Sorry, I'm Not Sorry. (A Year in Review)

I envisioned my return to blogworld with some sort of apologetic post.  "I've been so busy!  Don't hate me!  Please keep reading!"

Well... Screw it.

I haven't blogged in a while.  I chose not to.  And that's the truth.  And I'm not sorry.

See, I love being an influencer, a content-producer, and a life-changer.  And if this blog is any of those things for any of you reading, that's awesome!  That was my intention.

A few months ago, however, I decided to focus on myself a little more...  To be a little selfish.  Who doesn't wish they could do that??  "Well," I figured, "What's stopping me?"  I decided that instead of starting a new post draft every time I had idea, I would reflect, journal, or meditate.  I wanted to focus more on listening to what others have to say and less on producing exciting and engaging blog posts.  There's so much stuff out there on the internet... about 99% of it is useless junk that no one wants to read.... I told myself, "Don't add to the junk!"

So what conclusions did I come to after all of this reflecting???

I've come really. freaking. far.

It's been one year since I decided to conquer a life-long goal: run a marathon.  I had said years ago I wanted to do it but, to others, but I'm sure it seemed like "blah blah whatever." (Shut up, younger Wendy!  Less talking, more reflecting!)

Around the same time, I was starting to dislike meat again.  I had been pescetarian in college and just slowly started eating that way again.  Initially, I didn't dive in with the intention of being vegetarian or vegan, but it just sort of happened that way.  More and more of what I was reading and watching supported a vegan lifestyle... Celebs like Ellen, President Clinton, Lea Michele, and Zooey Descheunel (who isn't vegan anymore... blah) were making veganism a little more mainstream.

I also realized that health is a CHOICE.  Not some roulette wheel where you either are one of the lucky healthy ones, or you aren't.  Being balanced and healthy is something that EVERYONE has control over, barring a few extreme circumstances.  EXTREME circumstances.  99% of us have control.

So here I am, one year later.  I ran not only my marathon, but also two half marathons.  I did my first sprint triathlon a few weeks ago.  I'm about half way through a Bikram Yoga challenge, which is AMAZING!!  And, I've been vegan the whole time.

That's one BAMF'n year.

So what now?  What does the next year hold for me?  Hopefully more of the same...

All I can say now is that I realize I'm on a journey bigger than I ever thought, I'm capable of more than I ever knew, and I finally know what it is to be truly 100% happy.

So... sorry, I'm not sorry I haven't been blogging.

What does the next year hold for you?  How are YOU going to TAKE CONTROL?  What will it take to put you back in charge of your body, your health, and your life?

What I Learned from Marathon Training (Digging Up Old Emails)

I don't know about you guys, but I e-mail myself... a lot.  

I suppose it's some form of e-mail journaling... Whatever, it works for me. To each their own, right?

I happened upon this email, and I'm having a particularly low moment right now (Just e-mailed myself about it.. ;-). This old e-mail made me feel a little bit better, and I hope you guys enjoy!

October 31, 2011

It's 6 days until the big 26.2.  I'm incredibly nervous and excited for this day.  In my mind I always wanted to run a marathon, and I envisioned myself checking it off of my bucket list on November 5th with pride.  But to my surprise, I'm feeling perfectly content with my marathon experience up to this point, even if I don't finish the race.  Despite the fact that I had done the research and followed the schedules, I had no clue how incredibly demanding 6 months of training would be, or that I would discover so much about myself, and life, through training.  I've made decisions and life changes that I never would have done before.  It's been amazing.  As others have been telling me, and I am finally able to see... this weekend is a celebration of the past 6 months.  Yes, I'm running the longest race of my life, but I plan to enjoy every second of it.

What I Learned about life from Marathon Training
1.  It's okay to be selfish, as long as you're not hurting anyone.  Make your schedule, on your time, and do what you need to do.  Other people will get over it.  And some will even admire you for it.
2.  With proper care and nourishment, your body is capable of way more than you think.  
3.  Eating ridiculous amounts of food and not feeling guilty is the biggest perk of training.  If you like food, I highly recommend it.
4.  Don't try to beat anyone... you're only competing against yourself.  Get your eyes off the clock and on the road.  
5.  Stay humble.  As hard as you're working, there's always someone working harder.  
6.  Hill = hell.  But there's no better feeling than getting to the top.
7.  Your body is always trying to tell you things.   Listen to it.  It's right 100% of the time.
8.  Listening to music while running is a pleasant distraction, but the real euphoria comes when you're utterly alone with your moving feet on the Earth.  Turn off the tunes and listen to life.... it's amazing what you can hear, inside and out.  
9.  Getting out the door is the first step, and the hardest step, to getting anything done.
10.  There is not much better in life than crossing a finish line.  

