going vegan
I’ve been a vegetarian for almost ten years now. To be honest, it was the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. I drug Linsey along for the ride because at two years old she didn’t no any different anyway. How did I do it so easily? Well I took a lot of help from a number of different publications. You can also read all about Linsey and her thoughts on being a vegetarian.
I’ve gone back and forth for years now about whether or not being a vegetarian is enough for me or if I should go all the way and become a vegan. I’ve been vegan here and there and eat many vegan meals, but cheese and eggs always make there way back into my diet sooner or later.
I’ve broached the subject with Jason a time or two, but he always has reasons why he won’t make the switch. Hell — I can’t even get him to go vegetarian! 
He has (along with a number of other people) certain reasons why being a vegetarian/vegan just won’t work for him. Maybe I should have him read this blog post.
Going Vegan…
I’ve decided to try this whole vegan thing again. Starting on February 1st I’ll be participating in a one month vegan challenge. I’m a little nervous because every time I’ve tried it before I’ve ended up eating eggs or yogurt or cheese. Those are my top three “scary items” because we’ve been drinking almond milk for years!
After a bit of research I’ve decided that I have plenty of vegan options for the things that I really love, but will be giving up with this challenge.
Eggs
There is no real substitute for eggs as far as actually just eating eggs goes. I’ve had tofu scrambles before and they’re okay, but not my favorite thing. I’m just going to have to resolve to the fact that I won’t be eating scrambled eggs for a while. That’s okay with me… Hopefully.
When it comes to baking I’m totally covered. I have two options that I’ve already been using for year anyway.
1. Ener-G Egg replacer
Cheese
I’m not a huge cheese eater really, but the second you tell me that I can’t have any I start to think about how yummy it is! Thankfully I came across this brand of vegan cheese a while back. You can buy daiya dairy free cheeses in shredded flavors and wedge flavors too. They melt just like dairy cheese and taste delicious as well.
Yogurt
I’m a huge fan of greek yogurts. I love mixing it with banana slices and peanut butter for a delicious breakfast, having it as a snack and adding it to my smoothies. I have yet to find a vegan yogurt that I really liked so this one makes me nervous. I’ll be on the look out and am really excited to try So Delicious dairy free yogurts.
Coffee Creamer
I drink lots of coffee. LOTS. People who know me know this to be fact. Sure I’ve had a zillion soy lattes at Starbucks, but have never tried a vegan coffee creamer at home before. Jason is sort of a pain in the ass when it comes to trying new things like creamer because he likes what he likes. We all do really, but he still won’t trade almond milk for cow’s milk! This one will be tough. I have a feeling we’ll be a two milk and two creamer house for the next month. When I drink coffee I need flavor — vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate peppermint, etc. So I am going to HAVE to find a creamer that does the trick. PETA has a list of vegan options that I’ll have to look into.
Ice Cream
This one is a no brainer — THANKFULLY! I have taste tested a number of vegan ice creams over the years and my all time favorite is Luna & Larry’s. They make their ice cream base from organic coconut milk and then go from there. The flavors they offer are fantastic, but my absolute favorite is the chocolate peanut butter…big surprise!
Meat Substitutes
I’ve told Linsey that I will be taking part in this vegan challenge and her first question was “do we have to be vegan too?” I told her that they will be eating the vegan foods at home because I’m not going to make multiple meals. IF they don’t like whatever I cook for dinner than they can opt to have cereal instead, but outside of the house they can continue to eat the way they always have. I’m not going to force them to do anything that I’m not fully committed to just yet.
After February has come and gone I will reassess the situation and go from there, but I’m pretty certain they will eat whatever I make at home and things will stay the same outside of our house. Luckily we have found a number of meat substitutes that they can eat at home or take in their lunches that look just like the foods their friends are eating. Some of my favorite brands are…
I would love to have some of you try this challenge with me! Maybe you’re like me and have been a vegetarian for a while, but haven’t yet made the jump to the other side. Or maybe you’re still eating meat and ready to do what I was never able to and go from one end to the other. Either way having your support this next month would be awesome!
I’m a huge supporter of PETA and all the things they do for animals everywhere. I don’t always agree with their tactics, but I understand where they’re coming from. They love animals, work to protect them and hope to teach humans how to enjoy their lives without the animal cruelty. If you’re interested in doing the vegan challenge with PETA is an amazing resource to help get you started and carry you through the entire process!
Pledge to be VEGAN for 30 Days with PETA and RealFitMama!
My youngest sister is vegan and she LOVES nutritional yeast–I didn’t see you mention it, but I know people use it to make stuff creamier and texturally cheesy…
I’ve seen that around the blog world, but never had it. I’m going to have to add it to my must try list!