Vegan?
First of all CONGRATS TO JANETHA AND MARSHALL …what a gorgeous bride Janetha is!
Let’s get right to it
I am still working with Alyson. The experience is bringing so many things into focus.
I have only lost a couple, literally a couple of pounds. But, this experience is so much more about learning how to take care of my body and understanding what drove me to gain these 10 pounds.
I am really getting in tune with my body.
I’m realizing what I really like and what I eat because I think I should. I found that I truly love healthful foods (no surprise there 
)
I am also discovering how different foods work with my body…or against it.
Now, it’s time to get real…
I have had digestive issues for almost a year. I didn’t think much of it. I assumed it had something to do with all the veggies I eat.
So I grudgingly cut back on veggies and…no dice.
Next was one of the most common allergies, dairy.
Some of you may know that I was vegan when I met Mallard 5 years ago. I was vegan for a total of 2 years and completely vegetarian for about a year following.
I went vegan for animal rights reasons. I had very little money and was living in government housing (the projects) and working two jobs while I went to school.
Don’t feel sorry for me, I did it to myself after partying my way through freshman year
Anyway, I lived mostly on lentils, beans, rice and processed vegan food.
Then I met Mallard and moved to a much much bigger city.
There was organic dairy from “happy cows”. I slowly transition to a pescstarian diet. That was years ago.
Since I had been vegan before, I had a basis of what to eat.
Plus, I already don’t eat red meat or fish and rarely eat chicken.
But I do love Oikos
and Naturally More!
Oikos is of course dairy and Naturally More PB has eggwhites in it 
no bueno
Well, after testing the vegan waters for a few days,
I found my digestive issues to be almost non-existent!
Now to find replacements for my non-vegan faves…
This is okay but a little more expensive than I would like
Heather has a recipe for almond milk yogurt, I just need to find agar flakes.
(PS : I am SO EXCITED that Heather is going to have a little almond butter lover of her own!! )
As for a new peanut butter, I am at a loss.
I tried this because it was cheap and natural (TWSS?)
SO YUMMY. I used to love Jif. Unfortunately, it has added sugar. So much for cheap and natural.
Next up was this guy from Target (French pronunciation)
Meh. I also tried Crazy Richard’s…no thanks. Blah
Moving on with my vegan ventures
I love love love BBQ and I saw that Mama Pea (awesome blogger, coolest mom ever) made BBQ tofu in a slow-cooker!
I gave it a whirl with this sauce
I wanted to like this sauce but it was too acidic and not sweet enough for my taste.
I did love the idea of tofu in the slow cooker though
Thanks Mama Pea!
Next I tried this sauce
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE
I kind of want to eat it for every meal. It’s spicey and sweet. It’s everything I hoped for
So, why did I decide to go back to veganism instead of simply cutting out dairy?
When I became pescatarian, I thought that organic dairy and poultry products coincided with my animal-friendly beliefs. After more research, I’ve found that to be far from the truth. I was so upset. Cage free chickens are still crowded together most of the time.
CAGE FREE CHICKENS ARE STILL DE-BEAKED. This means there beaks are seared off with a hot knife.
Organic dairy cows still live lives of nothing but pregnancy. There offspring are taken away after birth. They still get nipple infections. They are still “disposed of” after there production declines.
The only truly humane dairy farm I have found is Stonyfield. They seem to be the best at what they do and how they treat their livestock. So, Snuffy’s beloved Yo Baby is safe
Like I said, the first time I was vegan I relied too heavily on processed foods…when I was able to afford them.
I ate beans, lentils and rice for a week and soy cheese and veggie dogs the weeks that I recieved my paychecks.
This time is different
This is like a vegan bible. I wish I had this years ago!
First up, Black Beans In Adobo Sauce.
I used my immersion blender to make the sauce.
I served the beans and sauce over raw zuchinni noodles…made with a peeler because I don’t have a spiralizer
Of course I mixed it up and uglified it.
It was a tad spicy.
As in: my nose was running from the spiciness while I ate it…nice.
Another recent delicia
I used an Ezekiel tortilla and nooch with this sauce
I ended up throwing some sauteed portabella on top too. But, I didn’t take a pic bc I am a bad blogger
Have no fear, Mallard still gets to enjoy his carnivorous loves.
Low-Carb Beef-Loaf cooked on the Grill
Low-Carb Italian Chicken Fingers
Oh the life of the carnivore…
If I had not already decided to go back to veganism, this book would have done the trick
I am the last person in the health blog world to read this book so I was pretty much already aware of it’s contents.
