Wow, day 30...it's amazing to me since on day 1 I was hoping to make it one week and here it is, a month later. I've learned how to make a number of different delicious foods and I have a new appreciation for numerous vegetables.
I have decided that I will remain a vegetarian and keep eating and cooking vegan dishes, but I think staying a vegetarian is going to be better for my lifestyle for the time being.
For my final day of the experiment my plan is:
Breakfast - wheat bagel with peanut butter & banana
Snack - orange
Lunch - last piece of pizza & salad
Snack - apple
Dinner - roasted veggies (brussel sprouts and the potato, parsnip, carrot, onion, olive mixture)
Of course going vegetarian starting tomorrow means going out for some cheese enchiladas :) A full report tomorrow on weight loss and how I feeling, etc.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Vegan day 29
Holy cow, tomorrow is it! While we were out doing errands today I made the decision that I will stay a vegetarian for a while, but not vegan fulltime. I kept thinking about cheese today...and a bagel with cream cheese (from Bagel Art cafe in Evanston).
Regardless, I've made a lot of changes this past month and I feel incredible because of them. I did have my first beer last night, and some vegan wine tonight. Delicious!
So breakfast was a tofu scramble with vegan sausage and some veggies...lunch was an apple before errands were, half a bagel during errands, some veggie chips and peanuts. Dinner was yum. I finally made the roasted brussel sprouts (picture below), vegan boca burger, and some tater tots (and wine).
I'm happy with these choices, I'm excited that I was able to do this! After day 30 I'll give a full report of course, but right now, feeling great :)
And now...roasted brussel sprouts!
Regardless, I've made a lot of changes this past month and I feel incredible because of them. I did have my first beer last night, and some vegan wine tonight. Delicious!
So breakfast was a tofu scramble with vegan sausage and some veggies...lunch was an apple before errands were, half a bagel during errands, some veggie chips and peanuts. Dinner was yum. I finally made the roasted brussel sprouts (picture below), vegan boca burger, and some tater tots (and wine).
I'm happy with these choices, I'm excited that I was able to do this! After day 30 I'll give a full report of course, but right now, feeling great :)
And now...roasted brussel sprouts!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Vegan day 28
28 days...I've made it through rehab *lol*...of course I'm thinking of having a pint today if we go ice skating, I think I'm supposed to wait until day 29 for that, but oh well.
Day 28 of being a vegan, I feel great.
Last night I made vegan deep dish pizza. I made the dough (same recipe as before, only seasoned this time and a mix of white and wheat flour). I made my own sauce. I had daiya mozzarella cheese (OMG yum) and some veggie sausage. I also added some grape tomatoes and lots of spinach.
The final product?
I ate half of that last night (it was created in an 8 inch pie pan). That is about 650 calories or so for half of the pizza (being aware that vegan pizza is still pizza, thus deep dish is still deep dish) but it was well worth it. I had run last night so I enjoyed my reward.
Other than that, I've been enjoying my roasted veggies and green smoothies. The strawberry-kiwi with banana, kale, spinach and mint yesterday was great, but I liked replacing the banana with mango today better. I may have to pick up some more kiwi's since they are delicious in a green smoothie.
I'm looking forward to making roasted brussel sprouts for dinner tonight, since I opted for the pizza yesterday...I hope that those turn out great.
Other than that, it's off to yoga and then potentially a run...and hopefully ice skating.
Day 28 of being a vegan, I feel great.
Last night I made vegan deep dish pizza. I made the dough (same recipe as before, only seasoned this time and a mix of white and wheat flour). I made my own sauce. I had daiya mozzarella cheese (OMG yum) and some veggie sausage. I also added some grape tomatoes and lots of spinach.
The final product?
I ate half of that last night (it was created in an 8 inch pie pan). That is about 650 calories or so for half of the pizza (being aware that vegan pizza is still pizza, thus deep dish is still deep dish) but it was well worth it. I had run last night so I enjoyed my reward.
Other than that, I've been enjoying my roasted veggies and green smoothies. The strawberry-kiwi with banana, kale, spinach and mint yesterday was great, but I liked replacing the banana with mango today better. I may have to pick up some more kiwi's since they are delicious in a green smoothie.
I'm looking forward to making roasted brussel sprouts for dinner tonight, since I opted for the pizza yesterday...I hope that those turn out great.
Other than that, it's off to yoga and then potentially a run...and hopefully ice skating.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Vegan day 27
What a wonderful morning! I started off with some coffee adding a bit of soy french vanilla creamer (yum) and then I had a wonderful green smoothie made with fresh strawberries, kiwi, a frozen banana, some kale, baby spinach and mint. Delicious!
Last weekend a friend had asked me if I was going to Stanley's to get my fruit and veggies. For those who do not live in Chicago, Stanley's is a fantastic market where you get inexpensive fruits and veggies...but don't go overboard because they do not last too long. I was good yesterday and bought some strawberries, kiwi (10 for $1, only bought 4), cucumber (to make cucumber water again), lemon, asparagus (on sale!) and brussel sprouts...so I'm eating up the fruit already and tonight I'll need to make something with the brussel sprouts or asparagus.
Anyway, I hadn't even thought about going there, so I'm glad my friend mentioned it. It's just down the street from me.
I feel so fantastic...between yoga last night and almost a month of being vegan, I just feel so alive and full of energy. I was curious if I was going to get to this point of feeling fantastic, and it's just taken over me completely today. I feel kind of like I'm floating.
I wonder if that means I've detoxed everything (almost) out? Of course, I am thinking of having a pint this weekend after we go ice skating...but 28 days of alcohol free for a detox is good enough for me :)
I can't believe how alive I feel. Yay for being vegan!
Last weekend a friend had asked me if I was going to Stanley's to get my fruit and veggies. For those who do not live in Chicago, Stanley's is a fantastic market where you get inexpensive fruits and veggies...but don't go overboard because they do not last too long. I was good yesterday and bought some strawberries, kiwi (10 for $1, only bought 4), cucumber (to make cucumber water again), lemon, asparagus (on sale!) and brussel sprouts...so I'm eating up the fruit already and tonight I'll need to make something with the brussel sprouts or asparagus.
Anyway, I hadn't even thought about going there, so I'm glad my friend mentioned it. It's just down the street from me.
I feel so fantastic...between yoga last night and almost a month of being vegan, I just feel so alive and full of energy. I was curious if I was going to get to this point of feeling fantastic, and it's just taken over me completely today. I feel kind of like I'm floating.
I wonder if that means I've detoxed everything (almost) out? Of course, I am thinking of having a pint this weekend after we go ice skating...but 28 days of alcohol free for a detox is good enough for me :)
I can't believe how alive I feel. Yay for being vegan!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
I love kale
I just wanted to discuss how much I love kale. Not just regular kale, but multiple types of kale. I haven't had it raw in a salad yet, but I've been roasting it, putting it in soups, putting it in green smoothies...so yummy.
Today was roasted kale with some sesame oil and roasted garlic...along with more of that bean soup and some pretzels (so wonderful).
Oh and I started tracking calories, fat, protein, carbs, etc...I'm surprised at how little I'm at but how full I am, and that I have enough energy to do all the things I want to do. Of course, coffee is my friend, I love coffee so much, more than kale I'm thinking, but kale is a very good love of mine now...who knew?
Today was roasted kale with some sesame oil and roasted garlic...along with more of that bean soup and some pretzels (so wonderful).
Oh and I started tracking calories, fat, protein, carbs, etc...I'm surprised at how little I'm at but how full I am, and that I have enough energy to do all the things I want to do. Of course, coffee is my friend, I love coffee so much, more than kale I'm thinking, but kale is a very good love of mine now...who knew?
Vegan day 26
I'm feeling much better so I'm back to making more food. So roasted vegetables were made for lunch today along with a salad. I haven't made green smoothies in a while so I'm increasing my amount of salads this week. I had one for dinner last night with some bean soup...so lunch today is a salad and some roasted veggies. I'm also increasing my fruit to at least two pieces a day.
When I went to my doctor on Monday she had said to be careful I don't eat too many carbs while being a vegan (she told me she was vegan for 3 years). I've taken that to heart and I'm trying to increase my protein and decrease my grains, also increase my fruits and veggies.
Since I wasn't feeling well earlier this week I haven't been getting enough nutrients, so a vega shake will be consumed at work as my snack since I had some low sugar oatmeal this morning (I really love oatmeal in the winter so I needed that back in my diet).
Back to yoga tonight (yay) and back to running tomorrow (yay) since I am feeling back to 100% again...I hate getting sick, but I should just admit it rather than prolong it.
Anyway...day 26, coffee this morning with soy creamer (french vanilla yum) and it's great...I may start up with alcohol at day 28 but vegan will be at least 30 days, if not more...vegetarian will stay for sure...that was an easy decision to make.
When I went to my doctor on Monday she had said to be careful I don't eat too many carbs while being a vegan (she told me she was vegan for 3 years). I've taken that to heart and I'm trying to increase my protein and decrease my grains, also increase my fruits and veggies.
Since I wasn't feeling well earlier this week I haven't been getting enough nutrients, so a vega shake will be consumed at work as my snack since I had some low sugar oatmeal this morning (I really love oatmeal in the winter so I needed that back in my diet).
Back to yoga tonight (yay) and back to running tomorrow (yay) since I am feeling back to 100% again...I hate getting sick, but I should just admit it rather than prolong it.
Anyway...day 26, coffee this morning with soy creamer (french vanilla yum) and it's great...I may start up with alcohol at day 28 but vegan will be at least 30 days, if not more...vegetarian will stay for sure...that was an easy decision to make.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Vegan day 24 - sick
Ugh, I have finally surrendered and admitted that I'm sick. I've been fighting something for about a week and this morning I just gave up and gave in.
I've slept most of the day, and when I haven't been sleeping I'm lying on the couch. I wasn't really hungry until a few minutes ago...but what does a vegan eat when they are sick? I usually eat toast with butter and chicken noodle soup and some ritz crackers...none of those are options today. I ended up having a pear, then realized I had some brown rice and quinoa that I could heat up with some vegetable broth. That worked out well. I'm also making some bean soup for dinner if I get hungry again.
I'm not sure what started this...but it's all stomach and body aches...I'm hoping I can make it 6 more days as a vegan, but I may have to switch to vegetarian after day 30 after realizing there are certain foods I like when I'm sick, and I can't figure out the right alternative. I also could be sick since I've been going and going and going...vegan, no coffee, no alcohol, working out 6-7 days a week sometimes multiple times a day...and to think, I was planning on going for a run this morning. Maybe I'll take tomorrow off too from working out and then start back up on Thursday...I just love running and yoga so much, but I need my strength and to go back to work!
