Good morning!
I enjoyed a delicious bowl of vegan overnight oats this morning. I made this batch heavier on the chia seeds and lighter on the oats just for a fun change.
Mango Blueberry Vegan Overnight Oats
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2-1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mango
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- Seeds/nuts for sprinkling (I used roasted sunflower seeds)
Directions: In a small bowl mix together the oats, chia seeds, almond milk, chopped mango, blueberries and maple syrup. Place in fridge overnight or for at least 1 hour to allow for the seeds and oats to soak up the milk. When you are ready to eat, top with any other desired toppings and serve.
Mango in the oats = awesome.
A Vegan In Paris
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Last week, I told you about my upcoming trip to Paris during the 3rd week of September with OSGMOM and my sister Kristi. I said I would talk about how I will eat while in Paris, especially considering that French cuisine is far from vegan.
I actually laughed as I typed this last sentence because French cuisine is pretty much the antithesis of vegan eating. It is quite funny to think about.
You know what though, I’m cool with that. Just because I eat a vegan diet doesn’t mean that I think everyone should eat like I do. I understand that all cuisines are different and have certain characteristics that define them, and it just so happens that French cuisine has a lot of cheese, cream, butter, pastries, and meat!
My plan is to have fun like I always do with food and to not worry about it. I want to soak up the culture while in Paris and if that means I have to occasionally soak up some melted chocolate on my croissant then so be it. ;)
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Technically speaking, I will have no ‘plan’ going to Paris. I think it’s more fun that way.
Long gone are the days when I used to worry, stress, or obsess about what I eat. Food is fun in my life and I plan on keeping it that way while in Paris. I will roll with the punches and have a good time with it.
Obviously there will be occasions when it is not possible to eat vegan, and I am not going to worry about it. I ate non-vegan for 25 years of my life after all. As far as eating meat-free goes, I don’t think that will be a problem. It’s pretty easy to find or ask for meat-free dishes at restaurants. I just need to learn how to say that in French. ;)
My plan is to have fun…AND bring you along for the journey!
Like I said, I could come home a coffee-drinking, croissant lovin, bon-bon eating non-vegan.
I can’t be sure.
Or I may not come home at all.
Do you have any special diet preferences or needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, wheat-free, nut-free, etc) and have you had to accommodate them while on vacation or away from home? Have you ever had to ‘go hungry’ because of an allergy like gluten or nuts, when there were no options available for you?
Luckily I do not have any food allergies (I have been tested for everything), just sensitivities. My doctor thinks I have IBS. Foods like dairy, nuts, and high-fat foods can be problematic for my stomach in large quantities, so I try to be mindful of this when eating.
It’s so great that you’re going in with such an open-minded attitude– I think that’s the way to really ENJOY travel! When we were in Europe this summer (Italy and Croatia), I (a vegetarian) ate fish a few times…and I’m so glad I did! I would have been disappointed to have gone all the way to Croatia to not eat anyu of the local specialties (which are all seafood, basically!). Sometimes when you travel, you have to let go of your “rules” and just enjoy the place you’re in!
AMEN to this!! In a perfect world, there would always be delicious vegan options available, but that’s not reality. I eat vegan when it’s possible, and vegetarian when it’s not. The French love their veggies- I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding meat-free options!! I can’t wait to hear about your trip next month!
Good for you! I think you’re trip will be a lot of fun if you don’t have to worry whether or not there’s some dairy sneaking into your food. :) And French food is supposed to be amazing so if you’re gonna splurge- France is probably a great place to do so.
I have never been to Paris, but I’ve been to Switzerland a few times and it’s amazing how many “vegetarian” entrees come “mit Speck”- which means “with bacon!”
I think your plan for Paris is perfect. Like you said, you just need to have FUN! I can’t wait to read the recaps while you’re there. :)
I think you’ve got a great attitude about the whole thing! I’ve been a vegetarian forever and a vegan for just over a year, but I think that food is a big part of experiencing the culture that you are visiting. Of course, I’m not advocating foie gras or anything like that, but enjoying Paris and the time with your family is so much more important than freaking out over a little milk chocolate. I can’t wait to read all about your trip.
I must say, your attitude is amazing and so well balanced. What a role model you are for people suffering from disordered eating. I hope your message reaches many people.
I would probably temporarily forsake some of my regular eating habits while away in Paris too! I don’t eat cheese due to a mild lactose intolerance but if sitting on a patio with a fresh baguette and some wine you better believe I would indulge in some delicious brie! Enjoy your trip for everything it has to offer, including some of the most wonderful cuisine in the world!!