And above all... the most important thing I learned from Marathon Training:
* Never wait to set a goal.  Not for a New Year's resolution, a new birthday, when you have money, when you have time, or when you finally get those new sneakers.  Waiting is wasting.  Set the goal now and get to it.  You CAN make it happen.  And you'll thank yourself later.

Quick and Easy Creamy Potato Soup (Vegan & Gluten Free)

The last few days I've been fighting an awful cold, and I've had an appetite for nothing but soup.  Before I got sick I made some awesome detoxifying miso soup (recipe to come) that I've been eating off of for three days, but today I came home and wanted something hearty, creamy, and filling.

Enter: Quick and Easy Creamy Potato Soup

My husband says this is a 9/10... and he considers himself a non-vegan potato soup connoisseur.

I'll take it :-)

You need:
-3 med/large red skinned potatoes, chopped
-1 daikon root, peeled and chopped
-5 oz fresh cauliflower
-1/2 small white onion finely diced (you don't want huge chunks of onion in your soup!)
-1 tbsp Earth Balance vegan buttery spread
-1/2-1 cup almond milk
-3-4 tbsp nutritional yeast
-2 cups vegan veggie stock
-1 tsp Bell's Onion and Herb Poultry Seasoning (or other salt-free poultry seasoning)
-1 tsp garlic powder
-Kosher Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper to taste

1.  In a large pot bring potatoes, daikon, and cauliflower to a boil in salted water.  Cook until everything is soft (about 20 minutes).
2.  Drain.  Separate out some potatoes (about 1 cup) into a bowl, set aside.  Add remaining vegetables to food processor with about 1/2-1 cup almond milk.  Blend until creamy.
3.  Return large pot to heat.  Melt vegan butter and sauté onions until brown.  Add potato mixture & cooked potatoes back to pot with veggie stock and remaining ingredients.  Heat through, stir, and enjoy!

Serve topped with green onions (pictured below), vegan bacon bits, or even some vegan cheddar cheese!

(Please excuse the crummy iPhone photos... I'm sick!  Gimme a break!)

Vegan Tofu Scramble and Easy Vegan Cheesy Sauce

I love mornings when the kitchen is ALMOST bare, but not quite.  A grocery trip is clearly in our plan for the day, but breakfast is an opportunity to take some risks and experiment.  It's like I'm on Top Chef and Padma says "Chefs, your challenge is to create a tasty vegan breakfast from what's left in this kitchen.  And your time starts... now!"

Breakfast this morning was one of those challenges.  I fell back on a basic recipe that can be a blank slate for multiple ingredients in multiple seasons:  The tofu scramble.  

Let me get one thing straight:  A tofu scramble with onions and peppers is fine, but it's boring.  Whenever I'm out for breakfast and a tofu scramble is on the menu I get all excited, and then I'm always let down by the same old boring scramble.  If every omelet was cheese and mushroom, people would get bored!  Why does every tofu scramble have to be the same??

That being said, I LOVE the opportunity this dish presents for new and exciting flavor combinations.  I have made tofu scrambles MULTIPLE times and I have a few favorites.  For now, I'll explain the details of this basic yummy dish.

Here is what I used today...

I normally would like more green veggies in there, but we were fresh out!

Here is the basic blueprint for a tofu scramble:

Ingredients

-1 package of extra firm tofu

-cooking spray or oil to coat the pan

-seasonings, veggies, and fresh herbs

1.  Spray a hot pan with cooking spray, or a little oil.  

2.  Add firmest ingredients first (onions, peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, etc).  Cook until they're softened to your liking, then remove from pan.

3.  Add the tofu to pan with dry seasonings (salt, pepper, ground things, etc).  Let it get browned on all sides.  

4.  Add softest veggies (leafy greens, fresh herbs, tomatoes, etc).  Let everything get wilted and cooked to your liking.  

5.  Add everything back into the pan to combine and heat through.  Then it's ready to serve!  

Yum!  This morning I served mine with Ezekiel Sesame Toast and Soy-Free Earth Balance Spread... oh, and my easy cheesy vegan sauce.  (Recipe below)

Some of my favorite tofu scramble combinations are:

-Peppers, onions, and cheesy sauce

-Onion, garlic, and fresh parsley

-Spinach, tomatoes, and cheesy sauce

And my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE:

-Jalepenos, sweet onion, tomato, and fresh basil - YUM!

And now for another go-to recipe...

Easy Vegan Cheesy Sauce:

(Use on pasta, scrambles, anything that is better cheesy!)

Ingredients:

-Nutritional Yeast (2-4 tbsp, depending on how much you want)

-Almond Milk (1-2 tbsp)

-Sea Salt

-Garlic Powder (optional)

-Fresh ground black pepper (optional)

1.  Add the nutritional yeast to a small bowl.  Mix in the almond milk until its a creamy consistency (not too watery, but not clumpy)

Much too clumpy

Still a little too clumpy

MMM... Just right!

