Sunday, November 11, 2012

the Vegan Journey Continues

So, we have been doing Vegan 5 days a week pretty much for a little over a month. I have lost 4 pounds and William has lost 8 pounds. Most importantly, we feel much better. No stuffed, bloated feelings after eating. We are simply satisfied.

"Eat to live, don't live to eat" - this is something my sports nutrition professor, Dr. Angel, at Samford University, always used to say. Now I can say I understand what he meant.

There have been some "off the wagon moments" where I have indulged myself overly in non-vegan food. Mind you, we are only doing vegan 5 days a week to make it easier to go over to people's homes for dinner, eat out every once in a while (although i usually choose vegetarian options if I can). Yesterday I paid for my non-vegan gluttony with stomach cramps and aches - my body was punishing me, I think.

I will say, Trader Joe's is one of the best places for Vegan food on a budget. There are many vegan options that make life simple with 2 working individuals.

Here are some of my most recent favorite dishes:

Tofu Stir-Fry with Veggies - you can alter this recipe for veggies you like, add rice, etc. It's one of William's favorites. He says that tofu tastes like chicken, so we are going to run with that one.

Tofu & Black Bean Tacos - vegan cheese and you are set!

BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches - another "William favorite" - would go well with sweet potato fries

Another favorite of ours is Vegan Gyros.
We do pita bread with Trader Joe's "Meatless Beef Strips" cooked and seasoned with Greek Seasoning found in your local grocery store. For sauce, shred cucumber into soy plain yogurt with Greek seasoning. Yummy and easy!

And so, the Vegan journey continues...