1st IN OUR SERIESYou know when you buy something new, like say a blue car, and then all of a sudden you see the same blue car everywhere? Well, in this case for me, it was a lifestyle change; a new way of looking at food. My partner Tom and I were going vegan! Now I've been a vegetarian for almost 15 years and Tom for at least 5, but this was a whole new frontier. This new way of shopping for food, eating and cooking without eggs, butter, cheese, or any animal product or by-product was a huge change at the time. A change that is now more like a fascinating journey. I might add that it's not a perfect process by any means. We eat this way at home but find it much more difficult when we eat out, so we do our best.
When we embarked on this new path we started doing research and one thing led to another. First it was making the decision, then it was a killer article we found in Men's Journal, and then the surprise news about former president Bill Clinton (he recently went vegan). All these signs saying yes, you're on the right track, keep going!
But the best thing ever was reaching out to
ANDI SAUCERMAN and
VICKI HODGE. I had known a little about Vicki's passion just by reading some of her news feeds on facebook, so when I first approached her she welcomed my questions with passion and a love for something she believes
in. That was soon followed by recommendations to some AMAZING cookbooks filled with killer recipes. I haven't known Andi as long, but we started talking at MUUV, and soon our conversations turned to food, and I discovered another amazing woman, filled with information about protein alternatives and amazing seeds and vegetables we never think to cook with!
You can imagine when I introduced Andi and Vicki to one another there was an instant connection fueled by their love of eating Vegan.
We have tons of ideas on how to share their knowledge and passion, but for now we are starting relatively small by cooking for you! Eating and cooking this way is a very creative process, stepping out side the box and learning a whole new language. Which is another reason I love it so much; it encourages us to be ever expanding and creative with our lives.
Now for ThanksVegan at MUUV, these two women have prepared some delicious treats to give you a sample of the nutritional goodness that comes from a vegan diet, with the added bonus of knowing that nothing was harmed or suffered to feed your belly.
Environmental concerns and the humane treatment of animals are two of the main reasons many people choose this way of eating. Others go vegan strictly for health reasons. Most vegans will tell you they feel like they're lean, mean, healthy-eating machines; that eating this way makes them feel lighter, mentally and physically.
Most people have a ton of questions about veganism, with concerns about getting enough protein, for example. Well, we're here to answer all your questions! Please feel free to contact Vicki and Andi directly through email and fire away. Please see all their contact info on the right side of the blog.
We hope you taste something that inspires you, and maybe find a fun challenge with all the new food choices waiting for you to try them. Enjoy!
GETTING STARTEDHere are some cheat sheets and beginner's guides to going vegan!
For starters, check this out
Guide to Going Vegan, from of all places Men's Journal, and continue to read the excerpt of the Rise of the Power Vegan. It's an article about pro athletes and how being vegan gives them their edge.
AND
Vegan Cooking For Dummies
