Many people have asked why I chose to become Vegan including my co-workers, friends, DSTDiva and BlackRussian. My initial reasoning for becoming Vegan was for health. I have a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and if I'm not mistaken high cholesterol. Let me not forget I'm Lactose Intolerant. I remember my whole college career being surrounded by when and what I ate. If my friends and I wanted to go to a movie and grab something to eat, we would have to get the food after the movie cause I would be in the bathroom within minutes of eating pizza or ice cream or just a bowl of cereal. I still can't believe I allowed myself to go through all that.
A couple years back I started researching early prevention for the above ailments. Giving up dairy was a no brainer but I sure miss me some cheese sticks. Obesity and High cholesterol were a little on the easier side since obesity could be prevented using the correct diet and exercise and cholesterol is only in animal or animal by-products (i.e. meat, dairy, eggs). I was very surprised to find out a Vegan diet consisted of no cholesterol.
Weight loss was also an issue at the time and I came across "The McDougall Plan" which was mainly a vegan diet with little to no oil, processed meat and soy intake. It worked, I did lose alot of weight but it was due to always struggling to find something to eat. Of course you're gonna lose weight if your meals are based on ruffage! Nowadays I can go to a restaurant and order pasta with marinara sauce or a salad with dressing. The McDougall diet did not allow pasta or oil and I just couldn't cope. After that I decided to see how long I could go without eating meat. Would I live? Would I get sick? Would I have protein deficiency? I'm happy to say I'm still here and kicking!!! LOL!!!
Now, I've always been a junk food addict and have quite the sweet tooth as you can tell by my food pics. So I also thought the vegan diet would help with those cravings and get me eating more veggies. I am now eating more veggies but my sweet tooth is still here. I do revise my sweets recipes and use less sugar or less "butter" but I just can't give them up. It's also nice to be able to eat something without preservatives or fillers. I came across a bazillion sites with recipes and purchased some cookbooks (which I rarely use) to help me along the way.
I knew I would be Vegan before I locked so it was no surprise that I locked when I did. Just another added piece to my puzzle. As time has progressed and my research has continued I've become more aware of the heinous way the meat industries are treating the animals. Back in the day a farmer and his family would raise their farm animals and let them roam free and actually have a bit of freedom. Now alot of the companies are all about the mighty dollar and mass production, therefore the animals don't get that same life that was provided way back when and it's sad, their living conditions are heart-breaking.
By no way am I preaching to anyone about their food choices. I'm just letting everyone know a little more about me and why I choose to eat the way I do. I'm sure I left out so many things but it's all good. As long as you're healthy and happy Life is Good!!
A couple years back I started researching early prevention for the above ailments. Giving up dairy was a no brainer but I sure miss me some cheese sticks. Obesity and High cholesterol were a little on the easier side since obesity could be prevented using the correct diet and exercise and cholesterol is only in animal or animal by-products (i.e. meat, dairy, eggs). I was very surprised to find out a Vegan diet consisted of no cholesterol.
Weight loss was also an issue at the time and I came across "The McDougall Plan" which was mainly a vegan diet with little to no oil, processed meat and soy intake. It worked, I did lose alot of weight but it was due to always struggling to find something to eat. Of course you're gonna lose weight if your meals are based on ruffage! Nowadays I can go to a restaurant and order pasta with marinara sauce or a salad with dressing. The McDougall diet did not allow pasta or oil and I just couldn't cope. After that I decided to see how long I could go without eating meat. Would I live? Would I get sick? Would I have protein deficiency? I'm happy to say I'm still here and kicking!!! LOL!!!
Now, I've always been a junk food addict and have quite the sweet tooth as you can tell by my food pics. So I also thought the vegan diet would help with those cravings and get me eating more veggies. I am now eating more veggies but my sweet tooth is still here. I do revise my sweets recipes and use less sugar or less "butter" but I just can't give them up. It's also nice to be able to eat something without preservatives or fillers. I came across a bazillion sites with recipes and purchased some cookbooks (which I rarely use) to help me along the way.
