The Keto Vegan

#65 Crafting Keto Cocktails: The Secret Behind Rachel's Hot Lips Martini

Welcome to The Keto Vegan! I’m Rachel, and I’m so excited to share a special episode with you today. I’ve been experimenting with homemade liqueurs, including my own orange and raspberry creations, and I can’t wait to tell you all about them. I’ll also be showing you how to make my signature cocktail—the Hot Lips Martini—using my freshly made orange liqueur. So, grab a seat, sip along with me, and let’s dive into this delicious keto-vegan journey together!
Ingredients:
¼ cup Truvia for Baking Caster sugar to go with ½ litre of vodkaPeel the oranges, don’t use the juice, just the peel.Raspberries – 2 packs. Every day give a good shake – make sure you have an airtight container (unlike me!)

#64 Vegan Pest Control: A Bug's Life!

Welcome back, my fellow plant-powered, keto-crushing, animal-loving listeners to another episode of 'The Keto Vegan'! Today, we’re diving into a topic every vegan has probably scratched their head over—literally. Yep, we’re talking about the creepy crawlies! From head lice that seem to think your hair is a five-star resort, to ants who’ve mistaken your kitchen for Coachella or Glastonbury . And don’t even get me started on those fungus gnats treating your houseplants like their own personal jungle gym. So, what’s a vegan to do? Break out the magnifying glass, a moral compass, and maybe some lavender oil? Let’s find out!
 
Cinnamon oil and peppermint oil are fragrant ways to stop ants coming into your home.
Pinot Noir is the red wine of my choice! Ketosis not affected by it at all (weeing on those sticks again!)
Vegans against head-lice: Self-Defence is the only way!
What do vegan parents do when their children have head-lice?
“What do vegans do about headlice?” “Not eat them!!”
“You want to remove the eggs as well as the nits!!”
“Lice are parasitic insects that infests the hairs of the human head and feed from blood from the scalp.” Sounds good doesn’t it”
 
Valuable Resources
For an extensive list of foods with their carb, fat and protein count, go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
For a keto-vegan start-up menu and shopping list go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
 
Host Bio
Rachel, a once morbidly obese individual, experienced a remarkable body transformation through the keto diet. Later, she embraced veganism and now shares her extensive knowledge and obsession with carbs in vegan proteins on The Keto Vegan podcast. Her goal is to demonstrate the simplicity of combining the keto diet with a vegan lifestyle.
Resources: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/the-keto-vegan
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKetoVegan/podcasts
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/821471059206067
Email: contact@rachelgtherapy.co.uk
https://theketovegan.podbean.com/

#63 Tofu Transformation: 3 Keto-Friendly Ways to Love It!

Welcome to The Keto Vegan Podcast! Today, Rachel is diving into a topic she once had strong feelings about—Tofu. For the longest time, she hated tofu—the texture, the bland taste, it just didn’t work. But over time, Rachel discovered a few game-changing ways to prepare tofu that transformed her opinion completely. In this episode, she’ll share three delicious, keto-friendly methods that made tofu not only bearable but truly enjoyable. Whether you're a tofu skeptic or a fan looking for fresh ideas, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Thai green curry
3 packs of Pressed Tofu 3x280g Carbs 9.24g          Fat 65.52g
400g baby button mushrooms Carbs 0                 Fat 0g
Green Curry Paste (Thai Taste) Carbs 12.5g           Fat 3g
250g Pak Choi Carbs 4.5g            Fat 0g
2 Aubergines Carbs 8g               Fat 0g
1 Green Bell Papper Carbs 2.5g            Fat 0g
1 pack spring onions 100g Carbs 2.9g            Fat 0g
8 cloves garlic Carbs 1g                Fat 0g
3 cans coconut Milk (400ml per can) Carbs 32.4            Fat 177.6g
2 cans water chestnuts (225g per can) Carbs 22.5            Fat 0g
Cauliflower florets 900g bag Carbs 31.5             Fat 0g
TOTAL Carbs 127.04         Fat 246.12
Made 26 portions. Per portion:                             Carbs 4.9g            Fat 9.5g
Valuable Resources
For an extensive list of foods with their carb, fat and protein count, go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
For a keto-vegan start-up menu and shopping list go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
 
