April Fool's! ~ Not!

It all began with a friend and a book, Skinny Bitches. After complaining to a friend about my tiredness, no energy and just being out of everything mood, she asked if I had read this book. And I told her no, but that I heard of it. Being the impulsive person that I am, went to the nearest bookstore and bought the book. I was reading about a chapter a day, just kind of absorbing the material. By the time I got to chapter 3, I was hooked, and shocked! I won't go into the specifics of the book, other then it was extremely smart marketing on their part to not market the book as a guide to veganism.

About 2 years ago, I found out that I was allergic to dairy, egg (whites!), and different kinds of shellfish. Needless to say, I was astounded! Me? Allergic? WTH? After all I've only been eating ALL this stuff since I was a child. Of course no one told me that my runny nose, bouts of sneezing and even asthma were related to these products. I didn't connect the dots till AFTER I was diagnosed. Shortly thereafter, I actually did stop eating the stuff I was allergic to, but that only lasted about a month. Missed my pizza, nachos, and other cheesy junk food too much. Fast forward to March 2010, and after finishing the book, decided on April 1st to become a vegan. (Yes, Fool's day...irony of it all.)

I figured after all since I was allergic to the majority of the stuff that is put on our foods everyday or found in our foods, I might as well as cut the meat out too. First thing that went through my head is, 'ok now that I'm a vegan, now what?'

What will eat? What can I use? What recipes are there for me to modify? How can I make sure that we get enough protein? And more importantly, how can I cook good tasting meals for my family to enjoy as well? After all they're not vegan/vegetarian, although my oldest had wanted to try it in 6th grade, and I wasn't sure how to be supportive.

Embarking on this journey has been a wonderful adventure. Me, the pickiest eater of my family, has had my palate open to new adventures. Mushrooms, avocados, broccoli, brown rice, tofu, seitan,vegan cheese!

I want to use this blog to share recipe ideas, and collaborate with others on obstacles and adventures on this journey.