Hey I keep trying to go vegan..and keep failing. I have decided to eat all my non-vegan food (not meat, I am already a veg, but morningstar products are vegan) and research nonvegan ingredients and vegan ones all throughout july and slowly make the change in august so I can be vegan when school starts. Can anyone help me? I feel completely CLUELESS..I don't even know all the ingredients in food thats nonvegan! I know whey isnt vegan but I dont know what it is! Ah..did anyone else feel this way? Like you want to make the switch then you just notice that you are almost completely clueless of what your getting into? I know what a vegan means and I know you cant eat eggs, whey,milk/dairy, honey...but I also know when label reading theres alot of animal products with big words..and I dont want to eat nonvegan things when I offically turn vegan. Any Help? anyone anyone??
Another attempt at going vegan
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I've heard that Peta has a pretty decent list of vegan foods, and you can get some pretty good vegan cookbooks online (I haven't gotten any yet, but there are a few that are top on my list when I get some money!).<br><br><br><br>
You said you're going back to school in August... high school or college? I'm in college right now, and incredibly busy, but I've found that if I make my own meals, I actually save time and money, and it's a lot easier to eat strictly vegan by cooking yourself.<br><br><br><br>
A pretty simple cooking idea for when you go back to school is ramen noodles (NOT with the seasoning; only "oriental" is vegan, maybe) - you can cook them and mix them with anything from peanuts/other nuts to frozen veggies to tofu to different sauces (like peanut sauce or curry or soy sauce.. etc.). There are healthier dishes out there, but from my experience as a very busy college student, it's one of the quickest, cheapest (and tastiest!) ways to cook.<br><br><br><br>
Anyway, I know you weren't asking about recipes, but I thought I'd give you an example of vegan meals that're really simple. Best of luck to you!!
You said you're going back to school in August... high school or college? I'm in college right now, and incredibly busy, but I've found that if I make my own meals, I actually save time and money, and it's a lot easier to eat strictly vegan by cooking yourself.<br><br><br><br>
A pretty simple cooking idea for when you go back to school is ramen noodles (NOT with the seasoning; only "oriental" is vegan, maybe) - you can cook them and mix them with anything from peanuts/other nuts to frozen veggies to tofu to different sauces (like peanut sauce or curry or soy sauce.. etc.). There are healthier dishes out there, but from my experience as a very busy college student, it's one of the quickest, cheapest (and tastiest!) ways to cook.<br><br><br><br>
Anyway, I know you weren't asking about recipes, but I thought I'd give you an example of vegan meals that're really simple. Best of luck to you!!
I should of mentioned I am 15, and the only veg in my family! sorry about that <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="
">.<br><br><br><br>
thanks <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> I never thought of adding veggies to those noodles <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">. Ya, being 15 and the only veg I will be looking for quick meals. I am looking at petas accidently vegan list right now, and it gave me faith i CAN do this theres alot to eat out there <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">
">.<br><br><br><br>thanks <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="
"> I never thought of adding veggies to those noodles <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">. Ya, being 15 and the only veg I will be looking for quick meals. I am looking at petas accidently vegan list right now, and it gave me faith i CAN do this theres alot to eat out there <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">
Joined
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It can be really daunting!!! I recently made the switch myself, and the thing that made me really understand the vegan ethic and lifestyle, was "The Vegan Sourcebook" by Joanne Stepaniak.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=veggieboards.com-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F0737305061%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1151719325%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_1%2F104-2484954-8512719%3Fie%3DUTF8" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073...512719?ie=UTF8</a><br><br><br><br>
I really can't recommend it highly enough. For years I just felt that going vegan was going to mean restriction, and a million can't/don't/shouldn'ts everywhere. I have a totally different perspective now. This book also has a chapter on "secret ingredients" and the author details all trace ingredients, what they are, and where you're likely to find them. It's really, really helpful. (From the book: whey is "the watery liquid that separates from the solids in cheesemaking. It is found in crackers, breads, cakes, and a great many other processed foods."<br><br><br><br>
Now I'm just focusing on reading as much as I can. "Becoming Vegan" is a pretty good book, but it's focused only on diet.<br><br><br><br>
"Vegan With a Vengeance" is the cookbook that is going to make veganism totally rock, IMO! All the recipes taste great, the ingredients are pretty accessible, and the author has great tips all over the place.
