Speak for the Trees

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! In honor of this special day, I am posting about my favorite Dr. Seuss book, The Lorax. My children love this book, and I love reading it to them. It's one of those wonderfully special books that engages a child with rhythm and imagery while at the same time engages the adult with depth and meaning. The best part is that the child comes to understand and appreciate the meaning too.

And what a great message it is! The gist of the story is that a greedy business man cuts down all the truffula trees to make Thneeds. A Thneed is a fine something that all people need (it might actually be a Snuggie). Not to give away too much, but the Lorax tries to speak for the trees and no one listens. In the end, we learn that UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not.

I'd say The Lorax is healthy, green and frugal! Obviously, there is a strong environmental message. I also love the concept of a Thneed, which pokes fun at the need-creation/need-fulfillment cycle we have going in our society. It's also a great way to get your children to eat truffula fruits (aka mangoes, or whatever fruit you choose).

Click HERE to visit The Lorax website, which has fun games and information for kids.

You can get the book for around $10 right now on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel, with free shipping on orders that are $25 or more. There's also a cute animated version on DVD. It's got a funky 70's flair to it. I've seen in at Target for only $5.

My Vegan Experiment - Lessons Learned

I completed My Vegan Experiment a couple days ago. In case you missed it, here's a quick recap. After 6 years as a vegetarian, I decided to try going vegan for a week to see how it went. The outcome was good, and I plan to continue adhering to this new diet. Much to my surprise, I hardly missed the eggs and dairy. Overall, I noticed a number of positive physical changes - decreased congestion, weight loss, improved digestion. I had some highs and lows with my energy level. However, the most unexpected outcome was the flood of epiphanies I had about food in general, irrespective of the vegan issue. Here are some of the lessons I learned:

Health drives frugality. Not the other way around. I admit that frugality was not at the top of my mind during my experiment. There were just too many other things to consider. I'm confident that once the dust has settled, I'll be able to refocus and start saving more money. Now more than ever, I will not let my desire to be frugal be the driving force behind my food decisions. Instead, I will be finding ways to save within the framework of the choices I've made based on health and the environment. An interesting side note.... I found that the extra money I spent on certain things was offset nicely by all the junk I was not buying.

The power of accountability. Keeping a food log each day and posting it on my blog had an enormous impact on my ability to stick with it through the hard times. Plus, the encouragement and support I received was priceless. It's scary putting myself out there, but it was worth it!

Eating consciously. Living consciously. The food log also increased my awareness of what I was eating and why I was eating it. I realized just how much I was eating when I wasn't even hungry. I feel like I've brought a new awareness and purpose to the way I eat and the way I live.

Food is meant to sustain. Not entertain. I'm an emotional eater. I've known that for a while. I eat when I'm board, stressed, sad, celebratory - you name it. However, this is the first time I've been ready to tackle this issue on a serious level. The act of keeping a food log naturally led me to follow this guiding principle: food is meant to sustain my physical body, not address my emotions. That's not to say that I haven't enjoyed my food. On the contrary! I have savored every bite of the flavorful, nutritious food that I ate, and felt immense gratitude for the sustenance it provided my body.

Sugar, sugar. Honey, honey. You are my candy girl, and you got me wanting you. I had a gigantic wake-up call that sugar has been like a drug for me. The more I eat it, the more I want it. Once I stop eating it, I stop wanting it. I feel kind of like a junkie in rehab. I'm happy to be clean, and I plan to take one day at a time. By the way, a nice side benefit to avoiding sugar is that it makes it easier to avoid the eggs and dairy that are usually in baked goods. They seem to all go hand and hand.

Treat redefined. I realized that sugary deserts weren't as much of a "treat" as I once thought. I'm trying to redefine what it means to reward myself and love myself (I mean love, the action verb). Instead of chocolates, cookies and ice cream, I'm treating myself with raspberries (even if they cost $5 for a tiny carton) or the most delicious organic salads I've ever eaten from Sweetwater Farm. There are also plenty of ways to reward yourself without food: a trip to the spa, a relaxing bath, music, new clothes, a chat with a good friend, a movie, book or TV show, and a million other things.

Moderation, shmoderation. One might ask, what harm are all these things in moderation? That's a good thought, but unfortunately it doesn't work well for me. Just this once turns into all the time way too easily. I'm better off just saying no. Plus, it helps to have the decision already made before a sticky situation presents itself. I don't plan on being super rigid about eggs, dairy and sugar. For example, I might eat something at a party if it contains a little butter or has an egg baked in it. However, I don't think I'll be eating an omelet or an ice-cream cone anytime soon.

