Enjoying Thanksgiving as a Vegan at a Nonvegan Table

 

Let’s be honest feeling left out is never fun- sitting at a table full of food with a nearly empty plate because everything is laden with animal products is more stressful than enjoyable. For me personally, the past few Thanksgiving holidays have been a struggle.  Thanksgiving 2013 was my first year as a vegan and my husband and I visited friends in San Diego.  I didn’t want to inconvenience the cook so I chose not to mention my dietary preferences, she felt awful after realizing that she had only one menu item I could eat. The only thing on the menu free of animal products was brussel sprouts (which luckily I love, but I highly discourage eating a huge plate of them...the gas was unreal!!), but I could tell that she wanted nothing more than all of her guests to enjoy their meal with a plate full of food.  Needless to say it made us both feel uncomfortable, and I now know that she would have been happy to accommodate me by using vegan alternatives in the sides.  Thanksgiving 2014 my Mom visited my husband and I in Los Angeles, and I got into an awful fight with her in Whole Foods over having turkey…my Mom and I NEVER fight, she is my best friend, she was my maid of honor.  I lost the debate probably because I failed to properly explain to her why I was so appalled at the thought of her purchasing a Turkey.  I let my emotions take over instead of remaining calm and stating facts and calmly expressing my feelings. Last year, was the first Thanksgiving I felt like I enjoyed in a while, it seems like my family has realized that my veganism is not a phase, I’m obviously not dying of a protein or vitamin deficiency, they can see that I am feeling great so most of the nutrition questions have stopped.  I think one of the main reasons we all enjoyed each others company was because food was not the focus, we focused on each other instead. We enjoyed that we were all in the same city, under the same roof, sitting around the same table.  Regardless if this is your first or fifth Thanksgiving as a vegan you know that this day can be tough but I've vowed to make this year as good as the last, and I want to help you do the same.  

 

Tell the host!  If you are dining in a home other than yours I highly recommend letting them know what you do and do not eat.  You can offer to help them cook the day of or even offer to bring a few dishes.  Whichever you choose you should at least give them an opportunity to accommodate your needs, and show your enthusiasm at whatever adjustments they make for you. 

Love! If you choose to join your family for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, try to focus on the love at the table not the food.  This might be the first time in months that these people have all been in the same room together, enjoy that, relish in their company. Loving your family while they do something that you now feel strongly against does not mean that you support their food choices.

Don’t Protest! (Remember this advice is for enjoying your day, and you will not enjoy it if you are fighting with everyone) Unfortunately, Thanksgiving Day, surrounded by family and friends, is the wrong time and place to protest consuming animal products. Trust me, I’ve tried…it doesn’t work out well!  It is similar to discussing politics (which to be honest you should probably avoid this year as well!) Unless you’ve been vegan your entire life you once sat and enjoyed all of the food they are eating, so don’t talk about the horrors of factory farming or the environmental effects of eating meat.  This will not make others see your point of view, in fact your doing so will probably turn them away from veganism.  If you feel that you can't avoid protesting then I suggest skipping the meal portion with your family or having a Thanksgiving with your vegan friends.  

Be Informed / Prepared! When I first went vegan I was bombarded with many questions that I did not know the answer to- how do you get calcium, protein, B12, Iron? God gave us animals to eat, why don’t you eat them? When put on the spot, I couldn't even express why I went vegan except that I now knew that consuming animals was wrong. If someone asks why you’ve chosen to be vegan during the meal, by all means tell him or her! (You WILL get asked this...start preparing your response now!) Assuming they are genuinely intrigued, try to answer kindly and not make them feel guilty or uncomfortable; for example, you could simply say it’s the healthiest lifestyle for the animals, the planet and me. You could even attempt at humor; perhaps saying, my Mom always told me to eat more veggies! The point is keep it short during dinner, if someone expresses genuine curiosity let him or her know that you’d be happy to discuss after they are done eating.

Don’t apologize! Be confident in your choice to give up animal products, apologizing for that incredibly admirable and important choice sends the message that there is something wrong with it.  There is nothing to apologize for!

I hope this advice helps you to have an enjoyable Thanksgiving with your family and friends, I hope that you have the courage and compassion to be the vegan you would have wanted to meet before you started this lifestyle, and more than anything I hope your words and actions influence your family and that they will leave Turkey off of the table next year.

