Yeast That’s Good For You – Como What?

Yes, ladies (and gents) it’s true! Yeast can be ridiculously good for you!

Before we get into that, I just want to wish you all an amazing hump day! This week has been super busy for me and I’m soooo glad Friday is just around the corner. I’ve been shooting the DVD series for this amazing new program I’m working on that is going to RADICALLY change the way women lose weight, regain their self-esteem, and take back their lives! It will be available all over the US and I can’t wait to tell you more about it. All in good time, grasshopper.

I’m also hard at work with the amazing Ana Caban as we get ready to launch our brand new Wealth & Wellness Success Blueprint program! It’s for every wellness professional who is tired of trading hours for dollars and wants to learn how to quickly build their brand, get loads of press recognition, and make money round the clock all while working less hours! Yes, really. We created an awesome free video series where we share the secrets to our success with you so head on over to www.wealthandwellnesssuccessblueprint.com and watch. It’s pretty rad.

Now… what were we talking about… oh yes, YEAST!

Many of you probably know that I’m a vegetarian but recently, I’ve made the move to go vegan and it’s rockin’ my world!  I have more energy, my skin glows, and life is good.  Even better… my Texan, meat-eating husband has decided to join me.  And if you’re ever met him, you know that’s news worthy of a CNN headline.  Being vegan is something that requires a bit of time and attention in the beginning and it’s super important that you’re nourishing your body and getting all the nutrients you need.  Enter yeast.

*Doors swing open, red carpet rolls out, and in walks a big jar of yeast.*

We’re talking about nutritional yeast here and it’s something I strongly suggest you add into your diet, vegan or not. It’s a yellow, flaky, inactive form of the fungus (yes, I said “fungus”) Saccharomyces cerevisiae which is grown on molasses based media.  This results in it having a bit of a richer flavor than brewer’s yeast.   The taste has often been described as a nutty, cheesy flavor. Oh, and people like to refer to it as “hippie dust”.

This flaky little powerhouse is rich in B-complex vitamins, protein (50% by weight!), zinc, selenium, thiamine, and essential fatty acids.  It’s also low in sodium and gluten free. Many brands also fortify their yeast with B12 which is great for vegans and vegetarians who don’t eat meat products.

It’s amazing for combating stress – no matter what the source – and is often used to fight off colds and sore throats.  AND… these little yellow flakes are also excellent for nursing mothers.  It can help increase their milk supply as well as boost their energy (I’ll take it!).

So, how do you eat this little gem? I like to sprinkle it over a vegan pizza or baked veggies.  My hubby puts it in his hemp protein shakes.  You can also sprinkle it over popcorn (air-popped, organic, non-GMO, of course), veggie burgers (the ones made from real veggies, not the processed soy kind), a salad, or put some in your soup.   If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use it to make your own “cheese” sauce – delicious!

You can find nutritional yeast at any health food store, including Whole Foods.  It’s usually in the bulk aisle or with the nutritional supplements.  I’ve even seen it with the packaged grains.  You can also order it online if you can’t find it in your area.  Enjoy!

See you soon sunshine!

P.S. If you want more information on why following a whole-foods, plant-based diet is a good idea, check out the new documentary Knives Over Forks.  It could literally save your life.

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