DAY 28: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Mon, Mar 21, 2011

The last day. The last day of anything in life is usually coupled with an emotional response. Whether that be the last day of vacation and the dread of going back to the grind, the last day of school and the incredible excitement you feel or even the last day of a 28 day challenge and the relief/joy/trepidation/sense of pride you feel now that it’s coming to a close.

Relief. Yes, I’m relieved that it is over. I’m relieved that I get to enjoy a glass of milk again, that I can go out to lunch/dinner with friends and not worry about the menu. Relief that I don’t have to be so diligent in reading ingredient labels when I shop. I mean, do you know how much time that adds to a grocery outing? And even a little relief that I no longer have to write a daily blog. Sometimes I would forget and end up doing it after midnight – tonight is no exception!

Joy. I have found some wonderful new foods and habits throughout this experience (see Day 27!), that I wouldn’t have otherwise found. I’m grateful that so many of you have been an encouragement to me and maybe found a little healthy inspiration for yourselves.

Trepidation. It’s no secret that I’m a little nervous about facing the temptations of chocolate without my accountability blog! It’s just too easy to call this a 28 day stint and go back to eating the way I was before. Here’s to hoping that 28 days really does build habits. I cannot and will not ban chocolate from my life, but the plan is to only have it on weekends (or a VERY special occasion). Bye-bye caterer’s chocolate chip cookies. I will miss you.

Sense of pride. I’m proud of myself, too. Knowing that I’m a very competitive person (who didn’t know that?), I knew going in that I would never cheat on the “vegan” eating. And though I couldn’t always make the gluten-free thing or meditation work for me, I’m okay with that. I actually ate healthy for 4 weeks straight!! And at final count tonight, I’ve lost 12 pounds. Can I get a woot-woot?!

So a toast! To all the vegans, the carnivores, the chocoholics, and the granolas … I am one of you!

My gratitude and thanks go out to all of you, my reader friends. Wishing you all healthy eating.

Closing thought … Vanilla Chai tea, I’ll see you on the flip side!!

DAY 27: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Sun, Mar 20, 2011

One day left! WOW! Has it really almost been 4 weeks since meat, milk, cheese or eggs (or dessert) has crossed these lips? Can I just say it again? WOW! And with that wow, comes a little bit of shock and surprise. I’m utterly shocked that today, of all days, was one of the hardest of the entire challenge, which makes me a little worried about what’s to come! I mean, there are 5 boxes of Thin Mints that have been patiently awaiting their consumption for 2 weeks! What happens if I crash and burn? The wise answer is to say let it go and start again. In the wise words of Scarlet O’Hara “Tomorrow is another day!”

Rather than focus on the inevitable mis-steps I will make in the future, I’m going to focus on the things that I discovered along this journey that I plan on integrating into my healthier eating lifestyle:

1. Vanilla Chai Tea – ironically, one of the vegan treats I discovered but couldn’t have because the cleanse was caffeine-free! I’m very much looking forward to Tuesday morning when I can have this!
2. Almond Milk – no, I’m not giving up my regular milk; however, the almond milk has less calories and is great with my protein shakes. This is a must-have!
3. Hummus – I still can’t believe this one. I don’t know if I will be able to do all kinds of hummus, but the red roasted pepper has become a favorite snack.
4. Smaller portions, more times a day – this way of eating seems to be working for me. In typical American fashion, I was eating too big of portions. And of course, my new workout buddy – apple w/ nut butter – will be my go-to snackage on trainer days.
5. Quinoa – who doesn’t love a good for you ancient grain?
6. SoDelicious coconut yogurt – something healthy that tastes like dessert? I’ll take it!
7. Boca Burgers – I really like these. They are not a substitute if you really want a burger, but they are still good, and easy – it has to be easy!
8. Brown Basmati – I’ve been making batches of this 1-2 times a week and then eating off of it all week and I’m really liking this. It makes grabbing a quick dinner much faster and a whole lot healthier than fast food!
9. Cooking veggies on Sunday – to go along with the rice, this is a genius plan to keep healthy eating going strong.
10. Bolthouse Farms & Naked Juices – there’s literally a rainbow to choose from with lots of vitamins, nutrients and fruits & veggies! I love the slogan on the green Naked juice “looks weird, tastes great”. They deliver on that!

Had I not done this challenge, the likelihood of me discovering the above was slim to none. Very glad I did.

Closing thought … I’m one more day closer to the vanilla chai tea that’s been sitting in my fridge. Very very happy!

DAY 26: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Sat, Mar 19, 2011

T minus 2 days and counting.  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Throw in some wisdom and foolishness and I think today is the making for a great book. Maybe we could call it The Tale of Two Leslie’s. Quite apropos considering I went to Leslie’s baby shower today (my “name twin” is having a baby – not me!). And on the flip side, I am like two Leslie’s. There is vegan-Leslie and carnivore-Leslie J. I digress; back to the point I was making.

