I completely believe in making sure you never deprive yourself of foods you feel like or love. This just creates a negative cycle of unhealthy cravings, followed by binging and then negative self talk. The trick is to substitute those foods that are not so healthy for a healthier version.

Take this Zucchini Vegan Lasagne for example. Typically considered a treat meal with the high carb content and large amount of cheese and cream sauce & a no-go for anyone gluten or dairy intolerant. This Zucchini Vegan Lasagne is gluten free, dairy free, vegan, sugar free, full of veggies and nutrition and low carb.

Instead of lasagne sheets we are using zucchini slices and instead of cheese we are making a completely dairy free cashew cheese alternative.

 

Zucchini Vegan Lasagne Recipe:

Cashew Cheese:

1/3 cup raw cashews

8 fresh basil leaves

1 1/4 cups filtered water

1 tbs apple cider vinegar

2 generous pinches salt

Lasagne:

2 tbs coconut oil + extra for greasing dish

1 1/2 cups chopped mushrooms

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

400g can organic peeled tomatoes

3 large zucchinis, thinly sliced length ways

3 cups baby spinach leaves

S & P to taste

 

Preheat the oven to 220 degrees celsius.

To make the cashew cheese just blend all the cheese ingredients on high in a blender or food processor until smooth. You may need to stop and wipe down the sides a few times. Place the cheese to the side while you prepare the sauce.

In a fry pan heat the coconut oil and then sauté the mushrooms, onion and garlic.  Next add the tomatoes, S & P and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Now to put it all together!

Grease an oven proof dish with extra coconut oil. Layer the zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish. Then top with a layer of 1/3 of the sauce, on top of that half the baby spinach leaves, then a 1/3 of the cashew cheese. Repeat this order of layering and then finalise with the remaining sauce and cheese.

Cover the dish with foil and place in the oven for 25 minutes.

Finally uncover and bake for a further 15 minutes.

Enjoy your nutrition packed guilt free lasagne!

You can find many more of my yummy guilt free recipes here!