Week 3: Shopping at Woodman's & Trying to Influence Healthy Choices

The past week has been interesting to say the least.  I've had my ups and downs, especially with my S.A.D. but I have also had some awesome break throughs.

My body is still detoxing, I think.  I have had many odd food cravings, as well as, been physically sickened by being around people who were consuming McDonald's.  I've been working like crazy, so naturally I am hungry a lot.  With my S.A.D. I have been craving carbs and salt.  Lot's of peanut butter toast. And I don't even like peanut butter! Weird. 

I've been investigating more recipes and organic foods.  I am finding that a lot of the online recipes are wither bland or are all the same. Kale with garlic and lemon, beans with more beans, or hummus. Anyone who can cook can make vegan dishes, why aren't we publishing alternate ingredients?! 

Take the Egg.  As a full blown Vegan, you can't have this item.  However, when you are cooking or baking, sometimes you need an egg and the substitutes just aren't the same.  Here are a few alternate options for 1 Egg:

1 Tbs Flax seed + 3 Tbs Water (puree for 1 min)
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.5 Banana (mashed)
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1/4 cup Silken Tofu
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3 tbs Peanut Butter
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2 Tbs Baking Powder + 2 Tbs Water + 1 Tbs Oil
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1/4 cup Applesauce
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2 Tbs Cornstarch + 3 Tbs Water (pre mix)

Flash Forward:

Today my best friend, Jessica, and I went to Woodman's.  It is an employee owned grocer with more of a selection.  Selection, Service, and Savings is their motto.  Long story short, they have a HUGE vegan/vegetarian/organic selection! I was in awe. Soy frozen desert a.k.a. soy ice cream, non-dairy.  There are frozen pizzas, calzones, and pastas for vegans.  They are a little pricey, but completely worth it.  The next aisle down there is the veg/organic selections as far as cereals, dried items, spices, and everything in between.  I spent a good amount of times just looking at costs vs ingredients.  Most of the items contained less than 3 ingredients.  AWESOME!!!! Compared to the similar items that are cheaper and have processed items in them.  They are half as expensive, yes.  However, they contain 15 ingredients.  I felt really good about myself spending the extra money on things that I have to actually cook and that are healthy for you. 

I spent $108 and left with nothing but healthy and vegan friendly items.  I also found that many oriental and mexican items are veg friendly.  Works out perfect as I love a variety in my food.  There are currently about 7 pounds of beans and rice noodles on my shelf.  :)

I was so happy with all things I purchased and I wanted to make Cuban Bean soup.  The plans changed a bit.  When we came home, the new oven still hasn't arrived. Chipotle for dinner it is!  This also allows me more time to take down some baking recipes.  I have dying for a damn chocolate chip cookie!!!!