Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Final thought...
OK, so even though I have finished being a vegan and failed my challenge by finishing early and cheating throughout the 28 days, I still think there are some things being a vegan has taught me.Throughout the 28days I felt if I was doing this for moral reasons, I would have found it easier.
However, eating meat and dairy doesn't bother me in the slightest. I do believe the welfare of the animal I'm eventually going to eat should be taken into account which is why I only buy free range eggs and chicken.
I know that vegans would argue that even free range food is bad, however, I believe if people are going to eat meat or dairy then it should be from a reliable source. Farmers are under a lot of pressure to mass produce meat and that can sometimes lead to the suffering of the animal.This issue has been highlighted greatly by the media recently.
Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fernly Wittingstall have done a lot to change the way we think about our food and where it comes from.Every major supermarket now has the free range options available on foods such as eggs and chicken. I believe if we all take the step towards free range, it will make a big difference.
I've finished. That's it. I've had enough. Three days before I was due to finish anyway. I know, three days doesn't seem that much, but as we all know, I've failed many times during the 28days.
So to celebrate me being 'allowed' meat and dairy again, I had a lovely mini steak and salad. Lush!
I have since given all my left-over vegan produce to my friend Collette, who is an avid vegan and doesn't cheat (unlike myself)It's all good.
During my time as a vegan, I picked up a few healthy tips in the form of recipes and gained a wider knowledge of food. For instance, I never knew that soya contains all eight amino acids that are vital for human development.
Being a vegan is hard, but it does make you think about all the unnecessary additions to the food and drink we consume daily. I have decided to keep a few of the changes in my diet such as rice milk. I love it, and I actually think it tastes better than animals milk and it lasts longer. So I believe I have gained something from this experience.
So to celebrate me being 'allowed' meat and dairy again, I had a lovely mini steak and salad. Lush!
I have since given all my left-over vegan produce to my friend Collette, who is an avid vegan and doesn't cheat (unlike myself)It's all good.
During my time as a vegan, I picked up a few healthy tips in the form of recipes and gained a wider knowledge of food. For instance, I never knew that soya contains all eight amino acids that are vital for human development.
Being a vegan is hard, but it does make you think about all the unnecessary additions to the food and drink we consume daily. I have decided to keep a few of the changes in my diet such as rice milk. I love it, and I actually think it tastes better than animals milk and it lasts longer. So I believe I have gained something from this experience.
As I have previously mentioned the pros of being vegan, i feel I should aslo mention the cons;
- If you are a lover of meat and or dairy, it's very hard to cut it pout of your diet so suddenly
- I was hungry pretty much all of the time. Apart from fruit, there are very few snacks you can have
- I hated having to constantly read the labels on every food item I wanted to purchase, it gets boring!
- unless you are doing it for moral reasons, it's very hard to stick to
- Giving up certain alcohols is insane
Thats fair...right?
The tea party was a massive success! we spend the afternoon sipping tea whilst eating scones made by my own fair hands. I've never been successful at making scones so this was a double victory for me.
I am blaming Camborne for the lack of vegan friendly shops available. I therefore, couldn't find any cream alternative so it was just butter and the best jam ever!
Miss Holly even commented that if she didn't know any better, then she wouldn't ahve known they were vegan scones. Brilliant result :)
I could do it all again in a heartbeat!
I am blaming Camborne for the lack of vegan friendly shops available. I therefore, couldn't find any cream alternative so it was just butter and the best jam ever!
Miss Holly even commented that if she didn't know any better, then she wouldn't ahve known they were vegan scones. Brilliant result :)
I could do it all again in a heartbeat!
The challenge is nearly over! but before it ends, me and my lovely friend Miss Holly Barrett are going to have a vegan tea party, exciting times!
we will have tea (obviously) with rice and soya milk (not at the same time), followed by homemade vegan scones, black cherry jam and hopefully some kind of vegan cream alternative. If that even exists! if not then Pure butter will suffice. it's going to be yummy!
Cant wait!
we will have tea (obviously) with rice and soya milk (not at the same time), followed by homemade vegan scones, black cherry jam and hopefully some kind of vegan cream alternative. If that even exists! if not then Pure butter will suffice. it's going to be yummy!
Cant wait!
