Happy (2nd) Veganversary to Me

Hello Friends! It's been a good long while since I posted. I could make a whole bunch of excuses, but no one wants to read that. So on I skip to the content!

I chopped off my hippy locks

It's now been two years since I went fully vegan. (Shout out to #veganuary for giving me that final push two Januarys ago.)  Tack that on to my vegetarian and comitaphobesque pescatarian years, and I'm starting to rack up those veggie points. (Because that's how it works, right?)  People might actually start to think that I know what I'm talking about now.  ; )

Starting a blog post off with "as I look back over the years..." seems a bit cheesy, but as I write this I can't help but reminisce. I know that I'm in a positive and solid place with my belief system and overall lifestyle, and it's easy to forget the difficult parts and even easier to imagine that things might never go wrong again. Of course smooth sailing now doesn't necessarily mean that I won't struggle and encounter obstacles in the future, so I'd like to take this time to appreciate the growth I've made.


1. Telling people that I am vegan

Just feeling like a vegan was a turning point. At the beginning of something new, it is easy to feel like you are just dabbling instead of making a serious change. When I finally cut eggs and dairy out of my diet, I didn't really tell many people. I wanted it to stick, but I lacked self confidence in my own abilities. Now it seems that people know I'm vegan before they even meet me.


2. Resources

I know know where to go to find facts. The internet is amazing, you can find almost any answer there if you're willing to take the time to dig and and intemperate what you find. Also, thank goodness for nutritionfacts.org. Michael Gregor is an amazing human.


3. Ability to Communicate

Words. Words are hard sometimes. But it's getting easier. I've always been a person who it better at writing essays and stories than talking to actual humans, (The writing degree helped) but both areas are improving with time and effort. Joining the Minneapolis branch of the Animal Rights Coalition gave me a sense of community and helped me to get out of my comfort zone. I encourage all of you to check out meetup groups in your area.


4. Cooking Ability

I'll let me future recipes speak for themselves! But trust me, it's getting good up in my kitchen.



Thanks to my few but faithful readers. I will be posting a new recipe very soon! Here is a picture of my boyfriend and Clawdia, because they are just so cute. : D

Nap Time

Where Do We Draw the Line?

Hey adventurers, I've got another story with a (not quite hidden) lesson for ya. Surprised? XD It's what I do, apparently.

A Story About Pizza (And Stuff) 

So, besides my ramblings on here and sometimes YouTube, I generally I don't talk with people about my lifestyle until I get to know them better. Lately though, I'm trying to be better about explaining why I abstain from certain products if the conversation should arise.

In the last couple years, I've been blessed with friends around me that support and even encourage my lifestyle. Coming from a background where that wasn't always the case, I can say that I am thankful for the support and positivity.

So for the most part, I don't really need to argue with people about veganism. People around me have an understanding of a vegan lifestyle, and what its core values are. I now even work for a company that manages health and wellness programs, so it's not overly strange that I bring salads to work and turn down the offer of ice-cream and doughnuts.

So why am I bringing up talking to people about veganism again? Haven't I made my thoughts clear over the last couple blog posts?

I am revisiting this issue because I believe that I have been lulled into a false sense of security. (I blame my wonderful friends!  XD ) I'm not saying that one needs to be on guard for people springing traps, but be aware when you go out to eat. Something like what happened to me could easily happen to anyone with a special diet, or food sensitivity.

Story time...

Cheeseless Pizza? Hmmm....

My mom and brother were in town visiting for the day. I don't get to see them very often, so we took advantage of the time together even if it was last minute. Because I wasn't expecting them, I didn't have a lot of food in the fridge to feed anyone. Sundays are my grocery shopping days, and they showed up Saturday!  :O

Since we all have different ideas of what constitutes a good meal, I suggest we go to the Mall of America to eat. If you haven't been there before, it contains a sprawling food court, as well as many different sit down restaurants. Basically a place that could fulfill any dinner need!

Honestly there are more food options in this one mall than in my entire hometown. (I may exaggerate slightly, but it's probably close.) There are no vegetarian restaurants where I'm originally from, so needless to say when I saw a place that offered a vegan pizza, I was damn excited.

