Vegan Vixon

For the last week of January I went Vegan. It wasn't a calculated decision, I just woke up and realized all the people I usually eat with were away that week so, why not try it? It is now 12 days later and I am still on my Vegan trial. I feel better than I can ever remember. My stomach is settled, I am sleeping through the night, I have more energy during the day, my nails are stronger, and I actually feel calm. I didn't expect much since I had already been a vegetarian for 19 years. Who knew taking out dairy as well could make such a difference? 


I followed some Vegan blogs (my favorite is http://veganpandamonium.blogspot.com/), tried a vegan hot dog (was pretty good I admit!), even switched my usual Light Ranch Dressing out for Amy Balsamic dressing. JB is very unsure of this new diet change but I have assured him that there will come a time that I need to have goat cheese and beet salad and when that time comes I will just have it! In the mean time, veganism is working for me. 

I never urge people to eat anything but healthy. Meat and dairy included. I think its our own life and our own journey and you need to do what makes you feel good. However, there is a movement called Meatless Mondays (http://www.meatlessmonday.com/) that I do urge you and your family to look into and maybe try once a week. It could reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart problems, and may even your weight! Its a chance to try new recipes and give your digestion system a break from well, the breakdown of meat! Meatless Monday does not mean you have to eat tofu, you don't even have to try tofu! 
This blog, http://vegetarianwhohatestofu.blogspot.com/, has some great ideas for recipes for your Meatless Mondays. 

Some of my favorite Meatless meals:
Meal 1. Morningstar black bean burgers on whole wheat hamburger buns with slice of avocado, onion, tomato and a side of Oven Fries with seasoning. To make oven fries cut a potato to the size of fries, spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle Old bay Seasoning (mom's idea!) on top. Cook in the oven at 400 for 50 minutes until golden brown. 

Meal 2: Whole Wheat Semolina Pasta tossed in olive oil with sauteed broccoli, diced red pepper, sliced cherry tomatoes and add white beans.

Meal 3: Green Giant makes these frozen antioxidant veggie packs. They have a bunch of different ones. Cook a veggie pack, add black beans and on the side have a baked yam or potato topped with pepper maybe some avocado.... be creative with your toppings! 

Meal 4: A make your own pizza- get Pillsbury pizza dough and cook with instructions on the side. Top with anything you want (no meat though!!!) tomato sauce, onion, cherry tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms....etc

Meal 5: Quinoa (so I make a crap load of this at the beginning of the week so that I can add it to anything or eat it plan for a quick snack) on top of a big salad of any veggies you can find in the fridge. Add almonds or some kind of nuts and top with Amy's Balsamic Dressing. It is my FAVORITE dressing!!!

Meal 6: Mashed potatoes but use a bit of vegetable broth instead of milk to mash. Add horseradish or garlic to the potatoes. Serve with sauteed Brussels sprouts, and a small side salad topped with nuts and beans of your choice. 


In Health, 
Tricia