Ditching the junk.

M♥_ · Nov 3, 2006

I just had my 2nd veganniversary after quitting SAD "cold tofurky" one day. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rockon.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":rockon:"> My problem is that when I switched I went right for the faux meats to replace all the real ones, so I never really changed my diet much. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/dunce.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":dunce:"> Don't get me wrong, I do eat better than I used to, but I still don't think I eat good. 
I want to change this so I'm asking you guys for some help. I don't get enough veggies and fruit in my diet, I'm all about breads, pastas and rice and it's all too easy to just throw some faux meat on top of that and call it a "meal". 
I usually spend somewhere between 5-15 minutes making a meal, but a few times a week I make a 30-60 minute meal. I'm not completely lazy It's just that I usually don't start cooking until I'm, well, hungry. And when I'm hungry I just grab what's easy and requires the least amount of planning, which is a problem of mine, I guess. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thinking.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":think:"> 
I could probably channel that habit into eating more raw veggies, but I don't like most of them on thier own. Should I just suck it up and eat them anyway? I know I wont like it much for the first few months, but they probably will grow on me as I accuire a taste for them... right? 
Anyway, I want to go more natural with my food, stop eating so much processed stuff. I know what direction I'm going to go, generally, and I'd like one day to be around 50-75% raw, but I don't plan on eliminating cooked foods completely from my diet. Still, I don't really know how to incorporate veggies, especially those of the dark green variety, as I never ate them much. I just don't know what to do with them! 
Since I eat alot of breads, pasta and rice and I know I can add a ton veggies to those, so that's no problem. (I am going to be majorly cutting back on that stuff, though) I also like tacos but don't eat them enough. I've been trying to eat more beans recently, however, I've never eaten them regularily and I still don't really like any besides pinto or black beans. I promise to work on that. 
I plan to up my nut and fruit intake, using them as snacks and such. I like many fruits and nuts, so that's no problem. 
Oh, also, I have a blender so I can make my own sauces, dips, smoothies and whatever, feel free to give me more ideas for what to do with it! 
So, to sum all this up... 
1. I need help eating less processed junk and eating more veggies, especially raw. 
2: Quick and easy meals, or stuff that I can make then put in the fridge for later. 
3: What can I use that dog-gone blender for? 
Thanks a TON in advance, everyone! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/help.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":help:">

Tuffenoughtoroc · Nov 3, 2006

To find healthier foods, how about buying a vegan cookbook? That helped me. Although some of the items take time to make, there are usually several "snacks" or light meals you can make from scratch if you don't feel like spending so much time cooking. Or check out the recipes page on the board. 
Hope that helps a little.

M♥_ · Nov 3, 2006

Heh, that's probably a pretty good idea. I had just never thought of that since I've never used a cookbook before, and my mom doesn't use them either. Thanks, Tuffenoughtoroc. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/yes.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":yes:">

Aimra · Nov 4, 2006

I'm going through the same thing. I just made the switch 6 weeks ago and I have just been replacing for the most part and have been trying to get more fruits and veggies. 
One thing I found that was easy to do was stir-fry. At the grocery I buy a bag of precut veggies (frozen or not). Then I buy the the sauce I want to put on it. It is so easy to make and quick! You can also add your rice to this to bulk it up. 
Another thing I've been trying to do is buy fruits and veggies that can be grabbed easily when I'm hungry. I eat breakfast and lunch at work and don't get up early enough to really prepare anything. So, for example, I took this to work with me today: 
Banana 
Apple (get one of those round slicer things that cuts it up and cores it for you!) 
Pita 
Hummus 
Baby Carrots 
Amy's Organic Salsa 
Unsalted Organic Tortilla Chips 
I just woke up and threw all of that in a bag and went. I have little cups to put the hummus and salsa in. 
I'm not too sure what to do with the greens either. I mean, I like them and all, but I'm no good at cooking them thus far. 
Good luck!

sluagh · Nov 4, 2006

That doggone blender can be used for smoothies. They're almost a full meal unto themselves, especially for breakfast, and it's a great way to down a whole lot of fruit in one go--practically any soft fruit can go well in a smoothie. Since winter is coming up (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), fruit is in short supply, but frozen berries and peaches are easy to come by at the store and give a smoothie a sort of frozen-slushy feeling. I add carrot juice and diced cucumbers to my smoothies for some extra vegetable. 
The blender can also be used to make hummus out of chickpeas and bean dip out of beans + some salsa and lime, and it can liquify veggies to add to a soup base. Bean dips might be a good way to get you used to beans outside of your comfort zone--there are plenty of recipes out there, you might try looking at <a href="http://www.vegweb.com" target="_blank">www.vegweb.com</a> for some ideas.

Alli · Nov 4, 2006

If you eat veggie burgers, try tearing up some kale and putting it on the veggie burger. It's nummy. 
Also, a really quick and yummy meal is a toasted portabella mushroom cap- topped with cooked chickpeas and asparagus. I added vegan gourmet cheddar cheese to mine, too. 
The main thing-just be creative. There are tons of meals that can be made with veggies.

