"Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet"

Sounds like something some rebel from the PETA organization might say, right?  Or maybe someone like Paul McCartney or some other celebrity that goes around promoting vegetarianism.  Maybe one of the doctors like Ornish or Bernard.  Though they would clearly all agree, in this case it was the genius, Albert Einstein, who penned that quote.  I have never been one to argue with the teachings of Einstein.  Anyone who can figure out relationships between mass and energy or develop theories on relativity, surely has a lot more smarts than this girl!

Tonight is Vegan Feast Thursday and the theme is "Sandwich Smorgasbord."  Though I will be making some home baked tofu sticks to put into a pita, as one sandwich option, it's really important that people understand there are so many foods that are naturally vegan.  This is why I prefer to call it a plant-based diet, as it sounds less like a cult!  For example, I bought a gorgeous loaf of prairie bread at Whole Foods and with that I will be making pre-made peanut butter and jelly and peanut butter and banana sandwiches.  I will also be making a mock tuna-salad that calls for chickpeas in place of the tuna.  I mash up the chickpeas and add some diced celery, red onion, dill pickle and add some "Veganaise" and poof, it looks just like tuna.  Though it doesn't taste exactly the same, the dill pickles really make it seem like tuna and I, for one, don't miss the fishy taste at all.  The "kids" like the faux cold-cuts made by Tofurky, so I'll put some of that on the table, too.  Low in calories and really tasty on a sandwich, I generally stay away from them because they are processed.

I am not suggesting any of the above (except for the cold-cuts) are low in calories but the good news is, once you eliminate animal fat, nothing is that crazy fattening!  I will, however, also be making a huge salad and maybe even grill up some fresh veggies.  Either of those go well in a pita or wrap and are healthy and low in calories so that takes care of me.

And because I believe in CHOICE (with most all things) I will offer some regular old cold-cuts from the Publix deli.  I totally understand that what works for me, may not work for the next guy.  I am very grateful to my son Derek and my "adopted adult son," Peter, for inspiring me to cook new things and try new things.  I can honestly say that since my "minor meltdown" almost 2 weeks ago, and since reading The Kind Diet, I have regained a peaceful easy feeling in my heart and soul.  I haven't really counted calories and my weight is stable.  I am getting more than enough protein from the foods I eat, (I am positive we don't need as much protein as we think and I would need more than many as weight lifting is part of my daily routine) more than enough calcium from soy milk and leafy greens and get my B vitamins from a product called nutritional yeast that I sprinkle on...most everything!  I have been eating incredibly satisfying and tasty meals void of ANY guilt.  My skin feels good.   My energy level is great and I have been sleeping really well.  Not sure if it's a coincidence or not, but I haven't had a hot flash either and that might be the best bonus of all!

Thank you, Mr. Einstein.  Thank you Alicia Silverstone.  Thank you Derek and Peter.  Thank YOU for taking the time to read.  Some people choose a plant-based diet for their health.  Some for the sake of the animals.  Some just to be trendy.  I was never one to be focused on trendy, but I do think what will help the animals will also help me.  I call that a win-win.

Now it's time to take my furriest friend out for his morning stroll.  Thursday is his day to decide where and how far...it's my day to have a personal (dogonal?) trainer!  Another win-win.  Life IS good!