No, this post is not about Bingo. There is another blog I am certain I will have to write at some point in my life called Gambler's Anonomyous, in which I will detail my torrid love affair with betting anything on everything. So far, I still have my jewelry, dogs, and a roof over my head, so we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
What this post is about, however, is B-12, the vitamin. Since going veggie, I have been having a lot of issues, emotionally. At first, I couldn't nail it down to going veggie, because I also went off birth control after being on it for 15 years. I also am getting older. I wasn't sure which one was the cause of my suddenly worrisome feelings, anxiety, and behaviors.
I have always struggled with moderate ups and downs, some mild depression and anxiety, but in the past 2 months, it has become increasingly worse, to the point of panic attacks and feelings of ambivalence about everything. I have always enjoyed a good cocktail, and sometimes I get the shame-over (a hangover of shame), but never to the extent that I am now. I can have one drink, and feel like the world is falling down on me. Other symptoms include, being tired a lot and having a weird tingling feeling in my hands (which I thought maybe the onset of too much angry birding and typing) like they are falling asleep all the time, and general depression.
I was trying to do some research online, because to me, it seems rather fishy that this would all of a sudden start up around the same time as these other changes. I don't like to self-diagnose, and will probably end up visiting the good old doctor, regardless, but I did find out that B-12 deficiency causes all of these symptoms. I also found out that people with thyroid issues (like I have had in the past), vegetarians (especially vegans), and drinkers all sometimes face low B-12. B-12 is found in meat and dairy products, so clearly this did not suprise me.
I've started taking a multi-vitamin, and I am hoping this will help me get back on track, but who knows. I'll let you know if I notice a difference. I hope I do though, because I am seriously not enjoying feeling this way. You are supposed to feel better when you're eating better!
*Oh, and as an aside, take a vitamin on a full belly, people. I felt like I wanted to throw up for 30 minutes after taking one on an empty one. I know, I know. Lesson learned.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Quorn Chickenless, Soyless Chikn Nuggets - (V)
Holy shit. That's all I can say. That's how comparable these are to terrible for you, but magically delicious, real ones. Don't believe me? 1) I haven't written in weeks because I have been very busy, and I have other blog posts in the works. This took immediate precedent. 2) I am convinced I could pass these off to Jeff as real meat - but was so excited, I texted him immediately. 3) I have had, at this point, roughly 400 different kinds of fake meat (okay, probably closer to 20 realistically). All of them, even the beloved soy chorizo, do not hold a candle to the glorious-ness of quorn nuggets. Part texture, part taste, these are believable. Like most chicken nuggets, they were even better with a dipping sauce. I had (sorry trader joes) some tj nuggets that were pretty awful a few weeks ago. I'm so happy I'm looking at the vegetarian glass as half full again...I need a good pick me up.
I can't do much more to sing the praises of quorn. I have heard mixed reviews of their other products, but guess what...I'm tryin' em. T
I can't do much more to sing the praises of quorn. I have heard mixed reviews of their other products, but guess what...I'm tryin' em. T
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Turtle Racing
My friends were headed out for a birthday, and I'm never one to back away from a celebration. Birthday celebrations have come a long way from a simple house party, and this was no exception.
I was told this party would be held at a bar that offered "turtle racing." I had never heard of this before, but basically my friends told me that turtles are placed on a table, and that the turtle that reached the outside of table first is declared the winner. The bar draws names out of a hat to determine who is assigned what turtle.
My first instinct on this was concern for the turtles. Being surrounded by a boatload of drunk, yelling people isn't fun for me sometimes, and I didn't see how it would be any different for a poor, helpless little turtle. I was very concerned about their well-being.
I did some googling and found that PETA had worked to stop turtle racing at bars in other states, but it didn't seem to me that there was concrete evidence that it was extremely harmful for the turtles, other than the fact that having turtles as pets took them out of their natural environment and could spread salmonella. I still felt bad, I don't like knowing that we utilize animals to provide us enjoyment for food, and this just seemed frivolous.
However, Jeff really wanted to go, and he made two valid points. 1) He assured me they were treated very well and 2) He told me I am a hypocrite since I enjoy gambling on horse racing. Clearly he won this battle.
An aside here, I am not sure why the turtle racing bothered me more than the horse racing. Maybe its because I have only viewed a horse as a domesticated animal, a working animal. I'm not sure racing is against its nature. Maybe this does make me a hypocrite, but I'm just exploring my thought process. Something about the turtle racing just made me feel sad.
I went to the event, and for the first few rounds, I watched the races on the closed circuit TV they had at the bar, and didn't stand and watch from the sidelines. It wasn't so bad on the TV. The host was nice. He told us that he cares for the turtles as his personal pets. The only do the races one night a week, and the other nights the turtles get to spend their lives out of the spotlight. It was sponsored by Budweiser.
I finally got up to the sidelines, and it made me feel sad. The turtles were just scrambling, and I don't think they were being treated poorly, but there was something about using these living things as a way to entertain ourselves that was eye-opening. I didn't like it. I don't know how this will impact my love of horse-racing, but I just know this was not my jam. Being a human is really tricky stuff.
I was told this party would be held at a bar that offered "turtle racing." I had never heard of this before, but basically my friends told me that turtles are placed on a table, and that the turtle that reached the outside of table first is declared the winner. The bar draws names out of a hat to determine who is assigned what turtle.
My first instinct on this was concern for the turtles. Being surrounded by a boatload of drunk, yelling people isn't fun for me sometimes, and I didn't see how it would be any different for a poor, helpless little turtle. I was very concerned about their well-being.
I did some googling and found that PETA had worked to stop turtle racing at bars in other states, but it didn't seem to me that there was concrete evidence that it was extremely harmful for the turtles, other than the fact that having turtles as pets took them out of their natural environment and could spread salmonella. I still felt bad, I don't like knowing that we utilize animals to provide us enjoyment for food, and this just seemed frivolous.
However, Jeff really wanted to go, and he made two valid points. 1) He assured me they were treated very well and 2) He told me I am a hypocrite since I enjoy gambling on horse racing. Clearly he won this battle.
An aside here, I am not sure why the turtle racing bothered me more than the horse racing. Maybe its because I have only viewed a horse as a domesticated animal, a working animal. I'm not sure racing is against its nature. Maybe this does make me a hypocrite, but I'm just exploring my thought process. Something about the turtle racing just made me feel sad.
I went to the event, and for the first few rounds, I watched the races on the closed circuit TV they had at the bar, and didn't stand and watch from the sidelines. It wasn't so bad on the TV. The host was nice. He told us that he cares for the turtles as his personal pets. The only do the races one night a week, and the other nights the turtles get to spend their lives out of the spotlight. It was sponsored by Budweiser.
I finally got up to the sidelines, and it made me feel sad. The turtles were just scrambling, and I don't think they were being treated poorly, but there was something about using these living things as a way to entertain ourselves that was eye-opening. I didn't like it. I don't know how this will impact my love of horse-racing, but I just know this was not my jam. Being a human is really tricky stuff.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Bad Vegetarian
There are a couple of ways to be vegetarian, a good way, and a bad way. To this point, I have done it the good way. I have eaten vegetables, hearty whole grains, beans, lentils; I have avoided fried foods and ridiculous amounts of cheese.
All that changed this weekend, when I was "the bad vegetarian."
It actually started last Thursday. We ordered pizza in for lunch at work since we had a training. And just like that it spiraled out of control. I had the pizza, afterall, I had to eat, right? I knew I was going to our monthly wine night with my friends - there is a theme and we all bring food and wine to match the region. I knew my food options would be limited since it is all carnivores, so I felt the pizza warranted.
Then, it was Friday. I was getting ready to eat the rest of my leftover kale chips and quinoa that I had brought in on Wednesday, and I walked in the kitchen at work, and saw it. Someone had put the leftover pizza out. I didn't eat breakfast, and pizza sounded so much better than what I had in the queue. So, I ate some leftover pizza. It was like running the gauntlet of tempation on Friday. As I walked back to my office from our kitchen area, I passed by the corner of death - the place where all of our printers reside, but what is also the place where sweets go to die. People have leftover anything, it goes right next to the printers. It was the scene of the crime for the previous cupcake misadventure.. And there they were. An entire tray of Magnolia cupcakes, sitting there.
As previously cited, cupcakes are my kryptonite. I've always considered myself a "meat and potatoes" kind of girl, but I can't resist a good cupcake. In my delusional and weak mind, I was like, "Well, I already had the pizza, so this day has gone to shit." Both as far as watching what I eat, and trying to eat vegan. So, I had the caramel cupcake (and had I saw the red velvet one, I would've had that). Again, I had the buyer's remorse, and again I felt like complete crap. Why, oh why, can't I learn from my past mistakes!
So after the pizza, and the cupcake debacle, I had a suprise party to go to. I had to go straight from walking the dogs to get there before the man of honor did. I didn't eat. And guess what they had? Pizza and wings. While the wings, possibly one of my favorite foods ever, residing right above cupcakes on the scale of things I can not resist, did tempt me, I stood my ground. But there, I was back at the pizza. Pizza for 3 of 4 meals in two days. Sometimes I ask myself, why can't I lose weight. Well, I think we all have the answer.
I drank a lot of beer, but didn't eat a lot, and woke up feeling tired and groggy. I went to the corner store (which, I refer to all corner stores as "carry-outs" which a lot of people think I am ridiculous for, is this not normal? Do other people not call corner stores, "carry outs"? I digress, as this is not on point here, but it's very concerning to me), and guess what I got to eat? A cheese pizza. So at this point, I am 48 hours, and for 4 of 5 meals I have eaten pizza. The shame in writing this is lingering.
As if this was not enough, for dinner, Jeff decided he wanted alfredo pasta, and who was I to argue against this in the 3 day binge I was working on (which was literally about to be a 4-5 day binge when all was said and done). So we had a mushroom and alfredo pasta. It was tasty. It was not vegan. I drank an entire bottle of wine, while watching Season 1 of The Walking Dead. (FYI, I don't like scary things. I don't like zombies. But this show is legitimately, the shit.) I felt like the walking dead myself. Fitting.
Sunday did not get any better. I had the leftover pasta for lunch, and for dinner, Jeff and I had a weird mix of fingerling potatoes and bok choy in an asian marinade that needed to be cooked. Random, I know, but after all the crap I had over the past few days, I was in a food coma already. Jeff suggested one of the vegan cinnamon rolls he ordered from Cinnaholic, and who was I to say no to the sweetness that was the caramel frosting he ordered in addition to the big tub of regular icing.
My food coma lasted through Monday, which I had off due to President's day. I did not eat all day (sans the mimosa I had at the bar when I stopped in on my way to meetup with my friends) until I went shopping with my pals at Costco around 3pm, at that point it was blantantly obvious I needed food as I wanted to ravage all the samples. It also seemed like it was vegetarian sample day - I had samples of: salsa and chips, feta cheese, and a cheese and rice burrito. I also purchased $265 dollars worth of good stuff, which I will speak to in my next post.
