Think Gluten-Free & Vegan Meals are Boring? Liv Well Eat Well Proves You Wrong!

Olivia, the mastermind behind Liv Well Eat Well, isn't just about delicious food; it's about embracing dietary restrictions with joy and creativity. Her platform thrives on developing gluten-free and vegan recipes that tantalize taste buds without sacrificing flavor.

In this interview, Olivia dives into her inspiration for creating mouthwatering dishes like her popular vegan banana bread bars, the challenges and rewards of recipe adaptation, and her personal journey navigating chronic illness through the power of food. Let's jump in and discover how Olivia uses her platform to inspire and empower others to enjoy food without restrictions!

We love how your platform, Liv Well Eat Well, focuses on creativity and enjoyment within dietary restrictions. Can you share an example of a recipe you've developed that is both gluten-free and vegan, and what inspired you to create it?

My banana bread bars are both gluten free and vegan! All of my recipes are gluten free and dairy free, I try to make as many as I can vegan to accommodate more dietary restrictions. I also think it’s fun playing around with substitutes. These bars worked well vegan as the flax egg and banana both replace a real egg very well.

What are your key strategies for maintaining flavor and satisfaction when adapting recipes for people with different dietary needs?

Honestly, being open to baking fails! I have to test a lot of substitutions to make sure my recipes are the quality I want. There are plenty that go unseen because I haven’t figured out the best swaps yet. I think it’s a fun challenge though. I actually just wrote an ebook all about the best substitute to use for different recipes, because I know it can be intimidating to start experimenting like that in the kitchen.

Many vegan staples like lentils, beans, and chickpeas are naturally gluten-free. How do you leverage these ingredients to create exciting and satisfying gluten-free vegan dishes?

I love using lentils in place of meat when I’m making vegan dishes! One of my favorite recipes is my lentil tacos, and honestly I prefer them over any other taco! I’m just starting to experiment with legumes/beans in my baked goods. I saw a black bean chocolate cake that inspired me so hopefully I’ll have some new recipes to share soon!

Do you incorporate protein into gluten-free vegan meals? Could you share any favorite gluten-free, vegan protein sources or recipe hacks?

This is a great question. As someone with a sensitive stomach, I do sometimes struggle with protein substitutes. Too many beans or nuts can make my stomach hurt, so when I’m creating vegan dishes I have to be mindful of that. I love adding hemp-based protein powder or sunflower seed butter into my baked goods for some extra protein. For meals, I really enjoy Plant Boss as a meat substitute. I’ve used them for a lot of recipes. I love their ingredients and that it’s easy to digest.

Are there any surprising benefits you've discovered from exploring the overlap between gluten-free and vegan cooking?

Considering multiple dietary restrictions while cooking has forced me to tap into my creativity. It’s also made me think a lot more consciously about the ingredients in my food. I’ve learned so much along the way.

How do you maintain a positive and creative mindset when dealing with chronic illness? Do you recommend any self-care routines or practices?

It is honestly a daily battle. My main recommendation is to be kind to yourself. Having chronic illnesses means never knowing when you will and won’t feel well, and honestly most of the time you don’t feel well. But finding things that bring you joy helps. That’s why I lean so much into my baking. I could feel bad that I can’t eat certain foods due to my health, but instead I choose to focus on what I can eat and how I can be creative with it.

What are some of your favorite gluten-free and vegan restaurants or food finds that you'd recommend to your readers?

I recommend my favorite vegan restaurant, Kale My Name! They have a ton of gluten free options and are knowledgeable on accommodating dietary needs. I absolutely love the creativity of their food, plus it’s all delicious!

Finally, what would it be if there was one message you could convey to your readers about food and living well?

Eating well and living well is all about your mindset. Changing your diet and lifestyle is not easy, but if you can find joy or purpose, those changes will become easier.

As a closing question, what message would you give to someone who might be hesitant to explore a more plant-based lifestyle due to dietary restrictions?

Managing multiple dietary restrictions is hard. It helps you decide what works best for you and your health needs. Finding ways to get creative with those dietary restrictions can make it fun and less burdensome. I'm always down to determine the best substitutions, so if you're unsure where to start, head my way!