• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Glowing Fridge
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Cycle Phase Recipes
      • Menstrual Phase
      • Follicular Phase
      • Ovulatory Phase
      • Luteal Phase
    • Breakfast
    • Smoothies and Juices
    • Drinks
    • Salads
    • Main Dish
    • Glow Bowls
    • Soup
    • Sides
    • Sauces, Dressings and Dips
    • Snacks
    • Sweets
    • Mocktails & Cocktails
  • My Books
    • The Plant-Based Cookbook for Women
    • The Happy Hormone Tracker
    • The Happy Hormone Guide
  • Hormone Health
    • The Happy Hormone Tracker
    • The Happy Hormone Guide
    • Food Chart Download
    • Hormone Blog Posts
    • Cycle Phase Recipes
      • Menstrual Phase
      • Follicular Phase
      • Ovulatory Phase
      • Luteal Phase
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Wellness
    • Hormone Health
    • Pregnancy
    • What I Ate
    • Why Vegan?
    • Vegan Starter Guide
    • 5-Day Cleanse
    • The Glow Down
    • Videos
  • KING COFFEE
    • 7-Day KING COFFEE Challenge
    • How to Buy King Coffee/Become a Distributor
    • About Reishi KING Coffee
    • FAQ About KING Coffee + Vegan Reishi Latte
  • Contact
    • Contact Me
    • About
      • About Me
      • My Vegan Story
  • Shop
    • Amazon Store
    • CODES
    • 7-Day KING COFFEE Challenge
    • How to Buy King Coffee
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • How to Buy King Coffee
  • Menstrual Phase Recipes
  • Follicular Phase Recipes
  • Ovulatory Phase Recipes
  • Luteal Phase Recipes
  • My Books
  • Wellness & Lifestyle
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    The Creamiest Vegan Mashed Potatoes

    Today is election day which means we truly need ALL the comfort food, no matter what the outcome is, you know?

    Welcome to Day 2 of Thanksgiving week on the blog!

    I’m sharing two recipes on this fine Tuesday. These Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes AND The Easiest Vegan Stovetop Gravy!! They make the perfect pair. Imagine smothering the these light and fluffy mashed potatoes with savory vegan gravy. I’m telling you, it is pure heaven and a must-try this winter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cold day, really!

    There are so many ways to over-complicate Thanksgiving recipes and I do not understand why. As with my easy vegan gravy, these one-pot mashed potatoes are as simple as can be with minimal ingredients but bursting with flavor. The only recipe that’s a bit more work is my vegan lentil loaf but that is the main dish so it’s understandable.

    It’s important that my mashed potatoes are creamy and luscious, and not dry whatsoever! For this you’ll need a mix of red potatoes and yukon gold potatoes for that beautiful color and creamy texture. It’s really important to buy organic to avoid pesticides and GMO’s!

    I also used a mix of Miyoko’s vegan butter and Earth Balance vegan butter and I highly, highly recommend doing a mix of half and half. Next, I used light canned coconut milk which is so essential! Light canned coconut milk helps to provide that super creamy texture and I’m not sure how any other plant milk would work but you are welcome to try. Then all that’s left is salt and fresh parsley. See it’s simple but flavorful, my new motto.

    Lastly, because I’m lazy, I left the skins on per my husband’s request. Peeling 2 pounds of potato is a big task that I was not about to do, plus I enjoy the rustic texture and fiber from the potato skins! Feel free to peel them though if you prefer ultra-smooth mashed potatoes. Totally up to you!

    Other Recipes You May Like:

    • Vegan Stuffing
    • Healthier Cranberry Sauce (Refined Sugar Free)
    • Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetables
    • The Easiest Vegan Gravy
    • Vegan Lentil Loaf
    • Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Date Crumble
    • Mini Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    The Creamiest Vegan Mashed Potatoes

    • Author: Shannon Leparski
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    The Creamiest Vegan Mashed Potatoes. One pot, light and fluffy, simple and super flavorful vegan and gluten free mashed potatoes! Pair with my vegan gravy! #vegan #mashed #potatoes


    Ingredients

    Scale

    1 pound red potatoes, quartered

    1 pound yukon gold potatoes, quartered

    3/4 cup canned light coconut milk

    1/4 cup vegan butter (I used half Miyokos butter and half Earth Balance butter)

    1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

    1/2–1 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste


    Instructions

    Add all potatoes to a large pot and fill with enough water to cover the potatoes, plus several inches. Generously salt the water. Bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are completely tender, about 15-20 minutes. Pierce with a fork to make sure they are super soft!

    Turn off heat. Drain the water. Mash the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in the coconut milk and vegan butter and stir until well combined and super creamy! If you need more coconut milk, add another 1/4 cup. Next stir in the parsley and salt. Taste test and add more salt if needed.

    Serve warm with The Easiest Vegan Gravy and my Vegan Lentil Loaf (gluten free)!!

    Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.


    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @theglowingfridge on Instagram and hashtag it #theglowingfridge

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    PIN FOR LATER:


    The Easiest Vegan Stovetop Gravy

    Truthfully, I had never tried making a vegan gravy until this recipe and I’m blown away at how ridiculously easy and tasty it is!!

    Mind blown.

