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I finished the book a few days ago and it has changed my life. I really want to go Vegan. I wanted to try some of the recipes that Alicia put in her book. I went to the store and I don't know what half the stuff is nor could I find it. I bought Tofu but I'm scared to try it and I don't know what to do with it. I'm lost. I'm doing my best but I find myself just not eating because I don't know what is safe to eat or what I should eat. I'm feeling very overwhelmed by it all. I could use any advice or tips.
You have the right idea! What did you buy that you don't know what to do with (besides Tofu?) Tofu is kind of hit or miss for people. I don't mind it if it is disguised a little or little bites, but I still can't just eat tofu. Someday someone will make it totally awesome, then I will be ok. What kind of tofu did you buy? Firm, soft, silken? That would help us help you better!
A good place to start is the produce department! Those are vegan and safe! You can always google stuff too! But start slow with things you do know and expand from there! Hope this helps!!
Good luck!!
Hi Kari,
You can eat anything that didn't have a face or a mom!! lol
I'm not crazy about tofu, so I don't use it. You can check out lots of recipes online. I am not superhero, I'm vegan, so I eat all fruits, veggies, grains, pasta, beans, lentils - there are also a lot of recipes online that use these ingredients. Don't be afraid to eat!! That's the worst thing you can do for yourself. This is not a punishment - you should enjoy your food.
I eat simple things like baked sweet potato w/ spinach. Whole grain cereal w/ almond milk & banana, and, pb&j on whole grain bread . . .You can use EarthBalance "butter", milk subs like almond milk, soy milk, hemp milk . . . I use a lot of seasonings (low or no salt 'cause I'm sensitive to sodium) - put cinnamon or nutmeg on your sweet potato, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano
There are so many options. I recently found Dr. McDougalls Lentil soup at Stop & Shop (same price as Progresso soup). You just have to look around and get creative.
Today, for lunch, I had hummus, cucumber, roasted red pepper and avocado on whole grain italian bread. Just find and eat things that you like.
I hope this helps and you can private message me anytime if I can help you some more.
Happy eating!! Jess
Hi Kari, I was so confused at first too, but I am so glad I took the time to figure it out. I now love trying new vegan foods. Tofu used to intimidate me, but it's not hard at all.
The first step is usually to "press the tofu". Just take it out of the package, put it between two plates. Put something heavy like a can or jar on top and pop it in the fridge. Wait as long as you can, like 45 minutes-2 nights (every now and then take it out and while holding the plates together, drain the excess liquid into the sink) If you don't want to use it soon or want it to be very firm, put it in the freezer after you drain.
There are a lot of simple things to make with it. If you love scrambled eggs, try making scrambled tofu! I have followed recipes online, but it is so versitile that I can usually make it no matter what ingredients I have. Try http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=110. (mostly for the method, put whatever you like in it). Also A yummy dinner is fried tofu with a stirfry. Slice up the tofu into squares or triangles that are about 1/2 inch thick or thinner. you can marinate or not or just a little soy sauce. Dredge in a little flour and pan fry (in 1/4 inch of hot not smoking oil like peanut or sesame or safflower or canola) on each side until golden brown. Serve with a veggie stir fry.
Some staples I have come to rely on are short grain brown rice, Quinoa, lentils and chickpeas and peas, as well as kale and collard greens. Play around with different spices and things like earth balance, lemon juice, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and herbs with these.
what's the difference between a vegan and a superhero? What I got was lots of veggies, brown rice, I couldn't find any beans except for canned so I got black, kidney and chili beans. I got hummus and pita chips.And the tofu I got was firm. what I made for super was rice with a mix of sweet potatoes,onions, leek, cabbage, mushrooms. It was good. I don't want to get stuck though eating the same foods. I also want to lose weight. If I cut out meat and dairy will it happen?
without having to purchase "vegan" ingredients, whole wheat pasta or rice with tomatoes, zucc, spinach, chick peas, basil, olive oil, sea salt. Yum. Lots you can do without having to purchase "hard to get" items from the book. I LOVE lacinato kale with brocolli, black beans and quino or somekind of whole grain carb and a few drops of plum vinegar :)
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