Eating Vegan…Get Outta Your Box
By Khadijah RBz
I am not sure where the boxes came from but at some point boxes were created and categories of people were established and put into these boxes. And although our ancestors were majority nonmeat-eaters, a category and box was created for nonmeat-eaters and filled with myths and misconceptions. Who in the world created these boxes and more importantly why do we feel we have to stay in them. Or better yet, if you want to go meatless, why do you have to be forced in the box?!?!
It has always been interesting that we can take a piece of chicken and come up with a billion ways to season and cook it but can not do the same with a sweet potato or beans. Well, I am not here for that… I am all about being my most creative self on this plant-based journey. If I could come up with tasty treats eating meats (ha, read those bars), then SURELY I can do the same with whole, living foods. Surely WE can do the same with whole, living foods. Come out of the box that the mysterious ‘they’ have put nonmeat-eaters (and so many others) in and begin to create delicious HEALTHY meals for yourself and those you love.
Here are three ways to get outta this imaginary vegan box –
1. Change your mindset. This is the key to success on so many levels. In order to invoke change you’ve got to think differently. If you think that living a vegan (plant-based) life is challenging then guess what, it will be just that — a challenge. However, if you step foot in this journey thinking ‘I can do this’ or ‘I AM able to overcome any challenge relating to living a vegan (plant-based) life’ you are already winning. **Never walk into something new with a negative mindset, that attitude does not leave much room for positive growth. **
2. Do your homework. Do not go blindly into this lifestyle. Research. Read. (Yes, READ!) Find cookbooks. Meet people who are living the life, get their feedback – most often they are more than willing to share tips and tricks. I remember our first vegan ‘Thanksgiving’; we were in Whole Paycheck (I mean Foods) looking for a particular ingredient and who knew we looked like tourists in a foreign land (especially, since Whole Paycheck was our spot at that time). But there was a nice lady who asked one question that led to about 30 minutes of her showing us different ingredients she uses for her vegan dishes. We did not know her but she hoisted her infant son on her hip and helped this couple create a tasty meatless meal for that year.
In addition, there are numerous apps, blogs, and websites that will provide helpful information. Also, consider paying for a meal plan. Often that can be the jumpstart people need when making a dietary change because there is something to follow. I have created meal plans for various clients and what started off as 14-days of no meat, has turned into months. So it is possible, know that!
3. This is a FUN one — Every meal is NOT a salad. While salads can be wholesome, filling and a great staple meal it is not all vegans (plant-based livers) eat. One of my hubs’ favorite meals as a meat-eater was meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas. As nonmeat-eaters, I have been able to recreate this meal for him and it is very enjoyable and filling (using lentils). In addition, we enjoy desserts (ice cream recipe below), nachos, burritos, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, pancakes, spaghetti, just to name a few and all made with love from whole living foods. Everything does not need to be cooked to death or killed in order to be enjoyable. BUT it does take creativity and effort.
Start with thinking outside of the box and believe that you can do it, and then put in the effort to get it done.
***As a bonus try this non-dairy ice cream. ***
1 organic banana, sliced and frozen
2-cup organic strawberries, frozen
2 tablespoons almond milk (non-dairy milk)
½ teaspoon vanilla (organic)
Place all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. The consistency should be like sorbet. Transfer to a freezer-safe container large enough to hold 2 cups, and freeze for at least 3 hours. Scoop with an ice cream scoop and serve cold. Enjoy your homemade vegan ice cream.
Let me know what VEGAN recipes you enjoy. If you try the ice cream recipe above, let me know your thoughts.
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