I talk about my how I gradually got rid of the dairy in my life and cheese alternatives that can help you transition.
Are Your Kids Vegan Too?
I was talking to one of my Twitter buddies the other day about how I handle my kids eating non-vegan food at school or any other time.
At home, my kids eat a mostly vegan diet and I pack a vegan lunch every day for school. They eat what other kids enjoy...cookies, cakes, French fries, pizza-just without dairy or meat. I also make sure to have plenty of fresh fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds on hand, so they can snack on these items after school and on the weekends.
Up until very recently, Theodore (my youngest son) was still eating grilled cheese sandwiches on the weekends, and Simon (my oldest) had an ice cream cake for his birthday earlier this month.
When the boys aren't with me, I let them make their own food decisions. I educate them about the importance of eating plant-based food, but ultimately I can't watch their every move. It is my responsibility to provide the information but just as important for them to make their own decisions.
We've only been on this journey for about 20 months and I'm so amazed at the progress we have made as a family. We still have a lot to learn (and they still reject plenty of recipes lol) but overall it has been a positive experience.
While sitting outside earlier today (the weather was gorgeous!), Alvin wanted to know if I would make cupcakes for his class on his next birthday. I said yes and he asked, "Will they be vegan?" I nodded and his response, "Good."
Need help transitioning your own family? I would love to hear from you. Follow me on Twitter or leave a comment below.
Something On My Mind
All 3 chipmunks received high marks on their report cards for the 1st semester of the school year. Woo hoo!
Simon
Theodore
Alllvvvinn!!!
Each award ceremony lasted for about 30 minutes as food was being given away for students' performance:
1) Ice cream coupons for "caught being good" acknowledgments
2) A cookie party for the class with the best attendance for the semester (Theodore's class won for 1st grade)
3) CiCi's pizza certificate for honor roll students (all three chipmunks earned)
I couldn't be happier for their accomplishments, yet at the same time concerned with regard to the food being given away and the message it was teaching our kids. It felt like winning an award was cause for eating fatty processed food, dairy, and meat as a celebration.
This experience made me think of my upbringing and how food was such a big part of my school day. We had holiday/birthday parties, vending machines with junk food (starting in middle school), and lunches that didn't spare the salt, sugar, and dairy by any means.
I also remember my 4th grade PE instructor lecturing us on the importance of eating more fruit and vegetables, exercising, and drinking more water. This was short lived of course, as we would go back to our homeroom classroom that were fully stocked with soda, cookies, and candy to give away as treats or prizes.
I can't help but feel that we're shown at such a young age (not just by the school system) that eating a lot of dairy and junk food is a normal part of life, causing many to carry on those habits as they get older.
If you haven't already, I challenge you to do some research on the food industry. Watch a few documentaries (Foodmatters , Food, Inc. , Earthlings-very graphic, Forks Over Knives), and read a few books (By Any Greens Necessary: A Revolutionary Guide for Black Women Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight, and Look Phat , Sistah Vegan: Food, Identity, Health, and Society: Black Female Vegans Speak , The Remedy: The Five-Week Power Plan to Detox Your System, Combat the Fat, and Rebuild Your Mind and Body , Diet for a New America ).
Keep in mind that the food industry is big business (especially dairy and meat), and profits opposed to true health is more important.Therefore, it's important to rely on your own research and not just what the USDA says about health.
Speaking of dollar signs, check out this article about Congress making pizza a vegetable.
Pizza is a vegetable? Congress says yes
Thank you for reading.
My New Toy: A Juicer
I never thought I'd get a juicer since I enjoy smoothies so much; however, after watching Fat Sick & Nearly Dead (available on Netflix instant), and reading The Remedy: The Five-Week Power Plan to Detox Your System, Combat the Fat, and Rebuild Your Mind and Body , I started to think about getting one.
Benefits:
*Increase your fruit and vegetable intake
*Help with healthy skin, hair, nails and eyes
*Liver detoxification
*Curving your appetite
One of the reasons I was hesitant about getting a juicer, is because I didn't like the idea of losing so much fiber in the pulp. After talking to some Twitter friends, I now have recipes for using the leftovers in dips, pancakes, muffins, and soups. I can also use the pulp in my daily smoothie.
I was so excited when I realized I had enough debit card points to get the juicer and a new Jack La Lanne juicer!
For this juice, I used a half head of cabbage, 2 celery stalks, a handful of grapes, and a tablespoon of wheatgrass.
I've been loving wheatgrass since I had it in Chicago in August. Wheatgrass is great for detoxing, increasing energy, and strengthening the immune system.
I don't get toys too often but this one is definitely worth the points. :-)
DC VegFest: Good Food & Familiar Faces
I attended my first VegFest DC a few weeks ago with Theo (Alvin & Simon were in MD for the weekend) and my friend Michelle. There were so many vendors selling vegan apparel and offering information, but I spent most of the day eating and listening to speakers.
I think I ate about 3 of these from Sticky Fingers-So fluffy and delicious
I wasn’t the only one eating all of the cupcakes. This guy participated in the Sticky Fingers cupcake eating contest.
I was so excited to finally meet vegan author Tracye McQuirter. She is such a beautiful woman inside and out. :-) McQuirter wrote By Any Greens Necessary: A Revolutionary Guide for Black Women Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight, and Look Phat
We also met author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, who inspired Michelle to become a vegan. During Colleen's appearance she talked about the importance of getting rid of the "middle man" (animal meat and byproducts) and going directly to plant sources for nutrients just like cows do. My favorite book by her is The Vegan Table: 200 Unforgettable Recipes for Entertaining Every Guest at Every Occasion
More cupcakes!
We had fried chicken (made from bean curd), collard green and vegan macaroni and cheese from Everlasting Life Cafe. Yes, it was just as good as it looked!
Theo enjoyed chips & queso from Burrito Bandits
Isa Chandra Moskowitz made pumpkin cheesecake and gumbo-Yummy samples!
Dr. Michael Greger talked a lot about reversing heart disease with a plant-based diet and how effective mushrooms are in reducing breast cancer.
We had such a great day. I can't wait to attend the next VegFest!