I liked it a lot.
The recipes are not my fave though. They rely waaaaayy to heavily on processed foods like soy cheese and fake meats.
There was one thing in the book that I never realized. I didn’t realize that decaf coffee was not so great for my body. Apparently, it makes the body acidic.
Bummer.
I have successfully broken my caffeine addiction. But, I have been making my own coffee slushes
I used Vanilla flavored Stevia drops
Alyson suggested these and they are well worth the $.
I have used them in everything from plain yogurt to coffee drinks and I love them every step of the way.
What else is new?
I took Snuffy to the biggest farmer’s market in the Cincinnati area
She tried gelato for the first time
That was her first and last bite….and a waste of my $3.95
We also met the coolest man ever.
Snuffy was amazed that he knew her two favorite songs without even asking her!
It was the best rendition of “ Wheels On The Bus” and “ Itsy Bitsy Spider” I have ever heard.
So,
Anyone have any good vegan recipes?
How has your diet evolved over the years?
I forgot how good I feel when I eat vegan
Hey! I always get so excited when you update.
I am so glad things are working out well for you and you’ve lost a few lbs and more importantly–are starting to feel better!
I am honestly pretty sure I could never do vegan/vegetarian–and I dont even really want to. I enejoy eating meat–albeit organic and healthily grown meats most of the time. I’m aso lucky in the fact that I’ve never had any digestive issues–my tummy seems to be a-ok with how Im eating!
Hope things continue to go well!
Aww, thanks for your kind words regarding the HEABlet.
I hope you find the agar agar flakes soon. My Whole Foods sells them in the seaweed section. The small bag is kind of pricey ($7 or so I think), but you only use 2 to 3 tsp at a time. So, it will last you a while. Plus, Gena has a great recipe for raw Greek-like yogurt. I haven’t tried it yet, but here it is: http://www.choosingraw.com/greek-yogurt-raw-vegan-style/
I think my favorite vegan recipe is Snobby Joe’s. Another blogger sent it to me, and it may actually be from the Veganomigan cookbook. I’m not sure. If not, let me know, and I’ll email you the recipe. It’s so yummy!
Plus, do you have a Trader Joe’s near you? Their all natural PB is my favorite. No sugar, and it’s super cheap. Less than $2 a jar. I also love the generic Kroger brand all natural PB.
Yeah a fellow vegan! I’ve been vegan for about a year and I made the switch mainly because of digestive issues like you mentioned you were having. I have dairy, egg, and wheat allergies- so I figured- what’s one more thing?! Then I discovered the whole animal cruelty side to it all and then there was no looking back! If you want to know more details about my veg-journey here’s a post I did awhile back (http://ashleysgreenlife.blogspot.com/p/going-vegan.html). I agree that my health has improved (esp. allergies and digestive issues) since I’ve been vegan. ( :
I liked the Skinny Bitch books too, but I agree that they’re recipes are super processed and very focused on soy! Here’s a few of my favorite vegan cookbooks:
Gluten-Free Vegan: http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Vegan-Delicious-Animal-Free-Recipes/dp/1600940323/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279827693&sr=8-1
Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan : http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Drink-Be-Vegan-Celebrating/dp/1551522241/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279827823&sr=1-15
Vegan Yum Yum: http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Yum-Decadent-Animal-Free-Entertaining/dp/0757313809/ref=sr_1_38?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279827893&sr=1-38
Here’s a site I like too: http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/p/vegan-veg-index.html
Okay I’m going on forever here, hope this helps! ( :
Ashley
Congrats on learning your body and those couple pounds!!
I couldn’t be a vegan just because my body likes fish and meats. But I’m a big believer in doing what is right for YOUR body, not anyone elses so I’m glad your tummy troubles have vanished!
My diet has definitely evolved over the years because for roughly five years I ate low carb (probably 80% of the time.) Contrary to what the media and people say, I found it to be a *mostly* positive and healthy experience as I’ve never eaten SO many vegetables in my life! Being without breads and simple carbs has stuck with me even now as I just eat whole, natural CLEAN food and I don’t find I crave “junk” anymore because I learned discipline. The only drawback I personally experienced was that if I even wavered from the low-carb plan even for one meal it set my body off with insane cravings for sweets/empty carbs and if I didn’t win that “battle” I’d be up 5 lbs by the time I put my fork down HA! (Definitely not a way to live for me) Now, however, I’ve adopted a more balanced diet and realize just how much I’ve missed oatmeal, brown rice and sweet potatoes! I love the feeling of eating foods in their NATURAL state and I re-read ‘The Eat Clean Diet by Tosca Reno’ periodically to keep me “in line”. I’ve never considered becoming a vegan or vegetarian because, like April, I love fish and lean meats and the protein and flavor and versatility they provide in meals, BUT through reading blogs I’ve expanded my means of eating protein and finding a love for other diets, which is helping me branch out nutritionally and adding to that “balance” I’m seeking:)
Congrats on the progress you are making! That is so wonderful!