Let me start with the worst of times. It has nothing to do with the circumstances or events of the day and everything to do with this dreary, cold and rainy weather. I would much prefer to stay inside on a day like this, watch movies, read books and of course snack on some molten lava cake or warm brownies … er … change that, some hot herbal tea and tomato soup (yes, this is the new, healthy me talking now!). And let’s face it, Californians are not known for their stellar driving record in the rain. Sorry to all you natives, but us transplants speak the truth!

On to the best of times … celebration of new life! My friends are having their first baby and it was shower time! In typical celebratory fashion, there was plenty of food. I’m always a little nervous going into events where I know there is going to be that land of plentiful bounty atop a table in the middle of the room with food I want to eat, but shouldn’t. My saving grace is that, so far, there has always been something I’ve been able to partake in, which makes me feel somehow more included in the festivities than if I had to just swear off the food table entirely. Today was no exception (insert smiley face here!).

And the best of times continues … I got to visit with a lot of important people in my life today. Whether one-on-one, in a crowd, or a small group, these friends are exceptional and I don’t get to spend enough time with them, so it was definitely the best of times today!

And back comes the trepidation and nervousness! After the shower a few of us went out to dinner to catch up. Going to a restaurant also invokes in me these irrational nervous feelings, partly because I’m not sure what I will be able to eat and partly because I feel so high-maintenance when I order. After one glance at this menu, there was nothing to fear. Vegan burger with grilled zucchini, sautéed mushrooms and a spicy pepper chutney with a side of steamed veggies. Oh-so-good! I know I’ve just tantalized your taste buds. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t tell you where you can find this fine faire? The Englander’s Pub in San Leandro. Look it up. Go eat! Seriously some good ole pub food awaits!

I feel a little accomplished to say that while on this vegan challenge I was able to go to events and restaurants like today and just be … normal (well, as normal as I can be, anyway). This is life and vegan or not, there are healthy choices to make each time. I can’t say that prior to this little experiment of mine that I would have even taken heed to the healthy options. I’m definitely a sugaraholic and the desserts seem to have this magical magnetism with me. This challenge has offered me the opportunity to reset my “goodie” button. “Goodies” do not have to be cookies and cakes. My “goodie” button has been reprogrammed to now encompass fruits and veggies and salads. It may still be challenging at times to resist the treats, but ultimately, the choice is mine and I can make the healthy one (and so can you!)

Closing thought … With only 2 days left, get your requests in now! Any questions out there that I haven’t answered yet? Let me know!

DAY 25: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Fri, Mar 18, 2011

T minus 3 days and counting. Temptation. For anyone with a vice (and that would be all of us), temptation is just around the corner. It’s what we choose when we come face to face with it that really matters. All through this challenge, I have faced my eating history with a few groans and grimaces as the temptations of what I once consumed would magically appear on my co-workers plates, or the smells of those delectables would waft under my nose, or more poignantly, when I would actually seek out the smell of said delectable, as was the case today. There was chocolate cake at work today. Individually packaged and ready for enjoyment. I looked at my co-workers and said, quite casually, “I just want to smell it!” NOT A GOOD IDEA!

I’ve said it before and it’s worth repeating: this blog has kept me more accountable than you will ever know. The temptations that I have faced were relatively easy to turn down, knowing that I would be honest with all of you had I cheated. Come Tuesday, that accountability is gone. The challenge is over. And if that small, tiny, little whiff of chocolate cake was any indication, then temptation may just come and claim me! Yikes! It’s like living on the Biggest Loser ranch and then facing the real world. So, I go back a few blog posts and remind myself, “no one ever died from saying no to the cookie.”

Even with just 3 days left, I’m still experimenting with my vegan choices.  Up today was key lime soy yogurt, quinoa stir-fry and morning star’s version of a vegan burger. I think we all know how I feel about key lime – yum! Quinoa stir-fry was thumbs up; another winner from my frozen Gobble Green meals. And the vegan burger … not bad. Especially since I added rice milk pepperjack cheese and sautéed mushrooms. I still can’t believe that there are all these vegan cheeses out there. Granted, I have not really eaten the cheese by itself, so I can’t tell you if they taste exactly like regular cheese, but melted on a vegan burger or in some pasta – tastes the same to me!

Closing thought … I wonder what tempting treats I will face at my friends baby shower tomorrow. At least I still have the blog-accountability!