Being sick stinks...and being sick while being vegan isn't as easy as not being vegan, but it'll be ok.
I've slept most of the day, and when I haven't been sleeping I'm lying on the couch. I wasn't really hungry until a few minutes ago...but what does a vegan eat when they are sick? I usually eat toast with butter and chicken noodle soup and some ritz crackers...none of those are options today. I ended up having a pear, then realized I had some brown rice and quinoa that I could heat up with some vegetable broth. That worked out well. I'm also making some bean soup for dinner if I get hungry again.
I'm not sure what started this...but it's all stomach and body aches...I'm hoping I can make it 6 more days as a vegan, but I may have to switch to vegetarian after day 30 after realizing there are certain foods I like when I'm sick, and I can't figure out the right alternative. I also could be sick since I've been going and going and going...vegan, no coffee, no alcohol, working out 6-7 days a week sometimes multiple times a day...and to think, I was planning on going for a run this morning. Maybe I'll take tomorrow off too from working out and then start back up on Thursday...I just love running and yoga so much, but I need my strength and to go back to work!
Being sick stinks...and being sick while being vegan isn't as easy as not being vegan, but it'll be ok.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Vegan day 23 - and coffee
I went to my doctor this morning for a check up. We talked about me going vegan, coffee free, alcohol free, etc. She was vegan for 3 years so we chatted a bit about that. She suggested I go vegetarian and not stay 100% vegan since it's hard to keep the protein up and it's easy to eat too many carbs. She said to keep it up for now though.
When we started talking about cravings, I brought up coffee. My doctor asked why I cut it out with all the other changes...she asked why not drink decaf...she mentioned a number of things. Finally she just said, drink the coffee, it's not bad for you.
So I came home and I made coffee. I feel so much better than I did when I woke up this morning. I think drinking coffee is going to give me that extra boost to keep the vegan lifestyle going a bit longer. If not vegan, vegetarian for sure.
For today, I wasn't really hungry so I had an orange and some pistachios...now I'm munching on a few pretzels as well. Lunch later will be some leftover roasted vegetables and maybe a cup of black bean soup I have at work...dinner leftover tomato soup and a boca chicken patty I think. Tomorrow I'll get back to cooking things from scratch again, but today I'm taking the day off :)
Things are looking good with energy and my skin is pretty bright and clear, I like it.
OK, relaxing a bit more before work...
When we started talking about cravings, I brought up coffee. My doctor asked why I cut it out with all the other changes...she asked why not drink decaf...she mentioned a number of things. Finally she just said, drink the coffee, it's not bad for you.
So I came home and I made coffee. I feel so much better than I did when I woke up this morning. I think drinking coffee is going to give me that extra boost to keep the vegan lifestyle going a bit longer. If not vegan, vegetarian for sure.
For today, I wasn't really hungry so I had an orange and some pistachios...now I'm munching on a few pretzels as well. Lunch later will be some leftover roasted vegetables and maybe a cup of black bean soup I have at work...dinner leftover tomato soup and a boca chicken patty I think. Tomorrow I'll get back to cooking things from scratch again, but today I'm taking the day off :)
Things are looking good with energy and my skin is pretty bright and clear, I like it.
OK, relaxing a bit more before work...
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Vegan day 22
Well this morning I weighed myself and I'm up 0.8 pounds. That is not a large weight gain and it might not be a gain at all...the reason I say that is that I held onto so much water during my colonic that it could be related to that.
I do feel pretty amazing still...starting the final week of this and the only cravings I have are for coffee, I want coffee so badly! I'm wondering how long I can go on this with coffee...I think we'll find out after this week :)
I do feel pretty amazing still...starting the final week of this and the only cravings I have are for coffee, I want coffee so badly! I'm wondering how long I can go on this with coffee...I think we'll find out after this week :)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Vegan day 21
3 weeks? 3 freaking weeks already? That is awesome! I'm so excited that I'm 3 weeks in. I'm looking forward to one more week and then I get a cup of coffee...but I may stay vegan a bit longer...we'll see.
I found today that the vegan Boca burger does not have as much flavor as the other Boca burgers..so next time, add more seasoning...like the BBQ sauce I made yesterday.
Oh tomorrow is the big Bears-Packers playoff game for which I will be making avocado hummus (exciting isn't it?) Oh and I found some vegan sausage so I can make some more breakfast sammiches with that...or use that and TVP to make a spaghetti sauce (maybe tomorrow as well).
Short post today, more to come in the morning.
I found today that the vegan Boca burger does not have as much flavor as the other Boca burgers..so next time, add more seasoning...like the BBQ sauce I made yesterday.
Oh tomorrow is the big Bears-Packers playoff game for which I will be making avocado hummus (exciting isn't it?) Oh and I found some vegan sausage so I can make some more breakfast sammiches with that...or use that and TVP to make a spaghetti sauce (maybe tomorrow as well).
Short post today, more to come in the morning.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Vegan night 20 with Colonics!
That's right kids...colonics...I had one!
The experience was different and I do feel better after having one done. Lots of gas some "old" poop...lots of cleaning out of the system. I could see myself doing it again in a few months to clean things out a bit more...we'll see though.
I will say it's not that bad...and since I'm doing all sorts of cleansing and greening of my body, I might as well do a new age hippie stuff to my colon. The belly massage was kind of awesome, and the foot pressure was great too.
Now, vegan stuff...I made BBQ sauce and tempeh BBQ and it was delicious! I found out some sad stuff though...Morning Star & Boca are not vegan! The boca vegan burger is and the chicken patties are, but that's it! Nothing that I looked at today at least.
So that was the big news...the colonics.
The experience was different and I do feel better after having one done. Lots of gas some "old" poop...lots of cleaning out of the system. I could see myself doing it again in a few months to clean things out a bit more...we'll see though.
I will say it's not that bad...and since I'm doing all sorts of cleansing and greening of my body, I might as well do a new age hippie stuff to my colon. The belly massage was kind of awesome, and the foot pressure was great too.
Now, vegan stuff...I made BBQ sauce and tempeh BBQ and it was delicious! I found out some sad stuff though...Morning Star & Boca are not vegan! The boca vegan burger is and the chicken patties are, but that's it! Nothing that I looked at today at least.
So that was the big news...the colonics.
Vegan day 20
Yummy!
So last night was a delicious dinner of a baked potato (with TVP, black beans, salsa, avocado, "cheez") and broccoli with "cheez sauce". So for lunch today I opted to make a "burrito"with the leftovers. Spinach tortilla, lettuce, black beans, "cheez" sauce, salsa, TVP, avocado.
YUMMY!
The cheez sauce is really close to cheese in texture and flavor...but it needs to be mixed with something, not just on it's own. I made a bunch of it though so I'm thinking of getting tater tots and dipping them tonight with either a veggie burger or a tempeh bbq sandwich.
I will post my recipes later on when I'm home, but I had to post about the deliciousness of last nights dinner and the lunch I just had...much better than my post about things that do not reheat well!
Also...there will be a surprise posting either this evening or tomorrow that is related to my cleanse...I know that you are all waiting on pins and needles for this exciting reveal!
So last night was a delicious dinner of a baked potato (with TVP, black beans, salsa, avocado, "cheez") and broccoli with "cheez sauce". So for lunch today I opted to make a "burrito"with the leftovers. Spinach tortilla, lettuce, black beans, "cheez" sauce, salsa, TVP, avocado.
YUMMY!
The cheez sauce is really close to cheese in texture and flavor...but it needs to be mixed with something, not just on it's own. I made a bunch of it though so I'm thinking of getting tater tots and dipping them tonight with either a veggie burger or a tempeh bbq sandwich.
I will post my recipes later on when I'm home, but I had to post about the deliciousness of last nights dinner and the lunch I just had...much better than my post about things that do not reheat well!
Also...there will be a surprise posting either this evening or tomorrow that is related to my cleanse...I know that you are all waiting on pins and needles for this exciting reveal!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Vegan day 19
I learned some new things yesterday! Some of the vegan foods that I've made reheat well, others do not. Examples that reheat well:
Soup
Beans
Chili
Things that do not heat well:
Pasta that is made with a lentil sauce
Unfortunately my delicious pasta dish from Monday, did not reheat well at all. I ate it, but the texture was totally off as were the flavors. So the next time I make it, I will be sure to cut the recipe in half so there are no leftovers.
This morning I noticed we have very little that I could bring for lunch. So I'm going to have to make due with a banana and almond butter, a piece of bread with peanut butter, and hopefully some rice that I have at work. Tomorrow is going to be similar, but I'll go shopping this weekend.
I've used up most of the greens in the house too...so this morning I had some dandelion greens to make a green smoothie with...and no other greens. It's all working out though. I find it interesting that I was so worried about what would happen if nothing is prepared...it's not easy, but you can totally do it...just not for long.
So day 19, tonight is a baked potato and some tempeh...and then tomorrow is another do what we can for lunch...but I'll be better prepared next week :) I am going to make sure that I don't become "lazy" and just eat prepared/processed foods...that is not detoxing!
Soup
Beans
Chili
Things that do not heat well:
Pasta that is made with a lentil sauce
Unfortunately my delicious pasta dish from Monday, did not reheat well at all. I ate it, but the texture was totally off as were the flavors. So the next time I make it, I will be sure to cut the recipe in half so there are no leftovers.
This morning I noticed we have very little that I could bring for lunch. So I'm going to have to make due with a banana and almond butter, a piece of bread with peanut butter, and hopefully some rice that I have at work. Tomorrow is going to be similar, but I'll go shopping this weekend.
I've used up most of the greens in the house too...so this morning I had some dandelion greens to make a green smoothie with...and no other greens. It's all working out though. I find it interesting that I was so worried about what would happen if nothing is prepared...it's not easy, but you can totally do it...just not for long.
So day 19, tonight is a baked potato and some tempeh...and then tomorrow is another do what we can for lunch...but I'll be better prepared next week :) I am going to make sure that I don't become "lazy" and just eat prepared/processed foods...that is not detoxing!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Vegan day 18
Sorry for not posting a day 17 update, but yesterday I just felt off and exhausted...plus I had to take my kitty to the vet after work so that was my focus.
I'm really tired and I don't know if I'm fighting off getting sick or if it has to do with the detoxing of everything all at once. I may cave on the coffee after 21 days since that is a really bad craving I am having...but I'm going to keep trying to make it 30 days with no coffee.
