Sunday, May 22, 2011

Vegans Eat More Than Just Salad.

One of the first things I am asked when people find out I'm vegan is 'If you don't eat animals... what do you eat?' ... that question makes me laugh because it's more about what I don't eat. I just don't eat any foods that contain ingredients from animals. I don't eat meat or broth or dairy foods. I don't eat eggs, honey or gelatin, I don't eat seafood.. and yes, fish and crustaceans are animals, believe it or not. Of course, as a clean eating vegan I've gone a step further and I've chosen not to consume processed foods and refined sugar. I've also cut way back on processed oils.

What's left? Everything else!

  • veggies
  • fruits
  • oatmeal
  • beans
  • barley juice
  • hemp protein shakes
  • seeds & nuts
  • nut milks & nut butters
  • whole grains like brown rice and quinoa
  • whole grain products like breads, pastas and cereals
  • natural sweeteners like maple syrup and brown rice syrup
  • tofu and tempeh
  • amazing ethnic foods like mediterranean, japanese and others
  • lots more!

I often get asked if I miss anything being a vegan.. I really don't. I've been able to create healthy vegan alternatives to pretty much anything I'm craving. If anything, I miss the convenience of being able to eat anywhere.. if you eat crappy food, you can always find food wherever you go. If you eat healthy, you better bring your own food unless you are lucky enough to live in a big city that has lots of vegan options.

I enjoy cooking but what I enjoy more is knowing exactly what is in my food and how those ingredients affect my mind, body and moods. I enjoy knowing that what I consume is nurturing me instead of harming me and I enjoy fueling my body instead of slowing it down.

Often, people think I'm suffering in some way by not eating animals but by being vegan I've discovered so many amazing new foods and recipes. I've had fun learning new things and meeting some amazing people.

When you're sure that your lifestyle choices are true and good.. it's easy to live the life you've chosen and it feels good.

* The food shown here (salad, hummus and falafel) is from our favorite mediterranean restaurant! Please support local businesses instead of chains.
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4 comments:

  1. Morgan@LittleHouseofVeggiesMay 22, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    I get this question ALL the time. "What do you eat then??" I actually just had someone ask me this a day ago, and to be exact, she said "You're Vegan?!!!! You can't eat ANYTHING then!!!" LOL I agree with you so much in that cooking your food, knowing exactly what is in it and what it does for not only you, but the effect it has on your peace of mind knowing that you are eating "peacefully" is awesome. Like, it makes me so unbelievably happy to eat the things I eat. I never felt that type of connection to the food and the earth/animals/environment, etc. before I was vegan. Its crazy how much more in tune you feel with everything else in your life when you are making decisions with a lot of meaning behind them for yourself. I love everything about vegan. Everything, except like you said, that it is hard to eat out sometimes. But then again, I really cant complain living where I do.

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  2. ShellyMay 23, 2011 at 3:45 AM

    I agree. When I pick up a box of prcessed food it just sickens me. I'm so glad I have cool vegan friends like you!

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  3. Rachel SmithMay 23, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    this may just inspire me to go vegan again. A beautiful blog! THANK YOU!

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  4. ShellyMay 23, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    I don't know Rachel... you're already stunning and wonderful... that move to vegan could tax the universe. LOL

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