I am beginning to suspect that not eating meat is making me soft. It reminds me of several Victorian novels where they have some theory that if you feed children meat it makes them aggressive or spirited. I have been having concern about my protein intake. I am pretty sure I need more protein in my diet. I was reading in the book Living Vegan for Dummies the average woman weighing about 125lnbs needs 46 grams of protein a day. As we all know I am not the average woman. The National Institute of health recommends the average woman have between 25 to 50 grams of protein a day. In this book there is a formula for determining how much protein you need based on your weigh in kilograms.
Formula:
1. Weight in pounds/ 2.2 = weight in kilograms
2. Weight in kilograms x 0.8= grams of protein a day.
Based on my weight I should have 89 grams of protein a day. This really seems a little excessive to me. I know I'm a big girl and my weight in kilograms probably should be my weight in pounds. So for now I will go by the average woman's intake of protein since there can be issues of too much protein. I am starting to think there may be a fine line here and there is the possibility of too much of a good thing. There is a warning label on the Soy Protein Powder that I bought. It basically warns that accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children. Since I wont be giving this to Emily its all good.
There are a lot of vegan items that are surprisingly high in protein. Some of which I have not heard of. My one concern is that a lot of the items seem highly processed which to me almost defeats the purpose. Yes its vegan but is it a whole food.
Protein values of popular vegan foods:
Amaranth - 1 cup-28 grams Black beans- 1 cup- 15 grams
Chickpeas - 1 cup - 11 grams Whole Grain Bread - 2 slices- 5-8 grams
Lentils - 1 cup- 18 grams Peanut Butter 2 tbsp - 7 grams ( A PB sandwich has good protein)
Tempeh (see link)- 1 cup - 41 grams (that's pretty much the whole days worth)
Tofu - 4oz - 11 grams
So I am now trying to add more protein to my diet. Hopefully that will improve my energy level.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Day - 10
Breakefast: Cereal with Rice Milk and Coffee with Silk Vanilla Creamer
Lunch: Falafel and half pita bread with Soy yogurt sauce
Snack: Fritos (hecks yeah they're vegan just ask PETA) - Lime juice popsicle
Dinner: Black bean and veggie stir fry over brown rice
I am typing this blog with a really full tummy from dinner. Mmmmm beanie goodness stir fry. One ting about cooking more is that there are also more dishes to do. I really don't like doing dishes but oh well that's the vegan life.
Lunch: Falafel and half pita bread with Soy yogurt sauce
Snack: Fritos (hecks yeah they're vegan just ask PETA) - Lime juice popsicle
Dinner: Black bean and veggie stir fry over brown rice
I am typing this blog with a really full tummy from dinner. Mmmmm beanie goodness stir fry. One ting about cooking more is that there are also more dishes to do. I really don't like doing dishes but oh well that's the vegan life.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Days 7,8,9 - And Brook Ate Vegan
Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7 ate 9. Ha ha OK sorry couldn't resist.
I am skipping the food diary portion for Days 7 and 8 just because I said so. I'm a mom so I get to say that ha ha again.
Day 9
Breakfast: Cereal with Rice Milk (which does not have as much calcium as soy milk so I'm switching back)
Lunch: Bean and Rice Burrio fixings (cold because the powere went out at work)
Iced Coffee with Silk Vanilla soy creamer
Dinner: Falafel with Soy yogurt sauce made by my Mommy
I have been doing this Vegan Challenge for a week now and its so far pretty easy. The hardest part is taking the time to fix something and knowing there are little to no fast food options. The fast food part is actually a good thing. I have noticed some positive results as well. Jeans that did not fit me last week popped on like a breeze yesterday which was awesome. Although they are not my skinny jeans they fit me once again. By the way skinny jeans for me are size 16 which is skinny compared to my size 22 jeans. I weighed myself yesterday on the scale at work and on my moms scale and low and behold I have lost 5 pounds. I weighed myself again today just to make sure and yup 5 pounds. Yay me!! This was not my original goal but a nice result. My ankles have not been as swollen and today they were not swollen at all. I am sure it has to do with the fact that there is far less salt in my diet. The 5 pound loss also was probably a lot to do with water weight. Still good none the less. Naturally my brain is swimming with the loss of 5 pounds in one week and thinking gee if I do that in one week, what can I do in a month.