I got home, and said, f*ck it. I mean, I might as well end the long weekend with a bang. I made half a package of cheese tortellini, roasted my own garlic and tomatoes with olive oil in the oven to make a tomato sauce, roasted up some brussel sprouts, and called it a day. This, and the potato/bok choy meal, were probably the healthiest things I had since Thursday. Not the first time, or the last I'm sure of it, I felt ashamed, disgusted, gross...
I'm bringing my leftover brussel sprouts, kale, and quinoa for lunch tomorrow, and a grapefruit for breakfast. The dark side called my name for a little while, but its time to get back on the wagon. I hope its a little while until I am this "bad" of a vegetarian again. Please god, keep the f'in cupcakes away from the printer!
All that changed this weekend, when I was "the bad vegetarian."
It actually started last Thursday. We ordered pizza in for lunch at work since we had a training. And just like that it spiraled out of control. I had the pizza, afterall, I had to eat, right? I knew I was going to our monthly wine night with my friends - there is a theme and we all bring food and wine to match the region. I knew my food options would be limited since it is all carnivores, so I felt the pizza warranted.
Then, it was Friday. I was getting ready to eat the rest of my leftover kale chips and quinoa that I had brought in on Wednesday, and I walked in the kitchen at work, and saw it. Someone had put the leftover pizza out. I didn't eat breakfast, and pizza sounded so much better than what I had in the queue. So, I ate some leftover pizza. It was like running the gauntlet of tempation on Friday. As I walked back to my office from our kitchen area, I passed by the corner of death - the place where all of our printers reside, but what is also the place where sweets go to die. People have leftover anything, it goes right next to the printers. It was the scene of the crime for the previous cupcake misadventure.. And there they were. An entire tray of Magnolia cupcakes, sitting there.
As previously cited, cupcakes are my kryptonite. I've always considered myself a "meat and potatoes" kind of girl, but I can't resist a good cupcake. In my delusional and weak mind, I was like, "Well, I already had the pizza, so this day has gone to shit." Both as far as watching what I eat, and trying to eat vegan. So, I had the caramel cupcake (and had I saw the red velvet one, I would've had that). Again, I had the buyer's remorse, and again I felt like complete crap. Why, oh why, can't I learn from my past mistakes!
So after the pizza, and the cupcake debacle, I had a suprise party to go to. I had to go straight from walking the dogs to get there before the man of honor did. I didn't eat. And guess what they had? Pizza and wings. While the wings, possibly one of my favorite foods ever, residing right above cupcakes on the scale of things I can not resist, did tempt me, I stood my ground. But there, I was back at the pizza. Pizza for 3 of 4 meals in two days. Sometimes I ask myself, why can't I lose weight. Well, I think we all have the answer.
I drank a lot of beer, but didn't eat a lot, and woke up feeling tired and groggy. I went to the corner store (which, I refer to all corner stores as "carry-outs" which a lot of people think I am ridiculous for, is this not normal? Do other people not call corner stores, "carry outs"? I digress, as this is not on point here, but it's very concerning to me), and guess what I got to eat? A cheese pizza. So at this point, I am 48 hours, and for 4 of 5 meals I have eaten pizza. The shame in writing this is lingering.
As if this was not enough, for dinner, Jeff decided he wanted alfredo pasta, and who was I to argue against this in the 3 day binge I was working on (which was literally about to be a 4-5 day binge when all was said and done). So we had a mushroom and alfredo pasta. It was tasty. It was not vegan. I drank an entire bottle of wine, while watching Season 1 of The Walking Dead. (FYI, I don't like scary things. I don't like zombies. But this show is legitimately, the shit.) I felt like the walking dead myself. Fitting.
Sunday did not get any better. I had the leftover pasta for lunch, and for dinner, Jeff and I had a weird mix of fingerling potatoes and bok choy in an asian marinade that needed to be cooked. Random, I know, but after all the crap I had over the past few days, I was in a food coma already. Jeff suggested one of the vegan cinnamon rolls he ordered from Cinnaholic, and who was I to say no to the sweetness that was the caramel frosting he ordered in addition to the big tub of regular icing.
My food coma lasted through Monday, which I had off due to President's day. I did not eat all day (sans the mimosa I had at the bar when I stopped in on my way to meetup with my friends) until I went shopping with my pals at Costco around 3pm, at that point it was blantantly obvious I needed food as I wanted to ravage all the samples. It also seemed like it was vegetarian sample day - I had samples of: salsa and chips, feta cheese, and a cheese and rice burrito. I also purchased $265 dollars worth of good stuff, which I will speak to in my next post.
I got home, and said, f*ck it. I mean, I might as well end the long weekend with a bang. I made half a package of cheese tortellini, roasted my own garlic and tomatoes with olive oil in the oven to make a tomato sauce, roasted up some brussel sprouts, and called it a day. This, and the potato/bok choy meal, were probably the healthiest things I had since Thursday. Not the first time, or the last I'm sure of it, I felt ashamed, disgusted, gross...
I'm bringing my leftover brussel sprouts, kale, and quinoa for lunch tomorrow, and a grapefruit for breakfast. The dark side called my name for a little while, but its time to get back on the wagon. I hope its a little while until I am this "bad" of a vegetarian again. Please god, keep the f'in cupcakes away from the printer!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Kale Chips (VG)
I'm becoming a veggie person because I really have no other choice. But either my mind is playing tricks on me, or I really am starting to like them, because every veggie I have tried I have really, actually enjoyed. And I don't even care what the reasoning behind it is, I'll take it!
Regardless, I was very skeptical of the idea of kale chips. I thought, this is something people eat when they are trying to lose weight and convince themselves that it tastes good. This is not something people want to eat, let alone choose to eat.
Well, guess what, they taste f'in ridiculous. You all already think I'm drinking the vegetarian kool-aide, but seriously. And I don't want to always use Jeff as my evidence of proof, but I wish I had a picture of him standing over the stove, shoveling them into his mouth.
I also want to dispel some of what I have read on the Internet regarding their staying power. I have eaten the leftovers for lunch two days in a row, and they tasted just as good as they did on day one fresh out of the oven.
They are also the easiest thing I have ever made. I preheated the oven to 425. I used a bag of ready to cook kale from Trader Joe's, removed some of the lingering stems from the bag and the leaves, and dumped the rest onto a cookie sheet. I drizzles two or three tablespoons of olive oil over the kale, and used my McCormick garlic salt grinder to season it liberally. I also tossed on a few dashes of season salt.
I put the kale in the oven and kept a close eye on it. I left it in there about ten minutes until the leaves browned. Be very careful to monitor the kale as t cooks; I made another batch today and burned it because I left it in there a little too long.
Regardless, I was very skeptical of the idea of kale chips. I thought, this is something people eat when they are trying to lose weight and convince themselves that it tastes good. This is not something people want to eat, let alone choose to eat.
Well, guess what, they taste f'in ridiculous. You all already think I'm drinking the vegetarian kool-aide, but seriously. And I don't want to always use Jeff as my evidence of proof, but I wish I had a picture of him standing over the stove, shoveling them into his mouth.
I also want to dispel some of what I have read on the Internet regarding their staying power. I have eaten the leftovers for lunch two days in a row, and they tasted just as good as they did on day one fresh out of the oven.
They are also the easiest thing I have ever made. I preheated the oven to 425. I used a bag of ready to cook kale from Trader Joe's, removed some of the lingering stems from the bag and the leaves, and dumped the rest onto a cookie sheet. I drizzles two or three tablespoons of olive oil over the kale, and used my McCormick garlic salt grinder to season it liberally. I also tossed on a few dashes of season salt.
I put the kale in the oven and kept a close eye on it. I left it in there about ten minutes until the leaves browned. Be very careful to monitor the kale as t cooks; I made another batch today and burned it because I left it in there a little too long.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Eggplant Parmesan Stacks (V), with Cinnaholic Cinnamon Rolls (VG)
Valentine's day. A holiday we would have normally celebrated with steaks and potatoes. In fact, it was with great sadness I cancelled the reservations I has made at Ditka's only two months ago.... Ditka's, my old favorite restaurant, the one that serves one of my favorite meat meals of all time. As I logged onto open table, it only took one click to see my dreams of old vanish, but I instantly felt relief.
It was sad, but I didn't really want to go out anywhere. Too soon, too sad, too much. Jeff suggested an eggplant parmesan, but I wasn't too crazy about the idea. One of the hardest things about trying to eat not just vegetarian, but trying to eat less eggs and dairy, is that I love cream based foods - Alfredo, creamy soups, cheesy goodness...and I wanted something like that for our special meal.
However, I was googling recipe ideas, and nothing really struck me. Jeff also wooed me by saying we could have fresh mozzarella with our eggplant, so again, I failed to hold true to the anti-dairy line. I'm calling myself out here, as usual, because I need to be honest with myself. I gave up meat, I don't know why it's so hard to just give up the rest, I think part of me needs something to hold onto still. One step at a time, it's my mantra...and I still feel good that I am eating far less dairy, and even a less amount of eggs, than I was consuming.
I'm glad I let him talk me into the eggplant - it was great. We've had it before, but this time it was exceptionally good. Jeff cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch slices, and fried it with bread crumbs and olive oil. Then he put one layer of the eggplant slices in the bottom of a baking pan. On top of the first layer of eggplant, we put fresh sliced basil, fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkling of diced onions. Then we did another layer of the same, eggplant, mozzarella, onion, basil. We bought a 32 ounce can of store bought Hunt's roasted garlic and onion tomato sauce. We could've roasted our own tomatoes and made our own sauce, but quite frankly, its a Tuesday. Who has time for that on a Tuesday. We poured it over the top of the eggplant layers, and tossed it at the oven at 350. We left it in there about 25 minutes until it bubbled, and then took it out of the oven and let it cool down for another 10 until serving it. It was so phenomenal I will definitely be eating the leftovers tomorrow.
Perhaps the best part of the night was my valentine's day gift from Jeff. I had a heart shaped cheese pizza delivered to him at work for lunch, but he absolutely one-upped me by special ordering me vegan cinnamon rolls from Cinnaholic bakery in Berkley, CA. These were the real deal! I may have a hard time giving up cheese, but I no longer have any excuses on eating non-vegan sweets. These things taste just as good as any regular cinnamon roll you might find. Now I just have to find a good vegan cupcake!
Regardless, the meal
It was sad, but I didn't really want to go out anywhere. Too soon, too sad, too much. Jeff suggested an eggplant parmesan, but I wasn't too crazy about the idea. One of the hardest things about trying to eat not just vegetarian, but trying to eat less eggs and dairy, is that I love cream based foods - Alfredo, creamy soups, cheesy goodness...and I wanted something like that for our special meal.
However, I was googling recipe ideas, and nothing really struck me. Jeff also wooed me by saying we could have fresh mozzarella with our eggplant, so again, I failed to hold true to the anti-dairy line. I'm calling myself out here, as usual, because I need to be honest with myself. I gave up meat, I don't know why it's so hard to just give up the rest, I think part of me needs something to hold onto still. One step at a time, it's my mantra...and I still feel good that I am eating far less dairy, and even a less amount of eggs, than I was consuming.