I have previously discussed how eating out can be difficult when you're a vegan, however after a weekend spent with my boyfirend, I've found that eating in can also be a challenge.
when you're a vegan and your partner is not, nor does he have any interest in becoming vegan, it can be difficult decideing what to make for tea. As it turned out, we basically made two separate meals. Brilliant. Not only was this time consuming to make, but aldo time consuming to clean up afterwards. Also there's the added plus of dinner costing literally double the amount it ould have. Lovely.
However, I made a lovely strifry-esque thing that was delicious. But I couldn't stop wishing I went for the meat feast pizza he was joyfully eating beside me :( Bad times.
when you're a vegan and your partner is not, nor does he have any interest in becoming vegan, it can be difficult decideing what to make for tea. As it turned out, we basically made two separate meals. Brilliant. Not only was this time consuming to make, but aldo time consuming to clean up afterwards. Also there's the added plus of dinner costing literally double the amount it ould have. Lovely.
However, I made a lovely strifry-esque thing that was delicious. But I couldn't stop wishing I went for the meat feast pizza he was joyfully eating beside me :( Bad times.
I'm failing! I can't help it, being vegan is dull. Never mind the fact that I have previously listed the reasons being vegan is good, I want chocolate and milk and meat and cheese and pasta and gravy! I realise I sound like a petulant child but anyone whose been on a diet understands my troubles. Diets suck, this is why I've never been on one before and no matter what anyone says, being vegan or vegetarian is just like being on a diet.
I firmly believe that no one should cut whole food groups out of their diet, but I understand how the moral aspect of eating animals can affect your eating habits. It still sucks tho.
I firmly believe that no one should cut whole food groups out of their diet, but I understand how the moral aspect of eating animals can affect your eating habits. It still sucks tho.
After re-reading my previous posts, I realise how completely unhelpful I have been. One minute I'm loving being a vegan, the next I detest it. So I should make something clear; I do enjoy it for the most part. So I have listed some of the benefits of being vegan. The benefits of being vegan are:
- You are being healthy in the long run. Most dairy is not good for you and although you may argue that small doses are ok, lets be honest, most of us will eat more than a 'small dose'
- you're conscience will be clean. No animals would have been harmed in the making of your food.
- Most vegans, over time, lose weight. Be careful to replace missing nutrients with supplements.
- As mentioned before, soya has lots of heath benefits and multivitamins are available at most chemists (seek advice first)
- You get to experience new foods. No fast food, no frozen meals only fresh ingredients and a whole host of recipes
Speaking of which, I've found some awesome recipes which everyone must try, they're lush!
Ok, so today hasn't gone that well, I'm having serious cravings for 'normal' food so have decided to make this to take my mind off of meat, milk, chocolate etc.
Caramelised Apple Pastries
Ingredients
puff pastry
marzipan
apples
soya milk
sugar
Notes
These should end up looking like Danish pastries! Also works with other fruit.
Method
Roll out some puff pastry and cut into 3 inch squares. Roll out some marzipan and cut into squares half the size of the pastry squares.
Place a piece of marzipan on each pastry square. Place five thin slices of apple over each marzipan square. Brush with a little soya milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Cook in a hot oven for about 20 minutes, on a greased baking tray. Cool slightly and then eat!
Again, this was from http://www.veganvillage.co.uk/recipes/pastries.htm and they were amazing!
Caramelised Apple Pastries
Ingredients
puff pastry
marzipan
apples
soya milk
sugar
Notes
These should end up looking like Danish pastries! Also works with other fruit.
Method
Roll out some puff pastry and cut into 3 inch squares. Roll out some marzipan and cut into squares half the size of the pastry squares.
Place a piece of marzipan on each pastry square. Place five thin slices of apple over each marzipan square. Brush with a little soya milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Cook in a hot oven for about 20 minutes, on a greased baking tray. Cool slightly and then eat!
Again, this was from http://www.veganvillage.co.uk/recipes/pastries.htm and they were amazing!
Another brilliant recepie that turned out amazing. You've gotta try this. Yum!