I really can't recommend it highly enough. For years I just felt that going vegan was going to mean restriction, and a million can't/don't/shouldn'ts everywhere. I have a totally different perspective now. This book also has a chapter on "secret ingredients" and the author details all trace ingredients, what they are, and where you're likely to find them. It's really, really helpful. (From the book: whey is "the watery liquid that separates from the solids in cheesemaking. It is found in crackers, breads, cakes, and a great many other processed foods."<br><br><br><br>
Now I'm just focusing on reading as much as I can. "Becoming Vegan" is a pretty good book, but it's focused only on diet.<br><br><br><br>
"Vegan With a Vengeance" is the cookbook that is going to make veganism totally rock, IMO! All the recipes taste great, the ingredients are pretty accessible, and the author has great tips all over the place.
Joined
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843 Posts
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>animallover7249</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I should of mentioned I am 15, and the only veg in my family! sorry about that <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">.<br><br><br><br>
thanks <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> I never thought of adding veggies to those noodles <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">. Ya, being 15 and the only veg I will be looking for quick meals. I am looking at petas accidently vegan list right now, and it gave me faith i CAN do this theres alot to eat out there <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""></div>
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Wow! Vegan at 15! I wish I'd have had that kind of motivation! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rockon.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":rockon:"><br><br><br><br>
Is your family very supportive of your choice to go vegan? If so, it'd be incredibly easy to have them "veganize" a lot of your meals when they make dinner for everyone. They can make the main dish (pasta, soup, whatever) and then add meat to it after they've given you your portion (you could add more veggies or tofu, etc.). You could even try to get your family to substitute some basic foods for everyone that you can eat (like vegan 'butter,' bread, pizza dough, soups, etc.).
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>animallover7249</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I should of mentioned I am 15, and the only veg in my family! sorry about that <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="
">.<br><br><br><br>thanks <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="
"> I never thought of adding veggies to those noodles <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">. Ya, being 15 and the only veg I will be looking for quick meals. I am looking at petas accidently vegan list right now, and it gave me faith i CAN do this theres alot to eat out there <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""></div></div>
<br><br><br>
Wow! Vegan at 15! I wish I'd have had that kind of motivation! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rockon.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":rockon:"><br><br><br><br>
Is your family very supportive of your choice to go vegan? If so, it'd be incredibly easy to have them "veganize" a lot of your meals when they make dinner for everyone. They can make the main dish (pasta, soup, whatever) and then add meat to it after they've given you your portion (you could add more veggies or tofu, etc.). You could even try to get your family to substitute some basic foods for everyone that you can eat (like vegan 'butter,' bread, pizza dough, soups, etc.).
Joined
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7,981 Posts
For PETA's free vegetarian starter pack, which includes nutritional information, and tasty veggie recipes, please complete the form below:<br><br><a href="http://www.milksucks.co.uk/start.html" target="_blank">http://www.milksucks.co.uk/start.html</a><br><br><br><br>
They'll send you loads of free information to help you get started. It's as simple as that.
They'll send you loads of free information to help you get started. It's as simple as that.