I knew I would be Vegan before I locked so it was no surprise that I locked when I did. Just another added piece to my puzzle. As time has progressed and my research has continued I've become more aware of the heinous way the meat industries are treating the animals. Back in the day a farmer and his family would raise their farm animals and let them roam free and actually have a bit of freedom. Now alot of the companies are all about the mighty dollar and mass production, therefore the animals don't get that same life that was provided way back when and it's sad, their living conditions are heart-breaking.
By no way am I preaching to anyone about their food choices. I'm just letting everyone know a little more about me and why I choose to eat the way I do. I'm sure I left out so many things but it's all good. As long as you're healthy and happy Life is Good!!
When We Gonna See Some Food Pics!!!!!! Right Now!!!!
As you know my blog entry wouldn't be complete without some food pics. I really haven't been making too many new things lately but here are a few.
1) I got some wraps from Whole Foods and wanted to make something quick, so I whipped up some tofu, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, mushrooms, salsa and veganaise (vegan mayonnaise) and made this creation. It was PERFECT!! Let's just say I've been eating wraps for the last couple days...LOL!!!
2) Black Beans and Rice with BBQ Tofu. Beans good Tofu BAD!!! I'm still thinking you can season Tofu the same exact way you can regular meat and that's just not the case.. The Tofu should have been marinated before slathering the BBQ Sauce. My next go round will be better.
3)Peach Upside Down Cake... got this recipe from The Fat Free Vegan site and it was ok. I need to tweak the spices to my liking and it will be GREAT!!!! Susan the moderator on this site takes the most amazing pics of vegan foods and most are fat free or pretty close.
1) I got some wraps from Whole Foods and wanted to make something quick, so I whipped up some tofu, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, mushrooms, salsa and veganaise (vegan mayonnaise) and made this creation. It was PERFECT!! Let's just say I've been eating wraps for the last couple days...LOL!!!
2) Black Beans and Rice with BBQ Tofu. Beans good Tofu BAD!!! I'm still thinking you can season Tofu the same exact way you can regular meat and that's just not the case.. The Tofu should have been marinated before slathering the BBQ Sauce. My next go round will be better.
3)Peach Upside Down Cake... got this recipe from The Fat Free Vegan site and it was ok. I need to tweak the spices to my liking and it will be GREAT!!!! Susan the moderator on this site takes the most amazing pics of vegan foods and most are fat free or pretty close.
You Guys Have a Wonderful Weekend!!!!!!
24 comments:
ok, but what about some hair pics too!
My hair hasn't changed from my previous post earlier this month, just a little growth. I don't really style my hair so posting pics gets hard sometimes. Sorry to disappoint.....
Sorry to hear about the family history of all those diseases. I think you have made a wise choice. I know you will benefit from it in the long run.
On another note are still considering Nursing?
You would never guess what I'm having for dinner. Well it happens to be black beans and white rice( my favorite) along with tofu and some mixed vegetables. (I'll let you know how it turns out) I have been out of town for a minute and I'm trying to catch up on my vegetables. I notice it's really hard to stick to a vegetarian life style while out of town. Restaurants don't have that many options.
Do you know of any common restaurants that are vegan/vegetarian friendly? I still would like to go out to eat every now and then.
As always your food pics are the bomb. That peach upside down cake looks really good.
Question about a previous post.
Did you get that Apple Pastry Recipe from a website or did you make it on your own? I'm curious because it looks really good and I want to give it a try so if you don't mind sharing the recipe I would really appreciate it!
Well I've written more than enough. I'll be back to let you know how the tofu turned out!
Sistalocd> I think I made a good choice as well..
I'm still considering Nursing but can't afford to go back to school. I currently have a BS in MIS and the loans from that degree alone are killing me. So, I'm gonna have to wait a bit longer for Nursing School.
Let me know how the black beans and rice and tofu turn out. Did you marinate the tofu or fry with seasonings. Let me know, I'm always interested in trying tofu in different ways. A pic would be nice...hehehe!!!