 How are you planning to survive Thanksgiving? I always love hearing you! AllthingsMelissaAnn@yahoo.com @allthingsmelissaann

 

Broken Hearts, Getting Lost, and Finding Myself...

How do you rebuild a heart that is so shattered and broken?  For me I took my time, and piece by tiny piece I slowly put it back together in new ways that suited my soul. You might surprise yourself that in doing so, you will rebuild your heart and your life in a way that is so far from what you imagined but so perfect that you can no longer imagine living how you once did.

Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a Mom, the entirety of my childhood I lived to care for my baby dolls and I played with them and loved them far beyond the years that it was acceptable. I fed them, changed them, used my allowance to buy them new clothes, cuddled them, and took them with me everywhere.  Growing up, a "Mom" was what I always thought I would be, I didn't really have any another plan or desire.

Flash forward to a few years after I got married and you see the grown up version of that little girl with the same plans for her future.  I wanted to spend my days loving my husband, and raising our children.  I even planned my studies and career around the idea that I would fill my house with children.  I chose to study education and to become a teacher not only because I love children but because I would have ample time off during school holidays and summer break to be with my future littles.  Seems perfect, right? Except sometimes things don't go as you planned and hoped for, after twelve long months of negative pregnancy tests and endless amounts of tears I realized something was wrong.  We sought fertility help for two years with no success, and no baby to show for our efforts.  The devastating process and constant struggle left me a broken shell of who I once was, and my marriage in shambles. To say I was exhausted and depressed would be an understatement... I was furious at any woman with a pregnancy announcement, a growing belly, or pushing a newborn in the market, I was miserable to be around...a grown woman throwing a constant temper tantrum for not being able to get her way. 

And then my husband saved me, he scooped me up and drove me (in a UHAUL...lol) far away from everything I've ever known and everyone I loved, and we started a new life...and I began to heal.  I started to love myself again, despite all of the self hatred that consumed me from years of my bodies constant betrayal at not being able to do the ONE thing a woman's body is created to do.
 
The years of heartbreak and disappointment were necessary for me to become who I am today and who I will become in the future, my happiness is no longer reliant on starting a family with children because my life is complete just the way it is.

 We are all on a journey of discovery, don't spend your life waiting for tomorrow: for a significant other, for a better job, more money, more time or less stress.  Live in the moment, appreciate the good days and the bad, grow from them, and you will find all of the joy your heart desires.

xoxo, 

      

When I first adopted a vegan diet nearly four years ago I remember feeling incredibly alone, misunderstood, and disconnected from my closest family and friends.  How were the people that I loved, good people, knowingly contributing to such suffering and violence?  I struggled to not let these feelings affect my daily interactions and relationships.  I didn't know any one else who shared my new beliefs about what should and should not be considered food, it was not a good feeling.  

I was without a doubt certain that I no longer wanted to consume animal products, but I had no clue if I was getting proper nutrients, what to order at restaurants and how to make healthy vegan meals at home.  If I remember correctly, for the first six months or so being vegan I ate nothing but smoothies, salads and bean and avocado tacos!

The good news is BEING VEGAN IS EASY!  I promise! Here are some things I wish someone would have shared with me in my first few months.

Tips

- Don't make vegan difficult-  Focus on all of the foods you can eat instead of the food you no longer want to eat.  Your favorite foods pre veganism can still be your favorite foods as a vegan! I still eat pizza, nachos, macaroni and cheese, pancakes etc.  There has never been an easier time to be vegan!  Take advantage of all the amazing substitutes, and don't be afraid to play around in your kitchen "veganizing" recipes!

- Eat fresh fruits and veggies!  Most people assume that a vegan diet (not a fan of this word) is healthy, the reality is I could eat Lays potato chips, Sour Patch Kids and pasta everyday and still be vegan, but I would feel like shit!  I eat a massive amount of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, an easy way to do that is to carry them with you to snack on during the day.  My favorites are apples, carrots, red pepper, sugar snap peas and Persian cucumbers.   