Host Bio
Rachel, a once morbidly obese individual, experienced a remarkable body transformation through the keto diet. Later, she embraced veganism and now shares her extensive knowledge and obsession with carbs in vegan proteins on The Keto Vegan podcast. Her goal is to demonstrate the simplicity of combining the keto diet with a vegan lifestyle.
Resources: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/the-keto-vegan
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKetoVegan/podcasts
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/821471059206067
Email: contact@rachelgtherapy.co.uk
https://theketovegan.podbean.com/
 

#62 Obesity and Dieting: The Weight of the Problem

In this episode of The Keto Vegan podcast 🥦, we explore the global obesity crisis and the challenges of dieting 🥬. With 64% of adults in the UK overweight and 1 in 8 people worldwide living with obesity, this issue is more urgent than ever. We ask: if obesity were treated like addiction, would governments take stronger action?
 
We dive into why diets so often fail, with 95% of people regaining lost weight due to restrictive eating and biological changes that make weight loss harder. We also discuss the psychological toll of obesity, where 82% of people blame themselves for their condition, leading to shame and missed opportunities for help.
 
But it’s not all bad news. We introduce the vegan keto diet as a sustainable solution for weight loss, focusing on nutrient-dense, plant-based foods. Throughout the episode, we share practical tips on how to implement this lifestyle and tackle common dieting challenges.
 
We also look at the role of the food industry in promoting ultra-processed foods 🍩🍧 and the need for stricter regulations to protect public health, especially for children. With personal stories and real-world advice, this episode offers both insight and inspiration for those looking to make healthier changes.
 
Information Links from Episode
Are you 7x more likely to die from obesity than smoking? I did my research AFTER the episode! 🤦‍♀️. Here’s the research. I wasn’t completely wrong – it may not be 7x but it is growing:
The Health Risks of Obesity https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB4549.html
Obesity Is More Deadly Than Smoking – Here’s Why https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/obesity-is-more-deadly-than-smoking-heres-why
Dy’s Episode – Mental Health and Keto. #18 How Keto Vegan Changed Dy’s Life: A Bipolar Survivor’s Story
YouTube https://youtu.be/BXunW-tBQtA
Podcast: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-58udh-14e9e3c
 
Research for this episode:
Weight-Loss Statistics 2024 March 29th 2024 US article https://www.greatgreenwall.org/supplements/weight-loss-statistics/
Diet Failure Statistics 2024 – US article https://www.greatgreenwall.org/supplements/diet-failure-statistics/
UK children shorter, fatter and sicker amid poor diet and poverty, report finds The Guardian March 29, 2024 https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/19/uk-children-shorter-fatter-and-sicker-amid-poor-diet-and-poverty-report-finds
 
Valuable Resources
For an extensive list of foods with their carb, fat and protein count, go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
For a keto-vegan start-up menu and shopping list go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
 
Host Bio
Rachel, a once morbidly obese individual, experienced a remarkable body transformation through the keto diet. Later, she embraced veganism and now shares her extensive knowledge and obsession with carbs in vegan proteins on The Keto Vegan podcast. Her goal is to demonstrate the simplicity of combining the keto diet with a vegan lifestyle.
Resources: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/the-keto-vegan
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKetoVegan/podcasts
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/821471059206067
Email: contact@rachelgtherapy.co.uk
https://theketovegan.podbean.com/

#61 Beyond Diets: It’s All In Your Head!

