Finals are over and the countdown has begun- 82 days until graduation. It really feels like yesterday that I started college. It's hard to believe that by October, I will be living in New Mexico. I've been doing research (on Yelp... don't judge) on what vegan restaurants are in Albuquerque, and there, surprisingly, is a lot! AND THEY HAVE A TRADER JOE'S. That made my day when I discovered that gem.
The journey of becoming vegan has slowing integrated into my lifestyle. Challenging, yes. Have I made mistakes? Yes. But, overall, I've been proud of this transition and decision to no longer consume animal products. The next part of this lifestyle change is figuring out how to take out all products that test on animals (you can find the whole list here). The list seems to go on and on, and that's simply heartbreaking. I often wondered when changing my diet how and why the meat and dairy industries have gotten to be where they are, and how people think it's acceptable. But I can't call myself a vegan without considering the products I use, and whether or not an animal was harmed when testing my makeup, face wash, shampoo, or acne medication. I have been slowly pulling these products and companies from my possession, and vowing to never support them again.
I hope that over the weeks I've been writing these blog posts, someone has been inspired to truly think about what they're eating, and now the challenge I'm being vocal about is not just what we're eating but the products we're using. I know I'm not going to end animal cruelty by going vegan, but I am helping make a change; giving around 100 animals their lives back, freeing them from a doomed fate.
I can't quite think of a way to wrap up this long-overdue post... This will have to do :)
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
One month of many more :)
I can't believe I made it a month! I am so excited. I bought soy ice cream the other day to celebrate :)
In general, I don't feel significantly different. I still weigh the same, and all of my measurements are around where they were a month ago. But, I wasn't doing this for diet, so it's not a worry to me. I do feel "lighter" though- I don't know how to describe it. The scale still has the same number, but I feel better.
I've managed to run to the grocery store in my spare moments of free time to gather my essentials- bananas, spinach, avocados, and frozen raspberries. And a couple of other goods, of course!
If you have a Trader Joe's, you MUST try Punjab Choley. It's an Indian style curry with chick peas, and is pretty much the most delicious thing ever. I probably go through a box a week. I should just learn to make it myself.
Also, the edamame hummus is delectable. I'll dip grape tomatoes and carrot sticks in it for a quick, light snack.
As for the spinach, I put a good handful in a smoothie every other day. What I add to it depends, but most commonly I'll add raspberries, avocado, coconut milk and a dash of agave.
This past weekend, my friend Jess and I ran the Hot Chocolate 5k in downtown Seattle. It was so much fun! The only bummer was that I couldn't eat a lot of the things they gave us to dip in the chocolate. So, the night before, I went to Vegan Haven (a vegan grocery store) and bought some marshmallows to bring with me. The were so yummy! My roommate thinks they taste better than normal ones, and I would have to agree :)
Speaking of my roommate, she made granola bars! They are a perfect grab-and-go snack, especially on early ROTC or math class mornings. She used oats, Rice Krispies, almonds, coconut, raisins, cashews, and chocolate chips. Instead of butter and honey she used my coconut spread and agave syrup. They are so delicious!
Here's one with my smoothie and math assignment. I'm really only enjoying two things that are in this picture, and I'm sure you can guess what those are...
If anyone is looking for an amazing addition to their diet, try cocoa nibs! They are ground up cocoa pods, so they retain a little of the cocoa flavor, but there's also a bit of a nut taste. I add them to my oatmeal in the morning and it adds a great level to it.
The box says you can use them in anything, and I believe it. They'd be a great addition to cookies or breads. Even Caitlin's granola bars!
And, finally, meet the new addition to our family: Chroma :) How can you not love that grumpy face?!
In general, I don't feel significantly different. I still weigh the same, and all of my measurements are around where they were a month ago. But, I wasn't doing this for diet, so it's not a worry to me. I do feel "lighter" though- I don't know how to describe it. The scale still has the same number, but I feel better.
I've managed to run to the grocery store in my spare moments of free time to gather my essentials- bananas, spinach, avocados, and frozen raspberries. And a couple of other goods, of course!If you have a Trader Joe's, you MUST try Punjab Choley. It's an Indian style curry with chick peas, and is pretty much the most delicious thing ever. I probably go through a box a week. I should just learn to make it myself.
Also, the edamame hummus is delectable. I'll dip grape tomatoes and carrot sticks in it for a quick, light snack.
As for the spinach, I put a good handful in a smoothie every other day. What I add to it depends, but most commonly I'll add raspberries, avocado, coconut milk and a dash of agave.
This past weekend, my friend Jess and I ran the Hot Chocolate 5k in downtown Seattle. It was so much fun! The only bummer was that I couldn't eat a lot of the things they gave us to dip in the chocolate. So, the night before, I went to Vegan Haven (a vegan grocery store) and bought some marshmallows to bring with me. The were so yummy! My roommate thinks they taste better than normal ones, and I would have to agree :)
Speaking of my roommate, she made granola bars! They are a perfect grab-and-go snack, especially on early ROTC or math class mornings. She used oats, Rice Krispies, almonds, coconut, raisins, cashews, and chocolate chips. Instead of butter and honey she used my coconut spread and agave syrup. They are so delicious! Here's one with my smoothie and math assignment. I'm really only enjoying two things that are in this picture, and I'm sure you can guess what those are...
The box says you can use them in anything, and I believe it. They'd be a great addition to cookies or breads. Even Caitlin's granola bars!
And, finally, meet the new addition to our family: Chroma :) How can you not love that grumpy face?!
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