Tag Archives: veganuary

Veganuary II. Because once is not enough

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Today is the first day of 2019–and the launch date of Veganuary, my month-long  commitment to abstain from all alcohol, meat and refined sugar.

It’s my second go-around with Veganuary. I didn’t plan to repeat the pledge after successfully staying the course in 2016. I got bored with a diet devoid of meat and fish of any kind. I missed wine. And although I don’t have a sweet tooth, I chaffed at denying myself an occasional chocolate.

clipping-piglets-teeth-and-cutting-off-their-save-ernie-tails-10248828So why am I doing Veganuary II? Because I need to cleanse and recalibrate after months of eating and drinking too much. I want to lose weight. I want to be more productive. And I believe it’s healthy to challenge ourselves to do better.

The first time around was a personal test.

This time, it’s something I need to do so that I can be my healthiest, most authentic self.

The concept of Veganuary was born in Britain, where animal rights activists encourage carnivores to go meatless for a month in hopes they will lay down their steak knives for good. I upped the ante by adding alcohol and sugar to the challenge. It’s not enough to forgo pork chops. Let’s go whole hog!

Fruit-Veggies-P4EI’m looking forward to Veganuary. Really, I am. The wine is in the rack and the gin is tucked away in the liquor cabinet, where they will stay until February. I stashed the bacon and a few Christmas cookies in the freezer and added faro and lentils to my shopping list. I will even give tofu another try.

On New Year’s Eve, I enjoyed a dinner party with shrimp, chicken, free-flowing wine and a lemon drop martini. Tonight’s repast: eggplant parm, with a tall glass of H2O.

One day down. Thirty to go. Happy Veganuary.

Wasting away again in Dallabridaville

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Midway through February, Veganuary is so over. But it is not a distant memory.

People ask me: What did I learn from a month without refined sugar, alcohol and meat of any kind? Do I feel different? And what did I eat and drink when it was all over?

The last question is the easiest. I went to Eighth and Union Kitchen in Wilmington with a few friends, intent on ordering wine and some sort of non-plant-based protein.

Unknown-2Before the main course, we ordered appetizers to share, among them a plate of spicy cauliflower. Along with a few florets of cauliflower, I picked up a small, dense cube with my chopsticks, hoping for a nibble of cheese.

But instead of a dairy product stolen from an exploited cow, I tucked into tofu, the much-loathed bean curd that was my culinary nemesis throughout Veganuary. Yes, TOFU. (TO, pronounced “TOW,” and FU as in “F-U, lady! Take that, you carnivore!”)

My first foray into flesh and booze was a nicely grilled salmon served with a glass of pinot noir. Make that two glasses.

The sole physical difference I perceived after a month-long cleanse was that I lost four pounds. Weight loss was not one of my goals, but I’m OK with it. Since then I’ve lost two more pounds, likely because I gave up sweets for Lent. (Although it could be argued that I should have gotten 31 days’ credit for Veganuary.)

I also saved money. Tofu costs about $1.50 a pound, about one-third the price of fish and one-quarter the cost of beef. My wine and spirits tab was zero. And since I am firmly off the wagon, I’ve enjoyed several rounds on friends who had waited an entire month to buy me a drink.

So what did I get out of giving up things I enjoy for a month? I truly believe that challenges are good for us. That setting a goal and sticking to it is an exercise in character building. It’s also helped me to recalibrate. I’m more thoughtful about what I eat and drink. I’m consuming far less sugar, meat only sparingly and a little less wine.

Veganuary reminds me of the great wit Dorothy Parker’s observation on writing: “I hate writing. I love having written.”

I hate Veganuary. I love having Veganuary-ed.

February: The gratitude month

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Midway through Veganuary, my month without refined sugar, alcohol or meat of any kind, people started asking me a thought-provoking question: What are you going to do in February?

Card-Hard-The-Subtle-Art-of-Writing-a-Thank-You-Note-MainPhotoTruth to tell, I looked at the January experiment as a one-and-done proposition.

But the reality is that going public with my personal initiative created an expectation that the next month would bring a new challenge. Veganuary had become part of my schtick. Traffic on my blog tripled whenever I updated my progress.

A friend suggested running a mile every day, the pledge for 2016 espoused by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Or how about committing to 10,000 steps a day?

