I wasn't always good at this. The whole healthy vegan eating thing. In fact, to be blunt, I sucked. And not in a fast food, snack foods sort of way. But rather a hey!-which-new-wacky-diet-should-I-try-next way. It took me years to figure out how to truly eat in a way that helped me thrive from the inside out.
Going vegan was a big part of that process for me. But on the flip side, "going vegan" was one of the greatest lifestyle challenges I had ever faced. This was not a trendy 30-day diet plan. This was a forever thing. A, this doesn't just change what is on my plate sort of thing - but a this-changes-my-soul-and-spirit sort of thing.
When it came strictly to my diet. My plate. My meals. Everything I though I had worked so hard (since childhood) to figure out and perfect was flipped upside down and inside out. A new learning process began. And that process never ends.
So in today's post, I answer one of your most-asked questions: How I eat. This post has three parts: 1) On Being Vegan. 2) What I eat on a typical weekday. 3) Rules I Don't Follow.
OH! And for taking the time to read my long post I'll even reward you with a look at my smoothies book cover! Exciting!!!
Take a peek inside my day of eating + habits tips + recipe ideas..
What do YOU eat? One of the most-asked questions I receive from you guys is this: "Kathy, what do you eat? Can you tell me what you eat on a typical day?" Well I understand the curiosity. And while I've never been a "blog what I eat every day" kind of blogger. I understand the interest to discover what everyone else out there (blogger or not) is actually eating from day to day.
We can learn so much from watching one another - observing good (and bad) habits. It makes our internal dialogue go wild...
"I want to eat just like that!" and "Wow, I would never eat THAT!"
"She looks great, I need to start doing yoga too!" and "Um, NEVER will I drink that much - she is a hot mess.."
Habits. Food. Trends. Recipes. To me, sharing is one of the most interesting ways of learning. Discovering ourselves in the process. But what works for me may not work for you. It is a cliche by now, but so true - we are all different and our bodies needs are so different. But sometimes just checking out what works for someone else can give you a clue, a hint, an idea that leads us in the right direction towards figuring out what does uniquely work for us.
PART ONE On Going Vegan. Eating Rediscovered...
If you are going vegan after a lifetime of eating not-vegan. You are literally flipping your world upside down.
Try my visual on what it is like to go vegan..
Try My Big Box Visualization. Imagine yourself holding a big wooden box. Now fill it to the brim with all the foods you grew up eating and feel familiar with. Everything. If you followed a mainstream diet your menu probably included non-vegan versions of: ice cream, mom's chocolate chip cookies, fried chicken, scrambled eggs, pepperoni pizza, birthday cake, pasta with a sprinkle of cheese, buttered toast, kiddie cereal, pancakes, blueberry muffins, coffee and creamer, movie theater popcorn, buttery crust pies and things like like garden salads, stacked sandwiches, milky hot cereal, chicken stock soups, smoothies and more.
..pile it ALL in. Big, overflowing box you have there, right? So many options to eat! No thinking required to grab and go. Secure memories galore. Favorites. After all that childhood time learning how to eat, you really don't have to think much anymore.
Or do you?
Now take that big box and flip it over (pretend you have superman or superwoman muscles and just shake that thing empty.) Now flip the now-empty box back over. Clean slate. Well clean slates are a nice feeling, right? But wait a minute, you feel your tummy growling and you reach inside your box and it is empty.
Great. "What do I eat now??" .. Says the newbie or test-run vegan.
Well the truth is, and you may not like hearing this, but you do need to start all over. Rethink food. Rethink your favorites...
Love burgers? So do I. Sweet Potato Burgers.
Your go-to meals. Your quickie snacks, your protein boosts, your comfort foods and even your dessert cravings. And your journey to veganism starts .... NOW.
And, Fact: You will probably fail. At least once.
I did in the beginning. But failure is just a part of a normal journey towards a vegan lifestyle. Don't let one slip up discourage you. Because, I promise you, you really can live an animal-product-free life. And love it.
Need some proof? Example one: all the ladies I interviewed in my Veggie Girl Power Series. I mean really, does Rory Freedman look like a sad vegan in this photo? I think not..
Example two: ME! I never feel deprived. And at this stage in my journey, I rarely have to even think about figuring out what to eat. I've discovered a box-ful of new favorites and goodies.
I discovered I like to eat THIS..
And THIS..
And old faves can be VEGANIZED. Like pepper jack grilled cheez..
And I don't feel like salads are a compromise. I crave them.. Mango + Avocado + Mac Nut + Arugula Salad..
And eating out as a VEGAN doesn't have to suck (Brunch at Le Pain)..
Epiphany: vegan is the way to live! And a chocolate epiphany pie is yummy to eat..
As a ten-year long vegan I have a VERY FULL BOX of goodies to munch on each and every day. Look at the process of filling your box (re: my visualization above) as an adventure! It is fun! You get to try new foods and rediscover old ones. Just check out my vegan shopping list for a look at some ingredients to try.
And anytime you start thinking "Darn it! This vegan thing is HARD!" Just do what I do .. remember why you started this journey in the first place. For me, it started with love. For fuzzy, furry creatures like this...
PART TWO: What I Eat.
Morning - Bedtime (typical weekday)
8-9AM (and this "wake time" varies greatly) I wake up and reach for water or coconut water. I chug it on an empty stomach to rehydrate. I either go back to bed to 'snooze' do some AM yoga or start working. I wait a good 30-60 minutes to let that liquid absorb into my body. And let my natural AM hunger kick in. I'll be honest, (right now) I rarely 'workout' in the morning during the week (PM exercise is a better bet for me) - but if I have a spurt of energy in the AM I'll embrace it before my main breakfast.
UPDATED! ..My new habit which I LOVE. Drinking my Goji Berry Lemon Tea upon rising. Recipe here. Then I wait about an hour or so for my first real food, aka "breakfast."
930AM Smoothie or oats. Those are my two go-to breakfast meals. I like simple breakfasts that are rich in fiber and hydrating. You will never see me munching on a dry granola bar for breakfast. My typical smoothie is LARGE in size. My latest obsession (if you follow me well) is matcha. This smoothie is my official breakfast of summer 2012 - so green and glorious...
This Banana Berry one is nice too..
And sometimes healthy smoothies - like THIS one - feel like dessert (thank you frozen bananas.)..
Need smoothie recipes?? Boy do I have them! Get info on my book 365 Vegan Smoothies from Penguin/Avery! Details here.
If I'm making oatmeal (or another hot cereal bowl like farro or rice) for breakfast (when I crave something warming and filling / lasting) I will make something like THIS...
I love bowls of oats topped with fruit + nuts + seeds..
I love to use a variety of grains. Farro porridge rocks..
In the cooler months, I'll often crave a latte made from soy or almond milk. I love pumpkin spice lattes, peppermint mochas and even dark chocolate cocoa. Chai has also been a long-time obsession of mine. It helped me kick my coffee addiction for good. Now I only have coffee/espresso lattes on weekends. Usually out at brunch.
