30-Day Vegan Challenge-Days 2 & 3

  Last evening- dinner at a steakhouse. Not my idea, but my husband is a carnivore and he got a gift certificate for his birthday. I checked the menu ahead of time and found a couple of vegan items on the menu. I planned to order a salad entree, but when I saw the butternut squash mini quinoa burgers on the menu, I caved. The listed ingredients were all vegan, however as I was eating this yummy dish, I noticed a creamy, buttery substance at the bottom (I am thinking herbed butter). And what is the takeaway? Lesson #1: Always ask if a dish is vegan or prepared in butter when ordering- lesson learned.

  Today (Day 3)- Was in full on lazy mode- back to work after 5 days off for the holiday. Also, MIL's birthday brunch at a local restaurant. I ordered a beautiful tofu scramble with veggies made with olive oil. However- Lesson #2- assume that butter will be put on your toast and ask for dry toast. I didn't eat my toast. I felt guilty that I was being so wasteful.

  The rest of the day was uneventful food-wise. I need to exercise and I need to make sure to use some of the veggies in my fridge tomorrow...

30-Day Vegan Challenge- Day 2

  I began a 30 day vegan challenge inspired by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's book of the same name on 12/26/14. I have been a vegetarian for at least 15 years. When I say vegetarian, I mean no animal flesh- no beef, pork, chicken, lamb, veal, and no fish or seafood- essentially any sentient being with eyes. I want to take the next step; no dairy, eggs, honey- no animal products of any kind.

  The only blogging I have ever done before is surrounding a trip to Australia in 2011. While that was certainly a journey, I felt that I wanted to chronicle a journey of another kind. Probably nobody will read this or care, but I want to make it clear- I am not doing this to preach. I am not about judgement. Everyone has their own journey and I just want to document my own, mainly for reflection. Where did I start and where did I end up and more importantly how did I get there?

  Day 1- Yesterday was kind of a bummer, I was dealing with exhaustion from the holidays, another holiday without my Mom, exhaustion because of work, school, and caring for my furry friends. There wasn't much food in the house (which is definitely not a smart idea)and I didn't feel like shopping. I ate bread and pasta, dried cranberries, vegan Luna bars, and a banana and almond milk/almond butter smoothie. It was fine, but I will be shopping today. I know that my body needs greens. Off to make my shopping list...to be continued...