Calling all Vegans

[Ana Gram]

I've been vegan for 6 months now, not sure how long one is a new vegan :laughing: Only 2 years ago, on a bubhub thread, I said I couldn't go vegan :laughing:

I only know three other vegans in real life, one is just an acquaintance, one is a new friendship and one is a friend I don't see regularly and became vegan after me. I'm feeling a bit lonely to be honest. And while I think it is the right choice and the absolute best thing I have ever done, it's been a bit tough going it alone.

Come chat to me and keep me company :o

[Ana Gram]

Bump.

Come on, I know there are one or two of you out there, I just can't remember who :o

[jag5000]

sorry Chelle .. I'm not vegan.. but DD decided a month or so back to become vegetarian and is now thinking of becoming vegan. I figured this would be a good place to get advice if it's ok? I *think* I remember you saying that your DD is vegan too (as you provide food for her! .. any tips on feeding a vegan child?

[Ana Gram]

Well she is vegan at my house, she gets made to eat meat when at her father's house.

How old is she?

If she does take the next step, make sure she takes b12 but check the label as some vitamin tablets are not vegan.

In fact, you will need to check all labels as even things that claim to be vegan sometimes aren't :rolleyes:

Make sure she is eating fruit and vegies everyday. A handful of nuts as well. Careful with pasta as a lot "may contain traces" of egg. Tofu and tempah are obviously stables for a vegan.

[canberramomma]

Well, we are in the process of becoming Vegan (hubby and I, anyway) but I do find it difficult when I'm at someone's house. I always remember to pack food for the kids (especially because of DS's allergies), but I forget for myself.

Also, I don't like soy milk in my coffee. :o

I'm going to have to go black, I think!:laughing:

[Ana Gram]

Yah! Brilliant canberramomma! I only know 3 other vegans in real life and I don't spend a huge amount of time with them so it is good to have someone else to talk to.

I've gotten used to carrying a bag of food around when I go out. But my lovely friends now make sure they have something I can eat whenever I visit :goodvibes:

[CluckySC]

Hiii... I'm not vegan, I do eat eggs and honey. But nothing else. So I kind of count ;)

[indigoin0z]

hi chelle..
oh soooo excited to see someone else here is a vegan too..

CONGRATS 6 months.. im just on 18 months.. [started 2 days before xmas!! what a welcome xmas lunch].

i'll be happy to hang with ya, when you need a pep-up..:goodvibes:

it can be draining & overwhelming at times - i understand..:hugs:

[Ana Gram]

Yah!

I haven't felt this healthy, ever really. And you are right, it does get a bit draining at times when you are constantly having to check labels. Those pesky animal products sneak into everything.

[Phyllis Stein]

Hey Chelle, I've been vego for 15 years, slowly making the transition to a raw/ vegan diet. Have to take it carefully due to health issues, though. I'm lucky, I guess, in that I know a fair few vegans irl, including 2 of my SILs who happen to be the best cooks I've ever encountered. Both of our families are at least vego, too, so lots of support for this way of life there.

Perhaps we can share some of our favourite vegan recipes here! *drool*

[sweetseven]

Also, I don't like soy milk in my coffee. :oMight I reccomend rice milk? In my opinion, it is much more mild and doesnt have the strong flavour of soy milk. I used the vitasoy brand.

I trialled dairy free for a short time, and didn't like soy milk, but was quite happy with rice milk.

[MsMummy]

As a fallen vegan (longest stint was 2 years), I'll have to watch this thread for some inspiration.

It frustrates the hell out of me that there's a gap between my beliefs and my actions.

I have endless admiration for vegans. It's a fantastic way to live.

[scurries off to hang head in shame...:gloomy:]

[Phyllis Stein]

Might I reccomend rice milk? In my opinion, it is much more mild and doesnt have the strong flavour of soy milk.


Or nut milk! Yum.

[MsMummy]

Or nut milk! Yum.

Or oat milk (which has the added advantage of being lactogenic).

The soy milk in coffee thing seems to be a major sticking point.There's a vegan cafe in Brisbane, and I remember the one non-vegan thing they used to serve was cow's milk if somebody wanted it in coffee.

[indigoin0z]

As a fallen vegan (longest stint was 2 years), I'll have to watch this thread for some inspiration.

It frustrates the hell out of me that there's a gap between my beliefs and my actions.

I have endless admiration for vegans. It's a fantastic way to live.

[scurries off to hang head in shame...:gloomy:]

oh there, there. dont be like that..:hugs:

not all vegans are self-righteous judgement snobs sitting on their all-mighty pedastals..
i feel terrible all the time, because i have to keep one foot in & out [straddled it feels] because i feel i cant be too strick/obsessive around my children [well, in regards to taking their choices away..] & i get very worked up over it..
i know i would likely be a real strict judgemental arrogant vegan if i didnt have my family to get a taste of reality of having compassion & understanding that everyone is on their own journey & do what feels right to them, when it feels right..
dont beat yourself up over it..
the way i try & look at it is,
you do your best each day for whatever beliefs you have.. then let the rest go.;)

[MsMummy]

not all vegans are self-righteous judgement snobs sitting on their all-mighty pedastals..
i

I was...:D. That's why it's frustrating, as I know it's the best way to live and eat.

Seriously, I'm so close it's ridiculous. I've been veggie for 15 years and vegan on and off for 8. I should know better. I don't cook with eggs or dairy, but I'm addicted to junk food, particularly chocolate. I eat a bit compulsively, and associate "rewards" with mainstream junk food. All very silly.

And I've been using my exhaustion with the baby and working as an excuse to indulge.

My partner is an enabler as well. Despite being a lactose intolerant vegetarian from birth, he does like the odd thing with dairy.

I really need to sort this out, as I'd like my son to be vegan. I'm all talk, no action, and it frustrates me!

[CluckySC]

For all those frustrated about reading labels, I'm so with you. I'm allergic to wheat too. So not just looking for the animal products, also looking for wheat. Sneaky bugger finds its way into almost everything!

I used to be very "on my high horse" veggie, but then I met DF, who completely agrees that vegetarianism makes the most sense but has found it pretty much impossible to give up meat. We're still going to raise our son veg, until he's old enough to decide obviously, and DF would still love to go meat fee one day but at the moment I've had to relax a little just because I live with a carnivore :laughing:

[indigoin0z]

....Only 2 years ago, on a bubhub thread, I said I couldn't go vegan
hmmm. wonder if that was my thread?

ive said since i was a teenager i want to become a vegetarian but know i Never could because i dont like enough vegetables.. peas, carrots & corn.
well.. now through evolution & destiny i have been put on a few paths that have made me change my palette a bit & in the end, i didnt actually care whether i liked enough anyway... once i decided, it was very clear cut & i knew i would find a way, and indeed i did..
wow, i would never have guessed i'd be eating -let alone cooking- the stuff i do now...


Yah!

I haven't felt this healthy, ever really.
yeah, it is an invigorating & peaceful feeling... i remember i was excited for some time.
tho i am eXtremely low in my iron currently, ONLY because life got hard elsewhere & i just didnt care about eating/caring & now its hard to get it back..well tbh, im still not caring [I]enough to go to the effort, even tho i am reeeally run-down and exhausted.


it does get a bit draining at times when you are constantly having to check labels. Those pesky animal products sneak into everything.
its astonishing the things they can 'use' them for isnt it? and we all are oblivious until we hunt & enquire.
i think it should be mandatory, they should have to put, "contains sheeps eyes, cows knee cartiledge, chicken beak....
[just like i feel on the vacc's]..
because most
people wouldnt have the foggiest that they are eating by products..
my latest i am trying to get my head & motivation around, is trying to do an organic vege garden
without using Blood &Bone.. again im not sure how many really consciously realise what that is made from.


.....I only know 3 other vegans in real life and I don't spend a huge amount of time with them so it is good to have someone else to talk to.
yep, i dont have anyone:no: & it is really lonely, & often alienating


I've gotten used to carrying a bag of food around when I go out. But my lovely friends now make sure they have something I can eat whenever I visit
oHHHH.. the carrying of the food thing is what is wearing me down a lot lately.. it just feels nothing can be spontaneous & care free..
tho wouldnt be half as bad without kids to slow things down.. tbh, i feel like becoming vegan, has slowed the progress of my already stunted social skills, because now i feel like a leper [sp] like i have to apologise or cringe for being me:rain: and then
there is having a vegan baby/toddler... ohhhh the pain of it:dizzy:


sorry Chelle .. I'm not vegan.. but DD decided a month or so back to become vegetarian and is now thinking of becoming vegan. I figured this would be a good place to get advice if it's ok? I *think* I remember you saying that your DD is vegan too (as you provide food for her! .. any tips on feeding a vegan child?

....If she does take the next step, make sure she takes b12 but check the label as some vitamin tablets are not vegan.
i buy Freeda brand from the Cruelty Free shop [online].


.....Make sure she is eating fruit and vegies everyday. A handful of nuts as well. Careful with pasta as a lot "may contain traces" of egg.
yes, i agree.. i feel abundance of natural foods is the easiest often, then fit other stuff around that.
nuts is a huge one i feel is great for helping keep weight on for kids..
and they all have great nutrients,
but
walnuts in particular have the omega 3 which is really important for their neurological functioning [among other reasons] and is sort of a replacement for fish oill but flaxseed [linseed] ground up in a grinder/blender each morning & put on cereal or in salads is even more potent then walnuts....



Tofu and tempah are obviously stables for a vegan.
ewwww. ick. i am such a woose, i still havent been courageous enough to teach my self to taste/like it yet


.....I've been vego for 15 years, slowly making the transition to a raw/ vegan diet. Have to take it carefully due to health issues, though.....

.......Perhaps we can share some of our favourite vegan recipes here! *drool*

i bought a book on raw veganism.. looks great, something i would possibly be interested in when all the kids are grown & i dont have to be anyone elses kitchen slave..

i'd be willing to share some recipes..tho i often feel my dishes wouldnt be everyones taste, because they are possibly not too exotic to flavours of what some others would choose to eat, so i get a little embarrassed...
... well if i could get my head around writing them down.. im really not good at doing the same thing twice, even when i make the same dish - i do it differently...


Might I reccomend rice milk? In my opinion, it is much more mild and doesnt have the strong flavour of soy milk. I used the vitasoy brand.

I trialled dairy free for a short time, and didn't like soy milk, but was quite happy with rice milk.

i actually combine both in our house.. i just find soy too thick for my liking.. & with the rice milk a bit to watery? so we get the best of both..
no,
i am not goldilocks:p


I was.... That's why it's frustrating, as I know it's the best way to live and eat.
i understand.. as i said i believe i would be one 'of those' too, without my kids..
and yes because you feeeeel it in your bones & soul of how 'right' it is for you.


.....I don't cook with eggs or dairy, but I'm addicted to junk food, particularly chocolate. I eat a bit compulsively, and associate "rewards" with mainstream junk food. All very silly.

And I've been using my exhaustion with the baby and working as an excuse to indulge.

My partner is an enabler as well. Despite being a lactose intolerant vegetarian from birth, he does like the odd thing with dairy.

I really need to sort this out, as I'd like my son to be vegan. I'm all talk, no action, and it frustrates me!

wow, thanku for being honest about the compulsive eating thing.. i was going to try & get some courage to mention my issue too... the only 2 areas i have struggled with:
protein [just before i became vegan i got right into chicken, eggs, tuna.. and was feeling the best/healthiest/strongest in my life],
but mainly
junk-food addiction. compulsive/emotional eating.. i actually am really not into food as such - it literally bores me, but ironically i have a life-long addiction to junk-food, mainly the flavours & enhancers.. i just want to lick everything - not actually eat them necessarily..
i have reeeeeeally struggled in this area,
finding stuff that i can still fill like i getting a 'fix'.... i had already gotten a little onto dark chocolate before becoming vegan, so now thats not an issue [as most does not contain milk products - especially from phillip island choc factory....mmmmmmmmmmmm!!]
but the savouries reeeeeeally frustrate me..
lactose is in eeeeeeverything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and if its not then it will have animal products in the flavours... oh the pain:hissy:
and there is one lollie, that i get from coles that i think [oh pleez dont tell me i have got it wrong!] is vegan.. sherbet lemons. ahhhh.

hang in there MsMummy. dont be so hard on yourself.. its likely not doing you any favours.. trust that you will stop when you are ready..
...and... more importantly,
that even if you dont, you are still a worthwhile person... this doesnt have to be your whole identity..


For all those frustrated about reading labels, I'm so with you. I'm allergic to wheat too. So not just looking for the animal products, also looking for wheat. Sneaky bugger finds its way into almost everything!
oh i so bow down to you...
mostly anything that is not natural/raw contains wheat!!! [well, that is vegan anyhow].
we have tried going gluten free, & i stopped as i just didnt have the energy/motivation to figure out or take the time to work out how to feed myself & my toddler nutriciously.


I used to be very "on my high horse" veggie, but then I met DF, who completely agrees that vegetarianism makes the most sense but has found it pretty much impossible to give up meat. We're still going to raise our son veg, until he's old enough to decide obviously, and DF would still love to go meat fee one day but at the moment I've had to relax a little just because I live with a carnivore
yeh, my DH 'gets' why i am... even tho he couldnt really give a toss if i wasnt around.. but still eats meat etc.. and i allow my eldest sons too also, [tho one did choose to be vegan for about 6 months] as they were bought up on animal products, and i felt rather domineering & arrogant to say, "just because i have seen 'a' light, and have changed my opinion, doesnt mean i have a right to make you change".. but
i dont cook or buy any of it.. and mostly i dont even let it/choose for it to be cooked in the house.. either the bbq or good opportunity at take-away/eatingout.