It is about ethics and animal rights for me. When making decisions about my diet, I try to look at the big picture - health, the environment, frugality, and ethics. Animal rights issues have always been a piece of the puzzle for me, but not the single driving force. As much as wish that I could never hurt another living thing ever, it just doesn't seem realistic. Up to now, I felt like eggs and dairy were not a problem because the animal wasn't being killed. After thinking about it more, and reading about what cage-free and free-range really mean, I no longer feel okay about being a dairy and egg consumer. I know this is a sensitive topic, and I am not judging anyone if they don't agree with me. We all have to make these decisions on our own. Implementing them can be even more tricky - we all just have to do the best we can!

Vegan goes beyond food. It's all about small steps for me. Now that I've cut eggs and dairy, I'm thinking a bit more about what it really means to be a vegan. There are so many many ways that humans exploit animals (and people, and the environment) to suit their own purpose. I don't think I'll be getting rid of my leather jacket or my leather chair. However, I do intend to try to increase my awareness of these things and make more conscious decisions in the future.

What's good for the goose is good for the geasling. Or is it? In the midst of all these revelations about myself, I'm seeing how I'm creating the exact same patterns for my children. I reward them with food all the time! I'm not sure if that's something I can stop overnight, but it's something I must tackle. Plus, if I don't feel comfortable eating eggs and dairy, why should it be okay for my children? I don't think it's wise to experiment with their diet like I have with my own, but I do need to think about this.

The power of intention. Call it prayer. Call it meditation. Call it goal setting. Whatever you call it, I think that setting an intention and having a clear vision for what you want for yourself is an incredibly powerful thing. Especially when you take the time to write it down and communicate it to others. I've seen it work in my own life a number of times. My intention related to this experiment was to have a healthier lifestyle so that I will have more energy and be mentally and emotionally stronger. Once I set that intention and contemplated what that means, the path became increasingly clear. As I intended, this week has brought many of the changes I so passionately desired. And I'm ready for more!

If I can do this, I can do anything. The confidence and inspiration that comes from setting a goal and achieving it is priceless! The goals that seemed out of reach a week ago suddenly look more realistic, and I'm ready to continue moving forward.

You are who you want to be. This phrase was on a poster in the video production room at my high school. I saw it many times, and it has stayed with me all these years. What it means to me is this - the person that you want to be, the best version of yourself, the person you envision that you could be if you tried hard enough - that is who you really are. Not the person that you may be at this moment - flawed with lots of qualities that irritate you to no end. I have a vision of myself as I could be, as I want to be. I just need to work towards realizing that vision. That is who I believe I really am, and I love that person. I've always struggled with the concept of "loving yourself", but thinking of it in those terms, it only makes sense that you would love this ideal version of yourself because that person is pretty awesome!

If you have actually read this long post, I thank you with all my heart for indulging me. It was very cathartic for me to write this and send it out into cyberspace. I wish you all the best of luck on your journey to good health. ♥

Buscuits: Fluffy, Whole Grain, Vegan Goodness!

My husband, the expert biscuit maker, adjusted his famous recipe to make it vegan. A kind man who cooks - what more could you ask for? The biscuits were quite delicious. Very fluffy and soft, which can be difficult to achieve when using whole wheat flour. The trick is to use pastry flour. It's more delicate than regular whole grain flour, and it helps you get around that dense, grainy quality that can be unappetizing in certain foods. The biscuits did look a little brown (we called them poo biscuits), but our little family of four happily ate them all!

2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp of baking powder
1/4 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of sugar
1/2 tsp of cream of tarter
2/3 cup of rice or soy milk (or more if the dough looks dry)
1/2 cup of olive oil

Mix the dry ingredients first, then create a well for the wet ingredients. Mix and kneed. Too much kneading can keep the biscuits from being fluffy. Roll the dough, cut with a glass or a biscuit cutter, and bake in a 450 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Biscuits that are too small or cooked too long will be dry.

My Vegan Experiment - Day 7

Yesterday was the last day of My Vegan Experiment. I cut eggs and dairy out of my diet for one week to see if I could hack it, and the verdict is in.... I can! And I intend to continue doing so!

It's still too early to tell if this will be a permanent lifestyle change. However, I'm ready to really dig in, learn, and give it a fair try. I'm so grateful that the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart begins tomorrow (Monday, March 1).

It wasn't nearly as much of a struggle as I thought it would be. I actually learned some profound life lessons this week, which I will share in another blog post.

On Friday I was struggling with low energy and headaches. However, yesterday I started to feel much better. Today I feel fantastic! One major difference is that I've been drinking more water. I also think I may have been experiencing a sort of "detox". A reader told me that the symptoms I was experiencing are common during the transition period, but they should subside within a short time.