DAY 24: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Thurs, Mar 17, 2011

T minus 4 days and counting. So many people have asked what my first meal will be after I’m done or what will I eat moving forward or will I keep eating this way.  The answer to the last question is a resounding no! I like my meat, milk and eggs way too much. As to what I will be eating moving forward, it’s all about resetting my “health” button. A huge reason I wanted to do this in the first place was to re-introduce myself to veggies. And now that we’ve re-connected, I want to make sure we don’t get separated. Whether I have a piece of fish or chicken with those veggies or some brown rice and beans I don’t think really matters.

Now for the big question … what’s your first meal going to be after the cleanse is over. I hate to disappoint, but I fear that it may be coming for many of you. I’m not going to rock the boat too much. No steak and milkshake! The vegan cleanse is finished end of day on Monday. I’m not about to go crazy, throw my system out of whack and be too sick to go to work, although the whole caffeine-free thing is being thrown out the window asap! I will be having my vanilla chai tea promptly on Tuesday morning! As for the rest, you’ll just have to wait over the next few days. I’ll give you a little hint … I bought some yummy white fish at Trader Joe’s tonight!

Tonight I gave brown rice pasta another chance to impress and it was abysmal. It’s like the bad second date you knew you shouldn’t have accepted in the first place. If you want good gluten-free pasta, chose the Quinoa and move along.

Closing thought … at least I didn’t waste all the mushrooms I bought tonight in that brown rice pasta.

DAY 23: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Wed, Mar 16, 2011

T minus 5 days and counting. Today’s reflection is on the quintessential gathering around a table. The pilgrims and Indians know all about that. Most Americans mark a celebration with it. There’s the family dinner, the extended Sunday family dinner, Easter/Christmas/Thanksgiving dinners, 4^th of July picnics, backyard BBQs, birthdays, girl’s night out … the list goes on and on. Today was no exception. My department when to lunch to celebrate one of my colleagues’ (yet-to-be-born) new baby girl. The appetizers were mouth-watering, the entrees looked delicious and don’t get me started on the desserts. Did I mention this was Italian at it’s best? I order the spinach salad sans bacon and the linguine with marinara sauce and keep myself ignorant to the ingredients. Here’s hoping that the pasta was egg free! I won’t even bother hoping for gluten-free. And though my meal was delicious, all I wanted was to sink my teeth into some of that bread (made with milk and eggs – believe me, I asked!), appetizers and desserts that everyone around me was enjoying. This blog keeps me accountable yet again! I know I’ve come a long way, just maybe not far enough to turn down the good ole fashioned gathering around a table.

Something new to report: If you like Soy Sauce, you should get yourself some Organic Tamari. I finally tried it with my rice & veggie leftovers. Two thumbs up!

Tonight I stepped into Safeway for the first time since I began my vegan challenge. I made it easy on myself – I wasn’t there to shop for me! My company has an office in Japan and we are sending a giant care package of items that our employees there have requested. The stores in Japan are sold out and distribution centers are not restocking them due to the travel restrictions. We’re putting all our hope in FedEx. Goooooo FedEx!! Back to Safeway … I bought all sorts of goodies that I would like to eat. It was cathartic in a weird way.

Closing thought … must learn the art of gathering around a table the healthy way (it’s so hard without brownies or cheesecake or peach goo. Or Ice cream! Definitely Ice Cream!).

DAY 22: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Tues, Mar 15, 2011

T minus 6 days and counting. Tonight I’m reflecting on the often asked question, “So do you feel better eating this way?” Until tonight my answer had always been “Um, not really.” But as I look back over the past few months compared to these latest few weeks, I do find one interesting tidbit. I think it’s quite possible that I had been eating myself into a sugar-induced state of depression. Lack of sugar, better hydration, and “whole foods” tend to make for a better overall mental state. And so now, should someone ask, my answer will be entirely different. I will simply say “Yes, Yes I do feel better. Thanks for asking.” Smile and go on my merry way. After all, feeling good and “feeling” good really are two different things.

On my plate today was pretty standard vegan faire. I’ve been steadily making a huge batch of brown basmati rice every 3-4 days (depending on if I’m feeling generous and share with the roomie!), and if you’ve been reading this daily outpouring of vegan-ness you’ll remember that I also cooked a giant pile of veggies that I’m still eating off of. Rice and veggies stir-fry. It has been, and remains, one of my favorite things to eat – vegan or not.

Oh, I almost forgot … hold on to your hats, because I have a surprise! I love my red roasted pepper hummus! You heard that right! I still can’t believe it, but it is one of my go-to snackages during the day. Yippee for powering through!

My gym offers yoga class on Tuesday nights and I started taking it off and on a few months ago. I have to say, that I really enjoy it, and tonight it was double the pleasure – class was good and it counts as my meditation for the day! If you’ve never taken yoga, it certainly opens up your entire exercise vocabulary with words like: chaturanga, stick pose, happy baby and mountain pose. But my favorite part is when all the lights go off and you literally just lay there and breathe. Breathe with me … ahhhhhhhhhhh! See, don’t you feel better already?

