Simple Substitutes - Presentation at Pecha Kucha #4 @ 21C

Tonight I gave a presentation on "Simple Substitutes" that people can implement to support their efforts to transition over to a plant-based diet.  These "Simple Substitutes" can be implemented one week at a time, to ease into the lifestyle change in a slow, progressive way.  Going vegan and plant-based is not something that one should expect to do overnight. It involves a massive learning curve, and being educated is essential to your success. I think the best approach to becoming vegan is gradual and persistent.  Transition in stages so you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and frustrated (which could sabotage your best efforts and ambitions).

Stages I Propose:

1. Month 1 - Research and replace primary dairy staples (milk, creamer, butter, ice cream, cheese)
2. Month 2 - Research and replace proteins (meat substitutes, nuts and nut butters, seeds, powders)   
3. Month 3 - Research and replace eggs (binders for baking, tofu for egg dishes) and other products, condiments. etc... (mayo, gravy, sour cream, cream cheese, sauces, pastas, packaged foods, chocolate, sugar)

Here's a link to my PowerPoint presentation from the Pecha Kucha event at 21C. 

http://www.halliejones.com/vegan/simplesubstitutes.pdf

I partnered with Rainbow Blossom to initiate a 30-day vegan challenge.  Several people signed up and we will be randomly drawing someone's name who will receive a $50 gift card to kick-start their dietary adventure into the healthy world of plant-based diets! We also gave away $5 off coupons! Every little bit helps. 

Web resources to support your journey:

• http://vegweb.com/
• http://www.vegan.org/going_vegan/eating_vegan/index.html
• http://www.meettheshannons.net/
• http://www.thecleaneatingmama.com/

Another note and tip... If you're goal is to lose weight, you must get a grip on counting calories.  You don't need to go vegan to lose weight.  If this is your only goal, it is likely you will succeed at neither.  Get an app for your smart phone and track every single calorie (energy) you input into your system.  You'll become profoundly familiar with food and its content/make up, you'll start to identify patterns of emotional eating, and you'll become strategic about the consumption choices you make. I personally lost 20 LBS in two months by maintaining a strict 1200 calorie diet prior to going vegan.  Once I had control over my eating, going vegan became a smart choice because it offered low calorie options and supported my ethical convictions. Old habits die hard, and the majority of us suffer from food addiction. We are now seeing the results of this unchecked food addiction and how harmful it is. Chronic disease is wrecking our country.

I am thankful to everyone that was so supportive of my presentation tonight.  Going vegan doesn't equate to self-imposed torture.  It's a joyful lifestyle that is filled with delicious, savory, healthy food that is cruelty free.  You'll feel better, lose weight, and reduce chronic health problems while simultaneously uplifting your spirit.