I like both those ideas. But I ultimately decided to take the advice of my friend and neighbor Anne. Every day in February, I will write a thank you note expressing my gratitude to an individual who has made a difference in my life.

No email, no texting. It has to be on paper. And it must be written in my own hand. As a stationery nerd, I see the value in this. And a fountain pen. I am all in.

I’ve been practicing mindful gratitude since 2008, starting each day with three words: “Thank you, Lord.” In the past year, I’ve established a new habit, adding three specific things I am grateful for that day.

This regimen was inspired by my friend Susie, who began her trio of thanks when she was able to retire early, thanks to a sweet package from her former employer.

Coming up with three timely items for the gratitude list is harder than it seems. On most days, Susie says she checks one off with a standard thank you: “I am so glad I am not married to Chuck any more.”

Because I overthink, my list often takes longer than it should. Are my thoughts germane, reflecting the past 24 hours? Sure, no one can hear me; but am I speaking plainly? And did I miss anything?

During Veganuary, a standard refrain was expressing thanks for staying on course.

Today, the first day I am free to indulge in the full spectrum of food and drink, the editor of a glossy wines and spirits magazine contacts me. Can I take on an assignment on tequila cocktails?

Yes, I can.

A coincidence? We know better.

And so I begin February. Even with leap year, I already am wishing there were more than 29 days in the month. Because there are so many people to thank.

I have delivered my first handwritten note, to my neighbor Anne. Thanks for a great idea!

 

Veganuary: The final hours

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There are 31 days in January.

Veganuary, a month with no refined sugar, alcohol or meat of any kind, feels a lot longer.

red-apple-bite-300x299In these final hours, I’m taking orders. Food orders. Drink orders. What should I eat and what should I drink when all the edibles and beverages I have denied myself are back on the table?

The arrival of February brings more than the opportunity to fall off the wagon and into a vat of beef, bourbon and brownies. I will reflect on what I’ve learned during the month of Veganuary and report back to you. What did I miss the most? What does my body tell me? What does my soul have to say?

Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to breaking the fast.

Veganuary: Week Three

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For the past three weeks, I’ve abstained from meat, refined sugar and alcohol. Call it going cold tofurky.

In winters past, the stove would be bubbling with braised lamb shanks, coq au vin or cod and leek chowder. And each blizzard was followed by a hike to Trolley Square to gather with friends at a neighborhood bar.

These days, it’s bean burritos, barley and veggie soup, and quinoa with a medley of yellow, red and orange tomatoes. A handful of dates for dessert. And water, water and more water.

So, has it been difficult maintaining my commitment? Yes, at times.

Have I stuck with the deal? Yes, absolutely.

But the question I hear the most is: How do you feel?

Other folks who have embraced a plant-based diet say they are bursting with energy. They sleep better. They are more focused. Their skin is smooth and dewy.

1222006Truth to tell, I already felt pretty darn good when I took the Veganuary pledge. I have noticed a slight increase in my energy level, especially in the evenings, when I traditionally wound down with a nice dinner–usually including poultry, beef or seafood–and a glass or two of wine.

It’s also easier to stay on track with other disciplined tasks. I’m exercising and practicing the piano every day.

With 22 days under my belt, I am heading into the home stretch with hopes that I soon will be sleeping like a log, completing tasks with laser accuracy and sporting a radiant complexion.

If I don’t realize those or any other benefits by the end of Veganuary, I am OK with it. I took on the challenge as an exercise in mindfulness, a time of eating and drinking thoughtfully. (Which brings me to another question. What will I eat and drink on Feb. 1?)

After three weeks, doing without meat, sweets and booze is a bit easier.

That said, I’m well aware that I need to keep my eyes on the prize, whatever that might be, as I enter the home stretch. I don’t want to be the figure skater who jumps and spins throughout 4 1/2 minutes of a 5-minute program, only to fall on my fanny on that last triple lutz.

Nine days to go.

 

Veganuary: Week Two

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veggies

I understand that giving up something we enjoy helps us to build character.

After 15 days without meat, refined sugar or alcohol, my character is well under construction.

Midway through Veganuary, I have yet to attain that higher plane where I actually prefer a menu devoid of crab cakes, creme brûlée and champagne. Still, I am managing to stay the course.

In the words of my friend Betsy: “It’s good to have a change in your diet and explore different possibilities. All three are worthy efforts…. You can do it.”

