BellaOnline Forums Food and Wine Vegetarian considering going vegan or mostly vegan

I'm researching it and looking to see if it is doable in my area. I've noticed a lot of these fancy healthy recipes take many things we can't get locally... and it defeats the purpose if I have to go out of my way to drive and get over-priced ingredients to do this... I'm already cooking for a gluten-free diet, but that is for my stepdaughter. I'm considering vegan for myself, as I am lactose intolerant and feel I would probably just feel better and be healthier in general if I ate better that I currently do. I don't think I could do it 100%, because I do enjoy meat (don't stone me!! LOL) but I think I could replace the majority of what I eat with healthier vegan alternatives. If I can find some the family will eat too, that is even better. I don't see my whole family going vegan. I have three teen boys and a husband who loves meat and loves to grill etc. but they would not be adverse to supplementing their meat-diet with other stuff.

I'm writing to see if anyone has recommendations for me, for anything LOL As far as grocery stores go, I have Wal-mart and Kroger at my disposal. I also have a save alot and I think (???) an aldi's. If I can't get it at one of these places, chances are good I won't make it.

I'm also a big drinker... as in, I drink a lot of diet coke. I just bought a bunch of crystal light packets to start using instead though... it doesn't really pertain to being vegan, but it is a healthier alternative, I think? Beats buying 2-3 diet cokes a day on campus for over $1 a diet coke. I can make one bottle with one packet and it will last all afternoon. I know because I have been using them for work.

When this question comes up, I often suggest planning vegan meals around starches - potatoes, beans, whole grains, corn, etc. Starches are cheap, they are comforting and familiar, and they are healthy and filling. You can enjoy them as a main course and serve them to the family with a bit of meat on the side. This way, you only need to cook one meal at dinnertime and everyone is happy.

Some examples of starch-based meals: mashed potatoes, grilled corn, salad; split pea soup w/ barley or navy bean soup, whole grain bread; leftover pea soup/navy bean soup over a baked potato [very filling!]; whole grain spaghetti, marinara sauce, green vegetable; bean burritos or enchiladas; haystacks - plain baked tortilla chips topped with refried beans and salsa; three bean chili with corn bread or corn muffins; a veg lasagna, shepherd's pie or hot pot; risotto, brown rice pilaf or savoury rice casserole, vegetable, salad; etc.

You know best what you and your family likes to eat. Make a list of your favourite meals, as well as the meals you cook most often, and go from there. You can probably find vegan versions without too much trouble. Going vegan is so easy these days. We are blessed with many resources.

I hope this was helpful. Good luck and let us know how you make out!