The original goal of this challenge for me was not weight loss but really just the essence of a challenge. I have been on a journey for a while to get healthier and to change my eating habits. I like being a curvy girl but I do know that I need to improve my health while still keeping my curves. I was working out 3 times week but that has not been happening lately. That is something I need to start doing again. Now that it is not as hot I will need to start again. If only working out were as easy as eating vegan. ::siiiigh::
Because 7 ate 9. Ha ha OK sorry couldn't resist.
I am skipping the food diary portion for Days 7 and 8 just because I said so. I'm a mom so I get to say that ha ha again.
Day 9
Breakfast: Cereal with Rice Milk (which does not have as much calcium as soy milk so I'm switching back)
Lunch: Bean and Rice Burrio fixings (cold because the powere went out at work)
Iced Coffee with Silk Vanilla soy creamer
Dinner: Falafel with Soy yogurt sauce made by my Mommy
I have been doing this Vegan Challenge for a week now and its so far pretty easy. The hardest part is taking the time to fix something and knowing there are little to no fast food options. The fast food part is actually a good thing. I have noticed some positive results as well. Jeans that did not fit me last week popped on like a breeze yesterday which was awesome. Although they are not my skinny jeans they fit me once again. By the way skinny jeans for me are size 16 which is skinny compared to my size 22 jeans. I weighed myself yesterday on the scale at work and on my moms scale and low and behold I have lost 5 pounds. I weighed myself again today just to make sure and yup 5 pounds. Yay me!! This was not my original goal but a nice result. My ankles have not been as swollen and today they were not swollen at all. I am sure it has to do with the fact that there is far less salt in my diet. The 5 pound loss also was probably a lot to do with water weight. Still good none the less. Naturally my brain is swimming with the loss of 5 pounds in one week and thinking gee if I do that in one week, what can I do in a month.
The original goal of this challenge for me was not weight loss but really just the essence of a challenge. I have been on a journey for a while to get healthier and to change my eating habits. I like being a curvy girl but I do know that I need to improve my health while still keeping my curves. I was working out 3 times week but that has not been happening lately. That is something I need to start doing again. Now that it is not as hot I will need to start again. If only working out were as easy as eating vegan. ::siiiigh::
Monday, September 13, 2010
Da 4, 5 & 6 - Wine Not
Is it too early for a Sophomore Slump in this state of the game? And why does Sophomore have an "O" in the middle of it? Do we say Soph-o-more? No we pronounce it sofmore but whatever another reason why the English language makes no sense. Anyhow I digress. I have not blogged for a few days because I have been busy and also had a lot of anxiety about an interview for a new position that i flubbed at work. In light of the vegan diet though I did not fall into old habits and grab myself a huge chocolate bar or get a giant binge meal of a cheesy burger, fries and any other sort of animal product at a fast food place, I still stuck with my vegan diet. Although I cant remember what I at, I know it was vegan. I guess we can call that a win in that category. I did however have a chocolate soy pudding and that was absolutely delicious and satisfied my chocolate craving.
Yesterday the Disney Club I belonged to did a tour of a winery in Napa called Silverado Vineyards. The Disney part is that it is owned by Diane Disney Miller and her husband. Although they do not like to promote the Disney part of it since she wants to keep that part of her life separate and its not actually associated with Disney. I can respect that. The Vineyard was gorgeous and the day was wonderful. The wine was OK and surprisingly I actually liked the white wine. I know that some wineries use a gelatin product to clear the casings after the wine is emptied and therefore the wine I drank may have been associated with animal products. That is something I would like to look into though and find a vegan wine. I know Whole Foods has organic wines but do they also have vegan wines. Is that something that would be on the bottle or would I have to research the vineyard myself. Yet another thing in life that uses animal product that most people are not aware of.
After the tour we went to a place that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, called Taylor's Automatic Refresher. It is now called Gott's but they still have the original Taylor's sign out front. I was at first hesitant and thing well maybe they might have a salad or perchance a veggie burger maaaaaaybe. I was pleasantly surprised. They had a variety of salads and did have a veggie burger. They also had gazpacho but I wasn't in the mood for soup even if it was cold. I ordered the Veggie Burger and replaced the non-vegan egg bun with sourdough bread. It was a pretty good sandwich but would have tasted better on a whole wheat bun. The only bad bad thing is that it cam with special sauce. Usually special sauce is mayo, ketchup and relish so since mayo is not vegan as it contains eggs, i may have unintentionally flubbed. I hope I am wrong and that the special sauce does not contain mayo. Oh well despite my best efforts I still landed just short of center. It was really wonderful day though. The atmosphere there was wonderful and the service was quick and friendly. I like the picnic style outdoor eating. I just wish they had more vegan options, but it is a burger joint so what more can you ask for.
