Thinking About Giving Vegan a Try?

Remember........You can tailor this way of eating such as eating vegan only on weekdays or having meat only at dinner time.......there are many choices to make yourself healthy. I'm working towards getting away from meat and dairy completely. My husband has decided to try eating Vegan on just weekdays. Just know it's all a matter of baby steps and trying out new foods and recipes.

Here are a few tips if you want to try eating Vegan.......

• Try to make your meals 1/4 protein, 1/4 grain, and half vegetables. I sometimes load up more on the veggies. You can even have meals that are half grain and half veggies. Just remember......eat mostly veggies.


• Finding protein is not as hard as you'd think. Some protein sources include beans (I try to have different kinds of beans in my meals often), tofu, seitan (another favorite), tempeh (I haven't tried it yet), and try some different meat substitutes (Morning Star, Gardein, etc.).


• Eat your VEGETABLES! Try as many different varieties and color veggies as much as possible. I suggest the leafy green ones (collards, bok choy, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, etc.) to include in your diet the most. These veggies have the most nutrients to nourish your body. Did you know a red bell pepper has more vitamin C than an orange? Even more reason to put more veggies in your meals.


• When eating grains try to stick with whole grains. Some grains include brown rice (my favorite), wild rice, couscous, quinoa (better mixed with veggies or with seasonings), oats, barley, whole wheat, whole grain cereal (find one with a little sugar...not tons), pilafs, noodles, tortillas and any others you discover.


• Try to limit your processed foods intake and have more of the natural foods.


• Find substitutes for your favorite foods.....I found coconut milk ice cream as my new favorite.
  

• You can have your dessert, but try to have only 1-2 servings. No need to go overboard....just have a bit to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can even try having some fruit instead for dessert. I usually have one fruit a day and cookie or scoop of ice cream after dinner.


• Look up vegan recipes to try out. There are also lots of vegan cooks on youtube you can learn from.


• Plan your week of meals ahead of time and make a grocery list. You can make your meals the night before. I tend to make a big batch of food to eat for two days at a time.


• Try out organic natural sauces and spice combos to try on your meals. My favorite is teriyaki sauce or using the spices....onion powder, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and others.


• As a snack try to make a big yummy salad with a non-dairy dressing (not too much dressing) or try having soup (homemade is best...not can)....I like the brand Imagine which comes in a box and it's organic. It's good to have a soup or salad everyday for one of your snacks.


• Be sure to chew your food very well. Do not just shovel it in your mouth and swallow it whole. Sometimes I use chopsticks to help slow myself down because I tend to forget.


• Try to have less sugar and more of the natural sweeteners. There's maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave syrup (it's like honey), molasses, and others you may discover. You can find many recipes online.


• It's always best to have a multi-vitamin once a day with a meal.


• You can have alcohol....just try to limit the amount. I like to have the occasional rum with pineapple, coconut, and pomegranate juices.


• Try to limit your soy (soy beans, soy sauce, tofu, etc.). Having too much soy products can have bad health affects, but having a limited amount is really great for your body. Try keeping it to once a day.

I understand this is a lot of information so take it slowly. It's not difficult once you know the certain foods that nourish your body.

To know if you should eat it be sure to ask yourself.......does it have meat, egg, or dairy in it? If yes, then don't eat it.