PHeW!!!
think that gets the thread rollin' chellegoth!
someone shut me up!! did i mention id been lonely on this journey????:footinmouth:

[indigoin0z]

btw..
just thought i'd apologise for breaking the main vegan rule...

"dont make it sound sooooo hard & overwhelming."

it doesnt have to be, & truly isnt.. :goodvibes:

i am just an emotional person & hormonal currently... it doesnt always feel like this to be vegan... this was just over a years worth of venting :o

[Poppetfish]

I am not a vegan or vego......BUT i was raised vegan. I know lots of tips on how to make lots of yummy foods vegan style if anyone wants to ask.

Why i am not vegan is because i always felt ill until i started to eat some meat. I would say about 1/12th to 1/14th of my diet is meat and animal related foods. All the meat i buy comes from a halal organic butcher. I have even called the farms where the animals live. I only buy organic free range dairy too. BUT we use soy milk and we only have yogurt and some cheeses that are dairy. (Soy cheese is very expensive).

Most new vegans and vegetarians fall for the "jelly is a tasty and ok desert to eat". Most commercial jelly crystals contain gelatin which is usually made from ground up bones. AGAR is a seeweed product that has no taste and has the same setting properties as Gelatin.:)

[Ana Gram]

For all those frustrated about reading labels, I'm so with you. I'm allergic to wheat too. So not just looking for the animal products, also looking for wheat. Sneaky bugger finds its way into almost everything!


I understand. I don't eat anything with palm oil in it which wipes out a massive amount of stuff. gets bloody frustrating to have to throw things back on the shelf after looking at the ingredients.

[QUOTE=indigoin0z;3824894]hmmm. wonder if that was my thread?

:laughing: Yes, I think it was. How times change ;)

ive said since i was a teenager i want to become a vegetarian but know i Never could because i dont like enough vegetables.. peas, carrots & corn.
well.. now through evolution & destiny i have been put on a few paths that have made me change my palette a bit & in the end, i didnt actually care whether i liked enough anyway... once i decided, it was very clear cut & i knew i would find a way, and indeed i did..
wow, i would never have guessed i'd be eating -let alone cooking- the stuff i do now...

DD eats a vegan diet at my house and has always been a very fussy eater, refusing to eat vegies ect but she has come so far on our new diet. I cut out preservatives, colours and flavours about 18 months ago, dairy at least 12 months, meat 12 months ago, eggs were the last to go December last year (so longer than 6 months now!) and I started buying only organic food. DD is now saying that the food I cook is great. We had cauliflower soup this week and she said it was better than a treat! I'm so amazed. The only downside is that when other people offer her food, she turns it down as it isn't organic...

yeah, it is an invigorating & peaceful feeling... i remember i was excited for some time.
tho i am eXtremely low in my iron currently, ONLY because life got hard elsewhere & i just didnt care about eating/caring & now its hard to get it back..well tbh, im still not caring [I]enough to go to the effort, even tho i am reeeally run-down and exhausted.

I completely understand that. I wanted to be vegetarian as a teenager but my parents didn't want to buy extra food for me. So when I was at uni, I got back into with the intention of going vegan but I was doing full time uni, working two jobs, I got sick and run down and couldn't keep it up. So after I deferred uni, got a job, I went back to being vegetarian, again with the intention of going vegan. But met my boyfriend who was about to move to Melbourne. I quit my job and moved too but was on unemployment benefits for ages and only had $30 a week to eat and pay bills. I couldn't keep it up again. When I got a job, I went back but my boyfriend died. Life was turmoil for several years. Sometimes other life stuff makes it too hard.


yep, i dont have anyone:no: & it is really lonely, & often alienating

I've done it buy myself too, so I understand completely. My friends and family have been very supportive and now they check labels and try to provide for me, which is so sweet.

oHHHH.. the carrying of the food thing is what is wearing me down a lot lately.. it just feels nothing can be spontaneous & care free..
tho wouldnt be half as bad without kids to slow things down.. tbh, i feel like becoming vegan, has slowed the progress of my already stunted social skills, because now i feel like a leper [sp] like i have to apologise or cringe for being me:rain: and then
there is having a vegan baby/toddler... ohhhh the pain of it:dizzy:

Yeah, I am lucky to live in Melbourne and close to all things vegan. But it is still a pain to have to carry food around.

i buy Freeda brand from the Cruelty Free shop [online].

I get that too, expensive though.

ewwww. ick. i am such a woose, i still havent been courageous enough to teach my self to taste/like it yet

Lol! Yeah, it's not to everyone's taste.

[CluckySC]

Hey, curious. Do you guys make allowances for anything?

For me I make allowances for thai food. I still choose the veg options obviously but I pretend not to know that they contain fish sauce or sometimes oyster sauce. I do this because without being able to eat wheat it would leave my going out choices just to chips and salad and oh oh those chips are probably frozen in bluddy beef fat.

Chelle - Good for you not eating palm oil! I'm addicted to those freedom foods wheat free dairy free everything free hazelnut choc covered biscuits (I wont tell you how many I ate today. I think I just put on a kilo thinking about it :p ). I'm fairly sure they contain half the worlds supply of palm oil (ie hydrolyzed vege fat). *sigh* Why does junk food taste good??? :p

[Ana Gram]

I make allowances about palm oil. I feel awful about it though. But if I didn't I would never be able to eat out. However, I only really eat at vegan places when I eat out.

I buy a couple of things from Freedom foods but they don't quite get the vegan thing. I mean one of their products listed as "suitable for vegans" has tuna oil in it :confused: And they often list honey as suitable as well.

You are right, all their cookies have palm oil.

[canberramomma]

I tried the rice milk in my coffee and I much prefer that to soy. I haven't seen nut milk, but if it contains nuts, it's a no go in my house anyway as DS is allergic.

We don't eat much takeaway or anything, but when I go out or to other peoples houses, I will just stick to vegetarian foods and not push the vegan envelope.

We can't eat eat most Asian foods as loads of them use either peanut oil or shrimp paste (DH is allergic to shellfish).

I'm really strict about a lot of things (just my ethics) and make most of my own stuff from scratch so that I know what's
in it.

Most other mummies think I'm a little crazy!

[MsMummy]

I've decided to stop being a whiny self-pitying whiner and have another crack at veganism.

I had a good start, with a dairy-free first day. I went to the supermarket and bought some vegan comfort food though, including:

- Chocolate soy milk
- Fruit toast (with Nuttelex)
- Wallaby bars (certified wallaby free though)

I managed to stay away from the soy/dark chocolate as I need to kick my chocolate habit, generally.

I'll just need to be a bit more organised when I go out, and start baking again. Although every vegan cake I've ever made has been a disaster... I can do vegan cookies though.

[canberramomma]

Have you tried this site?
Fatfree Vegan Kitchen (http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/)

She has a wicked recipe for chocolate and beetroot cake!:yes:

[Ana Gram]

Good for you MsMummy :yelclap:

[Opinionated]

Also, I don't like soy milk in my coffee. :o


Have you tried Bonsoy? It is the only one I like in my coffee. Keep in mind though, it is not calcium fortified. It is the brand recommended by Janella Purcell in her book Elixir. (qualified naturopath, nutritionist, medical herbalist, iridologist and chef. She is the Nine Network's food editor/ naturopath and writes for Woman's Day and Good Medicine magazine.) Apparently it is better digested by the body because of the way it is processed. I just think it tastes heaps better.:yes:

[canberramomma]

Thanks for that. We have a much better vegan and vegetarian range than we used to, but it's still not huge (and I'm very much hampered because I don't shop at Woollies or Coles). But I will look out for it.

With that in mind, I am finding it very difficult to find a cheese alternative and I have been making my own. The recipes I have are good alternatives to bechamel sauce and cheddars or tasty cheeses, but I was wondering if anyone has something they use as an alternative to parmesan?

[Ana Gram]

I've heard that Bonsoy is the best but it's a bit too expensive for me :(

Canberramomma, cheese is difficult :yes: lots of recipes ask for cheese, very annoying. The Cruelty Free Shop have the Parmazano Dariy Free parmesan cheese. i won't use that one as they use palm oil and has a large disclaimer about the fact they own a plantation in Malaysia.

However, they have just stocked another one called Veitablu Vegie Parmesan. I haven't tried it yet though. And I have just realised that it's probably no good for you as it has sesame seeds in it :(

One of my friends uses Redwood Cheezly... until I told him it had palm oil :laughing:

[canberramomma]

Gosh! I haven't seen any of those brands here! All I've seen is Kingland, Tofutti and that one with the fish oil and casein in it (I've forgotten the name).

Guess the 'Berra is more behind the times than I realised!:laughing:

[MsMummy]

:smiliedance: Almost a week without dairy!

I had a bit of a moment in the petrol station after work today. I spent five minutes looking at the chocolate bars. I would pick one up, then put it down, then pick it up, then back down, then resisted! The attendant must have thought I was nuts.

I've avoided eating out a couple of times this week while I'm resettling in. Eating out is always the hardest bit of veganism for me. :yes:

Does anybody know of any (flavoursome) butter alternatives? I've been using Nuttelex for years, but it's a bit dull.

[Ana Gram]

Well done!

I don't have trouble eating out if I am in my area, plenty of vegan choices here. Canberra was difficult last time I went.

DD's school had a party today and if I hadn't brought along my vegan muffins, I would have not been able to eat a thing.

I don't use margarine as they all have palm oil in them and I do miss it :o Nothing like hot toast with margarine. i make my own for baking but it is not fit for toast.

[Looshkin]

Hi MsMummy
(sorry in advance for butting in on your thread, I was brought up vegan but not now, so I'm an imposter)

Have you thought about using cocoabutter?
It's expensive for that stuff, although I'm sure you could find smaller quantities and not in the 'powder' form, although it melts at 35c so its kinda like a margerine subsitute and excellent for toast and baking, it only very has a very faint chocolate aroma, I bought it to try out and have been having it on toast as well as making cupcakes.

http://www.mfcd.net/store/product.asp?pID=1060&cID=65

And on the bonsoy, I will check my email but I found some bulk for cheap, 20 for a 6 x 1 ltr case so still expensive but not by much reallyas I only really have it in my morning coffee and porridge and baking it's not so bad, I coud cope using another soy for anything but my coffee. :D

[Opinionated]

And on the bonsoy, I will check my email but I found some bulk for cheap, 20 for a 6 x 1 ltr case so still expensive but not by much reallyas I only really have it in my morning coffee and porridge and baking it's not so bad, I coud cope using another soy for anything but my coffee. :D

Would love to know where you found that Zel. It is the only one I will have in my coffee too.

[MsMummy]

I don't have trouble eating out if I am in my area, plenty of vegan choices here.

DD's school had a party today and if I hadn't brought along my vegan muffins, I would have not been able to eat a thing.

I don't use margarine as they all have palm oil in them and I do miss it :o Nothing like hot toast with margarine. i make my own for baking but it is not fit for toast.

Stupid melbournites with your stupid array of vegan choices!:D Spare a thought for those of us in Brisbane! If the weather wasn't so inclement in Melbourne, I'd move for the food.:yes:

I looked at the Nuttelex container before. So, when it says "vegetable oil", that generally means it is or includes palm oil?


Hi MsMummy
(sorry in advance for butting in on your thread, I was brought up vegan but not now, so I'm an imposter)

Have you thought about using cocoabutter?
It's expensive for that stuff, although I'm sure you could find smaller quantities and not in the 'powder' form, although it melts at 35c so its kinda like a margerine subsitute and excellent for toast and baking, it only very has a very faint chocolate aroma, I bought it to try out and have been having it on toast as well as making cupcakes.

http://www.mfcd.net/store/product.asp?pID=1060&cID=65



Does it taste like a cross between chocolate and butter?:goodvibes:

I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip.

[Ana Gram]

Any food that says vegetable oil and have a relatively high saturated fat rate is palm oil. Nuttlex have confirmed that they do use palm oil in the margarine and I am yet to find a margarine that doesn't (although I haven't emailed all of the companies).

[Ana Gram]

Hi guys, we've become a bit quiet!

You know what I wish? I wish there were more choices or to be more truthful, any choices when going to places like the movies. It gets a little tiring having to sneak in a bag of movie snacks :laughing:

[workin'mumof2]

:wave:

hi. im making the switch slowly but am more than happy to chat about it.

oh yeah cant have popcorn?

can you make your own with nuttlex (thats dairy free):o but is it considered vegan

got a bit to learn havent i:laughing:

[canberramomma]

Popcorn can be air popped. OK, it's supporting the Capitalists, but my popping machine has been going for about 6 years now! You can then season it with various wonderful concotions!

Having said that, I have weighed up the eco pros and cons of being Vegan, and I have decided that we (as a family) need to concentrate more on where our food comes from and how it is produced, as lots of Vegan alternatives use palm oil, which makes the alternative of being vegetarian more appealing to us.:yes:

[sweetseven]

You know what I wish? I wish there were more choices or to be more truthful, any choices when going to places like the movies. It gets a little tiring having to sneak in a bag of movie snacks :laughing:You shouldn't have to sneak your snacks in. Just inform them that their canteen doesn't sell anything suitable so it is discrimination if they don't let you take your own in.

That is what I was told when I went gluten free / dairy free on a trial basis. I took homemade snacks in and wasn't challenged. But I've seen people take in food from other take-away establishments (eg MacDonalds) and have them denied.

PS: Please excuse comments from an interloper.

[workin'mumof2]

curious question

what about fish oil tablets?:detective:

i need to take those for health benifits.(and my dh;s sanity sake) if i dont i become very hormonal :o

and evening primrose tablets too?

