Good Morning!
I feel a lot more well rested this morning….Ryan made fun of me, but I fell asleep at 10:00 last night! Friday night! I’m SUCH a dork! I ate slammed down those cookies then just seemed to pass right out and didn’t wake up til 7:30. Ryan is still fast asleep (of course) right now though! So, yesterday when I was at W.F. getting ingredients to make my parent’s dinner I came across 2 things I “needed”. 1) the BEST green tea I’ve ever tried—Good Earth Naturally Decaffeinated Green Tea (I’m trying to drink more of this stuff–so good for you!!) 2) little mini almond milks! Now that I don’t drink milk anymore it’s hard when I stay at Ryan’s because, well, he DOES drink skim milk and he’s not going to buy me a huge thing of hempmilk for me to have once a week. I wouldn’t finish it and it would go bad! So…I found these individualized low fat vanilla almond milks and love ’em! They are perfect for bringing along with you to make with your oats in the morning (without being obsessive–haha). I made my steel cut oats with 1 of them this morning, along with peanut butter (brought my own!!) and a banana. It was sooo good. I’ve never really had almond milk before but really like it! Its sweet and rather nutty. Hempmilk is still my fav, but this is a good alternative.
Anyways, get ready to be SUPER jealous. Actually, most of you probably won’t be jealous at all…but I know VeggieGirl will be though!!
My friend Kate (met through the blog and setting up food group in Tampa together!) are going to The Grass Root restaurant for lunch!!! The Grass Root is Tampa’s ONLY vegan restaurant and also features a whole page of just “raw” food items! I’m hearing some collective groans from the omnivores of the group but, seriously, the food here rocks! I went last year with my mom and then sort of forgot about it until now! I’ve been staring at the online menu all week long trying to figure out what to order! What would YOU guys order??! It’s all super duper healthy, fresh vegan food and the people there are the nicest I’ve met. I plan to take tons of pictures so you guys can sort of live the experience as well!
Then….it just gets better! Tonight for dinner Ryan and I are meeting some friends for PIZZA before going to an engagement party tonight! In my efforts to not eat dairy, I asked Ryan if we could try a *new* pizza place….different than our favorite restaurant we go to all the time. THIS pizza place (the gourmet pizza company) offers vegan pizzas. One with pesto and one that is cheeseless but topped with a whole garden of fresh veggies! It might be a little awkward at first to explain to the group my new eating but hopefully they will understand and the temptation of the gooey pizza cheese will not be too much for me to handle!
Alright—I’m off to wake up Ryan then go for a run outside! Have a wonderful Saturday!
caitlin
February 16, 2008 at 1:24 pmmmmm breakfast looks yummy! its pretty cool you get to have a vegan pizza tonight! but i dunno… don’t you think you should break the veganism to have some nice, gooey vegetarian cheese pizza?? with loads of veggies?? mmmmmmmmmmmmm!! (i cant believe im thinking about pizza this early)
ASHLEY P – I can’t believe there’s ANOTHER city planner on this board for lives in Tallahassee! I’m right in Orlando! 🙂 do you work for the govt or a private group?
Stacy
February 16, 2008 at 1:28 pmJust wanted to continue the intros from yesterday. I’m glad to see a couple others in their later twenties because I was beginning to feel really old.
I’m 28 and a pescatarian (eat seafood but no other meat). I’m primarily pescatarian because I enjoy seafood and also living in a small Indiana town it is often difficult to find veggie options in restaurants and grocery stores.
I gained about 10 lbs after getting married 6 years ago, but when I realized I began to work out and eat better. I hadn’t realized how my metabolism had been slowing as I got older. Although I had been thin before I had never been athletic, but I’ve learned to enjoy working out and am training for my first half-marathon in May.
I love all of the food blogs for good healthy eating ideas. I work as a fundraiser and am currently a grad-student in Philanthropic Studies.
Charlotte
February 16, 2008 at 1:33 pmThis is totally off-topic, but Jenna – what is that awesome nail polish you’re wearing in the last two posts? I’m coveting it!
Emma
February 16, 2008 at 1:44 pmSo I know you’ve made the lentil loaf, but have you ever tried any dessert bean recipes? Like the all-famous beancakes or bean brownies? I did once, and it was a disaster. Probably because it was filled with splenda and apple sauce and the like and way too much on the diet end of things. Let me know if you have a good recipe!
