The best mac and cheese in the world.

I didn't think it could be done.

But oh man....

These are my pictures, and they don't even do justice to this amazing dish.

Make. It. Right. Now.

http://rosemaryamey.ca/recipes/mac.html

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Did you know a vegan lifestyle is one of the top ways to reduce your carbon footprint?

Here's why:

"The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization made public their findings that “the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport.” Henning Steinfeld, Chief of FAO’s Livestock Information and Policy Branch went on to say that ““Livestock are one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems. Urgent action is required to remedy the situation.” Before then the University of Chicago had already produced research showing how diet impacts the environment, and that a vegetarian or vegan diet can have more effect on your carbon footprint than switching from a gas-guzzler to a hybrid car."

This is a passage taken from an article from http://www.ecostreet.com/, and here's the link to the rest of it:

http://www.ecostreet.com/blog/sustainable-lifestyle/2007/09/11/7-big-ways-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/

So, why not eat vegan, or at least forgo meat for Earth Day? I'd say it's a small sacrifice with a huge payoff for our Earth.

Adventures of an Internet-Searching Vegan

Random findings:

I just stumbled upon Joanna Vaught's blog, and she has a great article everyone should read: "Five Misconceptions about Veganism". Check it out:

http://joannavaught.com/2009/01/top-5-misconceptions-about-veganism.html

And while I'm at it, here's another blog I'm absolutely obsessed with. It's called "Fatfree Vegan Kitchen", and it's amazing:

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

Finally, if you've been thinking of trying vegetarianism or veganism, but only want to take baby steps, why not go veg in May?

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/30_day_veg_pledge?qp_source=vegpledgegen

Mmmm.... dinner.

I just made the absolute best dinner, and it reminds me of how wonderfully accessible New York is in terms of going vegan. The Whole Foods in Union Square is now selling awesome pre-packaged tempeh in different kinds of marinade (two different companies are putting out this new kind of "ready made" tempeh). It's so delicious and easy to cook, because all you need to do is add a little bit of oil and allow the tempeh to brown- done. Tonight, I added an indian coconut sauce and some lemon juice, threw in some baby spinach, and the whole thing came together so well. I also made another new favorite of mine this year- polenta (just sliced it up, threw it over some oil, and let it brown on both sides), and I roasted some asparagus in the oven with a little lemon juice on top. I am a happy girl.

It was raining like crazy today and cold too, and when the weather is like this, I'm always reminded of my favorite time of year- the days between Thanksgiving and New Year's (specifically: the week leading up to Christmas). I've been indulging in some holiday tunes on my Ipod (I'm also listening on the computer now- what a dork I am), and just letting myself dream about holidays past. Last year was great, because it was my first Christmas/Birthday eating vegan, and I was so new to the whole process. Now that I've been going six months strong, I've learned so much more about how to cook, what foods work with my lifestyle, and even better, how to make delicious food that gets people who aren't vegan talking. I can't wait to cook up some amazing new holiday dishes- hey, I may even actually make a tofurky style roast this year! This holiday season will also be another first- it will be my first holiday married to Steve. Man, that's crazy to even type here. I can't believe the whole thing is less than seven months away. Smiles and tears abound.

Two of the things I love most about Steve are his abilities to support and encourage. Steve, while not a vegetarian or vegan himself, has been open to every single food I've experimented with, and he never makes fun of my new methods of eating. He eats vegan dinners with me 4-5 times during a normal week and loves to help cook tofu, tempeh, and the like in completely different ways. It's funny to think about- I used to HATE tempeh. With a passion. Steve and I tried to make it early on (around November or so) and we didn't know what we were doing. It came out bland and not at all what tempeh has the ability to be. But Steve reworked some things, and a few months ago made one of the best dinners I've ever had- terryaki tempeh. I couldn't believe I was eating the same food I loathed a few months prior. But that's Steve- he's super creative and always believes in finding ways to help.