Since I got home so late, I didn’t want a big meal, so I opted for another of my favorites – vegan or not! Toast with peanut butter and bananas. L-O-V-E it!! (for my Neighborhood church friends, I really mean that! I DO love it!)

Closing thought … it’s been a very “vegan or not” day of favorites!

DAY 21: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Mon, Mar 14, 2011

T minus 7 days and counting! I think what I am most looking forward to is not wondering what I will be able to eat when my co-workers go to lunch or when my girls all get together. That has definitely been the biggest struggle. I’ve had to take my own food almost everywhere – just in case there was nothing vegan, gluten-free and non-processed!

Tonight, I had another cooking adventure, but this time with an entirely different outcome. Brown rice pasta with tomato basil sauce. Not my favorite. And I’m not entirely sure why? I mean, this meal sounds right up my alley. But, and this is a BIG BUT, The sauce had way too much garlic for my liking. Surprise! Me not like garlic? What can I say, I'm a non-garlic girl. Anyway, the label should definitely say “tomato basil garlic”. How hard would it be to add that little word to the label? The worst of it is that I used the rest of my sautéed mushrooms. Boo!

The flip side of the boo coin, is a yippee! I think I have figured out a workout secret. It’s a secret power snack to fuel any workout. Apple and a nut butter of your choice. There is a plethora to choose from – gala, fuji, pink lady and peanut, cashew, almond. I have a whole jar of almond butter to consume, so I’ve been using that. I digress. The point is, if you eat well and drink plenty o' water during the day, this secret power snack will give you a boost for a kick-booty workout! So what are you waiting for … go on, give it a try! Yes! I mean now! Drop and give me twenty! (I must be channeling my trainer! Ha ha!)

Closing thought … do I try the brown rice pasta again tomorrow for lunch? It’s a toss-up!

DAY 20: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Sun, Mar 13, 2011

I have a new discovery! Coconut cultured milk (aka yogurt made from coconut milk)! I bought the vanilla flavor thinking I could spruce it up with fruit and granola if needed only to find that it truly tastes like pudding! A yummilicious vanilla desert pudding. Granola and berries just add a little frosting to the decadence that is this dessert. It’s so good! Now, this is a dessert that I can get on board with – and technically, it’s not a dessert. Even better!

On to meditation. As today is Sunday, I find the best “meditation” simply singing praises at church! It is especially nice doing it in children’s church among all the “little children of the Lord”. God created music and singing and I just have a feeling, a part of that was for our health, well-being and de-stressing! Because it does all those things!!! If you need a meditation break, just pick your favorite hymn or worship song and let it fly. Good stuff!

I’m anxious for tomorrow to come because then I start my week-long countdown!! What does that mean for you, my fine reader friends? It means a countdown to the integration process. What I’ve learned, what I’m taking with me moving forward and how I’ve changed.  I bet you can’t wait. Ha ha!

Closing thought … good thing I bought TWO coconut yogurts! YUM!

DAY 19: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Sat, Mar 12, 2011

Wow! I had to do a double take on the day. Day 19 already. Sometimes I can hardly believe it. I admit that this has been easier than I anticipated. Of course, I was thinking worst case scenario, so I guess anything is better than that. I honestly believe that I would not have made it this far without cheating had it not been for this blog. I find great accountability in it. And on that note ….

I just got home from Girl’s night out! We had a great time hanging out, shopping, trying on clothes and eating. And because it was girl’s night out (not an every day occurrence), I felt justified in indulging in chips and salsa and grain crackers. Now you may be thinking, “sounds vegan to me!” and you’d be correct. I did not cheat on the vegan eating, but I did “cheat” on the cleanse. I’m pretty sure the crackers had gluten and chips are just banned from the cleanse in general! So, to stay true and honest, there you have it.

I discovered a GREAT meal today! Remember a few days ago how I added black beans to my rice, sprinkled Southwest seasoning on it, and topped it off with veggies and salsa. Well, today, I added some Soysation cheese! And this meal, my friends, is amazing! I’m thinking next time of doing it as a baked casserole type dish. Who wants to come for dinner? Although I have to admit, it would probably be even better with a little chicken!

Closing thought … I should experiment with recipes more often. Apparently, I’m quite good at it!

DAY 18: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Fri, Mar 11, 2011

I do love a good Indiana Jones movie and of course my favorite is The Last Crusade. I bring this up because today, I heard that old knight (the one with the giant hand!) say “You have chosen poorly” right after taking my first bite of the Gobble Green lunch I brought. Note to self, you do NOT like the Kung Pao “chicken” (chicken meaning some sort of fake, vegan chicken substitute).