[Ana Gram]

Only you can decide to what extent you want to take it.

I personally wouldn't take fish oil as it is a product from an animal. Medications are a sticking point for many vegans as it quite often involves animal products. I am on antibiotics for a throat infection and I am assuming they contain animal products but being sick, I really didn't want to get into an argument with the doctor.

A number of "vegan friendly" products have palm oil which for me is frustrating. But technically they are still vegan as they don't contain any animal products, like nuttlex. But as most vegans have made the switch due to ethical reasons, it becomes challenging.

[peanutbutter&jelly]

Any ideas as to why I feel myself inclined to read these threads, although I couldn't actually make the change? I couldn't even manage being a vego, I luff my meat products too much and the goldeny goodness of butter is a strong pull for me, although we've only had nuttelex in our house for more than 6 months now (DS is lactose intolerant, though growing out of it).

Oh and I think it was Ms Mummy - not as hard as you might think having a garden without blood & bone! I haven't chucked any in my garden at all, and its pretty darn good. Plenty of compost would definately improve it, as would some fertiliser of some description... but for now my herbs and capsicums (all thats left at the moment) are going pretty well!

[workin'mumof2]

mj - i was reading about vegetarians and vegans stuff way before i became one :yes:

so maybe your just interested. all information is good information.. im sure :laughing::wave:

also may i add since changing to soy rubys been sleeping better :detective::smiliedance:

[peanutbutter&jelly]

Name change missy! Took me more than 2 seconds thanks to complete and utter preg brain to work out who it was :laughing:
P weaned himself 2 months ago, when I was first having issues with this preg :crying:
It definately intrigues me, but I really don't think I could do it. I do know where some awesome vegan cupcake recipes are though :laughing: :D

[Ana Gram]

MJ, only two years ago, I said I could never go vegan, on a BH thread :laughing:

[Lucy in the Sky]

Hi vegans!
I've been a vego for 18 years, and my hubby has been for 12 years. We are raising our son vegetarian (but he's only been on solids for 2 weeks!). It's actually a really important part of my identity, so I am proud to be raising DS veggie. I won't stop him from eating meat (once he is old enough to make the decision), but will never offer it to him, and will hopefully raise a child that understands the moral values of vegetarianism! Here's hoping! :flowerz:

[Ana Gram]

Wonderful to have you aboard :D

[workin'mumof2]

9days and counting fully vegetarian on soy milk:yelclap:

i know im not vegan but can i chat in this thread anyway?

i might switch to vegan when ruby decides to wean from breastfeeding.:yes:

[Ana Gram]

Of course, vegetarians are also welcome :D

[Ana Gram]

Ugh, something has my nose out of joint.

I was chatting to a friend yesterday and we were talking about contraction and I mention that I would need to use vegan condoms as most condoms have casein which is a milk product. She scoffed and said "Now that's taking it a bit far" :mad:

I don't understand what is so confusing. Vegans don't use or consume food or products that have any animal products in them. Why is that difficult for people to understand??

[bronny-jane]

Have you tried this site?
Fatfree Vegan Kitchen (http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/)

:thumbsup: thanks for that link, i was going to google search recipes, but thought i'd look into this thread.. looks great.. im really keen to give them a try..

question though, what does tofu taste like, and what is your favourite way to cook it... i have no clue.. this is going to take me a while to get the hang of;)

[Ana Gram]

I love tofu, but it's hard to explain the taste.

It doesn't really require much cooking. More like a heat through when you add it to stir frys. And if you blend it up you can use it as a substitute to mince in recipes.

[bronny-jane]

I love tofu, but it's hard to explain the taste.

It doesn't really require much cooking. More like a heat through when you add it to stir frys. And if you blend it up you can use it as a substitute to mince in recipes.

oh ok cool thanks chelle
im going to make one vegan meal for the family this week..
then build on it... not going to make them not eat meat if they want too..:)

[Ana Gram]

Going vegan for dietary reasons will probably make it easier to prepare meat for your family. But once you are off meat for a while, you may find that smell makes you feel ill.

[bronny-jane]

Going vegan for dietary reasons will probably make it easier to prepare meat for your family. But once you are off meat for a while, you may find that smell makes you feel ill.

:laughing: i could not stand the smell of meat through my pg's;).. im not sure about fish yet though... im thinking at this point in time i just want cut out all meat except fish, its just easier to digest then the others.. so im thinking maybe 2 nights a week i'll have some fresh fish.. then see if i want to cut that out...

what can i eat to keep my iron levels up?
just im bf damon still, and need to keep my levels up or i feel drained..

[Ana Gram]

Well, you can take iron supplements but it is better to get your iron from food. But soy products, grains like oats, tofu, pulses like lentils, chickpeas and baked beans, vegies like broccoli, beans and spinach, nuts like cashews and pistachios all contain iron.

[bronny-jane]

thanks chelle.. yeah i dont like supplements, so i want to get it from food.. and i love those vegies, and cashews:thumbsup:.. and i plan on adding lots of beans and pulses too... sweet

[LilShenanigans]

Just jumping in, haven't the chance to read much...

Not vegan, or vegetarian, but starting to replace a lot of my meals with vegan/vegetarian meals... actually liking the change. People are some what shocked that im talking up tofu and how good it is lol Though, I've only cooked it in marinades and a quick fry on each side.

Mince has been mentioned? thats my next experiment - replacing beef in my spag bog... how do I do that? what tofu do I buy and how do I prepare?
I suppose cooking it as well will be shorter, and is it ok that I typically simmer it all arvo? ...I have traditional recipe that's done by scratch :rolleyes:

sorry if thats confusing, just some ideas would be awesome :D

[Ana Gram]

I replace mince with tofu. I have found that firm tofu holds better when cooking. I just whack it in the blender so it's all crumbled up and go from there.

[Ana Gram]

I had quite a difficult day yesterday. My mum and aunt were in town. There were a lot of arguments and I had to bite my tongue a lot. I was told that my choice in diet is "not living" and that food is to be enjoyed :rolleyes:

[bada]

That must be hard Chelle. I guess the fact that the animals they eat, aren't *living* either doesn't matter :(

It's so crazy how ppl are so keen to tell you what you're doing is wrong but if you dare try and tell them...

[Lucy in the Sky]

Sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with your family, chellegoth! It must be very hard not to be supported, and, worse still, for your loved ones not to understand that veg*ism isn't about 'enjoying food' it is a ethical/health decision!:hugs:

We had dinner at a vegan vietnamese restaurant last night... very yummy, if you like mock meat.
I like it for the texture, as long as it doesn't smell like meat, or taste like a strong meat flavour (like fish), but I also get why a lot of people don't.

[workin'mumof2]

:hair: chelle i know your vent is old but i had to deal with this kind of responce on the weekend when visiting relatives.

Them - were having sausages for dinner what time do you eat
dh - oh no rosies a vegitarian. (love him lol)
them - what... why:eek:
ME - um because i want to:laughing:

the end.

but honestly they looked so shocked that i didnt eat meat at all. didnt eat egg. didnt drink full cream. they kept saying what do i eat and no wonder im so skinny:eek:

well yes i am but not because im a vegetarian (nearly vegan slowly cutting things out :p

but please help me.

i bought a pack of honeycomb and noticed in the ingreadients when i go to open them that one of the additives or flavours is from meat and thats because it was written.. BEEF
can someone please give me a list of what is derived from meat please

i feel yuk just having bought the packet. so i gave it to my inlaws who rolled there eyes then took the gift:rolleyes:

[Ana Gram]

Why on earth does honeycomb NEED beef in it????

Once you go vegan Rosie, expect more arguments and resistance :rolleyes:

I found this site very useful for food additives that are animal based

http://www.vnv.org.au/site//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=85&Itemid=97

[workin'mumof2]

Why on earth does honeycomb NEED beef in it????

Once you go vegan Rosie, expect more arguments and resistance :rolleyes:

I found this site very useful for food additives that are animal based

http://www.vnv.org.au/site//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=85&Itemid=97

:) do you mean including my husband :rolleyes::laughing:

nuh hes getting used to the idea. so maybe its growing on him... lol who am i kidding he hates vegies and tofu:laughing:

thank you for that site i have saved it and will read before i go shopping again.

[Ana Gram]

:laughing: If only you were still here, Ruby could work on him like she did with the KFC :p

[workin'mumof2]

:laughing: If only you were still here, Ruby could work on him like she did with the KFC :p


ROFL

omg im just reading through some of the list.. ewww
:barf:
Cochineal
120
A natural red colour derived from the bodies of pregnant scale insects.

[Ana Gram]

I know, gross huh!

[peanutbutter&jelly]

And yet I'm back here again :laughing:
I eat meat and it makes me feel sick to think about honeycomb having beef in it :barf:
My poor block of tofu is still sitting in my fridge, after I was meant to have an eggplant and tofu curry about 2 months ago - will have to check the use by date on it!
We are introducing more veg meals again too, we've started back eating more and more meat again, unnecessarily obviously :(

[spiritualmama]

Can I ask the question why vegans dont eat eggs?

[workin'mumof2]

Can I ask the question why vegans dont eat eggs?


oh oh i think i can answer this one too. :o

anyway tad excited over vege questions i know

eggs come from chickens. you know what chicks are born from.. ;) if they lived.

also chickens are usually kept in a cage even if there "free range" its still a small yard that they are kept in. way to many chickens for a small area. if that makes sence.

not very nice for chickens/ chickens to be

[spiritualmama]

What about if you had your own chickens and they lived a very comfortable and happy lifes?

[workin'mumof2]

What about if you had your own chickens and they lived a very comfortable and happy lifes?

:confused:

im pretty sure the eggs are still able to be chicks if they werent eaten.

[sweetseven]

Well, vegans dont drink milk either, because it comes from cows, and I think more arguments can be made for the cow having a more comfortable life than a chicken.

Also, there are two different reasons for choosing to go vegan.
* Most people on this site seem to subscribe to the animal rights reason.
* However, some people believe that we weren't meant to eat animal products and choose to go vegan for health reasons. My mother was in this category, after reading a book that explained things such as the human digestive tract being too long that meat rots in there before passing through.

[MsMummy]

What about if you had your own chickens and they lived a very comfortable and happy lifes?

I've met people with varying ideas on eggs.

When I've been vegan, I don't eat them due to their method of their production.

As to your own eggs, I just asked my partner and his sister whose parents used to have chickens and we think it works as below:

Apparently, you can accidentally eat a fertilised egg (so, one that would have hatched into a baby chicken). there's some method to distinguish them but it's not fool proof, so there were cases where they accidentally cracked a fertilised egg.

But if you had chickens and no rooster, then you would be okay as they would all be unfertilised.

Please somebody correct me if that's wrong, as that's secondhand information.

Sweetseven: yes, I know several vegetarians for health/religious reasons. The animals rights rationale is neither here nor there to them.

[p3nguin]

HI,

I just found this thread. Both me and DH are vegies have been for 15 years or so our little one is only 14 months and he is dairy eating vegie (i know i know but he is not a very good eater and somedays i would be happy if eats anything at all) . I have been vegan on and off for about 10 years occasionaly i slip up and eat a little dairy - cheese is way to tempting - everything else i can do without.

let me explain about eggs from a animal loving vegan - eggs come from chickens - if you buy them in a carton the poor chickens have lived a miserable existence doing nothing but producing eggs for you to eat - both barn and free range chickens do not have a lot of space and cruel practices still exist. If i was to have my own healthy happy chickens helping out in my garden and no rooster and DH and DS were not allergic to eggs then i might consider eating eggs but i would not keep chickens just for eggs. Yes if you have no rooster no egg fertrilisation would occur. Apart from that the whole thing of eating eggs disgust me - as someone once pointed out - eggs are chickens periods. Gross.

[Ana Gram]

As others have said, issues about eggs, dairy and honey depend on your reasons about becoming vegan. If it is purely for health reasons, ethics become a bit fuzzy. I personally don't know any health reason vegans so I don't get the idea of becoming vegan without any concern for animal rights.

Bottom line, vegans do not consume anything that comes from an animal - which include dairy, honey, eggs, wool, leather, silk, beeswax, lanolin etc.

[Ana Gram]

Bump

How are we all doing?

I'm off to Canberra next week, kind of dreading it food wise. I am very spoilt for choice when it comes to food in Melbourne.

[SassyMummy]

Sorry to jump in.. but I just read that you don't use wool etc... which I didn't even consider before. I knew and understood leather - I get my DD to wear leather shoes as I have a foot problem and was recommended leather-only shoes as a child (and thus it's kinda just natural for me to seek out leather shoes)...but I don't like leather for any other reason.

But yeah, I never considered wool. I guess they're not too gentle when they shear sheep... is that one of the reasons Chelle?

[Ana Gram]

It's partially a factory farming thing. Another animal we have bred to use. Wild sheep shed their wool during the warmer months naturally. We have bred them to the extent that they are unable to shed their wool. So it is exploitation.

Now if it were wool collected from bushes that wild sheep have shed, I wouldn't have a problem with it ;)

[workin'mumof2]

ive started cutting out milk solids in my foods,

egg and my biggest thing will be to not eat Camembert cheese.

do you eat egg replacer ? i know its made by orgran and you dont like them because of the palm oil that they have in it. if you dont use it what do you use in replace of eggs?

im also getting very good at cooking with the kids. there so interested in "mixing" so getting them involved its quite fun.

i;ll have to go find your vegan recipie thread chelle

ive never felt so healthy and to think that i had no idea what vegans ate :p

[Ana Gram]

Excellent! I've never felt healthier either :thumbsup:

Egg replacer, I'm still getting through a box of Orgran stuff but won't buy it again. But there are other options:

# 2 tbsp cornstarch = 1 egg
# 2 tbsp arrowroot flour = 1 egg
# 2 tbsp potato starch = 1 egg
# 1 heaping tbsp soy powder + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg
# 1 tbsp soy milk powder + 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg.
# 1 banana = 1 egg in cakes.
# 1 tbsp milled flax seed and 3 tbsp water = 1 egg. Light, fluffy cakes!

