Question One - "Isn't it difficult to go out to eat?" Vague Answer - "Sometimes." If you're flexible and creative, it's not horribly challenging to dine out. Let's use Mexican food as an example as it's a family favorite. Although the cheese laden nachos are currently not an option for me, veggie fajitas and guacamole tacos with cilantro and onion are things I could eat every day. Tortilla chips are my biggest weakness, however, so I do need to remind myself that these are NOT considered plants.
 |
| So hard to each just one! |
I must admit, life with cheese-less pizza has been an adjustment. I have tried vegan cheese, but it often contains a bunch of unnatural ingredients and, IMHO, just tastes weird. Therefore, I've been opting for pizzas with a bunch of veggies with no cheese. This practice does raise an eyebrow on occasion...would it be more accepted if I simply told people I'm lactose intolerant? What sort of weirdo CHOOSES to not eat cheese??
Sometimes it's easier to dine out as there may be only one vegetarian/vegan option on the menu. This means no more agonizing over "Do I pick the healthy salad or splurge on the burger?"- I simply select the option which is the most plant based. I'm getting better at finding restaurants where the whole family can find something they like, but it does take some investigating. I should add that I am not advocating a steady diet of vegan pizza and Mexican food, only sharing that it is possible to dine out occasionally and enjoy it. If your friends have an affinity for the Brazilian steakhouse, then you're pretty much out of luck.
Question Two - "Isn't it expensive to eat a plant based or vegan diet?" Answer with caveat - "Nope...unless you shop exclusively at Whole Foods." Our breakfast frequently consists of oatmeal which probably works out to pennies per bowl, or I make a quick smoothie. Also, if you haven't noticed, meat is expensive. This holds especially true if you're going the "grass fed" or organic route. Instead of meat, we use some soy protein (for tacos any enchiladas) or use beans and lentils instead. Those options are significantly cheaper than meat. I also try to keep the pantry stocked with cans of beans and tomatoes, dried quinoa, etc. and watch for produce that is in season (or on sale). We also save money because we dine out less frequently.
 |
| I like visiting Whole Foods...but it IS pricey! |
Question Three - "Do you feel deprived eating this way?" Answer - "Surprisingly no." If I'm dying for a hamburger or feel like diving face first into a bowl of queso, then I will. For the record, this has not yet happened! I maintain a feeling of control since I don't feel like I can't eat a particular food or category of foods. I'm shooting for 95% meat, egg and dairy free, so I don't beat myself up if I have a strawberry dipped in chocolate that isn't vegan or if I steal the crust from my daughter's pizza and some remnants of melted cheese are still attached. For me, I feel this way of eating makes sense from several angles (health, environment, etc.) vs. some temporary fad diet (Lord knows I've tried plenty of those over the years!)
After nearly six months, I feel good, I have plenty of energy (without needing a caffeine IV) and I feel like I recover more quickly from a tough workout. Will I maintain this plant based lifestyle forever? Since the thought of that puts a little too much pressure on me, I will take it day by day.
I will continue to add a vegetarian/vegan recipe to the end of each post. Here's a link to an amazing salad. It's kale, but be not afraid. This is also from the Love Real Food cookbook which is a favorite!
http://alexandracooks.com/2017/07/02/kale-quinoa-salad-love-real-food/#cookbook-recipe-45636
No comments:
Post a Comment