My mom and brothers went to Johnny Rockets for burgers, and I got in line at Pizza Studio. Ordering the Vegan Pizza, I dinked around on my phone and didn't really pay attention to the worker making my pizza. (Spoiler alert, I should have been watching him.) Pizza in hand, I went to sit with my family.

This is where it gets traumatizing.

Put a Rainbow on Your Pizza

I was (figuratively) starving , and had already nomed down one whole piece of pizza before I got this feeling of inexplicable dread in the pit of my stomach. I looked down at the pizza, realizing that something was wrong. I nibbled a couple bites of a second piece just to be sure, then dropped it.

Explaining why I was so upset and suddenly feeling sick was difficult as my family looked on, concerned. I hadn't watched him make the pizza, so I couldn't be sure that it wasn't vegan, but I just knew that it wasn't. The cheese was wrong, it was dairy cheese, made from a mother's breast milk.

As I sat there turning pale, the visuals from the the many documentaries on the dairy industry I'd seen streamed through my mind's eye. Mother cows' bodies giving out a decade before their time because of repeated pregnancies and abuse, then since they were no longer "useful," their flesh ground up to be made into big macs and whoppers.

I'll spare specific details.

All that couldn't be worth a pizza, and even if it was, it wasn't what I asked for. I ordered the pizza titled, "The Vegan," and naturally assumed that it would include vegan cheese.

It took a while to straighten myself out, but eventually we went back. Lo and behold, when the new pizza came, it was quite obvious that the first one had been topped with regular cheese.

Bake With Friends!

This indecent happened several weeks ago already, and I find that it still bothers me. It's not that I didn't get what I ordered, it's that it shouldn't be so hard to avoid these products. I had ordered a pizza that was specifically labeled vegan, and received something with dairy. Personally, veganism is a lifestyle choice I make based on moral, ethical, and environmental reasons. But what if I had avoided dairy for a different reason, say, that I was allergic to it? Potentially I could have become very ill if I had received that pizza by mistake.

So, am I recounting this info just to complain about the poor service I received at Pizza Studio? Well, as much as venting helps one feel better, I do have a point I'm getting to here.

When you go out to eat, don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Don't be ashamed to follow up with the server, or ask questions!

As someone who worked in food service for many years, I know how busy and stressful a restaurant job can be, so I tend to be overly understanding when service is slow, or a small mistake is made. But what happened in my case was more than a little error, it caused me emotional damage, then later on, stomach pain. Food sensitivities, and lifestyle choices, are central to a persons being and should be respected, especially in a field that deals specificity with food service.

So don't feel like your are being militant or unreasonable if you verify that you got what you wanted. Not everyone understands your lifestyle like your friends and family might, and mistakes happen. The pizza experience was exhibit A! Maybe with a little more care, I could have avoided the stress that that evening caused me. I don't want this to happen to any of my readers!

So remember readers, Pizza = good. Just make sure you get what you ordered. Either that, or maybe make one at home with friends.  ^.^

Adventure On! 

Connect With Me:

Youtube:Vegan Wanderlust
Instagram: vegananastasiak
The Midsummer Note: TheMisdummerNoteOnlineJournal

What an Insanity Weekend Can Teach Us (Camping Fails and Pride Fest)

Whats up Adventure Friends! Anastasia here to spin you a yarn about a very intense few days.  Last weekend was one of the most jammed packed I've had in quite a while. There was camping, crazy bug bites, hiking, sunburn, poison plants, and as always, vegan food.

My weekend started early on Friday morning when I dropped the roomie off at work, and hit the highway out of town! Y'all most know by now that I loooove me some traveling. Just jumping in the car and driving a few hours can really invigorate the soul, and put things into perspective.  Its funny how just getting away from the sights you see every day can grant some new perspective. The challenges that felt so monumental before suddenly don't seem insurmountable. Anyway, I digress. What happened on this adventure weekend and what can we learn from it?