My Pumpkin Spice Latte..
Oh, and breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches and pancakes do happen (but usually these are weekend or special day treats)..
More on most mornings" + my 8 breakfast tips.
1030AM More water or coconut water to hydrate. I have a habit of popping papaya enzyme tablets after meals + I love Xylitol-sweetened gum between meals to pounce on any cravings. Chewing gum helps me deal with any nervous or anxious energy I have from a busy morning.
1130AM Snack time. My snacks vary greatly! Call me a fruit monster, I love snacking on fresh fruit - I usually keep some chopped and chilling in my fridge. Like summer peaches, pineapple, papaya, apples, grapes, citrus and more. A light fruit snack gives me an instant energy boost and fills me with some fiber / hydration + vitamins / minerals.
Another fave snack involves NUTS. Nut butters and whole nuts. On a busy day I will garb a handful of walnuts and start munching. Or some nut butter spread on toast. Those healthy fats keep me satisfied through the morning. And sometimes I grab something sweeter in nature - a muffin, maybe a cookie like THIS or even a nibble of a leftover healthy vegan dessert like THIS or THIS. Nibble and back to work.
If I want a cookie, I'll grab a cookie. Like these...
...more water or coconut water drinking.. best habit you can start!
130PM-230PM Depending how busy my day is and how hungry I am - I'll have a light, energizing lunch around this time. And again, this one varies greatly. If I'm not hungry for "lunch" I'll just keep my snacking habits up throughout the day until dinnertime.
But my ideal "lunch" includes something GREEN and something PROTEIN rich. Think leafy greens and beans or re-heated leftover tofu or tempeh from last night's dinner. Or maybe I'll pop a veggie burger in the microwave and eat it bun-free with a salad or some side veggies. Rice and beans are also a lunchtime craving for me.
A light salad paired with protein is a nice lunch. Just don't force feed yourself crap or something less than delicious. Feed yourself something you LOVE..
Miso-dipped Tempeh over kale - or wrapped up - yes that works..
Or some sort of sandwich, flatbread, pita or even bagel topped with fabulous vegan things. Guaca-Mango Bagel..
On chilly, gloomy grey days I reach for a cozy bowl of SOUP. So a few lunchtime examples: THIS and THIS and THIS.
Pea Soup. Homestyle. Yes please..
The key to lunch for me is keeping the nutrients dense and the portions small. I don't like to feel tired after lunch as if I have to plop down and "digest" for a few hours before getting right back to work.
Sometimes lunch just involves nibbling on whatever I am photo-shooting that day. Lucky for me, I certainly don't find it a challenge to get in the kitchen for lunch. But for those who work outside the home / kitchen-adjacent studio (which is most people) a pre-made or brown-bag lunch is essential. A few of my fave pre-made lunches are hand-helds like: THIS and THIS and THIS.
15 Sandwich Truths + my BBQ Tempeh Sandwich HERE..
Grab and eat lunch - vegan cobb salad in jar..
Or make a sandwich in the AM and look forward to it all morning long. Chipotle Tofu Sandwich..
And sometimes I'm just wanting a light SMOOTHIE lunch. And my smoothies vary greatly! I could tell you all 365 of my favorite recipes. But you will have to wait for my smoothie book to come out next spring / summer. For now, browse my index or get my smoothie App. Some of my fave add-ins include chia seeds, aloe vera juice, flax seeds, vegan protein powder (VEGA brand is great), spirulina and matcha.
I will usually take a few vitamins / supplements at lunchtime.
Note: on weekends I usually like to make lunch the largest meal of the day - instead of weekdays when dinner is usually the largest. Maybe a Sprout Sandwich making session. Or a Cali Club..
...more water drinking...
430PM Snack time. Again. If lunch was light, as it usually is - I end up wanting more snacks in a few hours. I'll usually indulge a craving. Or stick to something salty. I love soy crisps, kale chips, rice crackers. Salty snacks always inspire me to drink more water or coconut water - which again - is a great thing. Check out my Healthy Desk-Side Snacks.
Kale Chips. Spicy. Cheezy.
Other healthy snacks include hummus + veggies, non-dairy yogurt, homemade bars or muffins, fruit, more veggies, chilled edamame beans + tamari, avocado on toast + chili salt, nuts and more.
If I'm planning on an evening workout - tennis with my husband is my favorite choice - I will eat something a bit more carb-heavy to fuel up.
6-7PM Working ends (usually) and I either run evening errands or even better - WORK OUT. Tennis please! Long walks are also very nice. Anything to get me out of my studio space. Or if I'm doing a fancy dinner - I call "making dinner" my PM workout. Cooking is totally worthy of 'workout status.' This Pineapple Fried Quinoa sure was (hollowing out a pineapple = cardio)..
7-8PM Dinner. Dinner almost always includes a colorful big salad or some sort. My dinner salads are usually the vehicle to serve more substantial dishes like tofu, tempeh, grains, beans and more. I just plate them right on top of my salad in one big beautiful bowl. Macro Bowls are pretty fantastic...
Fully Loaded Salads are my thing..
And if I'm skipping a salad - veggies always fit in somewhere. As a roasted, steamed or sauteed veggies side...
Like here in my Sumac Tofu plate. Tofu + Red Quinoa + Veggies = yes dinner..
I also love sides of soup at dinner. Lentil or pea soups pack a nice protein punch. Brothy soups are warming and hydrating.
My main-course-worthy Veggie Pasta Stew..
I also adore a baked sweet potato at dinnertime. Fully loaded too.
I usually like a side of bread or crackers with my soup or salad. Sprouted grain toast or tamari sesame rice crackers are my faves.
And light dinners are also nice. Summer Bagels..
I also love hot comfort style dinners. Mexican tacos and enchiladas, lasagna, pot pies, pasta, rice bowls, veggie burgers and more are all delicious vegan dinners. There are simply too many favorites to mention - so browse the entree part of my recipe index. OK, and THIS (homemade vegan pizza) recipe always makes me excited for dinner...
I usually try not to drink too much liquid with dinner. I sip. Helps my digestion, but again, everyone is different. A good hour or so after dinner I will usually chug some coconut water before bed or if it is cold outside, peppermint or bedtime tea lattes make me swoon.
DESSERT! Do I indulge? Oh yes. I do. Blueberry Cake...
I used to be a "must-eat-dessert-after-every-dinner" girl. Sweet tooth baby. A vegan cookie. Bowl of vegan ice cream. Slice of pie. Perfect cookie...
But lets face it, that is not the best habit to keep. So I am constantly trying to stomp my sugar cravings post-meal. I use my "chew-xylitol-gum" technique when needed. Otherwise, I just go for it and indulge.
Perfect logic: If you really want the chocolate cream pie. Eat the chocolate cream pie...
And when dining out, I usually indulge. I really can't visit Veggie Grill without splitting a vegan chocolate chip cookie with my husband, or a vegan cupcake from Native Foods. Or a Mallomar from Pure Food and Wine. Or chocolate Cake from GoBo. You get the picture. Life is too short to even try...
