As the year draws to a close, I’ve been thinking a lot about this space and what I can do in the new year to challenge myself (and hopefully you) in new ways. It probably doesn’t come across this way on the blog, but I often struggle with questions like – What am I doing to make a difference? What can I do to help people and animals? Am I growing on a personal level? Lately, these questions have gone mostly unanswered. Don’t get me wrong, I love sharing my recipes with you (and I know it makes a positive difference based on your feedback – thank you), so I have no plans to stop recipe development. It’s something I enjoy immensely more days than not. But there are other things I could be doing and I’ve felt this pull at my heart strings a lot in recent months. With only weeks to go until my cookbook manuscript is due, I’m feeling worn out and I’m sure this a big reason for the rut I feel like I’m stuck in. The good thing about a rut is that it usually prompts a change for the better (with time). Discomfort prompts motion.
In spirit of change, I’m starting a series on veganism this year – simple posts that can make the transition to a plant-based diet easier. I’m really excited about this. To be honest, it’s something I’ve wanted to do for over a year now, but I tend to suffer from the mindset that if I can’t do it exactly right or if I don’t know all the answers, then I shouldn’t do it at all. Well, this is a rather silly way to go through life, don’t you think? The truth is, I’m the only one holding myself back. I want to share whatever it is that I can offer and trust that it will be helpful for some of you. Even if you have no desire of going vegan or if you are already a vegan yourself, I still hope that this series will be inspiring and peak some curiosity about things you may want to know more about.
Here are some examples of questions I receive every week:
What can I replace yogurt with?
What’s a substitute for sour cream?
I have no idea what to do. Do you have a vegan 101 Series I can read through to get started?
What do you eat each day?
How do I get protein?
What the bleep is a flax egg????
What do I do if I have a craving for an old food?
Why do you soak beans and nuts? Will my husband fart less if I soak his nuts? (Yes someone wrote this once…I almost spit out my drink.)
I want to start TODAY…help me!
It occurred to me that it would be more helpful if I posted my experiences on the blog, rather than simply via email. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that a vegan diet isn’t about what you take away; it’s really about what you add in. I didn’t know this for a long time. For every food that I decided to forgo, I eventually added at least a handful of new, vibrant foods in its place. But first, I had to learn what it is I could add into my diet. This wasn’t easy for me in the beginning and I suspect it’s not for many. Three and a half years into it, I’m still very much learning.
To make this series a success, it’s important for me to have your feedback and input. I’d love to know some of the questions you are struggling with right now or perhaps things you struggled with in the past but triumphed over. Everyone loves a good success story, myself included. [Side note: I’m considering the return of reader success stories, perhaps in a Q & A format – would you enjoy this feature again on OSG?]
For those of you who are making some changes to your diet in 2013, I hope you’ll find this series timely and helpful in your journey. More on all of this very soon.
For more in this series, see:
Part 1: How To Make The Transition
Part 2: Replacing Dairy Milk
Part 3: Homemade Oat Milk
Part 4: Homemade Almond Milk
Part 5: Ten Tips for eating out as a vegan
I wish you a happy, fun, and safe New Year’s surrounded by the people you love! Happy New Year to you all. Thank you for reading Oh She Glows and bringing me into your home each week. I bid farewell to 2012 filled with gratitude.
I’m vegetarian and am always looking for more ways to Vegan my meals up. I am looking forward to reading your series. :)
I’d love any tips on transitioning from vegetarian to vegan. I’ve been a vegetarian for over 7 years now, mainly because of a genuine dislike of meat rather than ethical reasons. I also avoid a lot of dairy and other animal products like eggs – also due a general dislike/repulsion by them.
I’d love to transition to a cleaner vegan diet but I am having difficultly making the change because I feel I am “giving things up” in a way that I didn’t have in becoming a vegetarian. I LIKE cheese (..without rennet) but I’m was very turned off by steak/chicken/etc so the transition to vegetarianism was natural. Do you have advice on how I can continue to lean towards a vegan diet when I feel like I’ll miss many foods?