I met up with my family at Interstate State Park on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota. If you haven't been here before, I highly encourage you to check it out. Its a beautiful spot right on the St. Croix river and provides wonderful camping, hiking, canoeing and geocaching. This was an impromptu decision, as I had long planned to spend all weekend at the Twin Cities Pride Festival activities with Kai and her boyfriend. But on Thursday I decided, what the heck, this weekend I'll do it all!

So Begins The Adventure

First activity on the roster was a float down the river all the way to Osceola. We thought that it would only take a couple hours, and we would be done in time for lunch. Wrong. My sullen teenage brother's prediction that canoeing would be disastrous turned out to be almost truth. Of course, he thinks that going outside for any period of time is akin to a crime against human modernity.

There was very little current to carry us, and we paddled against the wind for the majority of the trip. (I say we, but it was mostly me, as my brother James spent more time doing...nothing.) The canoe turned and wriggled, and seemed to want to go any direction but the way I wanted to go. As a canoeing veteran and self proclaim expert, this was frustrating. In comparison, my mother floating by in her kayak seemed to be having no trouble at all. Kayaks are much closer to the surface of the water, and have less mass to be pushed around the the wind. By the time we arrived at our destination, I was sunburned, and more than a little hangry. (Serious irritation brought on by hunger.  @.@ ) I learned two important lessons that afternoon.

Lessons Learned:


1. Use extra sunscreen when on the river, even if you are of caramel complexion.  It doesn't matter that you have a base tan, protect your skin!

2. Activates can be longer than expected; snacks are important. Very, very important. I was kicking myself for leaving my protein bar at the campsite. Vegans eat things that are generally lower in caloric density, its ok to eat more often. (my banana smoothie breakfast wore off after mile three on the river)

Also, maybe, kayaks are better than canoes.  xD

Kayak Vs. Canoe Showdown 

The evening had nowhere to go but up. What got me through the last couple miles of canoeing, was the thought of getting to eat when we were done.

My family has been camping in St Croix for years, and for all that time there has been a vegetarian restaurant in town. We had never been there. Until recently, my family has not really been vegetarian friendly. However much to my delight, it was my dad's idea to finally give The Vegetarian a try.

Ridiculously Large Lentil and Rice Pancake from The Vegetarian

We arrived to find it a quaint little family owned place. Our waitress was beyond amicable to the point where I almost felt like we were actually friends at the end of the meal.

 It may have been the first time we ate completely vegetarian together, and I know it was my family's first time at a plant based restaurant. And it was the idea of a proud carnivore no less!  Feeling that I had the my families respect in my vegan lifestyle choice was touching to me. The food was delicious, but the experience of support and togetherness in my Veganism was the most fulfilling part.

The Boys' First Experience with Indian Food

The next day began early with hashbrowns and hiking. We made it to Eagles Peak by doing a little free climbing. The birds were sadly absent that morning, but it's still a beautiful spot at the highest point in the park.  

Parental Teamwork 

 Then we decided to do a bit of off-trailing. It wasn't a good plan. I won't bore you with the details, but I will say that three days later I still have many scratches and bug bites. 

Lessons Learned:

1. A GPS isn't always correct if not updated. Don't go into uncharted woodland area if you are not positive you will find another path along the way. 

2. Burn-Weed sucks. It really, really sucks. 

Saw a Few Pretty Things Along the Way 

After we were sure that we would survive our injuries from the woods, it was time for me to jet off back to the big city. Though I had crammed a lot of experience and exercise into the last day and a half, I still had things to do and people to see!   ;) I did however make a quick stop to visit my gal pal Shelby. Although we only had a little time to visit, we are power talkers/catcher-upers.  It's crazy how much can happen in someone's life when you don't see them for a few weeks. Having someone to relate to can vastly improve your mood and confidence! 

Lesson Learned

1. Make time for your friends, no matter how small. It's worth it!

2. Its always good to have someone in your life that has the same values as you, especially when you're are in a minority group like a vegetarian/vegan. Get talking! 

