I know there are a lot of vegan blogs out there, with a few Irish bloggers flying the flag, and doing a great job at it too. They've been a great help to me, having only been vegan since January of this year. However, everyone has their own experiences and their own way of doing things, so I thought I'd give my perspective. Perhaps a monthly/fortnightly post on V-friendly food, products and establishments I have found along the way.
First off to answer one question, because I'm consistently asked the following whenever my diet/life choice pops up in conversation.
What do you eat?
I always find this a little amusing as I recall before being vegan I didn't just chow down on meat and cheese all day. However, I can understand how people can be inquisitive as a large amount of packaged foods do contain dairy/animal by-products.
Firstly, I try to consume a lot of fresh food - no hidden ingredients there. Fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs go a long way when making curries, stir-fry, casserole, chili, roasts etc. Simple ingredients can be replaced by their alternatives, using veg stock, vegan butter, soy milk, tofu and so on. I tend not to use cheese or bacon alternatives because I frankly don't see the point. I don't eat cheese...I don't want fake cheese! Milk alternatives are different however. I use soy, coconut or rice milk in cooking/tea and on cereal.
I also eat a LOT of peanut butter. (Homemade or Tesco brand as most others contain Palm Oil (http://ran.org/category/issue/palm-oil )And yes, I can still eat bread. Just not bread with added buttermilk.
Chickpeas, lentils, and a variety of beans are a great source of fiber and also for thickening up soups and curries/making salads/Indian dishes. Chickpeas are the main ingredient in my favorite vegan dip - houmous! Carrot sticks/celery/cucumber with houmous make a delicious healthy snack.
A lot of Indian food is vegan, and packed with beans and spices. Indian/Pakistani shops stock some vegan food/snacks, as their food is Halal they even stock vegan-friendly jelly (vegans don't eat commercial jelly as it contains beef gelatin)Snack wise, I eat vegan chocolate, fruit & nut mixes, cereal bars, bombay mix, ginger nut biscuits(by the packet)...anything that doesn't contain animal products. You get used to reading labels. My friends are often fussing when they have me as a house-guest, worrying I'll be offended if they serve up a meaty dish. I find it quite endearing/kind but also wish they wouldn't worry so much as it's my choice and I can fuss for myself. (Although if you make an amazeballs vegan curry, keep up the good work!)
One thing I have noticed is that my palate is a lot better. I taste food. Spices are no longer just hot, I can taste every flavor in a dish and it's wonderful :)
If you're interested watch out for my Vegan updates. You probably wont run to the shop and buy vegan but perhaps the idea will tickle your fancy nonetheless or you might try some of the recipes/restaurants that I love so much I just have to post about.
Vegan Blogs I Frequent.
http://veganbutnotscary.blogspot.com/
http://foodinmylife.blogspot.com/
http://thevelovegan.blogspot.com/