I'm glad I let him talk me into the eggplant - it was great. We've had it before, but this time it was exceptionally good. Jeff cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch slices, and fried it with bread crumbs and olive oil. Then he put one layer of the eggplant slices in the bottom of a baking pan. On top of the first layer of eggplant, we put fresh sliced basil, fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkling of diced onions. Then we did another layer of the same, eggplant, mozzarella, onion, basil. We bought a 32 ounce can of store bought Hunt's roasted garlic and onion tomato sauce. We could've roasted our own tomatoes and made our own sauce, but quite frankly, its a Tuesday. Who has time for that on a Tuesday. We poured it over the top of the eggplant layers, and tossed it at the oven at 350. We left it in there about 25 minutes until it bubbled, and then took it out of the oven and let it cool down for another 10 until serving it. It was so phenomenal I will definitely be eating the leftovers tomorrow.
Perhaps the best part of the night was my valentine's day gift from Jeff. I had a heart shaped cheese pizza delivered to him at work for lunch, but he absolutely one-upped me by special ordering me vegan cinnamon rolls from Cinnaholic bakery in Berkley, CA. These were the real deal! I may have a hard time giving up cheese, but I no longer have any excuses on eating non-vegan sweets. These things taste just as good as any regular cinnamon roll you might find. Now I just have to find a good vegan cupcake!
Regardless, the meal
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Hangover
I went to a bachelorette party on Saturday. I drank a lot. I woke up in a hazy, hungover stupor.
Maybe it was the fact I didn't eat much, I only had a 1/2 a box of Mac and cheese all day Saturday. Jeff kindly reminded me that I shouldn't be eating cheese, but I informed him that it was in his best interest that I get a good base for Saturday night's festivities. Turns out, it probably wouldn't have mattered what I ate before I went out because I had way too much fun for that to even factor in.
The old adage is that as you age, the mind is sometimes willing but the body can be no longer able. This is how I feel about going out. I'm two times slower to recover, two times more likely to feel absolutely awful, and eighty times more likely to want to eat the worst thing I possibly can to make myself feel better the next day. This was the first time I have gone out full on since becoming vegetarian, and man was it hard for me Sunday morning (iactuallymeansundayafternoonat2pmwheniwokeup). I wanted bacon. I wanted eggs. I wanted a burger, a steak, a gyro. Pulled pork, BLT, patty melt. I wanted anything besides something without meat.
What this showed me is at this point, consistency is still key. I eat the same thing for breakfast every day. I eat the same thing for lunch, unless I have leftovers. I have a few go-to meals. I love food; I consider myself a foodie even, but staying in a pattern right now until I reach a more comfortable and safe place is what is going to carry me through this. I need to know what my options are in every situation. Luckily for me, I was so nauseous that I didn't really have the willpower to make a bad decision.
Just when I was at my weakest, the universe sent me a message when I least expected it. I had been dealing with the cravings all day, and suddenly, during the Grammys, this commercial aired from chipotle. It's small steps like this that remind me why I started this journey
to begin with.
And even though the cravings still lingered today, I'm proud to say, I resisted the temptations and am still meat free.
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=aMfSGt6rHos
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/05/03/a-chain-that-pigs-would-die-for.html
Maybe it was the fact I didn't eat much, I only had a 1/2 a box of Mac and cheese all day Saturday. Jeff kindly reminded me that I shouldn't be eating cheese, but I informed him that it was in his best interest that I get a good base for Saturday night's festivities. Turns out, it probably wouldn't have mattered what I ate before I went out because I had way too much fun for that to even factor in.
The old adage is that as you age, the mind is sometimes willing but the body can be no longer able. This is how I feel about going out. I'm two times slower to recover, two times more likely to feel absolutely awful, and eighty times more likely to want to eat the worst thing I possibly can to make myself feel better the next day. This was the first time I have gone out full on since becoming vegetarian, and man was it hard for me Sunday morning (iactuallymeansundayafternoonat2pmwheniwokeup). I wanted bacon. I wanted eggs. I wanted a burger, a steak, a gyro. Pulled pork, BLT, patty melt. I wanted anything besides something without meat.
What this showed me is at this point, consistency is still key. I eat the same thing for breakfast every day. I eat the same thing for lunch, unless I have leftovers. I have a few go-to meals. I love food; I consider myself a foodie even, but staying in a pattern right now until I reach a more comfortable and safe place is what is going to carry me through this. I need to know what my options are in every situation. Luckily for me, I was so nauseous that I didn't really have the willpower to make a bad decision.
Just when I was at my weakest, the universe sent me a message when I least expected it. I had been dealing with the cravings all day, and suddenly, during the Grammys, this commercial aired from chipotle. It's small steps like this that remind me why I started this journey
to begin with.
And even though the cravings still lingered today, I'm proud to say, I resisted the temptations and am still meat free.
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=aMfSGt6rHos
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/05/03/a-chain-that-pigs-would-die-for.html
Thursday, February 9, 2012
All-U-Can-Eat Meat
I bought a Groupon for Brazzaz, one of those all you can eat meat places, a few weeks before I decided to go veggie. Right? I mean, how one person can change in a blink of an eye is beyond me. I told someone the other day, I think I actually ate more meat when I was gearing up to become veggie, like my subconscious was saying - "You're never going to eat this again, load up while you can get it." Regardless, I spent $48 dollars (it was a buy one get one free deal) and I didn't want it to go to waste.
This makes me want to vomit right now.
My best friend's husband was in town for work staying downtown, and due to schedules and me having to go up north to walk the dogs after work (we don't own a car), it was too hard to for us to figure out a way that was convenient for all of us to meet up. So, I told the guys, go use the Brazazz Groupon - I'll go home. Afterall, I see him when I travel to Detroit for work, anyways. I told Jeff I had one rule, and one rule only. He was not allowed to talk about the meal at all. Cruel, maybe. But I couldn't bear the thought of him, stuffing himself with meat while I sat at home at ate black beans. My mouth was salivating at the thought, and my conscience was a little bit mad that I paid $48 so he could go eat parts of animals who ended up on a stick with guys dressed as gauchos stabbing it onto a plate.
I was vindicated, however, when Jeff came home from his dinner. He walked in, said hello, and bee-lined for the bathroom. Call it TMI, but I was told to not go in there for awhile after he was done. His stomach was completely projected, and he looked as if he had ran at least a half marathon. The meat had its revenge.
He started to say, "Dinner..." and I stopped him. "What was the first rule of Brazzaz dinner?" I said. "You don't talk about Brazazz dinner." He retorted. "But...all I was going to say, was, it wasn't worth it. My flan was the best part of my meal. I feel disgusting, it was so much food that I didn't need, and I will never do that again." He ended.
It made me happy to see him understand his consumption at that level, but made me sad that people are still preaching the "necessity" of factory farms when places like that exist. I once housed a 32 ounce steak at a neighborhood restaurant. Did my body need that? What about the double cheeseburger, nuggets, and fries at a fast food place? Necessary? How about the all-you-can eat 9.99 buffet? When does it become less of a need and more of a wasteful luxury? And when will people start seeing the difference?
My best friend's husband was in town for work staying downtown, and due to schedules and me having to go up north to walk the dogs after work (we don't own a car), it was too hard to for us to figure out a way that was convenient for all of us to meet up. So, I told the guys, go use the Brazazz Groupon - I'll go home. Afterall, I see him when I travel to Detroit for work, anyways. I told Jeff I had one rule, and one rule only. He was not allowed to talk about the meal at all. Cruel, maybe. But I couldn't bear the thought of him, stuffing himself with meat while I sat at home at ate black beans. My mouth was salivating at the thought, and my conscience was a little bit mad that I paid $48 so he could go eat parts of animals who ended up on a stick with guys dressed as gauchos stabbing it onto a plate.
I was vindicated, however, when Jeff came home from his dinner. He walked in, said hello, and bee-lined for the bathroom. Call it TMI, but I was told to not go in there for awhile after he was done. His stomach was completely projected, and he looked as if he had ran at least a half marathon. The meat had its revenge.
He started to say, "Dinner..." and I stopped him. "What was the first rule of Brazzaz dinner?" I said. "You don't talk about Brazazz dinner." He retorted. "But...all I was going to say, was, it wasn't worth it. My flan was the best part of my meal. I feel disgusting, it was so much food that I didn't need, and I will never do that again." He ended.
It made me happy to see him understand his consumption at that level, but made me sad that people are still preaching the "necessity" of factory farms when places like that exist. I once housed a 32 ounce steak at a neighborhood restaurant. Did my body need that? What about the double cheeseburger, nuggets, and fries at a fast food place? Necessary? How about the all-you-can eat 9.99 buffet? When does it become less of a need and more of a wasteful luxury? And when will people start seeing the difference?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Cruelty-Free Products
I have been learning more and more about cruelty-free products, which has become a point of contention for Jeff and I because of his misconceptions about the nature of them. He thinks these products do not work as well as others, but I got him to agree that if it is in our power to buy a cruelty-free product without going out of the way or spending extra money, it would make sense for us to do that. I mean, literally what is the good in seeing two soaps, at the same store, same quantity, same price and not buying the animal & cruelty free one? I mean, to my mind, it seems ridiculous.
So of course, I went to Trader Joe's and instead of just searching for food and passing by the other "hippie" products (how I used to think of them), I looked at their beauty products section and was suprised (though by now I shouldn't be) to find just that - reasonably priced, cruelty-free products. I bought groceries for at least the next week, as well as shampoo, two bars of soap, toothpaste, and facial cleanser and makeup remover pads for $62. I will no longer entertain any arguments that buying this way is more expensive, it is simply false if you have access to shop at the right places.
I think one of the hardest things about shopping is knowing what to buy. I'd love for there to be a resource that says "Normally buy Aquafresh? Buy Tom's of Maine Toothpaste instead." The list of companies that tests on animals or companies that use animal products is astounding, and I can see how a normal, everyday shopper like myself may get overwhelmed. I will try to post ideas for things you can buy at your everyday supermarket, too. I mean, if it's not going to require a lot of extra work, I feel more people would be apt to do it.
Here are the products I am going to be sad to give up:
Clorox
Dial
Dove
Febreze
Garnier
Neutrogena
Ivory
Herbal Essences
Kleenex
Lysol
Tilex
Visine
Windex
Woolite
Pledge
Post-it
Playtex
Tide
Unilever
Full list of companies that do test on animals:
http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/companiesdotest.pdf
Here is what I look forward to buying more of (some of these companies use animal products, but no testing on animals):
Tom's
Trader Joe's
Clinique!
Bath and Body Works
Bumble and Bumble
CO Bigelow
Full list of companies that don't test on animals:
http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/companiesdonttest.pdf
via PETA, you should also know that Colgate-Palmolive is actively working to reform laws that require animal testing on certain products. Some of their products legally require animal testing, but they are one major company that is working against those outdated and inhumane laws.
So of course, I went to Trader Joe's and instead of just searching for food and passing by the other "hippie" products (how I used to think of them), I looked at their beauty products section and was suprised (though by now I shouldn't be) to find just that - reasonably priced, cruelty-free products. I bought groceries for at least the next week, as well as shampoo, two bars of soap, toothpaste, and facial cleanser and makeup remover pads for $62. I will no longer entertain any arguments that buying this way is more expensive, it is simply false if you have access to shop at the right places.
