Turning Veganese

Cookie Disaster Bowl Sunday

2008-02-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

It is Super Bowl Sunday, so I pretty much grazed throughout the day rather than eating standard "meals" per-say. I'm embarassed to admit it, but here's a list of all the crap I ate today from start to finish:

English muffin w/ strawberry jelly
Total Raisin Bran w/ soymilk
1 piece of Endangered Species chocolate
Chik'n Nuggets dipped in bbq sauce
Sweet Potato Fries dipped in ketchsup
Vegan Chocolate Chip cookie dough
An obsene amount of pretzels
1 liter of Sprite (that's right, I worked up a thirst watching the game!)
BK medium onion rings

The Vegan Outback Experience

2008-01-31T12:03:00.000-08:00

Ironically, Outback Steakhouse has romantic significance for my husband and I, because that is where we went on our first "official" date and we also agreed to call each other our "boyfriend/girlfriend" that night as well. When I decided to be a vegan I had no misgivings that I would be expected to endure the occasional trip to Outback with my husband. He also happily received 2 gift cards for Outback this holiday season, and we used one of them to dine this evening.

The Outback Experience as a vegan is decidely different than when I was a meat eater, or even back in college as a vegetarian. There is very little on the menu that I can eat, and I guiltly decided to eat the bread and some bloomin' onion which based on internet information I know to contain egg. I also watched as my husband devoured a rack of bbq ribs and a mountain of cheese fries dipped in full fat ranch as we discussed the poor quality of the American diet.

It is hard to not be judgemental or cynical. I must admit that at times I felt myself becoming prideful compared to the carnivores pulling meat off with their teeth straight from the bone and dipping anything resembling a vegetable in lard surrounding me. But I also felt shameful for compromising some of my values too. It is a dilemma: do I let a place with fond pre-martial courtship memories be tainted by my vegan views? or do I lower my standards occasionally to maintain some marital bliss? I have no answers, but what I do know is that next time I plan to skip the bread and bloomin' onion, sneak in my own vegan salad dressing, and add an order of steamed veggies sans butter to my order.

Breakfast
Einstein Bros Everything Bagel with Hummus

Lunch
Subway 6" Veggie Sub
1 small can of Lima Beans
2/3 banana, and 1/4 orange

Dinner at Outback
4 small slices of pumpernickel bread dipped in olive oil/pepper blend
Small plate of Bloomin' Onion
1/2 of a sweet potato (lost the butter, kept the brown sugar!)
House Salad minus cheese and croutons, with oil and vinegar

My 20 Grams of Protein Vegan Dinner!

2008-01-30T11:50:00.000-08:00

The first question non-vegans usually ask is: "How do you get enough protein?" I understand their concern, prior to becoming a vegan I had no idea that grains and veggies contain protein. Now I know better and can assure people that I get protein lots of different ways, but even I was excited to count up the protein grams in my dinner tonight. I had a can of vegetable barley soup, which did contain beans now that I think of it, but I got 12 grams of protein there. Then I made Pillsbury breadsticks, the kind that pop out of a can and you bake them, with 2 grams of protein each and I ate 4 of them! Viola! 20 grams of protein...now really who would have thought I could get all that from some vegetable soup and breadsticks without tossing in some tofu somewhere? I was thrilled, yum!

Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bagel with Peanut Butter and Plum Cherry Spread

Lunch
Leftover slice of pizza
Salad with salad confetti, croutons, and Light Balsamic Vingarette
Asian Pear

Snack
Pretzels
Honey Roasted Chipotle Peanuts

Dinner
1 Can Vegetable Barley soup
4 small breadsticks (for dipping!)

Vegan Enchilada Casserole

2008-01-29T11:42:00.000-08:00

It was so fun grocery shopping with my husband last night, for some reason we both get happy around aisles and aisles of food! It was also fun whipping up this dish, although I would say that this recipe is still a work in progress. Be sure to check out my "what I would do differently next time" section at the end.