I did; however, find something new that I ate instead. When I went to Whole Foods the other day, I made myself really look at the varieties of yogurt available and I found some vegan alternatives that looked quite tasty. I mean, give me anything that says “Key Lime Pie” and I bet it’s good! I don’t care if it was made with soy – it was yummy! Throw in some glute-free granola and BAM! you have a delicious snack/lunch.

Tonight I cut up all the vegetables I bought and cooked them – it looked so pretty in the dish. Like a rainbow!! Now I have a huge tub of left-overs that I get to enjoy for a few days! How smart am I?

You know, I feel like I’m really getting the hang of this healthy eating thing. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, so I’ll wait another 3 days before I get over-confident :). I still have some cravings … like a good turkey sandwich, or some white fish with a pablano sauce, and of course good ole fashioned chocolate chip cookies.  But, the big realization is that I don’t have to eat the cookie every time it’s presented to me (which is every day at work!). I will survive if I say No! No one ever died from saying no to a chocolate chip cookie. Wow, I feel so smart and healthy :)

Closing thought … that meditation with my noise canceling headphones really worked! 

DAY 17: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Thur, Mar 10, 2011

The day of triple temptation, no food and a long night.

You will NOT believe what arrived on my desk today. Five boxes of Thin Mints! Wasn’t it just a few days ago that I ordered these suckers? I thought it would take at least 2 weeks to come in, but no. And now I have to stare at them for at least 11 more days. Temptation #1.

One of my favorite vendors came to the office today. We are working on this big project, so I was in and out of meetings with them all day. It just so happened that the project lead had a birthday yesterday. So what did this most-favorite-vendor do? They brought in cupcakes and champagne! I’m talking red velvet and chocolate scrum-delici-oso cupcakes. Temptation #2.

Tonight I went to a great charity event hosted by Betty Confidential benefiting AVID, an organization that helps kids in foster care with education including college. A great cause. And of course, platters of tasty little morsels. The kind that you can just pick up by the handful and pop in your mouth. Temptation #3.

I left straight from work to take part in the event, knowing that I would not have time to eat dinner. Oddly enough, I’m not even hungry, but the slight headache I now have is saying otherwise. I ate my rice cracker and hummus snack at 3pm (while everyone else was devouring cupcakes!) and didn’t get to eat again until 9:15, when I got in my car to drive home and anxiously ripped open a KIND bar (I haven’t talked about these before – but they are goooooood!).

And my work day finally ended roughly 12 hours after it began. Oh, did I not mention that I was attending the event for my company? For anyone who has not worked an event as a representative of your company, it’s different than attending as just you. It’s “work” you. You have to be “on” all night. I’m so ready to be “off”!

Closing thought … it’s a Gobble Green pre-packaged vegan meal for lunch tomorrow! 

DAY 16: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Wed, Mar 9, 2011

Today marked my 2^nd trip to Whole Foods in my whole life. It was MUCH faster and less expensive – both wins in my book! You know you’ve hit a groove when you are shopping for your “favorites”. Of course, I couldn’t resist a few new (and hopefully) tasty treats! I found myself in the middle of what-can-only-be-described as the gluten-free aisle looking at brownie mixes. One just happened to find it’s way into my cart. It was calling out to be rescued from the shelves and who am I to refuse aid? Alas, I know that I can’t make them for another 12 days, so into the back of the cupboard it goes.

I had mentioned Larabars in an earlier post and Whole Foods has an aisle of flavor possibilities to try out! Target only has 2 (booooo). New flavors for this week: Cinnamon Roll, Lemon Bar and Key Lime. Oooooo …. Can’t wait to dig in. Now for some Larabar education: All Larabars are gluten-free, but Vegans beware, not all Larabar flavors are animal-free. For some reason tonight, I would see gluten-free and automatically assume VEGAN! So NOT the case. Gluten-free does not a vegan make. And thus another round of label reading!

As promised, meditation activities commenced this evening. I tried to take it very seriously! In fact, there was no giggling (sorry to disappoint!). Tonight’s exercise was to focus on each muscle group in order to relax all your muscles down to your toes. Easy enough, right? I must be too high strung for my own good. It probably didn’t help that I had my window open and could hear traffic and planes and in the faint distance BART trains. That and I’m a huge mind-wanderer. So I kept thinking about the noises outside, thinking about what to make for lunch, thinking about the clothes I need to put away, the things I need to do at work, and on and on. I’m hoping practice makes perfect. I’ve got another 12 days to figure it out.

Closing thought … hmmm, which Larabar flavor should I try in the morning? I think I’ll go with Cinnamon Roll.

