Vegan Chronicles - First Month Anniversary

So here I sit, at the one month anniversary and counting. The vegan lifestyle change continues for me, myself and I. That does not mean that other people are not interested in the change, oh no, quite to the contrary. I share my home full time with the Woodsmen; and he has been most supportive, albeit somewhat confused at times. Most men are generally confused about not eating meat, but the not eating eggs, not eating dairy and not eating fish trouble the Woodsmen. While sharing a life for over 38 years, the Woodsmen has come to know what I like to eat. On the top of my like list was always fleshy fish like salmon and others, broiled or grilled, never fried. Picking this from a menu on the rare occasion that we visit a restaurant illustrated I am a creature of habit. So he stills struggles when I re-affirm to him succinctly, the rules; when it does not come from a plant, I do not consume!

After the realization that this is not a fad and Grandma Spicy seems serious, now a new debate is being waged. Concern I know comes from a place of love first and foremost; it is my family and friends that present these challenges and are checking my knowledge base. I have researched copiously what food will give me the proper nutrition while observing a vegan lifestyle. I had thought about this long before the subject was brought to my attention. Knowing I did not want to trade one health problem for another. Evidently I was not the only one thinking about it; just this week, the “Grand’s” Mother whom I will call “Little T” came to pick up the Grand after our Grand duty was over. Little T was talking to the Woodsmen about the vegan lifestyle and worrying about nutritional balance. Further concern described how my hair could fall out amongst other egregious things. This all was happening out of my earshot, then I walked into the room. Just prior to that I had spent an hour or better at the computer reading an email/links from a close friend who was trying to do an intervention; saying much the same thing. Back to Little T and the Woodsmen; I heard the tail end of the conversation, looked at the TV and saw a news story ending and lept to the wrong conclusion by asking “is that what they are talking about on the news?” They both looked as though I had grown an ear in the middle of my face. We all laughed when I repeated everything back to them and we realized my inundation with everyone’s good intentions.

After a good laugh and hearty discussion which is the only way we talk in our home; I started with what my research had revealed to me regarding my knowledge base on the nutrition. Specifically talking about amino acids and what foods they are sourced from, further looking at vitamins the same way. I revealed extensive sources for protein for vegans.Then I revealed to Little T that the only vitamin that can not be sourced in food is Vitamin D (as a vegan); you have to rely on good old fashion sunshine for that vitamin. By now I believe I was getting across to my family that I have done research. I may have allayed some of their fears, but I am sure I will be watched very closely. It is good to know people care and love you.

I will be the first to say that embracing the vegan lifestyle is not easy and Grandma Spicy's jury is still out to see if it is truly for me. I don't want you to think that naysayers and doubt mongers have crept  in on me; there are just so many angles to consider. That will be for another blog.  Right now my topical comfort level on nutrition and recipes (scale of 1 to 10) is at about a level 5. There is so much more to learn.  My research reveals that you must parallel nutritional needs with recipe searches to incorporate the foods that are important to ensure your nutritional values are met. By now you can see it is the classic case of which came first the chicken or the egg; because I do not know which is more important nutritional research (the egg) or recipe searches (the hen) or vice versus. I think that is what makes it so exciting, the chance to learn something new. For that I am forever grateful!

The vegan chronicle must include one more thing; it is about a current food source. This food is beans and is recognized as one of the complex carbohydrates. In my other cooking life, I was what you might say a "good bean cooker"! Knowing a few important facts is critical to success; you must soak beans for 24 hours, pour off the green water and then cook according to package directions. I had come to like many kinds of beans, Great Northern, Chickpeas, Red Kidney, Edamame and Black Beans. I will cook and consume at least three pounds of beans a week to help with my consumption of protein. Grandma Spicy uses them in many different recipes; I can attest to you that; the step of pouring the green water off is essential in eliminating the odor but does not eliminate the flatulence (gas). Further, Grandma Spicy’s house in Middle America has had more gas released in the last month than President Obama released from the reserve gas supplies on June 23rd. I do not know if that is a bad or good thing, but my research describes beans as “nature’s broom”. I can say those little housekeepers have been very, very busy!

Finally I have noticed some physical changes, along with a weight loss. The changes are minor and would not have probably been noticed by the average person. However, I am hyper-sensitive in seeing anything pro or con that might develop while I am on the vegan lifestyle journey. Happy One Month Birthday to my Vegan Lifestyle!

Grandma Spicy