Ingredients
1 tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed
12oz / 350g mixed red, green and yellow peppers, chopped
400g tin chopped tomatoes
4oz / 100g mushrooms, sliced
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp oil
2 sticks celery, chopped
2 small sweet potatoes, chopped
1 carrot, diced
2 tsp nutritional yeast flakes (optional)
1 rounded dessertspoon tomato purée
1 dessertspoon soy sauce
4 drops of tabasco sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
black pepper
24 fl oz / 725ml vegetable stock
Method
Heat the oil in a large pan and gently fry the onion and garlic until softened. Add the tomatoes, tomato purée and soy sauce and cook until pulpy.
Add all the remaining ingredients and stir well. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the bay leaves and serve. Delicious!
Notes
This is delicious served with sweetcorn rice.
I found this at http://www.veganvillage.co.uk/recipes/beanstew.htm
Ingredients
1 tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed
12oz / 350g mixed red, green and yellow peppers, chopped
400g tin chopped tomatoes
4oz / 100g mushrooms, sliced
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp oil
2 sticks celery, chopped
2 small sweet potatoes, chopped
1 carrot, diced
2 tsp nutritional yeast flakes (optional)
1 rounded dessertspoon tomato purée
1 dessertspoon soy sauce
4 drops of tabasco sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
black pepper
24 fl oz / 725ml vegetable stock
Method
Heat the oil in a large pan and gently fry the onion and garlic until softened. Add the tomatoes, tomato purée and soy sauce and cook until pulpy.
Add all the remaining ingredients and stir well. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the bay leaves and serve. Delicious!
Notes
This is delicious served with sweetcorn rice.
I found this at http://www.veganvillage.co.uk/recipes/beanstew.htm
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
celebrities!
They're all at it. Celebrities everwhere are climbing aborad the vegan wagon and loving it!
Avril Lavigne (left), Joaquin Pheonix (right), Drew Barrymore, Andre 3000, Natalie Portman, Moby and Gweneth Paltrow just to name a few.
You see it must be cool to be vegan if celebrities are doing it. So come on and join the vegan wagon, it's cool.
Now the imprtant stuff...Alcohol
As I've briefly mentioned before, some alcohol is not vegan or even vegetarian friendly.
OK, this is how it works, in some cases if the product is vegan friendly, it will have a symbol on the label stating so. However there are other cases when the product looks suitable for vegans but in fact, its not.
Some products such as Baileys are clearly not vegan as cream is used as a main ingredient, however some aren't so obvious. Some red wine, for instance is actually coloured with cochineal, a crimson red dye made from the pregnant female cochineal scale insect. Lovely.
Other than relying on the list of ingredients, finding out what conditioning process was used is virtually impossible when looking at a bottle on the shelf in Tesco's.
Many products are 'fined' during production. This is a process where one ingredient is added in order to remove another. Whether the end product actually contains any of the items used in during fining is irrelevant. The fact that they were used at all is what matters to vegans.
Here are a list of things that can be used for fining alcohol;
Examples of finings used in beer, cider, wine, sherry and port include egg albumen, isinglass (from swim bladders of tropical fish like the Chinese sturgeon), potassium caseinate or casein (derived from milk), gelatin (nasty), chitin (from lobster or crab shells) and - saving the best until last - animal blood (eg ox blood). Equally horribly, some imported vodkas are passed through a bone charcoal filter during the conditioning process.
The information here was found at http://moakes.com/vegan-facts.htm
OK, this is how it works, in some cases if the product is vegan friendly, it will have a symbol on the label stating so. However there are other cases when the product looks suitable for vegans but in fact, its not.
Some products such as Baileys are clearly not vegan as cream is used as a main ingredient, however some aren't so obvious. Some red wine, for instance is actually coloured with cochineal, a crimson red dye made from the pregnant female cochineal scale insect. Lovely.
Other than relying on the list of ingredients, finding out what conditioning process was used is virtually impossible when looking at a bottle on the shelf in Tesco's.
Many products are 'fined' during production. This is a process where one ingredient is added in order to remove another. Whether the end product actually contains any of the items used in during fining is irrelevant. The fact that they were used at all is what matters to vegans.
Here are a list of things that can be used for fining alcohol;
Examples of finings used in beer, cider, wine, sherry and port include egg albumen, isinglass (from swim bladders of tropical fish like the Chinese sturgeon), potassium caseinate or casein (derived from milk), gelatin (nasty), chitin (from lobster or crab shells) and - saving the best until last - animal blood (eg ox blood). Equally horribly, some imported vodkas are passed through a bone charcoal filter during the conditioning process.