2. Add in your seasonings to taste.  

3.  If you want it hot, pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds.  Make sure it doesn't burn or bubble too much!  

4.  Add to your favorite cheesy dishes!

Vegan BLT with Bruschetta Bean Spread

A stormy day in Atlanta = lots of kitchen experiments here at FTMS!

We were heating up some leftover Creamy Cauliflower Soup for lunch, and my hubs was making a little sandwich to go with.  I decided I was also in the mood for a sandwich, so starting getting creative... And came up with this yummy BLT concoction.

A BLT was always one of my favorite indulgences in my non-veg years, but the thought of switching out tempeh "fakin bacon" just didn't really make me drool.  However... this sammy is definitely drool-worthy thanks to my Bruschetta Bean Spread.

Here's how I made it:

Vegan Bruschetta Bean Spread:

-1 cup prepared dry cannelloni beans (soak overnight, bring to a boil in a small pot with water, reduce to simmer and cook 1 hour, then drain) OR canned (but be mindful of the salt)

-2 tbsp. GOOD olive oil (Read about Olive Oil on NPR)

-1 tsp good balsamic vinegar

-4-5 ripe cherry tomatoes 

-basil (I only had dry basil, but fresh would be best) - as much as you like

-garlic powder, salt, and fresh ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.  Best served cold with crackers, or spread on sandwiches.

Vegan BLT with Bruschetta Bean Spread

Ingredients

-3 pieces tempeh "fakin bacon" - prepared as directed on package 

-organic mixed baby greens

-Bruschetta Bean Spread

-toasted good bread (I used Ezekiel Sprouted Sesame Seed Bread)

Assemble and enjoy!!

Served with La Croix sparkling water and Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Soup!  

Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Soup

Yesterday I was all like "I'm going to write a blog post about how discouraged I'm feeling this week."

Then I came home, got in the kitchen, and changed my mind.  (Who wants to read that crap anyway?)

Bad days/weeks/months/years are normal.  It's life.  It happens.  But it's okay.  Life goes on.  And times like these give us the best opportunity to focus, adjust, and DECIDE to be great.

So here I am.  And I made a freaking GREAT soup.

 (Excuse the quality of this iPhone photo... I was being lazy.)

This soup evolved from veggies I bought with the intention to cook all week long, but never did.

Here's what I used:

-1 tbsp olive oil
-3-4 cloves of garlic (doesn't need to be minced, but cut it up a little)
-1/2 large red onion chopped
-1 large russet potato, peeled and chopped
-About 1/2 head cauliflower (cut into pieces)
-2 large zucchini squash chunked

-2 veggie bouillon cubes (crumbled)

-1 1/2 tsp Bell's salt-free onion and herb seasoning 

-1/2 tsp coriander

-kosher sea salt (to taste)

-1 package soft tofu

Here's what I did:

1.  Large stock pot.  Oil, onion, garlic.  Boom.  Let that stuff get translucent. (8-10 mins on high-ish heat)

2.  Add the rest of the chopped veggies & potatoes, cook for a minute or two. (stir so the taters don't get stuck)

3.  Add all the seasonings and bouillon cubes.  Add water (don't totally submerge all the veggies, leave like 1/2-1 inch sticking out).  Bring to a boil.

4.  Reduce to simmer, cover, cook for like 30-40 minutes.  Make sure everything is mushy.

5.  Add the soft tofu.  Cook another 4-5 minutes (so the tofu is heated through).

6.  In a food processor, puree the cooked veggies & tofu in batches (unless you have a GIANT food processor that can do it all at once, but I don't think that exists).

7.  Return to pot, continue to simmer for an hour or so until you're ready to serve.  (FYI - I topped mine with a pinch of dry oregano.. yum!)

It's like creamy cheesy cauliflower soup, without any cream or cheese!  Definitely FTMS!

PS.  If you're feeling frisky you could top this with some vegan cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast.

Enjoy!!

ASK Wendy: How are you vegan in a non-vegan world?

I got this e-mail from a high school friend, and I am very excited to respond to it!  She wrote:

"I was just wondering, when you decided to go Vegan (or make any major diet change), how did you cope with what other people around you were doing?  Are you still able to go out to dinner?  Or what about having dinner at a friend's house or going to a wedding? Are you still able to eat in those settings?  And what about Greg [my husband]?  Will he eat the Vegan things you make, or does he kind of do his own thing with food?

It sounds like going Vegan has been a really positive change for you, and could be something I'd be willing to try, but eating is such a social activity--I think that would be the hardest part!"

YES!  I love this question!  