Anyway, here is the last food log of my week-long experiment. Aww... I will miss doing this every day!

• coffee with rice milk
• black bean burritto from Chipotle with white rice (not ideal!), green peppers, onions, guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes
  
• dehydrated vegetable chips from the Greenwise section at Publix - green beans, carrots, beets, taro, turnips (they were such a nice snack, and my children loved them too)
• roasted soy nuts with sea salt (also from the Greenwise section at Publix)
  
• organic Tazo Chai tea with rice milk
  
• organic apple with 2 tbsp of peanut butter
• Bolthouse Farms Vedge Juice (tastes like V8, but with better ingredients)
• Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries (they were okay, but not great)
• a couple pieces of pop corn - it may have had butter, but I'm not sure. I ate it without even realizing it!

Thank you so much for your comments and well wishes. It is SUCH an encouragement to me and everyone else who is reading it! ☺☺☺

My Vegan Experiment - Day 6

I'll be honest here. It's day 6 of My Vegan Experiment and I'm not exactly feeling great. Yes, I have dropped a little weight. My congestion has definitely improved. However, my energy is low, my head hurts, and I have a wicked cold sore. There may be some other explanations for these symptoms, but I'm thinking that I may not be getting all the nutrients I need.

Believe it or not, my current state hasn't detracted me from a vegan diet in the least. I actually feel more sure than I ever did that I want to change my diet. I just realized that I still have a lot to learn about the best way to go about it.

How serendipitous that the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart Program would be starting on March 1, just as I am ready to really start learning!

Here's what I ate today. I still did not drink enough water, which could be one of the reasons I feel the way I do. It was one of those days where I couldn't even take the time to get myself a drink. I also wonder if I'm eating enough. I'm not hungry exactly, but I just feel kind of weak and sluggish. Am I just going through some kind of withdrawal period?

I really need to do a nutritional analysis of what I ate.... but I'm too tired right now!!

• coffee with rice milk
• my perfect breakfast - this time with fresh raspberries instead of cranberries
• orange juice
  
• organic raw cashews
• fresh strawberries
• earl grey tea with rice milk
• stir fry vegetables with whole grain noodles: organic bok choy, organic spinach, organic cabbage, mushrooms, red peppers, olive oil and soy sauce
  
• edamame (soy beans) with olive oil and sea salt
  
• cereal and rice milk
  

Want to Kickstart into a New Diet this Monday?

A reader told me about this 21 Day Kickstart program that starts on Monday, March 1. Basically, you enter your email address and receive daily emails that walk you through a three-week introduction to a vegan diet. It's FREE, of course.

This couldn't have come along at a better time for me. I am on day 6 of My Vegan Experiment. I'm definitely psyched about making the change, but I'm realizing that I still have a lot to learn about how to properly implement this diet. I'm hoping this kickstart program will help me hone in on the information I need to learn as well as provide the daily encouragement that helps keep me going.

This program is being offered by the non-profit organization, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), I don't know much about PCRM, so I'm a little skeptical about the credibility of their research related to nutrition. However, I'm keeping a an open mind and taking all the information with a grain of salt, as always.

If nothing else, I hope to get some new vegan recipes. I'd love the company if anyone wants to do the program with me.

Thanks to the reader who told me about this! She did the kickstart in January to get some healthy recipes for her family. She is thinking of becoming a vegetarian. Good luck on your journey to better health!

Free Busch Gardens Pass for Preschoolers

Busch Gardens is giving away FREE passes to children under 5 to commemorate the opening of their new children's area. The pass is for Florida residents only and is good through December 31, 2010. The parents will have to pay for admission, of course (right now you can purchase an annual pass for $69). Keep in mind that children under 3 always get in for free.

Click HERE for more details.

My Vegan Experiment - Day 5

I almost ate a Samoa today! I was out of my predictable home environment, and I got blindsided with an offer of a Girl Scout cookie. As a former Girl Scout, how could I say no, right? I had it in my hand and was just about to eat it before I remembered that I was in the middle of My Vegan Experiment. Wamp wah. There was a moment of disappointment, but I was mostly embarrassed I had picked up the cookie and then put it back on the plate.

I think I did pretty well today with my food choices. I noticed the less sugar I eat, the less cravings I seem to have. Maybe sugar is really more of an issue for me than eggs and dairy. I also realized I'm not drinking enough water.