Taylor's Automatic Refresher AKA Gott's
Yesterday the Disney Club I belonged to did a tour of a winery in Napa called Silverado Vineyards. The Disney part is that it is owned by Diane Disney Miller and her husband. Although they do not like to promote the Disney part of it since she wants to keep that part of her life separate and its not actually associated with Disney. I can respect that. The Vineyard was gorgeous and the day was wonderful. The wine was OK and surprisingly I actually liked the white wine. I know that some wineries use a gelatin product to clear the casings after the wine is emptied and therefore the wine I drank may have been associated with animal products. That is something I would like to look into though and find a vegan wine. I know Whole Foods has organic wines but do they also have vegan wines. Is that something that would be on the bottle or would I have to research the vineyard myself. Yet another thing in life that uses animal product that most people are not aware of.
After the tour we went to a place that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, called Taylor's Automatic Refresher. It is now called Gott's but they still have the original Taylor's sign out front. I was at first hesitant and thing well maybe they might have a salad or perchance a veggie burger maaaaaaybe. I was pleasantly surprised. They had a variety of salads and did have a veggie burger. They also had gazpacho but I wasn't in the mood for soup even if it was cold. I ordered the Veggie Burger and replaced the non-vegan egg bun with sourdough bread. It was a pretty good sandwich but would have tasted better on a whole wheat bun. The only bad bad thing is that it cam with special sauce. Usually special sauce is mayo, ketchup and relish so since mayo is not vegan as it contains eggs, i may have unintentionally flubbed. I hope I am wrong and that the special sauce does not contain mayo. Oh well despite my best efforts I still landed just short of center. It was really wonderful day though. The atmosphere there was wonderful and the service was quick and friendly. I like the picnic style outdoor eating. I just wish they had more vegan options, but it is a burger joint so what more can you ask for.
Taylor's Automatic Refresher AKA Gott's
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day -3 Stir Fry Me Up
Breakfast: Protein Bran Flakes with Vanilla Rice Milk - Coffe with Silk Soy Milk creamer (eh its OK tastes like any other non-dairy creamer but maybe without all the unpronoiuncable ingrediaents)
Lunch: Kashi Veggie bake
Snack: Tamari Rice Cakes
Dinner: Hoisin Mushrooms With Bok Choy with brown rice
Hoisin Mushrooms With Bok Choy
Dessert: Acai and Blueberry popsicle (mmm antioxidents)
I did not add enough mushrooms and baby bok choy. One thing I always forget about veggies is that they get very small when you cook them. This is my first time stir frying in a wok and boy is it messy.
This actually tasted good but the sauce needed something more. I am not sure what though. My cat was all over me when I was making this so it must smell good to her too. Next time I make this there will be waaaay more veggies. I have a bad habit of changing recipes to suit myself. I think maybe edamame (sp?) beans will taste good with this.
Today was another challenge for me. Making the right choices is always a challenge. I ran out of time to eat breakfast so usually I will pop a hot pocket in the microwave or eat some yogurt at work with granola. None of those options are open to a vegan so i grabbed some soy milk and ran out the door. I usually keep cereal at work and it just so happens the cereal I have is vegan. Unfortunately the cereal was a little stale. Siiiigghhh!!! I still had some granola left over which have been OK except that it has honey which is not vegan. Again with the honey challenge. I was really hungry at this point. For a split second I thought to myself eh its just honey and only a smidgen off the vegan diet. Good sense of commitment rules out and I went with the slightly stale cereal, which in the end once the rice milk was poured tasted just fine. My tummy was full and my conscience was clear.
At work we have The Biggest Loser challenge going on and we had the weekly Wednesday meeting today. Mr Pika is one of the trainers who helps use out with nutrition and fitness. He had a lot to say about choosing to love ourselves when we make good choices. He has very strong opinions about everything but for the most part he just wants everyone to be smart about the choices they make. I wonder how he would feel about the vegan diet since he is a huge protein fan. My choice in deciding on the 21 Day Vegan challenge was really just the idea of a challenge. I am not counting calories or fat, just making better choices. In the end this will likely have some health benefits which is a good thing.