I absolutely love this idea. I’m already vegan but I’m sure I’ll still find it really helpful, and I bet it will be super great for people starting off the new year with a new diet. I was looking back on some of my old resolutions yesterday and loved seeing my progression to veganism. In 2011, I decided to be more mindful of my dairy and egg consumption. In 2012, I resolved to go completely vegan for at least one month–and not only did I do that, but I have been for the last 7 months! 2013 will be an easy one: Stay vegan :). Can’t wait to read this series!
The ‘nut soaking’ question. Omg. SO funny!
GREAT idea for a blog series :)
As several readers have mentioned, one of the things that is difficult about veganism is the social aspect – how to make eating at restaurants and with friends. I also have coeliac disease, meaning I can’t eat gluten, so I really do worry that I’m going to a pain in the bum to my friends!
Another good question that seems to have popped up a few times is speedy or go-to meals. I’d love a few to add to the repertoire :D
Thanks again for your inspirational blog. I come here every day for a read!
I don’t want to impose my new found lifestyle on anyone and it is going to be an issue I imagine. I’d love to see a post in this series about the social aspect of this. My husband is already worried and questioning me what I’m going to do when we visit his family in a couple of weeks and drive across country when we return home and have to eat “on the road”.
This post couldn’t have come at a better time! My husband and I decided to go vegan and this is our first week.
Some questions/ideas that would be interesting to me or some of your readers:
– It would be awesome if you listed some of the nutrients that vegans have to be careful not to miss, and the best way to get them (sample foods, supplements).
– What are some general, research-based health benefits of veganism vs. some of the myths
– What are substitutes for some of the more expensive vegan foods/how to save money shopping as a vegan
This is perfect timing for me! I always joke that I’m a part time vegan. I was pretty consistent about veganism until I became pregnant last year – worried I was not getting enough protein for the baby I began eating meat again. 5 months postpartum I’d like to go back to being vegan again.
Here are my struggles –
1. What can I snack on besides raw veggies, hummus, and carb heavy items?
2. Quick dinners that do not involve a lot of pasta? My husband and I both work and with a baby the last thing we want to do at night is cook a complicated meal.
3. What can I eat for lunch besides salads?
I hate the thought of eating meat substitutes – they are expensive and too processed. Some cook books like skinny bitch just incorporate recipes constantly using these which is so annoying! :)
Like some other commenters we need a diet for endurance athletes – I am a runner and my husband is a tri guy.
I just recently was given forks over knives cookbook that has some nice recipes but they take quite awhile to make.
Thank you!!! Love this and your blog :-)
I love the idea of this series, and I so need this in my life. We flirt with veganism by trying to eat at least two vegan meals a day. I have also mostly reduced our dairy two fold in the last year. I realized that although I am addicted to cheese, I could still enjoy a meal without it. We also learned about many dairy alternatives that we worked into recipes easily. Our goal for this year is to reduce it even more, maybe going several days without dairy. Your website is fantastic inspiration, thank you thank you.
My problem is saying goodbye to a fried egg sandwich. I know it sounds pathetic, but I absolutely love them. I haven’t been able to find a good substitute. It is filling, easy to eat on the go in the morning, and has a unique flavor. I discuss on my blog that I have found the best solution is to not find an identical food but an alternative. For example, I used to love crabcakes, but zucchini fritters became my new obsession when I turned vegetarian years ago. They don’t taste the same, but in the end serve the same purpose. My vegan friend suggested a tofu scramble, and that just doesn’t do it for me.
Any advice on a good equivalent to the classic fried egg sandwich?