I think one of the hardest things about shopping is knowing what to buy. I'd love for there to be a resource that says "Normally buy Aquafresh? Buy Tom's of Maine Toothpaste instead." The list of companies that tests on animals or companies that use animal products is astounding, and I can see how a normal, everyday shopper like myself may get overwhelmed. I will try to post ideas for things you can buy at your everyday supermarket, too. I mean, if it's not going to require a lot of extra work, I feel more people would be apt to do it.
Here are the products I am going to be sad to give up:
Clorox
Dial
Dove
Febreze
Garnier
Neutrogena
Ivory
Herbal Essences
Kleenex
Lysol
Tilex
Visine
Windex
Woolite
Pledge
Post-it
Playtex
Tide
Unilever
Full list of companies that do test on animals:
http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/companiesdotest.pdf
Here is what I look forward to buying more of (some of these companies use animal products, but no testing on animals):
Tom's
Trader Joe's
Clinique!
Bath and Body Works
Bumble and Bumble
CO Bigelow
Full list of companies that don't test on animals:
http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/companiesdonttest.pdf
via PETA, you should also know that Colgate-Palmolive is actively working to reform laws that require animal testing on certain products. Some of their products legally require animal testing, but they are one major company that is working against those outdated and inhumane laws.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Meatless: The Roadshow
Wow.
Lots of powerful lessons learned since last Wednesday. Here they are in order.
1)Unless you specify that you are a non-dairy eating vegetarian when attending a catered event, you're simply screwed.
I didn't want to make a big show of it, but I realized that instead of emailing the coordinator and letting her know I have vegan tendencies, I just made a bigger spectacle. I sulked, I starved, I complained. I ate cheese. When you go to a pizza party at a bowling alley with free drinks, you need something in your tummy. Practically anything can become a "vegetarian" option, but man, I do not envy people who are true vegans. The world is a hard, hard place to live in. I felt guilty about eating all the cheese, especially in light of what I committed to at the leadership conference I was at (which I will address in #2), but, at least I held my ground on the eggs.
I love eggs so much. When I walked into the conference room (a little hungover) on Thursday morning and saw a tray of fluffy, wonderful eggs, it was the saddest day of my life. But no way was I eating a egg that came from a factory farm. So, I ate fruit for breakfast, felt pity for myself and my need for a greasy hangover remedy, and watched everyone else eat their eggs while I wondered what kind of life the hen that hatched them came from. It caused me a lot of anxiety, also a lot of self-questions: "Am I becoming a crazy person? How do other people not think this is a problem? People are going to start thinking I am a crazy person. How do I turn these thoughts off!!!"
I also had an existential crisis at dinner Thursday night, when I received my meal well after everyone else had been served. They informed me that they had accidentally forgot to leave the pancetta out of my meal the first time they made my food, so they had to make me a new plate. I felt so sad - like that poor pig had died twice. Not only did it die, but it was wasted in a meal that had to be thrown out. I felt like I was in a moral dilemma. Was I worse for making them throw it away? Seriously, I need a food therapist or something...being a vegetarian is really messing with my mind.
Lesson learned. Next time I attend any sort of a function, event, conference, or wedding - I'll make sure to send notice. I never knew how difficult it could be to find an acceptable meal option, or recover from a hangover on orange juice and pineapple chunks.
2) If you're going to an airport, pack your own shit to eat or prepare to eat nuts, fruit, and maybe pretzels or salad if you're lucky. That is all.
3) The leadership program I am in for work is great because it is all about professional growth, but provides insights that can relate to your personal life. This session was all about who you are, your VIBE (Values, Interests, Beliefs, and Energy Sources) as our facilitator called it. As we explored who we are and what we stand for, we were tasked to come up with a mission statement and an action plan to hold ourselves accountable towards. Mine was that I will always be true to myself and genuine with others. The subtext of that for me is that I will try to live a life where my actions align with my beliefs. Going veg was a good way to start for me.
The most important lesson - the only thing you have total control over is yourself.
4)Having a support system or someone you can identify with is great.
Jeff and my friend Susan picked me up from the airport on Friday so we could go to visit Susan's brother Ron (who is also one of my best friends) and his girlfriend Nicole this weekend at their place about 2 hours outside of my place in Chicago. Susan is already one of the most generous people I know (she picked me up at Midway Airport in Chicago rush hour traffic, after driving from Detroit for 5 hours), but she is also a vegetarian. It was great to talk to someone about what they eat, and to see that she was concerned about making sure we had options for dinner.
5) Your friends have your back no matter what.
My friend and Susan's brother Ron and I have had a history of meat-eating together - grilling, eating out, you name it - we have always been very close since college when we became friends. I was really worried, since I was staying at his house this weekend, that he would give me a hard time. He's like a brother to me, and I know that when I tell my actual brothers, they will never let me live down the fact that I am a vegetarian now. I expected Ron to treat me the same way. But he didn't. He didn't taunt me, or tempt me, or even question why I did it, and that made me feel a lot more comfortable.
This reminded me of a night a few weeks back. I went to two of my friend's (Colleen and Denise - sisters) house for a girl's night. Colleen works as what I lovingly call a "meat marketer." I was worried to tell her that I became a vegetarian because of who she is - her job, the town she comes from, what she believes in. It didn't matter to her. She got me a veggie option for dinner, and we drank wine all night and talked like we usually do. She even listened to my reasons for going veg.
Bottom line: Your friends are your friends, and if they are good ones, what you eat won't matter.
So, a rough, but great week. I got through it: traveling, having to sit through catered seminars, drinking with old friends - and I am have come out on the other side, still meatless. I'm really proud of myself, but there wasn't really ever a doubt. Still, it feels good to know that no matter what the situation, I'm strong enough in my basic belief to weather it. Now I just had to be as strong with cheese.
Lots of powerful lessons learned since last Wednesday. Here they are in order.
1)Unless you specify that you are a non-dairy eating vegetarian when attending a catered event, you're simply screwed.
I didn't want to make a big show of it, but I realized that instead of emailing the coordinator and letting her know I have vegan tendencies, I just made a bigger spectacle. I sulked, I starved, I complained. I ate cheese. When you go to a pizza party at a bowling alley with free drinks, you need something in your tummy. Practically anything can become a "vegetarian" option, but man, I do not envy people who are true vegans. The world is a hard, hard place to live in. I felt guilty about eating all the cheese, especially in light of what I committed to at the leadership conference I was at (which I will address in #2), but, at least I held my ground on the eggs.
I love eggs so much. When I walked into the conference room (a little hungover) on Thursday morning and saw a tray of fluffy, wonderful eggs, it was the saddest day of my life. But no way was I eating a egg that came from a factory farm. So, I ate fruit for breakfast, felt pity for myself and my need for a greasy hangover remedy, and watched everyone else eat their eggs while I wondered what kind of life the hen that hatched them came from. It caused me a lot of anxiety, also a lot of self-questions: "Am I becoming a crazy person? How do other people not think this is a problem? People are going to start thinking I am a crazy person. How do I turn these thoughts off!!!"
I also had an existential crisis at dinner Thursday night, when I received my meal well after everyone else had been served. They informed me that they had accidentally forgot to leave the pancetta out of my meal the first time they made my food, so they had to make me a new plate. I felt so sad - like that poor pig had died twice. Not only did it die, but it was wasted in a meal that had to be thrown out. I felt like I was in a moral dilemma. Was I worse for making them throw it away? Seriously, I need a food therapist or something...being a vegetarian is really messing with my mind.
Lesson learned. Next time I attend any sort of a function, event, conference, or wedding - I'll make sure to send notice. I never knew how difficult it could be to find an acceptable meal option, or recover from a hangover on orange juice and pineapple chunks.
2) If you're going to an airport, pack your own shit to eat or prepare to eat nuts, fruit, and maybe pretzels or salad if you're lucky. That is all.
3) The leadership program I am in for work is great because it is all about professional growth, but provides insights that can relate to your personal life. This session was all about who you are, your VIBE (Values, Interests, Beliefs, and Energy Sources) as our facilitator called it. As we explored who we are and what we stand for, we were tasked to come up with a mission statement and an action plan to hold ourselves accountable towards. Mine was that I will always be true to myself and genuine with others. The subtext of that for me is that I will try to live a life where my actions align with my beliefs. Going veg was a good way to start for me.
The most important lesson - the only thing you have total control over is yourself.
4)Having a support system or someone you can identify with is great.
Jeff and my friend Susan picked me up from the airport on Friday so we could go to visit Susan's brother Ron (who is also one of my best friends) and his girlfriend Nicole this weekend at their place about 2 hours outside of my place in Chicago. Susan is already one of the most generous people I know (she picked me up at Midway Airport in Chicago rush hour traffic, after driving from Detroit for 5 hours), but she is also a vegetarian. It was great to talk to someone about what they eat, and to see that she was concerned about making sure we had options for dinner.
5) Your friends have your back no matter what.
My friend and Susan's brother Ron and I have had a history of meat-eating together - grilling, eating out, you name it - we have always been very close since college when we became friends. I was really worried, since I was staying at his house this weekend, that he would give me a hard time. He's like a brother to me, and I know that when I tell my actual brothers, they will never let me live down the fact that I am a vegetarian now. I expected Ron to treat me the same way. But he didn't. He didn't taunt me, or tempt me, or even question why I did it, and that made me feel a lot more comfortable.
This reminded me of a night a few weeks back. I went to two of my friend's (Colleen and Denise - sisters) house for a girl's night. Colleen works as what I lovingly call a "meat marketer." I was worried to tell her that I became a vegetarian because of who she is - her job, the town she comes from, what she believes in. It didn't matter to her. She got me a veggie option for dinner, and we drank wine all night and talked like we usually do. She even listened to my reasons for going veg.
Bottom line: Your friends are your friends, and if they are good ones, what you eat won't matter.
So, a rough, but great week. I got through it: traveling, having to sit through catered seminars, drinking with old friends - and I am have come out on the other side, still meatless. I'm really proud of myself, but there wasn't really ever a doubt. Still, it feels good to know that no matter what the situation, I'm strong enough in my basic belief to weather it. Now I just had to be as strong with cheese.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Panang Curry (VG)
After my meal last night, I roasted the brussel sprouts I had left to take for lunch today. So all that was left of my overpurchased produce was Bok Choy. Aside from that, I needed a meal I could make in a pinch since I'm leaving tomorrow and didn't want to go to the store or buy any produce that would go to waste.
I had a craving for panang curry, and I also had the ill-fated Trader Joe's Beefless Beef Strips left from my lunch the other day. True to my word, I decided to give them another whirl. I knew that Jeff would never eat those on his own, and there were some leftover black beans he would have no issue eating while I was gone.
So, I decided to make panang curry with the beefless beef strips. I ran to the corner store across the street and grabbed an onion. I wanted to grab some thai chile paste, but unfortunately they didn't have any. Jeff goes through about a jar a week, so of course, we were out. I grabbed a can of tomato paste and hoped for the best. When I got home, I first set my baby bok choy on a cookie sheet, put a few liberal tablespoons of Trader Joe's Gyoza Dipping Sauce on top, set the over for 325, and popped those in the oven on a cookie sheet.