Lunch: Kashi Veggie bake
Snack: Tamari Rice Cakes
Dinner: Hoisin Mushrooms With Bok Choy with brown rice
Hoisin Mushrooms With Bok Choy
Dessert: Acai and Blueberry popsicle (mmm antioxidents)
I did not add enough mushrooms and baby bok choy. One thing I always forget about veggies is that they get very small when you cook them. This is my first time stir frying in a wok and boy is it messy.
Today was another challenge for me. Making the right choices is always a challenge. I ran out of time to eat breakfast so usually I will pop a hot pocket in the microwave or eat some yogurt at work with granola. None of those options are open to a vegan so i grabbed some soy milk and ran out the door. I usually keep cereal at work and it just so happens the cereal I have is vegan. Unfortunately the cereal was a little stale. Siiiigghhh!!! I still had some granola left over which have been OK except that it has honey which is not vegan. Again with the honey challenge. I was really hungry at this point. For a split second I thought to myself eh its just honey and only a smidgen off the vegan diet. Good sense of commitment rules out and I went with the slightly stale cereal, which in the end once the rice milk was poured tasted just fine. My tummy was full and my conscience was clear.
At work we have The Biggest Loser challenge going on and we had the weekly Wednesday meeting today. Mr Pika is one of the trainers who helps use out with nutrition and fitness. He had a lot to say about choosing to love ourselves when we make good choices. He has very strong opinions about everything but for the most part he just wants everyone to be smart about the choices they make. I wonder how he would feel about the vegan diet since he is a huge protein fan. My choice in deciding on the 21 Day Vegan challenge was really just the idea of a challenge. I am not counting calories or fat, just making better choices. In the end this will likely have some health benefits which is a good thing.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Day -2 Forgotten Treats
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins, sugar, Vanilla Rice Milk
Lunch: Udon Noodles in Vegetable Broth
Snack: Rice Cakes with Seaweed and Sesame Topping. - Canary Melon & Watermelon - Cashews
Dinner: Amy's Brown Rice & Vegetable Bowl (Tofu was over cooked and rubbery)
Dessert: Acai and Blueberry Popsicle & Lime Juice Popsicle (Yeah that's right I had 2)
Day two went fine. I was shaken by a very scary discovery...... forgotten Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. These non-vegan items were left over form last week. I wish I had eaten them last week instead of them sitting on my desk an taunting me with their anti-vegan chocolaty goodness. I put them in the drawer but I could still hear their muffled voices saying "Eat me, eat me". I have got to find me some vegan chocolate!!!
Yesterday I flubbed by popping a Jelly Belly in my mouth which has beeswax on it. I posted this on Facebook as part of my status and my cousin, who is a vegan, reminded me that jelly beans such as Jelly Bellys also have gelatin in them. Gelatin is made from cows hooves, ligaments and tendons therefore making it very non-vegan and actually kind of gross if you think about it. Things that contain this cow hoof gelatin are gummy bears (yes even Haribo Gummy bears), and of course fruit gelatin like Jello, marshmallows, ice cream, yogurt. It is also used in shampoos, face masks, and other cosmetics. On photographic film and in vitamins as a coating on capsules. Its really interesting how many of our daily items contain animal products and we don't even know about it.
There is a reprieve for Jelly Bellys however. Through further research I discovered on the Jelly belly web site that Jelly Bellys are vegetarian but not vegan due to the beeswax in the candy coating. They do not use gelatin yay. Still off the menu because of the beeswax booooo. Another item I need to find in a vegan variety. Here is the link to their site FAQ: Interestingly they are also gluten free and Kosher. So you go Jewish people who are on gluten free diets you eat your Jelly Bellys. Sorry vegans its a no go for you.
Lunch: Udon Noodles in Vegetable Broth
Snack: Rice Cakes with Seaweed and Sesame Topping. - Canary Melon & Watermelon - Cashews
Dinner: Amy's Brown Rice & Vegetable Bowl (Tofu was over cooked and rubbery)
Dessert: Acai and Blueberry Popsicle & Lime Juice Popsicle (Yeah that's right I had 2)
Day two went fine. I was shaken by a very scary discovery...... forgotten Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. These non-vegan items were left over form last week. I wish I had eaten them last week instead of them sitting on my desk an taunting me with their anti-vegan chocolaty goodness. I put them in the drawer but I could still hear their muffled voices saying "Eat me, eat me". I have got to find me some vegan chocolate!!!
