Sunday, October 2, 2011

Vegan MoFo Day 2: Can a Sweet Bean Turn Healthy?

"You cannot build a reputation on what you are going to do." -Henry Ford

"Just Do It." -Nike


I am strictly an ethical vegan: vegan for the animals, not my health or the environment (those are just grand side effects).  Admittedly, I'm not the healthiest eater (although I do love raw kale salad).

I've read about cleanses and considered them, but they've never seemed my style.  Plus, I was under the impression that they involved pricy, store-bought juices and I certainly couldn't justify that.  But then a couple of friends started the self-propelled (and community supported) 21-day Adventure Cleanse from Crazy Sexy Diet.  These gals are better eaters than me to begin with, and way more fit; I still didn't feel like it was for me.  I started following one of their blogs, Well of Intention, but more out of genuine interest and support than camaraderie.  Then I met up with one of them at a recent dinner for another friend and WOW, did she look great.  Not only was she physically stunning, but her whole being just exuded happiness and clarity.  To be fair, after catching up I learned that both her personal and professional life were in a really great place.  But, which came first- the soy chicken or the tofu egg?  Did it matter?

No donuts for 21 days?

Coincidentally, it was that time of year again for Vegan MoFo.  I'd never participated because, although I blog regularly, the idea of doing so every day seemed a bit daunting.  But what if I combined the two considerations and tackled both a cleanse and MoFo simultaneously?  Genius or crazy? 

No pizza?

When I emailed a trusted friend about whether or not I should finally participate in MoFo he was unabashedly enthusiastic.  I was a little more trepidatious about suggesting the possibility of a cleanse.  In fact, I was actually afraid he'd think someone had hacked into my email account, so I ended the message with, "This isn't spam; it's really me. I'm eating a Terri chocolate chip mocha brownie for breakfast."  Thankfully, he was just as supportive about the cleanse idea (although he did concede that "Yep, only you would have a c.chip brownie as you’re talking of a cleanse") and extremely insightful about the idea of my MoFo relying solely on a lifestyle I know nothing about.  I was thrilled with the input and support, but still wondered if I could really do either- let alone both.  

Lula's!

I told VM about my idea and she gave me her lemon-face.  The last time I saw this face was the first Thanksgiving I was a vegetarian; it's not a good face to be on the other end of.  After some prying I was able to determine that she thought a cleanse non-negotiably included colonics.  First of all, no.  Second of all, no.  Third of all, no more Howard Stern for her!

Carbs!

The Crazy Sexy Diet book remained in my shopping cart, the MoFo sign-up form perpetually minimized in my computer tray.  I badgered the cleansers who inspired me for days straight and attempted to will a friend to embark on the journey with me.

And then I just decided to do it.  Why not?  The only thing really standing in my way was taken care of when LB kindly provided me with my blog's feed address (so I could actually sign up for the MoFo), and here I am- on my way.

Snail Food!

Disclaimer: I will officially start the cleanse on Day 4 of MoFo, reporting back on Day 5 (unintentional convolution; stick with me, peeps).  I must sheepishly admit that today, MoFo Day 2, will consist of an all-out Cinnamon Snail feast.  Surprised?  Newbies should poke around my blog and they won't be.  Hear all about it tomorrow.  And then, a cleansing adventure on the horizon...

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Vegan MoFo Day 1: Stuffed Cabbage, Jelly Donut Cupcakes, Vegan Bon-Bons, and a Surprise


Welcome to A (new) Soy Bean experience. 

For starters, I am officially a Vegan MoFo-er.  Click here to find out the intricacies of what that means. Essentially, as far as I'm concerned, it means that, starting today, I will be blogging daily for the month of October.  I know what you're thinking, "How will she do it?"  I will.  For you, I will.

But that's not all.

In honor of this excitement, behold my recent raspberry, jelly donut cupcakes; recipe courtesy of Veganomicon (p.253-4).



Other than that, I do have a surprise up my sleeve for tomorrow.  Let's just say that my normal blogging feasts might be put on hold while I embark upon a new kind of adventure.

But let's concentrate on the grub for now.  Last night VM prepared an amazing vegan meal for dinner: stuffed cabbage!


This is a once-a-decade treat, so I truly take a picture because it will last longer.  It's just a shame they're not slightly more photogenic.


For dessert I contributed...almond bites!  I know this seems kind of insulting amusing, seeing as she went to all that work & I just went to the store, but have you guys tried these things?  They are scary good.  I have not stopped eating them since a certain SL brought them to my attention.  Seriously, I bought the Living Social Whole Foods coupon with the full intention of buying 4 pints of bites and I don't regret it.  Think of bon-bons, only better: vegan and a higher ratio of chocolate to ice cream.  Win-win, my friends.


That's all for now; I can't very well give you everything at once if you're going to get another post so quickly.  So, just to recap, a surprise is in store for tomorrow; see you then!