Plant-Based
In the past couple of weeks I’ve been thinking a lot about my diet. –Diet as in “my way of eating”. Without much rambling I’ve come to the decision that I’d like to eat mainly plant-based. However, I’m not ready to go completely vegan (yet). On one hand I believe that veganism is the kindest thing to do for this environment, which I really care about, but on the other hand I also wouldn’t want to offend some people if I’d turn down something they’ve especially made for me. Maybe I shouldn’t care about those people because “they simply don’t get it” but I hate being a burden to other people. Anyway, I’m still in some sort of a limbo but I just wanted to mention that since I’ll be making tons of vegan goodies from now on. 
I talked to my boyfriend about it yesterday and he doesn’t really understand it but supports me nevertheless. Good stuff!
So, today has been GREAT (no surprise here 
). But it’s almost 5pm now and I’ve got to hurry because I’ll meet up with the boy at 5:15pm.. Woooo.
Have I ever mentioned that I love days off? If not: I LOVE days off!
They mean that I can spend the entire day in the kitchen!
First I made a batch of cooked black beans.
Afterwards I made “The Kind Diet”’s Cornbread. It turned out a bit dark because I used black molasses .
After some groceries shopping at my favourite organic food store (where I dropped an ungodly amount of $$) I came back home and made ED&BV’s Sweet Potato Lentil Chili.
OH GOD! Was that good!!! Seriously, go and make this asap!
I’m so happy that I have tons and tons of leftovers .
I served it with a lime wedge, 1/4 avocado and a piece of cornbread.
After some blog and book reading I prepared some food for tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch. All while nibbling on some bread with AB and strawberry spread.
I ended up making a sandwich with tons of spinach and a sprouts pattie.
And now I’ve got to run. Sorry, I’ll post less rushed posts soon but I kind of forgot the time and should really hurry now..
Are you a vegan or have you ever flirted with veganism? Thoughts? (Or do you think that vegans are completely nuts?)
we should rename you martha stewart!
I’ve thought about veganism for environmental reasons more so than health reasons. I’m not sure I can convince myself to do it now. Although, I think ideally I would like to eat more or less vegan at home but not necessarily label myself as such. I don’t even really like calling myself a vegetarian. I don’t like the connotation that these labels carry. I see them as polarizing and I get a little frustrating that people automatically think I’m an animal lover/extremist when they find out I don’t eat meat. I like the concept of a “plant based diet” sounds less extreme.
Good luck! Sounds like a great way to discover new foods!!
so good that your bf support you even he doesn’t understand it!
That’s called LOVE~~~
I love days off too! I’m thinking about taking a day off after tomorrow’s presentation!
THE CHILI LOOKS FANTASTIC! I’ve been meaning to make some so I think you’ve inspired me to do it
Your sweet potato Lentil chilli looks good.
I love days off as well.
As you know I am a vegetarian and I don’t eat eggs. I am now trying to give up dairy… Milk has been easy… yogurt and cheese not so much.. I crave yogurt from time to time.. cheese is usually if I am at someone’s house then I have it… I can see why you are feeling in between. I am with you.. I feel like veganisim is the kindest way of living for our planet but at the same time.. I have already cut back in my social life because i don’t eat a lot of things. I have to admit.. I have days that I think.. this is who I am.. this is how I eat so I hope my friends would respect it.
I love the idea of being a vegan and am almost there. I rarely eat meat, fish, chicken etc…..I have a harder time giving up cheese—–I think cheese holds me back! But I do think it is the best for our bodies-veganism that is and that it is best for the environment!
I “flirted” with veganism for about 8 months before having to give it up for health reasons. I saw that I was doing it for all the wrong reasons, and it really became just another vehicle for restriction. I stick to a vegetarian based diet, and I find that I feel a lot better and stronger now that I’m consuming eggs and dairy again. There’s nothing wrong with veganism, I suppose (although some vegans are completely insane), but it just became a little too much work; having to constantly make sure you’re getting adequate sources of all the nutrients we usually get from animal products is a bit tiring. Plus, there are animal products in some of the weirdest and most random things, so you really have to pay close attention if you want to be a “true” vegan.
Maybe don’t try to label yourself as vegan/not vegan because it’s so limiting. If you want to eat more vegan foods then that’s fine, but I find labels almost pressure people into acting a certain way.
I think you and I are in the exact same boat when it comes to cooking– I am all about bringing the focus to a more vegan-centered diet when I cook at home (which I do almost 90% of the time), but because I still like to eat out and eat at others’ homes every now and then, I’m not ready to commit myself to it 100% and call myself a vegan.
Can’t wait to see the recipes you cook up! That cornbread looks really good!
