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Hi my name is Christine and today is my first day as a vegan. Went to the store which was the longest time I spent at a store reading everything. If there are any tips anyone can tell me to stay on track and not go back to that cheesy gooey pizza that would be wonderful. I made my first vegan dinner and my daughter and her friend said it was really good. I had tofu for the first time. It wasnt bad but wasnt great either.
Christine Welcome! My suggestion is to stick with real foods. These are all things you don't have to read the labels on. Whole grains, my favorite brown rice. So many vegetables to try and wonderful fruits! Beans and Legumes are a staple. Soups and stirfrys are great to make. Don't forget to use spices, that's what keeps things interesting!
Welome Christine!
I'm a newbie too! You have found a wonderful group for daily support! Tracy's suggestions are right on! Stay away from the processed foods, buy organic whole grains and beans, veggies and fruits and start cooking! I have added a couple of vegan cookbooks to my collection and the recipes are delicious. Check in with us everyday.....it will keep you on your path. Talk to you soon!
Thanks so very much for all your help. And yes I will check in so I can stay on track. I need to learn how to cook beans now. Very cool.....You guys are great!
Christine,
Beans are easy! And cheap too! I make dried beans in my crock pot, use part for the meal I am making and freeze some for quick use also. Most I soak over night and cook in the crock pot or slow cooker on low all day. Or don't soak and cook in the crock pot all day. Other legumes such as lentils don't need to be soaked ahead and cook quicker.
Tip: when cooking dried beans do not cook with an acid such as tomatoes, lemon juice or vinegar, it will stop the beans from getting soft. Add tomatoes or other acids after beans are cooked.
Hi Christine,
I forgot to talk about tofu. You're right....it doesn't taste like much on it's own, but that's the beauty of it! Tofu can soak up all kinds of yummy flavors. Starting out I would suggest getting yourself a variety of marinades and sauces. There are great premade ones in the stores (Trader Joe's has lots) in Asian, Indian, Thai, Mexican flavors. Just check labels for too much sugar and any hidden dairy/meat etc. You can also make your own once you start adding vinegars, oils, soy sauces, hot sauces, curries, etc. to your pantry. But for right now just get the bottled ones. They are fast and easy and make tofu taste great! Later when you get the hang of it.....start making your own marinades.....it's fun and easy! Pair up your yummy tofu with brown rice, beans, tortillas, pastas.....the combos are endless. Let us know how it goes the next time you enjoy tofu!
Awsome!!! I'm so excited to get started. Today was a hard day. I got fruit cup from whole foods and I took it to work for lunch and a small peanut butter sandwich and realized the fruit was bad.... so I really didnt eat anything today. Frustrated...but came home and ate a veggie burger. Feel better...thanks for your guys support. It helps alot.
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