Friendship Support System

After I finally arrived home, I took a speed shower, and headed off to meet the my friends for the evening activities.  We had a couple drinks, went out and danced, and managed not to loose each other the whole night. As it was pride weekend, there were tons of people out and about, celebrating, sharing their stories and being their colorful selves.

As it had only been a couple weeks since the terrorist attack in Orlando, Kai and I were slightly nervous about attending pride this year. But in the end we decided that we were't going to let the insane actions of that individual take away anything away from us. It's unfortunate that we have to live in a world where anyone feels unsafe for being born a certain way. It's confuses and frightens me that anyone could harbor that much hate and violence in their heart. But we will persevere. Cheesy? Maybe. But necessary? I think so.  If I couldn't stay positive, if I let something make me live my life in fear, I don't know what kind of life that would end up being.  I choose to live my life true to myself, and trying to focus on what is good. 

The classic Before Party Picture

So what are the lessons here? They are big and small, but equally important. Fit as much as you can in your weekend. Don't sit out of something because you think you will be tired, live as mush as you can.  

Make time to talk face to face with old friends.  Hear them.  Even if you have known them a long time and think you know whats going on with them, there's always more to the situation than you realize. 

People may respect and support you more than you think. 

Don't be afraid to be who you are.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more vegan adventures and hand crafted recipes. Please let me know what you think in the comments below! If you have more to say about any of the issues mentioned, I highly encourage you to send your essay or story to the online journal linked below. 

More From Me:

Youtube: VeganWonderlustOnYoutube

Instagram: vegananastasiak

Literary Journal: TheMidsummerNoteLiteraryJournal  (Now accepting submissions.) 

Back At The Creative Grindstone

Hello all! I apologize for not posting anything on here recently. Since returning to the US, I've been working like a madman at my job and my other creative projects, especially my Youtube channel. If you haven't seen it yet, I encourage you to check it out! I am finally getting the video editing thing down, and the quality of the videos has been getting slowly better since I started it up about three months ago.

A Recipe Vid from My Channel

Anyway as you have probably figured out, I am stateside once again! It feels great to be back in the beautiful US of A, and while I know I want to go abroad again, I am content for the moment where I am. Let me catch you up a little on what I've been up to...

Me and My Mama Reuinited 

I currently live in the Twin Cities in Minnesota with my good friend Kai. For fun we often have people over for dinner with vegan and gluten free food, we hang by the pool, go for bike rides, and even manage our own online literary journal. We created it just recently to showcase new writers talent to the world. We know how hard it is for writers to get things published, and we want to do what we can to help. (Working on the journal is another reason that I have been a bit of absent of late.)  We are still collecting submissions for our first publication, so if you are interesting in sharing your creative talents with us, the link to the journal will be at the bottom of the page.

Happy 23rd Birthday Kai

On my own I have been doing a lot of jogging, yoga, palates, reading, and posting weekly videos on my channel.  I've also been working at a company that creates, manages, and scores state standardized tests. While not my dream job, it's been great to be working with writing, and it's the most money I've ever made, which means that I can save up for my next adventure! (Stay tuned for whatever that might be haha) 

Finally Mastered Scorpion Pose 

All in all, finding time to balance all of my creative goals with my job, fitness, and social life has been a challenge since arriving back to America. However, I think I am getting the hang of it, and there will be many articles coming soon on the blog. As usual there will be recipes, travel pictures, and advice on the living a healthy lifestyle. As always, if there is anything specific you would like to see I hope you will leave me a comment. Thanks for reading!

Keep Up With My Projects:

Instagram: vegananastasiak
Youtube: VeganWanderlust on Youtube
Literary Journal: The Midsummer Note

A Trip to Chinchero

Hello my veg and travel enthusiasts! Checking in with some updates on what I've been up to here in Peru. A while back I scheduled a 4 day hike along the original Inka Trail to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world! Its finally getting close, I've got 3 days until I take off with my stuff on my back. I've been mentally and physically preparing, trying to do a bit of cardio and strengthening (my hip-flexers in particular always seem to suffer on long hikes, so I've been doing some exercise to prevent that.) as well as getting some stuff together that I will need for four days out in the elements. I'm so excited!

