Most vegans can testify to this; when you tell folks that you don’t consume ANY animal products, some look at you in utter bewilderment not quite understanding what you mean, and yet, others scowl at you as if you have just farted in their presence. People who personally know me and about my life ask, “Are you going to make your daughter be a vegan too?” (That’s a conversation we’ll visit in a minute).
There are also many people who are curious about eating vegan and how it can be practical and affordable, which I can appreciate because it was a concern of my own at first. And inevitably, there are those who argue against being a vegan, both strangers and family, even though some know VERY LITTLE about vegan nutrition.
But even through the good,bad, and ugly, I’ve decided not to let any negativity or mis-education about veganism hinder my progress and determination, because after all, I don’t want this blog to become that of a PISSED OFF vegan from having to defend my personal nutritional choices.
So, let’s start from the top.
Why did I decide to become a vegan?
1. My daughter. I want my eating habits to have a positive impact on her health, and I don’t want the results of my eating habits (high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes) to have such a negative effect on my own health that I won’t be able to enjoy life with her.
2. Personal sanity. Have you ever seen the films Food Inc or Supersize Me? I encourage you to watch them. Both of these films highlight the fact that both plants and animals that are being commercially grown and raised are being done with tons of chemicals and pesticides that damage our bodies. I don’t know about you, but I don’t need to worry that I’m eating an animal that was poorly nourished with chemically laced food when I sit down at the dinner table. Also, when considering the health of the planet for future generations, commercial farms aren’t sustainable, so by adding to the number of people demanding meat, you can lessen the impact that commercial farms have on the earth.
3. Control. I want control over my eating habits. And for me, the first step to having control is “TO KNOW THYSELF”. I’m the type of person that over indulges in food. If I eat meat, I want it covered in rich buttery sauces, fried, or covered in cheese. If I eat donuts, I want 6 of them in one sitting. By eliminating certain triggers that cause me to over indulge, I’m taking a step towards gaining mental control over my food choices.
Is my daughter a vegan too?
No, not yet. She’s only 2 and doesn’t quite understand life without chicken. I intend to gradually increase her awareness and tolerance to eating vegan food as she gets older. In the meantime, when we’re with family and friends for birthdays and gatherings, we will (she and I) make sure that she chooses the healthiest stuff available. But absolutely no more fast food!!!! At home, I’ll be cooking vegan, mostly organic food for myself, but she’ll be able to have traditional cheese and vegan cheese (when my budget allows) for it as well as hormone/antibiotic/ cage free chickens. She’s allergic to cow’s milk (but for some reason can tolerate cheese???), so that’s not a concern. And she’s got sensitivities to seafood and shellfish and we don’t’ eat them, so I won’t have to worry about that either.
Is my lifestyle completely vegan?
No, not yet. Right now I've decided to become vegan for mostly health reasons and to lessen my impact on the earth. I can't say that I'm a "PETA Vegan" at this point, but I do agree that animals should be treated respectfully (if that makes any sense). I have thought about eliminating, leather, non-animal friendly makeup, and non-animal friendly skin care, but haven't really committed yet. Besides, I have a fab pair of black leather knee high boots that I searched the earth for to fit over my big a** calves, so I’m not really that eager to part ways with them. Until I find a non leather version of them, I’ll hang on to them a bit longer, thank you kindly J. As far as skincare and makeup, I have a book called The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Making Natural Beauty Products by Sally Trew that I’ll be diving into to learn how to whip up my own stuff at home.
How long have I been vegan?
Officially…about 48 hours. Don’t laugh!!! J. I’ve been experimenting with vegan and vegetarian recipes for about 3 months now by making 2 or 3 vegan or vegetarian meals a week. So far, my daughter hasn’t had a tantrum about the lack of meat, although she did make a strange face when I told her we were eating tofu one night.
Do you recommend any books or movies?
I’ve only seen Food Nation, Food Inc, and Supersize me. All three were very informative and helped me make my final decision on becoming vegan. I’ve got a book called “By Any Greens Necessary”, "Crazy, Sexy Diet" and “In Defense of Food” on the way so check back for my opinion on those.
What have you stocked your kitchen with?
Some of these items I already had on hand, like seasonings, beans, and milk. But I've also addes some things.
I’ve stocked my pantry with lots of seasonings, like Indian garam misala, curry (Indian and Jamaican), Chinese 5 spice, onion and garlic powder, various dried herbs, Italian seasoning, adobo, chili flakes, sea salt, cumin, coriander, chili powder, lemon pepper, and nutritional yeast.
Condiments- Veganaise (vegan mayo), honey, dijon, and spicy brown mustard, vegetable broth, low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil. I plan on getting some tofu sour cream
Milk-Almond and soy milk
Fruits-winter fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges.
Vegetables-broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, collard greens, kale greens, green onions, avocados, squash, and lettuce
Beans-canned and dried red, kidney, black, navy, pinto, and garbanzo (chickpeas)
Oats and grains- oatmeal, Israeli couscous, whole wheat couscous, brown rice, and quinoa. I’m currently using regular whole wheat bread, but plan to transition to sprouted grain bread soon.
Extra firm plain tofu and fried puffy tofu from my local tofu store.
Nuts-Right now all I have is sunflower seeds because they were the cheapest. I do plan on getting almonds and cashews to make sauces with.
Tools-Knives and cutting board, and a blender (Wal-Mart) that I use to make my sauces and smoothies with. On my wish list: food processor, juicer, spiral vegetable slicer, large cast iron skillet, Vita Mix, and garlic press
So far, I'm happy with what I have in my pantry since it allows me to make a variety of meals. I plan to gradually add to my supply over the next 3 or 4 months as I learn more about Vegan essentials.
So there you have it, the beginning of my vegan journey. What are your thoughts? Do you have any experiences to share about your lifestyle as a new vegan or veteran vegan?