Welcome to The Keto Vegan Podcast! 🌱✨
In this episode I talk about my personal experiences of how I best lose weight. And, surprise, surprise, it’s nothing to do with the food. It’s ALL about the mindset!  We all know what to do to lose weight, so why don’t we do it consistently? It’s about taking full responsibility and recognising that every moment is a choice.
In this episode, I also discuss about the book “Whole Brain Living” by Jill Bolte Taylor. This fascinating book explores the four different characters in our brain and their unique roles. One of these characters, Character 2, is responsible for so much of our behaviour and choices!
Join us as we explore these topics and more, helping you navigate the keto vegan lifestyle with confidence and joy. Let’s get started! 🎧🌿
#IAmEnough#There is nothing more important that you feel good. Abraham Hicks
Jill Bolte Taylor
Website: https://www.drjilltaylor.com/
Ted Talk “My Stroke of Insight” on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU
Book from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whole-Brain-Living-Anatomy-Characters/dp/1788176987/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-MaUtN3U7u5Ee9FUN1IaKHklKWpTR3k2x_cs3CqbD6MIFvrJJhlpbqPTUHm5BmGkVbSWmhg6sh-2-6ObuvzsqlQANwyAiPDUJzcwo6ACVqA.grUmQbacktSmLWHF-LriXNeTQhMG1NEl9LyIxb5Gizc&qid=1725458160&sr=8-1
Valuable Resources
Links to my Ghinn’s Tonic blog on the brain: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/our-incredible-brain
My @RachelGhinn YouTube channel with various visualisations and trances: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelghinn
For an extensive list of foods with their carb, fat and protein count, go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
For a keto-vegan start-up menu and shopping list go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
Host Bio
Rachel, a once morbidly obese individual, experienced a remarkable body transformation through the keto diet. Later, she embraced veganism and now shares her extensive knowledge and obsession with carbs in vegan proteins on The Keto Vegan podcast. Her goal is to demonstrate the simplicity of combining the keto diet with a vegan lifestyle.
Resources: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/the-keto-vegan
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKetoVegan/podcasts
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/821471059206067
Email: contact@rachelgtherapy.co.uk
https://theketovegan.podbean.com/

#60 Mangosteen Magic? My Southsea Vegan Restaurant Experience

Welcome back to The Keto Vegan podcast! I’m Rachel, your host, and I’m so excited to share today’s episode with you. Recently, I finally got the chance to visit Mangosteen, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Southsea that I’ve been eyeing on Facebook for what feels like forever. Their photos always look so mouthwatering, I just couldn’t resist any longer—especially after my middle daughter and her partner went without me! So, I grabbed my eldest daughter and my granddaughter, and off we went for a little foodie adventure.
Now, my expectations were sky-high—after all, I’d been drooling over their dishes for months! Did Mangosteen live up to the hype? Well, it didn’t quite reach the lofty heights I’d imagined, but it was still a good experience, and I’m already planning my next visit. In this episode, I’ll be diving into what we ordered, what we loved, and what could have been a bit better. Let’s get into it!
Valuable Resources
Mangosteen links:
https://www.facebook.com/Mangosteensouthsea
https://www.mangosteensouthsea.co.uk/
https://www.mangosteensouthsea.co.uk/lunchmenu
https://www.mangosteensouthsea.co.uk/gallery
For an extensive list of foods with their carb, fat and protein count, go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
For a keto-vegan start-up menu and shopping list go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
 
Host Bio
Rachel, a once morbidly obese individual, experienced a remarkable body transformation through the keto diet. Later, she embraced veganism and now shares her extensive knowledge and obsession with carbs in vegan proteins on The Keto Vegan podcast. Her goal is to demonstrate the simplicity of combining the keto diet with a vegan lifestyle.
Resources: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/the-keto-vegan
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKetoVegan/podcasts
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/821471059206067
Email: contact@rachelgtherapy.co.uk
https://theketovegan.podbean.com/

#59 Sugar: The Silent Saboteur

In this episode of The Keto Vegan Rachel addresses what she calls ‘The most addictive substance on the planet!” Listen to this episode to find out more about that substance we all try to avoid on the keto diet.
Valuable Resources
For an extensive list of foods with their carb, fat and protein count, go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
For a keto-vegan start-up menu and shopping list go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
The Science:
Sugar addiction: the state of the science https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5174153/
Is Sugar More Addictive Than Cocaine https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/blog/lifestyle/is-sugar-more-addictive-than-cocaine
Sugar Is a "Drug" and Here’s How We’re Hooked https://www.healthline.com/health-news/addiction-sugar-acts-like-drug-in-the-brain-and-could-lead-to-addiction-091813
Is Sugar a Drug? Addiction Explained https://www.livescience.com/40749-addiction-drugs-sugar.html
Sugar addiction: pushing the drug-sugar analogy to the limit https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23719144/
Is Sugar Addictive?  https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/cravings/202209/is-sugar-addictive
Host Bio
Rachel, a once morbidly obese individual, experienced a remarkable body transformation through the keto diet. Later, she embraced veganism and now shares her extensive knowledge and obsession with carbs in vegan proteins on The Keto Vegan podcast. Her goal is to demonstrate the simplicity of combining the keto diet with a vegan lifestyle.
Resources: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/the-keto-vegan
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKetoVegan/podcasts
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/821471059206067
Email: contact@rachelgtherapy.co.uk
https://theketovegan.podbean.com/