DAY 15: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Tues, Mar 8, 2011

Wow, after 14 days of writing daily about my varying vegan cleanse experiences, I expected to run out of topics … but alas, I have not!

Part of the cleanse includes meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress, neither of which I have done. So, the next 2 weeks, I am vowing to take part in that which makes Leslie a stress-free girl. The nutritionist provides us with guided meditations. Ya know, the kind you that you giggle at because the soothing voice is just so … soothing and maybe a little velveeta (aka cheesy).  So yes, I will try the soothing voice lady. BUT, I am also creating my own meditation.  A little thing called Worship. Because really, who wants me to be the healthiest me that I can be? Soothing voice lady or my Saviour? I think this is a great plan!

The other thing that I am supposed to do to reduce stress is lessen the intensity of workouts, which I also have not done. But for me, I think working out is a great stress reliever. Did we learn nothing from Legally Blonde? “People who workout have endorphins. Endorphins make people happy. Happy people don’t kill other people.” (paraphrased!)

The good news is that for the last two weeks, the answer to my trainer’s “How do you feel from our last workout?” has been “Great!”. Normally, this is not the case. We push hard and by the end my legs are usually quaking in their boots from exhaustion. As anyone who works out knows, there’s something I like to call the 2-day burn. On the second day after a hard workout, you can barely put one leg in front of the other. And forget about the staircase! Ouch! HOWEVER, since being on this cleanse, I have noticed that the typical 2-day burn has not come for a visit! My muscles are recovering faster. It’s GREAT!

Closing thought … (in my best soothing voice) relax, forget about your day, put the past behind you (*giggle*)

DAY 14: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Mon, Mar 7, 2011

It’s the curse of another “p” word. I’m not talking about poop today, I’m talking about dreaded PIMPLES! Lots of them, all over my face. I even found one on my eyelid. How does that happen? I think all these toxins that I’m trying to rid my body of are taking their leave through my face. It’s a really good thing my skin care provider also happens to be my best friend! Mandy, please tell me you’ve got an opening on Saturday. My face could really use it!

In spite of the curse of the pimple, I am officially celebrating 2 weeks! That’s right! 2 weeks, baby! It’s truth time. Anyone who thought I would’ve folded by now, make yourselves known. I forgive you.

With celebration comes remembrance: It’s been two weeks since I enjoyed the caterer’s most delicious chocolate chip cookies. Two weeks since I’ve savored a chocolate truffle. Two weeks since I got to use my “I Love Ice Cream” mug. And in those two weeks, I have not stepped one foot on the “s” word. The dreaded scale … dun,dun,dun!!!!!!

Two weeks of denying myself my favorite treats and it better result in something good on that scale. After all, toxins should weigh something. And when they are de-toxed, you should be lighter. I’m just saying.

I’m happy to report that I’m celebrating more than just the 2 week mark! Yup, my toxins weighed something and that makes it all worth it!

Closing thought … pimples, poop, scales, lentil loaf, hummus, almond butter, tofu. I wonder what the next 2 weeks hold.

DAY 13: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Sun, Mar 6, 2011

It’s time. I’ve been putting it off long enough. Yes, it’s time for the dreaded “p” word. That’s right. POOP! Hey, if Oprah can have a whole show about it, then I can at least devote one blog to it!

Let’s get it all out there (literally)! Question time … how often do you go #2? How often do you even think about the last time you went #2? If you’re anything like me, it’s not often. It’s not like I have a poop log by my toilet to document my bowel movements.  But when you are on a cleanse, trying to rid your body of toxins, it’s good to at least be aware!

Did you know that a healthy GI system should produce 1-2 well-formed bowel movements a day?  A day, people!!! A day! And that normal “transit” time from mouth to movement is about 12-24 hours.

Here’s a fun test:

Ingest either 1 gram of charcoal tablets (found at a pharmacy) or eat a cup of shredded raw beets and write down the time and date. And then wait. The charcoal will turn your poop black and the beets will turn it red. Then note what time and date that black or red poop appears and there is your transit time.

The good thing about eating cooked veggies (as prescribed by the nutritionist running the cleanse challenge) instead of raw is that there are no active enzymes in cooked veggies, which makes it easier for the digestive system to break down the food and get it through the system.

For the inquiring minds out there … at first I had bloating and gas as my system was getting used to the new way of eating, but that has subsided. Still don’t have the “healthy GI system”, but I’m working on it.

Whew, the poop blog post is done! Aren’t you all so glad?

Closing thought … I think the phrase “bowel movement” is funny. I don’t know why! Let’s start a movement … see what I mean! Funny!

