I have, quite often, received comments and questions from friends and family who are edging their way into the more healthful way of eating - vegan. Some are healthy eaters with a diet filled with plant based food. Some are just wanting to cut out the animal abuse. Here are some of my first pieces of information.
1. Check out Colleen Patrick Goudreau and the 30 Day Vegan Challenge
When we first went vegan we found Colleen's Podcast - Food for Thought and it was a great resource. We've been lucky enough to meet her in person and hear her speak and are huge fans of her cookbooks, especially The Joy of Vegan Baking. She gives tons of info and all of her recipes are great!
2. Other Cookbooks and sites
We love Happy Herbivore for simple, easy, yummy meals and Chef Chloe is a rising start (winner of Cupcake Wars on Food Network, no less!) You can't go wrong with either of them!
3. Find a Vegan Meet-up
You may be the first person you know to go vegan, but lots of folks have been there. Check out groups on Facebook or find a local group. It's fun and you can trade tips and recipes in person.
4. Read The China Study and Watch Forks Over Knives
Knowledge is power and these resources will get you fired up to protect your health with plants and maybe convince someone you know to take charge of their health.
5. Eat some yummy food!
Whether it's some of Sugar Bean Bakery's cupcakes and whoopie pies, a Daiya grilled cheese sandwich or a pint of So Delicious' ice cream - there's tons of delicious food to enjoy that are not filled with animal cruelty or cholesterol.
6. Be joyful!
One of the best, and most surprising, side effects of going vegan has been the feeling of peace that has come to us. I never expected, although I'm not sure why, to feel so calm and peaceful just by changing how we eat. But I guess when you take violence out of your meals, you can be filled with with this calm and joyful feeling too.
