Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Hello everyone! I am reading the book " Skinny Bitch " and have decided that I want to treat my body better. I moved to Alexandria from Kansas...you know, land of the meat and potato people! Quite frankly, I am disgusted at the horrid facts about meat, pesticides, etc, and all the negative effects they have on your body. Not to mention the abusive treatment of these poor animals. So I am discovering that my poor body is really messed up right now! First of all, I've always loaded it with sugar, meats, ASPARTAME...everything bad! I have been dealing with depression for several years and always thought it was genetic and something I would have to deal with for the rest of my life. Now I am convinced that it is because of all the crap I keep ingesting. Unfortunately, I am a nanny and the family that I work for just bought me a bunch of Lean Cuisines and two 24 packs of Diet Coke. I've decided that I really need to finish the food (just feel like it would be terribly rude not to). But, I really don't want the soda. Maybe the grocery store will take them back since they haven't been opened? The biggest thing I need help with is just getting started. I am going to finish reading this book, which will probably give me a great start. But, I don't really know where to go from there. Where should I shop around Alexandria for vegan food? What are some really good website where I can get more informed? I would appreciate any advice you can give :-) Namaste, Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Hi Jamie, and welcome! I really enjoyed that book too! First off, be kind to yourself. Sounds like you're going to be making some really big and important changes, which is fantastic, but you probably need to accept that it'll take a while to get from where you are to where you want to be. Just remember that every good change is doing you good! As for situations where someone else buys you food... at some stage, you'll identify so strongly with the new diet you've chosen, that it won't even cross your mind to eat animal products etc, because you just won't consider them to be food. If you're not at that stage yet, eat the Lean Cuisines! Personally, I think not drinking the diet Cokes would be a good choice. If they're in the house, will you be tempted by them? If so, can you explain to the family that you're taking steps to improve your diet and would they like to give the sodas to someone else? I'm listening to Colleen Patrick Goudreau's podcasts at the moment, and I highly recommend them. She's got info on getting various nutrients, handling social situations involving food, handling people who challenge your dietary choices, etc etc. It's at www.compassionatecooks.com. As for where to get vegan food... it's everywhere! Unprocessed foods like whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, wholewheat pasta) and beans (dried or canned) and vegetables (preferably fresh, but also frozen or canned) are available everywhere. Specialist processed items like vege dogs and burger patties and soy cheese can be hard to find in some places, but they're best kept as a small part of your diet anyway. Well, I feel like I've prattled on for long enough! Best wishes Alice On 1 Aug 2008, at 06:15, nannikin wrote: > Hello everyone! I am reading the book " Skinny Bitch " and have decided > that I want to treat > my body better. I moved to Alexandria from Kansas...you know, land of > the meat and > potato > people! Quite frankly, I am disgusted at the horrid facts about meat, > pesticides, etc, and > all > the negative effects they have on your body. Not to mention the > abusive treatment of > these > poor animals. So I am discovering that my poor body is really > messed up right now! First of all, I've always loaded it with sugar, > meats, > ASPARTAME...everything bad! I have been dealing with depression for > several years and > always thought it was genetic and something I would have to deal with > for the rest of my > life. Now I am convinced that it is because of all the crap I keep > ingesting. > > Unfortunately, I am a nanny and the family that I work for just > bought me a bunch of Lean > Cuisines and two 24 packs of Diet Coke. I've decided that I really > need to finish the food > (just > feel like it would be terribly rude not to). But, I really don't want > the soda. Maybe the > grocery store will take them back since they haven't been opened? > > The biggest thing I need help with is just getting started. I am > going to finish reading this > book, which will probably give me a great start. But, I don't really > know where to go from > there. Where should I shop around Alexandria for vegan food? What are > some really good > website where I can get more informed? > > I would appreciate any advice you can give :-) > > Namaste, > Jamie > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Most grocery stores will take stuff back, but if you don't have a receipt, it can usually only be refunded for store credit. Many stores will take stuff back, even if it IS opened-I have been told by Wild Oats/Whole Foods employees that if you don't like something, they will take it back and give you store credit. My Spanish teacher only shops at Costco for EVERYTHING-he says they will take things back, even if it is used, no questions asked. Unfortunately, I am a nanny and the family that I work for just bought me a bunch of Lean Cuisines and two 24 packs of Diet Coke. I've decided that I really need to finish the food (just feel like it would be terribly rude not to). But, I really don't want the soda. Maybe the grocery store will take them back since they haven't been opened? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2008 Report Share Posted August 1, 2008 Just wanted to say welcome. I am from KS originally. You already got some good advice so I don't have anything to add.