Week 2 - Vegan Quest

As I continue my experiment with veganism, I have lost just 1 lb this week (OK, I'll take it), continue to feel great energy wise, and am seeing a slight decrease in blood sugars overall. Some things I have learned this week that I'd like to share for anyone looking to try going vegan (or vegetarian):

Wine makes me crave cereal - not sure why, but after a glass of wine (or 2) I get the munchies and crave cereal. At least it's healthy, right?
Tempeh is not my favorite thing - I prefer tofu for a soy based protein and Whole Foods salad bar has some great choices here.
Mushroom broth adds so much more flavor to a dish than regular veggie broth.
Maca powder (an Andean super food touted for it's energizing, vitality inducing powers) really seems to give a boost to the day when added to my cereal (or almond milk hot cocoa).
Nuts.com is the greatest site for dried fruits, seeds, grains, and maca at great prices - fastest delivery in town too!
I love roasted veggies, roasted shallots, and kale and butternut combos.
I really don't miss meat - no cravings for a burger, definitely not chicken, or fish either. Cheese is still a desire however - cooking with blue cheese this weekend made me realize that. <sigh>
Seaweed is a good thing - seaweed salad, dried snacks and nori sheets for roll-ups for lunch. Yum.
Chia butters - gritty, earthy and delicious with bonus added Omega 6 kicks. Chocolate, coffee and extra chia flavors have been tried from Chia Chargers.
Whole foods doesn't charge extra for soy milk (or oat, hemp, almond or any other milk sub) in a hot drink - Starbucks does. Panera carries soy milk too for their lattes at no extra charge.
3 cups of veggies is a LOT of food! 5 cups of salad - huge! Who says you can't get full on veggies? And 1 cup of pasta really is enough.
1T miso and rice wine vinegar make a great dressing for just 20 calories.
Hemp seeds are yummy.
Brussel sprouts are delicious shredded with leeks, garlic and basil.
The Humane Society, Whole Foods and many recipe web sites offer a lot of wonderful vegetarian/vegan recipes. Just search for vegan recipes.

So to all of you looking to feel better, eat better or just live vicariously through others, try something veggie today....you just might be surprised! Until next week......