The information here was found at http://moakes.com/vegan-facts.htm
Reduce your carbon footprint vegan style
I've just come across the vegan society website and have discoverd that becoming a vegan is just one of the many wys you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Agriculture is one of the environmentally damaging aspects of industrialised living.
"Farmers used to be seen as 'custodian's of the countryside,' but the overriding image of modern industrial farming is one of destruction and waste." http://www.vegansociety.com/html/environment/
The Vegan Society website is very helpful and informative for those who are interested in becoming a vegan. The have also raised the issue that by people eating meat, we are in fact starving ourselves.
The animal population reared for food is 21billion. Thats more than 3 and a half times the human population. by feeding the animals that are reaerd for food with grains and cereals, we are in fact depriving people who are starving in the world of basic foods. Over 60% of US grain is fed to animals.
There is an interesting article on the vegan society website with more information about this topic http://www.vegansociety.com/environment/land/
Agriculture is one of the environmentally damaging aspects of industrialised living.
"Farmers used to be seen as 'custodian's of the countryside,' but the overriding image of modern industrial farming is one of destruction and waste." http://www.vegansociety.com/html/environment/
The Vegan Society website is very helpful and informative for those who are interested in becoming a vegan. The have also raised the issue that by people eating meat, we are in fact starving ourselves.
The animal population reared for food is 21billion. Thats more than 3 and a half times the human population. by feeding the animals that are reaerd for food with grains and cereals, we are in fact depriving people who are starving in the world of basic foods. Over 60% of US grain is fed to animals.
There is an interesting article on the vegan society website with more information about this topic http://www.vegansociety.com/environment/land/
OK, it's official. I'm the worst vegan EVER! I technically shouldn't even call myself a vegan anymore as I've slipped up majorly this weekend.
You see, My best friend Alannah has just returned from months of travelling so we had a night out with our two friends Rhea and Jo. Firstly we bought rose wine (which I'm pretty sure I'm allowed), but then we got a take-away. I had Malaysian style chicken (which was amazing, But clearly not vegan!) I don't remember much about the rest of the night, but I have a sneaking suspicion I may have had some non-vegan alcohol and more non-vegan food.
I also had a burger with brie the day before. I'm hanging my head in shame.
You see, My best friend Alannah has just returned from months of travelling so we had a night out with our two friends Rhea and Jo. Firstly we bought rose wine (which I'm pretty sure I'm allowed), but then we got a take-away. I had Malaysian style chicken (which was amazing, But clearly not vegan!) I don't remember much about the rest of the night, but I have a sneaking suspicion I may have had some non-vegan alcohol and more non-vegan food.
I also had a burger with brie the day before. I'm hanging my head in shame.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Brownies were a hit!
OK, I'm not one to toot my own horn but I'm making an exception TOOT TOOT! I rocked at making vegan brownies! I even added a little something extra (walnuts) that went down a storm with my non-vegan flat mates. I officially rule! As commented by my good friend Holly, they were delicious! Proof that not all vegan food is bland and tasteless, good times. Although I have to add the brownies were seriously unhealthy, bad times.
The perfect after dinner dessert :)
The perfect after dinner dessert :)
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Vegansexuals
I've recently come across the term 'vegansexual.' You may have already guessd what this entails, thats right, a vegansexual is a person who will only have sex with other vegans."If you are what you eat, vegansexuals don't want your meat"
Vegansexuals believe that you are indeed what you eat and that in having sexual relations with a carnivore they are somehow becoming 'less' vegan. They believe that carnivores are made up of dead animals and therefore refuse to be in relationships with them.
The New Zealand Centre for Human and Animal Studies conducted a survey in 2007 and found this to be a common opinion amongst vegans. It has since then become a widely coined term and many vegans have taken to becoming vegansexuals.
Although I think this would be very appealing to some people, I can't imagine having to ask a potential partner 20 questions about their eating habits before deciding whether I was interested in a relationship. That's entirely too much effort.
It's an interesting concept, but I think I'll stick to plain old heterosexuality.
