Going Vegan for a Week

Alternately titled, Quel Nightmare, I Can’t Have Chocolate Milk. 

And anyone who knows me knows that chocolate milk is a big part of my Happy Place.

Last month I read Scott Jurek’s book, Eat and Run.  Usually, reading the memoir of an ultra-runner has me rushing to sign up for some new endurance race.  This time I was motivated to try a new type of challenge.

Going vegan.

So you see, I already don’t eat no meat.  Vegetarian for about fourteen or so years now, it’s just a part of who I am.  I don’t think about it, it’s not a challenge for me.  (and yes, I get plenty of protein! ) I enjoy a wide variety of foods and try to eat as naturally as I can.  I just feel better when I’m eating well.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good pizza or grilled cheese and fries every now and then.  But mostly I subsist the good stuff. 

Instead of signing up for Rocky, I’ve decided to take a route that requires a lot less preparation and sacrifice.  Veganism has served Scott well so Imma try it.

For a week. 

Of course, I picked race week to disrupt my diet.  Genius.  But it hasn’t slowed Scott down so I have no worries.  Really, my diet isn’t changing much.  I don’t keep cheese in the house because I cannot control myself.  Eggs are seldom found in my fridge unless I’m making rice muffins to freeze for long bike rides. Greek yogurt is a daily staple but I can survive without it.  

 It’s the milk that gives me pause.  I drink a lot of milk.  Like, a lot a lot.  Violator once opened my fridge and gasped when she was met with FIVE cartons of milk.  (I don’t want to run out!) Soy and almond milk are always options for cooking or smoothies. Both soy and almond chocolate milk came home with me– blech to each of them.  Like brown water – I’ll just do without, thankyouverymuch.

Had my last glass on Saturday night before starting off Sunday dairy free.

And dark chocolate.  Each night after dinner I have five dark chocolate covered almonds. Because, duh, heart healthy.  I understand that some dark chocolate is vegan. (but not all)  My dark chocolate doesn’t come with nutrition information (it isn’t pre-packaged, sold in bulk) so  like chocolate milk, I’ll just abstain for the week.  Further investigation is on the horizon.

I  was treated to a supply of both lentil burgers and quinoa porridge made for me to start the week off right, both recipes from the book.  The burgers were delicious but the porridge rocked my breakfast world!  Now, I love oatmeal and this has officially bumped oatmeal off the menu – it’s that good!  I made a big batch to last me though the week and I anticipate this being a Sunday afternoon ritual from now on.  Mmm, hearty.

Super easy and super yummy.  Next batch will have pumpkin instead of banana.  mmm.  

I’ve thought out and prepared meals for the rest of the week.  Only slightly different from my usual fare, I’m looking forward to my food.  Today for lunch I enjoyed a version of Jason’s Mexican Waffles.  Of course I added Hatch green chiles and instead of jalapenos, made my salsa with, once again, moar green chiles.  The only change I made was to use soy milk in my waffle recipe.  (and didn't use a mix, opted for brown rice flour instead) Easy peasy.

Waffles, waffles, waffles, waffles. 

The changes are minimal – I just need to pay closer attention to prepared food and I eat very little of that as it is.  My beloved Ezekiel bread is safe, so are the heavenly flour tortillas from Central Market so my green chile infatuation won’t be interrupted! I think it’s a good idea to every now and then really focus on what I’m throwing down my gullet – and remove anything that just isn’t good for me or isn’t working.  

At the end of the day, vegetarianism or veganism isn’t a diet, it isn’t a sacrifice, it’s just a way of life.  And I’m really looking forward to trying new things – it has all been good so far!

Dinner.  After reading the label, I opted NOT to eat the bread as it has honey in it.  Label reading is key!  

This is the last food picture, I promise no more!  (but looky at those green chiles, nom, nom, nom)

Have you ever gone vegetarian or vegan temporarily?  What surprised you the most about your experience?