The Journey Begins

Welcome to my new blog! Some of you may know me as Drunk Mama over at wineamongfriends.com. I'll still be writing about my adventures in wine over there, although there may be an occasional cross posting. I've decided to start a fresh page, because it's 2011, baby, and I'm ready for something fresh! After being a vegan voyeur for years I've decided it's time to take the plunge. Or, at least 1/3 of a plunge, LOL!

I've done the research. Beginning with Diet for a New America, which my friend Chris turned me onto way back in '99, to more recent books like Skinny Bitch and Detox 4 Women, I'm convinced that a vegan diet is the healthiest one out there. In fact, after reading Diet for a New America, I went vegetarian as my new year's resolution in 2000, with the idea that I would gradually transition to veganism.

Eleven years (gulp!) and two kids later, I'm a confirmed omnivore. I had such powerful cravings for meat -- steak, specifically -- during my first pregnancy that I ended 6 years of vegetarianism with the most delicious filet mignon I've ever had at Cafe Pasqual's in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I tried to quell my conscience with the notion that it was a Nieman Ranch steak, which meant that the animal had been humanely raised and slaughtered.

Now my husband and I belong to a meat CSA, and have vowed to limit our at-home meat consumption to the 10 pounds a month we get from Chestnut Farms. But my conscience is still nagging at me. I continue to read up on veganism, and find myself drawn to the new vegan cookbooks that are constantly coming out. (Stay tuned for reviews of my favorites!) When I really think about what an animal raised for meat goes through -- no matter how humanely cared for -- there's something in me that rebels against it. If it were up to me to raise and kill my own meat there's no question, I would be vegetarian. So, how can eating meat be right for me if it requires a certain amount of denial?

I want to live life with my eyes wide open, fully conscious of how all my decisions -- not just those that effect what's on my plate -- influence the experience of all living beings. And so... I've decided to dip my toes in the water. How hard can it be to eat vegan once a day? I welcome you to follow along as I find out. I plan to post my favorite meals 2-3 times a week, as well as reviews of the books that inspire me and help to keep me on the path. Let's be honest, with two small children, there will be days when my vegan dish is a bowl of coconut milk yogurt (yum!) and granola. But hopefully there'll be lots more elaborate and interesting meals too.

Stay tuned!