1/2 Bag Frozen Ore Ida Potatoes O'Brien (with onions and peppers)
Olive Oil
Small Corn Tortillas
1 can Black Beans
1 can Plain Yellow Corn (without cream sauce or anything)
1 big can of Enchilada Sauce

First I followed the instructions for cooking the frozen potatoes on the bag in olive oil over medium heat. I let them cook until they were no longer frozen and were somewhat soft but not crispy yet.

While potatoes are cooking, pre-heat oven to 375 and place a single layer of corn tortillas in a 13"x9" rectangular baking pan, drain canned black beans and layer them over the tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce, drain corn and layer over the black beans (they will mix together and that is fine), cover with enchilada sauce again, when potatoes are ready layer them on top of the beans and corn then cover with enchilada sauce, finally place another layer of corn tortillas on top and cover with enchilada sauce, place in oven for 20 minutes.

What I would do differently next time:
- we added pepper and chili powder after adding the potatoes and I think they competed with the enchilada sauce too much
- we usually use Olde El Paso brand enchilada sauce but this time went with the generic which was not as good, I would not make this mistake again
- the potatoes didn't soften in the oven as much as I expected them too, so I would cook them more thoroughly before adding them next time
- we left it in the oven for 20 minutes and I may let it stay 5 minutes longer next time to firm up a bit

Breakfast
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich - I knew I had a lot of morning meetings today so this little sandwich was hearty enough to see me through to lunch time!

Lunch
Leftover Enchilada Casserole - Better the second day, isn't it funny how that happens!
Green Giant Immunity Boost Frozen Veggies - "Broccoli florets, julienne carrots and red and yellow sweet pepper strips in a garlic-herb infused extra virgin olive oil seasoning"

Snack
Sun Chips

Dinner
3 slices of cheese-less pizza with artichoke hearts, green peppers, and pineapple from Papa Murphy's (the best take and bake pizza place ever!)
Sweet Baby Greens Salad with salad confetti, croutons, and Light Balsamic Vingarette

Back to Reality

2008-01-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot that I have job, like "Oh yeah, I have to go to work. I can't just hangout with my husband and family and have fun all the time....!" Another reality check was coming home to our pantry which I intentionally wiped out before we left, so I'm kinda flying by the seat of my pants as far as eating today goes. We plan on going grocery shopping tonight after I get off work. I'm hoping to look through my new vegan cookbooks for inspiration beforehand if possible. My husband and I both need to step up our food game now that we are back to reality, we basically chowed down on our trip. I was able to maintain my weight within my normal flux range but on the higher end of course. My husband was depressed this morning to find that he had gained about 7 pounds so I think he may be even more willing to eat some veggies this week...we'll see!

Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bagel with peanut butter and plum cherry spread

Snack
2 large strawberries and 3 grapes

Lunch
1 and 1/2 Taco Bell 5 Layer Burritos

Snack
Handful Raw Almonds
1/2 Handful dried Cranberries

Dinner
Enchilada Casserole
Sun Chips

Our Trip to NC the Highlights

2008-01-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

I gave up on blogging about 2 days into our NC trip because my access to Internet was inconsistent, I was busy spending time with loved ones, and honestly I was pigging out so keeping track of everything I was eating proved to be a daunting task. But now I am back in Colorado Springs and ready to recommit myself to this blog. I actually have found it helpful, knowing that I will be posting on everything I eat seems to hold me more accountable for what/how much I eat.

However, before I move away from my vacation completely I would like to mention some of the highlights.

Top Vegan Eats on NC trip:

#1 - Once In a Blue Moon Bakery (http://www.bluemoonbakery.com/)

I got my wedding cake from this magical establishment before I was a vegan and mourned that I would never taste its goodness after becoming one, but...by the grace alone it just so happens that they make VEGAN CAKES!!! I ordered a Vegan version of their toasted almond cake for a family get together that went like this: 3 layers chocolate cake with amaretto liquor and vanilla frosting in between each layer, topped with vanilla frosting and toasted almonds. It was orgasmic...not to mention a big hit with the family who kept asking "You mean there's no eggs in this? no milk?" in disbelief.