    Welcome to day 2 of Thanksgiving week on the blog!!

    Some gravy recipes call for making a roux but not mine. Some recipes call for pureed beans or saut?ed mushrooms, but not mine!! No, no. That feels like too much unnecessary work!! I’m looking for simple, smooth and flavorful, and this is exactly that. Just whisk, warm and thicken! SO EASY.

    Savory, creamy and decadent… I dream about it okay? I can’t wait to have my Creamy Mashed Potatoes smothered in this tasty gravy with a side of Vegan Lentil Loaf (gluten free!) for lunch. Mmmmm. What vegan dreams are made of.

    All you need is 10 minutes and 10 ingredients that are mostly spices or things you probably have on hand already! I’m telling you, it’s a must try. You’ll never go back to a labor-intensive gravy! I mean, why would you?!

    NOTE: I did use poultry seasoning which is vegan but really adds that umami flavor (along with the tamari and nutritional yeast) that is absolutely essential in a gravy because I will not allow my recipes to skimp on flavor. Poultry seasoning has the most perfect blend of spices for a flavorful gravy that doesn’t taste “vegan” or “plain” if you know what I mean! You can find it near the spices in the grocery store. It’s just much easier to buy pre-mixed like this! It’s great in savory recipes to get that herbaceous flavor. If you can’t find any, you can substitute dried or fresh sage, thyme, marjoram, celery seed, cayenne and some ground pepper.

    This scrumptious and super affordable vegan gravy recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday, really! Smother it over mashed potatoes, vegan stuffing, lentil loaf, biscuits, etc. Such a dream.

    Other Recipes You May Like:

    • Vegan Stuffing
    • Healthier Cranberry Sauce (Refined Sugar Free)
    • Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetables
    • Vegan Lentil Loaf
    • Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Date Crumble
    • Mini Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    The Easiest Vegan Stovetop Gravy

    • Author: Shannon Leparski
    • Prep Time: 5
    • Cook Time: 5
    • Total Time: 10
    • Yield: 6 1x
    • Category: Sauce, Gravy
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Vegan
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    The Easiest Vegan Stovetop Gravy. All you need is 10 minutes and 10 ingredients to make the most simple and flavorful vegan and gluten free gravy! #vegan #gravy #easy


    Ingredients

    Scale

    2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

    1/4 cup gluten free all-purpose flour

    3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

    1 tablespoon olive oil

    1 tablespoon tamari (or miso)

    2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

    1 teaspoon onion powder

    1 teaspoon dijon mustard

    1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

    1/4 teaspoon sea salt


    Instructions

    Add all ingredients to a medium sized pot and whisk until smooth over medium-high heat.

    Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium and keep whisking until the gravy thickens after 3-4 minutes.

    Turn off heat. If it feels too thick whisk in 1-2 tablespoons water.

    Serve with vegan mashed potatoes!

    This gravy keeps well for up to a week in the refrigerator. Just re-warm, add a little water if too thick, stir and serve.


    Notes

    Poultry seasoning is a mix of ground dried herbs like sage, thyme, marjoram and pepper. You can find it near the spices in the grocery store. It’s just much easier to buy pre-mixed like this! It’s great in savory recipes to get a savory, herbaceous flavor. Poultry seasoning is vegan. If you can’t find any, you can substitute dried or fresh sage, thyme, marjoram, celery seed, cayenne and some ground pepper.

    Keywords: the easiest vegan gravy, vegan and gluten free gravy, easy vegan gravy, gluten free gravy, vegan stovetop gravy

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @theglowingfridge on Instagram and hashtag it #theglowingfridge

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    PIN FOR LATER:


    Vegan Lentil Loaf (Gluten Free)

    Welcome to Thanksgiving week on the blog!

    I’m getting my vegan and gluten free Thanksgiving recipes done early so you can plan and prepare. First up is this hearty main dish, my Vegan Lentil Loaf (gluten free) thats seriously scrumptious and wonderful!

    Packed with veggies and heart-healthy lentils, it’s filling, comforting and pairs great with my Creamy Mashed Potatoes and The Easiest Vegan Gravy that will be up tomorrow!

    EEK! For some reason I’m more excited than usual for the holidays this year. I don’t know if it’s the weather changing or wanting to be around family more due to the craziness of 2020? Either way, I’m here for it and happy to do all the festive things! I also think it’s because I don’t have any major projects happening right now. Last year around this time I had just released The Happy Hormone Guide, I was getting ready for my wedding in Puerto Vallarta and was starting to work on my cookbook (releasing in January 2021!). I was the most stressed I’ve ever been and honestly just wanted the holidays to be over (how sad!). I remember feeling beyond exhausted and worn out… so this year is feeling like a breath of fresh air 🙂

    Okay let’s chat about this delish lentil loaf with all the texture and flavor! If your man is hungry, make him this. He’ll be impressed and his stomach will be happy. The best part is it can be prepped and made ahead, then all you have to do is bake it when you’re ready (and the leftovers make great vegan meatloaf sandwiches… YUM).

    Did I mention it was filling?! Haha all I needed is one slice with a side of mashed potatoes and leafy green salad or roasted vegetables. It’s absolutely perfect. I know you and your family will love it!!