Sunday was my day off and my friend Mary and I decided to get out of town and explore somewhere new. Chinchero Peru is part of the district of Urabumba, a little town you might cruise right through on your way to Ollatatambo if you didn't know to stop. Sitting at 12,400 feet in elevation, Chinchero is known to the Inca as the birthplace of the rainbow, and is one of the oldest towns in Peru. Chinchero is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and contains a little market run by local families that make their living demonstrating the ancient traditional art of dying and spinning yarn into scarves, blankets, tapestries, hats, and many more useful things.

The Air Smelled Like Flowers

When we arrived in Chinchero it was a beautiful day, flowers everywhere we turned made the air considerably better than that of Cusco, and the green of the trees and the growing crops a beautiful contrast to the clouds outling the snowy mountains off in the distance.

Little Family Farms

At the market we were met with several friendly women dressed in traditional Andean garb and eager to show off their precious handicrafts to us. Every item we gave half a glance was pulled out and displayed, wrapped around us as we were ushered over to the mirror to see how beautiful we were. (According to them haha.) It was also a great opportunity to practice my Spanish as they were eager to talk about the process, and didn't speak any English. I ended up buying quite a few beautiful items for my friendly and family back home. You can't get better than handmade and seeing exactly where the product comes from!

After we paid, a tour bus rolled up and unloaded some people, and we were treated to fresh brewed herbal tea and a demonstration on the womens' traditional dying, spinning, and weaving techniques. Andean girls begin to learn this method at about 6 years old and spend several hours each day at the trade. Men do not participate in this tradition.

Dying Demonstration 

Home Spun Yarn 

Dying Tools 

After the demonstration we were feeling adventurous and took of down a random dirt road to see what the outskirts of the city had to offer. It would have been a great night for camping if we would have been prepared! Outside the buildings of the city there was nothing to block the view of the stoic mountains in the distance, the snow seeming out of place next to all the vibrant growing thing around us. Along the way we made a bunch of animals friends, all quite friendly being used to people walking by on their way to town.

Sheep and Pig Friends

Guardian of the Dirt Road  @.@ 

At the end of our walk Mary and I were famished, and stopped in one of the local hole in the wall restaurants and had a quick dinner before heading home. Potatoes, rice and salad, the only vegetarian meal that seems to be available outside of big cities  ;)  (Scroll down and check out my article on this titled, 'Salad Cried the Crabby Old Man')  

We had to wait a while on the side of the road before a bus finally stopped to let us on. It was packed with locals, and there was no more room so I had to sit atop a mountain of bagged potatoes all the way back to Cusco. The women in the front of the bus giggled good naturally as I climbed up. This really completed the day for me, I felt a though I was on a thrown of vegetables  XD  As Peru is thought to be birthplace of  potatoes, and contains more than 4,000 different varieties, whats more authentic than that?

Not all the Mountains Were Snowy

Thanks for reading! Peru is a beautiful country with a diverse ecosystem, and I encourage everyone to visit it someday, even if it's only for a couple weeks. And if you are a veg enthusiast like me, its a great place to ALWAYS have access to fresh fruit. I hope wherever you are in the world that you are having a beautiful day.  :)


My Other Places:

Instigram: vegananastasiak

YouTube: VeganWanderlust

Stay the Vegan Course! (The Struggle is Real)

So perhaps you're a new vegan, and you're having a hard time with...(insert reason here) You made a commitment for better health, the environment, or the animals, but you're feeling alone or like you have no vegan community. People don't understand you! *cue teen angst* Other vegans on YouTube are saying how easy it is, and how they SLAYED the transition. It seems like they look down on others who struggle, and are criticizing your slip ups. I'm here to tell you, don't let them get to you!

 In any new endeavor believing that you have to be perfect right away will hinder your success, especially in a big change like veganism. Vegans talking down to other vegans isn't helpful, and it's something I have seen so much of in the online community. So I created this post to build you up and tell you that it is ok to struggle at times. In struggle we find strength, in failure we learn from our mistakes. Veganism is a process, and you will get there! Below I have listed my top 5 tips for success to help you get through that awkward transition faze.