#2 -Hush Puppies

Yes, I had to go to a place called "Smithfield's Chicken and Bar-B-Q" and watch my husband eat 4 (that's right 4) barbecue and coleslaw sandwiches to get them, but man were they good! After the woman in the drive-thru told me all they add is water to the mix I ate enough of them to make myself sick! I was in southern fried heaven!

#3 - The Peanut Roaster

Authentic North Carolina Roasted Peanuts in tons of fun to eat flavors: http://www.peanut.com/

#4 - Little Panda Express (actually in Columbia, SC)

Random Asian food restaurant in a Wal-mart shopping center served me the best bean curd and vegetable fast food stir-fry I've ever tasted hands down!

My first VWAV Recipe = SUCCESS!

2008-01-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

Breakfast
VWAV Blueberry Waffles topped w/ sliced bananas and maple syrup
4 slices Smart Bacon

Lunch
Italian Bread w/ Balsamic Garlic Olive Oil or Roasted Red Peeper Hummus
Small Bowl of Homemade Chili

Snack
Brownies

Dinner
Fried Eggplant
Mashed Sweet Potato
Side Salad w/ tomato, cucumber, and Italian Dressing

Dessert
Brownie

Home Sweet Home

2008-01-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

In case you've never been to NC when there is a possiblity of snow, I will explain that everything shuts down...EVERYTHING. Its not snowing yet, but it is supposed to tomorrow so naturally everyone is at the grocery store stocking up for the maybe 1-2 inches of snow forcasted. We were no exception, as ridiculous and unnecessary as all these percautions may be it is kinda fun to hide away at home and snack like there is no tomorrow. Which leads me to our first homemade goodie of the day - Chex Mix! We used the original recipe (found here or on the Chex box http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=6709&CategoryId=343) but substituted buttery spread for the butter. It seemed to be missing something though, if I were to do it again I would turn up the volume on some of the seasonings to make up for the lost butter taste.

Next we made homemade chili from my mom's recipe which is spiced up by diced tomatoes with green chilies!

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 package Morningstar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles

1 package McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix

Add all ingredients to a sauce pan, heat it up, let it simmer with the lid on for a bit, and you're good to go! I learned from my husband's family that chili is great served with warm flour tortillas for dipping or wrapping. Also, I may try sprinkling some fake cheese over the chili next time.

Breakfast
Medium Banana
4 small rounds Fruit and Seed French Loaf Bread w/ Honey Butter (non-dairy)

Snack
Homemade Chex Mix

Lunch
Reese's Puffs Cereal
Light Chocolate Soy Milk

Dinner
Homemade Chili in 2 flour tortillas
1 Bottle of Sprite

The BK Veggie Burger and Almost Vegan Justification

2008-01-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

Breakfast
Medium Banana
Luna Bar - Nuts Over Chocolate

Snack
Dried Apricots
Sunflower Seeds
1 Bottle Odwalla Superfood

Lunch
Black Bean Quesadillas
Chips and Salsa + Guac

Dinner
Burger King Veggie Burger
Medium Fry
Medium Sprite

Baby Talk

2008-01-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

It seems like everywhere I go is a buzz with baby talk these days. One of my co-workers just announced she was about 3 months pregnant, another had a baby a year ago and is trying for a second, and since my husband just got back from Iraq everyone is teasing me about being next. My husband's cousin (who happens to be autistic making him the most forthright human being on the planet) announced at our family's Christmas gathering that we are just going to have a baby now that Nick is home. Perceptive or psychic I'm not sure, but either way it is coming up a lot.