I know there's a vegan restaurant in Ft Lauderdale called Sublime located on Federal Highway, it'll be nice to order anything on the menu without thinking twice. What my boyfriend and I do is go to Mexican, Thai, Chinese or West Indian Restaurants. I'm sure Miami has a great deal of Vegetarian Restaurants. Here's a site I found: http://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/florida/miami/
Thanks for the compliment on the food pics.
Here's the recipe for the pastry, I just subbed apples with cinnamon, earth balance and brown sugar for the filling... Another lovely vegweb.com recipe.
http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=15423.0
I remember being very curious with your love of vegan too. Then after reading your tag update, it was very eye awakening and I definitely understand. For the sake of my own health, I am starting to see the light.
Your pics always look so beautiful and appetizing. Have you thought about your very own vegan cafe?
I think you are wise to use this diet, especially with all the health concerns in your family. I think it's great. The food postings are making me hungry again(-:
Goodnapps> I have thought about openning up a vegan cafe/bakery but I know it won't be where I'm currently residing. There are so many goals I have I don't know where to begin, Nursing, Jewelry, Vegan Goods...LOL!!! Guess it's good to have goals right?
Aya> I knew the Vegan diet would help me tremendously. I think I've eaten more fruits and veggies and complex carbs in the last two years than in my lifetime.
I can understand your vegan diet and interesting post. I have cut down on my meats in an effort to eat more fruits and vegetables and it has helped tremendously. I need to try this blackbean recipe, b/c I love blackbeans. After looking at these pics I can't wait till lunch.
Thanks for breaking it down. There are many diseases in my family that are weight-related. As always, I love the pics of the food.
Thanks for sharing the info and websites. A for the tofu it came out alright due to the fact that it wasn't in the freezer for a whole 24 hrs. The next day we had yellow rice with curry and tofu and we tried rushing the tofu to freeze in less than 4 hrs lets just say we now know to plan ahead when it come to tofu.
I have another question about tofu is there a such thing as frying tofu or making the outside kind of hard or crunchy?
Cashana> Based on your post about your hair growth spurt I need to up my veggies as well...hehehehehe!! The black bean ingredients were sazon, salt, red wine vinegar, green peppers, and red onion..
Sophia> Thanks!!!!
Sistalocd> My wrap was made using tofu that wasn't frozen and it came out wonderfully!! I basically drained the water out of the tofu container and cut the tofu block in 5 even slices, I usually use only one slice. I grab a couple paper towels and wrap the tofu slice in it and press a bit to drain more liquid out of it. I get one more paper towel and drain a little more liquid. Cut the tofu into small cubes (I end up with about 9-12 cubes). I've found that unless you're using a great deal of oil with the tofu a nonstick pan is best. Use about 1-2 tsp of oil in the nonstick pan over medium heat and add the tofu, let each side cook for a while and the sides will start to brown. Once browned to your liking you add in your veggies or whatever and you're good to go!
You can also purchase tofu that's already drained and browned and heating is all that needs to be done. I think the brand I used was called Melissa's and it was at Wal-Mart in the produce section. It was pretty good but b/c it was pre-cooked/fried it had more fat and calories then I preferred. If you can find it try it out and see what you think. Many people fry their tofu to brown it or use a batter to give it an outside coating. Visit vegweb.com and look at the many tofu recipes they have. Good Luck!!!
More and more you're inspiring me to transition to a vegan lifestyle. I'm almost there. Just need to cross over. I'll definitely be sourcing your blog for food ideas and recipes. Thanks for sharing.
meikmeika...i too am vegan...i grew up vegetarian and then became vegan during medical school not really b/c of a personal family history but moreso b/c of the reading i've done on plant based and dairy free diets and i know many people that have experienced complete disease reversal by switching their diet. i haven't regretted becoming vegan yet..i know it's not for everyone but i LOVE it...i've been doing a lot of cookbook testing for veganyumyum(a ppker) and julie hasson...fun!! anyway, i was in orlando recently and ate at the garden cafe(vegan chinese food)...it was reaaally good. have you been there?
n'drea> Thanks! I read your blog and you stated you've been a veggie since 1999? WOW!!! Do you have any favorite recipes you can post? I think that would be great! I admire you tremendously for eating raw, that's something I'm also working towards so if you have any raw recipes I'm definitely interested.