As for Grass Root- I might go with the brown rice sushi, or the burrito wrapped in lettuce- def. try something that you couldn’t normally eat/prepare yourself as easily….like I wouldn’t do a tuna salad or simple peanut butter sandwich, or a veggie burger! get something EXOTIC! and take pics!
Have a great weekend Jenna!!
By the way, I was really surprised at how young many of the readers are. I was thinking more were in their 30s or 40s!
Kath
February 16, 2008 at 1:52 pmOoooooo – those almond milks look awesome!!! I’ll have to see if EarthFare carries them!! Thanks for the tip.
The Grass Root looks amazing. I’d have to try their hummus for sure and maybe one of the sushi items. But “Raw Onion Bread” – ewwwwwwwww!! Can’t wait to see what you get!
Have a great Saturday Jenna!
Meghan
February 16, 2008 at 1:59 pmAfter hiding in the shadows for about a week or two I figured that I, too, would introduce myself! I’m Meghan, and I’m a 20 year old college student going to art school in Savannah, GA. I’m originally from MD. I school I attended from kindergarden until high school graduation not only focused on being well educated in a wide array of (often random) topics (circus arts, atomic chemistry and basket weaving, anyone?!) but also pushed the idea of trying to eat wholesome, natural foods. In high school, I kind of shied away from that idea because I wanted to be more “normal” but now that I’m totally responsible for what I put into my body I’ve realized that the only time I don’t have any stomach troubles is when I eat natural, minimally-processed foods. I’m but no means a vegetarian but I would pick a veggie burger over an actual burger any day.
Jenna, by the way, I’m very interested in becoming a health and wellness counselor. I saw the first question on our FAQ page and I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about your experience with the program?
Anyways, I love this blog and it’s really inspired me to try a few new items. Quorn Chick’n Cutlets are AMAZING. Seriously, I think I may like them more than actual chicken. I’m still on the hunt for hemp milk, but I have one question about it, is it similar to soymilk/rice milk/almond milk where once opened you have to finish it in a little more than a week? I don’t generally drink anything besides coffee, water, tea and the very occasional glass of carrot juice. How does it mix with coffee? I saw Kath posted something about this, but she didn’t go into much detail.
Well, this has been extremely long winded, but I love this blog and will continue to read it (more than) once a day! Have a great saturday, everyone!
faith
February 16, 2008 at 2:16 pmi have a question if anyone would like to help me. Due to all the valentines day sweets (the overload on yummmmy buttery cookies that i havent eaten in so long that my body had NO IDEA how to react to afterward) i have been very bloated.
Whats the best way of “de-bloating” myself? haha
I know ginger and honey are supposed to help soothe the stomach and i bought some tea with those ingredients…but i just cant get myself to like hot tea yet! any ideas on how to fix that too??
thanks in advance!
Patricia
February 16, 2008 at 2:16 pmGood morning Jenna!
Don’t feel like a dork for going to bed at 10….! I had dinner and 6 and was in bed by 9 yesterday! I hope you have a relaxing weeekend.
caitlin
February 16, 2008 at 2:21 pmfaith – go for a run! sweat out the bloat! always works for me 🙂 also, i find drinking a lot of water helps de-bloat me… ironic, but true! it helps flush out your system. eat wholesome food for a few days and stay away from anything with a lot of sodium and you should feel back to normal soon!
Lindsey
February 16, 2008 at 2:35 pmJenna do you still eat diary besides milk?
VeggieGirl
February 16, 2008 at 2:36 pmHaha, now you know what to do instead of popping a sleeping pill when you want to turn in early – eat a delicious cookie! ;0)
Ahh, I AM quite envious, but I’m more EXCITED than anything – you know I would order that “Spaghetti and Treatballs” raw dish, and the Bluegrass smoothie (I think that’s what it’s called, haha) – oooh, my taste buds are flared right now! Can’t wait to see what you order!
I do hope you go for the vegan pizza – did you know that the very FIRST pizza EVER was just bread, fresh tomatoes, and basil?? Adding the cheese is an Americanized tradition. You won’t miss it when your pizza crust is piled with an abundance of flavorful, colorful, satisfyingly delectable ingredients :0)
That’s the same brand of almond-milk that I drink everyday – in addition to my hempmilk, of course!
Happy Saturday!!
Lindsey
February 16, 2008 at 2:37 pmHaha, so I just read the answer in your part about the pizza!
Are you vegan (minus fish)? so confused!
Heather NC
February 16, 2008 at 2:39 pmI’ve only been reading this blog for a few weeks now. I found it through Kath’s blog and I have to say I think they are both a great compliment to each other.
