Better Late Than Never

I am so sorry for neglecting to post for such a long time.

But the reason why I didn't is because... I am having almost no problem being vegan.

This lifestyle change I thought would be incredibly difficult to adhere to is barely affecting me at all in the psychology department, and every week I see the health benefits. I've already lost about ten pounds on the combination of the vegan diet and working out more often. I've never lost that much weight sustained evenly over two months before. The new jeans I bought just weeks ago are starting to slip down my belly - I'm going to need to start wearing a belt!

On the other hand, my doctor says I'm a little anemic. Not much, mind you - I'm really only just under normal levels. So I'm going to make up for that by eating more spinach and taking two iron supplements a day instead of just one.

I thought I'd make a list of the things that are making sticking to the diet difficult for me. Here they are.

• Girl Scout cookies - There is not a single vegan Girl Scout cookie that I have seen so far, and all of my favorites have milk and butter. Less than 2%, true, but they still have milk and butter.
• Cheese - Vegan cheese helps a TON and actually tastes pretty awesome, but there's something about pouring a handful of Mexican-style cheese over your food that makes things amazing.
• Chocolate - So much chocolate isn't vegan. And you'd be surprised how few health food stores stock non-dairy chocolate. It's a curse, but it's okay.

Thanks, everybody, for not making a big deal over me being vegan. And a heap of thanks for my mom, who continues to support me in every way she can. College food is going to be difficult without her!

End of Week One

So, I've survived Week One as a mostly-vegan.

Why mostly-vegan, you ask? Well, this journal is intended to be open and honest, so I'll tell you.

Sunday morning I had non-vegan cake and non-vegan ice cream, and Wednesday afternoon I had a mocha that had all the dairy fixings.

Still, I'd say just two slip-ups in this entire process so far isn't bad. I'm not going to give up just because I made a couple of mistakes; I knew setting out that there would be times when I would forget, or times when my resolve would break down under the brunt of something absolutely delicious. I decided before I even started that I would give myself permission to make mistakes... and then get back up on the vegan horse and try to ride again.

Don't think about that metaphor too hard.

I'll also share about my temptations that I bravely resisted. I was assaulted no less than four times this week with folks offering cookies, donuts, and hot chocolate. Thankfully, however, I was surrounded each time with friends who knew about my vegan commitment and encouraged me to keep it up (even as they chowed down). But I'll be watching you, Tyler... don't you think you can break me with donuts!

So! Vegan food I remember from this week:

Tofu Chops: My mom's favorite old pork chop recipe, with slabs of tofu substituted for pork. This was DELICIOUS. I think the tofu soaks up the onion and apple seasoning even better than the pork and its much, much moister; one of my biggest complaints about pork is about how dry it is. 4 out of 5 stars for the Tofu Chops!

Trader Joe's Middle East Feast: A set of felafels, pita bread, hummus, and a veggie dish. This was really tasty. I love Middle Eastern food but don't get to eat a lot of it; I'm beginning to think my lack of experience in ethnic foods is just because the old standby recipes are easier and more familiar. I had this for lunch and it was filling and tasty. 4 out of 5 stars.

Quinoa with Beans and Almonds: This one came out of my vegan recipe book and it was good, but a little bland, much like its name. Quinoa is a great little whole grain that is really delicious and has a wonderful texture, and this dish is what they call a "whole" protein; it has all the amino acids we need. It needed a little bit of spice; I think I'm going to try some strong, flavorful herbs the next time I have it. 3 out of 5 stars.

Trader Joe's Rice and Veggie Bento Box: OH MY GOODNESS, THIS WAS AMAZING! I'm thinking Trader Joe's is really the place to get vegan food. This delicious little package had nine different Japanese-inspired dishes in small serving sizes. I loved the spiced green beans so much I think I would have no trouble eating my veggies if I could have these every day! The only thing I didn't like about this meal was the edamame; but the high quality of everything else really made up for it! I can't wait to have this again! 5 out of 5 stars.

So, that was the best food of the week. Thanks to everybody who helped me out and cared! With everyone's support, I think this is going to be easy as non-dairy pie!

It has begun...

I am now officially VEGAN!

I got a vegan cookbook for Christmas, which is awesome because it means I don't have to go rummaging across the internet looking for tasty stuff since it's all right here in front of me!

Oriental-flavor Top Ramen is vegan. I have a feeling I will be eating a lot of that.

Almond milk is yummy on cereal. And most Chex is vegan, FYI.

Never put lettuce in a bean burrito.

I have found a vegan loaf of bread. HALLELUJAH PRAISE THE LORD!

I'm very excited for the rest of the year. I can't wait to try new foods like dairy-free ice cream and veggie burgers. Everybody wish me luck!