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Moechalatte</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Wow! Vegan at 15! I wish I'd have had that kind of motivation! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rockon.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":rockon:"><br><br><br><br>
Is your family very supportive of your choice to go vegan? If so, it'd be incredibly easy to have them "veganize" a lot of your meals when they make dinner for everyone. They can make the main dish (pasta, soup, whatever) and then add meat to it after they've given you your portion (you could add more veggies or tofu, etc.). You could even try to get your family to substitute some basic foods for everyone that you can eat (like vegan 'butter,' bread, pizza dough, soups, etc.).</div>
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They are supportive of me being vegetarian, and I talked to my mom about being vegan but my dad will think I am not getting enough nutrients. Whenever they make spagetti (sp) they put sauce in a small pan for me with out meat, or sometimes they wont add meat at all :-D
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Moechalatte</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Wow! Vegan at 15! I wish I'd have had that kind of motivation! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rockon.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":rockon:"><br><br><br><br>
Is your family very supportive of your choice to go vegan? If so, it'd be incredibly easy to have them "veganize" a lot of your meals when they make dinner for everyone. They can make the main dish (pasta, soup, whatever) and then add meat to it after they've given you your portion (you could add more veggies or tofu, etc.). You could even try to get your family to substitute some basic foods for everyone that you can eat (like vegan 'butter,' bread, pizza dough, soups, etc.).</div>
</div>
<br>
They are supportive of me being vegetarian, and I talked to my mom about being vegan but my dad will think I am not getting enough nutrients. Whenever they make spagetti (sp) they put sauce in a small pan for me with out meat, or sometimes they wont add meat at all :-D
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ommmmaggie</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
It can be really daunting!!! I recently made the switch myself, and the thing that made me really understand the vegan ethic and lifestyle, was "The Vegan Sourcebook" by Joanne Stepaniak.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=veggieboards.com-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F0737305061%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1151719325%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_1%2F104-2484954-8512719%3Fie%3DUTF8" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073...512719?ie=UTF8</a><br><br><br><br>
I really can't recommend it highly enough. For years I just felt that going vegan was going to mean restriction, and a million can't/don't/shouldn'ts everywhere. I have a totally different perspective now. This book also has a chapter on "secret ingredients" and the author details all trace ingredients, what they are, and where you're likely to find them. It's really, really helpful. (From the book: whey is "the watery liquid that separates from the solids in cheesemaking. It is found in crackers, breads, cakes, and a great many other processed foods."<br><br><br><br>
Now I'm just focusing on reading as much as I can. "Becoming Vegan" is a pretty good book, but it's focused only on diet.<br><br><br><br>
"Vegan With a Vengeance" is the cookbook that is going to make veganism totally rock, IMO! All the recipes taste great, the ingredients are pretty accessible, and the author has great tips all over the place.</div>
</div>
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Thanks so much! Ill deffiently check out the books
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ommmmaggie</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
It can be really daunting!!! I recently made the switch myself, and the thing that made me really understand the vegan ethic and lifestyle, was "The Vegan Sourcebook" by Joanne Stepaniak.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=veggieboards.com-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F0737305061%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1151719325%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_1%2F104-2484954-8512719%3Fie%3DUTF8" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073...512719?ie=UTF8</a><br><br><br><br>
I really can't recommend it highly enough. For years I just felt that going vegan was going to mean restriction, and a million can't/don't/shouldn'ts everywhere. I have a totally different perspective now. This book also has a chapter on "secret ingredients" and the author details all trace ingredients, what they are, and where you're likely to find them. It's really, really helpful. (From the book: whey is "the watery liquid that separates from the solids in cheesemaking. It is found in crackers, breads, cakes, and a great many other processed foods."<br><br><br><br>
Now I'm just focusing on reading as much as I can. "Becoming Vegan" is a pretty good book, but it's focused only on diet.<br><br><br><br>
"Vegan With a Vengeance" is the cookbook that is going to make veganism totally rock, IMO! All the recipes taste great, the ingredients are pretty accessible, and the author has great tips all over the place.</div>
</div>
<br>
Thanks so much! Ill deffiently check out the books
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>MrFalafel</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
For PETA's free vegetarian starter pack, which includes nutritional information, and tasty veggie recipes, please complete the form below:<br><br><a href="http://www.milksucks.co.uk/start.html" target="_blank">http://www.milksucks.co.uk/start.html</a><br><br><br><br>
They'll send you loads of free information to help you get started. It's as simple as that.</div>
</div>
<br>
I think I ordered this when I went vegetarian, does it have info on going vegan? I never threw it out so I'll look for it before ordering a new one, I dont want them to waste one just for me to find it in a few days
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>MrFalafel</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
For PETA's free vegetarian starter pack, which includes nutritional information, and tasty veggie recipes, please complete the form below:<br><br><a href="http://www.milksucks.co.uk/start.html" target="_blank">http://www.milksucks.co.uk/start.html</a><br><br><br><br>
They'll send you loads of free information to help you get started. It's as simple as that.</div>
</div>
<br>
I think I ordered this when I went vegetarian, does it have info on going vegan? I never threw it out so I'll look for it before ordering a new one, I dont want them to waste one just for me to find it in a few days
Joined
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<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>animallover7249</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I think I ordered this when I went vegetarian, does it have info on going vegan? I never threw it out so I'll look for it before ordering a new one, I dont want them to waste one just for me to find it in a few days</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
It's a vegan starter pack.