I’m Heather, a 28-year old in the clothing business from North Carolina. I live in Greensboro which is about 1 1/2 hours away from where Kath lives in Charlotte.
I’ve been a vegetarian and an omnivore through the years. Right now I guess I’m a pescatarian. I don’t really call myself anything. What I can say is I’m extremely concerned with what goes in my body. I used to not really care that much and it definitely showed. I started eating healthy, lean whole foods and exercising on a regular basis. It’s just amazing how much better I feel.
I think the most important thing I’ve done is learn how to cook. I experiment with everything. I own Veganomicon and I absolutely love it. These food blogs give me great ideas for recipes. Even the vegan recipes can be modified and I love trying new things.
On a side note, I was always scared of soyless chicken. I used to live off Boca and MSF chik patties, but I never tried Quorn. I recently bit the bullet and made the meatless Chicken Salad. It was truly phenomenal. The only change I made was to substitute toasted walnuts for the grapes. I don’t really like grapes or raisins in chicken salad. I highly suggest trying it out. The meat eater in your house will probably never know the difference. My boyfriend still doesn’t know he’s eating vegan cookies!
Jenna, how did your parents like the”chicken” salad you made for them? Hope everyone has a great day.
Lindsey
February 16, 2008 at 2:49 pmJust curious, for the girls that say they are too thin and have/had restrictive eating etc. do your doctors ever say anything? tell you to eat more?
I am too confused about whose vegan or veggie or eats meat, but I can remember veggiegirl is vegan, do your docs try to get you to stop being vegan so you can gain weight more easily?
VeggieGirl
February 16, 2008 at 3:10 pm**Lindsey:
My doctors do not try to persuade me to stop being vegan, because it has helped (and continues to help) manage (and practically eliminate) my Crohn’s Disease symptoms.
VeggieGirl
February 16, 2008 at 3:11 pmAh, sorry for the vague pronoun – “it” refers to my high-raw vegan diet (I eat about 75% raw, 25% cooked foods, all the time).
jenna
February 16, 2008 at 3:47 pmLindsay,
I am currently struggling as to what to “call” myself right now. I guess I am a pescatarian (sp?), but really, who knows what that is when you say it in everyday conversation??!! I currently do not eat meat (land animals) and have recently cut out dairy. I use only vegan skin care/make up products as well. So…I guess you could call me a vegan that eats fish. But…that might offend true vegans so I am not calling myself anything. I don’t eat fish very often but I don’t want to completely rule it out because I KNOW that this summer I will be eating fish after Ryan goes fishing. If I call myself a vegan now, I would feel horrible (like I broke the “rules”) if I ate fish later on. Its all so confusing! I love the vegan lifestyle though! perhaps I could be one 95% of the time then eat fish 5% of the time. I don’t the rules, but I completely understand that vegan and vegetarian are terms in society that have concrete meanings and when I say I am a vegan that eats fish….true vegans would be like “ummm you are NOT a vegan!”
Mel H
February 16, 2008 at 4:07 pmaww guys! I’ve been really busy with school and never got to introduce myself!! My name is Melissa/Meliss/or Mel- I respond to all three! haha! I am 21 (22 in March! yeah!) .i live in kentucky and am a Sr at the University of KY. My majors are broadcasting journalism and sociology and I’m hoping to get into law school next fall in KY. I have been dating the love of my life for 5 yrs now and we are getting married Aug. 09- I am so excited!!My family is naturally very thin and my mom has always cooked healthy- with dessert eveynight of course! haha! I too have struggled with an ED in highschool- I think bc I am a perfectionist and I was a competitive cheerleader (all stars and high school)- I cheered for dunbar high school and it was very very stressful and I also felt I always had to look pretty and act perfect bc people were always watching me (cheering in front of thousands of people). anyways, I had to go to a therapist and nutritionist twice a week for about 3 yrs…and I never never want to have to do that again! I put my family through so much undeserved pain!! On a happier note, I am the happiest and healthiest I have been. I am back to my normal weight (5’6 120 ish lbs- I got down to 100 and it was not pretty! ). I love to eat healthy food and dessert everyday! I workout about 4-5 times a week..usually running 2 miles or ET for 20 minutes then 20 or so mins of weight lifting. I love myself and my body and my boyfriend tells me everyday how much he loves me for me and how beautiful he thinks I am- support is so imperative for regain ing self-confidence!!
