Hello all!
I'm a 33 year-old Canadian, mother of a beautiful 3 1/2 month-old daughter. Ever since I gave birth to her, my priorities and outlook on life have changed tremendously. I am 30lbs overweight (not pregnancy weight, I lost all that, I was overweight before I got pregnant) and walking everyday with Rina in her stroller. I also do yoga at night when she goes to bed and also Pilates. I have started reading The Kind Diet and am noth through the book yet, but I like the philosophy behind it. My husband tries to be supportive, but I can tell he's not ready to give up his meat just yet! I have made a vegetarian lasagna with tofu (he thought it was ricotta cheese!) and a sweet potatoe soup. Today was my 1st entire vegan day and I'm hoping to be vegan all week (or at least, vegetarian).

Just wanted to put it out there that I am committing to this. I want to set a good, kind example for my daughter by leading an active lifestyle and eating kind.I've also registered for the 21-day challenge thing from Alicia's post. I hope to hear from other newbies and maybe exchange on our ideas!

Valerie

Nice to have you Valerie:)  Babies have a way of changing everything don't they?  Dont worry about your hubby.  This is your journey.  Being discreet seems the best approach so as not to alienate our loved ones.  Alicia's rustic pasta and lentil soups are two good recipes for anyone starting out.  Have a great day!

Another great thing to do to be discreet is use the soy crumbles in lasagnas and chilis, no one will know the difference!

Thanks! I'm on day 2 and feel great. I went for a 2hr-long walk (10km) with my little one in the stroller today and I wasn't even hungry! So far, I'm sticking to this and plan to make a few breakfast recipes to try out! 

@februarygirl: Babies definitely have a way of changing everything! Thanks for the tips on the recipes

@catconsrv: I did the tofu, but what is soy crumbles?

Welcome to the forums:) and your adventure as a vegan.

I find preparation is the key to making veganism not only work but easier for yourself. Especially if you have others to look after. So setting out what your going to eat for the week and what ingredients you need is a great start. I found when i did fail years back was because i hadnt any vegan food available other than a little fruit and would then end up eating what the others had bought.

http://www.amlaberry.co.uk

I am also a newbie, after a series of health issues I decided to do a standard process purification program which was strictly veggies and fruits with 1/2 a cup of lentils a day. It did wonders for my energy level, not to mention the dark circles under my eyes I am still having odd and questionable issues. On day 8 of the purification program you are allowed to begin eatting fish and chicken as well. I tried eating both and found that my body was over it.

I checked the kind diet out at the library and am seiously taken to the rice crispy treats. I think your daughter will love them, my kids gobbled them up. I also think that making stir-fry and adding new grains in is an amazing way to involve your loved ones on your journey.

If you like cold soup Moosewood cook book has an amazing gazpach, just sub brown rice syrup for honey. Have an amazing journey and I hope your journey takes you to amazing heights.

The soy crumbles can be found near the tofu, there are different flavors like some that have taco seasoning.  They come in tubes sometimes.  You crumble up and cook it on the stovetop and if you add it to chilis and things like that it has the consistency of ground beef.

I buy it in bulk at the health food store and make soy burgers with it once in a blue moon.  Too much is not good, but once in awhile can be very satisfying.