Mixing it Up!

One of the things that people say to me is, "don't you get bored eating the same things?" They say this because they have a very limited view of what vegans eat because they probably have a limited repertoire of their own when it comes to veggies. When I first started the vegetarian route I did have a limited menu. Over time, I broadened my horizons, but often fell back on junk food when I got bored.

Going to vegan and plantstrong was limited in the beginning too. But I promised myself I would try different things and try to cook as a means of actually creating a vegan palate! I continue to have success, although with a lot of trial and error. I see posts on Twitter and other blogs from beginning vegans who feel boxed in with their options, especially for eating out. You have to be patient in the beginning until your palate blossoms and things take on an enhanced flavor for you. I'm enjoying foods now that I never would have liked before because my palette can distinguish subtle flavors. When you are used to a lot of salt and fat, you can't taste the differences in a lot of subtle food preparations.

Today I had a wonderful home-made smoothie with fresh strawberries, banana, oj, and almond milk. There is no need for yogurt or ice cream or sherbert, just use ice. I can taste each flavor in the smoothie making it very enjoyable! Later I made a new dish with whole wheat elbow pasta, fresh tomato, salsa, corn, olive, and red peppers. A dash of apple cider vinegar is great! The dish thickens and the pasta cooks in the tomato and salsa juice as well as almond milk. Totally yummy!

No meat, no oil in these dishes. And the flavors in everything were just great! I learn to savor these flavors making eating very pleasurable - without eating junk, sugar, or oils.

I experiment a lot with whatever I have in the fridge. Trying different veggie combinations, using different ingredients for dressings, seasonings, and methods of cooking. I eat a lot of raw food, which is perfect as the weather changes. In the winter it is a lot of beans and soups. Now it's salads added to the mix.

One of my new favorite seasonings is turmeric, which is in the ginger family. I put it in salad dressing, I add it to chili, and it adds a wonderful new flavor. I can't describe it, so you will have to try it. Turmeric also has great health properties, which is why I tried it in the first place.

So mix it up and try new things, new combos, new spices, new methods. You won't be bored :)