[Ana Gram]

I'm ecstatic! I finally got around to ringing Melrose about their margarine about the source of some of their ingredients. They have confirmed for me that there is no animal products and no palm oil!

I have missed margarine soooooo much!!

[MummaBear03]

I'm ecstatic! I finally got around to ringing Melrose about their margarine about the source of some of their ingredients. They have confirmed for me that there is no animal products and no palm oil!

I have missed margarine soooooo much!!

Which margarine is that? Not sure if it would be sold up here, Townsville doesn't seem to exist on some maps :rolleyes:

[Ana Gram]

Melrose Omega Table Spread. Unfortunately not in the normal supermarkets, I've only ever seen it at my organic grocery store.

[MsMummy]

Chelle - do you know if there are any vegan yoghurts?

I remember looking into it about five years ago and concluding they weren't vegan because of the live cultures. (but I could have been wrong...)

There's a couple they sell in the supermarket - the Kingland soy yoghurt. I just went to their site which said it was "ideally suited to vegans vegetarians...".

But I've been eating the Soy Life one as it's a lot more palatable. It's not labelled "vegan" though.

Any thoughts?

[Ana Gram]

Good question. I don't eat soy yoghurt because I don't like the taste.

I've never heard any other vegans have a problem with starter culture to be honest. It would kind of be like not medicating for a medical condition that is bacteria, if that makes sense.

Soy Life has lactose so is not vegan and also has D3 which is also not vegan as it is derived from lanolin. Kingland is supposedly vegan but I have heard rumours that it isn't but I can't remember for what reason.

[MsMummy]

Thanks for that. I'd never really looked into it when I was vegan. I just avoided yoghurt as I once read it wasn't vegan.

I had some idea the culture was related to rennett, but I'm probably totally off the mark.

I'll have to give the kingland another try. It's just a bit revolting.:D

[Ana Gram]

There are two types of starter culture, one is done with dairy which makes it not vegan. Kingland apparently use non animal origins for their starter culture. Shame it tastes awful :laughing:

[MummaBear03]

We eat Kingland soy yoghurt, DD has the ones that come in a 4 pack. She has one in her lunch 2 days a week so a 4 pack lasts 2 school weeks for her.

I also use Kingland cream cheese to make a vegan chocolate cheesecake, using vegan chocolate too of course. It's really yummy :chef:

[MsMummy]

Chelle: that's where I must have been getting mixed up - in the different types of starter culture.

MB03: I don't know if I've tried the Kingland soy cream cheese. I used to buy that other brand. I think it was from the US. Really creamy and fantastic with bagels.:goodvibes:

I tried the Kingland cheese years ago. It was very odd.

[MummaBear03]

The kingland one is called "Better Than Cream Cheese" and I've only ever used it for a chocolate vegan cheesecake.

[Ana Gram]

How is everyone?

Ruby has taken a book about vegetarianism to school. I tried to pick the least offensive one but there may be some comments after they have read it :o

I also recently found savoury yeast flakes! As a substitute for cheese, brilliant!

[Nowhere]

Hey guys

Just wondering do any of you use chick pea milk, if so how do you find it is it heavy on the tummy? also do you know the protein content of it and carb and fat?

I trying to fiind something DD can tolerate to help her gain weight, she is interant to rice milk, oats milk, soy milk, I asked if we could try almond and was told NO WAY as its so close to soy so im thinking of asking about chick pea milk, so any info would be great

thanks

[Ana Gram]

Miki's Mum, I haven't seen chickpea milk anywhere. I've done a quick search and can't find anything useful either. Hopefully someone else with more knowledge might know.

[Ana Gram]

Can anyone else help Mikenzee's Mum?


More "treats" received at school today, DD kept the candy canes to give to her cousin and gave her friends the chocolates. Her teachers commented how great she was about not being able to eat them :cloud9: They apparently made jelly at school yesterday and Ruby asked the teachers what the ingredients were. Of course, she couldn't have it but great that she asked! I wish they had told me they were doing that as I could have provided vegan jelly *sigh*

[WorkingClassMum]

We (well me) are slowly looking at becoming more vegan *gulp*

I am now actively looking to exclude palm oil and am trying to wean my self off butter - (hmmm might only end up being a vegetarian)

MOTH wont play the game - but he hasn't realised that less things are available in the pantry :devil:.

[WorkingClassMum]

miki's mum - who told you that almond was similar to soy? I've not ever read when researching milks alternatives for my kids *hmmm* (It may be???)
- off to do more research me thinks...

[Nowhere]

thanks chelle :hugs:


Working Class mum, Aparently soy is simalar to almond milk as in the protein make up of it and how its is matabolised, I dont think that wouyld be relevent for a normal GI tract but miki being miki its a huge problem as she cant tolerate the whole protein KWIM. Its very confusing my DDs GI tract even lots of the medics dont understand it. It was DDs peadiatric alergiest that told me and the clinical pead dieticien and her pead its was said as a HUGE NO NO lol

I have some time to reserch chickpea milk as she reacted SO badly to the rice milk that we now need to wait for that to completely heal before trying something else so Wil likely be in the new year.

[MummaBear03]

Can anyone else help Mikenzee's Mum?


More "treats" received at school today, DD kept the candy canes to give to her cousin and gave her friends the chocolates. Her teachers commented how great she was about not being able to eat them :cloud9: They apparently made jelly at school yesterday and Ruby asked the teachers what the ingredients were. Of course, she couldn't have it but great that she asked! I wish they had told me they were doing that as I could have provided vegan jelly *sigh*

The same thing happened with mine in term 1 at school this year, only she hadn't thought that jelly might be no good because she's only ever had vegan jelly at home and at daycare last year they used vegan jelly which was the only time they had any jelly at all, it was just something new and different for the staff as they weren't aware, so to DD she did not know that some jelly was made with gelatine. She didn't eat it anyway since she doesn't like jelly at any time, which was good.

Now she'll question it, and she's never eaten lollies or marshmallows unless the marshmallows were made from scratch at home because she knows we can't eat the normal supermarket ones.

[Ana Gram]

Had a bad dinner tonight. After discussion with the waitress and saying vegan several times and explicitly stating NO CHEESE, I am pretty sure there was cheese in my pasta sauce. Now I have stomach cramps :barf:

[Lil Mamma]

New vegan here :)
I just finished the PETA vegan challenge and don't plan to go back to eating meat and dairy. I'm trying to go as organic as possible too.

I'm actually not completely opposed to eating meat, my reasons for going vegan are to avoid factory farming, environmental concerns and health concerns. It is actually completely unnecessary to consume meat and dairy, however many of us grow up believing that we need to eat these things in order to be healthy.

It hasn't been that long, but so far I am loving being a vegan, because I know I am not contributing to the horrendous cruelty and I am helping to save the environment :goodvibes:

I wanted to ask though, are you still a vegan if you consume cruelty free eggs here and there? I have a friend who has rescued battery hens in the backyard, so if we didn't use the eggs they lay they would basically go to waste, is there anything wrong with that? There is no associated cruelty or exploitation whatsoever.

[Ana Gram]

Well done Lil Mamma :yelclap: I'm nearly at one year here.

Read John Safran Foer's book Eating Animals and you will NEVER look back.

With the eggs, it depends on who you talk to. I think eggs, no matter what chook they have come from represents factory farming. The majority of vegans I speak to would not eat eggs, no matter where they came from.

[Lil Mamma]

Thanks Chelle :hugs:

I am still trying to understand the egg situation, what are we meant to do with them otherwise? I asked a friend who is an AR activist and vegan of 9 years, she said she wouldn't eat them because she doesn't like the idea of consuming something that another animal had produced. However, she also said that she knows vegans who have rescued battery hens and will use any eggs leftover after they give them away to people who would otherwise buy cage eggs. She doesn't see a problem with it, but I am trying to find out if her view is the general consensus or something that would be unacceptable?

[Ana Gram]

It really depends on the vegan. There is a joke on the Simpsons, where a guest character said he was a "level 5 vegan" which was not eating anything that casts a shadow :laughing: Sound crazy but the definition of vegan is someone who does not consume animal products, which kinda does include eggs. But it's all down to personal interpretation and ethics I guess. While some vegans are fine with it, some aren't.

I don't think any vegan would suggest sending eggs to landfill so other uses would be to give them to people who eat eggs and perhaps donating them to animal shelters, reptile sanctuaries, zoos etc.

Purely from my vegan connections, eggs are a no go. I don't know any vegans who eat them.

For me, apart from the factory farming angle, it is the grossness of eating part of the menstrual cycle of another animal.

Do a google search of vegans + eggs and you will get a ton of opinions. But at the end of the day, you have to answer to your own personal ethics.

[Ana Gram]

One year as a vegan! Go me!! :smiliedance:

[Ana Gram]

I was talking to a friend I hadn't seen for ages the other night and something is still bugging me. She tells me I "look fantastic"" and then says "what have you done?". I answer the question, vegan, and then start listing the other things I have cut out of my diet but she interrupts me and says "don't start preaching" :confused: I have had this often. Why ask if you don't want to hear the answer??

[indigoin0z]

congrats on your anniversary chelle!! woopwoop!:smiliedance:

i just passed my anniversary too - 2 years [23rd dec]

how exciting! you sound like you are doing so well out of it tho.. as a melbournian, you sure have more access to great stuff.. im envious from down south in the sticks.. i get most of my supplies on line..

with the preaching thing too..
i feel that most people dont really want to know why you look good, unless there is some magic pill/easy option or something, and often its human nature persons to feel if someone else isnt doing/believing in something, but i am, that means i am being judged or they are trying to convert me.. i only just brush over most of it [tho i dont look traditionally healthy yet! too much good vegan food out there now] and if they want to ask more they will..you can usually pick up their vibe if they truly are interested or not..

so happy for you chelle..:yes: good luck with it.
:sunshine:~Peace 2u~:flowerz:

[Ana Gram]

Thanks indigoin0z! Congrats to you too!! 2 years that's great!!

Melbourne does make life simpler that's for sure! Love Melbourne and it's plethora of vegan stuff :cloud9:

I'm sure you have had the same thing in that we aren't even preaching. Merely mention the "v"word and you get "Don't start preaching to me", crazy!!

[Lil Mamma]

Congratulations Chelle, well done!!! :smiliedance::thumbsup:

[Ana Gram]

DD is really struggling with being the odd one out. Poor love feels left out in after school care as they have snacks and do cooking which she can never do as it always has some animal product in it :(

[MummaBear03]

DD is really struggling with being the odd one out. Poor love feels left out in after school care as they have snacks and do cooking which she can never do as it always has some animal product in it :(

How does she go being around it? I remember at vacation care once the kids went to Bunnings for one of their school holiday DIY classes and there was a sausage sizzle going on so the carer decided to buy all the kids a sausage on bread. DD walked away and told her teacher she might vomit if she stays there so she'd rather go and wait at the counters if that's ok. She was 4 at the time and the teacher didn't know what to say about it but let her anyway because they had 2 staff members so one went with her away from the others.

[Ana Gram]

I don't know as I'm not there. I think some of it has to do with the fact that we have been vegan for a bit over a year, so she hasn't grown up with it. She has always refused food and asked people to look at the packet for the ingredients. Tonight she expressed that she feels left out. So she feels bad about being left out and bad at the idea of eating something from an animal so she isn't left out :(

I've told her that being left out isn't really a good enough reason to go back to eating animals because we can always buy an alternative. I'll talk to the coordinator and see if I can supply the alternative ingredients.

[Ana Gram]

:mad: So annoyed. I provided after school care with egg replacer, soy milk and vegan margarine so DD can be involved in cooking. So what are they making this week? Milo cookies. Milo has milk, palm oil and is made by Nestle. DD is also annoyed.

Another annoyance this week has been to do with other vegans. AOP is having a walk-a-thon to raise money for the care of orang-utan orphans in Indonesia. There is a sausage sizzle involved and we are currently trying to get a vegan option going. The AOP Vic rep received an email from a vegan who wanted to ensure that the sausage sizzle was completely vegan before she would pass it on to her vast number of vegan friends as they would find it offensive to try and save orang-utans "but disregard the horrendous plight of farm animals."

I do understand their point but, to actively decline to help just boggles my mind.

[Ana Gram]

Something I saw on the news has really bothered me as it is such a negative viewing of vegetarianism and veganism. Doctors have coined a new eating disorder: Orthorexia Nervosa.

Of course, diets such as vegetarian, vegan, raw foodist all came up. Looking further into it they have also added seasonal diets, which is something else I do.

Part of the news report stated that people were starting to ask questions about what's in their food, like that was a BAD thing. How on earth is wanting to know what is in our food a bad thing??

[Ana Gram]

Well, DD has finally cracked. She wants to fit in and eat what everyone else is eating :(

[peanutbutter&jelly]

:hugs:
I *think* that's only natural though :( :hugs:
How incredibly terrifying re:wanting to actually KNOW what's in your food. Idiots.
For goodness sake, I'm omnivorous still and want to know whats in what I'm eating!!

