Live and Learn

Top 5 things I wish I would’ve known my first year of veganism.

5. Fries, while absolutely lovely, aren’t a great vegan diet staple.  I packed on some quick pounds thanks to these tasty little devils. Check out this blog to read a bit more on the perils of junk food veganism.

4. Recipes don’t need to be complex to be tasty.  My first attempt (and subsequent fail) at a fancy vegan dinner required 24 ingredients, 5 different pans, 2 full pages of instructions, and ended with 1 monster headache.  Starting simple can be smart. Stuffed jalapeños, anyone? 

3. Cut yourself some slack. I love homemade sauces and condiments as much as the next guy, but it’s perfectly acceptable to purchase those vegan staples. Life can get pretty overwhelming if you weekly whip up your own mayo, sour cream, ranch, salad dressing, BBQ sauce, gravy, guacamole, tahini… well, you get the drift.  Some of my fav store-bought go-to condiments include: JUST mayo, Veganaise, Tofutti sour cream, Tessemae’s poppyseed dressing, Brianna’s blush wine vinaigrette, Earth Balance butter, Tofurkey savory gravy and Seed + Mill tahini. 

2. Buddy up with your server when ordering vegan at a restaurant. Be honest. Be vulnerable. Ask and appreciate their vegan recommendations.  This is akin to throwing yourself on the mercy of the court. Works like a charm.

1. Everyone will be hyper inquisitive about your protein intake. Take these questions as gestures of concern, not judgement.  Take these as an opportunity to educate, not berate.  Unless they getting super snarky, then ask them where they get their fiber. 😜