The KInd Life Community Forum
Use this space to share stories, exchange ideas, ask questions, and contribute to our growing community!
I'm a newbie... what do I need to do first?
Started
by John Adams
on December 31, 2009
Hey everyone. I'm new to all of this, but feel that I am ready. What do I need to do first? I'm kind of looking at this from a "not what I am not eating, but what I am adding to my diet". After beginning Alicia's book, I want to try to stop dairy, but replace it with what? I also want to ensure that I get protein. I live near a trader Joe's and will stock my pantry with food tomorrow. What should be my must haves? Items I can cook with, and add to other things? any ideas? Help!!! Peace!
Not sure how this will help with your question, but here's what I did. I got allthe basics:beans, grains, and familiar veggies. Then I got a couple veggie items that I'd never tried before. I try to do two new veggies a week. That way if I don't like something I"m not breaking the bank, and I get to slowly incoporate new foods into my diet. I haven't found a good sub for cheese so I'm just going "cold tofu" on that. For milk, I only ever used it to cook, and so far I like the almond milk the best. Ice cream...turtle mountain makes an amazing coconut milk based ice cream. It's sweetened with agave nectar, is soy and dairy free, and comes in some yummy flavors. I have a pint of mocha almond fudge waiting to ring in the new year. Proteins..I don't like tofu much or the fake meats, so I try to eat at least one bean dish day. I'm still working on other things like TVP( I bought some but haven't tried it).
Almost two months in, I just have to say take it slow, don't beat yourself up if you lapse, and remember to breathe.
Good luck! This is an amazing forum, so you should find lots of help.
Hey Guys... Thanks a ton!!! I did go to Trader JOes, and it is my new favorite place!!! I did get the lentils :) rice, and beans. I even got eggplant, and made (I'm not a cook mind you) eggplant parm!!! sooo yummy!! feel like I'm eating ALL the time though. Is this normal? I am trying to set myself up to have quick easy and tasty snacks at hand. I also found a GREAT recipe for a tofu and fruit smoothie. and made a bean and rice soup with tofurky sausage. Everything is going well. I start school again next monday, and hope the time constraints will not push me closer to failing. Again, thanks guys!!! Peace, John
I have a question: Is Shoyu the same as Soy Sauce? I couldn't tell the difference in the store. I think I ended up getting reduced sodium soy sauce.
Hi Lisa! Check the ingredients on the bottle. Sometimes, stores sell imitation soy sauces that have sugar, preservatives and funky flavorings in them. If you see that your soy sauce has 2 or 3 recognizable ingredients (including soy beans!), that's a good thing. Eden makes a great shoyu, but it is expensive. I went to the Japanese grocer and got a shoyu for less money. Tamari isn't bad either, but shoyu is best because it is a very pure soy sauce! Hope I helped!
Hey Evie, Right, I too went to a japanese grocer, but felt a little out of place... the only non-asian guy in there. Picked up some seaweed, and miso... much cheaper than regular grocery stores. What I am really surprised about, is the soy cheese I am finding has casein, which comes from milk. I think that is a bit misleading. I guess knowledge is power! I sooo love Alicia's book, my new BFF. Peace guys
Hello John, I was also the only non-Asian there, but a really nice Japanese woman helped me find what I was looking for! And most things are tons cheaper! As for the soy cheese and rice milk cheese, I'm also bummed that they have casein in them! Follow Your Heart cheese doesn't, and apparently Daiya cheese is good. Follow your heart tastes a little plasticy to me unless I put it in something and warm it up. Keep hunting and let us know if you find good vegan cheese!
As far as cheeses...I got "The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook" today for my b-day. It has a ton of 'cheese' recipes as well as deserts and sauces. I'm going to try one of them out this weekend, and I'll let you know how it comes out. I think I'll go for the smoked gouda 'cheese' first time out.
8 Comments