This Starts A New Chapter In My Life

Oh gosh. Where do I start with this?

First, I guess is to let it be known that this blog isn't really intended to enlighten anyone about the vegan lifestyle or to be a "how to go vegan" guide. It's really just meant to be a personal diary and reference as I make my way in transitioning to a healthier, more compassionate, and socially responsible lifestyle.

Note the word "transitioning" ... this is going to be a gradual process. As much as I'd love to just flip a switch and suddenly be that vegan person I aspire to be, the reality is there's a lot I need to learn. It isn't enough to just want to make this lifestyle change (at least for me it isn't) and to read books about all the great reasons for becoming vegan. I need to figure out how to implement all this knowledge in my life and put it into practice.

There's also the concern and realization that I'm not the only person my decision effects. I'm not just cooking for myself. My husband has no real interest in becoming vegan (although he does want to eat healthier so that's a plus!) and shares my "just keep it simple" approach to food. We are not gourmet cooks and don't have gourmet tastebuds! It's Burgers and fries. Spaghetti and Meatballs. Steak and Potatos. Soup and Sandwiches. Bacon and Eggs. Basically easy to prepare, but horrible for you. Since I don't want to be cooking two meals every night and I feel everyone deserves to make this choice for themselves, there's definitely going to be a few obstacles I'll need to work around.

I know I'm going to need a place to vent as I'm sure there will be a lot of frustration and even "food mourning" in the days ahead. I know I'll have days where I totally blow it. I'm certain I'm going to come across situations that I don't know how to handle or manage. This blog will hopefully help get me through those rough patches.

I'm also certain that there will be moments of accomplishment, enlightenment, even victory. It will be nice to have a place to document those occasions as well.

Mostly, I'm hoping this blog will serve as a place where I can record recipes - the successes anyway - so I have a quick and easy reference to turn to when I'm stuck or need inspiration. My "go to recipes" if you will. I'll gradually try some of those unknown and scary ingredients (tofu, seitan, curry, rice milk to name a few) and see where it takes me. But for now -- it's "No Frills Vegan".

I must admit, I'm expecting to eat plenty of salads in the near future. And I'm sure I'll be putting my Blendtec to work making lots of green smoothies. But that's OK ... it's a process and I'm going to ease into this gradually. I think as I come up with more and more recipes that I (we) like and enjoy, becoming totally vegan will become easier and a lifestyle we can truly embrace.

So -- let the adventure begin.