“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!
I am delighted that you’re feeling well Bon!
That mock tuna sounds great! I think I’ll give it a try this weekend.
Keep up that “peaceful easy feeling”!!
the exact recipe, Carole, goes like this…(based on 2 cans of garbanzos which is A LOT)
30 ounces of garbanzo beans drained
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 teaspoon garlic minced
1/4 cup dill pickle, finely chopped
2 tablespoons nori seaweed flakes (i DONT use)
1 cup vegan mayonnaise (i use veganiase brand, you could use real mayo, of course!) i also use less than a cup!
1 tsp salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
In large bowl mash the chickpeas with the back of a fork or potato masher. Add everything else! Mix well …serve on your favorite bread with lettuce and tomato or rolled up in a wrap or even in lettuce leaves.
PS on a side note…mitch and i saw Alice in Wonderland and thought it was very entertaining! definitely glad we went…oxox say hi to everyone
You are a “win-win.” Thanks for all the new food ideas. My kitchen is always open for new ideas. Have you ever tried the Veggie Slices by Galaxy Foods? They are soy based, melt like cheese and are really yummy. They are also cholesterol and lactose free and come in a variety of flavors. I like the mozzarella flavor. I buy them in Publix in the organic aisle. Since I am lactose intolerant, these slices are perfect for me. Enjoy your feast tonight!!!
I just had an epiphany!!! We need to share recipes each week!! Wouldn’t that be awesome??? They can be vegan, plant-based and heart-healthy recipes!! I am excited!
That, my friend rita, is a great idea and I think we shall pick one day a week to do that….let me just mull it around to see which day makes the most sense…i am thinking, probably thursdays 🙂 I will post a recipe and then whoever wants to “comment” with a recipe of their own, JUST DO IT!
and yes, i have tried the veggie slices..as a matter of fact, just this morning i had a slice of the prairie bread with a little tofutti cream cheese and a piece of the american style Galaxy Foods brand cheese…i don’t love it like i love the tofutti cream cheese but when i put it all together it makes a healthy, plant-based, low-calorie meal…
Thanks for your excitement!!!
Well…….I just want to “piggy-back” on your recipe!! I make home-made humus………so simple. I use a can of northern beans, a little olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon and garlic. I put everything into my “bullet” and blend for about 20-30 seconds……voila!!! Unfortunately, I do not measure the ingredients…..I just “eye-ball” it. I really do not think that anyone can mess this up. It is wonderful!!!! Sometimes, I do not blend it too much and there are little chunks of the beans. Yum!
OK – This is definitely NOT something that I can contribute to LOL 🙂 If it has more than 5 ingrediants, I won’t even make the attempt. The only meals I cook all start the same way (saute onions, peppers, mushrooms in some OO – on top of that add a chicken breast or a Boca Burger or a piece of fish – cook until done) then eat. OK that’s it for me 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks for the recipes Bonni and Rita!
I’ll try them both!!
Carole with an “e”–i have used cannellini beans for my hummus, too…thats the way the local greek place makes theirs but mine never tastes as good…i am gonna try rita’s version soon!
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