Experimentation Is Ok If It's Food  ;) 

5. Get Community.

If you live in a big city vegfests, and other events are probably happening nearly year round. Get involved! Go to vegan restaurants or shops and TALK to people. Look for vegan meetups online. If there aren't any in your city, start one! Its surprisingly easy to start a meetup group, all you need are interested people. There are multiple websites where you can start a group to come together in real life.  If their are absolutely NO vegans in your area, join a vegan chat or support group online. You could even join a facebook group. You just need to get talking with like minded people and feel yourself being part of something bigger!

Helpful Websites:

Vegan Support Group:Veganuary On Facebook

Meetup Group Finder: meetup.com

4. Educate Yourself

Be ready for the haters. They are out there in big numbers. Go online and learn as much as you can about every aspect of veganism. This includes health, animals, and the environmental impacts on the planet.  You will feel good taking control of your nutrition and education, and no one will be able to put you down about your diet because their is literally no good reason to consume animal products. It also might make you feel good to help educate others! Buy some books, or get online and do the research. There are a wealth of websites, books, and YouTube channels that are good for learning about veganism. Below I have listed some of my favorite YouTube channels.Take charge of your own knowledge empowerment, and get involved in the conversation!

 I Highly Recommend:

The Friendly Activist: The Friendly Activist on YouTube

BiteSizeVegan: BiteSizeVegan Educational Videos

NutritionFacts.Org: Dr. Michael Greger

Me: VeganWonderlust

*I'm not getting anything for promoting these other channels, I just think that they are really great.   ^_^

Educate Yourself On The Reasons To Be Vegan 

3. Make Art:

Include veganism in your hobbies and interests. If you like to write, start a blog about veganism. If you like cooking, experiment with vegan recipes. If you are an athlete, research vegan nutrition for athletes, and participate in events. Get outdoors and connect with nature! If you like to create art, make activist art. t-shirts, paintings, etc. If you knit, use sustainable yarn! You might even be able to make a little extra money selling hats to vegans ;) Integrate veganism into your interests and you will be excited about it everyday.

2. Treat 'Yo Self:

I don't mean spend a lot of money, unless you want to. But make sure that you aren't on a super rigid diet, or you will probably end up binging on stuff you normally wouldn't eat. Make sure that your vegan diet is satisfying you. Its important to be healthy, but its also VERY important to not feel like you are missing out on anything because you are vegan. Veganism isn't about restriction. Don't think about the things you give up, think about all the new things you eat now that you didn't eat before! Eat foods that you like, and every once in a while bake yourself a vegan brownie or put some vegan mayo on your sammy. If you are healthy, happy, and satisfied by what you eat, you will glow from the inside out, like the world's sexiest lightening bug ;) 

 Eat Well

1. Remember!

Always remember to go back to that reason you made a commitment to be vegan. Whatever it was, it was important enough that you changed your whole lifestyle in a dramatic way. Perhaps use the art skills we talked about to write inspirational quotes to surround yourself with. If you have extra money, buy t-shirts and other activist stuff to remind you of the cause. However you remind yourself, get back to the feeling of determination you had at the beginning. Remember your reason(s)!

Documentaries to Rekindle Your Fire (Free on Netflix) 

Earthlings- Animals
Cowspiracy- Environment
Forks Over Knives- Health
Fed Up- USA Food Policy/Advertising
Fat Sick and Nearly Dead- Health/Weight Loss
OMG GMO- Genetic Engineering in Food 
Vedgucated- Normal People Trying Veganism/Health/Animals 


Not everyone is the same, and not everyone's vegan journey will be either. The important thing is that you started, you are aware, and that you are trying. Always keep criticism of yourself and others constructive. It is ok to not be perfect! If you see someone being negative, don't respond in kind. If you see someone struggling, let them know that you support them.  (As well as pointing them in the direction of my blog of course! :D ) Wherever you are at in your transition, remember to do your best today, and do better tomorrow. Thanks for reading!

