So, here's the thing. I'm not actually adhering to the vegan diet 100 percent. And that's okay with me.
If I'm craving chocolate and there happens to be a bowl of M&Ms nearby, I will probably eat a few. This morning I had some cream of wheat. One of the final ingredients was whey. I figured there couldn't be very much in there.
I'm more worried about the bigger picture. Like this past weekend when we were eating a family meal with my in-laws. My brother in law was happy to prepare his specialty for everyone: stuffed steak. That's a plate-sized piece of beef, marinated and baked with bacon and mushrooms. I've had it before and can varify that it tastes pretty dang good. But this weekend, I wasn't tempted by it (much) because I knew if I ate it, I would not feel good at all. I ate a baked potato (topped with mushrooms and olive oil, salt and pepper) and a salad, and didn't feel a bit deprived.
I have replaced cow's milk with almond and coconut milk. I miss cheese a good deal--haven't tried the soy variety yet. Eggs have been superseded by tofu. But I'm not focusing on the things that I'm not eating. I'm focusing on all the delicious things I'm embracing. Take for instance dinner last night: steamed carrots and broccoli, corn on the cob, and quinoa. (6 year old daughter's comment: "Sheesh, that's a lot of vegetables..." but she ate it all!)
Or the fabulous mexi salad I made the other day with romaine lettuce, vegetarian refried beans, lime garlic salsa, and corn chips. SO GOOD.
A few days ago I sauteed tofu with green onions and fresh pineapple, then added soy sauce, peanut butter, garlic, and red pepper. Served it over rice. It was amazing.
So far, I have lost 10 pounds eating this way and I feel really great. I could tell you some specific things in my health that are improved, but that would be TMI for this public space. Send me an email if you really want to know. What I notice most is that I have a lot more energy. It's pretty great.
What about you? How are you feeling? What struggles are you having with your diet?
It is interesting how your body changes after being on a better diet. I remember awhile back, just for kicks, I made some box mac & cheese. Afterwards, I pretty much wanted to die I felt so crummy. But I used to eat this stuff often! You win, healthier diet, you win. I have also enjoyed the clearness of the skin on my face. Who knew cutting out soda and Red Bull would finally rid me of those pesky red blotches that plagued me throughout the years. It's interesting now how we'll have a naughty treat - some sugary treats in my frozen yogurt or a soda with dinner - and it shows up on my face in about a day!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to follow through with "no cheese". Sooo tough. Doubt I'll try any kind of soy-versions. Soy makes me feel funny, sometimes. And because tofu is made from soy/soy milk, Luke really isn't interested in eating it. I'm sure the only kind we could find locally (Walmart) is a very over-processed version of tofu too.
Our biggest struggle is lunch. It's easy to make a decent breakfast or dinner, but sometime quick to have at work for lunch...what do we do. Can't eat salad every day. And I don't like beans (the texture more than the flavor) so that limits my vegetarian choices too...based on most of the "quick lunch" recipe suggestions I've seen.
Keep up the good work sis!
Oh, did try rice cheese on our homemade pizza before. Wasn't bad! And I believe we also did almond cheese...will have to ask Luke if that's correct. Again, gives you pretty much the same texture and flavor so on a pizza you don't really notice it's not "regular mozzarella".
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