Hello KindLife, I seem to be having an issue with making a grocery list. I want to make sure I have everything I need when it comes to nutrition. As a new vegan I can use all the help I can get.  Thanks.

Well I make sure I take a multivitamin. I take Alive one a day for women. I also try to change up my eating so I am eating a wide variety of foods. Like monday will be black beluga lentils and tuesday will be black beans and wednesday will be black eyed peas. That way I don't get bored and I get different nutrients. I love beans and legumes because they are a cheap protein. I started making protein shakes after every workout and it helps me recover and feel better. 

I love Angela Liddon's blog Oh She Glows. www.ohsheglows.com  I love her recipes because they taste amazing and most of them are fast and all of them are easy to make. 

Be open minded and try new things like quinoa, millet, amaranth and teff. 

It's a great time of year for soups and there are great ones on www.everybodylovessandwiches.com just make sure they are vegan. 

I make a fast ratatouille with 2 tomatoes, 2 peeled eggplant, 5 zucchini, 1 leek and 2 garlic cloves. Slice thinly and arrange in pan. Top with can of tomato paste. Pop it in the oven for 40 minutes at 375 and a gluten free super heatlhy dinner is ready to enjoy. 

Good luck and enjoy your journey.

I take a multivitamin every day to make up for what I am not getting through food. My problem is I am completely lost when it comes to shopping. There are so many products out there that someone decided to slap a vegan label on because they knew it would sell. I don't know what to look for besides beans, veggies, and fruit. I am also on a tight budget so I can't really afford to buy meat substitutes and vegan cheese to see if either would be something that will become a staple in my fridge. The only thing I can think to do is go to every grocery/health food store and price check everything before buying, but that seems like it would take more time then i have at the moment. I am new to the vegan world and every vegan i know has days where they ask themselves if their "vegan today" while looking at a Del Taco menu. I need all the help i can get. What do i buy and how much of it do i purchase?.......Great websites and thank you for the advice!

If they're "vegan today."*

Hey Kate, 

I personally hate meat substitutes and vegan cheese. I would rather go without than consuming that stuff. I understand people like convenience. So Target carries Amy's brand burrito's that are pretty tastey and only 2.19-2.69 (in my area) that are great quick lunches. Target carries a few more Amy brand frozen goods but they are more expensive 5.00 and up. I make 95% of my meals and treat myself to Chipotle and my other fav vegan friendly places the rest of the time.

Before I went gluten free I fell in love with wheat berries and farro which can be found in the bulk section of Whole Foods. 

Where do you live? Do you like cooking? Are you cooking for yourself or for a whole family? Do you have any food allergies? or dislikes?

If you answer those questions I will get back in touch with you and try to be of better help.

I've never been to Del Taco but taco bell does have some things that can be made vegan. Some vegans refuse to go to resturants that have meat right next to their burritos but it is impossible to be 100% vegan. We drive cars, bugs are killed on our windshields, Some companies are sneaky so try not to obsess too much about it. I did when I first went vegan and it made me physically sick trying to be perfect. So screw perfection because it doesn't exist. We're human, we &%$! up. Relax and enjoy the process. :)

I live in Laguna Niguel, CA, am cooking just for myself, have no known food allergies and am open to trying everything. I have found resturants here that are vegan and vegan friendly, but I would much rather cook for myself. My husband isn't vegan, but is very supportive of my decision and is willing to try whatever I make. I'm looking at this as a learning experience, and as a way to heal my relationship with food. Do you know of any other websites or blogs that I should check out? Thank you for being so encouraging! I really appreciate it!

Hi Kate, 

vegandad.blogspot.com  houseofveggies.blogspot.com  manivestvegan.com cestlavegan.com are all great blogs and websites. 

This time of year I make a ton of soups because they are easy and filling. I love roasted vegetables. Gardein has some good products you might want to check out. 

When I first went vegan I went to the bookstore and just picked up vegan books for ideas on what to make. 

Do you have a Whole Foods in your area? Because they are great with their labels. They also have some great microwavable meals when you are too lazy or not in the mood to cook. 

Sometimes fiddling around the kitchen ends up with a masterpiece dinner so don't be afraid to just do it. 

Have you tried any of Alicia's recipes?

Hi Kate,

I just moved to Laguna Niguel last month. And last weekend just discovered that they have a Native Foods in Aliso Viejo! I was very excited! Whole Foods is my favorite place to shop, but there isnt one here! Trader Joes has great vegan foods as well. My husband is also not Vegan and neither are my 3 children. I feel alone sometimes, but my husband is supportive too!Check out kathy Freston's books and Neal Barnard. They have so much information. I've learned so much from reading. Joel Furman was the first Vegan book that I ever bought and it really helped me too!

NATIVE FOODS???? I love that place. :)

Hi Kate and Sammy

whole foods market will open soon in laguna niguel at 23932 Aliso Creed Road, in the meantime you can go to whole foods in Laguna Beach at 283 Broadway. Have you thought about Buckwheat noodle. it is healthy and good for vegan  people like you, rice cake with coconut and kuzu and ginger, sprout brown rice, hokkido azuki bean, these are very healthy foods.