I haven't weighed myself in two weeks. All of a sudden I feel fat as a moo cow because I know I've been eating more oils and nuts then I used to. However, I'm not eating any other "fat laden" items, I am still consuming a lot of fat. I'm trying hard not to feel like a lard-o, but I think I'm going to have to go back to my house and get the scale to either prove or disprove my fatness.
I am started looking into some more vegan cooking. A lot of the recipes look great, and I'm going to experiment a little more this week. Mircea's mom has decided that she wants to eat vegan too, but she is romanian and a meat lover, so she is going to have meat once a week. I guess every little bit helps, and she's so cute helping me cook and asking me all kinds of questions about how we can make something healthier and vegan. I did make some yummy zucchini yesterday, but it had olive oil in it, so there's some more fat. I feel like there is no winning in all of this.
I think I should have called this post the "Tubby Vegan" because that is how I feel today. Tubby!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Day 30: It's Only Just Begun
On day one, when I "enjoyed" a can of kidney beans for lunch I thought, "this is not for me." When I was in San Diego, eating tofu sandwiches, I thought otherwise. When I failed at making my own tofu sandwiches I thought, "I guess I'll have to move to San Diego". I love eating this way. Would I say it is permenant-I have no idea? I don't know what the future will hold, maybe in my lifetime animals will be treated fairly and I can eat them again. Or maybe I'll be a "freegen", someone who eats vegan food unless someone else purchased the non-vegan food or it is being thrown away. I don't really want steak, chicken or pork. I don't want eggs, cheese, or yogurt. I do sort of want to have some fish, occasionally, and I know that makes me an awful person, but I feel like we can all do the best that we can. I've already stopped eating processed foods, hydrogenated oils, refined sugar, and refined flour and rice (except in my beloved sushi). No more soda, no more coffee...but maybe a little fish once and awhile. I live in Maryland, for God's sakes-we have nothing else to look forward to except an occasional crabcake.
I'd like to start experiementing a little more with cooking, and with that, I'll start to post some recipes, etc. My standard meal is just rice, beans, olives, and tofu, and I'm still not doing a great job with tofu so it's getting a little old.
I dare anyone to join me...for 30 days. At the very least, it is a nice test of willpower and you may find that it makes you feel happier and healthier. And you may just realize how much you appreciate the meat that you do have in your diet. I dare you to try and find out!
I'd like to start experiementing a little more with cooking, and with that, I'll start to post some recipes, etc. My standard meal is just rice, beans, olives, and tofu, and I'm still not doing a great job with tofu so it's getting a little old.
I dare anyone to join me...for 30 days. At the very least, it is a nice test of willpower and you may find that it makes you feel happier and healthier. And you may just realize how much you appreciate the meat that you do have in your diet. I dare you to try and find out!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Card Carrying Member
I just donated to Peta and became a Peta member. Now I think that they can go a little overboard on somethings, but I have to say if shock value gets people to act, well then so be it. It's still a little nutty though, but I figured I'd put my money where my mouth is.
I did eat some raw tuna steak today and felt weird about it. I feel guilty for eating the sushi, and I don't know why it is bugging me so much. I guess it is because I know I'm not being a "good little vegan" but I think that it is good to have a little more protein in the diet and the sushi fish is supplementing that. Or at least that is how I am justifying it.
I wonder if vegans think I am a hypocrite?
Tomorrow is my last official day. And I'm sooooo going to keep up with it b/c I couldn't be happier.
I did eat some raw tuna steak today and felt weird about it. I feel guilty for eating the sushi, and I don't know why it is bugging me so much. I guess it is because I know I'm not being a "good little vegan" but I think that it is good to have a little more protein in the diet and the sushi fish is supplementing that. Or at least that is how I am justifying it.
I wonder if vegans think I am a hypocrite?
Tomorrow is my last official day. And I'm sooooo going to keep up with it b/c I couldn't be happier.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
In the Land of Soy Milk and Agave Nectar
Sunny San Diego proved to be a goldmine for vegan eating. Not that I was surprised because Californians are stereotypically big fans of tofu and sprouts, so it was perfect for me. The first night we ate at Baja Fresh, which is a great little fast food Mexican place that puts Taco Bell to shame. They were so great to me there. I got my beans and rice with some guacamole. (I had to assume that the guac didn't have any sour cream in it...that is a standard assumption I will be making unless otherwise noted). It was delicious and fresh and wonderful!
We also went to a great place called Pei Wei. (Pay Way) This is like a stir fry with rice or noodles place and it was awesome. First of all they had brown rice, which made me super happy, but in lieu of meat you could choose the tofu and veggies. It was so delicious that we went there twice. So so so so good.
I did have my sushi. I actually felt really guilty about it, so I'm not sure if I will just let go of the guilt or let go of my precious raw fish.