-Eat protein rich foods.  Any modification to your diet is difficult, especially if you are feeling hungry or unsatisfied.  Foods like quinoa, broccoli, nuts and nut butters, spinach, green beans, chickpeas, beans, lentils, oatmeal, pumpkin and chia seeds are filling / protein rich foods.  Almond butter, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and oatmeal are great additions to your morning smoothies for added calories, fat and protein.  Adding chickpeas and quinoa to your salad will keep you fuller longer than veggies alone.  Keep quinoa, canned beans and frozen veggies on hand, if you're in need of a quick easy meal these ingredients topped with avocado make a delicious, satisfying bowl.

-Meet like minded individuals. The first year of my journey, I did not know another soul that was vegan.  Through searching for recipes, cruelty free products, etc I discovered a huge community of compassionate people via social media.  Join Facebook Vegan groups, or search hashtags; #vegan, #vegancommunity #vegan(yourcity) on Instagram to find vegans to connect with virtually or use meetup.com if you're looking to connect with people face-to-face.  It is incredibly beneficial to have a conversation (in person or through social media) with someone who gets you and your passion.  I also think it is equally important to not withdraw from the nonvegans in your life.  When I realized the disgusting truth about meat and dairy, I expected that once I told friends and family they would make the change with me; however, that might not be the case.  Understand, that we all digest information at different rates, and all you can do is continue to educate them and hope that they will begin to share your feelings.

-Be informed. When I first went vegan, I didn't really have a clear answer of why I did so, I just knew that eating animals and their products felt wrong.  When people expressed interested or asked questions about my new lifestyle I always felt stumped and didn't know how to answer their questions. Having casual conversations with those around us can open their eyes to the horrors of factory farming, the effects meat eating has on our environment and our health.  Here are a few of the informative books and documentaries I read / watched when I was starting out :

Books

The China Study 

How not to Die 

The Kind Diet 

Vegan - The New Ethics of Eating 

Documentaries

Cowspiracy 

Food Inc.

Forks over Knives

-Bring your own food to gatherings.  If you are unsure if there will be vegan options for you at a party or gathering, bring your own dish or two.  Being hungry while surrounded by food you no longer want to eat is not fun.  Bringing your own dish is also a great way to show people how delicious vegan food is. Pinterest is my favorite resource for recipes.

-Be proud of yourself! You have made an amazing decision to live in a way that creates the least amount of harm, be proud! Your choices are making a positive impact for your health, the animals, and our planets health.

I hope these tips help you as are starting out on your vegan journey.  Let me know (allthingsmelissaann@yahoo.com) if you've faced any obstacles since going vegan, I'd love to help you make the transition easier!

But where do you get your protein?!

As someone who does not eat animal products (vegan, plant based, herbivore...whatever you prefer) the most common question I get when it comes to nutrition is "But where do you get your protein?"  This post is for omnivores and herbivores alike...I'm hoping to help those interested in cutting animal products out of their diet find plant based protein sources and also help my plant powered friends have eye-opening conversations when they get asked,"WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR PROTEIN?"

When I am asked about protein (and I feel like I get asked A LOT...by friends / family / acquaintances / clerks at the market / waiters ) I avoid the urge to respond with sarcastic comments such as, "Where do you get your cholesterol" or "From eating the people who ask me that" because if they are sincerely interested not only have I not answered their question, but I've now turned them away from veganism by being a jerk! Instead I respond compassionately, my part of the conversation usually goes something like this "I used to think that protein only came from animal products, but did you know that foods like broccoli, beans, quinoa, nuts and nut butters have a similar amount of protein as meat? Not only are they great sources of protein but they are also lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and higher in fiber, and they cost significantly less." By responding kindly I usually have powerful conversations with people regarding the disgraceful treatment of farmed animals, the environmental effects of meat eating, and the health benefits of following a plant based diet.

If you are interested in high protein, plant based meal ideas feast your eyes on these mouth watering recipes!

Teriyaki Cauliflower Rice Bowl - Yup Its Vegan

Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchiladas - Minimalist Baker




Below is an amazing chart created by Vega One (the most detailed I've seen) that identifies a large array of plant based proteins.  I love Vega One's All in One Nutritional powder in Natural Flavor!

You can view the chart HERE if you're having difficulty reading the small print

 

 Hopefully this post helped you discover some plant based protein options and will help you confidently answer the "protein question" the next time you get asked.  

