When I first became vegan, I really thought it was going to be a struggle and in the beginning it most definitely was. However, it is getting easier and easier. I think the fact that I love to cook and I generally have time to cook, has really helped my cause. When I was eating the SAD (Standard American Diet), food was good but cooking got a bit boring because I found myself cooking the same meals over and over again. Now eating has become more exciting and adventurous for me because most of the time when I cook, it is something new and delicious and the best part is, I don't have to feel guilty about what I am eating.
A lot of time when I talk to people about being vegan, they tell me that they could never do it because it seems so hard and they could never give up meat. They also just have no idea what I do eat and sometimes seem to have a negative image in their mind about "vegan food" as if it is disgusting and repulsive. I completely understand though because I am sure that I felt the same way before I learned different. But let me assure you that I have a love for food and I NEVER eat food that tastes disgusting. In fact, everything that I eat tastes amazing and I generally let as many people as I can try it so they can see that you don't have to sacrifice flavor for good nutrition. I have eaten some of the tofu fake meats, and that stuff is pretty gross so I highly recommend avoiding it. I must add that now, since it has been so long that I have eaten meat, the thought of eating it actually seems weird to me....strange isn't it?
With the cold weather that fall has brought I have been making a lot of soups. Sometimes I just throw a bunch of stuff in a pot and other times I will google something and then "veganize" it. "Veganizing" is fun and easy once you learn all of the substitutes that are out there for vegans. This may or may not be something that you want to try but I decided to make a list for those of you who are interested.
Butter-Earth Balance Buttery Spread
Milk-Almond milk
Parmesan cheese-vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
Table salt-sea salt
Cheese-vegan cheese
White flour-wheat flour
White pasta-whole grain pasta
Chicken broth or bouillon-vegetable broth or bouillon
Cream cheese-vegan cream cheese
Soy sauce-Bragg's Liquid Aminos
Sugar-Stevia
I may be leaving out a few but I have used these substitutes for things such as gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin cheesecake, apple pie, cream of potato soup, spaghetti, spinach & artichoke dip and many, many more recipes. I would be happy to "veganize" any recipe you have that you want to try to make healthier or pass on any recipes that I currently have that anyone is interested in. So, let me know and I would be more than happy to help!