And the best part about my sweet tooth is the fact that vegan desserts are usually pretty darn healthy. So while they do add calories to my day - they usually include even more nutrients from ingredients like cacao powder, nuts, soy milk, grains and more.
Ch Ch Ch Chia Cheesecake + healthy blueberry sauce..
Pumpkin Pudding - healthy!..
As mentioned above, my bedtime includes sips of either water, coconut water or bedtime tea. I kind of love Sleepytime Tea (box w/ the cute bear + kitty snoozing on his lap) with a splash of vanilla soy milk, cinnamon and a tablespoon of maple syrup. And my day ends on a calm, quiet note.
Now that is a GOOD day. I'm certainly not perfect and have no desire to make you think I am. Sometimes I blow it. To many snacks, too many second helpings, too little water or too much sugar or caffeine. Or sometimes I let my blood sugar dip too low and boom = grumpy + starving! Bad combo.
And when I 'eat too much' it is not even that I eat bad stuff (lets face it, vegan food - even the decadent stuff - is pretty angelic compared to mainstream indulgences) but sometimes I do eat too much of those yummy things. Oh well. Life goes on and my body usually re-balances itself in a day or two.
Indulging is a part of my balanced freestyle vegan life. Because vegan cinnamon buns do happen..
TROUBLESHOOTING. Overeating - how to not do it? My best tip is one I call my "visualize and move on" approach. If I am going into a meal with a lot of yummy options I like to visualize exactly what I want to eat - portions and such. This way I can use my brain to stop myself once I know I've eaten enough. Since this can be hard to do sometimes, I always have a "move on" game plan. This involves having something to "move on" to after the meal is over. At dinnertime this is usually some good reality DVR'd tv or a good book, PM yoga or simply, bed + Zzzzzing. At lunchtime I usually have a set plan to 'move on' to specific work I am eager to get started on after lunch. Or maybe some play time with your favorite furry friend like my kitty cat Nelly - or like Nelly, maybe a sunbeam snooze is your after-meal delight..
Just remember to move on with your plans. And stop eating when you have fueled yourself. Remember the feeling of fullness usually take a few minutes to kick in so eating slowly can also help. Remember, you are eating to fuel your body to do the things it loves to do!
PART THREE: Rules I Don't Follow
* Counting Calories Nutrition info is useful - yes! But I don't work towards a number of calories per day, rather a feeling of being fueled and satisfied. Numbers don't tell you anything about how you feel.
* Banning Foods. OK, so yes vegan diets omit all animal products. But in general, I don't like to say I "can't" eat something vegan. Better plan: watching my portion sizes.
* Carb Counting. I love carbs. I thrive on carbs. Fruit, grains, starches like sweet potatoes - some of my favorite foods are CARBS. The high protein, low carb diet thing (tried it.) didn't work for me.
White flour bread bowl in all its glory. Vegan Clam Chowder in a Carb-Bowl...
My FAVORITE carb. Sweet potatoes. I love them STUFFED too.
* Low Fat Dieting. Low fat. Shmo Fat. I kind of love healthy fats for a few reasons. 1) When I eat them I am much better at controlling my hunger + I stay satisfied longer. 2) Fats in the form of vegan foods are usually loaded with nutrients like omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Avocados, walnuts, seeds, nut butters and even oil in moderation. I've tried the "afraid of fat" thing and it only led me to trouble. More on my fat-phobia in this post.
Would you like some espresso with your full fat coconut whip?..
* Rules. Following rules is not really one of my rules. Wait, what? .. OK so basically - not really into rules. In life or in my diet. Some of my best decisions in life could be described as 'breaking the rules.'
Eating for me, follow the signals from my body .. not a rule book. I'll gladly eat salad for breakfast, eat dessert for lunch and chug a smoothie for dinner. I really like the "everything in moderation" saying. I tweak it to say "Everything (vegan) in moderation." However, I do find much comfort in having a routine. So in short, rules suck, guidelines and routines are fab. I embrace a freestyle vegan kind of diet.
Seagull flying over the ocean kind of freestyle..
And while I most definitely will be vegan for life, I understand that my body is always changing and the foods and healthy habits that work for me today may not be what my body craves and thrives from tomorrow. Who knows, I could HATE my matcha shakes next week. OK, Not likely 🙂
Enjoyed this? Hope so! But interestingly, I did not just do this post for you guys. I did it for me! It is always a smart idea to keep a journal or write down your ideal day of food. Then note what you actually eat as well. It may sound simple, but it can really help you maximize your awareness of what goes into your body - where you are succeeding and where some nutritional holes may be. It also lets you know just how far away or close you are to reaching your nutrition GOALS!
And reaching goals = feeling good. And right NOW, I'm feeling pretty good about things.
So that is ME. Now I want to hear from YOU! Sharing rocks. So please, if you have time, I'd love to hear how your ideal day of vegan eating goes - comment away! And obviously, you don't have to be as long-winded as me 🙂 Or add any comments you have on my day or food.
And for reading this loooong post - I will now offer up a tasty visual treat. A sneak peek at my Penguin Group / Avery smoothie book cover! So exciting for me!..
More Vegan Topics to Browse:
- 15 Tips for Going Vegan
- Protein on a Vegan Diet
- When Did you Realize You Were a Veggie Eater?
- Finding Vegan Meals - meal plans
- Vegan for the Animals
- My Philosophy: Vegan Food + Life
- 5 Reasons Why I Am Vegan
- Vegans are not annoying: 10 reasons why
- Doc to Watch: Before the Flood
- For the kids: 105 after school snacks
- Gallery browse my vegan recipes
Anna Banana says
Thank you so much! I have been beating up myself about not eating like those youtubers eat and have been starving and 💩. I really needed to hear this!
Anouschka Shady Mathers says
Thank you for this! 😀
Jessica Boissonneault says
This was a fantastic share. One of the things I have struggled with over the years is an Eating Disorder and finding balance in my eating habits (making sure I eat enough) and breaking 'rules' I have regarding certain foods like desserts or foods with fat in them. I have been a vegan for 3+ years now and find my body thrives best on it, it's just a matter of increasing the portion sizes so this has been very helpful in gaining insight! Thank you so much for sharing, I make your recipes often and love them!
ramona rogojan says
i wanted to do this for many eras , but it felt that the time just not came yet!Or , more then that i think is the fact that , the not knowing where to start , how to do this ,and what are going to be the results and how soon i am going to see any changes:this budders me .I had decided to try again, but i am experiencing weird symptoms.
The site is very helpfull (on e of the best for me so far), but my big question for you is how much you should eat at the time,how big have to be your portion, cause i do have the feeling that i am eating to much(verry bloated to the point that i can"t breath), and eating like 5-6 times a day or mostly drinking (smoothies and juices)it is to much for me .So, do you think i am eating to much?Or this happends to every beginer!