Love From Peru

Follow me on Instagram: vegananastasiak 

Get more awesome advice on my YouTube channel: Advice And Travel Videos

Tips for an Economically Challenged Vegan

Poor is such a offensive sounding word. I feel that people that use it, do so in poor taste  ;) One can lack money and still be rich in spirit, knowledge, friends, experience, and all the important things in life. 

Anyway, many people believe that you need to have a lot of money to be a vegan. Its easy to see why one might think this when you see the different celebrities eating at gourmet vegan restaurants wearing dresses that cost more than my rent...for a year.  Or when you go shopping and see the heaps of expensive faux meats, and super-fruit, organic, non GMO vitamin powders sprinkled with gold. (Ok, maybe the vitamin and protein powders don't contain with gold dust, but you would think so at those prices!)

Yes, celebrities can make being vegan look really glamours, and trying out different fancy vegan products can be fun, but those things don't make you vegan. Veganism isn't fancy restaurants, elite foods, and fancy clothing. Veganism is eating a compassionate diet, and doing what you can to reduce unnecessary suffering in the world. Can you eat a compassionate plant based diet and be satisfied AND healthy on a budget? Yes you can. Here in this post I share with you my top tips for thriving as a vegan on an 'economically challenged' budget.

Veganism Can Be Cheap! 

1. Keep it Simple:

Faux meats and other things are nice when you are transitioning, but they aren't really necessary.  Neither are the fancy supplements, powders, and vitamins. If you are eating the right combination of foods, you will get everything you need. (Some vegans choose to supplement with a B12 vitamin, but there are mixed reviews on this subject, and I'm not going to get into it in this post. I believe that you can get everything you need from your food, but it never hurts to supplement if you want.) If you eat the rainbow every day, you'll be fine!  :D

2. Buy in Season:

When you buy things that are in season they are less expensive because they haven't been shipped in from somewhere where the weather is more agreeable. Figure out what fruits and vegetables grow in your area in each season, and buy those!

3. Buy in Bulk:

Single serving packets are nice for on the go lunches, but the price can add up. Usually when you purchase produce in bulk the price is more reasonable. The same goes for the pre-cut vegetables. If you buy a head of broccoli vs. pre-chopped florets it will be cheaper. Try talking to the produce manager at your grocery store, he/she might be willing to give you a deal as well!

4. Plan Out Your Recipes:

When you have an idea of what meals you will be making for the week or even the month, you are less likely to buy extraneous items. Make a list of the things you need when you go shopping and stick to it!


5. Shop With a Like-Minded Friend:

Personally I think grocery shopping is fun. Some people might think that's weird, but I get excited when I get to buy new foods and make different recipes. And I think it's even more fun when you get to shop with a like minded person! When you shop with a friend you're more likely to get excited about the healthy foods you buy, and less likely to buy unnecessary junk food for fear of embarrassment in front of your health conscious friend. ;) Prepping meals together afterwards is even more fun!

6. Prep Meals for the Week:

If your like me, you're usually too lazy to cook after work. So I advise you to make several dinners ahead of time, and have them ready to heat up when you get home. This will keep you from being tempted to spend money on take-out on the way back from your job. The same goes for your lunch break. Make your lunch in the morning when you still have energy for the day and bring it with you. You will be way less likely to make a fast-food run partway through the day. Make sure you also have healthy snacks to keep from overeating precious groceries later on!

Keepin it Simple and Healthy! 

If you have been keeping up with this blog, you know that I am living in working in Peru. What you may not know is that Peru is a 'developing' or 'third world' country. I don't many dolla' dolla' bills. At all.  But I'm not in Peru for the money, I'm here for the experience. If I can eat a completely plant based diet on my budget, anyone can! In fact, being vegan is almost necessary for me at this point. Veganism is not a luxury, meat and and dairy are the most expensive things that you can buy at the market. So when you think of veganism, don't think of super organic, vitman water or sunbaked, 6 dollar a box, flax seed crackers. Think of beans and rice, sweet potatoes, peas, spinach, carrots, and bananas. Plan your meals, eat a rainbow, and thrive my vegan travelers!

Love From Peru 

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