Vegans are nuts
It says my comment is awaiting moderation… I hope my comment wasn’t offensive!
I’m a veterinary medicine student, so I do think a lot about vegetarianism/veganism. I don’t eat a lot of meat, but I do enjoy a good amount of dairy products and eggs, so it would be really hard for me to stop.
I’m all against the industry that treat animals like they all do, I think that all animals should be kept free on green green grass
I’m excited to see your vegan goodies. I have been wanting to pick up the Kind Diet soo bad. One of these days. I am a huge fan of corbread and it had molases in it?, to die for! I love that you served that rockin chili with lime and avocado. Your bowl makes me want to buy that darn book! All looks so good
Hi Karin!!! This post sounds absolutely JUST like me. I’ve definitely certainly flirted with veganism, but you know what, I LOVE being able to eat everything, particularly when I travel. How can someone experience a foreign country and all that their culture has to offer if your dietary restrictions really are…quite rigid if you don’t live in the US?! My mom who is a devout Buddist says that even the most holy of monks in Asia will eat meat IF that is what they are given. They never want the animal to be killed for their sake, but they also don’t want to be the cause of burden for their hosts or whomever may be their food provider. I certainly believe in that 100%. But with that being said, I can go for a week of purely vegan or vegetarian eats and be PERFECTLy happy. I’m just sayin’, I love me my scallops and yogurt and unique restaurant dishes sometimes, you know?
Sorry for such a long comment, but I’ve totally been dwelling on this subject. Just so you know, I WOULD do anything for that cornbread recipe!!!!!!!!!!! Cornbread is seriously my favorite type of “bread” in the world. Would you care to share with me?
I don’t think vegans are completely nuts….I get it. What I am against is changing so much — dinners out, meals at a friend’s or relative’s, work parties, etc. The world is just becoming accommodating to vegetarians…veganism is a ways off. As an RD and woman, I’m also very fond of what meat has to offer in regards to protein and iron. I see so many anemic women and much of it comes back to the diet. I think meat can play an integral part in the diet when consumed appropriately. I agree with you though, a mainly plant-based diet has so many benefits!
That corn bread looks so yummy! I was thinking about going vegan a while ago but after seeing my doctor he told me I needed to start eating red meat and drinking milk so it kinda went out the window! You should do what you feel is right for you and and not care what anyone else thinks x x
Amazing eats and pics, just beautiful! Veganism is something I’ve struggled with and transitioned to gradually. In the early days I was very quiet about it, testing it for myself and how easily I could live the lifestyle with parties and family dinners, visiting inlaws, etc. It’s gotten much easier over time, there’s always something I can eat at parties and most restaurants have no problem customizing if need be.Plus I don’t crave meat or old favorites like I used to. Good luck on the journey if you find it works for you!
I love that chili recipe, it’s definitely my favorite chili ever!
I’ve been vegan before and I’m now vegetarian. I know that I feel best being vegan and am working my way towards that now. I feel you on the practicality of it. Sometimes it’s hard to turn down food from people who either don’t know that you’re vegan or don’t understand. Right now I’m just going to eat vegan most of the time and not worry about those occasions where I might want to stray and eat some dairy. Eventually I think I will be full vegan again though. Its hard at first to say no to people but after a little bit it just becomes a part of your life!
I’ve tried veganism but ultimately it was too hard for me. I’m Italian American so we eat a lot of cheese! My parents and I don’t real milk anymore though, they have such good alternatives now. I would love to go vegan for the environment but, for my health, I’ve always thought that pescatarian is the best diet so that’s what I’m doing now!
Excited to hear you are trying out more vegan stuff! I have been vegan since June and love it. However, my husband LOVES to experiment with food, so even though he doesn’t agree with my viewpoints, he cooks vegan. And… we don’t eat out that much. But we have been having a lot of fun with it, and found so many substitutes/alternatives that I have never craved dairy or eggs. Have fun!
oo those brownies look amazing!! and ive THOUGHT about it-but its not for me! i like my meat too much!
To each their own is my thinking on veganism. Who am I to judge! Eat what you like lady. As long as it makes you happy I fully support the decision. I could never be strong enough to do that. I love WAY too many foods that don’t fall into the guidelines.
no one else has to live with the effects of animal-based protein in my gut when I am in pain, living in the bathroom, and am miserable for weeks after eating animal flesh with random symptoms…so i dont care if i “offend” or “burden them” or they think i am weird. I am vegan for health reasons and if people are put off, that’s their deal
I dont judge others choices, woulndt want anyone to judge mine or try to convince me to eat something they made, just b/c they made it kind of thing. No sense to that for my body and health!