Then, I took the beef-less beef strips, coated them in yellow curry powder and some montreal steak seasoning. I put them in a skillet on the stove with a tiny bit of olive oil and cooked them on high until the got a little crisp on the outside. I tenatively tried one, it was just yesterday that their taste make me feel ill, remember. Suprisingly, it was not nearly as bad! I thought it could pass in the curry.
I took the beef out of the skillet, and added in 1/2 of a chopped onion, two tbs. of yellow curry powder, and about 12 ounces of vegetable broth. I then opened the 6 ounce can of tomato paste I bought and mixed in some vegetable broth, yellow curry spice and thai seasoning mix. It tasted okay, but not spicy enough, so I added in some chili powder till I was satisfied.
I then added that to the onions and vegetable broth that had been cooking. I let it meld together, and then I opened up a can of trader joe's light coconut and added that to the skillet. After I mixed everything together, I let it cook. While it was simmering, I added two tsps. of peanut butter, a couple of tsps. of cumin, and a couple of tsps. of garlic powder. I also added a sprinkle of brown sugar. I do everything to taste, and I think the moreso the reason why I share my cooking madeness is to demonstrate that you can make decent veggie or vegan meals through things you have in your pantry, as well as by experimenting. I just start with a small amount of whatever I am adding at a time, and add until I get to a desired taste. I am extra careful when I am simmering something for awhile - if you let something cook, the flavors can sometimes become more powerful, or less powerful, through the cooking process. I have also made some really bad things this way, but that's how I have grown as a home cook, I think.
I had 1/2 of a 32 ounce container of vegetable broth left that I didn't want to go to waste, so I added it to medium sauce pan and brought it to a boil. Considering I had about two cups left, I added one cup long grain rice to the broth, brought it down to a simmer, covered it, and let the rice cook. The rice took about 15 minutes to cook and I let the curry simmer while the rice finished. When there was about 10 minutes left, I added frozen green beans to the curry to get some additional vegetables in, as well as to add more substance to the curry. I thought I had frozen broccoli, but I didn't. I would have added that, too, or even some frozen peas, if we had them in the freezer. Next time.
Overall, it was a good meal, but I think in the future I would prefer to make it with the thai chile paste to give it more dimension. I also think it was comparable to Trader Joe's curry simmer sauce, so if you're looking for an even quicker option, I highly recommend that. You can toss in a can of the coconut milk to that for a similar style curry. I also think that the light coconut milk might not give it as rich of a flavor, but full flavored coconut milk has so much fat in it, it isn't worth it to me to use it. Overall, I think if you only have a few things in your pantry, this is definately a suitable meal.
Next up, traveling. I'm really nervous to see how this goes!
I had a craving for panang curry, and I also had the ill-fated Trader Joe's Beefless Beef Strips left from my lunch the other day. True to my word, I decided to give them another whirl. I knew that Jeff would never eat those on his own, and there were some leftover black beans he would have no issue eating while I was gone.
So, I decided to make panang curry with the beefless beef strips. I ran to the corner store across the street and grabbed an onion. I wanted to grab some thai chile paste, but unfortunately they didn't have any. Jeff goes through about a jar a week, so of course, we were out. I grabbed a can of tomato paste and hoped for the best. When I got home, I first set my baby bok choy on a cookie sheet, put a few liberal tablespoons of Trader Joe's Gyoza Dipping Sauce on top, set the over for 325, and popped those in the oven on a cookie sheet.
Then, I took the beef-less beef strips, coated them in yellow curry powder and some montreal steak seasoning. I put them in a skillet on the stove with a tiny bit of olive oil and cooked them on high until the got a little crisp on the outside. I tenatively tried one, it was just yesterday that their taste make me feel ill, remember. Suprisingly, it was not nearly as bad! I thought it could pass in the curry.
I took the beef out of the skillet, and added in 1/2 of a chopped onion, two tbs. of yellow curry powder, and about 12 ounces of vegetable broth. I then opened the 6 ounce can of tomato paste I bought and mixed in some vegetable broth, yellow curry spice and thai seasoning mix. It tasted okay, but not spicy enough, so I added in some chili powder till I was satisfied.
I then added that to the onions and vegetable broth that had been cooking. I let it meld together, and then I opened up a can of trader joe's light coconut and added that to the skillet. After I mixed everything together, I let it cook. While it was simmering, I added two tsps. of peanut butter, a couple of tsps. of cumin, and a couple of tsps. of garlic powder. I also added a sprinkle of brown sugar. I do everything to taste, and I think the moreso the reason why I share my cooking madeness is to demonstrate that you can make decent veggie or vegan meals through things you have in your pantry, as well as by experimenting. I just start with a small amount of whatever I am adding at a time, and add until I get to a desired taste. I am extra careful when I am simmering something for awhile - if you let something cook, the flavors can sometimes become more powerful, or less powerful, through the cooking process. I have also made some really bad things this way, but that's how I have grown as a home cook, I think.
I had 1/2 of a 32 ounce container of vegetable broth left that I didn't want to go to waste, so I added it to medium sauce pan and brought it to a boil. Considering I had about two cups left, I added one cup long grain rice to the broth, brought it down to a simmer, covered it, and let the rice cook. The rice took about 15 minutes to cook and I let the curry simmer while the rice finished. When there was about 10 minutes left, I added frozen green beans to the curry to get some additional vegetables in, as well as to add more substance to the curry. I thought I had frozen broccoli, but I didn't. I would have added that, too, or even some frozen peas, if we had them in the freezer. Next time.
Overall, it was a good meal, but I think in the future I would prefer to make it with the thai chile paste to give it more dimension. I also think it was comparable to Trader Joe's curry simmer sauce, so if you're looking for an even quicker option, I highly recommend that. You can toss in a can of the coconut milk to that for a similar style curry. I also think that the light coconut milk might not give it as rich of a flavor, but full flavored coconut milk has so much fat in it, it isn't worth it to me to use it. Overall, I think if you only have a few things in your pantry, this is definately a suitable meal.
Next up, traveling. I'm really nervous to see how this goes!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Portabella Pizza (V)
I am traveling for work later this week, and then I am staying with friends this weekend. I can't wait to see how I deal with having to eat out and eat at other, non-vegetarian houses. But tonight's topic is going to focus on the other issue which I have mentioned previously - my horrible tendency to overbuy vegetables, and/or, not knowing what to do with them.
I looked in the fridge, and I have this:
A bag of brussel sprouts
Baby Bok Choy
Two stalks of Broccoli
Two Portabella Mushroom Caps
It is Monday night. I leave Wednesday morning for my work trip. My initial concern was, these vegetables will go to waste! I quickly googled a couple of recipes, I googled if I could freeze vegetables (fyi - you cant without blanching and that just seemed like more work than I wanted to do after cleaning the bathroom and starting laundry). I thought I was in a bad spot. Then, I thought, I bet I can make portabella pizzas, with broccoli on them, and as a side.
So, I googled "portabella pizza" and saw a ton of recipes! Granted I had to use cheese, but I had some leftover Sargento Reduced Fat Provolone I had purchased prior to my meatless adventure. I didn't feel so bad about using this since it had been a pre-veg purchase and would go bad soon anyways. After the cupcake, I'm lucky this day ended this good.
So basically finding out that portabella pizza had been done, I didn't really look at any particular recipes, I kind of just made my own. I didnt have any cans of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, or puree. I was out of onions. My basil was brown. Don't judge me - I know that's sad. I was about to give up on the endeavor, but then I improvised.
First, I cleaned the portabella mushrooms and destalked the broccoli. I put them both on a cookie sheet, and tossed a couple of liberal tablespoons of olive oil over both vegetables. Then, I used my garlic salt grinder and sprinkled that liberally over the veggies. I stuck them in the broiler, and went to work on my sauce for the portabella pizzas.
I was really nervous for this part. I took 6 of my heriloom cherry tomatoes (Trader Joe's needs to pay me for talking about these so much) and put them in a pan with a few drizzles of olive oil. I added italian herb seasoning blend, some granulated garlic, onion powder, some additional basil, and let them cook on medium low until the skin broke. Then, I kind of mashed them and let them continue cooking for a few minutes. Next, I did something a little weird. I added in a touch of almond milk. I wanted to give it a little bit more flavor and creamy-ness, since I didnt have many tomatoes, or anything else to make the sauce with. It worked out great - it tasted so good. People may think I'm nuts, but it was actually quite tasty.
I was going to brown some Gimme Lean Soy Sausage to add to the "pizza," but once it's open, it has to be used in 3-5 days. I knew I wouldnt use enough and didn't want the rest to go to waste, so I'll save that for after the travel is over. I started to think that the pizza needed some more substance, and I need at least a little protein. So, I got a can of black beans out and added it to my tomato "sauce" to heat them through at the very end. The sauce took 20 minutes, total. Next, I took the veggies out of the oven (after about 25 minutes of roasting, and set the broccoli aside. I then spooned the tomato/bean mixture onto the portabella mushrooms, put two pieces of the reduced fat provolone on top, and popped them back in the oven to melt the cheese.
I put the pizzas on plates, put the broccoli on as a side, and topped the broccoli with a little drizzle of olive oil... and had a meal that I was a little worried about.
It was actually really, really good. I wished I had more. I would definately do this again - even without having the cans of diced tomatoes/sauce.
I looked in the fridge, and I have this:
A bag of brussel sprouts
Baby Bok Choy
Two stalks of Broccoli
Two Portabella Mushroom Caps
It is Monday night. I leave Wednesday morning for my work trip. My initial concern was, these vegetables will go to waste! I quickly googled a couple of recipes, I googled if I could freeze vegetables (fyi - you cant without blanching and that just seemed like more work than I wanted to do after cleaning the bathroom and starting laundry). I thought I was in a bad spot. Then, I thought, I bet I can make portabella pizzas, with broccoli on them, and as a side.
So, I googled "portabella pizza" and saw a ton of recipes! Granted I had to use cheese, but I had some leftover Sargento Reduced Fat Provolone I had purchased prior to my meatless adventure. I didn't feel so bad about using this since it had been a pre-veg purchase and would go bad soon anyways. After the cupcake, I'm lucky this day ended this good.
So basically finding out that portabella pizza had been done, I didn't really look at any particular recipes, I kind of just made my own. I didnt have any cans of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, or puree. I was out of onions. My basil was brown. Don't judge me - I know that's sad. I was about to give up on the endeavor, but then I improvised.
First, I cleaned the portabella mushrooms and destalked the broccoli. I put them both on a cookie sheet, and tossed a couple of liberal tablespoons of olive oil over both vegetables. Then, I used my garlic salt grinder and sprinkled that liberally over the veggies. I stuck them in the broiler, and went to work on my sauce for the portabella pizzas.
I was really nervous for this part. I took 6 of my heriloom cherry tomatoes (Trader Joe's needs to pay me for talking about these so much) and put them in a pan with a few drizzles of olive oil. I added italian herb seasoning blend, some granulated garlic, onion powder, some additional basil, and let them cook on medium low until the skin broke. Then, I kind of mashed them and let them continue cooking for a few minutes. Next, I did something a little weird. I added in a touch of almond milk. I wanted to give it a little bit more flavor and creamy-ness, since I didnt have many tomatoes, or anything else to make the sauce with. It worked out great - it tasted so good. People may think I'm nuts, but it was actually quite tasty.