M♥_ · Nov 4, 2006

Thanks! <div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Aimra <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I'm not too sure what to do with the greens either. I mean, I like them and all, but I'm no good at cooking them thus far.</div>
</div>
 
They all seem to come out bitter whenever I use them... Except spinach. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/huh.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> <div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by sluagh <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
That doggone blender can be used for smoothies. They're almost a full meal unto themselves, especially for breakfast, and it's a great way to down a whole lot of fruit in one go--practically any soft fruit can go well in a smoothie. Since winter is coming up (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), fruit is in short supply, but frozen berries and peaches are easy to come by at the store and give a smoothie a sort of frozen-slushy feeling. I add carrot juice and diced cucumbers to my smoothies for some extra vegetable. 
The blender can also be used to make hummus out of chickpeas and bean dip out of beans + some salsa and lime, and it can liquify veggies to add to a soup base. Bean dips might be a good way to get you used to beans outside of your comfort zone--there are plenty of recipes out there, you might try looking at vegweb for some ideas.</div>
</div>
 
I do use my blender for smoothies quite often. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/lick.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lick:"> Sometimes I put spinach in them, you can't even taste it! In an effort to eat even more greens I tried that with kale once... Blech, it was bitter. 
Dips are a good idea. Quick snacks are something I should eat more often insead of waiting till I want a full meal... (Which is a problem stemming from how I was raised, eat a big meal, stay out of the kitchen!) <div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Alli <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Also, a really quick and yummy meal is a toasted portabella mushroom cap- topped with cooked chickpeas and asparagus. I added vegan gourmet cheddar cheese to mine, too.</div>
</div>
 
I've eaten portabella mushroom "burgers" before, but never just tried it on it's own... That's a good idea! I can probably do something like this with eggplant, too, now that I think about it.

PetSounds · Nov 6, 2006

I DEFINITELY say get a cookbook. I bought one the other day and it's already worth it because I look in there and I'm like wow......there are so many great things I can eat! Yum! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> Or you can just check one out from the library too.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/afro.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":afro:">

eri02 · Nov 6, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by M♥_ <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I do use my blender for smoothies quite often. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/lick.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lick:"> Sometimes I put spinach in them, you can't even taste it! In an effort to eat even more greens I tried that with kale once... Blech, it was bitter.</div>
</div>
 
you might have used too much kale, or not used enough fruit. kale is kinda bitter compared to spinach. maybe use a milder green like turnip greens. 
i use the huge bags of prewashed greens(mustard, turnip, collard) in smoothies any time i can. i blend them with whatever liquid i'm using, then dump all my fruit on top and blend again. i started with one handfull of greens and worked my way up to a blenderfull. i don't taste them, but they do smell "green."

delicious · Nov 6, 2006

I eat some processed foods, but I always eat whole/raw foods with them. If I have a boca burger, I use a 100% whole wheat bun and lots of fresh, organic veggies. For *fries* I'll bake a thinly sliced potato or two, using a little olive oil on a cookie sheet. I often finish up with a piece of fruit or a nutritious smoothie. 
On the go, I usually bring a whole grain sandwich filled with hummus or tofu and lots of fresh veggies. 
You can cook greens in a very little bit of water, (just to cover the bottom of the pan) some crushed garlic and a tiny bit of soy sauce. Cook 5 -10 minutes.

Aimra · Nov 6, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by delicious <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
You can cook greens in a very little bit of water, (just to cover the bottom of the pan) some crushed garlic and a tiny bit of soy sauce. Cook 5 -10 minutes.</div>
</div>
 
I'll have to try that. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

UseHerName · Nov 7, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by M♥_ <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
1. I need help eating less processed junk and eating more veggies, especially raw. 
2: Quick and easy meals, or stuff that I can make then put in the fridge for later. 
3: What can I use that dog-gone blender for? </div>
</div>
 
1. Try making homemade vegetable soup, stirfries, or even lasagna and adding veggies to it. 
2. Salads or fruit salads make instant healthy meals. 
3. I love fruit smoothies, when I'm not too lazy to make one. 
I know, not too informative, but I hope you find it of some help.

M♥_ · Nov 7, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by eri02 <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
you might have used too much kale, or not used enough fruit. kale is kinda bitter compared to spinach. maybe use a milder green like turnip greens. 
i use the huge bags of prewashed greens(mustard, turnip, collard) in smoothies any time i can. i blend them with whatever liquid i'm using, then dump all my fruit on top and blend again. i started with one handfull of greens and worked my way up to a blenderfull. i don't taste them, but they do smell "green."</div>
</div>
 
Thanks for the tips on the greens! <div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by delicious <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
You can cook greens in a very little bit of water, (just to cover the bottom of the pan) some crushed garlic and a tiny bit of soy sauce. Cook 5 -10 minutes.</div>
</div>
 
I'll try that, thanks!

Ditching the junk.

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