I'ver also been being a bit lazy in terms of food this week. Yesterday my lunch was hummus, pretzels and snap peas (plus a yummy cup of instant vegan tortilla soup). Dinner was the left over curry cauliflower soup (which I improved by adding some ingredients) and an open face avocado, tomato & "mozzarella cheese" sandwich. Lunch today is again hummus, pretzels, snap peas and a vega shake, and dinner will be the leftover pasta from Monday night.
I've been cooking so much which is great, but I just need a few easy nights not to worry about it. Tomorrow night is easy too...baked potato and some tempeh is the plan. Friday night my plan is boca burgers...so I think one week of "easier" dinners gives me a good idea of how this will be if/when I lose the desire to cook something every night of the week (if I stay on this vegan journey beyond 30 days).
Overall though things are good, just tired and a bit "blue", but I'm thinking that's more due to it being January and a high of 8 degrees scheduled for Friday rather than the vegan experiment.
I'm really tired and I don't know if I'm fighting off getting sick or if it has to do with the detoxing of everything all at once. I may cave on the coffee after 21 days since that is a really bad craving I am having...but I'm going to keep trying to make it 30 days with no coffee.
I'ver also been being a bit lazy in terms of food this week. Yesterday my lunch was hummus, pretzels and snap peas (plus a yummy cup of instant vegan tortilla soup). Dinner was the left over curry cauliflower soup (which I improved by adding some ingredients) and an open face avocado, tomato & "mozzarella cheese" sandwich. Lunch today is again hummus, pretzels, snap peas and a vega shake, and dinner will be the leftover pasta from Monday night.
I've been cooking so much which is great, but I just need a few easy nights not to worry about it. Tomorrow night is easy too...baked potato and some tempeh is the plan. Friday night my plan is boca burgers...so I think one week of "easier" dinners gives me a good idea of how this will be if/when I lose the desire to cook something every night of the week (if I stay on this vegan journey beyond 30 days).
Overall though things are good, just tired and a bit "blue", but I'm thinking that's more due to it being January and a high of 8 degrees scheduled for Friday rather than the vegan experiment.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Vegan day 16
Today was quite a different day, and I'm not afraid to ask if something is vegan anymore.
I had to go get my blood work done today (will find out next Monday what it all says). I fasted since last night until my 8am blood draw...but I made a green smoothie and brought it with me. I made the "Morning Zing Smoothie" which was not cold enough, a bit too thick, but easily fixed (and will be fixed tomorrow morning). I downed that after I gave blood, which of course was not good on my tummy...at least I made it through 75 minutes of yoga :)
Then I dashed over to Whole Foods to pick up some red lentils for the dinner I had planned. Home and out again to meet a friend for lunch. We went to Roti for lunch, a chain (imagine Chipotle but for Mediterranean food). I asked a lot of "is that vegan" questions. You would think after I ask it once, I wouldn't need to keep asking it. Like I said, "is the pita vegan?" "I don't think so" ok easy, no pita then. Then I was asked what sauce I wanted, to which I responded, "which is vegan?" and the guy looked at me like I had 6 heads. I rephrased, "do any have eggs or milk in them?" light bulb moment...I could have the tahini sauce. Then the last guy skipped over all of the veggies and I was like, um, I want some olives man..."you'll have to pay extra" really? I can't have half of the stuff I'm paying for, which you have no problem with, but you're going to give me sh*t about some olives? (They didn't charge me extra for them).
My falafels were delicious and I was happy that we went there...but really man, that was a little frustrating.
More chilling after a lovey lunch, then a hair appointment (with products not tested on animals)...then home to make dinner. Tonight, very successful dinner...linguine with spinach & artichoke in a red lentil sauce. A bit lemony which is easily fixed, but very tasty and high in fiber and protein (lentils + whole grain pasta +). Yay! Plus a piece of the wheat bread I made yesterday.
Overall a successful vegan day...still not craving any foods, but I am starting to crave coffee but I can make it a bit longer.
Yay for day 16!
I had to go get my blood work done today (will find out next Monday what it all says). I fasted since last night until my 8am blood draw...but I made a green smoothie and brought it with me. I made the "Morning Zing Smoothie" which was not cold enough, a bit too thick, but easily fixed (and will be fixed tomorrow morning). I downed that after I gave blood, which of course was not good on my tummy...at least I made it through 75 minutes of yoga :)
Then I dashed over to Whole Foods to pick up some red lentils for the dinner I had planned. Home and out again to meet a friend for lunch. We went to Roti for lunch, a chain (imagine Chipotle but for Mediterranean food). I asked a lot of "is that vegan" questions. You would think after I ask it once, I wouldn't need to keep asking it. Like I said, "is the pita vegan?" "I don't think so" ok easy, no pita then. Then I was asked what sauce I wanted, to which I responded, "which is vegan?" and the guy looked at me like I had 6 heads. I rephrased, "do any have eggs or milk in them?" light bulb moment...I could have the tahini sauce. Then the last guy skipped over all of the veggies and I was like, um, I want some olives man..."you'll have to pay extra" really? I can't have half of the stuff I'm paying for, which you have no problem with, but you're going to give me sh*t about some olives? (They didn't charge me extra for them).
My falafels were delicious and I was happy that we went there...but really man, that was a little frustrating.
More chilling after a lovey lunch, then a hair appointment (with products not tested on animals)...then home to make dinner. Tonight, very successful dinner...linguine with spinach & artichoke in a red lentil sauce. A bit lemony which is easily fixed, but very tasty and high in fiber and protein (lentils + whole grain pasta +). Yay! Plus a piece of the wheat bread I made yesterday.
Overall a successful vegan day...still not craving any foods, but I am starting to crave coffee but I can make it a bit longer.
Yay for day 16!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Vegan day 15 - pictures of some of the food
Since I've been talking about the Rustic Multiseed Wheat bread, I figured I'd take a picture. I also decided to bake more of the delicious peanut butter cookies that I made last weekend...so there are pictures here too.
Today has turned into a cooking day for sure. My 90 minute yoga class was canceled so I did about an hour on my own. It's nice to know that I understand the flow enough to just do it on my own, I felt strong and proud!
Back on topic, the reason why I opted to start baking and cooking away was because I have the time to do it. The Bears game is on and I'm watching while I bake. I'm just not sure what's on the menu for dinner tonight, but I'm not too worried about that.
Picture time!
Rustic Multiseed Wheat bread
It has good flavor, you can tell it's a wheat bread and is fresh. I'm please with it and think some toast or making a panini will be great...ahh dinner...panini and the curry cauliflower soup!
Peanut butter cookies
I love these cookies...I will leave it at that.
Luscious Coconut bread
As you can see, a good portion of this is already gone :) It kind of looks like rice krispie treats from this picture, but it's bread and it's delicious.
OK enough posting for the day...GO BEARS!
Today has turned into a cooking day for sure. My 90 minute yoga class was canceled so I did about an hour on my own. It's nice to know that I understand the flow enough to just do it on my own, I felt strong and proud!
Back on topic, the reason why I opted to start baking and cooking away was because I have the time to do it. The Bears game is on and I'm watching while I bake. I'm just not sure what's on the menu for dinner tonight, but I'm not too worried about that.
Picture time!
Rustic Multiseed Wheat bread
It has good flavor, you can tell it's a wheat bread and is fresh. I'm please with it and think some toast or making a panini will be great...ahh dinner...panini and the curry cauliflower soup!
Peanut butter cookies
I love these cookies...I will leave it at that.
Luscious Coconut bread
As you can see, a good portion of this is already gone :) It kind of looks like rice krispie treats from this picture, but it's bread and it's delicious.
OK enough posting for the day...GO BEARS!
Vegan day 15 - the start of week 3
Good morning!
I am much happier with this week's weigh in as I feel it represents all of the hard work I have been doing. Of course that is in complete contradiction to what I said last week (about how 1-2 pounds a week is the best way to lose weight, etc) however, I did not have a big weight loss at the first week so I'm happy I got one this week.
Down 3.8 pounds this week (one scale)
A total of 5.4 pounds according to my scale
Down 4.2 pounds this week (according to the wii)
A total of 6.2 pounds according to the wii
I like the scale better though, it says I weigh 2 pounds less :)
I think if I could have used the bathroom this morning it would have been 4 pounds, but I'm not complaining :)
Working out 6 out of 7 days plus all of the healthy food choices I've been making is the reason...of course I do balance that out with some peanut butter cookies (mmmm)
I feel fantastic. I do not have any cravings for any meat/dairy/egg related items. I feel really peaceful and happy. Lots more energy during the day, though I am tired at night. I find that I am waking up early, but then going back to sleep until the alarm goes off.
That's about it for now...I'll let you know how the Rustic Multiseed Wheat Bread turns out.
I am much happier with this week's weigh in as I feel it represents all of the hard work I have been doing. Of course that is in complete contradiction to what I said last week (about how 1-2 pounds a week is the best way to lose weight, etc) however, I did not have a big weight loss at the first week so I'm happy I got one this week.
Down 3.8 pounds this week (one scale)
A total of 5.4 pounds according to my scale
Down 4.2 pounds this week (according to the wii)
A total of 6.2 pounds according to the wii
I like the scale better though, it says I weigh 2 pounds less :)
I think if I could have used the bathroom this morning it would have been 4 pounds, but I'm not complaining :)
Working out 6 out of 7 days plus all of the healthy food choices I've been making is the reason...of course I do balance that out with some peanut butter cookies (mmmm)
I feel fantastic. I do not have any cravings for any meat/dairy/egg related items. I feel really peaceful and happy. Lots more energy during the day, though I am tired at night. I find that I am waking up early, but then going back to sleep until the alarm goes off.
That's about it for now...I'll let you know how the Rustic Multiseed Wheat Bread turns out.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Vegan day 14 - continued with recipes
So I took a phone pic of tonight's meal.
Luscious Coconut bread
Roasted Kale
Creamy curried cauliflower soup
Review time!
Coconut bread - I'm getting addicted to it. I think the next time I will make them into muffins instead and may add some almond extract. It's quite addictive.
Roasted kale - this is the easiest recipe in the world and it is really freaking tasty.
I ate both servings...and I used garlic olive oil instead of extra virgin which added a little extra flavor...but wow, yummy!
Creamy Curry Cauliflower Soup - I hate to say it, but I was a little disappointed in this soup. By the time I finished my bowl I was less disappointed. This was an example of mind playing tricks. The color reminded me of butternut squash soup, so I kept expecting something sweeter, but it was very spicy with the curry. I added a bit of sea salt too because it was a tad bland yet spicy...I think the next time I might add a bit of olive oil (as the comments suggested).