I was going to brown some Gimme Lean Soy Sausage to add to the "pizza," but once it's open, it has to be used in 3-5 days. I knew I wouldnt use enough and didn't want the rest to go to waste, so I'll save that for after the travel is over. I started to think that the pizza needed some more substance, and I need at least a little protein. So, I got a can of black beans out and added it to my tomato "sauce" to heat them through at the very end. The sauce took 20 minutes, total. Next, I took the veggies out of the oven (after about 25 minutes of roasting, and set the broccoli aside. I then spooned the tomato/bean mixture onto the portabella mushrooms, put two pieces of the reduced fat provolone on top, and popped them back in the oven to melt the cheese.
I put the pizzas on plates, put the broccoli on as a side, and topped the broccoli with a little drizzle of olive oil... and had a meal that I was a little worried about.
It was actually really, really good. I wished I had more. I would definately do this again - even without having the cans of diced tomatoes/sauce.
There are hits, and then there are misses.
I have had really good luck so far in that most of the things I have tried have been pretty spectacular. However, today, I had a miss. If I had a miss like this within the first week of going meatless, I think I would have given up. However, I tried to take today with a grain of salt, since it mostly hasn't been too horrible fixing my ugly, meat-eating ways.
I have been working my way up to try different meatless products. I know there is a lot of noise out there about too much soy being bad for you, but until I get the hang of this, I feel like I still need to rely on it for a lot of my meals for the time being. And I haven't had anything from Trader Joe's I haven't liked yet (re: my post, a Love Song for Trader Joe's), so I finally decided to try the Beefless Beef Strips for lunch today. It is Monday, I did not plan out my food situation today at all, so I grabbed what I could find in the fridge and headed to work.
I had a salad of arugula (quickly becoming my favorite green, due to it's flavorful taste), topped with some "beef" strips that I warmed up in the microwave at work. I added some of my heirloom cherry tomatoes, a small handful of some quinoa, and had a piece of rye bread with 1 tablespoon of the Trader Joe's "This is not a tub of cream cheese" product on the side. I topped the salad with some Maple Grove Farms fat fee Vidalia Onion Salad Dressing.
The meat had a good texture - it "ripped" like meat. This was unusual, because usually the texture is what is off on fake meat products. The taste was just not there for me. Whether it was the microwaving of the "meat" or the lack of extra seasoning, these were not tasty. I kind of felt like barf after I ate it. Writing about it still leaves me with a yucky taste in my mouth.
Real time Gchat:
Still, I won't give up on these. I think maybe if I use the Montreal Steak Seasoning, warm them up on the griddle pan, used maybe a teriyaki marinade, or with A-1 (which I love), or even put them in a fajita of sorts - they might be better the second time around. We'll see if I work my nerve up to try again.
I have the chickenless "chicken" strips, too, and I am hoping for better results with those. Fingers crossed.
As an aside, misses abounded today of all kinds. Monday was not good for my vegan eating, as someone in the office brought Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes in, which I liken to putting a drink in front of an alcoholic. Second behind meat on my list of things I thought I couldn't live without is cupcakes. I love them all. I haven't had a chance to check out the vegan kinds yet, and when I saw a case of these crack like cupcakes next to the printer when I got up to go get some water, I knew all bets were off.
I had a chocolate chip cookie dough cupcake, and immediately regretted it upon eating. It made my stomach ache, I felt guilty, and then I felt gross all day. I will never apologize here though. I am a real person. It would be great to think I am never going to make mistakes, or fall down, so I am not going to hide the ugly truth from you. Even if one day I have to post something like, "I got drunk and ate steak nachos at 3am." I hope that doesn't happen, and I don't think that it will, but I think my moment of weakness will come for something stupid like that, rather than as a result of a fancy meal or a special treat.
I've had grilled cheese and mac and cheese once or twice since going vegetarian, all in times of dining out with friends where the options were limited. I literally went to a bar one day, and they had three things on their menu: Burger, Cheese Quesadilla, or Grilled Cheese. I think I wasn't upset then, and that I am now because of the cupcake, because the cupcake seemed completely unncessary; flagrant. All of these feelings for this do not seem worth it:
There's always tomorrow.
I have been working my way up to try different meatless products. I know there is a lot of noise out there about too much soy being bad for you, but until I get the hang of this, I feel like I still need to rely on it for a lot of my meals for the time being. And I haven't had anything from Trader Joe's I haven't liked yet (re: my post, a Love Song for Trader Joe's), so I finally decided to try the Beefless Beef Strips for lunch today. It is Monday, I did not plan out my food situation today at all, so I grabbed what I could find in the fridge and headed to work.
I had a salad of arugula (quickly becoming my favorite green, due to it's flavorful taste), topped with some "beef" strips that I warmed up in the microwave at work. I added some of my heirloom cherry tomatoes, a small handful of some quinoa, and had a piece of rye bread with 1 tablespoon of the Trader Joe's "This is not a tub of cream cheese" product on the side. I topped the salad with some Maple Grove Farms fat fee Vidalia Onion Salad Dressing.
The meat had a good texture - it "ripped" like meat. This was unusual, because usually the texture is what is off on fake meat products. The taste was just not there for me. Whether it was the microwaving of the "meat" or the lack of extra seasoning, these were not tasty. I kind of felt like barf after I ate it. Writing about it still leaves me with a yucky taste in my mouth.
Real time Gchat:
Still, I won't give up on these. I think maybe if I use the Montreal Steak Seasoning, warm them up on the griddle pan, used maybe a teriyaki marinade, or with A-1 (which I love), or even put them in a fajita of sorts - they might be better the second time around. We'll see if I work my nerve up to try again.
I have the chickenless "chicken" strips, too, and I am hoping for better results with those. Fingers crossed.
As an aside, misses abounded today of all kinds. Monday was not good for my vegan eating, as someone in the office brought Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes in, which I liken to putting a drink in front of an alcoholic. Second behind meat on my list of things I thought I couldn't live without is cupcakes. I love them all. I haven't had a chance to check out the vegan kinds yet, and when I saw a case of these crack like cupcakes next to the printer when I got up to go get some water, I knew all bets were off.
I had a chocolate chip cookie dough cupcake, and immediately regretted it upon eating. It made my stomach ache, I felt guilty, and then I felt gross all day. I will never apologize here though. I am a real person. It would be great to think I am never going to make mistakes, or fall down, so I am not going to hide the ugly truth from you. Even if one day I have to post something like, "I got drunk and ate steak nachos at 3am." I hope that doesn't happen, and I don't think that it will, but I think my moment of weakness will come for something stupid like that, rather than as a result of a fancy meal or a special treat.
I've had grilled cheese and mac and cheese once or twice since going vegetarian, all in times of dining out with friends where the options were limited. I literally went to a bar one day, and they had three things on their menu: Burger, Cheese Quesadilla, or Grilled Cheese. I think I wasn't upset then, and that I am now because of the cupcake, because the cupcake seemed completely unncessary; flagrant. All of these feelings for this do not seem worth it:
There's always tomorrow.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sometimes, you just have to throw it together - Beefless Ground Beef, with Manwich... (VG).
Much like an outfit you have to randomly put together when you wake up late, realize you have no clean clothes, and have no matching socks (I hope I am not the only one this happens to...I will be really embarrassed otherwise), I came home and had no idea how to put together tonight's meal. I had exhausted my go-to meals, and really want to force myself to think outside of the box to get a broader option of meals I can go to at a moment's notice.
Feel free to laugh. I had a meal of 1/2 a cup of quinoa, Roasted Brussel Sprouts with olive oil and garlic, and, the piece de resistance, Trader Joe's Beefless Ground Beef in...manwich sauce. Yes, that's how pathetic it got tonight. I doctored up the manwich mix with some other seasoning (Montreal Steak Seasoning, I'm so uncreative) and a little soy sauce to make it tast less ketchup-y. I think I went too heavy on the salt, but other than that, it was passable. I am taking the leftovers for lunch tomorrow, so clearly it wasn't inedible. I may actually use it to make a "real" sloppy joe sandwich next time, instead of just having the meat/sauce over quinoa. We'll see.
Tonight's meal, while not bad, was not something I can see myself going to in a moment's notice. But, it sufficed in a pinch, which is the same thing I can say about this morning's outfit.
Feel free to laugh. I had a meal of 1/2 a cup of quinoa, Roasted Brussel Sprouts with olive oil and garlic, and, the piece de resistance, Trader Joe's Beefless Ground Beef in...manwich sauce. Yes, that's how pathetic it got tonight. I doctored up the manwich mix with some other seasoning (Montreal Steak Seasoning, I'm so uncreative) and a little soy sauce to make it tast less ketchup-y. I think I went too heavy on the salt, but other than that, it was passable. I am taking the leftovers for lunch tomorrow, so clearly it wasn't inedible. I may actually use it to make a "real" sloppy joe sandwich next time, instead of just having the meat/sauce over quinoa. We'll see.
Tonight's meal, while not bad, was not something I can see myself going to in a moment's notice. But, it sufficed in a pinch, which is the same thing I can say about this morning's outfit.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Tofu Stirfry (V or VG)
This has to be one of the holy grail meals for people trying to become vegetarians. It's an easy first meal to have if you are making tofu, because it doesn't force you too far outside of your comfort zone.
This is all over the internet, but just in case - drain your tofu and rinse. I let mine sit out on a plate for a little bit so some of the water drains out. Then, I put a marinade on it. One block of tofu usually makes enough stirfry for 3 portions for us, for dinner, and leftovers for my lunch. For this one, I marinated it with some soy sauce, and some of this fantastic Maggi Seasoning Sauce my father-in-law gave us. If you buy this and use it, you only need a few drops - its very potent. It's similiar to soy. We also added a teaspoon of granulated ginger, and two minced cloves of garlic. We let that sit in the fridge for thirty minutes. We then started cooking this cous cous quinoa mix I got at Trader Joe's. While the tofu was marinating and the water started to bowl, we cooked a clove of additional garlic and one medium onion in a pan with a few tablespoons of olive oil. When the onion cooked, we added in some fresh broccoli, frozen green beans, and some fresh mushrooms and let those cook. Then, at the very end, we added a scrambled egg and some basil. If you are vegan, obviously you don't have to add the egg. We bought Cage-Free eggs, but I have been doing a lot of reading about eggs, and I think I might have to give them up completely, unless I can find Animal Welfare Approved eggs, or locally raised eggs from chickens who are not debeaked and/or killed somewhere. I dont like the egg industry at all. We'll save that for another time.
Jeff also put some Trader Joe Gyoza Sauce on some Baby Bok Choy and baked it at 350 under it was tender. It was SO GOOD. I highly recommend, and it was so easy.
Overall, this is going to be a go-to meal. I cant wait to do some other marinating with tofu, too!
