7 Day Vegan
You may have heard the news that recently Oprah and 378 of her staff members went vegan for a week. I actually haven't seen the episode, but I've been reading a lot about it on Twitter and other blogs. I think it's wonderful that Oprah is trying to make people more aware of where their food is coming from and what impact it has on the world.
However, I was a little disappointed to hear that there was a lot of emphasis on faux meat products during the show. Many people are turned off by them and think they are all that vegetarians eat. I can see how a new vegetarian may be worried about how to replace meat in their diet, but faux meats are not for everyone...and are definitely not necessary.
The question I get the most about being vegetarian is, "How do you get enough protein?" What I think people don't realize is that protein can be found in many more foods than just meat. Here are some vegetarian protein sources (of course, eggs & dairy are not vegan):
- eggs
- dairy
- legumes (beans)
- nuts & seeds
- grains
- soy (ex: tofu)
- even vegetables & fruit
I don't eat fake meat products on a regular basis, but they are good in a pinch (there are always veggie burgers in my freezer.) I guess I kind of view them like junk food. There are just so many other, wonderful, tasty foods out there!
Spurred by the excitement surrounding Oprah's challenge, Morgan from Life After Bagels has decided to organize a 7 Day Vegan Challenge of her own! She is encouraging anyone who would like to join to eat a vegan diet from Monday 2/7 through Sunday 2/13 (thoughtfully right between Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine's Day!) You can read her challenge post here. And you can follow along/join in on the Twitter discussion at #7dayvegan.
I have decided to join Morgan, and will be blogging about my experience. I was vegan for about 4 years, so it will be fun to flip through some of my old recipes and cookbooks. Plus, I hope to try some new things!
I have been working on a meal plan and grocery list for the entire week (scary!) It's just about finished, and I'll share it with you then. So far, I'm pretty excited!
Are you vegan? Have you ever considered it? I will admit that it's a lot of work, but it teaches you so much about your food!
 |
Welcome!
Hi! My name is Lizz and I am from Omaha, Nebraska. I love cooking, running, traveling, and learning new things. I have an amazing wife, 2 adorable dogs, and an incredibly close-knit family. I am striving to make conscious choices in my life that reflect who I am and help me live life to the fullest.
Contact Me
Recent Posts
Categories
- 30 Day Challenge (9)
- 60 Day Challenge (7)
- 7 Day Vegan (8)
- Bars (3)
- Bike Riding (4)
- Books (1)
- Celebrations (44)
- Crafts (13)
- Daily Fortune (8)
- Decorating (4)
- DIY (8)
- Fashion (6)
- Favorites (3)
- Goals (11)
- Healthy Living Summit 2010 (6)
- Home (8)
- Lincoln (16)
- Local (28)
- Marathon Training (7)
- Omaha (60)
- Pups (7)
- Racing (32)
- Recipe (92)
- Restaurants (40)
- Running (80)
- Running Week (7)
- Stella (5)
- Strength Training (5)
- Uncategorized (379)
- Vacation (46)
- Video (6)
- Wedding (57)
- Yoga (10)
February 6th, 2011 - 00:23
I’ve never even attempted a vegan diet mainly because of dairy products. I think my biggest hurdle is my family (super picky husband and 2 young kids). I would end up cooking two separate meals (and most nights I feel accomplished just getting one hot meal on the table that didn’t consist of at least one premade food item!) A while back I considered the Mark Bittman vegan till dinner idea but never put it into practice. Perhaps I should revisit that thought!
February 7th, 2011 - 21:46
Oh, that’s a good idea! It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, which is what scares a lot of people off. Plus, it would make things easier for you at dinner time!
February 6th, 2011 - 06:32
I’ve never attempted it. We try to eat some meat-less meals, but like you said, I’ve been turned off by the meat substitutes and fake cheeses and things. I’m dairy/soy free for breastfeeding Ada too so I already struggle with protein not being able to do any dairy sources.
I’m excited to hear how it goes!!
Kelly recently posted..Valentine’s
February 7th, 2011 - 21:42
I think people are sometimes afraid of the word “vegetarian” or “vegan” without realizing that some of the foods they eat every day would fit the bill…it’s not all tofu and broccoli!
February 6th, 2011 - 19:34
I eat about 85% vegan. For the most part, I don’t really think it’s that hard. I used to think veganism was just plain crazy…but now that I’m used to it I don’t see it as a big deal. There are sooo many things you can eat – and I rarely eat faux meat products. Sad that Oprah focused on those foods so much (I didn’t see it either, just heard about it).
Anyway, excited to see how it goes for you and to see your recipe ideas! You can do it!!
February 7th, 2011 - 21:40
Your blog is really inspirational! Some days I read it and think, “I forgot how much I liked avocados!” There is great food all around.
February 7th, 2011 - 15:38
I am right there with you for the challenge. I have definitely been learning a lot about food. Day 1 seems to be pretty easy, we shall see about the rest of the week
Tracy @ Commit To Fit recently posted..Vegan for a Week Challenge
February 7th, 2011 - 21:38
Yay, I’m glad to follow along with others doing the challenge!