    Other Recipes You May Like:

    • Vegan Stuffing
    • Healthier Cranberry Sauce (Refined Sugar Free)
    • Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetables
    • The Easiest Vegan Gravy
    • Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Date Crumble
    • Mini Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    Vegan Lentil Loaf (Gluten Free)

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Shannon Leparski
    • Prep Time: 20
    • Cook Time: 90
    • Total Time: 110 minutes
    • Yield: 6-7 1x
    • Category: Main
    • Method: Stovetop, Oven
    • Cuisine: Vegan Meatfloaf
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Vegan Lentil Loaf (Gluten Free). Filling, hearty, packed with veggies and heart-healthy lentils. Can be prepped and made ahead of time! Scrumptious!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    3/4 cup dry green lentils, rinsed (I used french green lentils)

    2 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or water)

    3 tablespoons ground flaxseed

    1/3 cup water

    2 tablespoons avocado oil/olive oil

    1/2 yellow onion, diced

    3 cloves garlic

    1/4 teaspoon sea salt

    1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

    1 red bell pepper, diced very small

    2 medium-sized carrots, diced very small (I peel them to remove the dirt)

    1 celery stalk, diced very small

    3/4 cup gluten free oats

    1/2 cup oat flour

    1 teaspoon dried thyme

    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    1/2 teaspoon onion powder

    3 tablespoons ketchup

    1 tablespoon tomato paste

    1 tablespoon vegan worsterchire sauce

    1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

    Glaze:

    1/4 cup ketchup

    1 1/2  tablespoons balsamic

    1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup


    Instructions

    First, prepare the lentils by rinsing them. In a medium-sized pot, combine 2 ½ cups broth/water with lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, then cover and simmer for about 35 – 40 minutes. Drain the excess broth/water and set aside in a strainer (we are going to puree ¾ of the mixture once cooled).

    Make a flax egg. In small bowl combine the ground flaxseed + ⅓ cup water. Set aside for at least 10-15 minutes, until it is gel-like. This will act as the binder along with the pureed lentils.

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

    In a sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the garlic, sea salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the bell pepper, carrots and celery for about 5 minutes or until softened. Set aside to cool.

    In a food processor (or using a potato masher), roughly blend ¾ of the lentil mixture. It doesn’t have to be completely pureed, just enough to feel like a sticky dough because this works as a binder.

    Transfer the lentils (pureed and regular) to a large bowl along with the sauteed vegetables and flax egg. Stir in the oats, oat flour, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup, tomato paste, worsterchire and parsley. Mix well until fully combined. Taste test, adding more salt/pepper if necessary.

    Transfer mixture into the lined loaf pan. Press down firmly.

    Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until well combined.

    Remove loaf pan from oven and spread the glaze evenly over top the loaf.

    Bake for 20 more minutes.

    Remove from oven and allow to cool before slicing.

    Enjoy! Serve with The Creamiest Vegan Mashed Potatoes and The Easiest Vegan Gravy!


    Keywords: vegan lentil loaf, vegan and gluten free lentil meatloaf, lentil meatloaf, vegan lentil meatloaf, vegan thanksgiving meatloaf

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @theglowingfridge on Instagram and hashtag it #theglowingfridge

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    PIN FOR LATER:


    The Happy Hormone Tracker

    Introducing The Happy Hormone Tracker: A Wellness Journal for Monthly Cycle Tracking and Hormone Balance for Women 

    Yay!!! It’s launch day for The Happy Hormone Tracker and I could NOT be more excited! It’s FINALLY HERE!

    It turned out to be so beautiful and exactly what I had pictured in my mind. Thanks to Blue Star Press for delivering beautiful masterpieces that capture everything I envision and more!

    What is The Happy Hormone Tracker?

    This first-of-its-kind! It’s a 90-day hormone tracking journal that gives women the guidance and space they need to track their monthly cycles. It helps them monitor how nourishment, movement, moods, sleep, supplements, and more impact their hormonal fluctuations, because they all do! This is a way to track your hormonal patterns and get to know your menstrual cycle in a more intimate way using a adorable and functional personal wellness planner.

    On a basic level, natural hormone tracking is incredibly helpful for knowing when your period will come and end, what phase you are in or what moon cycle you match up with, and when you should use protection or avoid sex to prevent pregnancy. It’s useful for gaining a fundamental connection to your flow. And if you’re trying to conceive, it’s essential for fertility tracking and fertility health.

    On a deeper level, tracking can strengthen your body awareness (physically and emotionally) and connection to nature. After 90 days of tracking, you’ll have a strong foundational knowledge of your personal cycle patterns and how your hormones affect your mood, motivation levels, cravings, and more.

    How To Use it?

    This tracker is meant to be used for 3 consecutive months to gain a deeper understanding of your hormonal patterns and flow. Each day, you make space to fill out the page for that day and reflect.

    Who Can Use It?

    Anyone! From teenage girls to mature women. Any woman who wants to get to know her cycle and symptoms or patterns on a deeper level. It’s supportive for all stages of life.