Also, vegweb.com, theppk.com, and fatfreevegan.com are the sites I frequent most often for recipes.
Muse> I know the veganyumyum site and she is amazing!!! The knitting thread was phenomenal!! How's the testing going? Do you post your food pics on ppk? Do you have a blog you post your pics on??
I've never been to the vegan cafe but will check it out next weekend with my boyfriend.. So you can truely order anything on their menu?? Where is it located? Ordering anything on the menu is a dream come true...hehehehehe!
hey!
Been reading too many books and am seriously considering going vegan. I don't see your email address anywhere...can you email me so I can ask questions? (not too many I promise!) lol
Did you convert slowly...like no red meat...then no chicken...and so on or did you just cut everything off at once one day?
Cluizel> For some reason I thought I allowed my email address to be shown. I have updated my profile and changed it, my email address is luving1self@yahoo.com. You are more than welcome to email me with any questions.
As for my conversion, I stopped eating pork 4 years, red meat 3 years ago and everything else 2 years ago....and I haven't looked back.
Thanks for giving us a view on your life as a vegan....I have made some changes in my food choices over the years such as eating and only buying chicken, fish and turkey....I don't fry any foods in my home and have also helped my mother to make the transition to turkey..I am now a fan of ground chicken...Haven't quite made it vegan but am interested in more changes in my food choices..Thank you for being the inspiration that I or others need:)
here's the garden cafe info:
810 W. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL 32804
Tel : 407-999-9799
http://www.gardencafevege.com/html/contact.html
the testing is going great. i'm wrapping up testing for julie hasson and soon i'll be done testing for veganyumyum and mrsbadmouth(donteatoffthesidewalk zine). i do post on the ppk occasionally. my ppk name is veganmd.
have fun at the garden cafe.
Ok...I am gonna email but I had a quick question. lol.
Are you like a....hmmm...how do I say it...I dunno...but do you avoid all things animal...like no leather and stuff. I was wandering on vegan message boards and some people were saying Russell Simmons wasn't vegan because his clothing line used leather...
I dunno...I am on day 2 and I haven't died yet...and I feel really good...I guess I would be one of the hypocritical vegans. :-)
Cluizel> This is a hard one to answer but I can only respond with how I feel. All vegans are different and none should be judged.
I myself still own leather boots that I purchased years ago...so I guess I may be considered a hypocrit as well. I purchase vegan lotions, body washes, facial products, clothing, etc.
Many people confuse Veganism and Vegetarianism. Vegans do not eat or use animal or animal by-products. Vegetarians don't eat animals but still eat dairy products and eggs. Then again, there are many types of vegetarians who eat chicken and fish. It gets a bit confusing but I can only suggest researching veganism and vegetarianism to see which one is for you.
I hope this helps...
locksuluv> I remember going from ground beef to ground turkey to ground chicken. I made this black bean chili with ground chicken all the time and it was da bomb!! It was always hard for me to find ground chicken but when I did I went crazy..LOL!!! Thanks for the compliment! Congrats on getting your mother to make the transition to turkey, my mother wasn't even trying to hear me when I mentioned ground turkey.
Muse>Thanks for the cafe information, my hope is to eat their today and see how things go.. I can't wait, YUM!!!! I will keep an eye out for your food porn on theppk.
Muse> Just in case you happen to read the comments for this post, I did visit the Garden Cafe and the food was amazing! I got General Tso and my boyfriend got Kung Poa "Chicken".
My friends and I will be going back soon and I will have to take pics..
Thanks for the Recommendation!!!
Hello Sis,
First, let me say your SL's are very nice. I am in the beginning stages of traditional locks, and I enjoy reading and perusing all natural hair blogs and photo albums.
Second, you are only the third black woman I know other than my sister and I who have changed to a vegan lifestyle. I was vegan for nearly 3 years before I began to re-incorporate cheese and egg whites back into my diet. However, I can definitely tell the difference in my current diet and being vegan, beginning with a slight weight gain. I am going back to strict veganism at the start of the new year. It was great reading this post!!
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