Talia:)
Wow Ashley! Thanks for all the info!
There is a Trader Joe’s near me but I don’t usually go bc WF is a lil closer. But, for delicious , inexpensive , natural PB, I would do it!
Great post Jenna.
I didn’t know you used to be a vegan! I’m glad this diet is working for you (I know what it’s like to have GI issues, No Bueno!
I think dairy bloats me, but not yogurt. Yogurt has bacteria in it that digests the lactose, therefore I don’t get gassy and bloated (and I bet you wouldn’t either!). You could be a “semi-vegan” and still eat yogurt!
You weren’t lying.. all these meals look so good! And thank you so much for the shout outs
That’s awesome that you’re going back to being vegan. Yayyy!!
~Amanda
Snuffy looks so beautiful in that picture!
Just like her Mommy! Good luck finding vegan substitutions for everything. I am not Vegan but I can only imagine how tough it is to replace things that you are used to.
Btw, how did you get a white background in the picture of you on the sidebar?
I’m a new reader to your blog. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts.
I like making recipes from Alicia Silverstone’s “The Kind Diet”. You should check it out if you haven’t read it yet. I’m not Vegetarian or Vegan, but I eat mostly veggies, fruits, fish and once in awhile meat. Everything recipe I’ve made from the book I’ve liked.
Best post ever! So honest, so in touch with your thoughts, feelings, as well as what YOUR body is needing, wanting, asking for. And i do believe our bodies can ask for diff things throughout our lives.
I have been vegetarian my whole life, with what I would call once a year fish thrown into my diet up til I was about 25 yrs old. Since that time, Ive been vegan. I also don’t absolutely freak out if trace dairy enters some piece of food or some sauce. I don’t believe that being too militant serves anyone’s health or well-being. I am 99.9% vegan but I’m sure I am not “perfect” and who cares if I am or not or what anyone else eats or doesnt eat…I just posted about this yesterday, I think you saw it b/c you commented..thank you
Anyway, if you need vegan recipes obvi you know I have tons but really I just eat as close to nature as possible, in as least prepared way as possible, and keep the recipes very simple!
Great post, Jenna!
Hi Lea, thanks for reading! I have seen The Kind Diet in Barnes and Noble but I have never picked it up. I guess I assumed it was more for people who are just learning what veganism is. But, if it has such great recipes, I will have to give it a second look!
Hi Jennifer,
The picture was taken with a white background so I was just lucky that my background was white as well
Everything ou are saying is RIGHT on point!! It’s EXACTLY what I work on with my clients…it’s a long road to learnign your body…but it’s well worth the work!
Yeah, the Jif “Natural” PB is far from natural unfortunately…I hate how that’s legal to label things that way :/ sorry you had to learn that after buying it! I love crazy richards, but I guess it’s an inquired taste. I know Smuckers makes a natural PB, no added sugar, just peanuts, maybe you will like that one?
Your story is inspiring…and you look like you’re doing great, and you are beautiful.
Cortisol raises your stress levels, and I always tell clients, worrying about the last few pounds can actually sabotage you (I know from experience…the phrase, “looking at cake makes you fatter” is true when you are SO worried about it all the time)…so it’s great you are working on that stuff and making progress!
Happy to see you updated again!!!!
yay, an update!
i’m so glad you’ve been able to lose a few pounds and i’m sure you’re on your way to losing what you want to safely.
as far as the pb goes, do you have a tj’s? i forget where you’re at but their pb is all natural and AWESOME! if you don’t have a tj’s near you let me know and i’ll send you a jar! they’re super awesome!
sorry i don’t have many vegan recipes but vegan w/ a vengeance is a great book!
you are a babe! thank you!
GAH! I love that you sign as “Janetha g” instead of “Janetha B” now….aww…LOVE
Amazing blog post! Yay! Another vegan
I read Skinny Bitch this summer too and i became vegan a few months ago.. 
I love it!