[MummaBear03]

Well, DD has finally cracked. She wants to fit in and eat what everyone else is eating :(

I've taught DD a new saying: Why fit in when you were meant to stand out? I have told her that nobody will learn any new ways by simply following the old ways.

[Ana Gram]

I'm not surprised as she wasn't raised as vegan. it is something I introduced when she was 5. And she is now spending more time at her dad's and getting a lot of influence from her aunt and cousin who also live there.

She told her dad she wants to be vegetarian but mentioned eating chicken :( And that is exactly what her aunt does, claims to be vegetarian and eats chicken.

She has always been very conscious of fitting in and hates being different. She dumbs herself down at school. She has asked me to "look normal".

If she only lived with me, I don't think it would be a problem but I think it is too hard for her at 6 without support. While her dad claims to try, they had McDonalds today and he called me about it yesterday. It's hard enough being an adult and being vegan with little support, let alone a 6 year old.

So while I am heart broken at her decision, there is nothing I can do about it as it is her choice.

[peanutbutter&jelly]

How's she going now Chelle?

I'm finally starting to worry about my calcium intake, since while I'm still an omni, I don't eat dairy... I KNOW I'm not eating enough leafy greens to make up for it, any other massive hints on what I can do other than supplements.. or dairy free supplements?

[Ana Gram]

She is doing well. She hasn't fallen off the wagon again, which I am really proud of her for. She is still very conscious of being different. Mostly centred on me, her father passes for normal in her eyes. She made me take off my beanie to walk her up to class today as it was too embarrassing.

If you are really worried about your calcium levels, get checked out by a doctor. You might be worrying for nothing.

What have you replaced dairy with?

[peanutbutter&jelly]

Ok, I know I probably won't make ANY sense here...
BUT, its taken me making a stupid mistake today and feeling like an idiot all afternoon (ok, only for about 3 hours, but with a baby fussing because of it and throwing up on everything, all because I'm a freaking idiot it feels like forever!) to realise I have to start taking care of myself way better.
In my case, making sure I get enough calcium is one thing that I know I haven't been doing, I'm not eating enough spinach (even though I add it to about every second nights dinner) or almonds to make up for the calcium I'm not consuming in dairy (and I realised today that I have no real intention on doing so as a frequent thing ever again, when Mum was trying to discuss with me when I would try and reintroduce it into my diet and all I could think was "but why would I?!" :))
I more or less need to get some :barf: soy yoghurt and soy milk and start making myself smoothies, I have an excuse to eat so good ice cream if I can find any (and there's next to no fat in it too, so the ED voice that's still never too far, even 5 years on, can't have much to say :D). Oh, and head to coles to check if the tofu I usually get is calcium fortified and what sort of stats I'm looking at there...
But I have to manage this without ending up obsessive :/

[Ana Gram]

It's been a while.

How are all my fellow vegans? I have noticed a few more popping up on BH.

DD is doing well and her father is supporting her completely. He doesn't eat meat unless he is at someone else's house. It's not worth the lecture and guilt trip from DD apparently :laughing:

[MummaBear03]

DD said she gets teased at school by the "meat eaters" and the other day ate nothing in her lunch box for fear of being teased because she had cold corn on the cob as well as beans, snow peas and carrot sticks in her lunch box. She had a salad sandwich as well so the teacher gave her an apple and spoke to me about it that afternoon. She spoke to the kids about teasing others and how hurtful it is and how it isn't going to be accepted but then she said she wanted to have a chicken roll at the tuckshop so the kids stop teasing her :(

Poor kids, I wish they could just live their lives and not worry about what other people think of them.

[Ana Gram]

Poor poppet :( DD hasn't been teased yet but has certainly felt the pressure.

I had provided replacement ingredients at after school care but they have NEVER used it. So DD is always left out. During last school holidays, she cracked and they rang to ask if she could eat a marshmallow.

[peanutbutter&jelly]

Kids are so cruel MB. I know I don't *really* belong in here... in any meat-eating way actually, I just crash here constantly :o
BUT, my Mum used to make all of our *treat* foods. Including muesli bars etc. I used to get teased because of THAT. Because they'd be full of yummy stuff - sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, oats, flaxseeds, even choc chips etc and SO good, but because they weren't wrapped in an Uncle Toby's wrapper, I got teased. Stupid, cruel, horrible children. WELL, guess which now adults would kill for such healthy, amazing treats now, hey :)

She'll get through it :hugs: :hugs:

[MummaBear03]

After school care for DD is fine because it's a special needs after school care and the kids are on different diets with some being tube fed liquids and some getting gluten free and various things so they're all different there. It's just at school she gets teased. This is year 1! I hope she gets better and standing up for herself in a healthy manner before they hit high school. The teacher gives out lollies sometimes and she uses smarties so I've bought similar from the Cruelty Free shop and given those to the teacher. I also keep jelly in the pantry from there in case they announce they are having jelly cups. I keep all different types in the pantry so that if they are having a red day for some reason I can just make up some red jelly for her or green or something.

With vacation care, if the meals are provided I find out what's on the menu and send in something similar, like if they are having pasta I just give her vege pasta, or a bolognese sauce using lentils. Same with if they're having stir-fry, I make a stir-fry with just vegetables and she has that so she's having the same type of thing.

[DanceInTheRain]

I'm vege not vegan but wanted to say I watched a fab doco last night called 'a diet for all reasons'. Very good viewing, check it out if you haven't seen it :)

[Ana Gram]

*bump*

How are we all going?

[bootiful]

:wave: I am a stealth non-vego/non-vegan trawling your threads for info and ideas, hope you don't mine but the conversation is very interesting and I am learning a thing or two :goodvibes:

[elissas]

Hi, don't know whether this thread is still active much, but thought I'd introduce myself!

I became vegan in June, immediately after watching Food Inc. I've been vegan ever since and don't see it changing. I have known for nearly 20 years that I was a vegetarian deep down, I just never knew to what extent and obviously wasn't ready.

The past couple of years I'd started introducing vegetarian options and even having some vegan meals (without even really deliberately doing it). Also had DS casein free for some time as he is ASD, so I became familiar with the good dairy free options.

So when the time came to make the switch it was so easy I couldn't believe it.

My DS and kids are semi vegan, and I'm slowly working towards making the kids' diet completely vegan. DS won't eat meat anyway, or eggs, or honey. But he would eat dairy all day if I let him. He doesn't though. DD loves all food. "I love meat" she says. But she also says "I love beans, I love tofu, I love soup"... she's the easy one.

One of the best resources for me was the "Living Vegan for Dummies" book. I'm not normally a fan of the Dummies books, but this one was great!

My family and DH's are mostly supportive (and his family would never question it even if they weren't), but my Mum has often said "I just don't understand why you can't won't eat an egg or honey". I just respond with "are you asking me a question you don't want to know the answer to Mum?" and that usually ends that ;)

I also have the added challenge of getting extra protein as I train a lot and am looking to study to become a personal trainer and eventually a nutritionist. That's the aim anyway ;) Had a few people who are also into training tell me that there's no way I can train, run, or condition without eating animal products. Well, I've shown them, as I've dropped nearly 10kg since June and my body has completely reshaped (thanks to lots of pilates and a lack of toxins!)

I've also stashed the ventolin since giving up dairy, where before going vegan I was using it nearly every second night!! Haven't needed it in 6mths :D

Another good website is http://pcrm.org/health/powerplate/index.html. A group of American doctors promoting a plant based diet. They are apparently suing the USDA at the moment for declining their recommendation for a plant based food "power plate" as an alternative to the traditional food pyramid.

Someone asked about alternatives to parmesan cheese awhile ago too? I use Lotus Savoury Yeast Flakes, which melt into the food like parmesan and I find they do the trick. You can also make cream cheese out of them. They also contain B1, B3, B6, B2 AND B12 :smiliedance:

Hope the thread picks up again. I'm interested in chatting to fellow vegans.

[Ana Gram]

:wave: Hi Bootiful, happy for you to read away! Hi elissas, welcome!

It is a bit slow as there aren't that many of us but I bump things along every now and then as sometimes you just need to know there is someone else out there, especially if you have made the change on your own.

I have just past my 2 year veganversary :celebrate: I initially lost weight as a vegan but have now put half of it back on, but I am pretty certain it isn't diet related, either hormonal or ovarian cyst. Still investigating that one.

DD is also vegan, she only struggles at school occasionally now. And it is being left out that is the hardest. She isn't interested in eating meat at all but it is the by products that she occasionally considers when everyone else is having one, like chocolate or lollies.

I started out on my own. Didn't know any other vegans and that was a little hard but I have now found a bunch of other vegan parents which is fantastic.

And I also LOVE savoury yeast flakes!!

[elissas]

Congratulations on your 2yrs!!! How good does you feel hey?

Hormonal stuff - I hear you! It's actually the only problem I've had. Since becoming vegan, all my little niggly health problems disappeared, even half of my anxiety (still decreasing). But my body DOES NOT like the pill anymore. It's like it wants to reject it. First intense unending sugar cravings for 2mths, skin break outs, and now thrush :( All pill related for sure. I'm quitting the pill altogether once DH and I figure out our options. Vasectomy is out as I don't like the long term risks and the immune issues that they are now researching in relation to it (increases risk of several cancers, including prostate). But that's a whole other thread haha.

All the fitness friends are easy now, when they mention veganism as not a viable diet for fitness, I just ask them how Bob Harper from Biggest Loser would feel about that - being vegan. And point them to the PETA website to check out the pretty well-cut vegan celebs!!

I anticipate that the kids will make some non-vegan choices in their school years, and may decide it's not for them when they're old enough to make an informed decision. I'm not as strict with them, I let them make choices even now, at 3 and 5. It's the only way, they're smart enough already, and intuitive enough :goodvibes: I often have issues with DS (who's very sensitive and diagnosed ASD) rejecting food not based on what it is, but where it came from - organic and free range etc. He's been additive free for nearly 4 years and naturally rejects poor food choices now.

Things will change, and continue to change though. All I hope to be is a good role model, and well informed so that they can trust me, and so that I help them meet all their needs, nutritionally as well as in other areas of their lives.

Another interesting read, which might help with the cyst or hormonal issue, is "Diet Wise" by Keith Scott-Mumby. It's not a book about veganism, in fact as far as that's concerned is totally unrelated. But it is about your body and how to determine how it reacts to individual food types. He talks about maladaption (ie. intolerance or allergy), and discusses how any food type is potentially toxic to a person, and each person is different. It's a huge read in some ways, but very interesting. Loads of case studies - not just physical responses, but emotional, mental etc. He talks about "masking", how the body appears to be well but how it adapts and masks responses, and how these change constantly. Pretty cool read.

[Acacia]

Hey all,
Just thought i would add my name to the list. I have been vegan for 4 and a bit years. Went vegan went my son was 3 months old after hearing about the plight of dairy calves. As a new mum i couldnt stand the thought of a mother cow being ripped from its baby and the baby being slaughtered after starvation at just 3 days old. I went vegan straight away then educated myself more and more and now try to participate in activism as much as i can. I started off as a 'freegan' so basically i had friends who would dumpster dive me easter eggs or cheese, but as the years have gone on my palat has changed, and whilst i don't have an ethical issue with 'freeganism' i don't really want to eat animal products, regardless of whether they are going to be wasted.
Anyway its awesome to know there are some more vegan parents out there.

[Acacia]

What about if you had your own chickens and they lived a very comfortable and happy lifes?

In any mode of egg production, the male chicks are seen as waste products of the industry. The Male chicks are slaughtered regardless of whether its a free range factory or not. The methods of breeding chooks for backyard production are the same. The male chicks are still slaughtered as they are waste. I personally don't think that eggs or milk are vegetarian because animals die in the production of them, more so than just being an animal product.

As for honey. I don't eat honey because, honey is made for bees! The methods used for collecting the honey is one which bees are forced to gorge food when the honey collectors smoke them out, and the smoke also stuns them and the frantic nature of the bees wanting to protect their queen means that they sting, and therefore die.

Anyway thats just my opinions on eggs and honey.

[jacstar31]

Just wanted to say hi! My dh & I have been vegan for 3&1/2 months! Started the vegan easy challenge for 30days in march and have not looked back!! I am actually feeling a lot of guilt for all the animals killed for me in my life! My ds is 4 and dd is 3 and they are vego, only thing they eat is eggs from our cholla although we don't. Also they eat chocolate, but we have just decided we will change that.
Anyway, so happy to find this supportive thread! My dh is a naturopath so that is good whenever I get all those questions... How do u get protein? Iron? Etc also he is home full time with the kids so he mostly cooks...I am so lucky!!

[Acacia]

Hi Jackstar, well done, thats awesome! It is a really good feeling to know your not contributing to the sufferring anymore.

Good luck with the little ones. My son is 4 and he has been vego since birth. In my home he is predominately vegan (we have no animal products in the house) but sometimes if we are out i cave and buy a muffin or something without thinking. He has dairy and eggs at his dads house, and thats ok by me. We talk a lot about animals and ds has a very strong understanding of why he is not eating animals. If anyone offers him food he immediately asks if there is animal in it, which is good. He knows im a vegan and why, and he understands why i dont have cow milk at my house and is fine with that. He said he likes eggs and cow milk but we have started the discussion about how cows make milk for their babies and we steal it, so im hoping that it will be a natural progression to veganism for him.

So good to be doing it with your dh where you have support! So many women go vegan and their dh stays omni and there is this household struggle. Your dh sounds awesome...as do you!

Anyway good luck. If you would like any recipes and support then im happy to help!
x

[Acacia]

Hey i have not watched it yet, my best friend recently did, she is also vegan and as she told me about it we had a good cry. Im not sure if i can watch it but now that uni holdiays are on i want to build myself up to it! I am hoping to hold a screening of it, so i really should watch it first!

