Thursday, April 29, 2010

My Husband is a Vegan Freak


Three months after our BBQ wedding, my husband came home from work one day and announced that he was going to be vegan.  Starting right then.  (For those of you who may not know, vegan means eating NO animal products.  No meat, no fish, no dairy, no eggs.)  Why and how he came to this life-altering decision is a story for another time- one my incredibly private husband has not yet given me permission to write about- but the short version is for ethical reasons.  The treatment of animals in our food supply is appalling.

His announcement was tough for me to handle, as I am a dietitian (and his wife!) and he did not consult with me before making this major decision.  Plus, many of my nutrition clients have disordered eating.  I've always promoted moderation and balance and the idea that "all foods fit."  And let's face it, veganism is a form of extreme eating.

I've had friends say, "I could never marry a vegan."  And my response is always, "I didn't."  My friends, you just never know what you are getting into when you say, "I do."

In the almost five years since we got married, I've gotten used to cooking vegan dinners.  But people are always asking (even my dietitian friends) what exactly do I make each night.  So for all of you who've asked and for those who are just curious, this post is for you.

For the past several months, I've been taking photos of our dinners.  I'll be posting photos of our vegetarian meals regularly.  And warning: I am not a food stylist but I swear that these meals look better in person than in these photos!

Here are three of our favorite vegan meals:

Black Bean Taco Night


Veggie Burger Night

We love Dr. Prager's California Style veggie burgers.  They don't contain any processed soy.  The soy veggie burger we like best is Morning Star Farms Vegan Grillers.  I cut up tons of fresh vegetables for toppings (even shaved carrots and avocado).  And we always use baby spinach instead of lettuce in our house.

Asian Night

Edamame, vegetable gyoza with lots of dipping sauces,
and Asian veggies.

PS:  I say "Vegan Freak" as a term of endearment.  He made this decision based on compassion for other living beings.  How could I not respect and support that?
PPS: I know people think vegans are freaks, because that is what we both thought before he became one!
PPPS:  I'm not vegan but a year or so after his conversion, I became a ovopescolactovegetarian (that's dietitian talk and means I still eat eggs, seafood, and dairy.)  
PPPS:  What are the odds?  My sister is married to a vegan freak too.

Monday, April 26, 2010

May Today...


I recently came across this poem.  
It moved me so much I had to share it with you. 
It's a wonderful reminder of what I believe (but often forget.)
So to help me remember, I printed one copy for my datebook,
 and one for my book of poems and quotes.

May today there be peace within.  
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.  
May you not forget the infinite possibilities 
that are born of faith in yourself and others.  
May you use the gifts that you have received, 
and pass on the love that has been given to you.  
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.  
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, 
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. 
It is there for each and every one of us.



I don't know who gets the credit for this inspirational poem.  
If you know the author, please share.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Turning One



My dear readers, we've reached a milestone!  Nourish. Create. Bloom. is turning one today.  Last year on April 17th, I wrote my very first blog post and here we now are- 365 days and 75 posts later. 


It's been an eventful year.  For sure, it's been the most challenging year of my life and I'm still in the midst of a lot of uncertainty.   But I've made it thus far through this (in)fertility journey; mostly by being grateful for all that I do have, practicing extreme self-care, and learning (and relearning and relearning) to surrender to what is.  It's been a year to put all of my self-help reading to the test.  And I (toot, toot) am very proud of myself for maintaining my sanity.  And growing. 


It's also been another opportunity to learn who the Wonders are in my life.  There's nothing like troubling times to make it crystal clear who is going to always be there by your side.  When I started to lose faith, my Wonders reminded me they believed in me and my dreams. Often it was just what I needed to keep on keepin' on.


Now- major change in gears- a few random thoughts....


I'm planning some giveaways to those who comment on the blog.  More details soon.  I'd also like to know: What are your ideas for the next year of N.C.B.?  What would you like to see more (or less) of?  


Earlier this Spring N.C.B. got a new look.  What do you think?  (If you get N.C.B. email subscriptions delivered to your inbox, you can check out the new look by clicking on the post title -Turning One- above in your email.)   


Several readers have asked, so more of you may be wondering.  Yes, it is my own artwork that I post.  If I've ever posted a collage that's really colorful (and usually quite busy), I made it.  So, if you happen to need a personal and unique gift idea, let's talk. 


I'm tickled pink to know people are reading the blog consistently.  I have no idea who is reading, unless you leave a comment or tell me.  I've had some surprises.  My best friend from 7-9th grade (hi Kerry!) and I have reconnected through my posts and her thoughtful responses.  And yikes!  My first true love also found N.C.B. and sent me an unexpected email.  That one freaked me about a bit.  I know that when I write a post the world can read it, but I still kinda hoped ex-boyfriends weren't going to be reading my personal thoughts and struggles.


And finally, THANK YOU for reading, commenting, and sharing N.C.B. with your friends over the past year.  I heart all of you.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Happy.


Happy Easter.  Happy Passover.  

Joyful wishes going out to all you lovely Nourish. Create. Bloom. readers.

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