Happy November!!!
Can you believe that its already November? And wow, what a year it has been. Lots of new adventures, self discovery and growth. My 54 Before 54 https://lifewithlisa.blog/2019/02/11/54-before-54/ has filled my life with new experiences. It truly has been fulfilling.
Feeling stuck with the same food choices on a daily basis? Curious about other foods, yet never took the opportunity to branch out? Change is good, and opens your world.
Now that November has begun and I’m at the final stretch before my 54th birthday in December, the time arrived for my five days of vegan. Yes, Vegan. For those who have known me for a long time know the fact that I now eat vegetables is quite a change. It even surprises me sometimes how much I crave them. I’ve spent many years missing out!!! Heck, I ate green beans for the first time when I was pregnant for my daughter. She will be 28 this week!
I didn’t research exactly what vegan was before making the commitment, so I wasn’t expecting there was no dairy. But like I’ve done everything on my list, I embraced it. Day One began on November 1st. Uneventful, didn’t try any new dishes – only eliminated my dairy and meat. Day Two: I took Steven to an organic restaurant that we’ve never been to together. I ordered, ate, and ENJOYED tofu for the first time in my life!!!
That evening we went out to eat again and there was nothing vegan on the menu. What to do in this case? Communicate!!! Steven told the waitress that we were looking for a vegan dish and she said it was no problem at all – the chef would create something special for me. I sat back and let the chef surprise me and it was delicious. Honestly I don’t remember everything that was in it, but it had brown rice, roasted peppers, asparagus, kale, among other vegetables in a curry type sauce. I greatly appreciated them accommodating my needs. All you have to do is ask!!!
Day Three: Adventures in the kitchen!!! After researching vegan recipes, I decided to prepare Split Pea Pesto Stuffed Shells (recipe from https://detoxinista.com/split-pea-pesto-stuffed-shells-vegan/. Let me tell you, this was an amazing dish. 😋
Immersion Blender makes ALL the difference
My second recipe was Barley & Roasted Vegetable Pilaf (recipe from WW). So many flavors packed into one dish – butternut squash, turnips, onions, cayenne pepper, dried currants, cumin, cinnamon, topped with almonds. SATISFACTION!!!
Tonight I’ll try the Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup, from Good Housekeeping, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/healthy/a42397/smoky-vegan-black-bean-soup-recipe/
Ingredients are waiting and I am ready. This one looks YUMMY!!!
Photo from Good Housekeeping link above
Life is so much more interesting when changing things up. While I may only be doing vegan for five days, it has opened my world up a little bit more by exposing me to new foods and dishes. Cooking new dishes is fun and interesting. Eating out is fun and a risk when taking a chance on something your unsure of. If the dish isn’t satisfactory – no big deal. At least you’ve tried something new!!!
It’s so much easier to stay in our comfort zone and do the same thing every day and rotate the same hand full of meals. The fun begins when you decide to be bold and daring and step out into uncharted waters. What’s the worse thing that can happen? If you don’t like it, at least you can say you tried it. Go for it!!! I dare you 😝
Imagine with all your mind ~ Believe with all your heart ~ Achieve with all your might
Life With Lisa