Ilove this blog and although I am not a vegatarian (except I hate red meat) and I love love dairy!! I am inspired by jenna and all of her meals look absolutely delicious!! Take care everyone! xoxoxo
p.s. Time of butterflies- I am SO proud of you for getting rid of the things (people) in your life who contribute to your ED. Its not worth it and you will find someone wonderful who will love you if you weigh 100 lbs or 200 lbs bc it’s just you he loves..not your image! way to go hunni!!
Meliss
Lindsey
February 16, 2008 at 4:08 pmIt is confusing!!
We can make this blog a no labels blog 🙂
Mel H
February 16, 2008 at 4:47 pmp.s. thanks fot the tips on making ww pizza crust everyone! My bf and I made spinach, atrichoke, chicken, mushroom, onion, and of course cheese pizza last night w/ 100% ww dough..needless to say it was amazing! My bf was so proud and complimenting himself all night..even though he just cut up some veggies..we will let him think hes a genious though! haha! happy saturday everyone!
Ruby Red Vegan
February 16, 2008 at 5:27 pmOoooo I am so excited to see mini almond milks! It’s really convenient to have something like that to take along on a trip when you’re going to the middle of nowhere and you’re not sure if there will be any place to drink soymilk (I rely on Starbucks for my daily soymilk intake on trips, haha).
I’m so jealous that you get to go to a vegan restaurant but also glad you mentioned the restaurant’s name! I’m going to Disney World for spring break and Google maps says Grass Roots is only 4 miles away. 🙂 Now I just have to convince my non-vegetarian family to eat there.
Annnd have fun with your cheeseless pizza. Hopefully the crowd can respect your decisions. And this may sound surprising, but Little Caesar’s also cooks up great vegan pizza on their good nights! I’ve had some before that were not-so-good and quickly thrown together, but normally it tastes great! The crust has no animal products, and just request no dairy or butter on their vegetarian pizza and you’ll get a pie piled high with veggie goodness. Their Crazy Bread is vegan too, but same deal – request no butter or dairy. Mmm.
Morgan
February 16, 2008 at 5:45 pmHey everyone! This blog makes me really happy. I’m a 21-year-old college student in Madison, Wisconsin, and I LOVE FOOD. I’m somewhere between a vegetarian and a vegan on the spectrum, and I live for cooking and new food experiences! I recently found this blog and I think it’s amazing that there are other people out there like me who love to live in a balanced and joyful way. Paris is the place where I feel most ‘myself’ and I think I know the falafel place you mentioned on your website, Jenna- L’as du falafel on rue des rosiers, maybe? I have some fond memories of that place, that’s for sure — I used to get a falafel and go watch the kids play in a nearby park. So much fun. 🙂
Well, I just wanted to say hi to everyone and that I think this website is great. Seeing your approach to food and your daily choices has really helped me feel good about making healthy decisions and also about enjoying food and life. Thanks!!
Noodle
February 16, 2008 at 5:57 pmHi everyone..in light of all the current intro’s, I thought I’d join in!
I currently life in Calgary, Alberta (CANADA) and am in my 3rd year of a Communications major and Business minor. I am from Colorado originally, but grew up on some tiny islands in the Pacific and lived there for most of my life. I have also lived in Hawaii and California…so living in Canada confounds me! Needless to say, when I’m done my degree I am fleeing from the winter!
I have absolutely no clue what I want to do when I’m done with school (actually I do, I would love to go to culinary school and have wanted to write cookbooks since I was little. I have also always wanted to own my own cafe)
I am addicted to reading Jenna’s, Kath’s, and a few other food blogs, and probably spend way too much time checking them!
I am in love with food, nutrition, and exercise and striving to find a healthy balance between all of these. Like many of the girls here, I have struggled with eating issues and am currently trying to gain a few pounds (which is a lot harder then it sounds!!)
Other interests…the beach, cooking, any magazine, BOOKS!, reality TV shows, trying new things, traveling…
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone here, it is such a great supportive community here and it has really really really helped me out in more ways than I can say.
Wish we could all get together and have a dinner party!!
ps. keep me up to date on the Facebook group (yet another addiction to help me procrastinate!)
Alyssa
February 16, 2008 at 6:10 pmIs there a facebook group?
Colleen
February 16, 2008 at 6:20 pmthat’s the almond milk i’ve been using in my cereal every breakfast since i’ve become a vegan. loveee it! lucky you to have a fun day planned, enjoy it.
Becca
February 16, 2008 at 6:25 pmHello,
I’ve never left a comment before but have been reading both Jenna and Kath’s blogs for the last few months so I thought I would introduce myself as well.