    The Happy Hormone Tracker includes:

    ?  Health primers explaining the four phases of a woman’s cycle and what to expect during those times of the month
    ?  90 days of daily tracker pages for monitoring ovulation, overall mood, digestion, hours slept, food cravings, stress level, exercise, motivation level, and more.
    ?  Weekly reflections for keeping track of personal habits, self-care, and more.
    ?  Food charts to help you know the best plant based foods to eat for each phase of the month
    ?  And other tips from me, the author of the 2019 bestselling book The Happy Hormone Guide, which goes along perfectly with this journal 🙂 they are companions!

    I’m so excited for you guys to get your hands on this adorable tracker and start incorporating it into your daily routine. It’s so fun to look back and see patterns or improvements in symptoms.



    also available to buy from these retailers:


    pin to help spread awareness!


    Coffee Enemas for Detoxing

    I’ve been a fan of coffee enemas for the past 2 years!! Every time I share about them on social media I get a ton of messages like:

    Whats a coffee enema?
    How do you do them?
    What coffee and bucket do you use?
    Do they hurt?
    I’m scared…! What should I do?

    And I totally get it because I was terrified at first! Coffee enema’s are not for everyone (caution: do not do them if you are pregnant). It took me a while to get the hang of them but the rush of clarity you get afterward is unlike anything else! Now it is a form of self-care for me. I do them once or twice a month, or when I’m feeling really run-down. If you aren’t comfortable doing them, then don’t! If you are curious, then try it! There’s nothing to be scared of, really.

    There are many forms of detox and coffee enemas happen to be one of them, and maybe even my favorite (aside from colonics!). But you can do an enema in the comfort of your home and its a much cheaper option.

    Everyday, we are exposed to environmental toxins, parasites, bacteria, pollutants, preservatives, heavy metals, pesticides and other cancer-causing chemicals. We breathe them in, ingest them or absorb them through the skin through direct contact. These toxins then get stored and trapped in the tissues and cells of our body and can have harmful cancerous, reproductive, metabolic and mental health effects.

    Some signs of toxic overload:

    • constipation
    • bloating
    • gas
    • headaches
    • fatigue
    • pain
    • nausea
    • belly fat
    • skin problems
    • food cravings
    • low energy
    • bad breath
    • mood swings

    However, by using detoxing therapies like coffee enemas (parasite cleansing and infrared saunas!) we are able to lessen our toxic overload over time, before it becomes a bigger issue and leads to disease. Not only will detoxing help to reduce the above symptoms, but it will also boost energy, cleanse your body?s filters (your organs), and remove unwanted toxins and sludge from the gut wall and bloodstream, which in turn promotes glowing skin, clarity of mind, gut healing, improved sleep and so much more.

    What are the benefits of coffee enemas?

    Coffee enemas can be used to detoxify the body and open the bile duct system, flushing stagnant bile from the liver and gallbladder. This is often why we feel a rush of mental clarity afterward!

    They can also stimulate an increased production of glutathione by up to 700%!!! Glutathione is the body?s master antioxidant and is involved in different phases of detoxification. Every six minutes all of your blood filters through your liver to be detoxified. When you do a coffee enema, that time shortens to three minutes and acts as a purification cleaning process of your blood.

    Coffee enemas work because the hemorrhoidal veins in the descending colon dump into the portal system via the hepatic portal vein. The coffee uses the hepatic portal vein as a direct connection to the liver (this is also why you lie on your right side during a coffee enema). The caffeine in the coffee cause the liver and bile duct system to release bile into the colon and increase the flow of bile, essentially bringing in new bile. This allows your body to use the bile created in your liver to rid of toxins.

    Bile takes a lot of energy to create, so your body likes to reuse it instead of making new bile. But the problem is, your bile contains toxins, so when you body does recycle it, it recycles the toxins as well? possibly leaving you feeling fatigued and ill. The solution? Take a binder before and after your coffee enema.

    Anyone with a chronic illness, or parasites (which is basically everyone!), could use help optimizing their drainage pathways and cleaning out the liver and gallbladder. Parasites of all kinds love to live in the bile duct, and when it?s clogged, you?ll start noticing you don?t feel well. You might have bloating, constipation, abdominal pain (especially the upper right quadrant), diarrhea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms similar to gallbladder attacks. Coffee enemas help get the liver and bile working optimally!

    Supplies Needed & How to do a Coffee Enema:

    Doing a coffee enema in the morning after you have a normal bowel movement is best. Coffee enemas have the potential to disrupt sleep if done at night because of the caffeine in the coffee. Morning is also when the colon is in an expelling mode versus at night when it is in an absorptive mode. But if you must do it in the afternoon that works too. I recommend doing them once or twice a month. You do not want to become dependent on them though. Use your intuition!

    Enemas can seem like an incredibly complicated process, but the truth is, there are just a few vital supplies you?ll need to get started and it’s easier that it seems. You’ll need:

    • Coffee Enema Coffee: The coffee you should use should not be a dark roast of any kind. In fact, ?enema coffee? should be organic and roasted extremely light, leaving it almost green or a very pale color and to maintain the high levels of compounds in the beans.?You can use king coffee but it is super intense and I do not recommend starting with that! Start with the organic light roast I linked above.
    • Coffee Enema Bucket Kit (preferably stainless steel)
    • Distilled or filtered Berkey water
    • Coconut oil for lubrication
    • 5-10 mineral drops to add to coffee for an extra boost (optional)

    Other steps to consider:

    • Be sure to replace electrolytes afterward too, preferably by drinking a few glasses of fresh green juice on days you perform coffee enemas, or by adding mineral drops to your water, or by drinking coconut water.
    • It?s important to take a binder like Bio Active Carbon Biotox before and after the enema to mop up toxins released from the bile duct. Binders attach to toxins and escort them safely out of the body.

