Paleo Pumpkin Bars

The holidays are fast approaching which means most of us will be eating our way through the next two months. Enjoying holiday treats doesn't mean we have to forego our healthy lifestyles. Here is a recipe for pumpkin bars that are not only healthy but paleo and vegan too!

Paleo Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients:
¾ cup creamy almond butter
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 overripe medium banana
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp coconut flour
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
⅓ cup chocolate chips and/or walnuts

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350F. Spray an 8x8in square baking dish with cooking spray.
2) Place almond butter, pumpkin, banana, maple syrup, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Stir until well-combined.
3) Add the rest of the ingredients, stirring until smooth.
4) Pour into prepared baking dish, smoothing with a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

These guilt-free treats take 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. They are absolutely delicious!!

Going Vegan with Amanda Campfield

ellelauri's own Amanda Campfield has decided to switch to a vegan lifestyle. Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products. In terms of diet, vegans do not eat meat or animal bi-products such as dairy. Here is what Amanda has discovered about her health, diet, and what it means to be vegan.

ellelauri: What inspired you to go vegan?

Amanda: I have wanted to go vegan for a while due to health reasons. I have become more health conscious in recent years. I am becoming more aware of what I am putting into my body.

ellelauri: What has been the hardest part about the transition?

Amanda: No cheese! There are not many 100% vegan options when you go out to eat so I try to modify as best as I can.

ellelauri: What do you miss the most?

Amanda: Cheese! Besides cheese, I really like seafood, especially salmon and sushi. At first I tried to cut everything out but learned you can't do that. You have to be educated. I am slowly cutting things out of my diet, little by little.

ellelauri: How have you felt since going vegan?

Amanda: Amazing! I have lost weight, I have more energy, and I'm not sluggish after meals. I just feel a lot healthier.

ellelauri: What are your favorite vegan restaurants in Philadelphia?

Amanda: I love V Street. For lunch, HipCityVeg is great, they have so many different options.

ellelauri: Do you have any tips and/or suggestions for anyone who is interested in becoming vegan?

Amanda: Do your research. Really look into it and don't go in cold turkey.

For more information about becoming vegan, visit www.vegan.com