Some of my friends will be surprised, some not so much. It is definately a journey, but I am finding not so difficult as I thought. So what led me to make the decision to become a Vegan? Many things actually, but all are health related.
I have always been told by my physicians that because my father, grandmother, uncle and brother had/have diabetes. And because I had Gestational Diabetes, that it is only a matter of time before I too will be diagnosed and living with the disease. Also, a year ago I was hospitalized with several Pulmonary Embelisms and quite frankly came to close for comfort to my mortality. As a result tests were done and I was diagnosed with Factor V Liden, a clotting disorder and told that I should make dietary and activity changes to prevent further incidents. All the doom and gloom of being sentenced to live with these diseases was a hard pill to swallow (pardon the pun). I began to read things that led me to believe that I don't have to accept these diseases, that I could actaully prevent them. They are not a given!!!
One of the biggest eye openers for me was the documentary Forks Over Knives. Where they follow two doctors, one a surgeon and one a scientist, and how they seperately came to the same conclusions about how diet affects the human body. The major defining variable being animal protein. Studies show that eating a plant based diet actually reverses and prevents heart disease. There is also evidence that shows subjects have less incidents of cancers, diabetes and a whole host of other medical related issues when eating only a plant based diet. The more I read and researched the more I realized this was worth a try!
I knew that I couldn't just start eating salads and beans everyday, I was too addicted to the sweets and carbs. And how could I ever give up cheese and milk! I knew it would take something drastic to kick start this adventure. So naturally I turned to Craigslist. Where I traded an unused heater for a Juicer. I planned to do a juice fast for two weeks, a cold turkey way to reboot my taste buds. I figured it wouldn't be too pleasant so planned it for a time when we didn't have much going on. I followed the Juice recipe used in the documentary Fat Sick and Nearly Dead. Three veggie juices, and two fruit juices a day. It took a while to get the recipe just right, but I love juice and once I got it sorted out it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. The best part is, it worked! After two weeks of nothing but juice, salads tasted like mana from heaven! My taste buds were so sensitive that processed foods were too strong and chemically tasting, even Tollhouse chocolate was gross. For me to say that is something, I have always had a sweet tooth the size of Texas.
Now the tough part, how was I going to implement this new style of eating into my everyday life. Could I eat and enjoy Tofu, and what about the kids? Would they be willing to give these wacky new things a try. Well, the library is my bestfriend. I checked out at least fifty Vegan Cook books and spent about a month researching recipes. Could I make meals that were family friendly, quick, easy and affordable. The only thing left to do was give it a try.
I started off by telling the kids that they can make their own decisions and if they choose to eat meat or dairy that was okay by me but I would like them to at least try the things I was making. Our first Vegan meal was Peanut Thai Noodles, Carrot Miso Slaw, and Soy Tofu Nuggets. Everybody enjoyed most or all of the meal. Whew, I did it!! Family friendly.....check. Quick and easy....check. Affordable......yepper!!
A few things I have learned so far is there aren't alot of prepackaged snacks or heat and serve Vegan meals. Which is a good thing of course, less preservatives, sodium and all manner of yuckies. But this does mean more advanced planning, and making of snacks ahead of time so there ready for little tummies. The other and probably biggest thing I learned is not to expect things too taste like their counter parts. For instance, don't make a veggie burger and hope it will taste like a cheeseburger. You will be dissappointed and discouraged. But if you think to yourself this is going to be a great veggie sandwhich, or mushroom fajita, or soy quesadilla then you will find more enjoyment in your meals.
Eat to live, don't live to Eat!!! The best quote to summarize this experience. But don't get me wrong I have found the best Cookie recipe. Yes food can still taste great.
I have never felt better since making these changes. I have so much energy and I NEVER feel guilty after a meal, which is a reason in and of its self.
So that is the back story. I wanted to start this blog to share all the wonderful food I am finding and making. As well as how good it feels to do something like this for yourself. The positive affect it has on the environment and Big Business is just a bonus for me!
Maybe you too will be inspired. But be prepared for the funny looks you'll get and the big question, "What about Protein?". The big USDA/FDA myth that you can only get enough of it by eating meat and drinking milk. Myth people, Myth!!! All of the healthiest regions in the world are cultures that eat plant based diets.
Like to eat out, most restaurants offer vegan alternatives. It's not as hard as you might think. Chipotle makes one mean vegan taco!!!!
Stay tuned for pics and recipes, I can't wait to share!!
