Yesterday I celebrated my first week as a vegan!  I am so proud of myself.  I haven't lost weight mostly because I am having difficulty getting in all the calories, etc that I should.  I'm lucky to be eating 500-700 calories per day.   I believe that replacing a lot of sugar with whole grains, fruits and other plant products has eliminated the urge to eat between meals.  I'm still in the flirting stage.  Some of the products I have already fallen in love with are French Meadow Spelt Bread, Ezekiel 4:9 Tortilla, Lightlife products and of course Earth Balance spread.  I even have my son, who is autistic, loving the Lightlife Smart Bacon and kielbasa and spelt bread.  I'm hoping that by slowly introducing more tastes, textures and smells, his food repertoire will increase.  It would be a great side effect if these foods improved his (autistic) behaviors so that he is less agitated.

So, for now.... YAY, ME!

You sound like you are off to a great start!  I'm excited that your son is trying and enjoying these new foods as well, and hope that they can help him too!  Good luck on continuing your journey!

Congratulations on your success and your passion to help your son with his diet as well.  You remind me of Jenny McCarthy, her son was diagnosed with autism and she is working with him and his diet.  And she has been very successful. 

I'm so glad your enjoying your fresh start! It sounds like you're starting off great but ick! That's not nearly enough calories for your body to function - even if you're at a lower weight than average. When you dip below 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day, your body goes into starvation mode. Be kinder to your body by throwing in more grains if possible. 

For me, I find that I am always eating more or less calories than I think. when I actually track it on paper, I see it and it really hits and shows me exactly what I'm intaking. Maybe that will help you too? 

I'm so glad your son is enjoying your new experiences with food too! He's lucky to have such a inspirational mom! 

Thanks for the kind words and well wishes.  As I become more comfortable I hope to prepare more foods at home and not rely on foods that are pre-made.  Hopefully, in doing so, I will be able to increase my intake.  Do foods freeze well?  I'm thinking of making some chickpea patties and would like to be able to simply heat them as needed.

Any suggestions on the best foods/meals to hide veggies?  My son's idea of vegetables is french fries.  And what do people use to make faux burger patties, etc?

Good for you! I'm just starting, too-on day 3 today of vegan living.  Made collard greens with pine nuts and raisins from the Kind Life recipe section last night-it was delicious-and I didn't think I liked collard greens:) Also made the peanut butter brown rice crispies with non dairy, grain sweetened choc chips-also delicious1 Everyone took one for their lunchbox today! I went to Trader Joe's and my local health food store yesterday adn picked up some new items recommended in Alicia's book-excited to try them-maybe Miso soup tonight...Taking it one day at a time, seeing how I feel on all levels and being kind to myself...

good for you sooz!  I must get to preparing home cooked meals.  Have to first stock the panty with wholesome goodness.

Hello--just a quick comment on Trader Joe's...I was there the other day for my favorite vegan cookies and the clerk told me if I go online they have a list of all their in-store vegan products. Just an fyi...I have not checked it out but I thought it worth mentioning while I was here. Congrats!

(I am pretty new to all this too and not a big fan of veggies, hence the vegan cookies!)

Congrats to all of us!! I've been vegetarian for a year now and it wasn't until Alicia's book that it brough it all home for me. So, it's been a week so far of me cooking out of her recipes and so far so good. I've only been able to get what my local grocery store has because I live in the country and don't have access to a health food store close by. So, I'm getting comfortable for now making her dishes with what's available to me and I choose the recipes accordingly. Plus, I'm just recuperating from a surgery and can't drive far yet. But, I've felt so good eating the foods in her book that I feel as if my recuperation is going well. Let's all keep going and find out way to a much healthier, happier life and world.

check out this blog. It's my friends, she just started it but soon she will be posting everyday & it would be a great way to figure out what to eat! She is not completely vegan although she doesnt eat alot of meat or dairy so it could be helpful. Give it a try..

http://eatlikemee.blogspot.com/

Congrats on the great start. It's really exciting as you find new foods and recipes that keep you engaged. I'm in my third month of being a vegan and I feel incredible. It only gets better and better. Good luck the rest of the way.