    Basic Instructions:

    1. Bring 4 cups of filtered water/distilled water to a slow boil.

    2. Stir in 4 Tablespoons coffee and turn off heat. Let steep for 20 minutes

    3. Strain with very fine strainer.

    4. Cool down the mixture to in between room temperature and body temperature, then pour the coffee mixture to your enema bucket, making sure the tube/hose is closed off. I lay down a blanket on the bathroom floor and set the enema bucket on the bathroom countertop so it’s higher up allowing it to flow down. Open the hose to let some coffee drip out in order to let any air out so you aren’t filling your body up with air (hello, gassiness). Then close off the hose again.

    5. Lie down on your right side. I have a pillow to lie my head on and a blanket to put over me too if I’m cold. Some people do this in the shower for any possible “accidents” haha. Add coconut oil to the end of the enema tube hose and insert hose into anus (about 6 inches in or so). Allow coffee to flow in slowly, about 2 cups or until you feel full.

    6. Hold for 15 minutes, then gently expel the liquid into toilet. Repeat a second enema right away with the leftover 2 cups of coffee mixture.

    Coffee Enema Kit

    Organic Coffee

    Coffee Enema FAQ:

    1. What if I feel worse after the enema? A small number of people may have an adverse reaction, usually just for a few minutes after the enema. If you?re very toxic, or your liver/gallbladder is extremely clogged, you may feel worse for a short amount of time when the toxins are being released. If this happens, you can reduce the amount of coffee to a comfortable amount for next time (ie: prepare the enema with just 1 tablespoon), and work your way up. You can also hold it for less time, but you really want to reach the magic 15-minutes if at all possible.
    2. I can?t hold the enema nearly long enough! Any tips?
      Every enema is different. Sometimes I can hold it through the cramping and other times I can’t. Some people find they can hold it the full fifteen for the first few sessions, then suddenly they need to expel the enema after just a few minutes the next time. You want to make sure you?ve cleared the air out of the hose before inserting it. Another tip that works well is to do a water enema to evacuate the colon before doing the coffee enema. If you?re doing a parasite cleanse, it?s likely it will become more difficult to hold the enema because the dying parasites are irritating and your body wants to get rid of them! Do the best you can and sometimes we have to work our way up to it and get used the the cramping feeling.
    3. How often should I replace the stainless steel bucket or hose? As long as you?re properly cleaning the bucket and hose, you should only have to replace the bucket if you see any visible wear and tear, rust, or mold. The hose should be replaced every 3-6 months, just to ensure it?s clean and safe to use.
    4. I have trouble inserting the hose. How can I make it easier? It?s easiest to lay on your right side, in a fetal position to insert the hose. Make sure it is well lubricated with coconut oil.
    5. How do I clean the tools after I use them? Washing the hose and bucket is very important, so mold and bacteria don?t build up. You can use a very gentle, unscented soap and a bit of hydrogen peroxide on the end of the hose where it enters you. Make sure to rinse very well with warm water and hang the hose long to dry out, so no water is trapped (creating a great environment for mold to grow).
    6. I?m very sensitive to caffeine. Will coffee enemas give me those same symptoms? No. It?s very different to ingest coffee as compared to performing a coffee enema. If you?re worried, you can start with a small amount of ground coffee and judge your reaction, but you cannot use decaf coffee for enemas. The caffeine is necessary.
    7. Is there a specific kind of diet to follow to enhance the benefits of coffee enemas? Just eat real whole foods! Eating lots of organic vegetables and fruits will ensure your body is getting enough fiber to keep bowels moving regularly which as you know is essential for detoxing. Raw green juices help to replace any lost minerals. Just avoid processed foods and refined sugar to reap the benefits.

    Here’s a helpful video from Dr. Jay explaining a little more!

    I hope you guys find this post helpful and informative! Let me know if you have any questions below in the comments 🙂



    Non-Toxic Home Cleaning

    This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Join Team Truman’s. All opinions are 100% mine.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is untitled-6306.jpg

    Switching to non-toxic home cleaning products is one of the easiest ways to reduce hazardous chemical exposure and endocrine-disruptors in your home.

    I recently discovered a new brand called Truman’s! The best part? Not only are their products non-toxic they’re also waste-free, so no more single use bottles! This is right up my alley because I do feel wasteful when buying plastic cleaning bottles. I love how Truman’s is minimalistic and simplifies home cleaning for us green cleaning peeps.

    Truman?s offers hard-working cleaning products (without the harsh chemicals) for laundry, dishwashers, toilet bowls and hard surfaces. Today I’m highlighting their Home Care Membership Bundle which takes care of the laundry, dishwasher and toilet bowl! Both in their product design and packaging, Truman?s products were designed to reduce the waste and clutter of traditional household cleaning brands. Think minimal and fun!