I find it hard sometimes to eat out and eat healthy while in vacation! In a general sense! I have to keep calorie intake in mind so sometimes when on vacation the fancy restaurants and new places that we go to it’s hard to find healthy items or on the flip side hard to choose them when there are so many delicious options! :)
I can’t justify setting aside my morals when I travel, which can definitely present challenges, but doesn’t hinder my joy of traveling at all. I am vegan and have some food allergies. I have been in Paris a few times and, while going to restaurants was tricky, being vegan in general was not. During my last visit, we bought baguettes, marmalade, wine and raw fruits and veggies at the markets. It was wonderful! We ate good food and met many farmers and bakers, bringing us closer to the local culture, rather than preventing us from enjoying it. All cultures have local specialities that are accidentally vegan or vegetarian and great vegetable dishes are never hard to find. I have traveled a lot and have never felt like I was inhibited or like I was not experiencing the culture, even in meat-centric Eastern Europe. Just remember that, at least in Europe, war, and poverty before it, prevented meat from being a common food at home for many years, which means that meat-free dishes were common and many have become cultural staples.
I understand why people who are vegan for health reasons might choose to abstain from veganism for traveling, but I don’t see why those who are vegan for animal rights or environmental reasons should do so. Animals can suffer no matter where in the world they are. And the environment will always be impacted by animal agriculture, even if it is to a lesser extent.
Hi Anika,
Great comment :) My thoughts and experiences are similar to your own. Rather than my diet (vegan) being inhibiting or restricting, I’ve found that it spurs my creativity and desire to explore the culture and region I’m in.
I actually love this approach. I too would be completely satisfied eating fresh produce, baked breads and sipping on locally made wines. Sounds heavenly!
I feel bewildered when people say such things.
I have chickens in my backyard. They’re free ranging. They get best organic spinach from my garden and all kind of healthy organic treats from my kitchen. They run to me when I come out of the house in exitement because they know I’m there to protect not to hurt.
…I eat their eggs.
And I don’t beleive my chickens harm environment.
I refuse to eat meat or fish because they feel pain when killed. But I drink the milk that I buy from the farmer because I know she treats her cow the way I treat my chickens. And if I was on the place of my chicken, I would not mind sharing an egg.
*A little remark: I’m not killing little life by eating an egg bcs there would be no chick out of it even if I sit on till i turn blue :)))
Sorry, it’s a bit out of travelling topic, I just think if you are being responsible in what you eat, it’s OK not to go to extreme “no-no”. Some people in India (where my husband was born) would not eat a tomato because it reminds them a colour of blood.
Hi Olya,
I wanted to respond so that you’re not so bewildered (or maybe you’ll be more bewildered). The way you are treating your chickens, essentially as pets, sounds fantastic, but that is by no means the norm. I was referring to animal rearing with the intention of making a profit on their product. This would require a greater number of animals who wouldn’t be likely to get this personal treatment. The suffering can happen in a number of ways – when the animal is killed, by the living standards of the animal, or when the animal is treated unnaturally (forced impregnation and overlong milking for dairy, for example, and where do the babies go?). Suffering doesn’t just have to be physical, it can simply be emotional. As for the environment – having a large number of animals on one plot of land hurts that land, not to mention the amount of resources a single animal requires is not ecological. It takes 16 lbs of grain to produce 1lb of flesh. Think of how many more people that plot of land could feed if it were used to grow grains, beans or vegetables.
I hope that clears up your confusion a little. Like I said, I wasn’t referring to the way you are raising your chickens, but odds are when one buys an animal product, he/she is buying from a place that is guilty of at least one of these things.
I agree, these people in these comments are plant based not vegan!!! Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.
I found out last summer that being a vegetarian in Japan is hard! You would think they would have lots of tofu dishes, but they don’t. Most of their food is seafood-based, so all I could eat was pretty much noodles with some veggies, or rice with veggies. It was sooo hard to stay satiated when my meals severely lack protein!
That sounds like a wonderful attitude for traveling- food is such a cultural thing, so it’s always good to be open to experimenting a little… “When in Rome” (or Paris, in your case…heh) I’ve thought about this topic a lot because I love to travel, and I totally think it’s alright to stretch the boundaries of one’s usual dietary consumption in order to really experience a destination’s culture. So exciting, I can’t wait to see pictures and read about your travels!