Benefits of being Vegan
I realise that so far, I have made the entire vegan experience sound fairly negative so I thought I'd post some reasons why being a vegan is very beneficial.
To start with there is the moral issue. By being vegan you can rest assured your conscience will be clear. No animals would have been harmed or used in the making of your meals. As well as this, there is the added health benefits. As you will probably have to make your meals from scratch each day, you will have the advantage of knowing exactly what is in your meals each day.
As you would have read from my previous post, soy is packed full of nutrients and can benefit your health as much as meat and dairy.
As well as this, cooking is fun! I love cooking. I may not always be good at it, but I do enjoy is as do many others. So do it! become a vegan and start a life of soy milk, slow roasted vegetables, vegan brownies and veggie goulash! Yum!
I will warn you tho, being a vegan is not easy. Unlike myself, you have to be prepared when going out, read the labels on practically everything you touch and have serious will power. I have failed on all the above points.
To start with there is the moral issue. By being vegan you can rest assured your conscience will be clear. No animals would have been harmed or used in the making of your meals. As well as this, there is the added health benefits. As you will probably have to make your meals from scratch each day, you will have the advantage of knowing exactly what is in your meals each day.
As you would have read from my previous post, soy is packed full of nutrients and can benefit your health as much as meat and dairy.
As well as this, cooking is fun! I love cooking. I may not always be good at it, but I do enjoy is as do many others. So do it! become a vegan and start a life of soy milk, slow roasted vegetables, vegan brownies and veggie goulash! Yum!
I will warn you tho, being a vegan is not easy. Unlike myself, you have to be prepared when going out, read the labels on practically everything you touch and have serious will power. I have failed on all the above points.
Some Soya Bean Facts
The soya (soy in America) bean is the meat and dairy free alternaitve for vegans. It comes in many forms such as soya milk, tofu and the thing that started it all... the bean!
Here's some random facts you amy not have known about the soya bean:
- Today, the world's top producers of soya are America, Brazil, Argentina, China and India
- Soy provides a complete protein as it contains all eight amino acids essential for human health
- Approx. 6% of soya beans are used directly as human food, mostly in Asia.
- The first recorded use of soy was in 2838 BC in China. They called the soy bean tautau meaning 'greater bean.'
- The Recommended Daily Allowance of soy is 25g. As eaten as part of a healthy life-style, soy can reduce the risk of heart disease.
So there are just a few facts about soy. Enjoy!
Cheezly and Cheatin'
Yesterday I spent the day in Plymouth and had to find a vegan alternative for dinner as I didn't bring anything with me, again! I thought this would be quite difficult but found myself in Boots looking through the food section and came across some vegetarian and vegan foods.
I chose to have falafel in a flat bread with sweet chili jam and tzatzki which was very nice although I shouldn't have technically had the tzatziki, but it was such a small amount I discounted it as cheating. Also, my so called 'watcher' Mark assured me that tzatziki was allowed. He is a massive failure in being my watcher.
Many of the coffee houses now do fruit tea or soya alternatives which are reasonably priced and very tasty.
So yet again I've raided Holland and Barrett and have coma away with Cheezly (fake cheese) and Cheatin' chicken (fake chicken) along with some meat-free burger mix and vegan sunflower spread.
I chose to have an obscenely large jacket potato with beans sprinkled with Cheezly and Cheatin' chicken. On their own, Cheezly and Cheatin' chicken are quite tasteless but mixed with other things they become a taste sensation! packed full of nutritional goodness they're a good purchase and essential.
I'm making a vegan goulash followed by vegan brownies tonight. Can't wait. this should be lush!
I chose to have falafel in a flat bread with sweet chili jam and tzatzki which was very nice although I shouldn't have technically had the tzatziki, but it was such a small amount I discounted it as cheating. Also, my so called 'watcher' Mark assured me that tzatziki was allowed. He is a massive failure in being my watcher.
Many of the coffee houses now do fruit tea or soya alternatives which are reasonably priced and very tasty.
So yet again I've raided Holland and Barrett and have coma away with Cheezly (fake cheese) and Cheatin' chicken (fake chicken) along with some meat-free burger mix and vegan sunflower spread.