This is all over the internet, but just in case - drain your tofu and rinse. I let mine sit out on a plate for a little bit so some of the water drains out. Then, I put a marinade on it. One block of tofu usually makes enough stirfry for 3 portions for us, for dinner, and leftovers for my lunch. For this one, I marinated it with some soy sauce, and some of this fantastic Maggi Seasoning Sauce my father-in-law gave us. If you buy this and use it, you only need a few drops - its very potent. It's similiar to soy. We also added a teaspoon of granulated ginger, and two minced cloves of garlic. We let that sit in the fridge for thirty minutes. We then started cooking this cous cous quinoa mix I got at Trader Joe's. While the tofu was marinating and the water started to bowl, we cooked a clove of additional garlic and one medium onion in a pan with a few tablespoons of olive oil. When the onion cooked, we added in some fresh broccoli, frozen green beans, and some fresh mushrooms and let those cook. Then, at the very end, we added a scrambled egg and some basil. If you are vegan, obviously you don't have to add the egg. We bought Cage-Free eggs, but I have been doing a lot of reading about eggs, and I think I might have to give them up completely, unless I can find Animal Welfare Approved eggs, or locally raised eggs from chickens who are not debeaked and/or killed somewhere. I dont like the egg industry at all. We'll save that for another time.
Jeff also put some Trader Joe Gyoza Sauce on some Baby Bok Choy and baked it at 350 under it was tender. It was SO GOOD. I highly recommend, and it was so easy.
Overall, this is going to be a go-to meal. I cant wait to do some other marinating with tofu, too!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Taco Salad (V)
Let me be clear, I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture, and this was so good, that I didn't even want to stop to take one. So that's why when you see the plate, it looks kind of gross. But trust me, it is so good we've had it two or three times since our first attempt. This is one of those meals that we used to have with meat. Turkey Taco Salad was a staple for us, and I'm glad to see a meatless version is in the cards.
Easy as it gets:
As with most of my meals, I'm cooking for two, so keep that in mind. I put a little olive oil in a pan, and start cooking some diced onion in it over medium. I usually do 1/2 a medium onion (I also leave a little bit of raw onion out to put on the taco salad at the end). Once the onion gets good and cooked, add in about 1/2 a package of Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo, can of black beans, and continue cooking until the chorizo and beans are warmed through. I have found that I dont need to add any taco seasoning, but if you want to add cumin and or cilantro to taste, you can.
While the chorizo and beans are warming through, I slice some tomatoes, an avocado, wash some lettuce or arugula, or whatever greens I have in the house. Sometimes we use some salsa on the side, or Trader Joe's spicy Bean Dip. We top the argula with the bean/onion/chorizo mixture, then the tomato, avocado, and raw onions. Jeff also uses jalapenos, but I don't like super spicy stuff.
I usually have enough beans/chorizo cooked to divide it into 3 portions, two for Jeff and I for dinner, and one for lunch the next day. I save 1/2 of the avocado for lunch the next day, as well.
You can add shredded cheese and sour cream if you are not a vegan. I haven't found any substitute for sour cream yet, and I adore it. I'll work on giving it up, but right now, I don't know that I can imagine my life without it. If I find a good substitute, I'll keep you posted. I also can't forget to mention my boyfriend, AKA, Frank's Red Hot Sauce. He is the 4th love of my life after my husband and two dogs. I douse this salad with Frank's.
Seriously - I ate this with ground turkey meat at least once a week, and am so happy to know I can continue eating a meatless version now! And seriously - Don't let the gross photo fool you!
Easy as it gets:
As with most of my meals, I'm cooking for two, so keep that in mind. I put a little olive oil in a pan, and start cooking some diced onion in it over medium. I usually do 1/2 a medium onion (I also leave a little bit of raw onion out to put on the taco salad at the end). Once the onion gets good and cooked, add in about 1/2 a package of Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo, can of black beans, and continue cooking until the chorizo and beans are warmed through. I have found that I dont need to add any taco seasoning, but if you want to add cumin and or cilantro to taste, you can.
While the chorizo and beans are warming through, I slice some tomatoes, an avocado, wash some lettuce or arugula, or whatever greens I have in the house. Sometimes we use some salsa on the side, or Trader Joe's spicy Bean Dip. We top the argula with the bean/onion/chorizo mixture, then the tomato, avocado, and raw onions. Jeff also uses jalapenos, but I don't like super spicy stuff.
I usually have enough beans/chorizo cooked to divide it into 3 portions, two for Jeff and I for dinner, and one for lunch the next day. I save 1/2 of the avocado for lunch the next day, as well.
You can add shredded cheese and sour cream if you are not a vegan. I haven't found any substitute for sour cream yet, and I adore it. I'll work on giving it up, but right now, I don't know that I can imagine my life without it. If I find a good substitute, I'll keep you posted. I also can't forget to mention my boyfriend, AKA, Frank's Red Hot Sauce. He is the 4th love of my life after my husband and two dogs. I douse this salad with Frank's.
Seriously - I ate this with ground turkey meat at least once a week, and am so happy to know I can continue eating a meatless version now! And seriously - Don't let the gross photo fool you!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Love Song To Trader Joe's
In my last post, I talked about how enamored I have become with Trader Joe's since going veggie. Honestly, they have made it very easy to find things that are vegetarian and vegan, their prices (which, before I shopped there, I imagined to be high due to the organic nature of their offerings) are ridiculously affordable, and they have a broad range of items available for purchase so my meals aren't simply constructed of lettuce and some soy meat product day in and day out. To top it off, their staff has been so informative and pleasant everytime I have gone shopping. They don't come off as pretentious, they are more than willing to give recommendations, and every time I check out with something new, the cashier always makes a comment - "I love barbeque sauce on my tempeh!" or "This soy yogurt is really delicious" or "I make scrambled eggs with this soy chorizo".
I would also like to say that I thought being vegetarian would be REALLY expensive. It has been quite the opposite. I am still learning how to buy veggies - I do have to go to the store more often to buy fresh produce, so I don't waste items that go bad before I eat them, but meat free protein products are alot cheaper than real meat, and the shelf life is longer. A package of tofu at Trader Joe's is like $1.99. That is less than half the price of an on sale package of boneless skinless chicken breasts. A box of quinoa has lasted me for weeks. Soy Yogurt is $.99 at Trader Joe's, which is about the same price as the greek yogurt I used to eat and adore.
Here are some of the items I have come to rely on from Trader Joe's. I highly recommend, and will describe recipes using many of these at some point on this blog, I am sure. I have already told you about the heirloom cherry tomatoes, but please don't forget those. They truly are fantastic.
Trader Joe's Curry Simmer Sauce - Fantastic with Tofu and Veggies
Trader Joe's Mini Chocolate Soy Sandwiches
Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo - Jeff can't even tell the difference, and I mean that. We use it for taco salad, breakfast, and chili.
Trader Joe's Soy Yogurt- I like the peach best, and the strawberry
Trader Joe's Almond Milk - I cant only drink a little bit, its more rich that regular milk, but its really good!
Trader Joe's Gyoza Dipping Sauce - Use this as a marinade, adding to stri-fry, or a dipping sauce
Trader Joe's Vegetable Gyoza - I'm not sure if this is vegan - I believe it is. Tasty, either way.
Trader Joe's "This is Not a Tub of Cream Cheese" - it's not that "healthy" for you, it doesn't replace the real thing, but its good on breads or as a sandwhich spread.
I have some other things I haven't tried yet, and some things I have tried that aren't that great, but we'll get to that.
I would also like to say that I thought being vegetarian would be REALLY expensive. It has been quite the opposite. I am still learning how to buy veggies - I do have to go to the store more often to buy fresh produce, so I don't waste items that go bad before I eat them, but meat free protein products are alot cheaper than real meat, and the shelf life is longer. A package of tofu at Trader Joe's is like $1.99. That is less than half the price of an on sale package of boneless skinless chicken breasts. A box of quinoa has lasted me for weeks. Soy Yogurt is $.99 at Trader Joe's, which is about the same price as the greek yogurt I used to eat and adore.
Here are some of the items I have come to rely on from Trader Joe's. I highly recommend, and will describe recipes using many of these at some point on this blog, I am sure. I have already told you about the heirloom cherry tomatoes, but please don't forget those. They truly are fantastic.
Trader Joe's Curry Simmer Sauce - Fantastic with Tofu and Veggies
Trader Joe's Mini Chocolate Soy Sandwiches
Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo - Jeff can't even tell the difference, and I mean that. We use it for taco salad, breakfast, and chili.
Trader Joe's Soy Yogurt- I like the peach best, and the strawberry
Trader Joe's Almond Milk - I cant only drink a little bit, its more rich that regular milk, but its really good!
Trader Joe's Gyoza Dipping Sauce - Use this as a marinade, adding to stri-fry, or a dipping sauce
Trader Joe's Vegetable Gyoza - I'm not sure if this is vegan - I believe it is. Tasty, either way.
Trader Joe's "This is Not a Tub of Cream Cheese" - it's not that "healthy" for you, it doesn't replace the real thing, but its good on breads or as a sandwhich spread.
I have some other things I haven't tried yet, and some things I have tried that aren't that great, but we'll get to that.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Portabella Mushroom Burgers - (VG)
A lot of people say that when you go veggie, you should strive to think outside of the box regarding your meals - that they don't have to resemble what you're used to: a plate with a protein, a vegetable, and a grain. But for me, I need to make this transition as easy, step-by-step as possible. So, I decided to start out by trying to make vegetarian versions of meals I once would have eaten. I am trying to eat "vegan" as much as possible, so I will also denote which meals are vegan vs. vegetarian only.
As a disclaimer, I want to say that I don't identify as a "vegan." I feel that it is rude and disrespectful to refer to myself in those terms - I still do many things that true vegans would frown upon. Maybe one day, I will be able to go as far as to limit my usage of animal products beyond my food, but again, I need to do this one step at a time. I see myself growing into things such as changing up my soap and shampoo, and I for sure won't be able to buy that Louis Vuitton bag I sought after for so long...but I need to make sure this is a change I can sustain, first. Baby steps though.
The natural first meal seemed to be some sort of veggie burger. I love mushrooms, and we had used portabella before, so I decided to give it a shot.
Before starting in making the burger, we used our mandoline, which is probably the most used thing in our kitchen, to slice a potato into extra thin strips. We put the potato slices on a cookie sheet with some season salt and olive oil and started baking them at 375 degrees.
We cooked the portabella and seasoned it with Montreal Steak Seasoning. It is McCormick's brand and I have used it on our steaks and burgers ever since I can remember. I love the stuff. I was hoping that using the seasoning on the mushroom would make me envision eating meat. It did. We basically cooked the mushroom in our griddle pan over medium on the stove with a bit of olive oil, some onions, and the Montreal Steak Seasoning. While it was cooking, we sliced up some heirloom cherry tomatoes from Trader Joe's. These are $2.99 every day! I use them in everything now - from sauces, to sandwiches, to salads. Phenomenal. We also sliced up some avocado, and washed some arugula. All from Trader Joes. I need to write a seperate post proclaiming my love for Trader Joes now that I am going veg. Seriously, amazing. I will get to that at a later point.
Next, we toasted our rye bread up in the griddle pan. After that we were ready to assemble our sandwiches.