• coffee with rice milk
• my perfect breakfast - this time with fresh raspberries instead of cranberries
• whole grain wrap with hummus, lettuce, spinach, carrots, radish, and kohlrabi (it can be hard to find an acceptable tortilla wrap, but La Tortilla Factory offers a nice soft wrap with 13 g of fiber, 8 g of protein, and no hydrogenated oil or high-fructose corn syrup)
• orange juice
  
• organic raw cashews
• fresh strawberries
• earl grey tea with rice milk
• quinoa with sauteed spinach, red peppers and mushrooms

By the way, thanks to a suggestion by a reader, I'm going to give the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart a try. It starts on Monday, March 1. If you think you might be interested in trying the vegan thing, check it out!

My Vegan Experiment - Day 4

I cheated ever-so-slightly today, the fourth day of My Vegan Experiment. I had just a little honey in some honey-mustard dip I made as part of a raw veggie tray for a family get-together. I didn't feel too bad about it because honey is not a reason why I wanted to try a vegan diet. I plan to do a little research about the honey industry and see what the health and ethical issues are. Does anyone have any input?

Anyway, having to eat in a social situation did present a few challenges, as I expected. My sister-in-law's famous chocolate chip cheesecake was alluring, but I stood firm in my resolve. It wasn't too hard. My mantra right now is this:

I will not reward myself with food. Instead, I will reward myself with a healthy body by only eating food that contributes necessary nutrients.

It's hard to imagine maintaining that kind of standard forever. However, I'm not going to think about forever right now. Just this week.

Here's what I ate today. Pretty good. I could easily stand to loose the carbonated juice. I need more fresh fruit. I also read an article today (click HERE) that got me thinking about cutting coffee. I wish they made yerba matte in k-cups.

• coffee with rice milk
• assorted raw vegetables: organic broccoli and cauliflower, red peppers, carrots, and lettuce
• whole grain wrap with hummus, lettuce, spinach, carrots, radish, and kohlrabi (it can be hard to find an acceptable tortilla wrap, but La Tortilla Factory offers a nice soft wrap with 13 g of fiber, 8 g of protein, and no hydrogenated oil or high-fructose corn syrup)
• sparking raspberry juice (no added sugar)
  
• organic raw cashews
• dried cranberries sweetened with cane juice
  
• an organic orange
• earl grey tea with rice milk
• soup made mostly from all the odds and ends in my fridge: white kidney beans, organic whole grain brown rice, organic tomato sauce from a can, a fresh organic tomato, onion, and the green tops from the organic kohlrabi and carrots from my Sweetwater pickup.
• cereal with rice milk
  

I haven't noticed any new side effects today. Everything is pretty much status quo. However, tomorrow is another day, so we'll just have to see what happens!

My Vegan Experiment - Day 3

It's the third day of My Vegan Experiment, and I'm feeling surprisingly at ease with this lifestyle change so far. However, I think the true test will be when I step out of the daily weekday routine and I'm at a restaurant or special occasion.

I was feeling a lot of cravings today. Interestingly enough, the cravings were not for dairy or eggs, but for desserts. So I decided to have a serving of Talenti strawberry sorbet, which is certified vegan, and doesn't contain any undesirable ingredients (other than 21 g of sugar per serving). Yes, it tasted lovely, but I was not satisfied. In fact, I felt a rush of cravings for a bunch of other things I didn't need. Interesting. Instead of trying to satiate some kind of emotional urge with empty calories (and failing), perhaps I'm better off just eating foods that actually add something worthwhile to my diet. Surely I can find more constructive ways to address those emotions.

I am experiencing continuing improvements related to digestion and congestion. In addition, I may have detected a bit more energy today. It's hard to tell just based on a single day, but it was particularly noticeable because I didn't get around to having a cup of tea until about 4PM. On most days, I'd be sleeping on my feet by that time without my afternoon dose of caffeine. However, today, I felt perfectly alert without it. Nice!

In truth, the biggest benefit I'm noticing from this experiment is that I'm becoming a lot more conscious of what I'm eating. I realized just how much I was eating without even thinking about it. It really helps me to read labels carefully, write down what I'm eating, and be accountable to someone. Thanks for keeping me honest and aware you guys!

Here's what I ate today. Pretty good on the veggies. I need more beans and grains tomorrow.

• coffee with rice milk
• whole grain wrap with hummus, lettuce, spinach, carrots, radish, and kohlrabi (it can be hard to find an acceptable tortilla wrap, but La Tortilla Factory offers a nice soft wrap with 13 g of fiber, 8 g of protein, and no hydrogenated oil or high-fructose corn syrup)
• sparking apple juice (no added sugar)
  
• fresh strawberries
  
• organic raw cashews
• half an organic orange
• Talenti strawberry sorbet (on sale at Publix for $4 through Wednesday), which is certified vegan
• earl grey tea with rice milk
• cole slaw with raw sliced almonds
• banana
• whole wheat toast and organic hummus
• orange juice