Barbara says
Hi! My husband just found your page/blog and emailed it to me. We are both slowly changing over to being a vegan rather than eating whatever we want. We feel so much healthier and better about ourselves. I have also in the last year or so have not been able to eat anything with dairy in it, which is very hard because almost everything has dairy in it. So thats a big reason we are going vegan. All of your food looks so good and I can't wait to start trying some!! Your blog has also been very informational!!! Thank you!!
Elizabeth says
Hi there! I just discovered this as I was just thinking something was "wrong" with me internally and finally went to the doctor. She suggested I try "Gluten" Free and/or "Vegan" diet for a while. As someone who is overweight I don't really know much about proper eating and I don't know WHERE to start with Vegan. Your page has been super helpful but what's a good food base to start with? I should also mention I have a banana and raspberry allergy... no fun, right? I guess I'm just a bit lost as does the Vegan lifestyle call for fish? eggs? etc. Like I said I am just not familiar and yours was the first page to pop up. THANK YOU in advance for any help you can spread my way! 😀
Tory says
Hi Kathy!
You have one of the best vegan blogs on the web. Your bright, happy face, personality and FOOD make me smile everyday!
I have also encountered resistance to my vegan diet, (approaching my one year anniversary in October! I was a vegetarian for 2 years before that). Now that I am in college, I love cooking for myself, but frequently hit bouts of "food boredom"... that is when I use your blog!
A typical day of eating for me is:
Breakfast: A green smoothie with spinach, banana, fruit, chia, flax and a couple walnuts OR oatmeal with blueberries and peanut butter
Lunch: A big salad with savory baked tofu, tons of veggies (raw or baked), pumpkin seeds, and hummus with carrots or fruit on the side or a pita pocket sandwich
Snack: peanut butter and fig Ezekiel toast, apple with peanut butter, veggies and hummus, or air popped popcorn!
Dinner: Varies! I always try to have (unlimited) veggies, a protein source, healthy fats (I also LOVE healthy fats!) and a small serving of a carb. Ex. A big salad with yummy add ons like beans, quinoa, avocado, more roasted tofu, hummus and roasted sweet potato!
Dessert: I'm trying to kick my dessert habit, but I'll often have figs with chopped dates and honey, or a berry bowl, or something sweet I have made! Right now it's gf, vegan strawberry oat bars.
Thanks for sharing, Kathy, and keep on blogging! You have no idea the inspiration and guidance that you have supplied to countless vegans like myself!
freespeechalways says
Scientist have learned plants give a physical reaction and scream in pain when pulled from the ground. They are, in every way ALIVE. Why do vegans have no problem killing living plants for food.? Death is death.
Irene in AR says
Are you serious? What an idiotic thing to even say. Trying to justify your actions of eating sentient beings with Circulatory systems, hearts, feelings, emotions. Against plants. Keep your stupid comments like that to yourself, it only makes you look more selfish. Rolling the eyes
Kristine Rundorff says
Hello, Kathy! I am an 18-year-old girl who has recently decided to turn vegan. You see, a month or so before my seventeenth birthday, I became a vegetarian like my mom always was- no red meat or poultry, but still including seafood and dairy. It felt great, but somehow incomplete. Why did I refuse to eat chicken but continue to eat fish? How was it any different? It still didn't feel quite right even with limiting my consumption of animals and on top of that continuing to have animal products like milk. Then, just a few days ago, I thought the answer might be veganism. After finally committing to the idea, I knew this was it. I am NEVER looking back.
Also, when I became a vegetarian, I had stumbled across your blog and thought the ideas sounded yummy but not for me. Now I can't wait to try your recipes, and I know it will all be MUCH better than the popular, cruel-to-animals versions. As I'm an adult now, I'll need to know how to cook for myself, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Thank you so much for your amazing work!
Samantha Johnson says
I recommend watching the documentary "Forks Over Knives" it will give you a lot of useful information
Michelle Abrahmz says
If you stick with a healthy base of green, leafy veg followed by other veg, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds (in that order) you don't need to worry about blood glucose. The amount of sugars in veg and fruit is in an amount our bodies can cope with, because we have evolved along with them, to eat them. The sugars from these carbs work differently in the body to sugar. Veg sugars burn at a slower rate, creating a more stable blood sugar level. Even the sugars in fruits won't be a problem because they are in lower concentrations than what is found in convenience foods. Also, the fibre in the fruit slows down the rate at which they are absorbed.
As for Omega 3, it is very fragile and is basically destroyed by heating, so even though you are eating a lot of fish, you are probably getting very little actual Omega 3 at all. Walnut is one of the only foods in nature which has the Omega 3/Omega 6 ratio in perfect balance for human needs. Simple eat a handful of raw walnuts a couple of times a week and you'll be fine. You can also get Omega 3 from flaxseed (linseed) but not with the Omega 6 balance.
Do some research on the High Carb, Low fat raw vegan lifestyle. I'm not saying become raw 🙂 Just read up on it. Basically, as a vegan you still need enough caloric intake to ensure your body can operate properly and you can get this either from fruits or nuts.
Bonnie Kelly says
I have no choice but to become a vegan. My doctor told me on 2.7.2014, that I had to quite eating meat, dairy products, milk (soy milk only), and etc., because of low kidney function. The information on this website was very interesting and challenging. If I do not change my eating habits, I will have to do dialysis in 5 to 10 years. That is very scary. I am a diabetic, and hypertensive. There is trouble with getting my blood pressure down and keeping it down. I retain a lot of fluid in my feet and hands, therefore having to take a diuretic that does not seem to be helping very much. I am also to be keeping my feet propped up when sitting at the computer or looking at TV. My doctor suggested to get a blender and to do vegetable and fruit smoothies. I have been researching on vegan plans. I don't want to say diet, but it is what it is. My doctor also said to snack on nuts and fresh fruits and veggies. What about the lack of protein. I am still confused as this is all so new to me and very scary. Please HELP!!
leelee says
I am very interested in becoming vegan, so my question is by no means meant in a bad way....but I am wondering about your blood glucose levels and concern for diabetes due to the amount of carbs you/vegans eat throughout each day? Also, I am concerned with the Omega3 to Omega6 ratio due to the lack of fish but the high amount of nuts/nut butters that vegans eat. Omega6 is what causes inflammation in our body/arteries. I really don't like meat, and I do like vegetables and LOVE nuts, but am scared of the bad fat ratio, and the lack of protein? Do you know anything about this? Do you ever get your Omega 3/6 ratio checked, or your cholesterol levels? I really mean this question sincerely and not at all in a bad way, because this is definitely the food I want to eat, but am looking for the best thing for my heart and I am very confused by Paleo people and the vegan nut consumption. AGH!
Rachael Manns says
I have always been a "normal" unhealthy American eater, despite the fact that I am not a fan of eating meat in the first place. Upon turning 18, entering college, and realizing that my parents could no longer yell at me for refusing to eat their norm, I made the decision to go vegan. My friends are very counter supportive of my lifestyle choice (besides a select few) and my father just laughed when I announced it. After reading your blog, I feel like I have achieved a much better understanding of it. Immensely inspiring ^_^. That Goji Lemon Tea looks refreshing, and I plan to incorporate a great deal of your ideas into the start of my journey. Thank you for sharing and giving beginners a great step into the right direction.
