So about that vegan recap...

Yeah, about that. Helps if I actually write it. So here we go...

To get everyone up to speed (because let's be honest, it's been a minute) I went completely vegan last year for Lent. I did however use Sunday as a cheat day. It was an experience for sure. I had hoped to blog through the whole experience. However, I had also just started a second job and couldn't get it done. Mais ça c'est la vie, n'est-ce pas!

At first I was rather gung ho about it. Cooking fresh everyday is exciting and gave me the opportunity to get fairly creative. Taking on veganism made me think outside the box. However, the reality is not everyone, myself included, doesn't always have time to prep and cook every single meal. My go to things to make were loaded vegan mashed potatoes and made from scratch soups.

There are also a severe lack of ready to go, quick vegan options. While vegetarian options abound, when eating out, there is a strong lack of vegan love on menus. Basically, in a pinch, you'll end up eating fries pretty regularly if you can't find time in the kitchen. That basically negates a lot of health benefits.

There is an emerging market for vegans on the grocery store shelf. Though there is diversity, your local store may not carry much or any of it. Also, it is 'expensive' especially with regards to comparing vegan protein options to actual meat, per weight. The change was not too far from my regular grocery budget so it was not a detraction. If your food budget its tight, this may be something to consider. I enjoyed the whole thing. I did have more energy and sleep better. My skinned glowed a little more and I lost maybe three to five-ish pounds. Which I regained as soon as dairy was introduced to my diet (mmmm lobster spinach queso... I digress). Luckily stores like Publix, Whole Foods, Target, Earth Fare, et cetera carry those products. Keep in mind selection/supply is dependent on your local stores demands. Don't be afraid to request. I had a small town franchise grocery store owner let me know that he personally loved when guests request a specific item be carried. It gives them the change to know their customers. They can test new products as well as build a loyal, happy customer base. (And all because they had Naturally Fresh ranch, but not blue cheese). So don't be afraid to ask for something new to be carried in your favorite local store! Here are a few of my reviews on some of the products that came across my path while dabbling in veganism!

Earth Balance
Vegan Buttery Sticks

Grade: Pass

These are great! They are a perfect as is substitution for butter in ANY situation. The flavor is dead on and the melting point is the same. Non-GMO and zero trans fat. Great, simple way to cut back on a dairy excess in your daily diet but still have all of the taste and flavor. Go for it!

Earth Balance
Natural Buttery Spread

Grade: Pass

Like the afore mentioned buttery sticks, this tub of goodness is a dead on sub for any buttery spread. Non-GMO and zero trans fat as well. Great flavor and spreadability!

Daiya
Cheddar Style Shreds

Grade: Pass

The flavor on these is great. The texture is a little different but not bad. It will melt but it won't fully blend in with say, grits. Besides being vegan, it's soy-free and gluten-free, as well as zero trans-fats! Besides cheddar, I know that pepper jack, and I believe mozzarella are other options! Definitely a staple!

Go Veggie!
Grated Parmesan Style Topping

Grade: Pass

I will say I do think that all the vegan cheeses I've tried are spot on. And this one is no exception! I highly recommend it. It will definitely ease the transition into a vegan lifestyle.

Victoria Vegan
Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Grade: Fail

I really wanted to love this product, I did. I really enjoy a good alfredo. The product separates. For me that's not a big deal. Just shake it up. It's less than appealing to look at. So if you have visual issues with food in this regard with food, so heads up. For me the nail in the coffin was flavor and consistency. Just bad across the board. They DO have other sauces that I did not try. Feel free to give them a try. If I get to them first, I will definitely make sure to let you know my opinion.



House Foods
Tofu Shirataki Spaghetti Style Noodles

Grade: Fail

Once again, another product I was hoping to love but fell short. It has a lot of great things going for it; sugar-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO all of top of being vegan. Biting texture was the turn off on this one, and I'm normally not a texture person at all. The product seems to have under gone some changes since I've tried it, so we may give it a mulligan. The packaging is different (and hopefully the recipe is too), so cruise over to www.house-foods.com to check out what revamped product looks like on shelves now!



Gardein
Meatless Meatballs

Grade: Pass

I cannot say enough about these things. They are just amazing. I highly recommend them. Flavor and texture, are perfect. They're also quick and easy to prepare. Besides being vegan it uses non-GMO corn, soy, and canola. Gardein has a WIDE variety of easy to prepare things. If you need to suggest something to your grocer to carry, I strongly recommend anything from the Gardein line. I haven't met a person who has not liked a product they've tried of there's. So it will definitely be well received and hopefully picked up by your grocer. They also have coupons on their website!



Dr. Praeger'sCalifornia Veggie Burgers

Grade: Pass

These are different from your typical veggie burger because they aren't trying to mimic a beefy flavor. And it works! It's still very hearty, despite the of that fact. I love that you can see the vegetables in the patty. There are 9 other flavor options besides the California I tried. They're quick and easy to prepare. Definitely a go for me!

Tofurky
Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

Grade: Pass

Tofurky is probably a brand you'll recognize if you peruse the vegetarian/vegan section regularly. I'd tried other products of there's before, and liked them. So I figured it was worth a try. These guys are just like a little vegan Hot Pockets. They have a large selection of products, as well. They're pretty tried and true to me. I definitely recommend they're whole line.

Tofurky
Chorizo Meatless

Grade: Pass

De-li-cious! Great for vegan tacos or nachos! I love these, so naturally they get my seal of approval as well.


Well guys, that's everything I can still find material for. I am sure there's stuff I'm going to stumble upon after I hit post, but I'm sitting on so much unpublished material at this moment that I just want to get it done. I will definitely add new vegan product reviews as I try more things and incorporate them in to my flexitarian lifestyle.