~Martha nannikin <nannikin Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 2:15:45 PM New Vegan and Need Your Help!!Hello everyone! I am reading the book "Skinny Bitch" and have decided that I want to treat my body better. I moved to Alexandria from Kansas...you know, land of the meat and potato people! Quite frankly, I am disgusted at the horrid facts about meat, pesticides, etc, and all the negative effects they have on your body. Not to mention the abusive treatment of these poor animals. So I am discovering that my poor body is really messed up right now! First of all, I've always loaded it with sugar, meats, ASPARTAME... everything bad! I have been dealing with depression for several years and always thought it was genetic and something I would have to deal with for the rest of my life. Now I am convinced that it is because of all the crap I keep ingesting. Unfortunately, I am a nanny and the family that I work for just bought me a bunch of Lean Cuisines and two 24 packs of Diet Coke. I've decided that I really need to finish the food (just feel like it would be terribly rude not to). But, I really don't want the soda. Maybe the grocery store will take them back since they haven't been opened? The biggest thing I need help with is just getting started. I am going to finish reading this book, which will probably give me a great start. But, I don't really know where to go from there. Where should I shop around Alexandria for vegan food? What are some really good website where I can get more informed? I would appreciate any advice you can give :-) Namaste, Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2008 Report Share Posted August 1, 2008 Jamie, I also read the book Skinny Bitch and it was so funny and really good. So I bought their other book called Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, which is full of healthy recipes. I ordered many books (used) from Amazon. The best one I found is called Health Power, Health by Choice, Not Chance, by Aileen Ludington, MD and Hans Diehl. It was the first vegan book I found. It changed my entire life and I have never been the same. I immediately ordered some of their other books, especially recipe books and many others related. Last, I spoke to my doctor who referred me to the director of Lifestyle Medicine at my local hospital. I spent over an hour with him having all my questions answered and walked out cold turkey a vegan. I have lost about 38 pounds since March 19, eat like a pig, and feel wonderful. I am eating far more delicious and satisfying food than before I was vegan. In addition to eating vegan I went cold turkey on empty calories, sugar, and am limiting oils somewhat in order to lose weight and get more healthy. There are so many web sites, just key vegan and you will find much to read. Soon, I am going to ask my doctor to take blood tests to see where I stand physically and make sure I am not doing something incorrectly. I take a B12 supplement daily. Good luck to you! I am still very excited at my life change, have no regrets, and have not been tempted whatsoever to go back to eating poor animals and loads of saturated fat. Shelley H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 I am proud to announce that I have not had meat since Thursday! Oh, and what IS tofu anyway!!?! lol , Shelley <moondrop000 wrote: > > Jamie, > > I also read the book Skinny Bitch and it was so funny and really good. So I bought their other book called Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, which is full of healthy recipes. I ordered many books (used) from Amazon. > > The best one I found is called Health Power, Health by Choice, Not Chance, by Aileen Ludington, MD and Hans Diehl. It was the first vegan book I found. It changed my entire life and I have never been the same. I immediately ordered some of their other books, especially recipe books and many others related. > > Last, I spoke to my doctor who referred me to the director of Lifestyle Medicine at my local hospital. I spent over an hour with him having all my questions answered and walked out cold turkey a vegan. I have lost about 38 pounds since March 19, eat like a pig, and feel wonderful. I am eating far more delicious and satisfying food than before I was vegan. > > In addition to eating vegan I went cold turkey on empty calories, sugar, and am limiting oils somewhat in order to lose weight and get more healthy. > > There are so many web sites, just key vegan and you will find much to read. Soon, I am going to ask my doctor to take blood tests to see where I stand physically and make sure I am not doing something incorrectly. I take a B12 supplement daily. > > Good luck to you! I am still very excited at my life change, have no regrets, and have not been tempted whatsoever to go back to eating poor animals and loads of saturated fat. > > Shelley H > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 nannikin wrote: I am proud to announce that I have not had meat since Thursday! Oh, and what IS tofu anyway!!?! lol , Shelley <moondrop000 wrote: Jamie, I also read the book Skinny Bitch and it was so funny and really good. So I bought their other book called Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, which is full of healthy recipes. I ordered many books (used) from Amazon. The best one I found is called Health Power, Health by Choice, Not Chance, by Aileen Ludington, MD and Hans Diehl. It was the first vegan book I found. It changed my entire life and I have never been the same. I immediately ordered some of their other books, especially recipe books and many others related. Last, I spoke to my doctor who referred me to the director of Lifestyle Medicine at my local hospital. I spent over an hour with him having all my questions answered and walked out cold turkey a vegan. I have lost about 38 pounds since March 19, eat like a pig, and feel wonderful. I am eating far more delicious and satisfying food than before I was vegan. In addition to eating vegan I went cold turkey on empty calories, sugar, and am limiting oils somewhat in order to lose weight and get more healthy. There are so many web sites, just key vegan and you will find much to read. Soon, I am going to ask my doctor to take blood tests to see where I stand physically and make sure I am not doing something incorrectly. I take a B12 supplement daily. Good luck to you! I am still very excited at my life change, have no regrets, and have not been tempted whatsoever to go back to eating poor animals and loads of saturated fat. Shelley H --- Check out our recipe files at http://www.fatfreevegan.com . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 That greek salad sounds great. Do you have a recipe for the fat free garlic and mint-basil vinaigrette? Or is it a bottled brand? If so, who makes it? I'd love to try it. Thanks...~MarthaC. Widger <EdgeGardener Sent: Monday, August 4, 2008 3:44:58 PMRe: Re:New Vegan and Need Your Help!! nannikin wrote: I am proud to announce that I have not had meat since Thursday! Oh, and what IS tofu anyway!!?! lol, Shelley <moondrop000@ ...> wrote: Jamie, I also read the book Skinny Bitch and it was so funny and really good. So I bought their other book called Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, which is full of healthy recipes. I ordered many books (used) from Amazon. The best one I found is called Health Power, Health by Choice, Not Chance, by Aileen Ludington, MD and Hans Diehl. It was the first vegan book I found. It changed my entire life and I have never been the same. I immediately ordered some of their other books, especially recipe books and many others related. Last, I spoke to my doctor who referred me to the director of Lifestyle Medicine at my local hospital. I spent over an hour with him having all my questions answered and walked out cold turkey a vegan. I have lost about 38 pounds since March 19, eat like a pig, and feel wonderful. I am eating far more delicious and satisfying food than before I was vegan. In addition to eating vegan I went cold turkey on empty calories, sugar, and am limiting oils somewhat in order to lose weight and get more healthy. There are so many web sites, just key vegan and you will find much to read. Soon, I am going to ask my doctor to take blood tests to see where I stand physically and make sure I am not doing something incorrectly. I take a B12 supplement daily. Good luck to you! I am still very excited at my life change, have no regrets, and have not been tempted whatsoever to go back to eating poor animals and loads of saturated fat. Shelley H ------------ --------- --------- ------Check out our recipe files at http://www.fatfreev egan.com . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 Way to go! Keep up the good work. After a while you won't even miss meat. I see someone already answered you about tofu. ~Marthanannikin <nannikin Sent: Monday, August 4, 2008 1:11:09 PM Re:New Vegan and Need Your Help!! I am proud to announce that I have not had meat since Thursday! Oh, and what IS tofu anyway!!?! lol , Shelley <moondrop000@ ...> wrote: > > Jamie, > > I also read the book Skinny Bitch and it was so funny and really good. So I bought their other book called Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, which is full of healthy recipes. I ordered many books (used) from Amazon. > > The best one I found is called Health Power, Health by Choice, Not Chance, by Aileen Ludington, MD and Hans Diehl. It was the first vegan book I found. It changed my entire life and I have never been the same. I immediately ordered some of their other books, especially recipe books and many others related. > > Last, I spoke to my doctor who referred me to the director of Lifestyle Medicine at my local hospital. I spent over an hour with him having all my questions answered and walked out cold turkey a vegan. I have lost about 38 pounds since March 19, eat like a pig, and feel wonderful. I am eating far more delicious and satisfying food than before I was vegan. > > In addition to eating vegan I went cold turkey on empty calories, sugar, and am limiting oils somewhat in order to lose weight and get more healthy. > > There are so many web sites, just key vegan and you will find much to read. Soon, I am going to ask my doctor to take blood tests to see where I stand physically and make sure I am not doing something incorrectly. I take a B12 supplement daily. > > Good luck to you! I am still very excited at my life change, have no regrets, and have not been tempted whatsoever to go back to eating poor animals and loads of saturated fat. > > Shelley H > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 Speaking of tofu, there is a lot of controversy about anyone with breast cancer using soy, as it supposedly creates estrogen and if you have hormone positive breast cancer it might be a problem. Since I have it I minimize soy. Everyone I talk to has a different opinion on this. Shelley H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 Martha wrote: That greek salad sounds great. Do you have a recipe for the fat free garlic and mint-basil vinaigrette? Or is it a bottled brand? If so, who makes it? I'd love to try it. Thanks... ~Martha Hi Martha I start with balsamic vinegar , and and blend it with a teaspoon or so of flax seed meal,for body, some roasted garlic, fresh ground pepper, and a bit of fresh or dry basil and a tiny bit of mint. Sometimes a little brown sugar if it needs a bit of sweetness to it. We don't cook with salt, so thats about it. Not a real recipe, is that.... LOL Clear skies! lc carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2008 Report Share Posted August 6, 2008 Thanks Carol. That's good enough instructions for me to start with. I'll give it a try. Sounds quick and delicious. ~MarthaC. Widger <EdgeGardener Sent: Tuesday, August 5, 2008 3:12:44 AMRe: Re:New Vegan and Need Your Help!! Martha wrote: That greek salad sounds great. Do you have a recipe for the fat free garlic and mint-basil vinaigrette? Or is it a bottled brand? If so, who makes it? I'd love to try it. Thanks... ~Martha Hi Martha I start with balsamic vinegar , and and blend it with a teaspoon or so of flax seed meal,for body, some roasted garlic, fresh ground pepper, and a bit of fresh or dry basil and a tiny bit of mint. Sometimes a little brown sugar if it needs a bit of sweetness to it. We don't cook with salt, so thats about it. Not a real recipe, is that.... LOL Clear skies! lc carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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