One of the most common questions I get asked when people learn I’m vegetarian, after “Why?” is “What do you eat?” This is most often asked at Christmastime because of the “OMG!? No turkey?” question. After many, many years as a vegetarian – well over 25 now – for the past four or five months or so, I have become vegan. Somehow, I always new it would evolve to this. Now, people will really wonder about me! (A vegan, by the way, is just a vegetarian who eats no animal products at all, so basically, no meat or dairy products). The ‘why’ for veganism is another post in itself. You can check in later for that on my ‘kindradical’ blog if you’re interested.
In this post, prompted by a recent request, I just thought I’d give you a sample of a day of vegan eating and list some things I eat, as well as what I eat at restaurants. It might be helpful if you have friends or family who are veg and you want to feed them at some point.
I’ll start with last Sunday. I had coffee (organic, fair trade) with soya milk. If you’re going to eat or drink anything soy, I advise organic. I try to buy organic versions of food whenever possible, so just assume that when I say “peanut butter”, I mean organic. That’s not to say I don’t ever eat non-organic food, but I try to search out organic versions of stuff, especially if locally available.
With my second cup of coffee, I had a piece of toast with peanut butter and a banana. Also that day I had some homemade tomato soup (sadly, the last of our tomatoes from the garden other than those I canned into sauce or froze), and later, scrambled tofu with onion, celery and red pepper, and home fried potatoes. I had chili I’d made, too, later on for dinner, as well a few yummy oatmeal cookies from a recipe in the new Veganomicon cookbook I got through interlibrary loan at the library. Oh yes, interlibrary loans from the public library. Again, another post for later. If you’re looking for great vegan recipes, check out Vegan with a Vengeance and this new Veganomicon cookbook. You can get recipes at the author’s website at postpunkkitchen.
Other than that I eat probably everything you eat except animal products. For example, all kinds of soups (watching for meat broth), vegetarian shepherd’s pie made with Yves ground soy, vegetable casseroles, curries with rice, samosas, pasta with tomato sauce or homemade pesto (no cheese), fried rice, homemade muffins, cakes, cookies, apple crisp, coleslaw, baked beans, crepes – both sweet and savory – hummus and pita, olive tapenade, Thai noodle salad, etc. I could go on, but you get the idea.
The biggest change is eliminating cheese. Cheese seems to be the big hurdle for most people who say they could give up everything but cheese. I thought that too for a long time, but now that I don’t eat it, I have to say I don’t miss it at all. And while I can’t remember the change of no meat in my diet – my memory doesn’t work well that far back – I do know that removing dairy has really made me feel much better.
Restaurants are a bit of a challenge, I admit, yet I always manage to find something (if fries are made in vegetable oil, I can always eat those). Many vegetarian things can be made vegan just by eliminating the cheese, so I just ask. That’s the key, I think – not to be afraid to ask, “what do you have that’s vegan on the menu?”. If people are lactose intolerant or allergic to certain foods, no one thinks twice, but for some reason, if you choose not to eat meat products as a personal choice, you often get looks like you’re from Mars. You get used to it.
In my town, two restaurants I recommend are The Painted Peppercorn that serves a great lentil dhal (just don’t get the yogurt on the side) and Pinch, a shop that makes up fresh sandwiches. I get their “vegetarian” but ask for no cheese. It’s a delicious hummus, roasted red pepper, cucumber and sprout combo on either baguette or whole grain. They also have hearty salads. Across the street, Miss Lily’s has the best coffee in town in my opinion, also tasty salads and no doubt the only place for miles and miles that has vegan cookies. I think I already blogged about this a couple of posts back…but worth mentioning again.
That’s it. If you have any questions or want ideas for vegetarian or vegan friends coming over for a meal, just post a comment/question and I can get back to you. If there is enough interest, I might post some recipes. Let me know.
Only a few more days ‘till Christmas!
Warmest wishes of the season to all in case I don’t post again before the 25th!
Christine
He’s also my mom (I’m one of the ugly, and I mean UGLY stepsisters, along with Debra Bullis).
The Makers Hand, kayaking, a sneak peek at Janet Kellough’s yet-to-be-released novel, a bit of crafting and fabulous weather – what more can you ask for from a fall weekend? Kudos to Peta Hall and friends for bringing us another fine show at The Makers Hand. I dropped in while in Picton on Saturday afternoon. What gorgeous stuff to be had! It was great to see new works by familiar artists and to check out artists from away as well. If you didn’t make it, mark your calendar for next November. In the meantime, many of these talented folks are right in our own neighbourhood. There were some smaller, very funky and quite reasonably priced pieces offered, so consider stopping by a local artist studio if you’re looking for something unique this gift giving season.
anticipation of the holidays. My daughter is an artist. That’s one of her pieces at right. Check out more of her work at 
