Welcome back, everyone! Today, I’m excited to share a fantastic video from Simnett Nutrition, a YouTube channel run by the ever-inspiring Derek Simnett. Derek, along with his partner Crystal, dives into their daily eating habits, showcasing how they maintain their health and fitness while following a vegan lifestyle. I love how relatable and down-to-earth they are, and their tips are always practical and easy to implement.
Morning Rituals
Derek and Crystal kick off their day with distinct morning routines. Derek starts his day with a refreshing glass of lemon water, followed by some grounding time outside. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and soaking up some sun, which he believes is essential for a positive start to the day. I think this is such a grounding and mindful way to begin the morning.
Crystal, on the other hand, prefers a quicker start. She opts for warm water and a spoonful of peanut butter before heading to the gym. I totally get her need for a quick energy boost without feeling too full. In my opinion, finding that balance is key to a good workout.
Pre-Workout and Gym Time
Derek often works out fasted, but when he does eat, he prefers something light like fruit or peanut butter on toast. Today, he’s all about his favorite pre-workout from Veg Nutrition. I tried the Fuji apple pear flavor myself, and it really does taste like an apple Jolly Rancher – so yummy and energizing!
Crystal, however, always eats a little something before hitting the gym to keep her energy levels stable. She explains that fasting makes her feel like her cortisol levels spike, which I think is a great insight into how different bodies respond to fasting.
Post-Workout Meals
After their workout, Crystal reaches for her go-to Ginger Defense drink from Greenhouse, which she loves for its concentrated ginger flavor and digestive benefits. I tried it after a workout, and it’s such a refreshing way to kickstart digestion.
Crystal’s post-workout meal is a prepared sheet pan meal featuring soy curls and a variety of roasted vegetables. She hydrates the soy curls, seasons them with Japanese barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, and bakes them to perfection. I think this meal prep strategy is genius – it saves so much time and ensures you have a nutritious meal ready to go.
Derek, on the other hand, is back on his smoothie game. He blends a tropical smoothie with orange, ginger, frozen mango, banana, flax seeds, hemp seeds, spirulina, and his favorite Veg Nutrition protein powder. I love how vibrant and nutrient-packed his smoothies are – they’re perfect for a quick and healthy post-workout refuel.
Gardening Adventures
In between meals, Derek takes some time to tend to his garden. He’s planting a variety of edible flowers and herbs, including edible chrysanthemums and olive herb. I think it’s so cool how he’s incorporating edible plants that also benefit pollinators. Gardening can be such a therapeutic activity, and it’s wonderful to see Derek’s passion for it.
Snacks and Midday Fuel
For a midday snack, Derek enjoys Vegemite on avocado toast, a tip from one of his Australian subscribers. I tried this combo, and it’s surprisingly delicious – a must-try for any avocado toast lover!
Crystal’s snack of choice is homemade energy balls. She mixes peanut butter powder, Veg protein powder, oats, and a touch of maple syrup, and then freezes them. These energy balls are perfect for a quick, nutritious bite. I love having these on hand for a convenient and healthy snack option.
Outdoor Activities
The duo wraps up their day with some outdoor activities, including biking through trails and playing pickleball at the beach. Staying active and enjoying nature is a big part of their lifestyle, and I think it’s such an inspiring reminder to incorporate more outdoor fun into our daily routines.
Derek and Crystal’s approach to eating and living a healthy, vegan lifestyle is both practical and inspiring. Their video is packed with useful tips and delicious recipes that make it easy to stay on track with your health and fitness goals. I love how they show that with a bit of planning and creativity, eating vegan can be both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.