Have you read 'the ethics of what we eat' by peter singer? Awesome book. Peter Singer is an ethicist who provides good arguments against the eating of animals. Also the new book 'eating animals' is good by jonathon saffron foer.

Good luck in your conversion. Sounds like your life is in a big transitional phase. I hope it goes well.

[bada]

Started the vegan easy challenge for 30days in march and have not looked back!!

Looked it up after reading this last night, awesome recipes. I'm going to give it a shot. I did my online grocery order last night based on the recipes from that site. Starting just for a week, mainly because it is a little more expensive than our usual vego shopping and DF prob gets laid off this week, so have to see what funds are like thereafter.

I was vegan for a few years around a decade ago so I know I can do it. DF was too. Cheesecake broke me last time, but that vegan cheesecake looks yummm. So, here goes!

[Ana Gram]

Hello fellow vegans :cheerleader1: So nice that a fe more have joined!

I haven't watched Earthlings. I started but couldn't get through it. I was already vegan and found it too distressing. It is known as the vegan turner though.

Eating Animals is an excellent book, although I have had to put it down a few times because it was also distressing.

Going vegan is much easier to do with support. personally, I couldn't do it with an omni partner. It would be too difficult. And the veganism would win for me.

[jacstar31]

Wow... Earthlings was the thing that turned me and dh to vegan. It was very disturbing but I needed it! Although I do believe I had already started the journey of thinking along that path.
Thanks for all your replies and thoughts...its great to know that we have some support. Especially with the kids, since my parents think we are 'brainwashing' the kids! Like others have mentioned my kids eat much better than what they did before.

[Ana Gram]

Ana gram- is there anyway I could borrow the book?? Would love to read it :D and im not sure if u clicked but im t.a.l.i.t.h.a on fb lol!

and currently living with ex so its way to difficult to switch to vegan til I move out :|

I can send it to you, just PM me your address on FB

[Ana Gram]

Might message a mod.... I would really like to start a diary about my life as a vegan in this section. :) Anyone else think this is a good idea?

Yes, fantastic!

[jacstar31]

just thought I would share something that my kids love to eat....we call them "Tofu Wraps". you get the really firm tofu and cut into shapes, or any size about 1/2 cm thick and then dip in mixture of cornflour and water and then into breadcrumbs (cornflour makes it stick well!) fry until golden on both sides and then add with some pasta and sauce or vegies and you have a quick easy dinner that they will love!!

[Ana Gram]

That sounds delish! Although, I probably wouldn't end up with any tofu for myself as DD and both the cats steal it off my plate!

[Acacia]

That sounds like a great recipe, shall give it a bash.

Ana's comments reminded me of one of my own recipes. Its called tofu fish, and is so convincing that my cat steals it too!

So cut tofu into squares, quite big, Soak in soy sauce then wrap in nori sheet. The nori sticks to the soy sauce. Ten batter with flour and water and fry. Yum Yum! Complete with masterfoods Tartare sauce (which is vegan!)

mmmmmm

[bada]

That sounds like a great recipe, shall give it a bash.

Ana's comments reminded me of one of my own recipes. Its called tofu fish, and is so convincing that my cat steals it too!

So cut tofu into squares, quite big, Soak in soy sauce then wrap in nori sheet. The nori sticks to the soy sauce. Ten batter with flour and water and fry. Yum Yum! Complete with masterfoods Tartare sauce (which is vegan!)

mmmmmm Oooh I'm going to give that a go - sounds reslly interesting!

I found this recipe for a vegan zuchini frittata
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2011/06/vegan-zucchini-frittata.html#more-2738
It looks so convincing, but what really piqued my interest was the use of black salt which the author says has an eggy aroma. I actually had a bag of this stuff sitting in my pantry already but never used it. So I took a sniff and it really does smell like egg, strange. Looking forward to giving this a whirl. Has anyone else used black salt?

[waterlily]

Sorry for crashing but has anyone got/used the "100 best vegan baking recipes" book?

I found it online to buy but wanted to know if it was any good?

Thanks Lovelies.

[waterlily]

I haven't tried black salt but hate the flavor of egg so would never bother trying it. :p

[jacstar31]

Just wanted to say that I am so excited! Dh & I are going on a vegan retreat in 2 weeks. We will away for whole wend with kids at nana & poppy's. So looking forward to it!!

[bada]

Going vegan is much easier to do with support. personally, I couldn't do it with an omni partner. It would be too difficult. And the veganism would win for me. It sucks. I've been vego from about 13 and was vegan from about 16 to 18? then back to vego until some time in my late 20's I went pesco. When I met DF he was eating meat after years of being vegetarian and vegan. Shortly after we got together he became vegetarian, then he also went pesco. Then he started eating all meat again :( and now that I'm giving veganism a go again he's not really all that supportive, I swear meat screws up people's brains (and off topic but I swear he's more aggressive eating meat, just a hypothesis at this stage).

He has been vegan himself so I don't understand his doubting my choice now. It's really disappointing. But I'm hoping that he will go back to at least vego, we spent so long together as vegetarians, like 7 years or something. It's all because of this meat head friend of his too, I absolutely can't stand the guy and I know the only reason Df started to eat meat again was from hanging around this guy and wanting to fit in. Slowly but surely he is beginning to see what an absolute doofus this guy is anyway, so I'm hoping he'll come full circle... hoping. For now I'm subjected to going for dinner at this guy's house (whose girlfriend is vego btw) where he serves up like multiple whole dead animals on the table where everyone must eat including his vego girlfriend, is it just me or is that completely disrespectful to your guests and to your freaking girlfriend? I'm talking mountains of ribs and dead stuff.

Sorry about the essay, I just needed a vent!

Anyhoo, the vegan thing is working out ok so far, I feel better for it. I feel less guilty.

[Ana Gram]

Gah, that sounds disgusting.

I've barely been sick in over two years, since being vegan. And DD gets sick maybe once a year which is pretty good for germ machines, aka children.

[2darlingboys]

I'd love to try it but I suck at cooking & be too expensive for me

[Ana Gram]

I'd love to try it but I suck at cooking & be too expensive for me

It's actually not expensive to be vegan :)

[bada]

It's actually not expensive to be vegan :) It is more expensive for me having gone from vego to vegan. It may be cheaper going from omni to vegan as meat can be expensive.

[jacstar31]

I am interested as to what costs more for you now being vegan? We are saving more now - no meat, take aways!

[bada]

I am interested as to what costs more for you now being vegan? We are saving more now - no meat, take aways! I was vego already so didn't buy meat therefor didn't have that saving to be made.

For starters, the non-dairy milk I bought this week is more than twice as expensive as dairy milk. There were pantry items to stock up on, and substitute items to help transition (not that these are a "necessity" but they sure make satisfying the whole family a lot easier during this period).

[share a book]

I am interested as to what costs more for you now being vegan? We are saving more now - no meat, take aways!

For me to cut out eggs I have to now supplement with vitamin B that I've never had to do before an also we were getting our eggs FREE as opposed to buying supplements. It's really the only difference.

We were already on a dairy free diet and a gluten free diet due to allergies which also meant no take away to begin with.

[2darlingboys]

It's actually not expensive to be vegan :)

How much is your shopping usually?

[Ana Gram]

How much is your shopping usually?

Depends on what I need that week. Anywhere between $50 and $100.

[Ana Gram]

I was vego already so didn't buy meat therefor didn't have that saving to be made.

For starters, the non-dairy milk I bought this week is more than twice as expensive as dairy milk. There were pantry items to stock up on, and substitute items to help transition (not that these are a "necessity" but they sure make satisfying the whole family a lot easier during this period).

Yes, the milk alternatives are expensive :yes:

[Acacia]

Hi all,
I really dont think vegan is more expensive if you plan well. I don't buy the mock meats, they are very expensive. I use a lot of lentils and beans. Red lentils are like $3 for 500 grams. Much less expensive than meat and last longer. As for the Vitiman B suppliments, i don't suppliment, but i do buy a bag of nutritional yeast flakes to put on my sons toasted sandwiches. It is very high in b12 and other b vitamins. It also goes a long way. I add it to pasta and other dishes also, he loves it. Marmite is also high in b12 and other b vitamins.
You can get organic soy milk from Aldi and its quite cheap.
I find the things that are more expensive are organic veggies, however that would be the same if you were an omni or not. If you stick to whole foods it is cheaper. I make hommus too, and thats very cheap. Meat subsititues and those type of items are very very expensive, so i really think its best to avoid them. Soaking your own beans is also cheaper. It just takes a bit of planning then its fine.

[share a book]

Hi all,
I really dont think vegan is more expensive if you plan well. I don't buy the mock meats, they are very expensive. I use a lot of lentils and beans. Red lentils are like $3 for 500 grams. Much less expensive than meat and last longer. As for the Vitiman B suppliments, i don't suppliment, but i do buy a bag of nutritional yeast flakes to put on my sons toasted sandwiches. It is very high in b12 and other b vitamins. It also goes a long way. I add it to pasta and other dishes also, he loves it. Marmite is also high in b12 and other b vitamins.
You can get organic soy milk from Aldi and its quite cheap.
I find the things that are more expensive are organic veggies, however that would be the same if you were an omni or not. If you stick to whole foods it is cheaper. I make hommus too, and thats very cheap. Meat subsititues and those type of items are very very expensive, so i really think its best to avoid them. Soaking your own beans is also cheaper. It just takes a bit of planning then its fine.

Unfortunately we can't use yeast flakes either and we don't have Aldi up this way yet :( so yeah it can be expensive if you live in certain areas.

[HarvestMoon]

I don't think being a vego is expensive. It only would be if you bought a heap of mock meats and pre packaged stuff.

Say you make some Spag bol with a couple of tins of lentils or bought a bag of dry lentils you could make the whole meal for under $5... so much cheaper then the dead animal version.

Things like stir frys are cheap. Even with adding some tofu or tempeh it would still work out cheaper then adding meat.

I guess soymilk and nuttlex are probably the only more expensive items I buy in comparisson to dairy alternatives but its not like we go through excessive amounts anyway.

[bada]

I've never really been into moch meat type stuff anyway. I remember meeting an ex vegetarian once who said she gave it up in the end because it cost way too much to buy sanitarium sausages, bacon etc every day lol

We're chewing through the rice/soy milk and nuttelex because I bake a lot. ALDI isn't easily accessible for me but I don't think the price for the plain stuff varies much from Coles brand stuff but it's not fortified so we'll fork out a bit more for the fortified stuff for now.

This week I've also bought some fake cheese and tofutti stuff (probably more for sentimental reasons since I was so stoked to find tofutti back in the 90's when I was first vegan, but really it's not all that great, and their cheese slices...:barf:) and a $6 a tub of soy ice cream ( I guess that's another love I'll have to let go of, though I'm sure my hips will thank me for it).

Acacia suggested better planning, I was already a dedicated vegetarian meal planner as it was, so there was nothing to be gained there. I've always made my own homus too, at the rate it's consumed in this house I'd never have been able to afford to buy enough of the premade stuff to suffice.

So at the end of *our* first two weeks vegan, it *is* more expensive than being vegetarian but worth it, obviously. It's only about $15-20/wk more which pushes us just over $100/wk for three people, still pretty cheap I think but DF just lost his job today so every cent really counts atm. Will possibly get cheaper though as we all learn to cope without a few of those dairy substitutes.

One last thing before I go though, tonight's vegan lasagne is pretty kick @rse even with no fake cheese whatsoever!

[bada]

Eek, duck down quilts :( looking for a quilt for DD I went to check what our current quilts are made of (btw my mum bought them for us years ago and I never thought of checking) as they are quite nice eg cool in summer, warm in winter, fluffy etc... 50/50 duck down/feathers :( just reading up on how these are produced... yuck. Nice quilts but seriously, why the f do we have to do that to living creatures just to make a freaking quilt.

[share a book]

Yep with the Nutellex! Yesterday we went through a whole tub! We now have a freezer full of pikelets and muffins and we have a whole biscuit container full of shortbread and jam drops but yeah not cheap with our flour being $3.30/500g and the only icing sugar we can use is CSR then throw in the cost of the Nutellex as well :/

[bada]

Yep with the Nutellex! Yesterday we went through a whole tub! We now have a freezer full of pikelets and muffins and we have a whole biscuit container full of shortbread and jam drops but yeah not cheap with our flour being $3.30/500g and the only icing sugar we can use is CSR then throw in the cost of the Nutellex as well :/Ouch but yummm!

Has anyone tried Sheese vegan "cheese"? OMG. Red wine and smoked Sheese is amazing. I don't have an excuse to not be vegan now (previously my excuse was loving cheese too much). Costs a bomb but awesome for a treat.

I'm also loving how much more adventurous cooking wise I am with a vegan diet, I mean being vego I was fairly adventurous already but now even more so as it's easier to DIY than read labels. I've done it as a once off before but now regularly make my own crackers and other bits n pieces. Loving home made mushroom Pâté, and even DF who is still omni is loving the new food too :D

ETA being vegan now vs ten years ago is so much easier too. So many more susbstitutes available for starters but also the wealth of information available online by way of recipes etc. I'm loving it :)

[share a book]

The only "cheese" we have up our way is Tofutti cheese slices or Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese (which I use in cheese cakes) so not really any cheese to have with wine or on crackers :(

[bada]

The only "cheese" we have up our way is Tofutti cheese slices or Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese (which I use in cheese cakes) so not really any cheese to have with wine or on crackers :( Uggg those tofutti chese slices were weird! What do you think of them? I think I had the American Cheese ones - really orange. But DF had them on a not dog the other day and said they were ok once heated.