I chose to have an obscenely large jacket potato with beans sprinkled with Cheezly and Cheatin' chicken. On their own, Cheezly and Cheatin' chicken are quite tasteless but mixed with other things they become a taste sensation! packed full of nutritional goodness they're a good purchase and essential.
I'm making a vegan goulash followed by vegan brownies tonight. Can't wait. this should be lush!
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Eating Out
I was under the impression that eating out and being vegan did not mix. The majority of the time this is true, but good old Weatherspoons have come through and offer a lovely sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry with extra poppadoms for us vegans. It was lush!
I'm very impressed. I was able to enjoy a meal out with friends without having to choose the lovely, but boring jacket potato with beans.
So far, week 2 has so been a success. Sweet!
I'm very impressed. I was able to enjoy a meal out with friends without having to choose the lovely, but boring jacket potato with beans.
So far, week 2 has so been a success. Sweet!
Week 1 over: Back on the Wagon
As my 1st week of being vegan comes to an end I realise how difficult this is going to be. I took a trip to Truro and raided Holland and Barrett for vegan food. There's some interesting stuff in that shop. I purchased corn and vegetable pasta, tofu, mock duck, Alpro soya desserts (vanilla and chocolate) and dairy free chocolate buttons. Yummy!
I'm planning to have a vegetable stir-fry with mock duck tonight. Here's what you will need:
1 tin of Mock Duck
1/2 bag of stir-fry vegetables
2 rings of tinned pineapple in natural juice
1/2 tin of chopped tomatoes
1 tsp tomato and garlic puree
red jalapenos (add to taste)
1 handful of long grain rice
This is my first full day as a vegan completed!
I'm planning to have a vegetable stir-fry with mock duck tonight. Here's what you will need:
1 tin of Mock Duck
1/2 bag of stir-fry vegetables
2 rings of tinned pineapple in natural juice
1/2 tin of chopped tomatoes
1 tsp tomato and garlic puree
red jalapenos (add to taste)
1 handful of long grain rice
- The rice will normally take about 15 minutes to cook so place the rice on the hob and follow the instructions on the pack
- Thinly slice the mock duck and lightly fry until golden
- add the stir-fry, pineapple, tinned tomatoes and tomato and garlic puree - mix together until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in the jalapenos at eh end then serve with the rice
This is my first full day as a vegan completed!
The Hangover
Thankfully, due to my excessive drinking last night I have not been physically able to eat anything today and therefore have not slipped up woohoo!
As most of my day was spent at work I relied on a lot of Lucozade to get me through till Sunday night. Then I caved and had a Chinese. I blame the hangover.
As today I received my student loan I can now do this properly and buy all of the things I need.
I'm officially back on the vegan wagon!
As most of my day was spent at work I relied on a lot of Lucozade to get me through till Sunday night. Then I caved and had a Chinese. I blame the hangover.
As today I received my student loan I can now do this properly and buy all of the things I need.
I'm officially back on the vegan wagon!
BBQ: The aftermath
OK, it seems that a BBQ can be vegan friendly if you come prepared. I did not. As always, I had every good intention. I bought wholemeal rolls, salad, crisps and dips and nut cutlet burgers. Yet I forgot to bring the burgers to the BBQ and the temptation was too much for me so I had a burger. With cheese. And a sausage. And sangria (red wine is NOT allowed.) So basically I fell flat on my face. Again. But I did have an ace weekend yay!
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Firstly, I'd like to thank Holly for her faith in me and the ace website www.allrecipes.co.uk I have found three recipes I'm trying out this week. Starting with a carrot, chilli and coriander soup, followed by Jean's falafel and finishing with egg-free chocolate cake. Yummy!
As you can see from the comments left on my last post, my 'watcher' Mark (AKA godblessyourblackheart) is going to make the next few weeks a living hell. Thanks. I can't wait.
I will post some pictures of my culinary delights and some honest, heartfelt reviews within the next week.
I do have a problem that has just arisen. I'm attending my friends 24th birthday celebrations on Saturday where there is to be a BBQ. WHAT CAN I EAT AT A BBQ?!
I have also been informed that not all alcohol is vegan friendly. What the hell is that about?! I'll have to do some research, good times!
