So concludes Week 2 of Veganism. It's been an interesting week to say the very least. I've had a lot of discussions on why I am doing this, how I received all of my information, how I know my information is correct, and all sorts of recipe suggestions as well.
As mentioned before, I work in the hospitality business. Naturally, there are a lot of Mexican Natives that I am working with daily. Being the only Caucasion female in my department, I tend to be the topic of discussion quite frequently. Often times the crew are just curious about my lifestyle. (You should have seen their faces when I told them I am dating a Mexican. Ha! Priceless!)
Maria translates for me. However, many of the others, I am able to understand with my very limited Spanish skills. Most recently Maria was telling me that the ladies noticed I had lost some weight. I told her that I hadn't started an extreme workout regiment, but that I cut out all animal products. You would have thought I stopped a train with my bare hands!!! The ladies came flocking in to stare and ask questions. One woman even told me that my face was more oval shaped now, compared to a circle before. Uhmm... Thanks? It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. I pretty much recapped my entire last post to them and told them that I was making a lot of dishes that resembled Mexican classics or had the same flavor palates. Tofu & Bean Tacos with (Brown) Cilantro-Lime Rice. Moroccan Chili. "Refried Bean" concoctions. Corn tortillas are almost a nightly staple. A lot of Cumin and Garlic in just about everything as well.
I have also cut out all carbonated beverages. I am drinking fresh lemon water and green tea. Both of which boost your metabolism and help with the digestive process. I do indulge in a Soy Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks about twice a week. (PS- Chai Seed is amazing for your body as well.)
I am more energized these days. However, I am finding that if I don't snack some something in between meals, I start to slow down. The hardest part is being in a full service hotel. There is always food around. Cookies, brownies, ice cream, pasta dishes loaded with cheese or sausage. Having to say no, at first, was really hard. Now, I find it rewarding. It sounds awful to say, but when I watch someone eat something like an ice cream sundae: I think about how their body is reacting to that. Pure sugar intake, that turns almost 90% into fat right away. I instantly feel better about my decision to have carrots!
The best part of the week happened Wednesday. Francisco and I went to Stack'd, a local Veg friendly restaurant just outside of the Historic 3rd Ward in Milwaukee. We ordered Homemade Hummus for an app, Black Bean burgers for our entrees, and each had a cocktail. When I ordered my Bloody Maria, I didn't think twice about it. Then it was placed in front of me and just about peed myself. It comes with a beef stick and a huge chunk of cheese! UGH!!!!! This used to be the only reason I would order it. :( Now I had to surpass the great tradition of chewing on a processed animal limb and then detach the orangy-yellow cube of my great state's number one source of income off my drink! Francisco and I made eye contact immediately. He says, "I'm gonna do it! I'm going to cheat!" He took the beef stick off the tiny cocktail trident, popped it in his mouth and chewed twice. "Nope! Gross, I can't do this." HE SPIT IT OUT! In that moment I was a proud mama bear watching her eldest cub hunt for the first time. I was nothing but smiles after that... Even when I was disposing of my Cheddar Cube. I mean, I still had the pickle and olive! :)
Our food was amazing and the waiter/bartender was outstanding. I highly recommend stopping in if you are ever in Milwaukee. This place isn't for the weak though. It is actually a burger bar, that just so happens to have Vegan friendly items: Vegan Cheeze, Veganaisse, Portobello Burger, Black Bean Burger, Hummus and many additional items that are Gluten Free! They also have a FABULOUS beer selection. Some really off the wall items. Not to mention, they infuse their own vodkas. :)
I will be at my house for the next 4 nights, as opposed to being in Milwaukee with Francisco. The house is full of meat loving, veggie over cooking, excessive cheese using people. Let's see how well this pans out... I will be cooking my own meals. Francisco will be there with me for at least 1 or 2 nights. Hopefully we can support each other and not cave to the temptation of baked goods and cheesy broccoli.
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