    Natural products are better for the environment, too. This is cleaning without all the dirtiness of chemicals! No bleach or toxins. Not to mention, all Truman?s bundles ship free in 100% recycled packaging (that?s also compostable and recyclable). You can order refills whenever you?re ready, no need to toss a bottle and start all over again. Plus, how fun are the product names and slogans?!

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is untitled-0380-768x1024.jpg

    So, how do toxic chemicals affect our hormones?

    EDC?s, also known endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormone action and mimic certain hormones. This tricks your system and receptors into over-producing some hormones while under-producing others. This also interferes with the proper elimination of estrogen in your body (read this post about estrogen detox) which increases your risk for estrogen-dominant hormonal conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Some EDC?s are known as xenoestrogens because they imitate estrogen (bisphenol-a (BPA), parabens, phthalates, pesticides and herbicides to name a few because the list is extensive).

    It?s overwhelming, I know, but not to worry because Truman’s is the perfect alternative! This whole learning process is about bringing awareness to what you use and buy. You can control a lot more than you think, and it starts with what you spend your money on! After switching to green cleaning products many years ago, I?m now SUPER sensitive to artificial scents and man-made chemical products that are lurking in the grocery store cleaning aisles. I have an instant headache because my chemical makeup has changed and my cells immediately let me know when something is TOXIC!!!

    This is not okay and not safe for our families or pets, either.

    What do Truman products offer?

    • Convenience – simple to understand and use products delivered right to your door
    • Performance – non-toxic yet extremely effective. You can get a great clean while feeling comfortable using them on surfaces where kids/pets/adults play and live.
    • Sustainability – dramatic reduction of plastic waste (use one bottle forever instead of one bottle every month) and overall supply chain (vs shipping 98% water-based products in single-use plastic bottles). More sustainable packaging (for shipping).
    • Customer experience – we work our (clean) asses off to make sure the customers can reach us via text, chat, email or social 14+ hrs per day. We try to make it a fun experience however and whenever they connect with us.
    • Affordable ? Truman?s offers competitive pricing and free shipping for members – no minimum order amount.
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is untitled-6356-768x1024.jpg
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is untitled-6310-768x1024.jpg
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is untitled-4690.jpg
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is untitled-3606-768x1024.jpg

    Working with clean brands like Trumans makes me so happy! I love sharing the positive impact of companies. It’s important to think smart about the products we use in our homes especially because that’s where we’re spending the majority of our time these days.

    Try their Home Care Membership Bundle here. It’s super affordable too!

    Banana Breakfast Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)

    Who said cookies for breakfast?!

    Sometimes all I want is a green smoothie and vegan cookies for breakfast! Or a king coffee with cookies, like a little morning treat. So why not make healthier Banana Breakfast Cookies?! They won’t spike blood sugar (hello, happy hormones) and they make the perfect light breakfast or little snack to hold you over.

    They’re only lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and made with healthy whole-food ingredients like mashed bananas, gluten free rolled oats, almond butter, cinnamon, pepitas, sunflower seeds, raisins and coconut flakes! The chewy and chunky texture is the best part. So satisfying.

    This is a better option than a big sugary muffin if you’re trying to keep blood sugar balanced which is the first step in balancing hormones. I know there is a time and place for sugary treats but first thing in the morning I really try to fuel my body in the best way I can with healthier options!

    So the batter will feel very wet but that is how it should be. All you do is mix all the ingredients in a bowl and bake them away! I love how they turned out. Drizzle with a little almond butter and oh em geeee!!!

    ALSO – if you are seed cycling, feel free to swap out the seeds for the ones that line up with the phase you are in! Read more about that here.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    Banana Breakfast Cookies

    • Author: Shannon Leparski
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 25 minutes
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: 12 cookies 1x
    • Category: Breakfast, Snack
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: Healthy
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Healthier, low sugar vegan breakfast cookies that are easy and quick! Delicious paired with a green smoothie or coffee


    Ingredients

    Scale

    1 flax egg (1 tablespoon flax + 3 tablespoons water)

    2 ripe bananas, mashed

    1 tablespoon almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)

    1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    2–3 tablespoons coconut sugar

    1/4 teaspoon sea salt

    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    1 1/4 cups gluten free rolled oats

    1/2 cup raisins

    1/3 cup coconut flakes

    1/4 cup pepitas

    1/4 cup sunflower seeds


    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet/tray with parchment paper.

    Make the flax egg by mixing the ground flax seed with water and set aside for 10 minutes until it gels up.

    In a large bowl, start by mashing your ripe bananas with a fork until they’re creamy.

    Add the almond butter, melted coconut oil, vanilla and flax egg and mix. Stir in the coconut sugar, sea salt, cinnamon and mix again. Now stir in the rolled oats, raisins, coconut flakes, pepitas and sunflower seeds. Mix together until cookie batter is well combined.

    Scoop 1-2 heaping tablespoons into your hand and gently form a cookie. Place on cookie tray and lightly press down to flatten. 

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are slightly brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!


    Keywords: vegan breakfast cookies, banana breakfast cookies, vegan banana cookies, low sugar vegan cookies

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @theglowingfridge on Instagram and hashtag it #theglowingfridge

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    pin for later:


    How Stress Affects Progesterone

    Have you heard of the ?pregnenalone or cortisol steal??!