As you can see from the comments left on my last post, my 'watcher' Mark (AKA godblessyourblackheart) is going to make the next few weeks a living hell. Thanks. I can't wait.
I will post some pictures of my culinary delights and some honest, heartfelt reviews within the next week.
I do have a problem that has just arisen. I'm attending my friends 24th birthday celebrations on Saturday where there is to be a BBQ. WHAT CAN I EAT AT A BBQ?!
I have also been informed that not all alcohol is vegan friendly. What the hell is that about?! I'll have to do some research, good times!
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Thinking about it, this blog should really be a 'what not to do as a vegan'
OK, so here are some tips on staying on the straight and narrow:
1) empty cupboards, fridge, freezer of all non-vegan friendly foods. This includes the hidden dangers such as honey, white flour, Worcester sauce, white bread, milk, butter and my personal favourite chocolate
2) Immediately replace the above items with vegan alternatives usually found in health food shops (Holland and Barrett are awesome!)
3)If you feel you are as weak-willed as me then ask a friend too watch out for you until you get the hang of it
4) Cook from scratch. This way you know exactly whats in your food and also gain a good life skill
As of tomorrow I will also be listening to my own advice and following these tips to the letter!
OK, so here are some tips on staying on the straight and narrow:
1) empty cupboards, fridge, freezer of all non-vegan friendly foods. This includes the hidden dangers such as honey, white flour, Worcester sauce, white bread, milk, butter and my personal favourite chocolate
2) Immediately replace the above items with vegan alternatives usually found in health food shops (Holland and Barrett are awesome!)
3)If you feel you are as weak-willed as me then ask a friend too watch out for you until you get the hang of it
4) Cook from scratch. This way you know exactly whats in your food and also gain a good life skill
As of tomorrow I will also be listening to my own advice and following these tips to the letter!
I blame the parents
OK, so day two has been worse than day one, but again it wasn't my fault!
I may have underestimated how difficult this would be. As I'm staying at my parents until tomorrow it's been even more difficult. So I gave up. Simple as that. I had a lovely Chinese take-away tonight and I didn't regret it! So there.
I blame my mother and sister completely for my failure. They've not been keen on the idea of me becoming vegan from the start. My dad almost disowned me there and then! So plying me with non vegan chocolate and ordering Chinese when I'm there is just there sneaky way of making me eat 'proper' food. I swear my mum thinks this is the beginning of an eating disorder! If I lose any weight over this I'll no doubt receive a lovely lecture on the importance of eating properly.
I'm going home tomorrow and my flatmate Mark is going to be my conscience. He has appointed himself as my watcher and will no doubt make me suffer if I fail.
So I won't.Easier said than done as proven over the past two days. Wish me luck :)
I may have underestimated how difficult this would be. As I'm staying at my parents until tomorrow it's been even more difficult. So I gave up. Simple as that. I had a lovely Chinese take-away tonight and I didn't regret it! So there.
I blame my mother and sister completely for my failure. They've not been keen on the idea of me becoming vegan from the start. My dad almost disowned me there and then! So plying me with non vegan chocolate and ordering Chinese when I'm there is just there sneaky way of making me eat 'proper' food. I swear my mum thinks this is the beginning of an eating disorder! If I lose any weight over this I'll no doubt receive a lovely lecture on the importance of eating properly.
I'm going home tomorrow and my flatmate Mark is going to be my conscience. He has appointed himself as my watcher and will no doubt make me suffer if I fail.
So I won't.Easier said than done as proven over the past two days. Wish me luck :)
Monday, 13 April 2009
Day 2: I've fallen at the first hurdle!
My first official day as a vegan has been bad, bad, bad!
When I first told my friends and family I was becoming a vegan for 28 days many asked "why?" and others doubted I could do it. I'm sad to report that they may be right.
My two beautiful nephews were staying over last night and they had plenty of Easter eggs from Sunday left over and I cracked and had some. And it was eggcellent (he he!)
I blame them completely for forcing me to eat copious amounts of chocolate and jelly sweets. They continuously badgered me into eating the confectionery as only a five year old and a two year old are capable of...by placing it directly into my mouth. I couldn't say no. That would be rude!
However, I feel I made up for this small slip by having a lovely vegan friendly lunch and a lovely homemade stew for tea, yum yum!
