Sunday, March 10, 2013
Snowshoeing at Doughnut Falls
Sunday, March 3, 2013
My husband, the vegan
A year and a half ago, my husband came to me, and informed me that he felt the need to become vegan--effective immediately. Though it wasn't very shocking, it felt very scary to make the jump from mostly vegetarian (he occasionally indulged in our beloved Bay Area seafood), to full vegan.
Overnight, I was thrust into the world of temph, kale, and nutritional yeast. I began searching diligently for sweaters without wool, vegan bakeries, and egg substitute. Though the majority of our life was very much the same, that key change has impacted everything that surrounds food, goods, and health in both of our lives.
Our vegan fondue feast
Anniversary dinner, June 2012
When we were dating, Christopher told me that he had been a vegetarian in college, but his steady diet of Rico burritos and tofurky was just not enough to support his slender, 6'4" frame. He still felt guilty about consuming meat regularly, but he felt he couldn't go without. As we began making the transition to veganism for the hubby, I knew I had to do my homework to keep my man healthy. I started pouring over the internet and reading vegan cookbooks for suggestions on how to live a full and healthy life as a vegan.
It can be really hard to be with a vegan in Utah. While we were in the Bay Area, vegan was fairly common. We had a favorite vegan Chinese restaurant, and farmers markets were a ritual for many in our community. Everyone just knew what vegan meant, and didn't argue with it. But here in Utah, it just feels harder. Some days, I long to go to a restaurant without reading the menu or interrogating the waiter first. Some days, I wish I didn't feel a wave of guilt before informing the kind person who just invited us to dinner that my husband won't eat most of it (I always bring a dish to share, and make sure they know ahead of time). Some days, it feels like a burden, but most days, it is just how we eat.
Although I am not vegan, I am the wife of a vegan and do all the shopping, planning, and most of the cooking, for our family of two. I eat almost the same diet as my husband, except for my stash of cheese and yogurt in the fridge, guilty fast food runs, or meals at restaurants or at our friends homes. Meat has become the exception, not the rule, and that works well for me. I love that our fridge is always full of fresh fruits and veggies, and that I don't feel guilty eating seconds. Baking can be a pain, but usually, I take pride in creating a healthier version of a favorite treat, and like playing around with different flours, sweeteners, and fats.
We have both gotten flak from friends and family for my husband's decision to be vegan, but since everyone has started getting used to it, we have received so much support and veggies from the people who love us most!
This is not a blog about being vegan, but if you are curious, I know a guy who just started writing one of those ;) You are invited to check out my husband's blog on being vegan in Utah: http://utahvegan.wordpress.com/
For those of you who thought we may be a pair of odd ducks, here is your confirmation!
Overnight, I was thrust into the world of temph, kale, and nutritional yeast. I began searching diligently for sweaters without wool, vegan bakeries, and egg substitute. Though the majority of our life was very much the same, that key change has impacted everything that surrounds food, goods, and health in both of our lives.
Anniversary dinner, June 2012
When we were dating, Christopher told me that he had been a vegetarian in college, but his steady diet of Rico burritos and tofurky was just not enough to support his slender, 6'4" frame. He still felt guilty about consuming meat regularly, but he felt he couldn't go without. As we began making the transition to veganism for the hubby, I knew I had to do my homework to keep my man healthy. I started pouring over the internet and reading vegan cookbooks for suggestions on how to live a full and healthy life as a vegan.
It can be really hard to be with a vegan in Utah. While we were in the Bay Area, vegan was fairly common. We had a favorite vegan Chinese restaurant, and farmers markets were a ritual for many in our community. Everyone just knew what vegan meant, and didn't argue with it. But here in Utah, it just feels harder. Some days, I long to go to a restaurant without reading the menu or interrogating the waiter first. Some days, I wish I didn't feel a wave of guilt before informing the kind person who just invited us to dinner that my husband won't eat most of it (I always bring a dish to share, and make sure they know ahead of time). Some days, it feels like a burden, but most days, it is just how we eat.
Backpacking in Henry Coe State Park, June 2012
Although I am not vegan, I am the wife of a vegan and do all the shopping, planning, and most of the cooking, for our family of two. I eat almost the same diet as my husband, except for my stash of cheese and yogurt in the fridge, guilty fast food runs, or meals at restaurants or at our friends homes. Meat has become the exception, not the rule, and that works well for me. I love that our fridge is always full of fresh fruits and veggies, and that I don't feel guilty eating seconds. Baking can be a pain, but usually, I take pride in creating a healthier version of a favorite treat, and like playing around with different flours, sweeteners, and fats.
We have both gotten flak from friends and family for my husband's decision to be vegan, but since everyone has started getting used to it, we have received so much support and veggies from the people who love us most!
This is not a blog about being vegan, but if you are curious, I know a guy who just started writing one of those ;) You are invited to check out my husband's blog on being vegan in Utah: http://utahvegan.wordpress.com/
For those of you who thought we may be a pair of odd ducks, here is your confirmation!
Backpacking in Henry Coe State Park, August 26, 2012
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