Finally, we mixed up a balsamic vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and an italian herb spice mix, and made a small side salad with some arugula, freshly cracked black pepper, and a little of the leftover heirlooms and avocado.
The only mistake in this meal was the portion size. I assumed because I was eating veggies that I needed to eat more food, but the potatoes and the side salad were too much. We were stuffed. Next time, one or the other with the sandwich.
To this date, this is one of the most tasty vegetarian dishes we have made. Simply fantastic - I didn't miss the meat at all, and neither did Jeff, which says a lot since he has not joined the meat free bandwagon yet. We have had this a few times - its a meal we are comfortable with. We usually use one half of the avocado between us, and I put the other half in some tupperware in the fridge, after putting a little lemon juice on it to perserve it. I take it to work the next day, and make a sandwich with some toasted rye, Trader Joe's "This is not a cream cheese tub" spread, heirlooms, and arugula. Tastes like a vegan BLT, minus the B.
Things you will need:
Portebella Mushrooms
Seasoning of your choice
Sandwich Toppings - We prefer onions, avocado, arugula and tomatoes
Rye Bread
This is as easy as it comes my friends.
As a disclaimer, I want to say that I don't identify as a "vegan." I feel that it is rude and disrespectful to refer to myself in those terms - I still do many things that true vegans would frown upon. Maybe one day, I will be able to go as far as to limit my usage of animal products beyond my food, but again, I need to do this one step at a time. I see myself growing into things such as changing up my soap and shampoo, and I for sure won't be able to buy that Louis Vuitton bag I sought after for so long...but I need to make sure this is a change I can sustain, first. Baby steps though.
The natural first meal seemed to be some sort of veggie burger. I love mushrooms, and we had used portabella before, so I decided to give it a shot.
Before starting in making the burger, we used our mandoline, which is probably the most used thing in our kitchen, to slice a potato into extra thin strips. We put the potato slices on a cookie sheet with some season salt and olive oil and started baking them at 375 degrees.
We cooked the portabella and seasoned it with Montreal Steak Seasoning. It is McCormick's brand and I have used it on our steaks and burgers ever since I can remember. I love the stuff. I was hoping that using the seasoning on the mushroom would make me envision eating meat. It did. We basically cooked the mushroom in our griddle pan over medium on the stove with a bit of olive oil, some onions, and the Montreal Steak Seasoning. While it was cooking, we sliced up some heirloom cherry tomatoes from Trader Joe's. These are $2.99 every day! I use them in everything now - from sauces, to sandwiches, to salads. Phenomenal. We also sliced up some avocado, and washed some arugula. All from Trader Joes. I need to write a seperate post proclaiming my love for Trader Joes now that I am going veg. Seriously, amazing. I will get to that at a later point.
Next, we toasted our rye bread up in the griddle pan. After that we were ready to assemble our sandwiches.
Finally, we mixed up a balsamic vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and an italian herb spice mix, and made a small side salad with some arugula, freshly cracked black pepper, and a little of the leftover heirlooms and avocado.
The only mistake in this meal was the portion size. I assumed because I was eating veggies that I needed to eat more food, but the potatoes and the side salad were too much. We were stuffed. Next time, one or the other with the sandwich.
To this date, this is one of the most tasty vegetarian dishes we have made. Simply fantastic - I didn't miss the meat at all, and neither did Jeff, which says a lot since he has not joined the meat free bandwagon yet. We have had this a few times - its a meal we are comfortable with. We usually use one half of the avocado between us, and I put the other half in some tupperware in the fridge, after putting a little lemon juice on it to perserve it. I take it to work the next day, and make a sandwich with some toasted rye, Trader Joe's "This is not a cream cheese tub" spread, heirlooms, and arugula. Tastes like a vegan BLT, minus the B.
Things you will need:
Portebella Mushrooms
Seasoning of your choice
Sandwich Toppings - We prefer onions, avocado, arugula and tomatoes
Rye Bread
This is as easy as it comes my friends.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Break-Up
Consequently one of my favorite movies, it is also a very fitting title for this first post. You could say my first love is meat. All of my favorite things in the world, involve meat. My best memories, my worst memories, everything is wrapped up in food for me, and food for me has always meant meat. Dates, parties, girls nights - the first thing was always, where and what would we eat. I remember vividly the best times I have had: A filet topped with holladaise and lump crab meat; the tradional steak Sundays my husband, Jeff, and I shared all summer, the Christmas Eve Prime Rib. For thirty years, I have been a carnivore extraordinaire.
My adoption of two dogs a few years ago started making me think more about my actions as a human. I started to see the plight of homeless and abused pets, and as my love for my dogs grew, my sadness over the treatment of animals and animal cruelty grew. However, at that point, I still wasn't thinking holistically about the matter. I didn't see that behind what I was eating, was another animal; and probably an animal who was suffering even more.
But, that slowly started seeping into my thoughts. For every barbeque I have hosted, every beer can chicken I have made, every pork loin roasted, turkey deep fried, double cheeseburger I have eaten in a hungover stupor, something else had to die. Something that has feelings, thoughts, intellect.
My breaking moment, much like the one you may have had with a boyfriend, a job, a friend, whatever the point is when you reach the conclusion that you have grown out of something, came when I was actually watching a show on the Food Network called "The Big Waste." Part of the episode shows chickens that were slaughtered being thrown away because their skin had broken during the processing phase. They said they couldn't be sold because no one would buy them like that. To me, that reeked of arrogance, lordliness almost. People around the world are starving and we are throwing whole chickens away. But what really sealed the fate of meat in my diet was the fact that we abuse living creatures and take their lives with the defense that there are people to feed - only to do so in vain because the cosmetics aren't right.
After that, I forced myself to read things I knew were true in the back of my head, but failed to acknowledge before so I could continue to live in my faceless, meat-loving happy life. Just because I didn't know, didn't mean it wasn't true. I don't want to buy eggs or eat chickens that came from stressed out environments - who are forced to produce, have their beaks ripped off, and are kept in tiny crates the size of a piece of legal paper; I dont want to drink milk from cows that are made to reproduce to keep producing milk; I don't want to eat cattle that spent their final hours without food and water being transported to slaughter, I dont want to have a piece of bacon that came from a smart pig who had parts of its flesh ripped off and was kept in a tiny cage. Suddenly, that piece of bacon doesn't seem so necessary; the milkshake not as fulfilling; my hangover not as important as knowing that something suffered so I could have something so trivial.
The world is a big place. I'm not stupid, and I do understand how factory farms have come to be necessary. I think I understand the cycle of life. I don't know if I am saying that animals shouldn't be eaten, but I am saying that animals, during the course of their lives, should be treated humanely. And until I can know that animal products have come from an ethical place, I just can't bring myself to be a participant any longer. This is all so new to me. I am still sorting out my thoughts. So, for my own peace of mind, I don't know that right now I can contemplate fighting a full on rebellion against the man - I think this is a step by step personal process that I need to slowly undertake. But, what haunts me are the thoughts - when did we become so flagrant? when did food become less about what we needed to survive, and more about status and consumerism? When did we start caring only about the ends and not the means? I don't want to be the cause of suffering for anything, and I have started to realize that just because there isn't blood on my hands, doesn't mean I am not guilty. I'm tired of being a coward who makes excuses.
This is not meant to be a blog with me on my soapbox every entry. The goals of this blog are: 1)To motivate myself to stick with this, and to remind myself of the reasons why I gave up meat 2) To show others that if I, a former meat junkie can give it up, so can they 3)To share good ideas and recipes for people who are trying to live as cruelty-free as possible 4)To find a positive way to explore my thoughts, especially when I might not have anyone else in my life I can relate to.
The name of the blog came from a long-standing joke that started when I was in college. I loved meat so much, I told my best friend I would one day start a cable access show called "Meat for the Manly Girl." And here, 10 years later, I find myself meatless.
My adoption of two dogs a few years ago started making me think more about my actions as a human. I started to see the plight of homeless and abused pets, and as my love for my dogs grew, my sadness over the treatment of animals and animal cruelty grew. However, at that point, I still wasn't thinking holistically about the matter. I didn't see that behind what I was eating, was another animal; and probably an animal who was suffering even more.
But, that slowly started seeping into my thoughts. For every barbeque I have hosted, every beer can chicken I have made, every pork loin roasted, turkey deep fried, double cheeseburger I have eaten in a hungover stupor, something else had to die. Something that has feelings, thoughts, intellect.
My breaking moment, much like the one you may have had with a boyfriend, a job, a friend, whatever the point is when you reach the conclusion that you have grown out of something, came when I was actually watching a show on the Food Network called "The Big Waste." Part of the episode shows chickens that were slaughtered being thrown away because their skin had broken during the processing phase. They said they couldn't be sold because no one would buy them like that. To me, that reeked of arrogance, lordliness almost. People around the world are starving and we are throwing whole chickens away. But what really sealed the fate of meat in my diet was the fact that we abuse living creatures and take their lives with the defense that there are people to feed - only to do so in vain because the cosmetics aren't right.
After that, I forced myself to read things I knew were true in the back of my head, but failed to acknowledge before so I could continue to live in my faceless, meat-loving happy life. Just because I didn't know, didn't mean it wasn't true. I don't want to buy eggs or eat chickens that came from stressed out environments - who are forced to produce, have their beaks ripped off, and are kept in tiny crates the size of a piece of legal paper; I dont want to drink milk from cows that are made to reproduce to keep producing milk; I don't want to eat cattle that spent their final hours without food and water being transported to slaughter, I dont want to have a piece of bacon that came from a smart pig who had parts of its flesh ripped off and was kept in a tiny cage. Suddenly, that piece of bacon doesn't seem so necessary; the milkshake not as fulfilling; my hangover not as important as knowing that something suffered so I could have something so trivial.
The world is a big place. I'm not stupid, and I do understand how factory farms have come to be necessary. I think I understand the cycle of life. I don't know if I am saying that animals shouldn't be eaten, but I am saying that animals, during the course of their lives, should be treated humanely. And until I can know that animal products have come from an ethical place, I just can't bring myself to be a participant any longer. This is all so new to me. I am still sorting out my thoughts. So, for my own peace of mind, I don't know that right now I can contemplate fighting a full on rebellion against the man - I think this is a step by step personal process that I need to slowly undertake. But, what haunts me are the thoughts - when did we become so flagrant? when did food become less about what we needed to survive, and more about status and consumerism? When did we start caring only about the ends and not the means? I don't want to be the cause of suffering for anything, and I have started to realize that just because there isn't blood on my hands, doesn't mean I am not guilty. I'm tired of being a coward who makes excuses.
This is not meant to be a blog with me on my soapbox every entry. The goals of this blog are: 1)To motivate myself to stick with this, and to remind myself of the reasons why I gave up meat 2) To show others that if I, a former meat junkie can give it up, so can they 3)To share good ideas and recipes for people who are trying to live as cruelty-free as possible 4)To find a positive way to explore my thoughts, especially when I might not have anyone else in my life I can relate to.
The name of the blog came from a long-standing joke that started when I was in college. I loved meat so much, I told my best friend I would one day start a cable access show called "Meat for the Manly Girl." And here, 10 years later, I find myself meatless.
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