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>animallover7249</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I think I ordered this when I went vegetarian, does it have info on going vegan? I never threw it out so I'll look for it before ordering a new one, I dont want them to waste one just for me to find it in a few days</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
It's a vegan starter pack.
Joined
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852 Posts
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ommmmaggie</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
It can be really daunting!!! I recently made the switch myself, and the thing that made me really understand the vegan ethic and lifestyle, was "The Vegan Sourcebook" by Joanne Stepaniak.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Thanks for the tip! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":up:"> I picked up a used copy from Amazon for $4.25.
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ommmmaggie</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
It can be really daunting!!! I recently made the switch myself, and the thing that made me really understand the vegan ethic and lifestyle, was "The Vegan Sourcebook" by Joanne Stepaniak.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Thanks for the tip! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":up:"> I picked up a used copy from Amazon for $4.25.
Joined
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66 Posts
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Washoe</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Thanks for the tip! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":up:"> I picked up a used copy from Amazon for $4.25.</div>
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Nice job!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rockon.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":rockon:">
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Washoe</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Thanks for the tip! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":up:"> I picked up a used copy from Amazon for $4.25.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Nice job!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rockon.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":rockon:">
Joined
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160 Posts
Good luck in your quest.<br><br><br><br>
At fifteen, you may not have enough control over your diet choices that you will have when your older and on your own. So you may not be able to be 100% vegan now. But that can be phase 2!<br><br><br><br>
I am pretty certain not all Morningstar Farms products are vegan (although many more are now than previously.) I think most of their sausage products aren't but Tofurky sausage is especially good.<br><br><br><br>
When I went veg, I set dates (red and pork then chicken then fish.) This was pretty easy for me because I had changed in my heart so by the time I went chickenless, the very next week I gave up fish even though that deadline was three months away. Although I didn't do this with vegan (went cold turkey) it may be the way for you for your vegan adoption.<br><br><br><br>
The "I Can't Believe it's Vegan" list by Peta is NOT comprehensive. So you're just going to have to get used to reading labels. I think the basic purpose of that list is to let non-vegans who are considering it know that there is a whole lot of "normal" food out there that they can eat.<br><br><br><br>
The hardest part I've had is that I've basically had to cook all my own food and don't use convenience foods much any more (unless they are fringe brands that are purposefully creating vegan selections.) I do almost all my own baking (sweets) and buy the same brands over and over again. But, most people do that anyway, vegetarian or no. But, on the plus side, I love cooking so this hasn't been a chore, more an adventure.<br><br><br><br>
Remember it is a learning process and you will make MANY mistakes before you finally get there (I STILL make mistakes--1.5 years into it.) Just don't kick yourself if you do falter--you're still saving lives, after all.
At fifteen, you may not have enough control over your diet choices that you will have when your older and on your own. So you may not be able to be 100% vegan now. But that can be phase 2!<br><br><br><br>
I am pretty certain not all Morningstar Farms products are vegan (although many more are now than previously.) I think most of their sausage products aren't but Tofurky sausage is especially good.<br><br><br><br>
When I went veg, I set dates (red and pork then chicken then fish.) This was pretty easy for me because I had changed in my heart so by the time I went chickenless, the very next week I gave up fish even though that deadline was three months away. Although I didn't do this with vegan (went cold turkey) it may be the way for you for your vegan adoption.<br><br><br><br>
The "I Can't Believe it's Vegan" list by Peta is NOT comprehensive. So you're just going to have to get used to reading labels. I think the basic purpose of that list is to let non-vegans who are considering it know that there is a whole lot of "normal" food out there that they can eat.<br><br><br><br>
The hardest part I've had is that I've basically had to cook all my own food and don't use convenience foods much any more (unless they are fringe brands that are purposefully creating vegan selections.) I do almost all my own baking (sweets) and buy the same brands over and over again. But, most people do that anyway, vegetarian or no. But, on the plus side, I love cooking so this hasn't been a chore, more an adventure.<br><br><br><br>
Remember it is a learning process and you will make MANY mistakes before you finally get there (I STILL make mistakes--1.5 years into it.) Just don't kick yourself if you do falter--you're still saving lives, after all.
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