One Month Report

Well, it's been one month since we became vegan.  I thought I'd give an update on how things are going.  I'd say over all they are going SUPER DUPER!  We really do feel good eating this way.  I am still surprised at how easy our conversion was to accomplish.  I expected a lot more cravings and several more "cave-ins" during the learning phase.

Some of the things we have noticed:
1. Taste buds change in about three weeks.
2. Acne does clear up with no milk products ingested
3. There are a lot of choices available in the small town grocery stores
4. Some recipes are a fail with or without meat
5. Kids like convenience foods
6. There ARE vegan convenience foods
7. No sugar cereal is a great snack
8. We have less food waste

9. Some people think we eat only salads
10 We eat a larger variety of foods now

We have tried several new recipes.  Some are really good no matter what kind of diet you follow.  My dear hubby made a lentil stew that was super yummy.   Southwest eggrolls are a favorite of the family.  They take a  bit of extra time to make so they aren't my favorite, just for that reason.  I had never really eaten much hummus before changing over.  Now, I can't get enough of it.  I could eat a hummus burrito or sandwich everyday for lunch.  Sweet potatoes as still not a favorite, but they are better than I used to think they were. 

We have allowed ourselves to have something off the diet if we REALLY wanted it.  After all, this is a choice not a punishment.  When we have had something, we have found that it didn't live up to the expectation.  That just shows how much the taste buds have changed.  We had a slice of pizza about two weeks into the change and it just didn't taste great.  Mind you, pizza has always been my "if you could only eat one food" food.  It just tasted greasy and heavy to me.  I was both glad and sad at the same time.  I'm going to have to find a new answer to that question. Maybe it will be hummus.

The children are good with sticking to the diet for the most part.  They do eat anything they want when we go out to eat.  That being said, they tend to choose lighter fare such as fish, salad, or a veggie sandwich.  At home they are good as long as they have some quick cook items.  They are big fans of Amy's brand burritos and, of course, cereal.

I know that this lifestyle isn't to everyone's liking.  That's OK.  It is a choice.  If you are sitting there thinking "there is no way!" then you are right.  There is no way for you to switch.  You have to WANT to do this.

Book Review: The Voice: New Testament

I was given a copy of "The Voice Bible" by Thomas Nelson Publishers.  What a great translation for the New Testament.  "The Voice" is set up in a modern language story format.  It makes it very accessable to the average reader.

The book uses several devices to differenciate between the types of translations contained.  The four types are as follows:

Standard Type: this is the dynamic translation of the Bible.
Italic Type:  these are words not directly tied to the standard type.
Delineated Material: This is for writtings that expand the theme found in the text.
Screenplay Format: This is used to show dialogue, eliminating the endless use of pronouns.

I really like how they did use these type styles.  It let me know, right up front, what was expanded.  It also made the dialogue much more engaging for me.  It was easily noted who was talking.  I didn't find myself looking back through for who Jesus was talking to or about.

I would recommend this Bible to anyone wanting a fresh way to read the Good Book.  Sometimes it is fun to read something that presents a clear visual while you read.  This is one of those.

Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the publisher for the purpose of review.  All opinions are my own and I was not made to give a positive review.

Book Giveaway!

I received a second copy of a great book titled "Breath of Angel" by Karyn Henley.  This is a really good Christian young adult fantasy novel.  Just leave a comment here and I'll have a drawing for the winner.  Make sure and leave an e-mail so I can get in touch with you.  You can get a second entry by following this blog.  Just leave another comment saying you did it.

Here is a link to my review of this book. http://drinnondaily.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-review-breath-of-angel-by-karyn.html

Drawing will be on Easter Sunday at 9am.

Good Luck!!

Book Review: The Founders' Key by Larry P. Arnn

My wonderful husband was kind enough to guest review this book for me.  I thought this book would be right up his alley when I requested it.  I knew that it would not appeal to me.  So, the following review is from him.

"The Founders' Key" is an academic argument for the United States to reverse its recent history.  The author argues that we must return to adhering to the principles of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and how these two documents are interoperable.  A government state is not included in these documents.

Initially, the book begins with rhetoric that comes across as more "Rush Limbaugh" than a well documented and thoughtful argumentative debate.  Eventually, the author  finds his stride.  Utilizing the words of the United States and Virginia's Declaration of Independence,  the U.S. Constitution, the Virginia and Massachusetts State Constitutions, and the Federalists Papers to strengthen his argument.  I truly enjoyed these moments in the book.  I also appreciated the reference sources available in the last third of the book.

Some major points that I did not enjoy include:
1.  Chapter 6 "Hypocrisy"-- This chapter dealt with the hypocrisies of our framers being defenders of equal rights and then owning other human beings.  To me, the author's content seemed to try in a small way to justify their slave holding positions.  We know some compromise was necessary, but if your true belief is that all men are created equal, you have to put your money where your moth is.  At the least, these men should have freed the slaves they owned.  You lead by example!

2.  I enjoy arguments and debates that are aimed at a broad audience, liberal and conservative alike.  I feel some of the rhetoric in the book will turn off the liberal crowd, the exact audience for which the debate should be aimed.  Most conservatives are already willing to agree with Dr. Arnn's thesis.  Despite my agreement, I feel the religious conservative slant is to evident in the prose to be effective at persuading the other side of the political aisle.

In summary, "The Founders' Key" is not light easy reading.  This is a strong academic interpretation of our country's movement (and the dangers of this movement) away from being true followers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  The reliance on the unelected, unregulated, and unintended "fourth branch" of government has created a movement toward a reliant welfare state and has changed our framers true intents that link these two documents.  The authors points and conclusions are extremely valid, and his quick touch upon a solution is, in my opinion, spot on.  But, will anyone dig deep enough to hear the message?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Going Vegan!?! WHAT?

Well, I guess I'll come out of the proverbial closet.  I am switching to a whole-foods, plant-based lifestyle.  This is otherwise known as Vegan.  Now mind you, I'm not a PETA member nor feel that eating animal products is going to send you to Hell.  It is just a choice that I am making to improve my health.  After reading numerous articles and watching many documentaries, I truly feel that this is a good choice for everyone but I only control myself.

We have been at it for a week now.  Besides one dinner (a previously paid for and fixed banquet meal) we have not had any meat containing meals.  We are also going to be removing dairy products as well but did have some cheese on a couple of dishes this past week.  I think it is going great!

I've had more energy than I've had in months.  I've slept very well.  My head feels clearer, not foggy.  I have not had any cravings, either.  I do think that it helped that we gave up processed sugars a month or so ago.  It seems really easy so far.  I know it's been just a short time but I really think it will stick because we already notice a difference in how we feel.  When we did have the big banquet dinner, we all felt sluggish and almost sick afterwards.  Definitely not ready for a walk or work.

I know that you are all sitting there thinking I've lost my marbles.  Thinking that Sally is having another one of her crazy ideas.  Maybe you are right.  I guess only time will tell. 

I'd love to hear what you think.  If you have any vegan meals that you cook and love, please send it my way.  I'm really working at making our "normal" meals vegan.