Overall I was happy with the meal and the soup was filling...I only ate one piece of the coconut bread.
So for the day:
Breakfast - Luna bar
Workout 1 - 60 minutes Yoga Bootcamp & Sculpt
Lunch - Vegan biscuits and gravy, green tea
Workout 2 - 5 mile run
Snack - Green smoothie (fresh banana, frozen strawberry, frozen mango, fresh kale, fresh baby spinach, fresh dandelion greens, splash of flax oil), detox tea
Dinner - Coconut bread, roasted kale, creamy curried cauliflower soup (above)
And the other bread...still rising...8-10 hours for the first rise! Then I need to do some more stuff and then the bread goes into the fridge until I can bake it tomorrow morning.
That's enough for today...enjoy!
Luscious Coconut bread
Roasted Kale
Creamy curried cauliflower soup
Review time!
Coconut bread - I'm getting addicted to it. I think the next time I will make them into muffins instead and may add some almond extract. It's quite addictive.
Roasted kale - this is the easiest recipe in the world and it is really freaking tasty.
4 cups firmly-packed Kale
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. good-quality sea salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Wash and trim the kale:Peel off the tough stems by folding the kale leaves in half like a book and stripping the stems off. Toss with extra virgin olive oil. Roast for five minutes. Turn kale over. Roast another 7 to 10 minutes until kale turns brown and becomes paper thin and brittle. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sea salt.Serve immediately
Makes 2 servings
I ate both servings...and I used garlic olive oil instead of extra virgin which added a little extra flavor...but wow, yummy!
Creamy Curry Cauliflower Soup - I hate to say it, but I was a little disappointed in this soup. By the time I finished my bowl I was less disappointed. This was an example of mind playing tricks. The color reminded me of butternut squash soup, so I kept expecting something sweeter, but it was very spicy with the curry. I added a bit of sea salt too because it was a tad bland yet spicy...I think the next time I might add a bit of olive oil (as the comments suggested).
Overall I was happy with the meal and the soup was filling...I only ate one piece of the coconut bread.
So for the day:
Breakfast - Luna bar
Workout 1 - 60 minutes Yoga Bootcamp & Sculpt
Lunch - Vegan biscuits and gravy, green tea
Workout 2 - 5 mile run
Snack - Green smoothie (fresh banana, frozen strawberry, frozen mango, fresh kale, fresh baby spinach, fresh dandelion greens, splash of flax oil), detox tea
Dinner - Coconut bread, roasted kale, creamy curried cauliflower soup (above)
And the other bread...still rising...8-10 hours for the first rise! Then I need to do some more stuff and then the bread goes into the fridge until I can bake it tomorrow morning.
That's enough for today...enjoy!
Vegan day 14
I swear, each day it is becoming easier and easier to follow the vegan diet. I have found that some people are making comments and some teasing sort of behind my back (which is not cool) but at least it's making them think about veganism a bit. I truly think this may last longer than 30 days since we are nearing the halfway point and there is so much I am still learning!
Last night I made a vegan pizza which was a HUGE success:
Big photo, sorry about that...but you needed to see the full deliciousness. I provided the crust recipe in yesterday's blog post...and the toppings were sliced tomato, fresh spinach, fresh mushrooms, garlic olive oil and vegan mozzarella. Next time I will oil a bit more, and I think get a different brand of "cheese" but it turned out just great...I have some leftovers for tomorrow during the game (GO BEARS!)
Today will be a cooking adventure. I went to Whole Foods and they had a nice little "paper" with a recipe for curry cauliflower soup...so I'm making that today. My Mom found a recipe for roasted kale, so I'm making that as well.
I also found a coconut bread recipe which just sounds like heaven and I'm going to make that today (without the Ener-g egg replacement). Then I also need to make more of my peanut butter cookies from last week (per request from the bf).
I have had a full day already...yoga first thing, shopping at Whole Foods, and then lunch with some friends. We went to The Handlebar which has been one of my favorite restaurants for a few years now. The funny thing is, I have never had their brunch/breakfast items. A friend told me that their vegan biscuits and gravy were amazing so I had to try them. OMG my belly is so freaking full right now. Seitan sausage, wheat biscuits, DELICIOUS. I was a bit sad that I cannot have the smoked Gouda mac n cheese as a vegan, but I will adapt. Seriously though, amazing biscuits and gravy...I should have found time to run before the meal...once it digests though I will be sure to run this afternoon...while the bread is rising or something :)
So 2 weeks are almost done...I'm interested to see how I feel tomorrow and make the comparison on the past couple of weeks.
Last night I made a vegan pizza which was a HUGE success:
Big photo, sorry about that...but you needed to see the full deliciousness. I provided the crust recipe in yesterday's blog post...and the toppings were sliced tomato, fresh spinach, fresh mushrooms, garlic olive oil and vegan mozzarella. Next time I will oil a bit more, and I think get a different brand of "cheese" but it turned out just great...I have some leftovers for tomorrow during the game (GO BEARS!)
Today will be a cooking adventure. I went to Whole Foods and they had a nice little "paper" with a recipe for curry cauliflower soup...so I'm making that today. My Mom found a recipe for roasted kale, so I'm making that as well.
I also found a coconut bread recipe which just sounds like heaven and I'm going to make that today (without the Ener-g egg replacement). Then I also need to make more of my peanut butter cookies from last week (per request from the bf).
I have had a full day already...yoga first thing, shopping at Whole Foods, and then lunch with some friends. We went to The Handlebar which has been one of my favorite restaurants for a few years now. The funny thing is, I have never had their brunch/breakfast items. A friend told me that their vegan biscuits and gravy were amazing so I had to try them. OMG my belly is so freaking full right now. Seitan sausage, wheat biscuits, DELICIOUS. I was a bit sad that I cannot have the smoked Gouda mac n cheese as a vegan, but I will adapt. Seriously though, amazing biscuits and gravy...I should have found time to run before the meal...once it digests though I will be sure to run this afternoon...while the bread is rising or something :)
So 2 weeks are almost done...I'm interested to see how I feel tomorrow and make the comparison on the past couple of weeks.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Vegan Day 13 - the truth behind sugar
I found out today that not all sugar is vegan...that's right not all sugar is vegan! Not only that...not all beer and not all wine is Vegan!
http://www.veganproducts.org/index.html
That is the website I found today. So the "vegan peanut butter cookies" may not have been 100% vegan...but they were mostly vegan so I'm not beating myself up about it. I did go and purchase new sugar today though in light of this information.
I also checked out my favorite beer (Magic Hat) and they are a vegan beer (phew).
Next, I emailed one of my favorite wines (337) to see if they are vegan...as of this moment I still do not know. Luckily I am not drinking this month (unless I go see the Bears play or attend a Bears playoff party of some sort).
So that was my news for the day...very upsetting.
In other news...my first vegan pizza is in the oven. I made my own dough and then topped it with some olive oil, fresh tomato, spinach and mushrooms, and a few slices of vegan mozzarella cheese. The bf took the dough and made a non-vegan pizza...both are cooking now. I'm excited to see how they turn out.
So now...tomorrow...yoga + running or a flirty girl fitness class...plus I need to experiment with a few new recipes (coconut bread and my sister-in-law sent me a bread recipe too).
Lots of vegan goodness in the kitchen on this 3 day weekend...hopefully lots of posts on here so that all of you can try!
Here is the pizza dough recipe.
TGIF
http://www.veganproducts.org/index.html
That is the website I found today. So the "vegan peanut butter cookies" may not have been 100% vegan...but they were mostly vegan so I'm not beating myself up about it. I did go and purchase new sugar today though in light of this information.
I also checked out my favorite beer (Magic Hat) and they are a vegan beer (phew).
Next, I emailed one of my favorite wines (337) to see if they are vegan...as of this moment I still do not know. Luckily I am not drinking this month (unless I go see the Bears play or attend a Bears playoff party of some sort).
So that was my news for the day...very upsetting.
In other news...my first vegan pizza is in the oven. I made my own dough and then topped it with some olive oil, fresh tomato, spinach and mushrooms, and a few slices of vegan mozzarella cheese. The bf took the dough and made a non-vegan pizza...both are cooking now. I'm excited to see how they turn out.
So now...tomorrow...yoga + running or a flirty girl fitness class...plus I need to experiment with a few new recipes (coconut bread and my sister-in-law sent me a bread recipe too).
Lots of vegan goodness in the kitchen on this 3 day weekend...hopefully lots of posts on here so that all of you can try!
Here is the pizza dough recipe.
TGIF
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Vegan day 12
I know I skipped day 11, but I double posted on day 10 so that should make up for it.
Yesterday was day 11 and it was a good day to be vegan. I started off with a breakfast sandwich using the "egg" I had made on Sunday for my sammich...that reheats easily and tastes just as good reheated (if not a little better). II went running outside an hour after breakfast so I had a green smoothie as a recovery drink (though the only greens I had in the house were lettuce and spinach, it still worked out well and tasted good).
Lunch was a veggie wrap...I'm leaning how to fold those better, just to look like a burrito instead of a wrap, but it worked for me. The hummus seems to taste better as it sits in the fridge. Wrap was hummus, lettuce, spinach, tomato, avocado. Snack was dates and nuts at work, I love dates and I need to be careful because 2 dates have 140 calories, so they are packed full of calories, but so tasty.
Dinner, I finally made the "wait for you stew" recipe. I put everything into the crock pot before going to work (my late shift yesterday) and when I got home just put it in a bowl and inhaled it. I had to stop myself from eating more it was so tasty. The bf agreed...he did make some egg noodles to mix with it (he's not going vegan with me, but is enjoying a number of the dishes I'm making). I highly recommend this recipe (Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Foods).
I also decided that next week I need to switch up my cookbooks. Not that I don't LOVE the one above, but I need to start trying some other things too (me thinks).
Anyway, things are going great in the vegan experiment. Yoga is tonight which will help with my cleanse...and possible eating over at friends this weekend which should be interesting to report on :)
Yesterday was day 11 and it was a good day to be vegan. I started off with a breakfast sandwich using the "egg" I had made on Sunday for my sammich...that reheats easily and tastes just as good reheated (if not a little better). II went running outside an hour after breakfast so I had a green smoothie as a recovery drink (though the only greens I had in the house were lettuce and spinach, it still worked out well and tasted good).
