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!