I’ve been on one diet or another ever since I nearly doubled my size when I gained 80 pounds between my 14th and 15th birthdays. Name any diet (or weight-loss scheme), and chances are I’ve tried (and failed) at least once.
For years, I was the epitome of an emotional eater with yo-yo weight fluctuation. And holidays were the worst! Succulent displays of forbidden foods were tempting enough. But add pressure from “well-meaning” family and friends, and we’re talking willpower overload. It didn’t seem to matter that I was still stretching cotton to its limit.
“You’re losing too fast. Your face is too thin. I made this especially for you. One little bite won’t hurt. No one will notice the extra pounds if you wear a sweater. You can restart your diet on Monday…next month…next year. Who are you trying to be?“
Even if I’d managed to stay strong during the festivities, the drive home past fast food joints usually derailed me. I’d even visit different McDonalds to order large fries, so no one would suspect I was on a binge. I can imagine what my car smelled like in those days.
But now that I’m vegan, all has changed. Most people respect the fundamentals of veganism and are polite enough not to pressure me into sampling their meat-laden specialties. Although some confuse veganism with vegetarianism—not realizing that milk, cheese, egg, honey, and some sugars aren’t part of vegan eating—their intentions are admirable.
But what about the argument that veganism is a fad diet that sorely lacks protein. After all, one egg offers an astounding 6 grams. You can’t beat that! Right?
Untrue! Some might be surprised by the amount of protein in foods that are naturally vegan. If you’re not a fan of the go-to tofu, the following items are excellent sources of protein:
- 1/4 cup dried lentils=10 grams
- 1/4 cup cashews=7 grams
- 1/4 cup chia seeds=12 grams
- 1/2 cup dry oatmeal=7 grams
- 2 tbs. nutritional yeast=6 grams
- 1 cup cooked quinoa=6.7 grams
I know exactly what to eat when I’m hungry and/or crave a healthy snack. When I feel full, I pack the rest for later, rarely wasting food.
Below are a few examples of what I enjoy on a regular basis, but be sure to check labels and websites for further info.
Blissful Food
- Fruits (Fresh/Frozen/Canned/Juiced)
- Veggies (Fresh/Frozen/Canned/Juiced)
- Legumes/Beans/Pulses
- Seeds (Raw/Roasted)
- Nuts (Raw/Roasted)
- Garlic/Onions/Leeks
- Tofu (Silky to Extra-Firm)
- Just Egg (Egg Substitute)
- Vegan Yogurt
- Potatoes (All Varieties)
- Wheat/Oats/Rice/Corn/Etc.
- Taco Shells/Corn Tortillas/Flour Tortillas/Etc.
- Dry Cereals
- English Muffins/French Baguettes/Pizza Dough/Etc.
- Rotini/Spaghetti/Macaroni/Etc.
- Marinara Sauce
- Lentil Soup/Butternut Squash Soup/Miso Soup/Etc.
- Olive Oil/Sesame Oil/Coconut Oil/Etc.
- Oat Milk/Soy Milk/Coconut Milk/Almond Milk/Hemp Milk
- Vegan Butter
- Vegan Cheese (Cream/Shredded/Hard)
- Salsa/Hot Sauces
- Vegan Crumbles/Vegan Strips/Vegan Patties/Vegan Nuggets
- Popcorn
- Dark Chocolate/Vegan Cocoa
- Rice Crackers/Triscuits/Wheat Thins/Corn Chips/Etc.
- Vegan Bullion
- Nutritional Yeast
- Smoked Paprika
- Other Spices (too many to list)
- Wine/Beer/Booze (Limited)
And I discover additional items regularly!
This blog is not about body shaming or weight loss. Self-worth cannot be determined by a scale, nor can physical appearance be defined by a number between 1 and 10. It’s insulting to think otherwise.
My body protects my brain, heart, and life source, and transports my bones from place to place. It deserves the utmost respect. My job is to maintain my body’s overall well-being. This includes unconditional love and acceptance. Everything else is inconsequential and litters the path to living fully.
I’m not a nutritionist nor health expert. All opinions on this site are my own. Unless otherwise noted, the recipes are my concoction, and I’ve purchased all products. Furthermore, I won’t be giving excessive advice on how anyone else should behave, because I’m still figuring that out myself.