Lunch was a veggie wrap...I'm leaning how to fold those better, just to look like a burrito instead of a wrap, but it worked for me. The hummus seems to taste better as it sits in the fridge. Wrap was hummus, lettuce, spinach, tomato, avocado. Snack was dates and nuts at work, I love dates and I need to be careful because 2 dates have 140 calories, so they are packed full of calories, but so tasty.
Dinner, I finally made the "wait for you stew" recipe. I put everything into the crock pot before going to work (my late shift yesterday) and when I got home just put it in a bowl and inhaled it. I had to stop myself from eating more it was so tasty. The bf agreed...he did make some egg noodles to mix with it (he's not going vegan with me, but is enjoying a number of the dishes I'm making). I highly recommend this recipe (Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Foods).
I also decided that next week I need to switch up my cookbooks. Not that I don't LOVE the one above, but I need to start trying some other things too (me thinks).
Anyway, things are going great in the vegan experiment. Yoga is tonight which will help with my cleanse...and possible eating over at friends this weekend which should be interesting to report on :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Vegan dinner recipe
I finally made the soba noodle & tofu with peanut sauce dinner that I've been wanting. Ingredients...garlic, green onion, red pepper, tofu, liquid amino, frozen broccoli, frozen peas, fresh baby spinach, salt, pepper, peanut sauce and of course, soba noodles.
A word? Yummy.
I was very pleased with this choice, and it was yummy.
The other thing that I learned...light chocolate soy milk is not nearly as good as regular chocolate soy milk, but it's not too bad...I just like the regular one better.
So today has been a good day for learning things that I don't like so much and being able to know things I like better. Yay for learning
A word? Yummy.
I was very pleased with this choice, and it was yummy.
The other thing that I learned...light chocolate soy milk is not nearly as good as regular chocolate soy milk, but it's not too bad...I just like the regular one better.
So today has been a good day for learning things that I don't like so much and being able to know things I like better. Yay for learning
Vegan - day 10...DOUBLE DIGITS!
Wow, we're already into the double digits? Awesome.
So there are a few wonderful things to report so far today.
1 - while heating up my lunch (leftover chili) I was standing next to a vending machine. I then realized that there are very few items in the vending machine that I "can eat" simply based on the name of things. I feel better about what I'm eating now since I can't make a lunch out of a vending machine.
2 - I discovered that the Vega shakes really are the best tasting ones since I tried another one this morning (Whole Foods version) and the taste was just not there.
3 - I'm excited about making the soba noodles tonight (dang it) since I'll be home by 7 so it won't seem too late to cook them.
4 - the best news of the day? Alicia Simpson emailed me! I sent her an email thanking her for her recipes and how wonderful her cookbook is, etc...she emailed me back! She thanked me...are you kidding? She has made this transition so easy!
By the way, I did (well the bf did) order her new book for me last night, so I expect to be trying holiday dishes vegan now as well.
I am tempted to stay vegan beyond the 30 days...I think what will happen is I will stay vegetarian and try to stay vegan, but if I want some cheese, I'll have some...but we'll see. Just because we've hit the double digits doesn't mean I'm ready for the long hall yet.
How am I feeling? Fantastic. It's girly time of the month and I really have no cramps, no back ache, no headache, no huge mood swings (still have some odd mood swings but not like normal). I'm quite happy that being vegan (and the yoga and running) are having a positive change to "that time of the month".
So there are a few wonderful things to report so far today.
1 - while heating up my lunch (leftover chili) I was standing next to a vending machine. I then realized that there are very few items in the vending machine that I "can eat" simply based on the name of things. I feel better about what I'm eating now since I can't make a lunch out of a vending machine.
2 - I discovered that the Vega shakes really are the best tasting ones since I tried another one this morning (Whole Foods version) and the taste was just not there.
3 - I'm excited about making the soba noodles tonight (dang it) since I'll be home by 7 so it won't seem too late to cook them.
4 - the best news of the day? Alicia Simpson emailed me! I sent her an email thanking her for her recipes and how wonderful her cookbook is, etc...she emailed me back! She thanked me...are you kidding? She has made this transition so easy!
By the way, I did (well the bf did) order her new book for me last night, so I expect to be trying holiday dishes vegan now as well.
I am tempted to stay vegan beyond the 30 days...I think what will happen is I will stay vegetarian and try to stay vegan, but if I want some cheese, I'll have some...but we'll see. Just because we've hit the double digits doesn't mean I'm ready for the long hall yet.
How am I feeling? Fantastic. It's girly time of the month and I really have no cramps, no back ache, no headache, no huge mood swings (still have some odd mood swings but not like normal). I'm quite happy that being vegan (and the yoga and running) are having a positive change to "that time of the month".
Monday, January 10, 2011
Understanding the value of planning ahead
After yoga tonight I really wanted a chocolate soy milk. I had to go to UPS to pick up a package so I had a butt kicking yoga bootcamp and needed to run errands before I could go home and eat, chocolate soy milk would totally be the answer!
Driving in downtown Chicago I figured 7-11 would have it...nope. They had muscle milk but no soy milk...and the guy looked at me like I was crazy. Next corner...Walgreens, they must have it! Coconut water sure, organic regular milk, yuppers...chocolate soy milk, nope :(
Had I planned head, I could have stopped at the grocery store on the way to yoga...so, maybe tomorrow before yoga I need to pick some up so I have it at home.
By the time I got home I was really hungry and super happy I had made hummus before yoga...so a quick wrap and I was good to go for dinner. I understand the value of planning ahead!
Driving in downtown Chicago I figured 7-11 would have it...nope. They had muscle milk but no soy milk...and the guy looked at me like I was crazy. Next corner...Walgreens, they must have it! Coconut water sure, organic regular milk, yuppers...chocolate soy milk, nope :(
Had I planned head, I could have stopped at the grocery store on the way to yoga...so, maybe tomorrow before yoga I need to pick some up so I have it at home.
By the time I got home I was really hungry and super happy I had made hummus before yoga...so a quick wrap and I was good to go for dinner. I understand the value of planning ahead!
Vegan day 9 (wow really?)
So we are starting up the second work week and I have already changed things up a bit. This morning I made a green smoothie since my kale was getting ready to go. I did bring with me a Vega bar, but ended up not eating it...I had 2 dates as a snack instead (mmmm, dates). Dates are the one thing that make me think I could make it as a raw vegan for a month...no really, I think I could eat dates and raw almonds for a good week without getting tired of them, plus a green smoothie...but not until summer.
Lunch is leftover chili and a good thing too because my office is freezing today! The chili is warming me up.
I also brought in the peanut butter cookies I made yesterday. Have I mentioned that they are the tastiest vegan baked good I have ever eaten? Seriously, they are delicious! I have had one cookie today, and will have at least one more (so if I complain next Sunday about not losing weight, we all will know why!)
For dinner I think I'm going to make some soba noodles & tofu with peanut sauce or I will make some homemade hummus and have a wrap. Either way, I'm having a great day today.
I am very sore which is from all of the yoga I have been doing. It's such a good sore feeling...and I know at yoga bootcamp tonight I will be hurting, but it's a wonderful hurt. Have I mentioned where I go to yoga? I go to TruHarmony and they are wonderful!
Anyway...I'm really happy with how I'm feeling and how great of an experience this vegan journey is becoming. More things to experiment with this week!
Lunch is leftover chili and a good thing too because my office is freezing today! The chili is warming me up.
I also brought in the peanut butter cookies I made yesterday. Have I mentioned that they are the tastiest vegan baked good I have ever eaten? Seriously, they are delicious! I have had one cookie today, and will have at least one more (so if I complain next Sunday about not losing weight, we all will know why!)
For dinner I think I'm going to make some soba noodles & tofu with peanut sauce or I will make some homemade hummus and have a wrap. Either way, I'm having a great day today.
I am very sore which is from all of the yoga I have been doing. It's such a good sore feeling...and I know at yoga bootcamp tonight I will be hurting, but it's a wonderful hurt. Have I mentioned where I go to yoga? I go to TruHarmony and they are wonderful!
Anyway...I'm really happy with how I'm feeling and how great of an experience this vegan journey is becoming. More things to experiment with this week!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Vegan day 8 - start of week 2!
Good morning blog readers!
Here are the stats that I know you were weighting for (hehehe)
Down 2 pounds in the first week
Now keep in mind I'm not keeping track of calories, fat, carbs, protein, etc...I'm simply following a vegan diet and working out. This experiment was meant as a detox and cleanse as well as to see if I could actually follow a vegan diet for a month...but losing 2 pounds in the first week makes me very happy.
Here's why...if you are trying to lose weight, 1-2 pounds a week is the best way to do so since it means you're going slow (getting the right amount of nutrients etc) and more likely to keep it off. Since I'm trying to cleanse and the weight loss is a bonus right now, wahoo on 2 pounds!
Today is Sunday which means a lazy day (after yoga). I'm going to make some "egg" sandwiches for breakfast, heat up some chili this afternoon, and then this evening is the bf's signature dish, taco rice.
OK, off to make some breakfast!
Oh, and on the how I'm feeling scale...I'd say about 8.5 to 9 in terms of peaceful, happy, stressfree, etc. I am looking forward to week 2!
Here are the stats that I know you were weighting for (hehehe)
Down 2 pounds in the first week
Now keep in mind I'm not keeping track of calories, fat, carbs, protein, etc...I'm simply following a vegan diet and working out. This experiment was meant as a detox and cleanse as well as to see if I could actually follow a vegan diet for a month...but losing 2 pounds in the first week makes me very happy.
Here's why...if you are trying to lose weight, 1-2 pounds a week is the best way to do so since it means you're going slow (getting the right amount of nutrients etc) and more likely to keep it off. Since I'm trying to cleanse and the weight loss is a bonus right now, wahoo on 2 pounds!
Today is Sunday which means a lazy day (after yoga). I'm going to make some "egg" sandwiches for breakfast, heat up some chili this afternoon, and then this evening is the bf's signature dish, taco rice.
OK, off to make some breakfast!
Oh, and on the how I'm feeling scale...I'd say about 8.5 to 9 in terms of peaceful, happy, stressfree, etc. I am looking forward to week 2!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Vegan day 7
Well today has been an interesting day for being a vegan...I had my first "food emergency"today so to speak, and I also had a wonderful food surprise today too.