There is one thing I can't do without in the day, like may others I love a good cuppa tea. But obviously, as a vegan, milk is out of the question. So I have taken to drinking sweetened soya milk and I love it! it's not so great with cereal but lush in tea. I've yet to try rice milk, that's next on the list.
I'm still determined to prove the cynics out there that I am more than capable of a small lifestyle change. Only time will tell.
When I first told my friends and family I was becoming a vegan for 28 days many asked "why?" and others doubted I could do it. I'm sad to report that they may be right.
My two beautiful nephews were staying over last night and they had plenty of Easter eggs from Sunday left over and I cracked and had some. And it was eggcellent (he he!)
I blame them completely for forcing me to eat copious amounts of chocolate and jelly sweets. They continuously badgered me into eating the confectionery as only a five year old and a two year old are capable of...by placing it directly into my mouth. I couldn't say no. That would be rude!
However, I feel I made up for this small slip by having a lovely vegan friendly lunch and a lovely homemade stew for tea, yum yum!
There is one thing I can't do without in the day, like may others I love a good cuppa tea. But obviously, as a vegan, milk is out of the question. So I have taken to drinking sweetened soya milk and I love it! it's not so great with cereal but lush in tea. I've yet to try rice milk, that's next on the list.
I'm still determined to prove the cynics out there that I am more than capable of a small lifestyle change. Only time will tell.
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Day 1:And so it begins...
I have been given an assignment that requires me to write a blog for 28 days. This blog can be about anything I want. Many of my fellow students are writing about their passions be that film, video games or horses! I enjoy many things; shoes, fashion, interior design, art, music the list goes on and I could write for 28 days about any one of these things, however, I've decided to give myself a small challenge. I'm going to become a vegan for a month.
I have never been on any type of diet in my life. I'm a happy and healthy size 10 and have a good relationship with food, yet I've always found vegetarianism and veganism rather interesting.
I have chosen veganism as one of the the things I have nothing of is will power. I have zero. zip. Nada! I love meat but more importantly, I love dairy! I have a sweet tooth that will suffer during this challenge.
I'm 23 years old and think this will be a cool thing to do. simple as that. So tomorrow it begins! I have emptied my cupboards and fridge of any food that is has been produced as a result of an animal and I'm ready to rock!
Don't get me wrong, I know this wont be easy. I basically have to change everything about my eating habits, something I've never had to do before and to make it that little bit harder, I share a flat with 3 blokes who will be eating anything they want!
The purpose of this blog is to keep a diary of my vegan 'diet'. I will post recipes (good and bad), tips on home cooking, eating out and in general how I'm finding the life of a vegan.
I think its important to note that I'm only becoming a vegan in the food sense of the word. To be a true vegan, I would have to change my clothes, shoes (by far the hardest sacrifice), shampoo, shower gel, make-up etc. Unfortunately, I'm just not that dedicated. Sorry. I think the food thing is enough for now.
I'm excited. This time tomorrow my first vegan day will be over.It's all good!
I have never been on any type of diet in my life. I'm a happy and healthy size 10 and have a good relationship with food, yet I've always found vegetarianism and veganism rather interesting.
I have chosen veganism as one of the the things I have nothing of is will power. I have zero. zip. Nada! I love meat but more importantly, I love dairy! I have a sweet tooth that will suffer during this challenge.
I'm 23 years old and think this will be a cool thing to do. simple as that. So tomorrow it begins! I have emptied my cupboards and fridge of any food that is has been produced as a result of an animal and I'm ready to rock!
Don't get me wrong, I know this wont be easy. I basically have to change everything about my eating habits, something I've never had to do before and to make it that little bit harder, I share a flat with 3 blokes who will be eating anything they want!
The purpose of this blog is to keep a diary of my vegan 'diet'. I will post recipes (good and bad), tips on home cooking, eating out and in general how I'm finding the life of a vegan.
I think its important to note that I'm only becoming a vegan in the food sense of the word. To be a true vegan, I would have to change my clothes, shoes (by far the hardest sacrifice), shampoo, shower gel, make-up etc. Unfortunately, I'm just not that dedicated. Sorry. I think the food thing is enough for now.
I'm excited. This time tomorrow my first vegan day will be over.It's all good!
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