Happy Saturday! Have a great weekend!

Sampson's Birthday Party

Every year we celebrate Sampson and Charlies birthday, but usually it's just the four of us.  This is the first year I decided to throw Sampson a birthday party, and I am SO glad I did!  We all (humans and dogs) had so much fun!

Sampson was not a fan of his party hat, but he let me get a few pics of him wearing it!  

I used these invitations I found at Tiny Prints Command Celebration Invitations. 

EVITE also has adorable dog party invitations.  Here are a few of my favorites, and you can search for more dog invitations HERE

The party was simple and low key, there were 8 humans and 4 dogs.  The humans ate tortilla chips (served in a large dog bowl), guacamole, hot "dogs", french fries and dog bone cupcakes. 

The dogs ate pupcakes from Three Dog Bakery, all of the dogs EXCEPT the birthday boy devoured them :-( Sampson's pupcake ended up a crumbled mess after I tried to break it apart and feed it to him.  While Sampson might not have understood the concept of a birthday party he certainly had a great time!  He loved all the attention he received from his party guests!  At the end of the night he was partied out...this is how I found him seconds after I put him on our bed!

Fun Girls Night! DIY Canvas Paintings

Wine, paint, and your favorite girls!  Does it get any better?  When one of my closest friends moved into her new (bigger) place she had a few empty walls to fill!  After a trip to Michaels for canvases and paint, all we needed was a little inspiration!  Pinterest is FULL of amazing ideas for easy DIY canvas paintings.

Here is what we painted for her new place.

 I love art that takes up more than one canvas!

 Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History!  Isn't that the truth!

 Apply painters tape, then paint with desired colors!

Live the Life you Love - Love the Life you Live

Easy DIY Canvas Ideas via Pinterest

One Pretty Thing Ombre Canvas 

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this beautiful canvas!

 Doesn't get much easier than this!  Place painters tape on the canvas in a chevron pattern then paint over with desired colors.  Once dry, pull of tape!

Not On The High Street "Happily Ever After"

Recreate this beauty by placing 3D stickers on the canvas and painting over with one solid color

 

Canvas Quilt 

Such a cute, easy DIY idea!

 Painters Tape Art

If you're looking to change up your typical girls night, I highly suggest a craft / paint night!

Playing Catch Up!

Where does the time go?  Has it really been over two months since I've posted?!?!  CRAZY!  I guess time really does fly when you 're having fun!

For those of you that check in regularly I'm so sorry for completely neglecting the blog :-(

Right after my last post, my Mom visited So Cal from Texas.  My hubby and I were lucky enough to have her (all to ourselves) for a full month before we all (puppies included) flew to Texas for Christmas. What a wonderful month it was...

Once we picked my Mom up from the airport we took her to Santa Monica to enjoy some food, drinks, company and the beautiful sunset.

 

  The great California weather allowed us to get in a few hikes with amazing views of LA!

We enjoyed outdoor fun in Santa Monica, Malibu and Venice

 

 

The three of us and our lovely pups drove down to San Diego to spend Thanksgiving with friends.  

 

 

On the few dreary days So Cal gave us we explored The Getty Center and Museum of Tolerance

We got in the Christmas spirit at The Grove!  

 

We joined the fun at the Santa Monica Pub Crawl!

Keith joined in the fun!

My Mom and I had so much fun!  She is truly amazing!  LA Weekly captured this candid shot of us!

Rodeo Drive and Sprinkles!

 We celebrated my Mom's Birthday with Sprinkles Cupcakes!

 

In between these wonderful memories that were captured on camera are tons of memories that weren't.  While I loved exploring So Cal with my Mom more than words can express, my favorite memories of her visit were the "small things" the things that seemed unworthy of a photo at the time:  struggling to make DIY t-shirts to wear to The Price is Right (remember what I wrote on your shirt Mom?!?!?), Target trips, walks at the park with the pups, cuddling up with you in the mornings, Menchies, decorating our tiny Christmas Tree and gingerbread house, drinking a few too many Mimosas, doing your makeup...this list could go on and on! 

Thank you Mom for leaving Texas behind for a month to come visit! We miss you more than you know!