I definitely don’t stress about food while traveling. I don’t travel internationally very often, but there is always something I can find that is healthy *enough* around the U.S. However, on a trip to Kentucky last year, I had a hard time finding anything that wasn’t laden in butter and/or deep fried! But, I survived ;)
I pretty much eat anything. I love your philosophy for this trip to Paris. You have a good way of thinking of how you eat. I feel that sometimes people with eating restrictions get too serious about it. Enjoy yourself in Paris! I’m looking forward to reading it!!
Hey Angela,
If you’re going to be spending time in cities, I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the veggie options you’ll stumble across. Try www.happycow.net for some tips. :) I found a raw vegan restaurant in Bangkok that was to die for!
I’m a vegan too, and it can be really hard to accommodate when traveling in places that aren’t exactly vegan-friendly, especially smaller more rural places (Cuba and PEI recently for me). I feel like for me it usually comes down to a sacrifice of some sort. I’ve always stayed vegan, but have resorted to eating tons of fried foods, white flours and processed stuff (like strawberry wafers and oreos) that happens to be vegan because they are closer to chemicals than food! It isn’t fun at all, and I ended up feeling horrible from all the gross food I was eating in both places. Food plays such an integral part in a cultural experience, and shouldn’t be a constant stress on a vacation so I think your plan is awesome-
One warning- when’s the last time you had dairy? I’ve been vegan so long, I’m pretty much lactose intolerant and I feel pain when I accidentally eat something made with milk. I hope the same is not true for all vegans!
PS-thanks for the maple syrup tips
I’ve been a vegetarian since May ’10 and I’ve kind of been struggling with some internal turmoil lately because I am having a hard time in defining what my diet means to me. Well, actually, I do have an idea of what it means to me, it’s trying to make other people understand thats hard. Becoming a veggie head for me was more so for personal and health reasons as oppose to ethical reasons – I love my leather jacket and the occasional fur hat on a freezing day, whatev right? haha. However, I feel as if people are constantly reminding me of my chosen diet and watching me and it makes me feel more obligated to stick with it and maintain my veggie identity, even when sometimes I don’t want to. I can have the tiniest taste of turkey if I want it and it doesn’t mean that months of healthy decisions will go down the drain, right? I can eat the whole damn platter if I want to, but I feel as if I have somehow become this healthy example to my diabetic-obese-not-so healthy family, I don’t want to disappoint them you know?
I know my battle is obviously more with myself and my family isn’t to blame, I guess I just feel alone sometimes in my real life because theres no one outside of the blog world that understands how I feel.
Anywho, I did have another point to touch on, haha. Just this past weekend I celebrated my 25th birthday and my hubby surprised me with a weekend on the Island (PEI). We packed our own breakfast food and some veggies for me, however, maybe half of that food was eaten. We ate out a lot because there is nothing more fun than eating out at new places when on vacation. After a long and amazing Saturday we ended up having a super late supper at the Gahan Restaurant and Brewery. We had just finished sitting through 2 hours of the Anne of Green Gables musical and were starving. I was hangry and the menu looked amazing and the prices were awesome. Because of this, I sat there struggling with what I should eat and what I wanted to eat. What did I order? The GAHAN BURGER. I felt so bad when I placed the order and but when I thought about it somemore and realized that my husband sat there and had no judgement towards me, I immediately felt so foolish. We had the most amazing day EVER and here I am about to ruin it with my mood over ordering a burger. I had to laugh at myself, looking alittle crazy of course, but the remaining of the evening was even better. This place brewed the most amazing beer and this burger was seriously a religious experience, I felt so Eat Pray Love, haha. It was weird actually, I couldn’t even remember the taste of beef, so it was literally like eating a burger for the first time. Ordering that burger made the whole vacation for me because I realized that I can’t let food dictate my life – I chose what I want to put in my body, not some diet. And just because I ate a burger this weekend, I don’t feel any less of a vegetarian than I did last weekend.
Eat as much chocolate as you want. Seriously, how can you not go to Paris and not give yourself up to the whole indulgent experience? That’s like going to Italy and eating salads the whole time? Channel your inner EPL and have a love affair with your food.
However, from personal experience, you might want to ease yourself into stepping out of your regular eating life style. You don’t want to spend your entire vacation bloated, constipated, and nauseous, haha, or so I have heard ;P
You have such a great attitude towards eating! Love your blog, you make me smile every morning =D
I have Celiac Disease, so I’m on a lifelong gluten-free diet (and I’m vegetarian).
