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Joanne Rose is an actor, freelance writer, founder-CEO of Vegan Virgin Enterprise (www.veganvirgin.com) and bicoastal resident of Los Angeles and New York.

Leading busy lives can be exhausting both mentally and physically which greatly impacts our overall health if we don’t take the time to replenish our mind, body and spirit with healthy living. Feel like you don’t have the time or energy to eat healthy while you’re on the run? Look no further! Easy does it, Vegan! With these terrific and simple tips, you can now manage your time and spending wisely and increase your energy and vitality, making you the ultimate superhero of your health! Even if you’re not a vegan, you can now learn new and exciting ways to incorporate plant based alternatives.

Traveling by plane:
Most airlines traveling long distances offer a vegan meal option. Call your travel agent or airline 72 hours in advance to make a request. Always confirm your special meal at the check in at the airport. You might want to Google the airport website which should have a list of restaurants/stores and their locations in the concourse. That way you can strategically plan ahead instead. Starbucks now carry prepackaged vegetable salads and fruit cups. It’s never been more simpler and convenient to be vegan!

Smart snacking on the go:

Raw Nuts
Fruit
Dried fruit
Lara Bar
Natural Peanut Butter or almond butter on celery sticks
Raisins
Air-popped popcorn (no butter)
Hummus and baby carrots
Veggie wrap
Soy cheese
Soy yogurt
Water

If you have time the night before, prepare a salad sandwich using Ezekiel, wholegrain or gluten free bread and Tofurky deli slices.

Do it yourself trail mix: mixed raw nuts, seeds (pumpkin, hemp or sunflower), raisins and/or goji berries. The good fats found in nuts will keep you happy and sustained and ward off any nasty cravings.

Organic living doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing pitfall:

There are many Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats stores opening across the United States and in Canada. Even if there isn’t one near you, you can still find local supermarkets and health stores that carry organic foods. If organic is not within your budget, make it a conscious decision to always select fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have also been proved to lower the risk for strokes, heart disease, certain cancers, and high blood pressure.

How to get your “Five a Day”:

Five is the number of servings of fruits and vegetables recommended by the American Cancer Society. Add fruits and veggies into your favorite snacks and recipes. Replace meat with tofu or whole grains like quinoa and brown rice. Eggs with apple sauce or bananas, and dairy milk with soy, rice or almond milk. Try a smoothie made from frozen fruit and your favorite dairy milk alternative.

The Four Vegan Food Groups:

• Whole Grains
• Vegetables
• Legumes, Nuts and other protein foods (tofu, tempeh, fortified soy milk)
• Fruits

America’s Best Vegan Cities:

1. Portland, Oregon
2. Seattle, Washington
3. San Francisco, California
4. New York, New York
5. Atlanta, Georgia
6. Washington, D.C.
7. Minneapolis, Minnesota
8. Austin, Texas
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10. Chicago, Illinois

If your city isn’t listed, many restaurants do cater to vegans and vegetarians. Or opt to seek out these vegan-friendly restaurant guides in advance: HappyCow.net, VegDining.com, VegGuide.org

Quick n’ Easy Raw Vegan Cookie Recipe for the Busy Bee:

Raw nuts, raw seeds, raisins or cacao nibs, agave nectar, a little raw almond butter. Blend in a food processor. 100% natural and un-cooked