"Are You Tired, Run-down, Listless? Do You Poop Out At Parties? Are You Unpopular?..."

The classic Vitameatavegamin Girl! One of my favorite I Love Lucy episodes.  The way she chokes down the "healthy" syrup while trying to say, "It's so tasty, too!" always makes me giggle. When I was younger, I always sympathized because vitamins often made me gag. Even the chewy bears were awful. 

As I got older, I started to research this vitamin phenomenon to determine if I should take supplements. 

Although we should obtain most nutrients from a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables--supplements are sometimes necessary. 

According to the Mayo Clinic website if you are:

• Vegan or Vegetarian
• Consume less than 1600 calories a day 
• Don't eat a balanced diet
• Pregnant or want to become pregnant
• Adults 50+
• Have improper absorption of nutrients from surgery, allergies, intolerance, disease, etc...

You should take some form of a supplement whether it is a multivitamin, or any of the alphabetical varieties best for you. 

Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements!

Since I am not a member in the medical profession, I can only offer what this vegan gal takes on a daily basis and surprisingly I don't need a shot of gin to get them all down. I wouldn't say they are tasty, but they aren't unpleasant like some vitamins:

Multi-Vitamin, Vit C, Calcium, Vit B Complex, Omega-3 DHA, Vit B-12

Always check the labels. I was surprised how many vitamins aren't vegetarian, let alone vegan. Again, speak to you doctor first about supplements. Not all supplements are created equal. 

Amazon now has a "Subscribe & Save" program for some vitamins. If you buy a few months supply, you can get a hefty discount. 

In addition to supplements, healthy eating is also key. 

How does this vegan get her plate in shape? 

Tonight we dined on Chickpea Patties and Bring-On-Spring Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette!

Bring On Spring Salad & Maple Mustard Vinaigrette

 Ingredients For Salad:

2 cups Arugala

2 cups Baby Lettuces

1 cup Corn, frozen and thawed or canned

1 cup Black Beans, cooked or canned

1 cup Spelt, cooked

1 cup Cucumber, chopped

1/2 cup Fennel, chopped

1/2 cup Bell Pepper, chopped

Ingredients for Vinaigrette:

2 tbsp Whole Grain Dijon Mustard ( I used Trader Joes mmmm)

2 tbsp Maple Syrup

1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 tsp Herbs de Provence

pinch of salt 

1/8 cup Olive Oil

Water, as needed

For the salad just toss everything together in a large bowl. For the dressing, combine first five ingredients and whisk together. While drizzling oil in, keep whisking. Add water as needed to thin to desirable consistency. I like a thicker vinaigrette. 

Now who is ready for spring??