All this baby talk has lead me to look into Vegan pregnancies and think a bit more about making sure I am getting what I need from my food should I unknowingly be pregnant. I am a little afraid of others questioning my diet if I ever do have a bun in the oven. I can just imagine being accosted by strangers in supermarkets or restaurants as if I were full-bellied chugging a 40oz or lighting up a crack pipe. Hopefully those fears are unrealistic; however, a more realistic fear may be "Oh my god, what if I start to crave meat!!!" YUCK!

Anyway, it seems like there are lots of books and resources on the subject of Vegan pregnancies to support me in my efforts. I was especially comforted by an article I found here: http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/veganpregnancy.htm which talks about how to meet nutritional needs and gives a sample menu. I think sample menus will be key, so I wish there was more than one day's example offered. If anyone knows of some good resources on the subject please let me know!

Breakfast
Apple
3 blueberry mini-bagels w/ Toffutti cream cheese

Snack
Handful Globe Grapes

Lunch
Leftover Meatless Meatball Sub
Hot and Spicy Green Beans

Snack
Luna Bar
Red Bing Cherries

Dinner
Taco Bell - 2 Seven Layer Burritos (minus the cheese and sour cream) which will henceforth be referred to by me as a Taco Bell Five Layer Burrito
A few of my husband's fries from Wendy's

I Love You La Baguette

2008-01-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend I made the most fabulous discovery in the bakery section of King Soopers "La Baguette French Bread Company". They are a local french bakery and cafe here in Colorado Springs. After picking up their "Pecan Raisin" bread and being happy to find that it was vegan I decided to give it a try.

Well let me just say, put a couple of slices in the toaster then top with some buttery spread and it is like heaven on a plate. I am now a devotee of this little bread company and fantasize about going to the cafe one day and finding it to be a magical place with every baked delight my vegan heart could ever hope for! The best part is that the ingredients read like this: unbleached wheat flour, raisins, pecans, yeast, water, and salt. I mean it doesn't get any better than that, so it should come as no surprise what I had for breakfast this morning.

Breakfast
2 slices Pecan Raisin Bread w/ Earth Balance Buttery Spread
Small Apple (McIntosh my fave!)

Snack
Handful of Raw Almonds
Handful of Dried Apricots

Lunch
2 Soft Tacos - Taco seasoned Ground Boca Burger, lettuce, tomato, and salsa in flour tortillas
Medium Orange

Snack
1/2 Wheat Pita Pocket filled w/ caramelized onions, lettuce, and hummus
Handful of Baby Carrots

Dinner (At the mall food court...I did my best!)

Veg Gyro - lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, cucumber sauce in flatbread

1/2 order of french fries

small Sprite

1/3 fruit smoothie with protein boost

Have it Your Way!

2008-01-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

So today after an intense conversation with a co-worker about her sincere concerns about my being Vegan as it relates to pregnancy I have decided to set others nerves at ease and blog about what I eat on a daily basis. I mean if people feel like they have the right to investigate my eating habits now, I can't image what it will be like if/when I become pregnant (which I could be right now for all I know, my husband just got back from Iraq on Christmas Eve so ...). I will just give the people what they want, which I guess is peace of mind that I am not destroying myself or a potential grandchild with my choice of diet. Its reasonable I guess and they love me right? So here it goes!

Breakfast
Luna Sunrise Breakfast Bar - Blueberry Yogurt flavored
Starbucks Grande Decaf Soy Latte

Snack
Medium Orange

Lunch
Quesadilla - garlic refried beans, sauteed onions and sweet peppers, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa between two flour tortillas
A few bites of Spanish rice (I was really full after the quesadilla!)
Nature Made Multi for Her Multivitamin

Snack
Red Bing Cherries
Medium Sweet Potato

Dinner
Meatless Meatball Sub w/ homemade marinara sauce (I'm kinda proud of that!) and caramelized onions
Roasted Butternut Squash
Side Salad - lettuce, tomato, sunflower seeds and Italian Dressing

Water
3 - 20 oz. water bottle refilled
3- 12 oz. glasses of water