This morning I made a tofu scramble before work with spinach, tofu, onion, garlic, cilantro, dill, nutritional yeast and spices (yummy). I went to work, had some cashews but did not drink enough water (we were really busy for those 4 hours). As I was headed home I had a Clif Builder Bar (chocolate mint) which is vegan and it was chocolate and delicious and made my day and felt like a treat and omgwtfbbq!!!1! but seriously, it was wonderful. I then came home and ran 4 miles in the cold which once I got going, I felt wonderful!
Made a green smoothie as a recovery drink which was a good idea.
The next part of the day turned into the food emergency...we went and did laundry and I started thinking about what to do for dinner...I started to get hungry and then some kids came in with food...I had to come up with a dinner plan quick and get through the grocery store fast.
We went to the store, picked up a few things, and then I realized I needed something to eat quick...luckily there were some pretzels. Funny thing was, it took me a couple of tries looking at the ingredients to find something and I was to the point of, well, honey could be ok...but no! I stuck with my full vegan plan and found something.
OK so dinner tonight, chili. I've made a vegetarian chili since I started making chili so that is simple...I just added a few extra veggies to it tonight and rehydrated my own tvp rather than buying frozen boca crumbles. It tastes great so far...no cheese or sour cream needed.
I think I do need to pay attention to my calorie intake on running days and possibly on yoga sculpt/bootcamp days since I have a headache still (from the "food emergency") and I think it's because I didn't really eat enough before running.
Tomorrow I hope to make the breakfast sandwiches and some peanut butter cookies...as well as some black bean soup possibly...and the wait for you stew later this week!
This morning I made a tofu scramble before work with spinach, tofu, onion, garlic, cilantro, dill, nutritional yeast and spices (yummy). I went to work, had some cashews but did not drink enough water (we were really busy for those 4 hours). As I was headed home I had a Clif Builder Bar (chocolate mint) which is vegan and it was chocolate and delicious and made my day and felt like a treat and omgwtfbbq!!!1! but seriously, it was wonderful. I then came home and ran 4 miles in the cold which once I got going, I felt wonderful!
Made a green smoothie as a recovery drink which was a good idea.
The next part of the day turned into the food emergency...we went and did laundry and I started thinking about what to do for dinner...I started to get hungry and then some kids came in with food...I had to come up with a dinner plan quick and get through the grocery store fast.
We went to the store, picked up a few things, and then I realized I needed something to eat quick...luckily there were some pretzels. Funny thing was, it took me a couple of tries looking at the ingredients to find something and I was to the point of, well, honey could be ok...but no! I stuck with my full vegan plan and found something.
OK so dinner tonight, chili. I've made a vegetarian chili since I started making chili so that is simple...I just added a few extra veggies to it tonight and rehydrated my own tvp rather than buying frozen boca crumbles. It tastes great so far...no cheese or sour cream needed.
I think I do need to pay attention to my calorie intake on running days and possibly on yoga sculpt/bootcamp days since I have a headache still (from the "food emergency") and I think it's because I didn't really eat enough before running.
Tomorrow I hope to make the breakfast sandwiches and some peanut butter cookies...as well as some black bean soup possibly...and the wait for you stew later this week!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Vegan day 6 - dinner recipes
I managed to get to a nice, relaxing candlelight yoga class this evening...then home to make dinner. Tonight's dinner...avocado panini and on hand soup...at least inspired by those recipes.
On hand soup
Cut up some onion & garlic, put in a pot with some olive oil and make them sweat
Add vegetable stock
Cut up one carrot and add to the pot
Add more stock and bring to a boil
Add noodles (I had rotini)
Add some spinach (fresh), peas (frozen), chick peas (canned)
Spices - black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, fresh dill, fresh cilantro
I just let it simmer for about 15 minutes, no idea about portions, just know it was tasty
Avocado panini
2 pieces wheat bread
1/2 avocado (mashed)
few slices tomato
2 slices meltable vegan mozzarella cheese
olive oil
cilantro
left over chicken seitan
Put one slice of cheese on the bread, add avocado, tomatoes, seitan, cilantro, avocado, cheese, bread. Place in a heated pan that has some olive oil in it (and drizzle a little on the bread) cook one side and flip (adding a bit more olive oil before flipping). It takes about 3 minutes per side or so.
Yummy dinner on a cold snowy night...the bf had the above but the seitan on the side, and onion instead of tomato.
So yes, I needed to write a new entry to provide new recipes.
On hand soup
Cut up some onion & garlic, put in a pot with some olive oil and make them sweat
Add vegetable stock
Cut up one carrot and add to the pot
Add more stock and bring to a boil
Add noodles (I had rotini)
Add some spinach (fresh), peas (frozen), chick peas (canned)
Spices - black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, fresh dill, fresh cilantro
I just let it simmer for about 15 minutes, no idea about portions, just know it was tasty
Avocado panini
2 pieces wheat bread
1/2 avocado (mashed)
few slices tomato
2 slices meltable vegan mozzarella cheese
olive oil
cilantro
left over chicken seitan
Put one slice of cheese on the bread, add avocado, tomatoes, seitan, cilantro, avocado, cheese, bread. Place in a heated pan that has some olive oil in it (and drizzle a little on the bread) cook one side and flip (adding a bit more olive oil before flipping). It takes about 3 minutes per side or so.
Yummy dinner on a cold snowy night...the bf had the above but the seitan on the side, and onion instead of tomato.
So yes, I needed to write a new entry to provide new recipes.
Vegan, day 6
I cannot believe how quickly this first week is going. So many wonderful foods have been tried, so many new ones that I have the courage to experiment with!
The seitan last night turned out great...I need to learn how to make the "fried chikin'" stuff stay on better (soy milk & panko breadcrumbs) but man was it delicious. I was able to bring some to work today to heat up and put on my salad, as well as a cup of lentil soup (finished off whatever was not frozen).
I did not make the avocado panini's last night, those will be made tonight. Instead I made some black beans and mixed in some brownrice and quinoa...that with the seitan just was so good.
I am feeling very refreshed and am having an easier time waking up in the morning. I don't always want to get out of bed, but it's easier to get up. I also have more energy during the day and just a very positive attitude overall.
On Sunday I plan to review the blog posts from this week and then give an overall feeling scale (similar to how I started things off on Sunday). I am interested to see what the scale says on Sunday, I haven't cheated to see yet, but I am mighty curious.
(WARNING, POTENTIAL TMI AHEAD)
One thing about going vegan, I am now visiting the bathroom more often, it's easier, and it's pretty much on a good schedule.
(TMI is over now)
I am glad I have incorporated the green smoothie into this week (yesterday was kale, cilantro, spinach, pineapple (fresh), mango & strawberries) and I think I'll make one post work & run tomorrow.
Another interesting thing, I have not craved alcohol at all (I gave that up as well at the beginning of the week for the month). I figured that was going to be something I wanted, but no cravings for it yet which makes me happy.
Ok blog readers...that is all for now.
The seitan last night turned out great...I need to learn how to make the "fried chikin'" stuff stay on better (soy milk & panko breadcrumbs) but man was it delicious. I was able to bring some to work today to heat up and put on my salad, as well as a cup of lentil soup (finished off whatever was not frozen).
I did not make the avocado panini's last night, those will be made tonight. Instead I made some black beans and mixed in some brownrice and quinoa...that with the seitan just was so good.
I am feeling very refreshed and am having an easier time waking up in the morning. I don't always want to get out of bed, but it's easier to get up. I also have more energy during the day and just a very positive attitude overall.
On Sunday I plan to review the blog posts from this week and then give an overall feeling scale (similar to how I started things off on Sunday). I am interested to see what the scale says on Sunday, I haven't cheated to see yet, but I am mighty curious.
(WARNING, POTENTIAL TMI AHEAD)
One thing about going vegan, I am now visiting the bathroom more often, it's easier, and it's pretty much on a good schedule.
(TMI is over now)
I am glad I have incorporated the green smoothie into this week (yesterday was kale, cilantro, spinach, pineapple (fresh), mango & strawberries) and I think I'll make one post work & run tomorrow.
Another interesting thing, I have not craved alcohol at all (I gave that up as well at the beginning of the week for the month). I figured that was going to be something I wanted, but no cravings for it yet which makes me happy.
Ok blog readers...that is all for now.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Vegan day 5 - eating out
Hello blog readers :) Day 5 already, and feeling better each day. Seriously, I do! I find it amusing that as I was preparing for this adventure in Veganism I was worried about making it one full week and I'm almost at one week and ready and excited for week 2!
In fact, earlier today at lunch with my friend (I'll give those details later), she mentioned something about, "It's only a month" and I wanted to respond, "Maybe not".
Ok, so today was my first attempt at eating out. We went to Leona's (a chain in Chicago) which I knew had lots of vegetarian options but wasn't sure about the vegan options. Luckily my friend is a vegetarian so there weren't too many of the odd questions about "why" or "how" since I'm not quite ready for those yet. The waitress was really helpful too and knew what items were and were not vegan and how to slightly change other items to be vegan. So we got some bruchetta (with regular bread not garlic) and I had the vegan burger with mushrooms and avocado. OMG delicious!!!! I had one bite of the bun and was worried there was egg in it so I just had the burger and it was heavenly. The interesting thing is, typically I leave Leona's feeling overly stuffed and needing to take a nap. Not that we didn't have a bunch of food, but for some reason I felt just full.
I think I lucked out by going to Leona's, as the waitress knew what I needed to stay away from, gave my some options and then asked me some questions herself. It was a good experience (and a fantastic lunch with my friend and her son...can't wait to get together again soon!).
Aside from Leona's, I went to Whole Foods to pick up a few more items for next week and I missed my green smoothie so I bought some kale and spinach and cilantro as well as a fresh pineapple so I could make a couple of smoothies. I just had one and am very happy (plus the smoothie will give me some extra energy for my 75 minutes of Vinyasa in a bit).
What else...another good run this morning, a 5k so just a bit farther than yesterday. It was chilly and breezy so the start of the run was a bit rough, but once I got going I again felt super. I did pick up some clif builder bars at Whole Foods today since a Vegan friend suggested eating one before a long run and I have a few of those coming up this month.
As I mentioned above it's a double workout day since yoga is in a bit. After that I'll come home and finish up dinner...that's right finish up, I have made seitan! It is so easy, the only down thing is it takes about an hour, but that's just simmering and stirring every 10 minutes or so. Why did no one tell me how easy it is to make seitan? Seriously simple people...try it! Of course the recipe is in my go to book that I keep mentioning (Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food). I'm also going to make the avocado panini's that are mentioned in the book...very excited about the meal for sure.
Ok need to get ready for yoga and pick up panko breadcrumbs (the one thing I forgot earlier today).