    Its fascinating and makes so much sense for why we can struggle with our progesterone levels. Lets be real, we could all use more progesterone haha. Seriously though! It’s the calming, anti-anxiety hormone! And fertility based issues often stem from lack of progesterone.

    When the body is under stress, hormones are automatically shifted away from making testosterone and DHEA and over to the progesterone pathway, which then dumps straight into cortisol in response to fight or flight. This allows the body to produce epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol in case we are being chased by a lion, when we are probably just sitting in traffic, running late or stressed about work.

    Stress is stealing your progesterone!

    If you are living in a constant state of stress, this could be why you have lower progesterone levels and are experiencing symptoms of PMS & estrogen dominance such as irregular cycles, spotting, bloating, irritability, acne around the chin, headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness, etc.

    Supplementing with progesterone is only a band-aid, instead you should work on the HPA-axis by reducing stress and catecholamines (epinephrine and cortisol) so the body believes it is safe and you are no longer in danger. Seriously, your body may think you have lack of food or water if you?re dehydrated or restricting calories! This is why I cannot stress intuitive eating enough, and obviously drinking half your body weight in ounces of water per day.

    I’m well aware we will always have some sort of stress to deal with but there are things we can do. Practicing yoga, mindfulness, gratitude, meditation and deep breathing can go a long way in managing stress. I always recommend getting some testing done too, to see if there are any root causes/internal stressors like pathogens, viruses, chemical/toxin overload, etc as they can increase cortisol as well. for this I highly recommend a full scan from Creating Balanced Health (use my code “glowingfridge” for $20 OFF), or eventually working with me once I?m a practitioner!

    Do you feel like you’re in a constant state of stress? What helps you manage it?


    If you need more help with balancing hormones, check out my book The Happy Hormone Guide, or my NEWEST release, The Happy Hormone Tracker!!


    Vegan Crockpot Lentil Soup

    Its crockpot season!

    Pretty sure this is my first ever crockpot recipe!! How is that even possible after having this blog for almost 7 years?! Who knows. Crockpot cooking must become a thing when you turn 30 LOL. So, since I really need to start a crockpot collection, say hello to my Vegan Crockpot Lentil Soup! Lentils are packed with protein, fiber and vitamins, and are surprisingly delicious.

    I love how you can set it and forget it. Throw everything in and get on with your day!

    And now that its officially fall I feel like whipping out the crockpot is acceptable. This scrumptious soup is for all the busy people that still want to eat healthy but with minimal clean up and effort. And say hello to leftovers for lunch! Whenever I cook, I really try to make extra for leftovers because I’m a lazy kid at heart. And leftovers are SO MUCH BETTER the next day. So you’ll have 6-7 servings from this depending on portion sizes. Serve with sourdough bread, crackers or a side salad. Mmmhmmm.

    The many benefits of lentils:

    • heart healthy with health-promoting polyphenols
    • packed with iron, folate, magnesium and potassium
    • hefty amount of plant based protein – one cup equals 18 grams!
    • loaded with fiber – one cup equals 15 grams!
    • versatile and can be used so many ways

    For me, soup must be well-rounded and totally balanced in flavor. A little spice, smokiness and saltiness with a little tang. I used red pepper flakes, smoked paprika and red wine vinegar to achieve this tasty palate-pleasing recipe. I could eat it for lunch or dinner everyday, I swear.

    Feel free to add in other veggies you have on hand (like bell peppers, peas, parsnips), or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. But I love it just how it is.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    Vegan Crockpot Lentil Soup

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Shannon Leparski
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 6 hours
    • Total Time: 6 hours, 15 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    • Category: Soup
    • Method: Crockpot, Slow Cooker
    • Cuisine: Italian
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    The easiest plant-based Crockpot Lentil Soup! Packed with fiber, protein and vitamins. It’s filling and absolutely scrumptious.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil

    1 yellow onion, diced

    4 large carrots, diced

    3 stalks celery, diced

    1 small zucchini, diced

    2–3 cloves minced garlic

    3 teaspoons Italian seasoning

    1 teaspoon smoked paprika

    1 teaspoon sea salt

    3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

    1 1/2 cups dried French green lentils (can sub brown lentils)

    1 15-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes (or plain crushed tomatoes)

    4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

    1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

    1 cup filtered water


    Instructions

    Add all ingredients (except the red wine vinegar and filtered water) to slow cooker. Stir.

    Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.

    Near the end. stir in the vinegar and filtered water.

    Serve hot with desired toppings. I like fresh parsley, crackers, nutritional yeast and red pepper flakes.

    Enjoy!


    Keywords: vegan lentil crockpot soup, vegan lentil soup, vegan lentil veggie soup, lentil crockpot soup, slow cooker lentil soup

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @theglowingfridge on Instagram and hashtag it #theglowingfridge

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    PIN FOR LATER:


    • « Go to Previous Page
    • Page 1
    • Page 2
    • Page 3
    • Page 4
    • Page 5
    • Page 6
    • Interim pages omitted …
    • Page 57
    • Go to Next Page »

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    SHANNON Leparski

    SHANNON Leparski

    Hi! I'm Shannon, a Certified Hormone Specialist and plant based blogger living in Chicago. I help women heal their bodies bodies from the inside out and balance their hormones naturally through a plant based diet and lifestyle. Let me guide you through it, so you can glow from within and feel the best you've ever felt!

