Before I share my eats from the rest of the day, I wanted to share something I’ve noticed this weekend. As most of you know, I have been on a month-long vegan venture for the month of September (inspired by health reasons, since I don’t eat much meat to begin with and I had a feeling dairy was not good for me). And I’ve been honest with you so far – for the most part everything has been a breeze. However, for some reason this weekend I have been experiencing non-vegan cravings off the charts!
We’re talking fried chicken, nachos and cheese, frozen yogurt/ ice cream….definitely not “good” non-vegan cravings. Since yesterday I had a ton of these weird cravings that were meat-centered (i.e. fried chicken and hamburgers…I don’t even freaking like hamburgers!!), part of me is thinking that my body was calling for more protein (a need I’ll make sure to monitor this week). The other part of me is thinking these cravings were just normal (since it’s been two weeks since I’ve been trying veganism and officially giving up all meat and dairy) and also stress related.
Just wanted to share that and keep it real with you guys. 
Lunch was a non-dairy Amy’s burrito with salsa on top. Yum!! I found these for $2 each..while pricey, it’s definitely a faster and cheaper option than say, walking over to Subway.
Dinner tonight was a comfort bowl: roasted red potatoes, roasted mushrooms, steamed green beans, and leftover vegetarian baked beans.
It was truly a delicious, comforting bowl. For the potatoes and mushrooms, I roasted them with some EVOO, salt, pepper, herbs de provence, garlic powder and paprika in a 425 degree Fahrenheit oven (until mushrooms were soft and the potatoes were crispy…potatoes take longer, so stick them in first).
Now I’m currently sipping on a new tea my awesome hubby picked up for me. You all had great suggestions for “inducing” sleep, and I was excited to try one of those suggestions out tonight.
Yogi Bedtime Tea:
With Valerian!
I’m off to go scan over a cover letter one last time (Ross and I have been going over it back and forth – THANK YOU honey!), submit it and turn the computer OFF! Can’t wait!
Here’s hoping for sweet slumber SOON.
I am so glad you found tea with valerian!!
When I first stopped eating meat I had major cravings for burgers. When I ate meat I didn't even like burgers. Then after a couple months the cravings went away. I think any time you give up a certain food (especially a whole group of foods) you start out with cravings. I love the Amy's burritos! They are so good!
I occasionally crave meat, but only when I smell it, it's very odd! I love your comfort dinner – it looks So good!
I gave up dairy and put some my pizza last night (major weak moment in cravings) and I was soo sick up all night with cramps and everything. And I put minimal cheese. No one believes me that I can't handle dairy, but I think that's living proof my tummy is not a happy person. Good luck on veganism I wish I could do it, but I love my chicken, my one stint as a vegetarian was not healthy or pretty for me.
You know, it's funny you mention this, because I've been having crazy odd cravings too for things that I don't even like to eat. Must be the change in seasons maybe? Not sure, but I find that if I give in a little and eat a similar vegeteranian version of something similar, this usually does the trick.
For example, I really don't like eggs, but every so often I crave a good runny egg when most of the time, the sight of this would make me gag!
Oh well, guess there is no understanding it.
Hope all goes well with the resume. Good luck my dear, you will rock these job opportunites!
Love ya!
it does sound like you might need some more protein there! : ) maybe not of the animal variety.. try it and see how you feel then..
but it might just be the "i cant have it so i want it" thing we all get sometimes..
good luck!!
Oh, my! That dinner looks fantastic!
As far as the cravings go, I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the month you won't get them as much. I've noticed that since I don't eat that many sweets, I genuinely don't crave them any more. Good luck with the protein experiment
I still have meat cravings every once in a while too – totally normal. I love all things Amy's!
Hope the valerian tea helped!
I always feel that since I don't really eat a lot of meat and could go without the dairy, that I'd be a good Vegan or at least a vegetarian. I'm sure your cravings will go away the more you go without.
I must say, due to my love of nachos I would probably have a very tough time going vegan!
You are doing great Lindsay! So far this month, I have had three completely vegan days but I'm continuing to research and learn more about the products and foods that I eat to find out whether or not they are vegan. I've only tried a couple of vegan recipes so far but I'm really enjoying this experience. Good luck the rest of the month, you can do it!