Just call me POPEYE!!

 Today I am totally craving spinach need to do something with this spinach before it goes bad... So I am looking for a good vegan recipe. I think I am going to have to wing this one...

non-LOSER

So maybe I was a little naive when I started this, but I thought for sure going vegan would make me lose weight. I did cut out fast food, meat, eggs, dairy, all the bad stuff... So why no loss... Uhmmm maybe  definitely had to do with the fact that all the vegan recipes I made were FRIED!! Yeah, so I'm starting all over.. This time around I have to realize:

• Fried is fried... whether its chicken or tofu... its still gonna pack on the pounds..
• Too much bread is never good... I cant make every mean a sandwich!
• Pasta can be a friend or an enemy...in this case DON'T keep your enemies closer!!

Does anyone know of healthy vegan recipes blogs that I can look to for guidance..I need help!!

See... I have plenty of options

Pic borrowed from Vegan Journey...

So this is for everyone who ask me the same question day after day... So what can you eat. Actually,  as you see in the picture, a lot!! No my whole diet is not just fruits and veggies, although it should be a big part. The whole bottom level consist of fruits and veggies.
Wheat,  grains, pasta, and rice are the next group. They are to be eaten generously, and they make for the biggest food group on a vegan pyramid (if you break fruit and veggies apart).
Then their are dairy substitutes. And bean, legume, and seed group. This level should be eaten in moderation.
And the last top level is oils, some sweets, some fats, spices, and nuts. These should be used sparingly!
This is going to be a challenge...

A letter to all...

Dear concerned friends and family,
Yes, I am a vegan. Yes, I know it means no more greasetrucks, Tastees subs, White Rose, Blimpies, and White Castle. No, I am not only going to eat fruits and veggies. Yes, this is the best thing for my body. No, I havent gone mad. Yes, I know its going to be a challenge. No, I dont want that bacon, egg, and cheese for breakfast... thats kinda not vegan... Yes, I still get protein. Yes, calcium is still a part of my diet. No i still havent gone mad. Anything else??...No???... Okay perfect... Thanks...

Love ya and uhm thanks or the "concern"

Jersey Vegan

EggPlant Goodness

Tonight for dinner, I knew I wanted a sandwich of some sort. Mikes Sub's Tastees Blimpies  I'll do it myself I guess.

I was going to go for a tofu fillingbut I knew I needed some veggies in the mix. So I experimented with some eggplant. It came out amazing...Heres how I made it...

1/4 Eggplant (peeled and squared)

cornstarch/water mix
organic all purpose flour (I use whole wheat flour)
Vegan bread crumbs (just make sure their are no eggs in them)
dash of cayenne pepper
dash of salt
dash of pepper
1/2 cup canola oil

Ciabatta bread
pickles
lettuce

Sauce:
ketchup
vegan mayo
hot sauce
wasabi (optional)

Start heating up the canola oil. Take the eggplant and cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. Coat the cubes of eggplant first with flour then with the cornstarch water mix then with the bread crumb, cayenne, salt and pepper mix. When its fully coated, put a handful of the "nuggets into the heated oil. Cook until golden brown
While thats cooking prepare your sauce. Add all 4 ingredients together in equal proportions (except the wasabi, use sparingly)
Put it all together and you have eggplant goodness!!!. ENJOY!!

I did it!! *insert dora song*

So I said if I survive a week of going vegan, I would dedicate a blog to my journey. Well it has been a week. So here I am... The official "Jersey Vegan!"  It was a  long, eye-opening week. I have never cooked so much in my life. But it was amazing. In just a week, I have tried more new foods then i think i did all last year. So onto week two. What new things will I try? What new recipes will I attempt to make?!?! The choices are endless!! And this Jersey girl is up for the challenge.