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Meredith Youngson says
your blog is gorgeous, amazing and inspiring! will be incorporting many of your recipes into my day 🙂
Laya says
everthing looks delicious! The fruits, vegetables, nuts everything is fantasic! I am trying hard too; but don't forget the pink salt! I also like hemps seeds, I like more spicy foods and also use garlic press thanks
Amanda says
Kathy, you are my new vegan idol! I love your rules portion of this. Really helps me with cravings and such, and I also loved how you worded it. I have just recently decided to become vegan, and this blog really inspired me to stay with it!! Thanks!
Esther Muraga says
WOW! I honestly think you've inspired me to change my eating habits. I have contemplated doing it but have not found any inspiring menus or books. Those pictures are enough to turn the most carnivorous person into a vegan. Thankyou!!!
Sylvia Slay says
Thank You, you really inspired me to be able to cook vegan for me and my family 🙂 I really resonate with your style!
Elizabeth says
I found this post while doing research about what is and is not vegan because I am starting the transition over soon and am so glad I found this post!! When I think vegan I automatically think about nothing but veggies. Im a huge veggie lover so of course that doesnt scare me, but seriously.. my mouth is watering!! This post gave me the rassurance I needed to know I can do it! Thanks for sharing!
disqus_2ekvaIfJKA says
I just stumbled upon this site since I decided to make the switch to vegetarianism. I've been on weight watchers for a couple of years and just felt a lack of energy and this was the change I needed. This blog has inspired me to make the next step to full vegan!
Tamar says
We have spoken in the past before, I Tamar Henry, I am a Certified Health & Nutrition Counselor living in Saudi Arabia? I still love your site and feel inspired to want to do better not only for myself, my children but also for the clients and children that I work with. One question: is it important to eat with the seasons? For example: I enjoy a fresh detox juice almost every morning and put bananas in my smoothie each day but is this a good habit to continue with if I cannot get those fruits from the place I live or at least for a portion of the year? Kindly, Tamar
Kathy Patalsky says
THANK YOU Elaine! So excited to hear about people ordering my book! 🙂 I glimpsed a few actual pages of the interior today and I know you guys will love it!!
Elaine says
Thank you for this. Take that, my coworker who recently announced that I'm a "puritan" now! I love how healthy and glowy you look, changes I can see in myself since committing to a predominantly vegan diet. (Somehow, I still have a mental block when it comes to yogurt and honey.) Your smoothy book pre-order is in my Amazon shopping cart. 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
It depends. I usually don't mind if certain products say there processed in a factory where dairy or nuts processed. That warning is mostly for those who are truly allergic to such foods. But the "may contain" label is a bit iffy if you ask me. Better to stick with truly vegan products if you can. But everyone can do the best they can, some vegans are more lax than others about labels and even food prep. Hops that help a bit...
Anna says
Hey there! i have a question... what if it says "may contain dairy, eggs, nuts ect" is it save to eat? because it says that on every bread in the shops and as much as i love homemade bread i do like a nice slice of wholewheat toast from time to time...
LaLa says
Thank you so much for sharing this! I am now back on the road to vegetarianism and want to be complete vegan by the years end! And with your awesome recipes and tips, I'm sure I'll transition very smoothly!! I can't wait!!! Have a wonderful 2013!!!
karen says
I loved your post! I have been "flirting" with a vegan lifestyle for almost a year now and am finally getting serious about it. I have the added problems of food allergies (soy and tree nuts) that really cut into what recipes I am able to make. I look forward to trying some of your recipes! Do you have any suggestions for replacing soy in recipes?
Jenn says
Thanks! Always looking for more ideas to fit into my typical day. Mine usually begins with a protein shake and a vegan burger and my dinners treat quinoa like your treat sald, it's part of every dish. My snacks and lunch is where I lose focus being at the office typically 9-12hrs/day. Your tips and reminders of staying well hydrated and reaching for snacks with healthy fats is key. Thanks again for producing a great summary! Love you, your blog, and your willingness to share :).
Kat says
I think u are eating too much sweet.. just saying..
Kathy Patalsky says
Oh that is so wonderful to hear! So glad. Keep it up!
Cynthia Troyer says
I am a new Vegan (3 days in) and I've never felt better. I've tried
every diet under the sun and they never felt right... I never felt
right. I stumbled upon your site from a recipe posted on Pinterest. I'm
so happy I did. Thank you for blogging and sharing your recipes. I have a
thirst for knowledge and your site is very inspiring.
Ari says
I'm new in this life style and I didn't know how to start or what to eat I've been eating pasta and carrots for the past year and it was turning into something I didn't enjoy, Im from Costa Rica and much of the ingredients you use are easy to find, I am SO excited to star loving what I eat and have fun
Thank you!!!
Izza says
Thank you so much for this! 🙂
Christine says
Great Post! I have been Vegan for about 7 months.. Lost 58 lbs and I feel freakin great!! The best thing I have done for myself in like forever!! People always ask me what do you eat? Its the number one question I get after...You look amazing what are you doing?! Great post! I prefer the freestyle thing myself. I am happy to eat dinner for breakfast I did so this morning in fact 🙂 I love your blog and I am looking forward to purchasing your smoothie book! When is it set to publish?
Kathy Patalsky says
Nice! Thanks for sharing that.
I am into dessert shakes like that too. I use frozen bananas and just a splash of soy milk so it blends up thick like froyo!
Carly Van Hof Thomson says
I am by NO means low card, but lately I have been focusing on increasing my protein and really cutting back on my sugar intake (I'm a recovering vegan sweets addict) as well as focusing on hydrating and I feel SO much better and more energized. Some of my increased protein needs may be due to breastfeeding, though. My day goes like this:
Kashi Go Lean w/ Raw Almonds and Chocolate Soy Milk (made with cacoa powder and stevia). I LOVE a big cold glass of chocolate milk in the morning.
Snacks: fruit, nuts, fresh veggies
Lunch: Sandwich. I love curried tofu salad, TLT (BLT with Tempeh). Sometimes I'll do Garbanzo Bean Salad (similar to the mock tuna recipe you recently posted - been making something like that for years!)
Dinner: I LOVE salads this summer. Casseroles. A lot of Fresh Mex. Sometimes an Asian inispired dish. We mix it up.
Dessert: shake made with banana, cacoa, PB2, stevia, and almond milk.
Lauren says
this blog post alone has inspired me to make the jump from vegetarian to vegan. it IS possible! thank you for all you do! 😀
Kathy Patalsky says
glad it helped you! thanks for the comment.
maggiebtrfly says
I love your metaphor about the big ol' food box. I am preparing to start my vegan journey and you've just put a whole lot of good stuff in my empty box. Thank you!
carlitadee says
Dear lord. I tried to bite my computer screen.