IMG_0735Audrey, a pal from Palmyra High School, suggests I try Hungarian Mushroom Soup from the Moosewood Cookbook. The next day, my friend Geri, who once cooked in a vegetarian restaurant, offers to loan me the very same book.
Soon, my kitchen is fragrant with the scent of sautéing onions and mushrooms, the base for this earthy soup, zipped up with smoked paprika and dill.
Audrey is right. The soup is delicious, a recipe I will make again when I return to the Land of Eating Whatever the Hell I Want after my month-long cleanse.
IMG_0726I also give tofu another try, pan-frying triangular wedges that I’ve marinated in soy sauce, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar and garlic. I serve the tofu over steamed broccoli and sprinkle with sesame seeds, accompanied with San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water. I eat it with chopsticks, hoping it will conjure fond memories of sushi and bento boxes.
It’s better than I thought it would be, although I don’t see tofu rising to the top of my shopping list. At least I’m getting a healthy dose of protein, a tall order on a meat-free diet.

Because I run with a witty crowd, I also am getting lots of razzing. Suddenly, I am inundated with invitations to go out for burgers and beer, often accompanied with the postscript: LOL.

My neighbor Wayne summarizes his sentiments in four words: “See you in February.”

Others are more subtle:

“You need to have your head examined.”

“No wine? What were you thinking?”

“I can’t look. Let me know when it’s over.”

Fifteen days down; 16 days to go.

Veganuary: Week One

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cow-faceAfter one week with no meat, no refined sugar and no alcohol, I don’t feel especially virtuous.

Still, it’s clear that animals like me better, really they do. As I stroll through this peaceable kingdom, cows amble up from the meadow, just to lick my hand. Pigs squeal with delight as I pass by. Roosters crow their greetings. Salmon leap from streams and give me a finny high-five.

I feel more productive, plowing through work, then tackling jobs around the house. I confess a slight sense of accomplishment. And I’m bored.

IMG_0719Specifically, I am bored with my food. Whole wheat penne with pesto; pizza with spinach and roasted red peppers; black beans with salsa; hummus and flax crackers; baked sweet potatoes sprinkled with granola; the seemingly endless vat of homemade navy bean soup with tomatoes, carrots and kale.

And I wonder: am I getting boring, too?

I must decline an invitation from an Italian restaurant to sample new dishes and wines they are adding to the menu. I take a raincheck when a neighbor asks if I would like to share the venison she is roasting for dinner. I join a friend who is having a few people over for wine and cheese. I’m OK with my club soda and crackers. But I would prefer a buttery Chardonnay with brie.

On Day Eight I realize that I need to summon enthusiasm for the fare I’ve committed to for 31 days. As an adventurous eater, I ask myself: why do I embrace sea urchin yet turn up my nose at tofu? Perhaps it’s because I have tasted both and sea urchin is wild, creamy and sensual and tofu reminds me of a plastic bag distilled into squishy cubes.

So tomorrow I will buy a small container of tofu and marinate it. I will do my best to create a dish that is healthy and delicious.

If I still don’t like it I never have to eat it again. So there.

Day Eight. Twenty-three days to go.

The first month of 2016: Veganuary

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The first emerging lifestyle trend of 2016 is Veganuary, a month when ethical- and health-minded folks are encouraged to give up all animal products.

I’m making it lots less complicated. Starting on New Year’s Day, I will forgo all meat, alcohol and refined sugar for one month. Call it the trifecta.

v1Still, I’m not going whole hog on vegan. I will take half and half in my coffee, enjoy an omelet, drizzle honey on my oatmeal. I am not the vegan police and I don’t view a nibble of goat cheese as an act of animal thievery. And giving up wine and sweets strikes me as a fair trade for yogurt.

Ultimately, I just want to do something nice for my body, a 31-day spring cleaning, of sorts.

2015 was a year of getting my home and career in order. In 2016, it’s me who needs to be set right.
beefwellington_2647597bAs V-Day looms, I indulge in beef Wellington and free-flowing Cabernet Sauvignon at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by longtime friends in the Sovereign State of South Jersey. As we count down to midnight, I say good bye to cow and cab, hello to green salads and green tea.

I’ll check in throughout the month to share foods that work for me and various gadgets I discover along the way. I’ll also post a Cocktail of the Hour I tested before I took the pledge. A reminder that February will soon be here.

One month. 31 days. Starting today.