Ready for a challenge? Go Vegan for 30 days! Whether it's for a New Year's resolution or just because you want to try something new for your health, following a vegan diet can be a rewarding lifestyle change. For the next 30 days, I'm putting together a menu, 1 week at a time, that will keep you full - and not missing meat. Even if you don't stay on the diet after 30 days, you'll learn some techniques to lowering the amount of saturated fat in your diet and supplementing your typical meals with a lot more fruits and veggies!
How to go "vegan":
Omit all meat, dairy, and animal products from your diet. This means no milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, meat, or fish. And if you’re a “real” vegan, you won’t eat honey, fish sauce/oil, or gelatin.
Helpful Hints:
Double check the ingredients label. You’d be surprised how many products have hidden ingredients! If it says any of the following, it’s not vegan: whey, butterfat, lard, lactose.
Most restaurants make sauces with butter/cream/cheese. Ask for a preparation with olive oil. There are lots of restaurants that cater to vegan eaters!
The best way to make sure there are no hidden ingredients: make it yourself! This isn’t always an option, so here are some options for fast meals:
* Buy frozen veggie steam packets – NOT lean cuisine or smart ones. Remember, if it says butter sauce or cheese sauce, it’s not vegan. There are some options with an olive oil/herb sauce, just make sure to read the label! The asain/szechuan flavors are usually an ok pick.
* Stop at the salad bar – There is always a vegan option at a salad bar. Vinaigrette dressings are typically “safe”. Make sure to include some nuts and/or beans in your salad to make sure you’re getting enough protein to keep you full.
Hungry? Eat more! Because you’re not getting saturated fat from meat or dairy, your calorie consumption is automatically lower. Complex carbs will become your friend.
This menu also assumes you’re eating out a couple times a week and you'll have leftovers. I feel like that’s normal. If you're a hungry hippo like me and need more food, just double the recipes you really like. Or eat a salad with lunch and dinner.
Most restaurants make sauces with butter/cream/cheese. Ask for a preparation with olive oil. There are lots of restaurants that cater to vegan eaters!
The best way to make sure there are no hidden ingredients: make it yourself! This isn’t always an option, so here are some options for fast meals:
* Buy frozen veggie steam packets – NOT lean cuisine or smart ones. Remember, if it says butter sauce or cheese sauce, it’s not vegan. There are some options with an olive oil/herb sauce, just make sure to read the label! The asain/szechuan flavors are usually an ok pick.
* Stop at the salad bar – There is always a vegan option at a salad bar. Vinaigrette dressings are typically “safe”. Make sure to include some nuts and/or beans in your salad to make sure you’re getting enough protein to keep you full.
Hungry? Eat more! Because you’re not getting saturated fat from meat or dairy, your calorie consumption is automatically lower. Complex carbs will become your friend.
This menu also assumes you’re eating out a couple times a week and you'll have leftovers. I feel like that’s normal. If you're a hungry hippo like me and need more food, just double the recipes you really like. Or eat a salad with lunch and dinner.
Vegan Menu: Week One
Recipe Links:
Breakfast:
Oatmeal Recipe
Vegan Smoothie Recipes
Protein Cookie
Lunch/Dinner:
Hoppin’ John (Traditional New Years’ Black Eyed Peas!)
Spaghetti Squash w/ Kale Pesto (make sure to omit cheese)
Minestrone Soup (make sure to scale down the recipe!)
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
Baked Potato w/ Carmelized onions and mushrooms
Spaghetti w/ homemade tomato sauce
**Chipotle
Yes. You can have Chipotle. No meat, cheese, or sour cream. But… lucky you: the vegetarian bowl comes with guacamole at no charge! You’re welcome.
Good luck! If you have questions leave them in the comments below - I'm here to help!
Oatmeal Recipe
Vegan Smoothie Recipes
Protein Cookie
Lunch/Dinner:
Hoppin’ John (Traditional New Years’ Black Eyed Peas!)
Spaghetti Squash w/ Kale Pesto (make sure to omit cheese)
Minestrone Soup (make sure to scale down the recipe!)
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
Baked Potato w/ Carmelized onions and mushrooms
Spaghetti w/ homemade tomato sauce
**Chipotle
Yes. You can have Chipotle. No meat, cheese, or sour cream. But… lucky you: the vegetarian bowl comes with guacamole at no charge! You’re welcome.
Good luck! If you have questions leave them in the comments below - I'm here to help!