In fact, earlier today at lunch with my friend (I'll give those details later), she mentioned something about, "It's only a month" and I wanted to respond, "Maybe not".
Ok, so today was my first attempt at eating out. We went to Leona's (a chain in Chicago) which I knew had lots of vegetarian options but wasn't sure about the vegan options. Luckily my friend is a vegetarian so there weren't too many of the odd questions about "why" or "how" since I'm not quite ready for those yet. The waitress was really helpful too and knew what items were and were not vegan and how to slightly change other items to be vegan. So we got some bruchetta (with regular bread not garlic) and I had the vegan burger with mushrooms and avocado. OMG delicious!!!! I had one bite of the bun and was worried there was egg in it so I just had the burger and it was heavenly. The interesting thing is, typically I leave Leona's feeling overly stuffed and needing to take a nap. Not that we didn't have a bunch of food, but for some reason I felt just full.
I think I lucked out by going to Leona's, as the waitress knew what I needed to stay away from, gave my some options and then asked me some questions herself. It was a good experience (and a fantastic lunch with my friend and her son...can't wait to get together again soon!).
Aside from Leona's, I went to Whole Foods to pick up a few more items for next week and I missed my green smoothie so I bought some kale and spinach and cilantro as well as a fresh pineapple so I could make a couple of smoothies. I just had one and am very happy (plus the smoothie will give me some extra energy for my 75 minutes of Vinyasa in a bit).
What else...another good run this morning, a 5k so just a bit farther than yesterday. It was chilly and breezy so the start of the run was a bit rough, but once I got going I again felt super. I did pick up some clif builder bars at Whole Foods today since a Vegan friend suggested eating one before a long run and I have a few of those coming up this month.
As I mentioned above it's a double workout day since yoga is in a bit. After that I'll come home and finish up dinner...that's right finish up, I have made seitan! It is so easy, the only down thing is it takes about an hour, but that's just simmering and stirring every 10 minutes or so. Why did no one tell me how easy it is to make seitan? Seriously simple people...try it! Of course the recipe is in my go to book that I keep mentioning (Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food). I'm also going to make the avocado panini's that are mentioned in the book...very excited about the meal for sure.
Ok need to get ready for yoga and pick up panko breadcrumbs (the one thing I forgot earlier today).
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Vegan day 4, plus a run
This morning I woke up and hung around the house for about 45 minutes before going for a run, this was a change from how I normally do a morning run. I'm glad that I did since I was able to really wake up this morning.
It was 11 degrees outside with a slight breeze..more importantly it was my first run of the year as well as my first run being vegan. I ran about 3 miles this morning, no watch so no idea on time, I ran how I felt (something I'm going to try and do more). It was a nice run, cold for the first mile, so I think I under dressed a bit, but it was fine. I felt amazing on my run. I was worried about it, not because I couldn't run 3 miles, but because some of my fear on going vegan was that it would negatively affect (effect? I always get that confused) my athletic ability. I wasn't sure how my running would change. Strangely enough, I never was concerned about yoga even though my yoga bootcamp class burns about as much calories as an hour run (per a Timeout Chicago article).
Alright time to discuss the vegan side more. This morning I did much better with my tofu scramble. The portion size was better and I added more spices creating more flavor. I also added a dash of vegetable stock while the tofu was cooking, that added flavor too. I also wanted to add some green vegetables to my scramble, so I cut up some broccoli and added some fresh dill...delicious! Lastly, I doubled the amount of nutritional yeast from what I used yesterday, that was much "cheesier". The rest of my day today will be the same as yesterday (soba noodle, lentil soup, banana & grapes with almond butter). Tomorrow will be my first eating out attempt...more details to come :)
I feel really good. I felt a little "hung over" this morning, though I haven't had any alcohol since the 1st so I'm not sure what this is about, but I feel fine now. Getting ready to go to work...have a great day world.
It was 11 degrees outside with a slight breeze..more importantly it was my first run of the year as well as my first run being vegan. I ran about 3 miles this morning, no watch so no idea on time, I ran how I felt (something I'm going to try and do more). It was a nice run, cold for the first mile, so I think I under dressed a bit, but it was fine. I felt amazing on my run. I was worried about it, not because I couldn't run 3 miles, but because some of my fear on going vegan was that it would negatively affect (effect? I always get that confused) my athletic ability. I wasn't sure how my running would change. Strangely enough, I never was concerned about yoga even though my yoga bootcamp class burns about as much calories as an hour run (per a Timeout Chicago article).
Alright time to discuss the vegan side more. This morning I did much better with my tofu scramble. The portion size was better and I added more spices creating more flavor. I also added a dash of vegetable stock while the tofu was cooking, that added flavor too. I also wanted to add some green vegetables to my scramble, so I cut up some broccoli and added some fresh dill...delicious! Lastly, I doubled the amount of nutritional yeast from what I used yesterday, that was much "cheesier". The rest of my day today will be the same as yesterday (soba noodle, lentil soup, banana & grapes with almond butter). Tomorrow will be my first eating out attempt...more details to come :)
I feel really good. I felt a little "hung over" this morning, though I haven't had any alcohol since the 1st so I'm not sure what this is about, but I feel fine now. Getting ready to go to work...have a great day world.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Vegan day 3 - honey?
Well wow...honey is in all sorts of things! I had no idea and I am trying to be on a full vegan diet which means no honey. I have a number of wonderful granola bars and kind bars which I adore...they have honey in them so they are out. I have been drinking tea instead of coffee and in my tea I like honey...so I switched it to agave, OMG it's delicious! Try it, I'm telling you, really delicious.
This morning I slept in a bit since I didn't have to be at work until later. My initial plan was to go for a run, however, my bootcamp class left night has left my legs and abs slightly sore...and I'm running tomorrow...yoga Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun...so today I took off.
Instead, I made a high protein breakfast, relaxed a bit, and then will be off to work. The breakfast this morning, my first tofu scramble. I used the basic recipe out of Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food and it was quite delicious. I'm becoming more comfortable with the new ingredients I'm working with.
My body today feels much more energized. I think that's why I wanted to run so badly, but opted I needed to rest.
The plan for the rest of the day for meals...soba noodle salad and lentil soup, snacks are some dried apricots (I dehydrated them last night), grapes, banana and almond butter...I'll add some variety next week, but hey the apricots are new :)
This morning I slept in a bit since I didn't have to be at work until later. My initial plan was to go for a run, however, my bootcamp class left night has left my legs and abs slightly sore...and I'm running tomorrow...yoga Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun...so today I took off.
Instead, I made a high protein breakfast, relaxed a bit, and then will be off to work. The breakfast this morning, my first tofu scramble. I used the basic recipe out of Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food and it was quite delicious. I'm becoming more comfortable with the new ingredients I'm working with.
My body today feels much more energized. I think that's why I wanted to run so badly, but opted I needed to rest.
The plan for the rest of the day for meals...soba noodle salad and lentil soup, snacks are some dried apricots (I dehydrated them last night), grapes, banana and almond butter...I'll add some variety next week, but hey the apricots are new :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Vegan day 2 - review
This morning I gave a summary from yesterday as well as this mornings plan so I won't repeat that...I will state that the Vega shake filled me up pretty well throughout the morning. There were some added snacks of raw almonds and a banana with almond butter as well as some grapes. The soba noodle lunch, AMAZING! Seriously, make that recipe :)
A hard workout of Yoga bootcamp & sculpt kicked my butt so I needed a filling dinner. I opted to rehydrate some TVP (textured vegetable protein), it is really easy, I just need to play with it for a bit. 1/2 a cup vegetable stock and 1/2 a cup TVP plus some liquid smoke. I followed the vegetable stock idea from the Vegan Comfort Food cookbook and I boiled the stock first per a website I randomly found. I ended up adding a bit more stock once all mixed together.
With that I needed veggies, so I made a stir fry with some brown rice. Ingredients...clove of garlic, green onion, jalapeno, red pepper, broccoli, edamame, mushrooms, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, quick saute in sesame oil and vegetable stock and a dash more of liquid smoke...mix it all up and delicious!
I don't expect to go into this deep of detail every day, but since I'm making new things right now, I figured I'd share it.
As far as how I am feeling...my body is already feeling slightly different. My skin is not looking better yet, in fact, I feel it's all sorts of toxins coming out of my body through my pores...in other words, I'm breaking out. My skin does feel a bit softer already, though that might be psychological. My back felt stronger in yoga today, and in general my back feels stronger.
Tomorrow I don't have to be to work until later in the morning, my plan is to try making a tofu scramble, then lunch is more of the soba noodles and dinner is lentil soup...so perhaps an in depth tofu scramble discussion. No yoga tomorrow, but hoping to go for a run.
Day 2 = success!
A hard workout of Yoga bootcamp & sculpt kicked my butt so I needed a filling dinner. I opted to rehydrate some TVP (textured vegetable protein), it is really easy, I just need to play with it for a bit. 1/2 a cup vegetable stock and 1/2 a cup TVP plus some liquid smoke. I followed the vegetable stock idea from the Vegan Comfort Food cookbook and I boiled the stock first per a website I randomly found. I ended up adding a bit more stock once all mixed together.
With that I needed veggies, so I made a stir fry with some brown rice. Ingredients...clove of garlic, green onion, jalapeno, red pepper, broccoli, edamame, mushrooms, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, quick saute in sesame oil and vegetable stock and a dash more of liquid smoke...mix it all up and delicious!
I don't expect to go into this deep of detail every day, but since I'm making new things right now, I figured I'd share it.
As far as how I am feeling...my body is already feeling slightly different. My skin is not looking better yet, in fact, I feel it's all sorts of toxins coming out of my body through my pores...in other words, I'm breaking out. My skin does feel a bit softer already, though that might be psychological. My back felt stronger in yoga today, and in general my back feels stronger.
Tomorrow I don't have to be to work until later in the morning, my plan is to try making a tofu scramble, then lunch is more of the soba noodles and dinner is lentil soup...so perhaps an in depth tofu scramble discussion. No yoga tomorrow, but hoping to go for a run.
Day 2 = success!
Day 2, morning of being Vegan
Well day 1 went well! I found that triscuits are vegan so I enjoyed some of those with my lentil soup. I also allowed myself to have a tofutti cuttie after dinner.
This morning I am drinking Vega Whole Meal replacement, Vanilla Chai flavor. It is quite delicious and offers most of nutrients that many vegans are lacking. Thank you to my friend who gave me this wonderful option!