DAY 12: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Sat, Mar 5, 2011

Today was a good day!! My friend Mandy and I went rock climbing at a gym in Concord today. Super fun, super tiring for your fingers and arms! But I got all juiced up with a second try of my quinoa/millet cereal. This time, I added peanut butter instead of almond butter and a dash of real maple syrup. It was gooey-licious! I think perfection can be reached next time with the addition of a banana.

I was a cooking fool upon my return from my rock climbing escapades. So much so that my roommate commented “Wow, look at you doing all that food prep!” I realized in that moment how long it’s really been since I’ve actually cooked as much as I have recently. I used to cook all the time, but let’s face it – NO ONE likes making meals for just 1. So the roommate says that she wouldn’t mind if I cooked and she ate!

On my plate today is a definite crowd pleaser, quinoa pasta with veggies (mushrooms, spinach, squash and zucchini) with an organic tomato basil sauce. This is one of my favorite meals! And for dinner, I made some more veggies with rice fully planning on an Asian-inspired dish with organic tamari (aka soy sauce). But inspiration of another kind took hold. I ended up frying the rice that I prepared with some southwestern seasoning, Cuban style black-beans and a little salsa. Veggies with a southwest rice mix – can you say magnifique? Good stuff.

The end of my evening is just as good. It’s time for some Bolthouse Farms juice. It’s GREEN. And I mean thick and green. Green like the green grass; green like the pine green crayon in a Crayola box; green like algae floating on a lake. This stuff is green! And I am drinking it and … wait for it … LOVING IT!

Closing thought … I prefer this kind of day to yesterday!

DAY 11: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Fri, Mar 4, 2011

It’s 1am. Eyes tired. Mind stopped working. Went to bed. Forgot to blog. Inner debate. Decision time. Saunter downstairs. Turn on computer. Here I am.

It’s a Friday night (er, Sat morning), and when I was driving home from work, all I wanted was some pizza and an ice cream sundae. It’s a very good thing I have this blog to keep me accountable. Especially after posting my “I didn’t know I was cheating” blog a few days ago – now I know how you all feel about cheaters! I am many things; a cheater is not among them.

Writing this late, I get reflective. So, on a more serious note than previous blog posts … here goes.

The thing about a detox is that it’s really not so much about what’s going on inside your intestinal tract as much as what’s going on inside your cranium. Where does the craving for pizza and ice cream come from? I suppose I am an emotional eater. Interesting things afoot at work – I eat. Happy times as a cause for celebration – bring on the cake. Feeling blue, depressed or all around bad mood – I indulge. Without being able to take to the comfort of a pint of ice cream, you are forced to confront what it is that brought on the sudden sugar craving. Frankly, I’d rather eat those feelings, but you all are forcing my hand with this “accountability blog!” Which I will thank you for when I’m more coherent!

So no, I did not cheat. Still vegan. Still detoxing. Just don’t ask me to be happy about it today. Blah … what I downer am I?

Closing thought … Sleep. Need sleep. Must stop and get sle …. <snore>

DAY 10: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Thur, Mar 3 2011

I’m feeling a little cheeky today. My co-workers have been rubbing their meat-eating ways in my face, my roommate apologizes for it and my mother just laughs :). She sent me this great joke that I knew I wanted to post on the blog eventually and today is the day!!

But first, things first.  Today was … interesting. I had some business meetings in Sacramento, which made it impossible to eat on a schedule. No snacks at all! But, I wasn’t really hungry anyway. The detox is designed to eat small meals throughout the day, which is technically how we should be eating – vegan or not. I feel like I’m eating all the time and thus, I never experience that hunger feeling. However, this whole no snack thing did NOT go over well in my workout. My energy just wasn’t there. Blah!

And on that note … I give you the infamous joke: 

Our teacher asked us what our favorite animal was, and I said, "Fried chicken."

She said I wasn't funny, but she couldn't have been right, because everyone else in the class laughed.

 

My parents told me to always be truthful and honest, and I am. Fried chicken is my favorite animal. I told my dad what happened, and he said my teacher was probably a member of PETA. He said they love animals very much. I do, too. Especially chicken, pork and beef.

Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal's office. I told him what happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.

The next day in class my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was.

I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, just like she'd asked the other children. So I told her it was because you could make them into fried chicken.

She sent me back to the principal's office again. He laughed, and told me not to do it again. I don't understand. My parents taught me to be honest, but my teacher doesn't like it when I am.

Today, my teacher asked us to tell her what famous person we admire most.

I told her, "Colonel Sanders." Guess where I am now...???

Closing thought … I love my mom. She’s funny!!

DAY 9: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2011

PASTA TIME!!! And this time no cheating, no guilt! Quinoa pasta is gluten free, my fine friends! Pair it with some sautéed mushrooms and spinach … Buon Appetite!

(now imagine me kissing my fingers, Italian chef style).