As I listen to Johnny Mathis singing "White Christmas" on a rainy day in April, I am so thankful to have the support system I do, as well as the strength within me to continue eating vegan. Tonight's dinner remains proof that cooking and eating vegan does not have to be a tiring task- in fact, it's pretty fun. Sometimes I forget how much fun this lifestyle can be, especially when I'm in other places that aren't as accommodating. Thankfully, I can rest assured that while I live in New York, I can eat and cook easily as a vegan. And hopefully the rest of the country (and world) will catch on. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Wonderful News

As a continuation from last week, I am 3 pounds lighter and going strong from Weight Watchers! It was tough last week, because I had a crazy weekend and ate out a lot, so I didn't lose any extra weight, but knowing that has kicked my butt into high gear, and now I'm trying to really eat well and exercise a little bit every day.

But that wasn't the good news... here it is (drum roll please):

I have been chosen to be a Campaign Intern for the Farm Sanctuary this summer! This company is my absolute favorite animal rights organization, and I am thrilled to get to try my hand at activism. It's been a slow year so far for acting (my usual passion), so to have this change of pace will be quite refreshing. I cannot wait to blog more about this experience in the months to come!

And I leave you with this quote, just because:

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy,

I awoke and saw that life was service

I acted and behold, service was joy." (Rabindranath Tagor)

And as a P.S.: I am very happy to have read a quite enlightening NY Times article, so I've added the link here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/opinion/09kristof.html.

I hope everyone has a beautiful spring day wherever they are!

Weight Watchers: A Vegan Journey

It's definitely been a while since my last post, which I shall attribute to the crazy amount of wedding planning I've been doing with Steve. So far, we are well ahead of the game (we even put a deposit down on a vegan wedding cake!). Which allows me to talk about my new topic- being on Weight Watchers as a vegan.

Why am I on Weight Watchers, you might be wondering? Well, it seems eating vegetarian and vegan does not always equal a skinny butt, like most would assume. This past year, I have been introduced to so many new foods and flavors, and my mom gave me a HUGE food processor for Christmas, which has led to countless vegan baking sessions. The result of all this yummy food goodness? I've gained seven pounds. Yep.

So, after the tears and laughter and disbelief- have I really gained this weight? Seriously??- I got real and did what any 25 year-old Vegan with no money for a gym would do- I joined Weight Watchers Online, of course. :)

Well, it's been a little over a week, and I've already shed 2 pounds on the plan! I haven't felt deprived or hungry from it- in fact, it's caused me to eat more than before. The trick is that most vegetables on the plan are only a "zero point" food, which means you can basically eat unlimited amounts of them and be okay. So, the food I've been filling myself up with more are veggies, fruits, and smaller portions of the things I love.

(By the way, The WW system is based on a point system, where you find out the point of each food by calculating it's calories, fat, and fiber. At my current weight, I'm allotted 22 points each day, with 35 "flex points" to use at any time during the week. Also, if I exercise, I can exchange "activity points" for food points. It's all a bit complex at first, but once you get a hang of it, it's a breeze.)

My favorite discovery has been that I was cooking with wayyyyy too much oil when I made dinners. Every meal began with either frying up tofu or tempeh in a pan with a lot of oil. It's definitely tasty that way, but on Weight Watchers, it equals many, many points. As a result, I've been having to get creative with how I cook. Instead of just layering the bottom of the pan with oil, I measure out a small amount. The food has tasted just as yummy, and since I'm not deprived, I have no desire to overeat. It's great.

The extra nice thing is the vegetarian message board on the WW website. While there is no vegan message board (yet), I've discovered many vegans on the boards talking- it's allowed me to feel relaxed in knowing that even someone with a vegan lifestyle can commit to a weight loss plan that's universal. I love it.

So, we shall see where this leads me (hopefully a few pounds lighter and a bit more toned from doing my awesome pilates video each week). For now, I've just finished a lovely breakfast of toast with jam, apple slices, and tea with soymilk (5 points).

Oh, and as a fun P.S.- kissing, dancing, laughing, walking, thinking, typing a new blog, bubble baths, hugging, and reading really interesting articles about veganism? All zero points. Awesome.