Discountherapy says
wow, your food looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing
Kathy Patalsky says
🙂 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
No way! I LOVE Colleen! Everyone has a different method to embrace wellness! This is just "a tiny piece" of mine.
everydayathena says
Great article, but was that a slight against Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's 30 Day Vegan Challenge in paragraph two? I'm currently doing that program and it's fabulous. I don't intend to abandon it after 30 days. Some of us out there (like me) need coaching/mentoring in veganism and this program is a great way to do it. Let's support all people who make a commitment to veganism, no matter what path gets them there.
Natia Mateshvili says
Everything is great: recipes, pictures, your story... I just started a day on a good mood thanks to you! 🙂
Guest says
LOVELY! The recipes... pictures... the story... Started my day on a great mood thanks to you.
Marilyn Cornelius says
Wow...you are a soulmate...I don't follow rules either!!! Your pics are AMAZING..I'm drooling...thank you for sharing...!!!!
Rick says
really enjoyed your post...found it very refreshing. I've been a vegan for just over two years now and was clueless when I started...all I knew was I would in no way be a part of (or support) harming animals in any way. In only a few weeks of resourcefulness and creativity, I quickly found out that eating vegan was about creative substitutions. I was delighted to find out eating vegan wasn't one tenth as limiting as I thought it would be. I now get more quality food nutrition in one meal than I used to get in 3-4 days on my old eating habits. Too my surprise, I've become quite the lover of salads, steamed veggies, and fruit. Discovering quinoia, sweet potatoes, etc. were key finds for me. I've had to learn not to lean too hard on processed carbs though as I too have a rather strong sweet tooth. Hardly a month goes by I don't try/find a new key food element to add to my list of options. What a great change in life this whole experience has been for me (and I'm in my early fifties). Moving forward, my guiding motivation is and will continue to be that in no way will my pleasure come at the cost of an animals suffering/exploitation, or life.
Roxanne says
Love the photos, now I am going to go EAT! But don't know which I should pick first, second and third.... GAH, I want them all!
molly says
Thank you. Gorgeous photos and truly inspiring recipes. Lovely.
David Pereira Greditzer says
marry me:)
Baba says
Thank you!! This is so helpful!!
Ella says
Dear Kathy & All
vegan food is delicious and this lovely blog is its manifesto!
It is healthy as well, yes let's talk business, a vegan regime is mostly high alkaline/low acid, which is exactly what our body craves for.
So, next time we hold a glass full of a rocking green smoothy, let's toast us and the wonderful planet we are blessed to live on =)
Thank you Kathy, you do a terrific job.
Isabel says
Great post, I want to eat all of it!! Thanks for sharing, you're really an inspiration!
Jessica says
Hi Kathy
I'm a vegan french blogger and your post is really inspired ! Could you allow me to translate it in French on my blog with your credit of course because my readers don't understand anything ? Thks in advance I would really appreciate this. Thks for making our vegan life more enjoyable Sincerely Jessica
Lara says
hey kathy 🙂
After reading this wonderful post i thought i should forget how shy i am and finally comment! i ADORE your blog (not creepy... ;)) and your recipes and your photos. I have been vegan for a year now and i just found out: my eating habits are soo similar to yours. it's crazy. on usual days, i have oatmeal with nut butter and fruits for breakfast, snack on fruits or maybe a small smoothie at school, (try to) have a light salad for lunch.. and in the evening i usually eat what my mum prepares (after working out. i cannot work out in the morning :D)
of course i overeat, too. or indulge in whatever-chocolate-thing, but at least I'm happy when I realize I do not live on the costs of others.
Wow, I wrote more than i expected! so in the end, Thanks again and keep doing what you're doing. It's truly great.
Greetings from Germany,
Lara
PS: Tommorow I'll bring 'your food' for a party with my friends. Exiting!! 🙂
Cassie says
Thanks for this! I've been thinking of going Vegan and this is definitely helpful.
I already can't eat any dairy (milk, yogurt, butter, whey cheese, etc) so that cuts a massive amount of animal products out. Beef and pork just make me feel starving a half hour later, so I rarely eat those. Eggs are started to affect me negativley as well. So I'm left with seafood (which I don't eat often either, being in the praries) chicken and honey.
I used to do Atkins but was just miserable. But since then carbs have always been on my "bad food!" list (even good carbs). So it'll take some adjusting for me to go to a diet that places a higher focus on carbs than animal products. I also don't know too much about tofu, tempeh, etc so will have to look into those.
Noa says
love your post! soooo inspiring, thanks 🙂
sonja@vesenmork says
really amazing post! It's so inspiring to read about your daily eats and other peoples' comments. I myself have recently joined the high raw vegan band wagon. I usually start my day with a green smoothie. I try to vary my recipes daily (really looking forward to the book for more inspiration) but I do have some absolute favourites. My green chocolate cherry smoothie, my simple green banana smoothie, green pina colada and my green totally coco-nuts smoothie (with coconut and walnuts). I gobble down several servings, so this pretty much keep me nice and full and going until lunch. I tend to prefer a light lunch as well. Usually some raw soup or something, almost always with avocado in the mix, to get a nice creamy texture and to feel satisfied. But then midafternoon I do want a big snack. I tend to go for another big smoothie or several pieces of fruit and a raw bar or something. Then usually I get my sports on, after which it's time for dinner. During the week I choose fast salad options, raw crackers with guacamole, zucchini hummus or nut cheese with veggies or something similar. In any case, something put togheter quite easily. On the weekends, if they're not to busy, I really enjoy trying out some more gourmet-style raw dishes, my absolute favourite being raw lasagna.
Thank you for a great post!
Becca says
Love your blog and philosophy- I've been vegetarian for eight and a half years and recently just graduated from college. Since maturing more I've developed a love for cooking and begun researching where my food is actually coming from. Needless to say... I've become more enlightened about the maltreatment of dairy cows (and goats!) and hens who lay eggs. So unless I have a ranch later in life and take good care of my animals (which is one of my long term plans), I'm not going to eat animal byproducts. And I certainly can't wait to make all of your recipes!
Also-- the glowing picture of the sweet potato you posted had me literally laughing out loud. I think we share the same love for them. I bought a can of white beans the other day so I could make your mac and cheese.
Can't wait to see what you whip up next! Thanks for all the kitsch-spiration!
CLGHP says
Thank you! I will be coming back to this post for inspiration.
Claire says
Definitely hit up The Chicago Diner if you haven't yet, they serve breakfast food until 3! And EVERYTHING there is delicious, healthy, and unique! And they have a wide variety of foods(indian, american, mexican, irish, etc.) Hope you love it!
Christina says
I celebrated my 1st anniversary of being Vegan yesterday! I got a Ninja blender/juicer/frozen drink maker to celebrate! For me, the first year was all about finding Vegan food that I loved and that I felt good eating. I was able to keep some old favorites in my diet and just omit the dairy. This year is going to be about discovering new fruits and veggies that I've been too afraid to try. i want to cook using ingredients I've never used! I've been following your blog for almost the entire year and am often usually just intrigued and intimidated when I see ingredients I don't know - but now I'm ready to embrace them! Thanks so much for all your help in showing that Veganism is such a sustainable lifestyle!
epila says
amazing post!!
