Proof. It Can Be Done.

I suppose I'm a pretty regular person in most people's eyes. Yes, I'm a vegan, but when people find out they are often surprised, since I don't get on my animal rights soapbox, talk about Ghandi, or walk around wearing nothing but Yogi clothes. For those that do, more power to you. Right now, for me, I am primarily vegan for health reasons. This is NOT the only reason, but it's what has kept me on board for so long. My body feels incredibly healthy and whole. Then again, along with that physical health comes mental, spiritual, and emotional healing, and that should not be discounted. It truly is a holistic approach to health if done properly. BUT, the physical health is what keeps me from even wanting to eat that piece of cheese pizza. I know it will make me feel icky schmicky.

So the question comes, what do you eat? Whenever we are going to eat out with friends, they are always concerned that I won't be able to find anything on the menu. While I appreciate the effort to find a restaurant with vegan options, especially since they are so frequent in Boston, the truth is, great vegan eats can be found anywhere!

Creative eats at home:

Ezekiel bread panini with Daiya pepperjack, tofu, Trader Joes' red pepper spread, hummus, and spring mix. Side of mashed avocado.

Out for Thai food with my mom over Christmas break:

Coconut curry soup (made with coconut milk) and an "eggroll" with just veggies inside.

Out for Mexican food at a chain Mexican restaurant with friends over Christmas break:

Vegan fajitas: broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, onion, mushroom, bell pepper, tomato. I ordered this with a side of guacamole and refried beans and just dipped the veggies. I didn't even use the tortillas! DELISH. 

Out for Mexican food at a small authentic Mexican restaurant in Boston with NO vegan options on the menu:

I asked for corn tortilla tacos with just lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado inside, with a side of black beans and rice. With fresh lime on the side, these were some of the tastiest tacos I've ever had. Although they were very confused when I kept saying "No meat, no meat," they got the message eventually :)

Out for breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels with my sister when she was in town:

Turns out that Brugger's doesn't carry ANY non-dairy milk, but I did find out that all of their bagels except for the egg/parmesan bagels are vegan! Also, they have a wonderful selection of teas :)

Out for Chinese food in Chinatown:

Spicy seaweed, fried tofu, steamed cabbage with mushrooms, and rice from an authentic Chinese takeout place.

So when people ask me what on earth I eat, I sometimes feel a bit confused. I eat delicious food everywhere! Don't be intimidated by eating out. Get creative with what you see on the menu. Don't be afraid to ask for something to be made without butter (as a server for many years, I know this is a common request). 

At the same time, try not to be a pain-in-the-a**, because I believe it is possible for us to break that stereotype.

Last but not least...

Candy Cane Martini: made with milk, but I asked for mine to be made with soy milk. Probably the best mixed drink I've ever had!

Cheers to the regular vegan,

AvocadoAthlete