The place I got the smoked sheese from today washttp://www.greenedgeonline.com.au/index.html I was staggered that somewhere like this existed in Brisbane! They do ship though it would be quite expensive, but if you ever have some extra cash and feel like splurging I highly recommend their Smoked Cheddar Sheese! Ordinarily we couldn't afford it either but DF just got a redundancy pay out this week along with a new job so we thought why not splurge a little? :)

BTW I must say I'm a little bit proud of my ex-veggie-now-omni DF who today chose to buy himself (I don't eat it) that fake bacon stuff over real bacon as he prefers the flavour lol He also prefers veg hot dogs over real ones... perhaps not far from turning (at least) vego again afterall ;)

[share a book]

I'll buy the Frys items for a trip to the park but my LO is a Coeliac sufferer which means she can't have them anyway. I like the patties myself but only buy them if we have tea in a park or at the beach.

[Acacia]

Hey everyone,
SBS Insight will be hosting the ethics of meat on Tuesday night.
"Where you draw the line on what you will and won't eat. From being vegan or vegetarian, to boycotting certain animal products or being willing to eat anything, we want to hear from you. Please email fatimak@sbs.com.au with your story."

[bada]

Best ever vegan dip recipe...

Muhammara (aka my new best friend)

1 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
3 large roasted and peeled red capsicums
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
1 T red pepper flakes *optional
3 cloves garlic
3 T lemon juice
3 T pomegranate molasses (I couldn't find this so made my own from this recipe (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/pomegranate-syrup-or-molasses-recipe/index.html))
1 T paprika
1 t cumin
1 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
2 T extra virgin olive oil

Toast walnuts in a 200 deg c oven for 10 minutes then tranfsfer to food processor and add all other ingredients, process until smooth.

It's seriously the best dip I've ever tasted. Amazing. And so creamy yet dairy free :)

I've been munching this most awesome dip with home made crackers which are easy to make too, just rub 2T softened margarine into 2 cups plain flour then mix in up to a cup of rice milk, or just enough to get a soft dough (not sticky), roll out as thin as possible, place on tray, mark out cracker shapes and bake at 150 deg c until they start to brown. Made some yummy sesame poppy ones too, just add in a few tablespoons of each seed to the flour first.

Enjoy!

[jacstar31]

Sounds like a beautiful dip. I will try it! Also my dh and I had an amazing time at vegan cooking & yoga retreat last wend!

[bada]

Sounds like a beautiful dip. I will try it! Also my dh and I had an amazing time at vegan cooking & yoga retreat last wend!Where was the retreat? And did you learn any good recipes you'd like to share?

[share a book]

Would you allow your child to participate in a vacation care activity that was a fishing trip? If you had to work (no paid leave and if you didn't turn up you could lose hours entirely) and had no other vacation care then had to pay an entry fee whether your child participated or not would you allow them to participate or send them along in the hope they wouldn't be too affected by it? Or take time off work then hope for the best?

[Ana Gram]

SUS, that is a really hard situation. I send DD to vacation care even when they are doing things that are not vegan. She just doesn't participate and yes, still have to pay for it but I don't have a great deal of choice. Although I won't lose money, I lose study time.

[MsMummy]

Would you allow your child to participate in a vacation care activity that was a fishing trip? If you had to work (no paid leave and if you didn't turn up you could lose hours entirely) and had no other vacation care then had to pay an entry fee whether your child participated or not would you allow them to participate or send them along in the hope they wouldn't be too affected by it? Or take time off work then hope for the best?

I'm vegetarian, not vegan, but that's a tough situation.

As your child is older, would she just take a book or do something other than actively participate? Like she could sort of boycott it while still attending?

You have to pay the bills though, so if your daughter is okay, maybe just send her or talk to the care provider.

Maybe talk to your daughter and see how she feels about it. If she is going to be very upset, then you might just have to take the day off.

I haven't had that situation yet, thankfully, as I am uncomfortable with fishing. My son's family day carer and her husband took the kids to the park for a BBQ the other week, but we just sent veg sausages.

[share a book]

The part that upsets us both the most about that place is the part they tried to tell us was ok about it - that you can't take them home with you! You can catch them then throw them back! Basically they are bred in captivity then left to be tortured by piercing their skin with a hook then partially suffocate them by pulling them out of the water while they become distressed then throw them back so it happens over and over and over again! I'm not comfortable paying an entry fee there because I don't like the thought of financially supporting such a place that thrives on the torture and distress of a living animal and makes money that way :(

[jacstar31]

hi caritas - sorry I forgot to reply back to you!! I have just found out I am pregnant! yay!! only about 6.5 weeks now, so would have been pregnant on the vegan retreat - just didn't know it yet!! lol! the retreat was in daylesford, victoria and we stayed in a little cottage there. we did learn lots of things - the cooking classes were more about teaching 'principles'of cooking rather than actual recipes as then its easier to do things yourself!! although having said that my DH is a naturopath and the best cook in the world and he is home full time with the kids so he mostly cooks!! my fav new thing we had on the retreat was quinoa with black and red rice and a curry and also fried tempeh with snake beans! yum!
swimming - wow - hadn't thought about that yet!! what are you going to do? we were at my parents house for dinner last w/end and they were all eating roast chicken and DS 4yo says "we don't eat chicken - because it kills animals!" - everyone was a bit quieter after that :eek:

[Ana Gram]

Sus, it really sucks especially when you have few options. I think best to talk about it with your DD and see what her thoughts were, if you are open to taking a day off because of it.

This stuff happens all the time :( and people don't even consider it a problem usually.

[MsMummy]

The part that upsets us both the most about that place is the part they tried to tell us was ok about it - that you can't take them home with you! You can catch them then throw them back! Basically they are bred in captivity then left to be tortured by piercing their skin with a hook then partially suffocate them by pulling them out of the water while they become distressed then throw them back so it happens over and over and over again! I'm not comfortable paying an entry fee there because I don't like the thought of financially supporting such a place that thrives on the torture and distress of a living animal and makes money that way :(

Oh, I pictured them sitting on a grassy bank next to the river or a lake or something.

Is it a tank or something? I didn't even realise places like that existed.

That adds an extra level to it, definitely.

Can you afford to take the day off though?

I would probably take a day of annual leave but I'm in a position where I can. I think if you can't, then try not to feel too bad as you have not created the situation.

Is the activity set in stone? As in, is there any chance of them changing it to something else? LIke a sport that doesn't involve torturing animals?

[bada]

hi caritas - sorry I forgot to reply back to you!! I have just found out I am pregnant! yay!! only about 6.5 weeks now, so would have been pregnant on the vegan retreat - just didn't know it yet!! lol! the retreat was in daylesford, victoria and we stayed in a little cottage there. we did learn lots of things - the cooking classes were more about teaching 'principles'of cooking rather than actual recipes as then its easier to do things yourself!! although having said that my DH is a naturopath and the best cook in the world and he is home full time with the kids so he mostly cooks!! my fav new thing we had on the retreat was quinoa with black and red rice and a curry and also fried tempeh with snake beans! yum!
swimming - wow - hadn't thought about that yet!! what are you going to do? we were at my parents house for dinner last w/end and they were all eating roast chicken and DS 4yo says "we don't eat chicken - because it kills animals!" - everyone was a bit quieter after that :eek:Congratulations on the pregnancy!!! My 3 yo DD has become quite vocal about things when we're out and about eg at the shops the other day she exclaimed" look mum its dead chicken all wrapped up YUCK"... got a few dirty stares for that comment lol love that she followed it up by running to the veg section and pointing out "look mum it's tempeh like we got at our home".

SUS that is really tough. I don't know what I'd do.

BTW the recipe for the eggless frittata I posted earlier was a knock out! Absolutely awesome. And the black salt gives it a really authentic egg taste and smell, it's so weird.

[bada]

Nearly two months into the vegan thing now (minus a couple of slip ups in the first two weeks) and all is well :smiliedance: I've even overcome any dairy cravings, while having the vegan cheeses etc to start with was awesome I find I don't really need them anymore, to the point there has been 4 litres of icecream and three blocks of chocolate in our fridge this week and I have not touched it, there is no way I could have held back before but now i just don't even think about it. Pretty happy with that.

DF is quite supportive now after getting off to a rocky start I think he's coming around a bit... I don't know that he'll ever quit meat entirely again but he seems to even be turning away from dairy slowly too.

The last couple of weeks I've been looking into raw vegan a bit too, don't think I could do it 100% but atm we try to for breakfast and lunch and then cook dinner. Thinking in Summer things might be even easier.

Ana, I remember after the 4 corners export thing you said your ex was considering things, how did that pan out?

SAB, how did the fishing thing go?

[Ana Gram]

Ex is now vegetarian. Though rarely eats honey, dairy or eggs. I don;t think he will go the whole tofu and go vegan but it's a massive change!

[bada]

Ex is now vegetarian. Though rarely eats honey, dairy or eggs. I don;t think he will go the whole tofu and go vegan but it's a massive change!
WIN!


Today I stumbled upon this video of a lecture given by Gary Yourofsky a vegan animal rights activist http://www.adaptt.org/videos.html very informative and he presents things really well... now just to get DF to watch it.

[shinebrite]

Can anyone give me a few book recommendations? I planned to take the family vegan as poor dh is about to go on a 3mth juice fast due to having an IBD were staying away from meats/eggs/dairy for a few reasons I'm allergic to dairy and WILL drink it if it's in the house so we don't buy it for me, the eggs and meat are for DH as they're carsonegenic (sp?) and if there is meat or eggs in the house HE will eat them. Weve been vegan for 3 weeks and I caved and got a pack of eggs because my 2 yr old refuses to eat other things. DHs mum was telling us we need to be careful and youl kill your kids etc and being 33wks pregnant I couldn't cope with the comments, couldn't sleep until she ate chicken nuggets (GROSS) and an egg!!! Dd1 will eat anything, green smoothies and all but because we are also gluten and soy free I'm just finding it hard to set boundaries, and focus on what we really want to get out of the diet NOT TO MENTION dh went BEHIND my back and had meat at lunch on Monday, I mean, furious!! I'm trying to change for HIS health benefits but he goes and does that and in conversation will blame me for him needing to be vegan but knows the benefits and doesn't want to take the medication for his IBD so needs to prepare for the juice fast then go vegan raw... I'm OVER IT! I need a cheeseburger! (YUK) I'd regret it and end up with an asthma attack if I had one tho...

[bada]

Shinebrite, the vid I just linked to in the post above yours goes into some interesting health facts. If you're after a more brutal wake up call... the doco earthings (earthlings.com) could do the trick. Good luck.

[zinfandel]

congratulations to the vegans and more power to you! we only have vegetarian mondays and fridays at home. i hope we'd be able to make it everyday eventually...

[belle27]

hello i still consider myself vegan. i have been this way since march. the reason i say i still consider myself vegan and don't just say i am vegan is because i don't want to irritate anyone who is 'truly' vegan. you see, since i've been pregnant, and mostly due to lack of funding, in certain situations i will make an informed decision to eat a food that has milk or egg in it, and i don't feel guilty about it. it is not a regular occurrence, but simply happens when i have no other choice. i had to buy vitamin D tablets that are not vegan but i decided that i was OK with that for now. i am being kind to myself and eating and consuming in a completely vegan fashion except when i am starving and have eaten all the snacks i brought with me, or like the vitamins, when i have thought about the pros and cons, and what is in the vitamins (it is made from lanolin, so for me i was happier with that as it wasn't made from something they would HAVE to die to give me, and right now i require vitamin D supplements and have not yet found a vegan substitute).

i would feel bad if i just couldn't be bothered bringing snacks and then surprise surprise i got hungry while out......but you know what? when i am craving something, i will sometimes give in to the craving if it's not vegan, if i have thought it through and decided that i can live with that and that i cannot find something else that has the magnesium or iron or whatever it is i am probably craving the non-vegan food for.......yes i will sometimes just eat regular chocolate. but i wouldn't do it if i wasn't pregnant.

i still consider myself vegan but i understand when some people kind of say "well, you can't just be vegan when you want to be".......

i think being vegan is about conscious consumer decisions to end cruelty as much as is possible. there's a nasty little diagram of a cow that states there's no real vegan, and rattles off all these things everyone uses etc. that come from animals. i don't know how accurate it is, but i think you can only do your best to not continue their suffering because something tastes so good or because it's easier this way.

of course it's always awesome when people have the means to live completely guilt free, and i commend all of you who do. but i also have to say those of you who are trying to make better decisions to end cruelty are also awesome! keep it up! every time you don't drink milk and you don't eat eggs and you don't eat meat, it really helps a lot. and you're going against the norm so it can be hard too. just go by what feels right for you.

and be kind to yourself for the kind things you do for animals! :wave:

[bada]

So I'm about 5 weeks into my first vegan pregnancy and just got blood tests for EVERYTHING, seriously they took about 6 or 7 vials of blood :eek: and the results are in....


Perfectly normal levels for EVERYTHING including B12, iron etc So to all the naysayers...
:raspberry:

[Ana Gram]

Belle27, I take vitamin D tablets that are vegan. Can only get them online though which is a pain. Medications is one area which is very difficult when it comes to veganism.


Bada, congratulations! Have you heard of Vegan Parents Australia? They have a page on facebook and a website :)

[shinebrite]

Bada! Congrats on your pregnancy and DOUBLE TRIPLE WwooooOOOT to your levels!!!! WTG!!! 


---------
Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[bada]

Thanks Ana, I'll check that out.

