Vegan Feast

How was Turkey Day for you?

We had a Vegan Feast!

The mug behind the plate has a really good vegetable soup that cooked all day with a ‘Bouquet Garni’ (just the right herbs in a sack for soup). There’s roasted garlic behind the water, or what was left of it. PH Balanced Water. Tofurkey, with stuffing and gravy. My own stuffing. Cinnamon Ginger Carrots. Green Beans Almondine with a Mushroom Gravy. Jellied Cranberry Sauce. Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmellows. Sparkling Cider. And of course both Apple Pie and Pumpkin Pie for desserts, along with roasted chestnuts.

Here’s the difference. I did not have to take a nap afterwards. I did not feel stuffed. There was no alcohol so I was not tired. And everything we ate was both Organic and Vegan.

REALLY CHEF?

Really! This is my third (or is it fourth?) year in row cooking a very Vegan Thanksgiving for my daughter and soon to be son-in-law. It was tasty and really done with great intention towards love, sharing and good health. (For years past – even when I wasn’t Vegan myself, there were all kinds of healthy creations and you’ll find the links at the bottom of this page. Vegan? Not Vegan. It’s all good)!

You know that every year we put on 10 pounds during the holidays. Normally, I go on a ‘fast’ of sorts (no sugar, no alcohol more water and veggies), knowing that if I have a ‘taste’ of dessert or a small glass of wine, it won’t kill me. So every holiday I get lighter not heavier.

But here’s the difference this year: I have been eating Vegan (or close to it) for 2 weeks now. That’s in addition to no alcohol. So the next days’ leftovers? Equally good for me.

They say it takes 21 days to change a habit. So in the New Year, I will have changed. Now as a Chef, this is challenging. But right now, I am not cooking for anyone other than myself …. so for me, it’s time to take that great palate I have developed from eating all over the world (and taking classes), and use those flavor profiles to see how I can make meals great.

And while I’m at it? I’m writing my 4th Cookbook: Baby Steps to Going Vegan.

You don’t have to beat yourself up, if you eat something, then realize it had cheese. You just have to keep at it. Make mistakes, be okay with that, and resume what you are trying to accomplish. Just like Bill Clinton, the pounds are rolling off. Of course, it helps that I am working out, in addition to eating well.

But the time is now. If you need a coach, and someone to teach you how to substitute into a healthier lifestyle?

Well, you know how to reach me!

Happy Healthy Eating,