Yesterday I flubbed by popping a Jelly Belly in my mouth which has beeswax on it. I posted this on Facebook as part of my status and my cousin, who is a vegan, reminded me that jelly beans such as Jelly Bellys also have gelatin in them. Gelatin is made from cows hooves, ligaments and tendons therefore making it very non-vegan and actually kind of gross if you think about it. Things that contain this cow hoof gelatin are gummy bears (yes even Haribo Gummy bears), and of course fruit gelatin like Jello, marshmallows, ice cream, yogurt. It is also used in shampoos, face masks, and other cosmetics. On photographic film and in vitamins as a coating on capsules. Its really interesting how many of our daily items contain animal products and we don't even know about it.
There is a reprieve for Jelly Bellys however. Through further research I discovered on the Jelly belly web site that Jelly Bellys are vegetarian but not vegan due to the beeswax in the candy coating. They do not use gelatin yay. Still off the menu because of the beeswax booooo. Another item I need to find in a vegan variety. Here is the link to their site FAQ: Interestingly they are also gluten free and Kosher. So you go Jewish people who are on gluten free diets you eat your Jelly Bellys. Sorry vegans its a no go for you.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Day-1 - It Begins
MONDAY, SEPT. 6: DAY 1
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins, sugar, Vanilla Rice Milk
Lunch: Peanut Butter Sandwich
Snack: Jelly Bellys – oops didn’t know they contain beeswax so that’s a no in the future.
Dinner: Veggie Burger on whole wheat bun with veggies, Chips,
Dessert: Acai and Blueberry popsicle (mmm antioxidents)
Today was day one and it was not too challenging. Breakfast was great but i was REALLY hungry an hour later. Probably because I did not eat until almost lunch time so I had the PB sandwich soon after. I spent a lot of time planning the menu using the one provided on the web site a a reference. i made my own modifications that would have me cooking less since I know I do not have time to cook every single meal. I did not make it to the store though so I will have to do that tommorow and then push my menu back a day. Tnats OK I have enough provisions her at jhome anyhow.
Dinner was at the parents house tonight. they were having hamburgers, so I stopped at the store on the way over. OK I did go to the store today but only for a quick run. I got veggie burgers and soy cheese. The soy cheese was not so bad and tasted like Kraft Singles but with a funny chalky after taste. I didn't notice the this once it was on the burger though. When I gave it to Emily to taste she made a face like she was eating dirt, so that's a NO for Emily. She had a hamburger. I read labels on all the foods that were included in the meal and almost did not eat the chips because I misread the label and thought there was milk in them. Turns out the label said made in a factory that also makes products that contain milk. See I read labels although I didn't do this one well.
So today went well although not ideal. Oh and I did pop a Jelly Belly in mouth which I realized a minute late that the candy shell has beeswax in it. This of course is a no no since it was decided honey and other bee products are not vegan. Tomorrow I will do better and get to the store.
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins, sugar, Vanilla Rice Milk
Lunch: Peanut Butter Sandwich
Snack: Jelly Bellys – oops didn’t know they contain beeswax so that’s a no in the future.
Dinner: Veggie Burger on whole wheat bun with veggies, Chips,
Dessert: Acai and Blueberry popsicle (mmm antioxidents)
Today was day one and it was not too challenging. Breakfast was great but i was REALLY hungry an hour later. Probably because I did not eat until almost lunch time so I had the PB sandwich soon after. I spent a lot of time planning the menu using the one provided on the web site a a reference. i made my own modifications that would have me cooking less since I know I do not have time to cook every single meal. I did not make it to the store though so I will have to do that tommorow and then push my menu back a day. Tnats OK I have enough provisions her at jhome anyhow.
Dinner was at the parents house tonight. they were having hamburgers, so I stopped at the store on the way over. OK I did go to the store today but only for a quick run. I got veggie burgers and soy cheese. The soy cheese was not so bad and tasted like Kraft Singles but with a funny chalky after taste. I didn't notice the this once it was on the burger though. When I gave it to Emily to taste she made a face like she was eating dirt, so that's a NO for Emily. She had a hamburger. I read labels on all the foods that were included in the meal and almost did not eat the chips because I misread the label and thought there was milk in them. Turns out the label said made in a factory that also makes products that contain milk. See I read labels although I didn't do this one well.
So today went well although not ideal. Oh and I did pop a Jelly Belly in mouth which I realized a minute late that the candy shell has beeswax in it. This of course is a no no since it was decided honey and other bee products are not vegan. Tomorrow I will do better and get to the store.
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