    MY NEW COOKBOOK!

    Fertility Prep eBook!

    Fertility Prep eBook!

    The Happy Hormone Tracker

    The Happy Hormone Tracker

    My Book >> The Happy Hormone Guide!

    A look inside The Happy Hormone Guide. The first ever plant-based vegan book for balancing hormones, increasing energy and reducing PMS symptoms. With recipes and lifestyle tips for each phase of your menstrual cycle. #cyclesycning

    BECOME A PRACTITIONER

    HOW TO DETOX FROM BIRTH CONTROL

    HOW TO DETOX FROM BIRTH CONTROL

    NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL

    NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL

    Want to know the best foods to eat for each phase of your menstrual cycle?

    sign up to start eating in sync with your cycle!

    Footer

    shannon.leparski

    Wellness, Motherhood, Holistic Nutrition, Gut Health
    • Root Cause Practitioner
    • Author of The Happy Hormone Guide
    💌 shannon@theglowingfridge.com

    SHANNON // Beauty / Motherhood / Wellness
    & my hair needed SERIOUS HELP. It was super oily & my hair needed SERIOUS HELP.

It was super oily and greasy with buildup from past products. I was washing daily… and just unhappy with the dullness and lack of volume. That has since changed!

Aside from getting transformed hair, this opportunity allows motivated women to have another income source. It allows mamas to have the best of both worlds - their own income while raising their babies (if you’re in that phase of life). It provides social media training, so much guidance and support (you’re never doing it alone), earned confidence and most importantly, community. Some of my best friends are here now because we talk daily and know everything about each other’s lives! Surrounding yourself with like-minded successful women can turn your life around. I’m not kidding. You are who you surround yourself with. It’s more than just shampoo. 

All it takes is deciding YES and stepping out of your comfort zone.  Don’t let life pass you by. Stop wondering and start taking action! 🥂 

If you’re ready, DM me BIZ and let’s chat 💞

#wfhm #networkmarketing #sahm
    the answer is no. but will I try again tomorrow? the answer is no. 

but will I try again tomorrow? probably, yes.

#momlife
    How I make my Dandy Blend Latte. Why I stopped dri How I make my Dandy Blend Latte. Why I stopped drinking King Coffee. More about my gallbladder flush coming up on the new moon 🌑
    20 THINGS I’VE LEARNED: 1. You can do hard thin 20 THINGS I’VE LEARNED:

1. You can do hard things. 
2. Stay consistent. 
3. Don’t give up.
4. Stay consistent. Again.
5. People will quit, don’t take it personally.
6. TV is a time suck (I haven’t watched TV since I started 🙃)
7. This business isn’t for everyone (only the hustlers).
8. Girls are desperate for community and support.
9. Moms especially need support like this.
10. Making your own money is security.
11. Making your own money is powerful.
12. The trips are life changing.
13. You can multitask.
14. Your friends probably won’t support you. That’s okay.
15. You have to be a little bit delusional with your vision and belief. 
16. Go for it. Dream big.
17. Stay consistent.
18. Ask for help from your mentor.
19. Do the uncomfortable things. Keep doing them.
20. Remember why you started 🙏🏼

#monatanniversary
    Can you even?!! When I saw these my heart skipped Can you even?!! When I saw these my heart skipped a beat. How grateful I am to have beautiful photos with my little shadow. My little bestie.

This is your sign to do the mother-daughter photoshoot 🥰🥰🥰🥰 thank you to @sarahiltonphotography for capturing such sweet moments that I will cherish forever. Sara did the photos for my book as well, The Happy Hormone Guide!!! She does branding and headshots in the northwest suburbs of Chicago - she’s the best!!

#motherdaughter
    what healing looks like 🌼🩷 I starts out my what healing looks like 🌼🩷

I starts out my morning with a bunch of supplements to eliminate parasites and bacteria and repair my gut while supporting my liver and gallbladder. Next I make a protein smoothie with vanilla whey protein powder and a custom supplement to support my deficiencies. And lastly my creamy dandy blend latte because I’m not drinking coffee right now.

This is what works for me right now! I also have gf toast usually from @awgbakery. I’ve had to eliminate so many things but it’s all for good reason, to reduce all the inflammation. I’m working with @lifelabwellnessco if you would like your own custom plan and testing 🙏🏼 should I share more videos like this?

#guthealingjourney #parasitecleanse

    Shannon is a health enthusiast and plant based nutrition advocate, living in Chicago. She studied Health and Fitness at Purdue University and loves everything about the plant based vegan lifestyle, especially creating colorful, nourishing, happy hormone recipes in her kitchen. Read More…

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    MENSTRUAL PHASE RECIPES

    Vegan Tortilla Mushroom and “Mozzarella Cream” Pizza

    Banana Breakfast Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)

    Vegan Crockpot Lentil Soup

    Simple Cucumber Salad (Vegan)

    Copyright © 2026 The Glowing Fridge on the Foodie Pro Theme