Kathy Patalsky says
oh my goodness. I love you for sharing this. made my day. SO glad I inspired you to do all that and I hope you found yourself feeling AMAZING from treating your body well - and thus will continue! awesome awesome. Keep it up lady! xo
natralqueen says
Hi Kathy!
Will it be an e-book also?
Emily says
Thanks for that ! Since reading this yesterday I went to the gym for the first time in weeks, drank water as soon as I woke up, drank a giant breakfast smoothie, had fresh berries and baby carrots with my lunch ( of vegan eggplant, portabella mushrooms and tofu over whole wheat pasta) and made a huge amount of pea soup to get me through weekend lunches! I actually sat down and thought about what an ideal day of eating/exercising would look like and it definitely helped me get back on track with eating in a way that makes me feel good 🙂 so Thank you!
Kathy Patalsky says
Aw thanks! And yes it IS scary to share what u eat with the world. Food is such a personal thing, yet also social. Its so complex! And I will have to check out your post. And congrats on being pregnant + vegan! So much curiosity there as well from readers!
jess @ cupcakes and kale says
what a wonderful post kathy! i actually summed up some of my eatings in a post just hours ago after some folks had been wondering what a pregnant vegan eats - a little nerve wracking for me since like all of us, i'm not perfect and neither is my diet on any given day, but i think it's important to share what we eat. especially when it's a full, rich, colourful, healthy vegan diet!
ps - love the cover!
Laura K says
My husband and I have been eating vegan for about 3 months. I have yet to eat something non-vegan. It just doesn't appeal to me anymore. My husband on the other hand has cheated with some vegetarian choices at work. But I give him kudos for not eating any meat.
We started while our kids were in California visiting family since we figured it would be easier if we didn't have to deal with their pickiness in the beginning. We weren't sure if we would keep it up when they came back. But I did. I just could not see myself going backwards.
I am not as strict with the kids as I am with myself. If we are out and they are hungry I will let them get cheese pizza or something, but I will wait until I can get something vegan. My kids are only 8 and 5 so they get cranky when they don't eat. But for the most part we have been really good.
I was just thinking the other day about how I used to just go to familiar recipes when it was time to make dinner and now I really have to search for things to make. Thank goodness for Pinterest. I have a whole pin board with over 150 things so far that sound good that I can go to and make. I spend a little time each day to find new things to make so we don't get bored.
Thank you so much for this blog. It was the first vegan blog I found and I have used your recipes extensively. It really was a Godsend at a time that I really needed one!
Alex Nolen says
This post is so amazing. The time and effort it must have taken is inspiring. As someone who is going off to college and still trying to transition to becoming fully vegan this example of day to day vegan seems like something I hope I can follow when I get to school. I'm going to Loyola Chicago and their dining halls seems to always have vegan options but they might not always be the most healthy. I do plan on keeping go-to foods in my dorm and I also can't wait to scope out all the awesome vegan spots in Chicago 🙂 thanks again for this post and website seems like I'm on this page everyday!
Kathy Patalsky says
AGREE! The one thing I get annoyed at when I eat out is how much oil restaurants tend to use. I much prefer to taste my food in an oil-free light. And even things like soups can just be loaded with excess oil - just not needed sometimes! When I cook for myself I find I can eat more healthy foods since I go lighter on oil than if I eat out. In short, yes, totally agree with your point on that!! And yay nutritional yeast + the right spices and seasoning.
Kathy Patalsky says
Jo, smoothies can be so much more than a 'drink' as I really deeply discovered while writing my book. I can't wait for people like you to read it and see the crazy recipes I came up with where they truly do fuel you in a variety of ways! Also, I LOVE dips + veggies too. Great, easy way to infuse your day with healthy veggies + protein.
Márcia Gonçalves says
I completely agree with you Kathy, keeping a food journal can really help maximize our awareness of what goes into our body!
Well, my ideal day of vegan eating goes like this: I start by eating for breakfast a piece of fruit and a bowl of overnight oats with flax or chia seeds and some nuts. If I have classes during the morning I usually have a snack like a piece of fruit, some nuts, sometimes homemade crackers or a slice of whole grain bread. For lunch I love to eat simple but filling salads, that are great to eat in college, and can be prepared in advance. My afternoon snack consists on a almond butter sandwich and a banana, the perfect snack to fuel up for my 6.30 workout! For dinner I ALWAYS start the meal with my mothers vegetable soup, because in my country, people traditionally eat vegetable soup before the main course, made of potatoes, carrots, beans, and a variety of vegetables, one example of Portuguese soups is "Caldo Verde", maybe you already heard of it 🙂 and as a main course I would usually eat a bean or lentil stew, loaded with mushrooms and dark green vegetables, served with brown rice or quinoa.
So, as you see, my vegan eating is quite simple, but I obviously try to change and innovate sometimes, when I do have time 🙂
Thanks for sharing this post Kathy, and by the way, I loved the cover of your book, it looks great!
Kathy Patalsky says
I love that you ALWAYS start your meal with veggie soup! I have actually been having a small bowl of brothy soup before dinner lately and find it helps digestion for some reason! Love that. Thanks for sharing 🙂 And glad u like the cover!
Mary Jo Wenckus says
This isn't a good post, it's a GREAT post. I am thinking this took an enormous amount of time and I appreciate you for doing it. I love your blog and read it every time it hits my inbox. When is that book getting published?? Can I pre-order through Amazon?
Kathy Patalsky says
thank you! 🙂 🙂 The book has a while to go .. but I can't contain my excitement for sharing things like the cover with you guys! Next spring is the publishing date .. just in time for NEXT year's hot weather.
Laura Mansfield says
Three years into eating vegan and I am still struggling to fill the box with healthy, filling, energizing choices - I can't thank you enough for this post! I continue to struggle with extra weight and feeling overwhelmed with making good choices for me and my family. Your post has encouraged me to let go and continue to freely explore what works for me. I will never go back to my non-vegan ways but I feel like I still have a ways to go to discover the best vegan eating plan for me. Your post encouraged me to keep searching - thank you!
Kathy Patalsky says
So glad to hear you are encouraged! Yes, filling your "box" takes time and a lot of experimentation - and can be a challenge! Think of it as a never-ending process - but an exciting one to be embraced.
mtoenlob says
Thank you for taking time to write and sharing this. It's a great motivation.
Jessica says
Loved this post! Thank you for sharing all the beautiful photos... can't wait to introduce many of these recipes to my rotation.
Rayni says
Wow. That was a page-ful but very nice! All the photos are excellent and I love that you're so sensitive with your writing. Truly outstanding. Cheer!
