We're Goin' Vegan

Well, if you know us at all, you know we love to eat out. I also love to cook and my husband, Tom, loves to eat. Meat and potatoes - absolutely. So what prompted us to step to the other side? This: "What the Health" A friend, Shawn, posted it on Facebook and I decided to check it out. Tom and I have known for years that eating more vegetables is key to healthy living. What we didn't know is what we would learn by watching the documentary.

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What the Health? Links, Reviews, and More
What the Health Film Website
Google Search
Review and Q & A
Watch What the Health on Vimeo
​Find "What the Health" on Netflix, too.

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Tom is not one to overreact and did admit he wasn't going to jump in with both feet, but I think he's serious about this. My first clue was that he posted it on his Facebook for all to see! To say I was stunned would be an understatement.

Our first vegan breakfast was peanut butter and banana toast with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon. As the day wore on we found ourselves at Newk's Eatery and lunch promised to be a challenge for him and it was. He opted for his usual, not vegan by any stretch of the imagination, but he did say he didn't plan to jump into this. I learned years ago to let him do what he needs to do. Our journey will not be the same, for sure.

I opted for a sandwich that came with meat, cheese, and roasted vegetables and that's what I ordered sans the meat and cheese and the side I chose was safe ... fresh fruit.

Dinner ... I had pizza with roasted vegetables, no cheese. Tom opted for his usual with pepperoni, etc. But, he had a spinach salad with fresh fruit and a homemade vegan dressing. 

And, the long road begins.

Tom doesn't usually eat breakfast preferring to wait for our eleven o'clock lunch. Fortunately, I had planned ahead and had all the veggies cut and ready to go. Lunch was a recipe Tom found called Vegan Pad Thai ... tofu, Tom, really? Gross. But I didn't dare question him for fear he'd quit on the spot. Besides, tofu does take on the flavor of other foods, right?

Right! 

Vegan Pad Thai

• 4 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked
• 1/2 teaspoon peanut oil
• 1 julienned medium yellow bell pepper
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 large diced tomato
• 4 ounces trimmed snow peas
• 4 ounces firm tofu - drained and cut into 1/4-inch thick matchsticks
• Scant ¼ cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1⁄4 cup cashews - for garnish, optional
• Fresh bean sprouts - for garnish, optional

Directions:

1. In large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. When water boils, add noodles, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, in large wok or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and garlic and stir-fry 3 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, snow peas and tofu and stir-fry just until tender, about 4 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and lime juice and bring to; simmer.
5. Cook, stirring often, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in cooked noodles and cilantro.
6. Spoon noodle mixture onto warm plates and garnish with cashews, green onions and bean sprouts.

Our rating:

• Do it again!
• OK, but not too often
• Pass on this one