Thank you, Thank you
Angela, In January 2012 I resolved to move towards better health. My oldest son joked me, “I’m not worried, Mom. It will last about two weeks.” Well, that challenge was all I needed. A year later my husband and I are loving our almost completely vegan lifestyle and my 4 kids are almost there. As I look at my colorful plate I do not feel deprived at all. I feel blessed and full. Ironically, my “mocker” is the one most sold out as he has learned the reasons why we are doing what we are doing. As our extended family members began to see the positive changes in our lives, many of them have joined us. Your blog has been so helpful. I was a pretty good cook before our change, and I found many of the recipes in the health books tasted terrible. My kids still shudder at the mention of kale because of a bad soup experiment. Finally, in your blog, I found someone who was living the lifestyle we wanted and knew how to cook! Most often, I get thumbs up around the table when I make something from your blog. I am excited for the new direction you are taking. Thanks for continuing to share your journey!
Hi Leigh Ellen, Thank you for your beautiful comment! I am so happy to hear about all the changes you and your family are making. Thanks for reading and trying out the recipes!
I am SO excited to see this. Perfect timing. I’ve been pondering this for awhile, and this morning I got up, and in the true spirit of New Year’s I decided to read your blog for inspiration for the coming year. I can read the signs. Thanks so much!!!
Happy New Year!
Aw I’m so happy to hear that Tracey! All my best
I would love more info on kid friendly recipes, quick and simple recipes, and recipes that are weight loss friendly. I love reading your blog and can’t wait for the book!
Thank you in advance! I ADORE your blog and am thrilled about this upcoming series. I’ve been a vegetarian for 10 years and am trying to make the full switch to vegan (I manage about 5/6 days a week). This series is definitely going to help!
Happy New Year to you and your entire family Angela! Love your recipes!! Can’t wait for your cookbook!!
Hi Angela,
I love your blog & get so much out of it. Beginning last spring I began eating less meat and would like to transition to a vegetarian diet. The main problem I have is completely committing to this diet especially with my family. I was diagnosed with celiac disease last year, and my family and friends are very supportive and cautious with making sure I have plenty of food that is gluten-free whenever we have get-togethers. I feel bad adding another aspect to my diet that people need to worry over when we do potlucks, travel, etc. Any tips for making this transition easy for everyone involved? Thanks!
I’m very excited about this new series. I’m four months into my own transition to a plant-based diet, and I think I would really benefit from this.
thanks,
I’m thrilled to hear about this series, it is going to help me and others like me so much, who would love to be vegan but find it difficult to let go of some things and need more advice and guidance! Thanks Angela! Happy new year! :)
I am excited about this! Just discovered you yesterday when I was blogging about nut butter and subscribed! I’m slowly cutting my meat out and will probably be a vegetarian at some point. I’ve been juicing for the last year and today am starting the Eat to Live Plan. I can’t wait to try some of your recipes! Happy New Year!
This is wonderful news! My exciting news is as a 60 year old, with 2 overlapping stents
in a main artery, I needed this vegan diet and oil free. My news is my annual
cardiologist visit showed my bp the lowest ever in my adult life, cholesterol and
triglycerides down….in short I am healthier now than ever. We had our first
vegan Christmas with a meatless loaf from your friend at blogfatfreevegan.com.
I find loaves (like your lentil loaf) great options since they freeze in portions
beautifully with instant meals at hand, whereby I just add whatever veggies
I feel like to go along with it. Your blogs are wonderful and inspiring. I have shared
your website with many and look forward to it and your emails everyday. And I can’t
say how good we felt eating a kind diet at Christmas!
One suggestion on your website. If the most recent comments can be at the
beginning, it would help instead of scrolling through pages to see if a reply was made.
Thank you, and all the best of health and joy in 2013!
I found Oh She Glows a few weeks ago and love it! I have been vegan for exactly 3 and 1/2 days. I’ve been juicing like crazy and even made a vegan mac n cheese that we all loved! I can’t wait for this series as I have much to learn. My friends call me a “foodie” as I love to cook and make great meals for my family. After gaining 20 # in the last year or so at the start of menopause, I am ready to make a change. My husband is a bit skeptical and I don’t think he believes I’m serious. Everything I’ve eaten in the last few days has been wonderful. I never believed eating a plant based diet could be so good. I already feel better and I don’t think it will be difficult at all to make this change. I just need some direction and advice now and then, so thank you very much for starting this series!!