Hello!!
Just wanted to check in and report to you about my 5 days of being vegan. Sorry for the minimal posting; my sister flew in Saturday and we spent the weekend camping and white water rafting and I’m now getting ready to head back to Texas.
Anyway, as I mentioned before, last Monday-Friday I decided to go vegan. I thoroughly enjoyed my short run with veganism. Before the week began, I decided that I was not going to be using any substitutes. No tofu, or vegan cream “cheese” or anything like that for me. I understand the use of these things for long-term vegans, but I knew I could live without them for 5 days. I did use some almond milk and made muffins with soymilk, but I don’t really count that since I always use almond milk.
The week went great! I loved trying new foods and never missed meat or dairy. I don’t think 5 days is enough to totally change the way I feel or for me to fully experience veganism, but I did feel good. I did find myself a little hungrier during the day, but I would just have a little snack and that fixed that. Of course, I probably wouldn’t have had that problem except that I’m a total carb girl. Sure, I could have had beans or nuts or whatever, but I’d much rather have fruit or bread or something.
I always felt surprisingly full after dinner. Three nights starred Momma Pea’s recipes. Noodle Salad with Peanut Mmm Sauce started the week on a good note and made me realize the challenge wouldn’t be too hard. The next night we had black bean burgers.
I loved these and will definitely be making them again. I always love a good black bean burger. Wednesday we had Red Lentil Enchiladas sans cheese/”cheese” and topped with guacamole. Avocado is better than cheese anyway, right?
I’m glad I went vegan as it totally got me to experiment and try new things while eating nutritiously. I may even consider going vegan for a longer period of time (lent???). If I felt it was necessary, I do think I could be totally vegan, but I’ve mentioned before why I’m ethically okay with eating meat. I do think eating away from home, whether a restaurant or another person’s house, could pose a challenge. Anyone who is a long-term vegan/vegetarian have any tips for doing so?
Totally changing subjects, but I’m going to Trader Joes’s in Sante Fe on Wednesday. I’ve never been before so I’m pretty excited as I know many of you love it and I have heard many of y’all talk about great products you get there.
If you are an omniovore, would you ever consider going vegan for a while?
If you’re a vegan/vegetarian, do you have any tips for maintaining your diet in social situations? How often do you use vegan substitutes for non-vegan food (Daiya cheese, fak’n bacon, etc.)?
EVERYONE: What is your favorite thing from Trader Joe’s? What should I get while I’m there? Any good car snacks?