I also went onto PETA's website and pledged to be vegan for 30 days. As if writing a blog about my vegan experience and me wanting to challenge myself wasn't enough, now I've pledged to the uber animal group to be vegan.
Lunch today at work will be the soba noodles I made yesterday, then I have some banana and grapes to enjoy with almond butter and of course the rest of the cucumber water. I have cashews and almonds at work if I need another snack...and then there is yoga this evening.
Day 2 is off to a great start...so lets hope that my day 1 back to work is just as fantastic.
This morning I am drinking Vega Whole Meal replacement, Vanilla Chai flavor. It is quite delicious and offers most of nutrients that many vegans are lacking. Thank you to my friend who gave me this wonderful option!
I also went onto PETA's website and pledged to be vegan for 30 days. As if writing a blog about my vegan experience and me wanting to challenge myself wasn't enough, now I've pledged to the uber animal group to be vegan.
Lunch today at work will be the soba noodles I made yesterday, then I have some banana and grapes to enjoy with almond butter and of course the rest of the cucumber water. I have cashews and almonds at work if I need another snack...and then there is yoga this evening.
Day 2 is off to a great start...so lets hope that my day 1 back to work is just as fantastic.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Vegan recipes for this week
This is what I have made so far for this week:
Guacamole - to snack on during the Bears game
Lentil Soup - for dinner a few nights this week
Cold Soba Noodle salad - for lunch
Recipes
Guacamole
2 avocado's
1 large tomato
1 jalapeno pepper
2 cloves garlic
1 green onion (or some red onion)
Juice from 1/2 a lemon (or lime)
Dash of Tabasco (optional)
Salt, pepper and fresh cilantro to taste
There are two ways to do this, cut is up in chunks or throw it all in a food processor. I did the food processor yesterday, yummy! Don't use a full half lemon (juice).
Lentil soup
2 Table olive oil
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
2-3 stalks celery
2 carrots
1 lb lentils sorted and washed
8 cups cold water
1 large can italian whole or diced tomatoes undrained
2 bay leaves
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
Pepper to taste
1/4 cup brown rice
1 package frozen Spinach
1.In large soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and
garlic, celery and carrots stirring constantly, cook until onion is transparent.
2.Add lentils and water, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
3.Add tomatoes, spinach, rice, vegetable bouillon cubes and bay leaves. Reduce heat cover and simmer until
lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves. (I do tend to cook this longer and check to add water more and more.)
4.Season to taste w/salt and pepper.
Cold soba noodle salad
1/2 bag soba noodles (about 4 ounces)
3 mini cucumbers (or 1 medium cucumber)
2 carrots
Package of shiitake mushrooms (about 3.5 ounces)
3 green onions
1 clove fresh garlic
sesame oil
1/2-1 tsp rice vinegar
soy or vegan Worcestershire suace
Cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, agave
1. Cut up the green onions, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms.
2. In a skillet, add some sesame oil and saute the onion and garlic, then add the mushrooms.
3. Season with a dash of cayenne and black pepper, pinch of salt, dash of soy or vegan Worcestershire.
4. In a separate pot, start boiling water to cook the soba noodles. Cook in boiling water for 6 minutes.
5. While noodles are cooking, mix together 1/2-1 tsp of rice vinegar and equal amount of sesame oil, add agave (just a splash), additional cayenne and black pepper (dash). Whisk together.
6. Peel carrots and cucumbers. Cut the cucumbers in half and thinly slice them and cut in half or thirds (about the size of matchsticks). Use the peeler on the carrots for thinly sliced carrots.
7. Take noodles out of the pot and rinse in cold water for 20-30 seconds. Mix in with the oil and vinegar dressing, add the mushroom mixture and mix together. Add the carrots & cucumber and mix. Refrigerate and eat when you are ready.
Guacamole - to snack on during the Bears game
Lentil Soup - for dinner a few nights this week
Cold Soba Noodle salad - for lunch
Recipes
Guacamole
2 avocado's
1 large tomato
1 jalapeno pepper
2 cloves garlic
1 green onion (or some red onion)
Juice from 1/2 a lemon (or lime)
Dash of Tabasco (optional)
Salt, pepper and fresh cilantro to taste
There are two ways to do this, cut is up in chunks or throw it all in a food processor. I did the food processor yesterday, yummy! Don't use a full half lemon (juice).
Lentil soup
2 Table olive oil
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
2-3 stalks celery
2 carrots
1 lb lentils sorted and washed
8 cups cold water
1 large can italian whole or diced tomatoes undrained
2 bay leaves
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
Pepper to taste
1/4 cup brown rice
1 package frozen Spinach
1.In large soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and
garlic, celery and carrots stirring constantly, cook until onion is transparent.
2.Add lentils and water, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
3.Add tomatoes, spinach, rice, vegetable bouillon cubes and bay leaves. Reduce heat cover and simmer until
lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves. (I do tend to cook this longer and check to add water more and more.)
4.Season to taste w/salt and pepper.
Cold soba noodle salad
1/2 bag soba noodles (about 4 ounces)
3 mini cucumbers (or 1 medium cucumber)
2 carrots
Package of shiitake mushrooms (about 3.5 ounces)
3 green onions
1 clove fresh garlic
sesame oil
1/2-1 tsp rice vinegar
soy or vegan Worcestershire suace
Cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, agave
1. Cut up the green onions, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms.
2. In a skillet, add some sesame oil and saute the onion and garlic, then add the mushrooms.
3. Season with a dash of cayenne and black pepper, pinch of salt, dash of soy or vegan Worcestershire.
4. In a separate pot, start boiling water to cook the soba noodles. Cook in boiling water for 6 minutes.
5. While noodles are cooking, mix together 1/2-1 tsp of rice vinegar and equal amount of sesame oil, add agave (just a splash), additional cayenne and black pepper (dash). Whisk together.
6. Peel carrots and cucumbers. Cut the cucumbers in half and thinly slice them and cut in half or thirds (about the size of matchsticks). Use the peeler on the carrots for thinly sliced carrots.
7. Take noodles out of the pot and rinse in cold water for 20-30 seconds. Mix in with the oil and vinegar dressing, add the mushroom mixture and mix together. Add the carrots & cucumber and mix. Refrigerate and eat when you are ready.
Day 1 of being a vegan
I have a feeling that on the weekends I will type a lot more regarding how I'm feeling, what I'm cooking and eating etc.
I took my weight this morning which I was horrified at! Though being a vegan is a challenge and a way to detox, I do plan on keeping track of my weight as well as identifying how I feel physically. I do not have an objective scale for that right now. Right now I feel fine, a cough from a potential cold, but other than that I feel just fine.
I also realize that I am not doing this as a controlled experiment since I will be detoxing from coffee as well as alcohol. My goal is to drink green tea rather than coffee (so not a full detox from caffeine) but no other caffeinated drinks and no alcohol. I will be drinking water and sparkling water, and have already made some cucumber water.
Also, many of the recipes I will be discussing/making come from the following cookbooks:
Vegan Vittles
Vegan Comfort Foods
A few others will be recipes that I have found online, or foods my mom used to cook that I've turned into being vegan (like the lentil soup I'm making today).
So what is on today's menu?
Breakfast was a banana, some grapes, and some almond butter
I head to 90 minutes of vinyasa yoga in a little bit then I will make a salad I'm guessing with some chickpeas added for protein
Dinner will be homemade lentil soup (my Mom's recipe, slightly altered)
Dessert - tofutti cuties
To drink will be some cucumber water, poland springs sparkling water, and some detox tea. I'm really excited about this!
What else will I be cooking today you ask? A soba noodle salad to bring to work this week and potentially my own tempeh but I don't know yet. More to come!
I took my weight this morning which I was horrified at! Though being a vegan is a challenge and a way to detox, I do plan on keeping track of my weight as well as identifying how I feel physically. I do not have an objective scale for that right now. Right now I feel fine, a cough from a potential cold, but other than that I feel just fine.
I also realize that I am not doing this as a controlled experiment since I will be detoxing from coffee as well as alcohol. My goal is to drink green tea rather than coffee (so not a full detox from caffeine) but no other caffeinated drinks and no alcohol. I will be drinking water and sparkling water, and have already made some cucumber water.
Also, many of the recipes I will be discussing/making come from the following cookbooks:
Vegan Vittles
Vegan Comfort Foods
A few others will be recipes that I have found online, or foods my mom used to cook that I've turned into being vegan (like the lentil soup I'm making today).
So what is on today's menu?
Breakfast was a banana, some grapes, and some almond butter
I head to 90 minutes of vinyasa yoga in a little bit then I will make a salad I'm guessing with some chickpeas added for protein
Dinner will be homemade lentil soup (my Mom's recipe, slightly altered)
Dessert - tofutti cuties
To drink will be some cucumber water, poland springs sparkling water, and some detox tea. I'm really excited about this!
What else will I be cooking today you ask? A soba noodle salad to bring to work this week and potentially my own tempeh but I don't know yet. More to come!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Prep work for the vegan start
Yesterday I went to Whole Foods to pick up a few essentials to start cooking vegan. TVP, nurtitional yeast flakes, amino acids stuff, soba noodles, vegan Worcestershire, vegetable broth & stock. Today I went to the other grocery store to pick up some more basics like some veggies and dairy free bread, lentils and more beans.
I started making some items, like cucumber water (it's something that is so tasty at a spa I figured I'd make it for myself) and guacamole. I plan to make some lentil soup tomorrow and some soba noodle salad and maybe some lentil salad.
For food today, I've done my best to eat up lots of the things I consider tempting, like my Vermont Cheddar Cheese...and some bacon...mmmm, bacon. And tonight is pizza.
I'm really excited to be doing this starting tomorrow, parts of me wanted to start today but I'm waiting. I did have my last green smoothie this morning, until February (I think).
Keeping up with this, I'm continuing yoga as many days as I can...that and running. So far I feel fantastic, so now I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to my body next. Stay tuned
I started making some items, like cucumber water (it's something that is so tasty at a spa I figured I'd make it for myself) and guacamole. I plan to make some lentil soup tomorrow and some soba noodle salad and maybe some lentil salad.
For food today, I've done my best to eat up lots of the things I consider tempting, like my Vermont Cheddar Cheese...and some bacon...mmmm, bacon. And tonight is pizza.
I'm really excited to be doing this starting tomorrow, parts of me wanted to start today but I'm waiting. I did have my last green smoothie this morning, until February (I think).
Keeping up with this, I'm continuing yoga as many days as I can...that and running. So far I feel fantastic, so now I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to my body next. Stay tuned
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