The best part of the week, other than seeing my friends David, George and Janie, was Jimbos. The best way to describe Jimbos is "Heaven on Earth". Jimbos is a full service grocery store that caters to those who wish to eat organically. NOTHING in their store has refined white sugar and the majority of their items are vegetarian or vegan. This place was amazing. I felt like a kid in a guilt-free candy store because almost everything I picked up was appropriate for me. If I ever move to San Diego, as I've dreamed about for years, I have to be within short drive or walking distance from Jimbos. Best place ever. And the best thing ever is their deli. They make made-to-order sandwiches and I had the best thing I've ever eaten. Vegan or non vegan. It was called the Lone Star sandwich and it was marinated tofu (marinated to be a sweet/spicy flavor) with avacado, sprouts, Bac-un, tomato and pickle. FANFREAKINGTASTIC! My friend Linda was with me and she ordered a turkey sandwich and said it was the best turkey she'd ever had. We both went there to pick up a sandwich to take on the plane the next day, and we also won over another guy that was at our meeting.
Lastly, I want to mention that I watched the documentary I AM ANIMAL. It is the story of Ingrid Newkirk, the cofounder of Peta. It was very well done and showed several sides to the woman as well as the cause, and I liked that it wasn't skewed to indicate that she was a perfect woman. Once again, there were scenes of the treatment in meat packing facilities and it was unbelieveable. I was sobbing and it was only like a 2 minute montage clip. Stupid people molesting a chicken with their finger because it is funny. A cow that hadn't been killed by a machine literally had its skin taken off while it was still alive. Here's the thing: I don't think that Peta is saying "don't eat meat". They're saying "stop torturing defenseless animals for food-there is a humane way to kill" and there is. It was just terrible and I encourage people to learn about and read about (not from some crazy peta movie or anything else) about the treatment of animals in these facilities. The answer isn't to stop eating meat-the answer is to campaign and write to Congressmen, the facilities, etc., and explain that you don't appreicate this treatment of the animal and will not be purchasing their brand unless they raise their standards. It is heartbreaking though because as much as we joke about Chinese food sometimes, we'd never think of eating a cat...so why does turkey, beef, and pork pop into our minds as appropriate food? Enough preaching, I'm sorry. I'm still a raw fish eater so I can't talk, but I just find it so terrible the way they are treated and something needs to change. Yeah, they'll feel pain but they need not be treated like "pieces of meat" when they deserve respect too.
We also went to a great place called Pei Wei. (Pay Way) This is like a stir fry with rice or noodles place and it was awesome. First of all they had brown rice, which made me super happy, but in lieu of meat you could choose the tofu and veggies. It was so delicious that we went there twice. So so so so good.
I did have my sushi. I actually felt really guilty about it, so I'm not sure if I will just let go of the guilt or let go of my precious raw fish.
The best part of the week, other than seeing my friends David, George and Janie, was Jimbos. The best way to describe Jimbos is "Heaven on Earth". Jimbos is a full service grocery store that caters to those who wish to eat organically. NOTHING in their store has refined white sugar and the majority of their items are vegetarian or vegan. This place was amazing. I felt like a kid in a guilt-free candy store because almost everything I picked up was appropriate for me. If I ever move to San Diego, as I've dreamed about for years, I have to be within short drive or walking distance from Jimbos. Best place ever. And the best thing ever is their deli. They make made-to-order sandwiches and I had the best thing I've ever eaten. Vegan or non vegan. It was called the Lone Star sandwich and it was marinated tofu (marinated to be a sweet/spicy flavor) with avacado, sprouts, Bac-un, tomato and pickle. FANFREAKINGTASTIC! My friend Linda was with me and she ordered a turkey sandwich and said it was the best turkey she'd ever had. We both went there to pick up a sandwich to take on the plane the next day, and we also won over another guy that was at our meeting.
Lastly, I want to mention that I watched the documentary I AM ANIMAL. It is the story of Ingrid Newkirk, the cofounder of Peta. It was very well done and showed several sides to the woman as well as the cause, and I liked that it wasn't skewed to indicate that she was a perfect woman. Once again, there were scenes of the treatment in meat packing facilities and it was unbelieveable. I was sobbing and it was only like a 2 minute montage clip. Stupid people molesting a chicken with their finger because it is funny. A cow that hadn't been killed by a machine literally had its skin taken off while it was still alive. Here's the thing: I don't think that Peta is saying "don't eat meat". They're saying "stop torturing defenseless animals for food-there is a humane way to kill" and there is. It was just terrible and I encourage people to learn about and read about (not from some crazy peta movie or anything else) about the treatment of animals in these facilities. The answer isn't to stop eating meat-the answer is to campaign and write to Congressmen, the facilities, etc., and explain that you don't appreicate this treatment of the animal and will not be purchasing their brand unless they raise their standards. It is heartbreaking though because as much as we joke about Chinese food sometimes, we'd never think of eating a cat...so why does turkey, beef, and pork pop into our minds as appropriate food? Enough preaching, I'm sorry. I'm still a raw fish eater so I can't talk, but I just find it so terrible the way they are treated and something needs to change. Yeah, they'll feel pain but they need not be treated like "pieces of meat" when they deserve respect too.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Day 18: More Food Reviews
I haven't been cooking as much as I wanted to during this vegan trial, but I have been enjoying some vegan convenience foods and wanted to share my finds.