Nikki says
I really like that you took the time to write this. I'm always curious about what works for other people when it comes to every day eating. My food changes depending on my mood, the season, and how I'm digesting. Your food is beautiful, colorful and vibrant and if I wasn't already vegan I would want to try it out after reading this post 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Yup me too. Always changing. If I re-write this post in a year I'm sure the foods will be slightly or very different. If I had written this post two years ago - the foods would be a bit different as well. Since diversity is a good thing for nutrition .. a little change is good!
Christina says
LOVED this post! Your macro plate looks SO delicious, I can not wait to make my own 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
thnx Christina 🙂
Ka R Llebu says
Mmmmmm.....I'm not even kidding!....this is making me so hungry!!! I always love your posts, but honestly, there's always so many links to so many other posts, it takes me all night to get through it!!! Now, if only you were a busy mom to a couple of kids, still finding time to make all this great stuff, and able to explain to me how to get it all done, I would be over the moon!! 😉 I try to make a lot myself, but Trader Joe's and premade veggie burgers have to rescue me a lot of the time. My baby freaks out if I use the Vitamix or juicer when he's awake, and they will wake him up if he is asleep, so the veggies I plan to blend or juice end up going bad usually before I have a chance to use them! Ahh, well, this time too shall pass and I'll be able to make more and more of your ridiculously yummy recipes!!! Thanks a bunch!!
Kathy Patalsky says
🙂 yes, I am in awe of all the busy moms + dads who put amazing delicious food on the table for themselves AND their kids each day. Bravo to you. Keep it up! Veggie burgers to the rescue .. sounds much better than 'McD's' to the rescue!!!
kirstenskitchen says
Holy food porn batman! Congrats on the book..can't wait to get my hands on it 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Thnx Kirsten!
Taylor Westerlind says
This can act as a great starter guide for people! You're blog is my favorite vegan go-to resource 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks so much Taylor! Yes, that is my hope that this post can be a starter guide for many vegan-curious people.
Sophie Strout says
I love this post so much! I wish everyone I knew would read it. It shows how enjoyable eating vegan is! I've been vegan for only 10 months but absolutely love it. I eat quite similarly to you and am always sharing what I make on Facebook and such so people realize vegans don't just eat "boring" salads every day lol
Kathy Patalsky says
agree agree agree 🙂 I don't even know what a boring salad looks like anymore 🙂
Jo @ Including Cake says
I'll apologies in advance for waffling on....Fantastic post, and gorgeous photos. I totaly agree with your philosophy and the way you chose to eat. I am a snacker all day long although I tend to eat a heavier 'snack' at lunch and dinner. I love oats and they always form my weekday breakfasts, I have never really got into smoothies in a big way- i think it's because mentally i see them as a drink and not food wheread if those ingredients were laid out whole in front of me to eat i would feel more mentally satisfied (does that make any sense??) I also try and incorporate a lot of raw veggie sticks with homemade hummus or lentil dip. Really love the fact that healthy desserts and sweets are such a big part of your life...I couldn't agree more hence the name of my blog 🙂
Angel | Angelic Monkey says
Thank you for the informative post ... and oh my gosh I just can't get over your beautiful photography and artistic eye ... I love browsing the photos on this site. I can't wait for the book, I'm sure there's tons of photos to drool over <3
Kathy Patalsky says
thank you Angel!
Alice says
Thank you so so much for posting this!! I recently decided to switch from vegetarian to vegan and this gave me so many new ideas 🙂 I can't wait to read your book when it comes out!
kllmaca says
I COMPLETELY agree with your "no rules" mentality. Since going vegan, I've realized vegan food makes me LOVE what I eat, and how it makes me feel. I think that's unique to healthy eating- food that I love that loves my body back. Thanks for sharing all this. Oh and I have to say- I already want to buy your book!! Great work. It was my mother-in-law's bday the other day and she recently got a Vitamix, I was bummed your book isn't already out - so when the book writing gets hard just know you have many people looking forward to it! 😉
Kirsten says
This was a wonderful post in so many ways! And I still have to go back and hit all the links 🙂
I have been eating vegan for about two+ years now and a year into my journey I transitioned my five kids as well. They have done great and it is in large part due to you and a couple of other bloggers. Thanks to so many wonderful recipes and ideas we now no longer have any fun, favorite foods that I can't make vegan. I feel so much more fulfilled now than I ever did on SAD!
It really does just take a little time and practice and then eating vegan becomes second nature.
I also love oats for breakfast and have them most mornings. Sometimes just as simple as "raw" with raisins and sunflower/almond milk. We've had to start buying them in 25 lb. sacks 🙂
Seitan has been a lifesaver for me this last year as I am not able to eat beans at all. No matter how many times I try or tricks I use my body will not tolerate them. I was afraid for a couple of months that I couldn't continue eating this way and then I discovered seitan. I know a lot of people aren't able to tolerate the gluten but, thankfully, my family thrives on it! And I've been able to make all of the meat dishes that my husband loves but I couldn't, in good conscience, serve him!
So, thank you for showing the world just how amazing this food is and that we are not just settling for something inferior or strange. We are the only ones in our entire extended family who eat the way we do and it does get old always being the "weird" ones. Although I think I may have converted some of them with the desserts ...'wink,wink'
amanda says
i pretty much eat this way, thanks to post punk kitchen, nava atlas, you and all the blog posts from finding vegan. the most important thing to me is making as much as i can from scratch. portion size is important but also paying attention to how much oils used is even more important. i found i love veganaise (would slap it on anything!) but that would definitely be overdoing it. i find i like my vegetables better lightly seasoned with nutritional yeast anyway.
Sara says
I left a comment and it disappeared! Bah! Anyway, thank you for this post. We have similar eating styles and, as always, your food looks incredible. You've given some awesome tips here and I really wish I would have stumbled upon a post like this one when I went vegan one year ago. Thank you for highlighting that a vegan lifestyle can be delicious, exciting and not nearly as hard as most people think! xo
Kathy Patalsky says
weird! that is annoy! sorry about that! Will check Disqus to see where it went! And I'm so glad you liked my tips. I agree it is not as hard as most people think .. those first few days, weeks, years (for some) are challenging - but once you find your vegan sweet spot it is oh so easy. and yummy 🙂
Rachel Slezak says
Thank you for posting this! Vegan food is so vibrant and way less confining than any type of low fat/carb/cal restrictions. Eating the way you're describing is s freeing.
Kathy Patalsky says
vibrant indeed! And YAY to feeling free.
Ellen Reid says
Congratulations on your book! How exciting.
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks! I can't wait to share it with everyone.
Sara says
Fantastic post! Thank you for giving us a glimpse into a day of eating for you. You give some great tips here and as always your food looks incredible. We have similar styles of eating and your blog is one of my absolute favorites. I've been vegan for a year now and I wish I had found a post like this last July while I was transitioning! xo
Mendolyn Skye says
i love how delicious everything looks, instead of what you picture as making a choice between your current lifestyle or eating a vegan cardboard diet that everyone thinks it is. the food here tempts you to a healthy diiet instead of scaring you away!
Christy Morgan says
Love seeing inside your mouth and belly 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks for reading Christy! 🙂