#58 Keto Vegan Cocktails: Shaken, Stirred & Shared

In this episode of The Keto Vegan podcast, I’m joined by Luke and Kingsley for some festive fun. Nearly a year ago, while still working as a teacher, I did a lot of forward planning and recorded this episode where we made a delicious creamy, raspberry cocktail. Things got a little tipsy, and I decided to hold off on sharing it until now. But now that I’ve moved on from teaching, it’s time to let you in on the fun. Join us as we mix up some holiday cheer—better late than never! Enjoy responsibly!
Valuable Resources
For an extensive list of foods with their carb, fat and protein count, go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
For a keto-vegan start-up menu and shopping list go here: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/1-what-why-and-how
 
Host Bio
Rachel, a once morbidly obese individual, experienced a remarkable body transformation through the keto diet. Later, she embraced veganism and now shares her extensive knowledge and obsession with carbs in vegan proteins on The Keto Vegan podcast. Her goal is to demonstrate the simplicity of combining the keto diet with a vegan lifestyle.
Resources: https://www.rachelgtherapy.co.uk/the-keto-vegan
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKetoVegan/podcasts
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/821471059206067
Email: contact@rachelgtherapy.co.uk
https://theketovegan.podbean.com/

#57 Keto Vegan at the Festival: Rachel's Glamping Adventure

In this episode, Rachel takes listeners on her recent adventure to The Wickham Festival in Hampshire, UK. Determined to stay true to her keto vegan lifestyle, Rachel set out to explore the festival's offerings with her two sisters and brother-in-law. The family opted for a glamping tent, which turned out to be less luxurious than anticipated – no electricity and no proper bed, a far cry from her expectations of glamorous camping.
Armed with more preparation than her previous school trip to Paris, Rachel navigated the festival with high hopes for abundant vegan food stalls. Despite the limited options, she successfully maintained her keto vegan diet throughout the event. The few days spent at the festival were incredibly relaxing, and to everyone's surprise, the English weather was delightfully pleasant.
Join Rachel as she shares her experiences, challenges, and tips for staying keto vegan while enjoying festival life.

#56 Keto Vegan Espresso Martini Mayhem!

Rachel and Luke (see episode #28 Keto Vegan Kickstart: Two Weeks with Luke and Kingsley - Unveiling Challenges, Tips, and Laughter!) meet for a drinks eve and decide to record for a podcast too!
This is before Rachel launched the podcast but was recording as much as she could for future episodes.
 
Rachel has waited until she retired from teaching before allowing this one to go ‘out there’. Definitely not acceptable to show students a tipsy teacher!
 
She’d had a G&T before she started!
She wasn’t using measures.
She makes a mess
She swears
She’s gets it wrong more than once
 
Best Moments
“I can feel it getting colder, as I’m shaking. Coffee is still going everywhere!”“Let’s just taste that to see what it is like and see how cold it is.”
Luke: “When does the sugar-syrup go in?”
“And it helps to put the sugar syrup in as well!!!!”
“hmmm, that was too much sugar syrup, I don’t like things too sweet.”
“This could be one of the bloopers reels!”
“Hey, it’s Rach, the vegan martini!”
Luke: “You can be a vegan martini, you can identify as whatever you want!”
 
Frangelico – carb count in 1oz of Frangelico there are 11g of carbs!!!!!!!
Sugar free syrups: Amazon do a selection.
Frangelico link – I’m not giving a link because it’s almost pure sugar!