When people find out you are trying vegan food, they will often ask why, and usually ask you where you get your protein from.   These questions can generate a wide range of emotions.  Today we talk about all of them, and how to make this experience as easy as possible.  Resources attached are an Emotion Wheel, 5 Levels of Food Awareness, and the 8 Self-Care Categories (in the 5 Levels of Advocacy Chart).  

One of the things I missed the most about choosing vegan was not eating scrambled eggs anymore.  The "JUST egg" brand egg substitute is amazing and my new favorite for a special scramble breakfast on the weekend!  

Everything that comes out of our mouths is, ultimately, just our opinion.  "Facts" can be proven and disproven based on personal experiences, studies, etc.  Greater technology helps us learn what is really happening within the body, yet so much is still a mystery.  And one body is so uniquely different than another.  Bottom line, when others start citing "facts", just remember that no one knows everything, and to take it as their opinion, whether it is based on personal experience or information.  '

Wherever you find vegan options, whether it is at a special vegan event, a restaurant, a potluck, or a non-vegan event, make a big celebration of it by thanking the staff, posting it on Facebook, sending a thank you to the venue in Facebook messenger, leaving a positive review on Yelp... you get the idea!  Show them people notice, and that people will buy their vegan options.

Inevitably, someone crosses our path who is judgmental about people being "not vegan enough".  The best way to respond is to dismiss them and keep a sense of humor while you move on to the many others who are helpful, supportive and encouraging.

Using the top shelf of my fridge for any food that is "ready to eat" has saved me a ton of time, helped me eat up food before it goes bad, and shows me when it is time to make more food, get carry-out, or go grocery shopping.  I share how I organize the rest of my fridge and my pantry in this quick episode.  

Replying to a post by Alexander, who is converting from vegetarian to vegan.  He is frustrated by his conversations with others.  I explain the 5 Levels of Food Awareness and the 5 Levels of Advocacy.  

Prefacing a question with a sincere smile, eye contact, and the words "I'm just curious...." really softens the question.  Try using it next time by asking, "I'm just curious... do you have anything vegan?"  It also provides a great example for others to follow!

Before you dive in with both feet to follow a diet plan or eating plan, check NutritionFacts.org.  Also,  check Google for articles that are both in favor of the plan and critical of the plan.  Then make your own choice on what to try, and enjoy the experiment which is life!  

Check your local health food store to try individual high protein vegan bars before buying 12 count boxes.  Check out this article for ones to try:  https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/protein-bars-you-can-buy-online/