

Before you meet with your caterer, determine your budget for the event. You don’t have to know the exact number, but you should have a range in mind. This will help your caterer design a menu that’s not only delicious, but also affordable. If you’re not sure what your budget should be, your caterer should be able to give you a general idea on costs to help you create a catering menu that’s right for you and your event.

Know Your Guests and Their Preferences

If you want your event to be a culinary success, it’s important to know who’s on your guest list. Here are some questions to ask when coming up with your guest profile:

  • What is the professional level of your guests?
  • What is the age range of your guests?
  • What types of food might your guests be expecting at your event?
  • Where are your guests from/where do they live?

Once you know your guest profile, you can use that information to create a crowd-pleasing menu. Below are some guidelines to take into consideration when making food selections:

  • Older guests may prefer mild menu options.
  • Younger guests may be open to more adventurous foods.
  • Health-conscious guests may prefer a menu with fresh and lighter options over a heavy meal or fried foods.

Choose Your Service Style

From sit-down meals to buffets to boxed meals, there are plenty of ways to serve your guests. Whatever you choose, you want to make sure both the service style and menu fit the event and work with your timeline. If your guests only have a limited time to eat, a full meal service that can take up to two hours probably doesn’t make sense. But if your event is more formal, providing a boxed meal probably won’t impress your guests.

Provide a Variety of Options

You may not be able to please everyone, but your menu should have a couple of different (and tasty!) options so no one leaves the event with an unsatisfied stomach. Here are some general guidelines to consider when planning your catering menu:

  • Entrees: Offer two to three options.
  • Salads: Provide three or more salad dressing options.
  • Condiments: Serve on the side to accommodate guest preferences.
  • Dessert: Provide two options. Ideally, select one indulgent dessert and one healthy dessert.

Accommodate Those with Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

Whether you’re planning a wedding reception, birthday party, or work event, you always need to ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions or food allergies. Some common allergies and dietary restrictions include:

  • Nut allergy
  • Soy allergy
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Gluten intolerances (Celiac)
  • Religious requirements (Kosher) 
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan

Knowing this information ensures that all of your guests will have something to eat. It’s also important for your caterer so they can prepare food that’s safe and avoids cross-contamination.

Take the Venue into Consideration

Not all venues are designed to serve every size party and every type of meal. Talk to your venue ahead of time to figure out how the food can be stored (especially food that needs to be chilled or refrigerated), where the food can be heated up, and how much space you need to serve guests. You can also ask the venue what they’ve done for past events. However, if you work with an experienced caterer, they should be able to tell you what kind of facilities they need to serve different menus.

Do you need an event space to host your gathering? Beyond Sushi has several modern, eco-friendly establishments across Manhattan that are perfect for private events. Learn More.

Work with a Dependable Caterer

If you want to feel confident about the food you’re serving, it’s important to work with a caterer that’s both professional and dependable. Here are some questions to ask when meeting with potential caterers:

  • How long have they been in business?
  • Do they specialize in certain types of food?
  • Are they knowledgeable in dietary restrictions and food allergies?
  • Are they fully insured?
  • If you plan to serve alcohol, are they fully licensed to provide and serve alcoholic beverages?
  • What’s included and what’s not included in their packages?
  • Can they provide references from previous clients?
  • When do they need to know the final guest count?

Cater Your Event with City Roots by Beyond Sushi!

Now that you know how to plan the perfect catering menu, get started today! Full-service catering from City Roots makes it easy for you to serve and enjoy amazing vegan cuisine at your event. With many delicious vegan options to choose from, assistance from our staff from start to finish, and great event spaces to enjoy your get-together, you’re sure to impress your guests when you work with us. Contact us to get a quote for your next event!

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