Thanks Shinebrite and congrats on your latest arrival! Love your profile pic and I have to say, all your girls have such cute names!!!

[waterlily]

Hey can anyone recommend some vegan friendly multi vitamin supplements? SO many have gelatin!!!

I have been feeling really sluggish the last few moths and I really think a multi V might help. Thanks :)

[Ana Gram]

The Deva brand of supplements are pretty good. I use the Vitamin D. I get them from The Vegan Store.

[shinebrite]

Ta bada, we get sum slack for their names but at least we love them!


---------
Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[HarvestMoon]

Hey can anyone recommend some vegan friendly multi vitamin supplements? SO many have gelatin!!!

I have been feeling really sluggish the last few moths and I really think a multi V might help. Thanks :)

Thecrueltyfreeshop.com.au sells vegan vitamins. I've only ever bought iron and the kids multi vitamins though.

[waterlily]

Thanks Ana and Harvest! I actually never thought to check the cruelty free shop so cheers!

Shinebrite, I actually adore your girls names!

[Ana Gram]

I've noticed quite a few more vegans on here now :goodvibes:

Hi!!:hyper:

[bada]

I've noticed quite a few more vegans on here now :goodvibes:

Hi!!:hyper: Today bubhub, tomorrow the world :devil6:

[waterlily]

I ordered some vitamins off the cruelty free site yesterday and couldn't resist a bag of coke bottles too... mmmm. It's been SO SO long since I've eaten a lolly, I can't wait. Haha.

[shinebrite]

I've been looking at mannatech for a multivitamin. How do you girls know your babies ate getting enough vitamins/minerals? Were down to still consuming eggs but not consuming meat during the wk now, only for the dds on the weekend and me an dh had chicken the other night fairly blergh! So were slowly but surely weaning ourselves to being completly off of it, We did goto a wedding and couldn't have the vegetarian option as it wasn't GF/DF so opted for lamb, OMI Fricken Goodness!! We only hae a little bit as we were starving and the veggie portion was TEENY compared to the meat portion! We had diarrhea for 2 days!!!


---------
Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[Ana Gram]

I'm not really concerned Shinebright. We have a varied diet and make sure we have foods that have B12 in it. I haven't managed to convince DD to have a blood test yet, but my last one was great. Only thing I was low in was Vit D, like many Australians and my iron levels were higher than when I was eating meat.

[haveheart]

Just thought I would pop on and say hi! Can't believe I didnt see this thread before!

[waterlily]

Hi veganMum! :)

[Berrie]

Is anybody going to Melbourne's world vegan day this Sunday? :)

[haveheart]

Hi veganMum! :)

Hello!! *waves* :)

[haveheart]

Is anybody going to Melbourne's world vegan day this Sunday? :)

Hoping to make it there at some stage in the day!

[Ana Gram]

Is anybody going to Melbourne's world vegan day this Sunday? :)

Yep, I am running a stall for the third year for Australian Orang-utan Project :D

[waterlily]

Is anybody going to Melbourne's world vegan day this Sunday? :)

I'd love to!! But it's too far away. :(

[jacstar31]

Can't believe I missed world vegan day!!! How was it?? I wonder if this has happened to anyone else.... Since going vegan SG and I have decided to change and simplify our lives in other ways, we have given our car away, got rid of debts and credit cards, got rid of microwave, got rid of lots of 'extra' things in kitchen, cleaned out clothes and toys! And it feels wonderful!!!!! Anyone else???

[jacstar31]

SG should be dh

[Ana Gram]

Can't believe I missed world vegan day!!! How was it??

It was incredibly busy, as always :laughing: But that was my last one in Melbourne.

how is everyone going?

DD is going to a new school next year and there is already a vegan family there so we are very excited :D

[jacstar31]

Hi anagram!! have you moved now? My little boy is starting school and little girl is starting kinder! SS is starting year 8. it will be one year for us being vegan at beginning of march. Yay!! It has been fantastic - can't believe how easy and fast the adjustment has been. Have to say prob my worst christmas lunch....we need to be more organised next year!!! Thats great that you already know another family who are vegan. We dont know any vegans irl...wish we did!!!

[Ana Gram]

The removalists come next Tuesday! I am busy packing boxes and writing an essay, over it.

I've just gone on 3 years I think, or maybe it's four, I've lost count now lol

Xmas lunch can be bad as you are with family usually and if it is anything like my family it is usually the Festival of Meat, yuck.

[haveheart]

Just wondering if anyone knows of any vegan (or vegetarian) restaurants/cafes near pakenham or warragul? I know it's a long shot but thought I'd ask :) I have heard of a cafe in warragul called "veg out" but not sure if it's still open anymore?? Any help would be appreciated :)

[haveheart]

Also only vegetarian if it can be veganized please :)

[HarvestMoon]

Just wondering if anyone knows of any vegan (or vegetarian) restaurants/cafes near pakenham or warragul? I know it's a long shot but thought I'd ask :) I have heard of a cafe in warragul called "veg out" but not sure if it's still open anymore?? Any help would be appreciated :)



I don't know the area so can't help you there but have you searched on happycow.net? Or looked on the lists of restaurants on vegan/vegetarian society pages? Thats how i've found most of the veg cafes/restaurants i've stumbled across.

[haveheart]

I don't know the area so can't help you there but have you searched on happycow.net? Or looked on the lists of restaurants on vegan/vegetarian society pages? Thats how i've found most of the veg cafes/restaurants i've stumbled across.

Oh dear I'm so out of the loop these days I don't even know that website!! Thanks for that though I'll go on now and have a look, I kind of know the area but not really but am hoping to get married somewhere near there so would need to find somewhere suitable to go afterwards to eat!!

[HarvestMoon]

You can download an app for your phone too so you can search where ever you are. I've found it's come handy at times.

[haveheart]

You can download an app for your phone too so you can search where ever you are. I've found it's come handy at times.

Oh gosh I really am behind haha!! The app looks really good I'm going to download it now thanks :D

[shinebrite]

You can download an app for your phone too so you can search where ever you are. I've found it's come handy at times.

What's the app called?


---------
Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[HarvestMoon]

What's the app called?



Happycow... same as the website.:)

[Ana Gram]

Happy birthday VeganMum :D Here's to another vegan year :celebrate:

[haveheart]

Happy birthday VeganMum :D Here's to another vegan year :celebrate:

Thank you!! :D My mum is making me a vegan (obviously haha!!) mud cake with a chocolate mousse type icing as we speak! Yum!!
Im currently lounging about watching a DVD I got for my birthday, I plan to do nothing today!! What is everyone else up to on this fine day? :)

[share a book]

I made bread rolls yesterday and we are having salad rolls now. 100% vegan & gluten free. We're having chow mein for tea tonight. Yummy! Enjoy your relaxing birthday veganmum, that cake sounds delicious!

[waterlily]

Thank you!! :D My mum is making me a vegan (obviously haha!!) mud cake with a chocolate mousse type icing as we speak! Yum!!
Im currently lounging about watching a DVD I got for my birthday, I plan to do nothing today!! What is everyone else up to on this fine day? :)

Yum!! I have the most delicious recipe for a vegan mousse cake too!!

Happy birthday!

[haveheart]

I made bread rolls yesterday and we are having salad rolls now. 100% vegan & gluten free. We're having chow mein for tea tonight. Yummy! Enjoy your relaxing birthday veganmum, that cake sounds delicious!

Ohh yum!! I would love to have homemade rolls but they always seem so complicated and although I like to cook I'm not so good at baking haha!!
I'm enjoying it so far, relaxing on the couch still haha! I feel like I should be doing something as it's my birthday but just can't be bothered!

[haveheart]

Yum!! I have the most delicious recipe for a vegan mousse cake too!!

Happy birthday!

Thank you!! :) mousse cakes are the best, I thought I'd have to give all this stuff up when I went vegan but I find new amazing recipes every day!

[Ana Gram]

*vent*

So moved up to Canberra and back into my parents home. They work long hours and eat things that are convenient, which is fine. However, I'm cooking dinner tonight and using the things they usually use, which they have been giving both DD and I for dinner. Freaking milk in it. Grrr and my dad just told me that I have to compromise instead :rolleyes:

[waterlily]

*vent*

So moved up to Canberra and back into my parents home. They work long hours and eat things that are convenient, which is fine. However, I'm cooking dinner tonight and using the things they usually use, which they have been giving both DD and I for dinner. Freaking milk in it. Grrr and my dad just told me that I have to compromise instead :rolleyes:

Omg I'm be so freaking mad!!!

I'm lucky in all our family including ILs surprisingly have been really awesome with use being Vegans.

I always check all the packaging though JIC :laughing:

[Ana Gram]

They usually are great, although dad does tend to scoff and roll his eyes. I usually always check packaging too because, those animal products find their way into everything. Just been so flat out with moving and uni I was a bit lax :(

[share a book]

Oh no :hugs:

[waterlily]

They usually are great, although dad does tend to scoff and roll his eyes. I usually always check packaging too because, those animal products find their way into everything. Just been so flat out with moving and uni I was a bit lax :(

You poor thing! It's not fair when cr@p like that happens!

Just a TMI question but didn't everything go right through you? About 10 months ago me and DH were unknowing at the time feed something with dairy in it and we lived on the toilet!! :p

[Ana Gram]

No, not enough dairy in it I think. Very windy though :laughing:

[waterlily]

Does anyone have any CHEAP meal ideas they would like to share.

After having rego, insurance, DD playgroup fees and massive vet bill to pay this week we only $100 for 2 week worth or groceries!!! normally I spend $200 a fortnight so any help would be great!

P.s I hate tofu :D

Thanks.

[waterlily]

Just an update. I meal planned and have got 14 dinners for $40.43!! Woo. Now to tackle lunch and brekky!!

[shinebrite]

Chickpeas! Lentils!

You can make a simple vegan burger from sweet potato, chia egg, can lentils (cheaper soaking urself) red onion and some garlic crumbed in crushed nuts of choice like almonds. You can do the same with a can of chickpeas purreed then add lentils, grated carrot and onion and garlic crumbed in seeds/nuts. Vegan Nachos, do a bake up of pumpkin, beet, carrot, tats and serve with salad. Pizza with vegan toppings if you have cashews cashew drizzled on top is divine. Oh WL, once again getting my recipe ideas before my blog hahaha!!! Dh and I get a block of vegan choc and each have 3 peices a night with a cup of green tea. But I also have about 5ltr of my raw ice cream in the fridge as I tend to stock up on the good $ weeks. X


---------
Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[Lucy in the Sky]

Here's a simple, cheap staple in our house that I usually double the recipe and freeze leftovers for lunch or an emergency meal.

Fast Red Lentil Soup.


1 chopped onion
1 cup red lentils
425g canned tomatoes
4 cups vegetable stock
basil & sour cream to serve

Directions

Fry onion until soft.
Add lentils, tomatoes and stock. Boil then simmer for 20 mins. Blend.
Serve with basil and sour cream

[waterlily]

Here's a simple, cheap staple in our house that I usually double the recipe and freeze leftovers for lunch or an emergency meal.

Fast Red Lentil Soup.


1 chopped onion
1 cup red lentils
425g canned tomatoes
4 cups vegetable stock
basil & sour cream to serve

Directions

Fry onion until soft.
Add lentils, tomatoes and stock. Boil then simmer for 20 mins. Blend.
Serve with basil and sour cream


Thanks :) but sour cream isn't Vegan :) unless you use a soy one of course.

[Lucy in the Sky]

Oops. My bad. I copied an online version of the recipe rather than type it out by hand. (busted :p)

Missed the sour cream. You absolutely don't need sour cream (or basil for that matter).

Some people I've given the recipe to add frozen peas/corn/carrots to bulk up the veggie content. But I think it's best served plain with steamed veggies on the side. :D

[waterlily]

Yummy biccie recipe

2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
1 cup nondairy milk
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes
3-4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon mixed herbs
1-2 teaspoons of cracked pepper
1 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons margarine



1. Preheat oven to 200.

2. Buttermilk: To a measuring cup, add apple cider vinegar. Add nondairy milk to fill the measuring cup to the 1 cup measurement line. Let it sit and curdle.

3. In a bowl, combine the flour, nutritional yeast flakes, baking powder, herbs, and salt. Cut the margarine into the flour mixture until mixture is crumbly. Add the “buttermilk” to the flour mixture

4. Place baking paper on tray even place batter over tray (about 2cms thick).

5.Bake for about 15mins or until golden.

Cut into slices and serve hot.

[share a book]

Thanks :) but sour cream isn't Vegan :) unless you use a soy one of course.

That would be an optional extra, like when people have sweet potato puree, with sour cream and chives to serve, the sour cream and chives are optional extras. Although I do like it with chives.

[waterlily]

That would be an optional extra, like when people have sweet potato puree, with sour cream and chives to serve, the sour cream and chives are optional extras. Although I do like it with chives.

Tbh when I saw sour cream I didn't even bother to continue reading.

But thanks for the recipe hun. I'll have to give it a try! It's a lot like one I have but instead of the tomato it is just jam packed with spices.

[waterlily]

Oops. My bad. I copied an online version of the recipe rather than type it out by hand. (busted :p)

Missed the sour cream. You absolutely don't need sour cream (or basil for that matter).

Some people I've given the recipe to add frozen peas/corn/carrots to bulk up the veggie content. But I think it's best served plain with steamed veggies on the side. :D

Sorry I jumped the gun a bit :o sounds yum, thanks for sharing.

[Ana Gram]

We have a vegan recipe thread too :yes:

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?275865-Vegan-Recipes&highlight=

[waterlily]

Awesome! Thanks Ana!! I did see thing ages ago but forgot about it.