The problem with pasta is that, aside from eating too much in 1 sitting (which I do), the vegan diet can become, well, a pasta diet. That’s the danger when someone such as myself goes vegan, even for a limited engagement. This is the very reason I have not fixed myself pasta … until now!

Today was the first day I had the guts to sit with my co-workers for lunch. I took my left-over lentil loaf, for which I was properly razzed, and ate quite casually with them. Well, as casually as a carnivore, who isn’t eating meat, can while watching others ingest baked chicken. In all seriousness, it wasn’t that bad! But watching them eat the famed caterer’s chocolate chip cookies … now that is torture!

Add to it that today our VP of Sales brought his daughter in to sell Girl Scout cookies! Thankfully they ran out of the “instant gratification” boxes by the time they made the rounds to where I sit (someone is looking out for me – thank you, Lord!), so I had to order them. I’m just hoping that they arrive AFTER March 22!!

Yes, it has been a sugar-craving day. Good thing I have my Chocolate Almond milk back in stock for such an occasion! I do; however, wonder when the willpower muscle will get a break from the constant denial of chocolate. That is one kick-bootie workout! And boy, is it plum-tuckered out!

Closing thought … surely Thin Mints are vegan, right?

DAY 8: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Tues, Mar 1, 2011

Is it really cheating if you have no idea that you are doing it? I have some sad news to report, friends … I just discovered that my most favorite vegan treat, Vanilla Chai tea, has caffeine and barley, the latest addition to the veggie soup I made, is not gluten free. Caffeine and gluten – twin nemsis-es (what is the plural of nemsis?). Both of which are not allowed on the detox cleanse.

This may leave you wondering, what else is not allowed on this v-tox? And more importantly, WHY?

Here’s the why … TOXINS. Apparently they are everywhere. And suddenly your body becomes a breeding ground. The point of the v-tox is to cleanse them out, like a stray cat that doesn’t belong.

And here are the things that I should be trying to do on this v-tox:

–      Avoid Stress - fat chance of this one!

–      Avoid Synthetic Beauty products – sorry, that’s all I got; Mandy, maybe you can hook me up!

–      Air out your house – did you know that the concentration of toxins inside your home is 5-10 times greater than that of outside?

–      Install high efficiency particle air filters in your home – uh…. What?

–      Replace cleaning products with non-toxic ones – okay, I concede this one, but replacing them all at one time is expensive!

–      Drink only filtered water – DONE!

–      Shower in only filtered water – really?

–      Avoid pressed wood furniture (because of the formaldehyde content) – I hope that doesn’t include Target and Ikea furniture!

–      Avoid air fresheners – no comment

–      Don’t use moth balls (they are a carcinogen), use cedar chips instead – easy one!

Just to name a few. As I learn, so shall you learn!

Closing thought … I think a few stress-relieving, deep-breathing exercises are in store for this evening.

DAY 7: The Adventures of a Vegan Carnivore

Original Post Date: Mon, Feb 28, 2011

Today marks the end of week 1!! I made it a whole week!! Granted, if you’ve been following along, it has not been without it’s good and bad.

Tonight’s experiment – Lentil Loaf. I got home around 7:30 (after a much needed stop at Trader Joes to pick up some more of that delicious chocolate almond milk) and was really hungry. And with the frequency with which I am eating, that in itself is surprising!  I had grandiose plans of making rice and veggie stir-fry, but I opted for one of my Gobble Green meals instead. I have 7 of them and am pacing myself for the next 21 days so that I don’t run out of a “quick” meal. They are vacuum packed and frozen, so a quick zap in the microwave is all it takes.

Back to the Lentil Loaf. It smells a little weird before microwaving, so I anxiously await the 4 minutes as it heats wondering what on earth it will smell like after being heated! Surprise number 2 for the evening, it actually smelled pretty good. On to the taste test … it’s a little crumbly, so I mash it up much like I would potatoes and take the first bite. Not bad … not bad at all … crunch! … what was that? … yum … I think that was green pepper … (dig fork in another bite of lentil loaf) … yep, green pepper … I think I like this.

So, there you have it folks. The Lentil Loaf gets a thumbs-up on first taste. If you’d have asked me at the beginning which was more appealing Lentil Loaf vs. Almond Butter, I definitely would have gone with the Almond Butter. But Lentil Loaf is the Cinderella story!

I went an extra step tonight, I made a batch of quinoa pasta for dinner tomorrow night and cooked a batch of barley to add to my soup for lunch. Did you know it takes 75 minutes to cook barley! Oh, the things I’m learning.

Closing thought … must try the apple cinnamon barley recipe on the back of my barley bag (say that 3 times real fast!). It looks scrumptious, but I have to wait at least another 21 days!