And the verdict is.... Vegan!!

Hello party people,

Since the last time I blogged I have been a very busy chica. I had an awesome vacation in Philly and New York, tried not so great cheesesteak(which I shall discuss shortly), became an aunt, went vegetarian and then vegan.. gasp! I don't do anything half way ;)

Ultimately, I decided to go vegetarian after vacation because I of course wanted to get meat eating out of the way. As much as I am pleased at my decision at a meatless lifestyle; it doesn't make for the easiest eating out adventures. Taking a food tour of Philly wouldn't be enjoyable if I was sans meat. Visiting NY isn't the same unless you have a dirty water hot dog. So there you go.

Ok so visiting Philly, Kim and I naturally head over to do the Pat and Gino's cheesesteak sandwich debate thing. Which I of course was very excited to do, I am a fan of meat and cheese. First, let me explain how it started to POUR while we were walking around. As we were huddled under our umbrellas, slipping around in our flip flops(cause they are so great in the rain) and walking through a questionable part of town and a few "should we turn around"s; I was very excited for cheesesteaks. We get there looking like something the cat dragged in, I first noticed that it is $9 for one cheesesteak(gasp!!). I was reassured that they are worth it and went for it. Before I continue I will say that this little burb is my opinion and my opinion only. If there are disagreements, thats great. I repeat my opinion. Now I continue...I cannot put it into words the disappointment that I was feeling when saw and tasted this "awesome" cheesesteak. It was the saddest excuse for a sandwich I had ever seen. I'm convinced they forgot to put the steak in my cheeseSTEAK. So I bitched about it for a bit. Poor Kim never saw what hit her. Everyone who knows me or has eaten with me understands my rather large appetite. After washing down a bad cheesesteak with even worse cheese fries, I decided we should go across the street to Gino's and get one from there. Still bitching my disappointments. At this point I had to compare the two and how much worse could it really get. So across the street we go, drop another $9 on a cheesesteaks and back to our b&b we go. We get settled and I decided it was time for the second round of eating. Gino's was okay. Def had more flavor but still left me wanting more. Now at this point I am thinking maybe I am making the right decision to go Vegetarian. In a nutshell, my Philly cheesesteak excursion sucked but it was an experience and I leave it at that.

Vacation ended and vegetarianism started. My meat eating days went out with a "f*cking meat fest" and a bang. I did the vegetarian thing for about 2 weeks and I did very well. Considering my trust issues with dairy, I sort of cut it out of my diet and when I did have some it was in very small amounts. When I did the vegetarian thing, I did it right. I didn't overdo it on the mac and cheese, mash potatoes, fries and pizza. I ate veggies, fruits, grains and tofu. I substituted chip and dip for pretzels and hummus. After doing a lot of reading, I decided to go vegan. It wasn't too far off from what I was doing anyway. I wasn't eating dairy or meat, so why not cut out egg. I also took it a step further and cut out refined sugars and white flour. Well, not quite so easy but go big or home is how I feel. .

The switch to vegan proved to be a little difficult. I didn't quite realize how many things have milk products and egg products in them. Eating out is def a very hard thing to do. Most restaurants do not have vegan menus and the vegetarian selections are loaded with cheese and carbs. Fortunately, I do not eat out that often. I prefer to cook all of my meals. I cooked it, I know what is in it. It is simple really. It still is a challenge to try and figure what to make for dinner sometimes. But I am up to the challenge. Bring it on vegan gods!

Fast forward 6 weeks into the no animal products thing and I am happy to say I am doing awesome. I have lost 11lbs and finally found the shock my body needed. I met a bit of resistance from my stomach but all is squared away now. I can't really say I miss meat and the such. I feel good knowing I am getting myself healthier and healthier. Of course, a way of living like this is a bit on the strict side and is def not for everyone. Once I get vegan eating down, vegan baking here I come. My coworkers with my guinea pigs.. no pun intended. As soon as I figure out yummy dinner recipes, I shall post them here for anyone who is interested. Until next time!!

P.S: Being an auntie is awesome. My niece is so beautiful, we are all blessed!

P.P.S: My new go-to book is the Happy Herbivore. There is also a blog. Check it out!!

P.P.P.S: Well Kim just told me that I got the names wrong on the cheesesetak places. I was that unimpressed that I couldn't keep them straight. It was Pat's that I liked and Gino's that I didnt. I was also spelling it wrong, it is Geno's. Oopsy