-Amy's Texas Burgers: Oh my God these are delicious. They have a nutty taste to them (from the bulgar) and a great texture (probably also the bulgar) and they just make me happy. I enjoy them just plain (no bun) and they are super nutritious and low in fat. I haven't tried grilling them, but they are even awesome out of the microwave.
-Alexia Foods Organic French Fries: I'm going to pull a Forrest Gump here. They have all kinds of fries; sweet potato fries, yukon gold fries, sea salt fries, pesto fries, the list goes on and on. They are super yummy and fairly low in fat per serving. The two combined make a great "fast food" kind of meal, and they definitely kept my belly happy.
Not much else going on. I will probably not be able to blog too much next week as I'll be in San Diego for travel. That is going to be the real test for me-eating out vegan for every meal, but it is California and they are definitely more veggie friendly. I'm getting my sushi though, and I can't wait!!
I am still feeling a little weak and I think I have an iron defieciency. I'll start taking vitamins because I don't like how that feels (my bowling ball felt so heavy) but I love how I feel about the rest of it. I am planting my seedlings in the garden this weekend, so hopefully I'll have a bounty of fresh veggies throughout the summer to enjoy. I'm really looking forward to it and now that I'm done with grad school I'll have more time to cook some of the fresh stuff instead of relying on my boxed dinners.
-Amy's Texas Burgers: Oh my God these are delicious. They have a nutty taste to them (from the bulgar) and a great texture (probably also the bulgar) and they just make me happy. I enjoy them just plain (no bun) and they are super nutritious and low in fat. I haven't tried grilling them, but they are even awesome out of the microwave.
-Alexia Foods Organic French Fries: I'm going to pull a Forrest Gump here. They have all kinds of fries; sweet potato fries, yukon gold fries, sea salt fries, pesto fries, the list goes on and on. They are super yummy and fairly low in fat per serving. The two combined make a great "fast food" kind of meal, and they definitely kept my belly happy.
Not much else going on. I will probably not be able to blog too much next week as I'll be in San Diego for travel. That is going to be the real test for me-eating out vegan for every meal, but it is California and they are definitely more veggie friendly. I'm getting my sushi though, and I can't wait!!
I am still feeling a little weak and I think I have an iron defieciency. I'll start taking vitamins because I don't like how that feels (my bowling ball felt so heavy) but I love how I feel about the rest of it. I am planting my seedlings in the garden this weekend, so hopefully I'll have a bounty of fresh veggies throughout the summer to enjoy. I'm really looking forward to it and now that I'm done with grad school I'll have more time to cook some of the fresh stuff instead of relying on my boxed dinners.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Day16: The Weakling
I think the lack of protein is getting to me. I tried to lift some cases of soda at work (for someone else, I am no longer enjoying the goods) and I could barely do it. I am not a weak girl by any means. I guess I am defiecient in B12
Monday, April 7, 2008
Day 14: Livin' on a Prayer
I'm halfway through my 30 day trial. I have not had any meat cravings, nor have I had any dairy cravings...with one exception. I just want a piece of pizza with cheese on it. Dear Lord I want a piece of pizza. I can't stop thinking about it, it's all I ever think about and I'm going crazy. I'm not a big pizza girl anyway, but I want a flippin' slice of pizza!!! On day 31 I will be enjoying a slice of homemade pizza and I don't care who knows it!!
I went to a party yesterday and had no problem with the cravings. There wasn't anything there that I could eat, but I'd planned ahead and had a snack before I went. Probably a good thing to do if you aren't a vegan b/c it cuts down on your intake. They had the little sandwich pinwheels that I love, but I didn't eat any and felt better for it. I usually feel so guilty for pigging out on the stuff, so this was way better.
I made sweet potato fries on Friday night. They were pretty good, and guilt free, so that made them taste even better. My boyfriend and I have discovered an addition to Veggie Booty, and we managed to eat two bags over the course of the weekend. I ate a lot of strawberries and grapes this weekend, and they were super tasty.
So yeah, this isn't so bad. I need to be cooking a little more, but I'm busy with school right now (last week!) so that takes up a lot of my time. I'm down a total of 7 lbs now too, which is pretty nice for a gal who is still eating like a little hoglet.
I went to a party yesterday and had no problem with the cravings. There wasn't anything there that I could eat, but I'd planned ahead and had a snack before I went. Probably a good thing to do if you aren't a vegan b/c it cuts down on your intake. They had the little sandwich pinwheels that I love, but I didn't eat any and felt better for it. I usually feel so guilty for pigging out on the stuff, so this was way better.
I made sweet potato fries on Friday night. They were pretty good, and guilt free, so that made them taste even better. My boyfriend and I have discovered an addition to Veggie Booty, and we managed to eat two bags over the course of the weekend. I ate a lot of strawberries and grapes this weekend, and they were super tasty.
So yeah, this isn't so bad. I need to be cooking a little more, but I'm busy with school right now (last week!) so that takes up a lot of my time. I'm down a total of 7 lbs now too, which is pretty nice for a gal who is still eating like a little hoglet.
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