Vegan Tips

You don't have to give up flavor to go vegan, you just have to get creative!  No meat, no dairy, no animal byproduct.  Yup we can do it...uh...I think?  We have chosen to eat vegan at home and not be strict when out with family and friends that way our bodies are getting what they need but we still have flexibility (except for those pesky artificial food colors and the like...we avoid those like the plague no matter where we are).  Our first day eating vegan was February 23, 2013.  So by the time you read this we will have been eating vegan as a family for 1-month.

Tips:

1. Make the same foods/dishes/meals you already make just without the meat and animal byproducts.
2. Use coconut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, olive oil (all organic) instead of butter.
3. Use vegetables as a meat instead of meat: acorn squash, butternut squash, eggplant, portabella mushrooms, zucchini...
4. Eat legumes, beans and whole grains (if your body allows).
5. Eat a TON of fresh fruits and veggies (mostly raw when you can).  This should be the majority of your diet.  The fiber will keep your blood sugars stabilized.
6. Drink fresh juice and smoothies.
7. Trail mixes, dried fruits and nuts are your friend.
8. Use milk alternatives: Almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk... (Organic/Non-GMO) and if you are concerned about hormone balance stay away from soy on a regular basis and only use on occasion.
9. Drink lots of water.
10. Grow some of your own food.
11. Make your own food.  Homemade dressings, spreads and breads are good!
12. Use a lot of herbs.  Herbs add flavor and nutrients so you use less of the higher fat items.
13. Shop Organic.
14. Remember, many foods are still higher in fat content, even the vegan foods, but some of the fats are short chain and easy for the body to process, digest and eliminate (opposite of animal fats which are long chains and difficult on the body causing clogged arteries and other issues).

If you have special dietary needs such as gluten free then you can simply remove the gluten grains, or if you need meat you can search out the Paleo style of eating.  We are eating vegan with some of the gluten grains but mostly without.  Many of the products we purchase or make at home are gluten free...that will be our next adventure, but not yet.

Some products we have found:

Do you feel the need for a creamy ranch style dressing that is vegan and gluten free?  This is a good one that we found at Whole Foods.  We also like to make our own dressings.  Adding 1/4 avocado to many of our homemade dressings gives it a creamy texture and taste!

Do you NEED chips?  Some times my kids do!  Here are some vegan and gluten-free 'chips'.  We are careful when buying because we avoid natural flavors in the ingredient list, and some of this brand contain those; otherwise this particular flavor does not and we like them.

I have not tried this Rice (soy free) vegan cheese, but my kids and hubby like it for sandwiches.  I just don't want to try a 'cheese' and it disappoint.

Vegenaise.  My husband loves mayonnaise, and thus so do my kids...vegenaise has solved that problem for us.  This one is made from Grapeseed oil, but there are many varieties.  I like the way this one tastes, and it is gluten free.