On trips, I’ve been lucky, because it’s easier to be gluten free now than when my sister was first diagnosed. Growing up, whenever my family went on vacation, we would always go grocery shopping, rather than eating all our meals out. So on my last trip, to San Francisco, my friend (who is highly allergic to dairy and nuts) and I went to Whole Foods the first day we arrived. We’re a fun group to go out with, haha. Even regular grocery stores have the main food I eat – I don’t buy gluten-free baked goods too often, because they are quite expensive. Having a love of vegetables is a plus.
Going out to eat is slightly harder. Luckily, main restaurants (like the ever so chic Outback Steakhouse) have gluten-free menus. But I have to make sure if salads – which I usually get – are mixed in their own bowl or tossed in a general one. At Outback, for example, they specific to ask it to be without croutons and tossed in a separate bowl. And you have to be sure the dressing you order doesn’t contain gluten. If I’m ever unsure of dressing, I stick with oil and vinegar. Another unsure food item I may order: the only fried thing that wouldn’t be breaded is french fries, however it is VERY VERY VERY RARE that the fries are fried in different oil than the breaded items. Luckily, I’m content to order sides and make them a meal.
I also love to look at menus before going to a restaurant, because I can decided what I want to order and what questions I have about it. When I was last out with my coworkers, they were amused on how specific my ordering was. I either go first or last, because it seems to be easier for the waiter to answer questions. Usually last is better, because if the waiter has to ask the chef a question, he can put in all the orders, and come back if there is a problem with mine. I am not shy about asking questions. (And if the waiter has a problem, then they aren’t doing their job well!). I’d much rather be a little annoying or pushy when it comes to my diet, than risk pain and the destruction of my intestines.
In big cities, you can easily find gluten-free restaurants (I live in NYC), or gluten-free friendly ones. A lot of the times, they also happen to be vegetarian, vegan, or allergy friendly.
I will note that some gluten-free products, like the ones at my favorite restaurant Rissoteria – a gluten free restaurant in the village), uses Animal protein in their gluten-free bread. Since it is hard enough to eat out gluten free, ESPECIALLY bread, I will definitely eat it, regardless of the animal protein. I think if I wasn’t gluten-free, I’d be slightly more picky in my eating habits.
Ironically, having to cut gluten out of my diet for the past few years has not restricted my diet. Rather, it has opened this previously picky eater to a whole new world of food I would have never tried other wise. For exam, I am the only person in my family — immediate and extended — who eats beets. No one else will even attempt to eat it. I, only the other hand, loooovvveee it. Also, okra? No one else has really heard of it. hahah
I didn’t realize my reply would be so long! Oops! Heh
My husband and I (both vegan) just got back from Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey and had a fairly easy time sticking to our diet. There were a few occasions where we realized that dairy had been included in the meal, but like you Angela, we decided not to obsess about it. I found that doing a bit of research in advance on happycow.net was helpful and often the restaurants were slightly off the beaten path, so it was a great opportunity to see different neighbourhoods and meet locals. I think the best surprise was finding that a lot of the restaurants focused on creating their local cuisine veggie-style :) Have a great time!!
“Aviez-vous quelque chose sans viande, lait ou beurre? Je suis une végétalienne. Merci”
–> Do you have something without meat, milk, or butter? I’m a vegan, thank you!” And now you’re all set and ready to go.
I’m so excited for your trip pretty girl! I can’t wait to read all about it and melt into a puddle of pure envy. I’ve never been to Paris, so enjoy it for us both!! Hahahaha.
I love your attitude about enjoying food and making it a fun part of your life! My husband and I recently returned from our honeymoon in Italy. As someone who eats vegan about 70% of the time and vegetarian about 30% of the time, I began the trip a bit concerned about the food issue, but to my delight, it wasn’t a problem at all. I enjoyed delicious pastas with marinara sauce, zucchini blossoms, eggplant parmigiana, sauteed veggies, fresh tomatoes sprinkled with sea salt, stuffed peppers, mixed olives, and more bread and olive oil than I’d care to admit. Much of it wasn’t vegan, but I had no problem sticking to vegetarianism. And you know what? It felt good to just go with the flow. It’s vacation after all. Who wants to spend it obsessing about what’s in your food? (The exception being if you have an allergy or other health concern.) So, bon apetit!