Without a doubt, the two most difficult things about being vegan are:

1.  Saying no.

2.  Going hungry.

These things are ESPECIALLY difficult for me because:

1.  I hate saying no.

2.  Being hungry turns me into a horrible monster.  

Here are some tips to help ease your worries about being vegan in a non-vegan world...  

"How did you cope with what other people around you were doing?" 

COPING TIP 1.  SCREW PEER PRESSURE.  

Peer pressure sucks.  Here's an example: You're at a friend's party with a bunch of people and food.  Friend A is on a diet.  Friend B says "C'mon you HAVE TO TRY THESE ____ (insert something the Person A shouldn't eat)."  Person A feels bad, left-out, hungry from dieting... they give in.  Diet fails.  Person A falls into a self-hating spiral of shame.  Person B has no idea that their sweet gesture of trying to share a delicious delicacy had this effect.  It's not much different being vegan...  You're not on a "diet" but the situation is the same.  Most people will quickly learn that you're not trying to be rude or difficult by turning down food and they'll stop bugging you.  Some people will even realize how amazing you look and feel after a few weeks, and they'll think "wow, she turned down the egg & dairy filled cupcake and she's happier than ever... maybe I should turn down the non-veg cupcake and eat some fruit instead."  So don't let other people get to you.  Stand up for yourself and what you want to do.  You'll feel better, and your friends/family will admire, appreciate, and emulate your self-control.

COPING TIP 2.  DON'T PREACH.

Food is like religion.  You've decided to eat in a way that you feel is the best for yourself.  Just because you have changed doesn't mean everyone around you has changed.  Don't preach.  If people have questions, answer them.  But don't come down hard on someone who orders a steak while you're out to dinner.  And along with this... don't EVER talk about being vegan over a meal that's not vegan.  Usually that's when people start to ask questions, but this is not the time to talk about it.  You don't want to make anyone feel about about what they've ordered at dinner.  Just say something like "I'd love to chat about that but I'm not sure this is the best time."  If people really want to know... they'll follow up with you.  

"Are you still able to go out to dinner?  Or what about having dinner at a friend's house or going to a wedding?"

Yes!!!  You can do all of these things!  I've successfully done all three for about 10 months... it's totally possible. Here's what I usually do when we're going to eat out:

PICK THE PLACE.

If you're making dinner plans with someone, pick a place you know will have something that's vegan.  Say something like "I've been really wanting to try ____" or "I think you'll love ____."  Ethnic restaurants are great to try with friends, and they usually have plenty of super yummy veg food. 

  

LOOK ONLINE/CALL AHEAD

So your friends made plans and picked a place without your input...  That's fine!  The internet is a great resource! Look at the menu online and see if there's something vegan you can eat, or call the restaurant and explain that you're vegan.  I've only had a restaurant say they couldn't accommodate me once.  If that happens...

EAT BEFORE

You don't want to be hungry and grumpy all dinner... you'll be setting yourself up for vegan failure.  You also don't want to be left with bowl of iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, and olive oil... That's not FTMS.  Eat a yummy dinner before you go, and sip on a cocktail while your buddies are eating.  You'll be saving money AND you won't be a hungry grump all night.  This is also what I do for weddings or catered events, then I look for something vegan when I'm there.  (The waitstaff will let you know what's in the dishes.)  Plus, it's rare that people are like "OMG THAT WEDDING CHICKEN/VEGGIE LASAGNA WAS TO DIE FOR."  You're not missing much.  ;-)

BRING A DISH

Going to a friend's for dinner?  Ask what you can bring to enhance the menu!  Then grab your favorite vegan cookbook and get to work!  Dazzle your friends and family with delicious vegan dishes!  (Or just bring some veggies and hummus... a good go-to!)

"And what about Greg (my husband)?  Will he eat the Vegan things you make, or does he kind of do his own thing with food?"

My husband is amazingly supportive with everything I do... I am very lucky to have him!!  He'll eat whatever vegan concoction I come up with, but he's not 100% vegan.  (Loosely, his rule is no more than one serving of meat a day.  He also uses all of my vegan dairy substitutes.)  He still gets lunchmeat at the grocery store, grabs Chick-fil-A for lunch on Fridays, and will make an occasional Lean Pocket or frozen pizza.  He's not much of a chef so he won't cook a steak, but when we go out he'll take that opportunity to eat an animal protein.  I have no desire "make him vegan" but he knows the benefits of a vegan diet, and respects my eating habits.  

An important thing to remember:  

Food is the center of things because we make it the center of things.  

You will survive if you skip the cheese at a wine tasting.  You will feel fulfilled if you eat oatmeal and fruit at brunch instead of an omelet.  Focus on enjoying the company of those you love, not the foods that you love.  Vegan or not, this is important for everyone to remember!!