Vegan Challenge: I’m only human!
Although the challenge wasn’t impossible and was pretty fun, I had my ups and downs. As with any challenging obstacle, the thought of cheating crosses your mind at least once, even if it’s, “I will not cheat!” we’re still thinking about the prospect. We’re only human! So I will use this post to admit my biggest weaknesses throughout my 30-day trial. Before I continue I would just like to point out a few of my extreme strengths: 1. My boss brought cupcakes to work one day and I didn’t even lick the frosting. … Read More
Vegan Challenge: Top 4 Restaurant Adventures
A sign explaining their “meats” 1. Native Foods I stumbled upon this vegan gem totally by chance one day. I went with a friend who thought it was simply an organic, all-natural fast-food restaurant so it’d be easy for me to find something to eat. It was my first time dining out during the challenge and I sensed a bit of dread. I was afraid to read an amazing menu and have to settle for a boring salad. Instead of picking up a menu, I went straight to the counter and asked… Read More
Vegan Challenge: Mad Cow Cravings
I predicted I would be missing cheeseburgers and bacon-wrapped hotdogs (they’re real and they’re incredible), but my actual hankerings weren’t what I expected. Here are my top six cravings: 1. Butter This one surprised me because I’ve never been a huge butter person before, pretty much only used it in baking. However, the first morning I woke up to eat breakfast during the challenge, all I wanted was buttery toast. 2. French Toast I think the last time I had French toast was over two years ago, yet this craving lasted me… Read More
Vegan Challenge: The Dreaded Dinner Party
For me, being invited to a dinner party is a chance to catch a glimpse into other people’s idea of good food (and their medicine cabinets – don’t judge, we all do it.) For the new boyfriend or girlfriend, it’s a nail-biting date; for in-laws, it’s untimely; for grandkids, it’s “What’s in the jello?”; for co-workers, it’s just more work…you get my drift. There’s usually a love-hate thing going on with dinner parties where we kind of hate being invited, but we love free food. However, for a vegan, it’s a nightmare…. Read More
Vegan Challenge: Happy Cow Haiku
Gentle through and through. Big brown eyes, bigger belly. Happy cow, say “Moo!” http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/rDvnUiO-LAk&source=uds Next: “Vegan Challenge: The Dreaded Dinner Party”
Vegan Challenge: Molten Peanut Butter Frosting
Earth Day was last week and I was so excited to finally make a world-themed cake I’d been dreaming about for weeks. Of course, before I get into the cake itself, I want to mention some interesting facts I learned about the holiday. The concept was first conceived in the 1970s in response to environmental awareness on American college campuses. The date of April 22 was settled upon because it was the most convenient for college students: after spring break and before finals. It was only an American holiday until the 90s,… Read More
Vegan Challenge: An Ode to Chickens
Run, chicken, run With your head a none It’s not much fun Run, chicken, run So keep your head You’re not yet dead Run, chicken, run No cages around To keep you bound Run, chicken, run One egg a day Then out to play Run, chicken, run Grass and grain No steroids or pain Run, chicken, run Feathers and plumes Life’s not doomed Run, chicken, run Not very smart But being chicken’s an art So run, chicken, run Next: “Vegan Challenge: Molten Peanut Butter Frosting”
Vegan Challenge: Hosting Dinner
About once a week some friends and I take turns hosting each other for dinner. We aptly call it “Monday Night Dinner.” Some of our most stand-out dishes include Alaskan salmon, pho with thinly sliced beef, and most recently, steak and cheesy potatoes. So when it was my turn to host during my vegan challenge, I was pretty nervous. I almost hoped my friends would forget I was forsaking meat and cheese and I could just trick them into thinking this was just like any other meal. They all came in with… Read More
Vegan Challenge: I Draw the Line at Yeast!
One week in and the vegan diet has been treating me well. I unintentionally dropped three pounds, not necessarily due to not eating any cheese, but because I stopped snacking on junk food or doing late-night fridge raids. While my body has been responding well, my sub-conscious has developed a snide side I never knew existed. I feel like I’m constantly thinking of and being reminded of all the food I’m not allowed to eat. It’s like someone gave me a coloring book, but took away more than half the crayons. Grocery… Read More
The Vegan Challenge: Cold "Tofurky"
It all started with movie night at home. I decided to forego my usual cheesy chick flick or horror cult classic (don’t ask) and choose something more educational, or in this case “vegucational” because I went with the documentary, Vegucated. The movie follows three New York City omnivores through a six-week vegan challenge. I did end up getting a mix of my favorite movie genres: there were plenty of gory images, literally involving chicks. Less How can you hate these little guys? than 30 minutes in I was sobbing and calling my… Read More
Who Eats Better? 