My name is Becca (obviously), I’m 24 and am a freshman at York College of Pennsylvania. I moved to York about 2.5 years ago and promptly gained about 20 pounds, about a year and a half ago I decided to lose that weight but ended up becoming really restrictive on my eating and by last August was scary skinny. I started reading “Eat Like Me” and realized what I was doing to myself. Since then I started school and have put back on 10 pounds and am now just trying to maintain my weight by eating healthy and going to the gym a few times a week. I still read “Eat Like Me” but I definitely get more food ideas from Jenna and Kath’s blogs. I have to say I’m addicted to both (well all 3)…
I initially started school in hopes of getting my prereqs done and transferring to a school with a nutrition program because I do have a great interest in food and nutrition and would like a career involving both. However, I’m struggling with chemistry and reconsidering it, since it involves so many sciences. I also want to go to culinary and pastry school once I get my bachelor’s.
Huh, that turned into a long introduction. Jenna I love the blog! I eat meat, but I try to eat a few meatless meals a week so I am loving the ideas I am getting from you! I can’t wait until you start the pastry program, I almost went to school for that last year but got a new job that made me unable to do so…its still a consideration though 🙂
Alyssa
February 16, 2008 at 6:32 pmAlison,
I have an ed too (been 3 1/2 years, I’m 19) and I’m at the weight I’m supposed to be at; I’m 5’7″ and around 140. If you want to e-mail or something, I can help you out. I’m doing a lot better than I was and think I can help you get ed to back off! I still struggle a lot sometimes, but I know I cannot live a healthy and happy life with it, so I need to kick it to the curb! Here is my e-mail if you want: cutiechicky@hotmail.com
Paula
February 16, 2008 at 6:46 pmIs it dumb that I’m super late into this introduction thing?
Who cares… here we go!
*I’m a 21 year old girl originally from outside of Philadelphia. I’m now pretty permanently in Washington, DC.
*I’m a senior at American University (in DC) studying political science (who isn’t in DC?! Hahah) and public relations.
*My boyfriend (of 3+ years) and I live together in the sweet (cute, but small!) condo we purchased last year.
*We are currently redoing our kitchen which is proving to be a HUGE disaster and it has forced us to live off of a hot pot, grill, and microwave (NO OVEN/STOVE :-(! TEAR!) for over 6 months!!! Pathetic, I know!
*Luckily we’ve made do OK… lots of potatoes in the micro, and things on the grill! I am sooo looking forward to cooking/baking like a normal person, though!
*I love love love community service – it’s what I do! I’m also obsessed with doing internships and such…
*I’m planning to go into the nonprofit sector in May when I graduate (God, I hope I get a job!!! Keep your fingers crossed!).
*I was unable to eat dairy for many years, so I am now grossed out by drinking straight milk or having it in my cereal, so I use almond milk (which I LOVEEE!). I do love Fage and ice cream, though… and consume both on a daily basis, probably! Oh, and I love a good slice of cheesey pizza, but sometimes I think that vegan alternatives to cheese and milk are much tastier than dairy versions. Long paragraph about that ish, but my point is to say that I eat some dairy and some vegan versions, tons of fruits and veggies, and veggie alternatives to chicken and ground beef. However, unlike many of the readers on this blog I LOVE steak… sorry, guys… I just love a good piece of steak. It’s chicken and beef (ground) that I can’t stand. So bizarre, I know… and I eat fish, too. So really I am not anything cool like vegan or vegetarian or pescatarian (spelling?), I’m just weird/picky? LoL…
*I love trashy romance novels and watching movies.
*And, I think that’s it!
Sorry that was sooo long and dumb!
Question: Anyone living in the DC metro area?! I would love to have a friend on this blog! 🙂
Becca
February 16, 2008 at 7:16 pmI’m late on the intros too!
I’m 17 and a high school senior in New York- I think I’m the youngest one so far!
I am OBSESSED with reading Jenna’s and Kath’s blogs!
I, like most people on here, suffer(ed) from restrictive eating and poor body image. I went down to around 90 lbs, then up to 135, and I’m around 115-120 now. I guess I look fine now, but its still an internal struggle. I think one of my problems is that I always want to be “the best” or “perfect” at everything-whether its with looks, friends, activites, school-everything!
I’m not a vegatarian but I try as hard as possible to stay away from red meat, and I don’t do a lot of dairy- except in cereal and the occasional yogurt/ ice cream!
These blogs have really helped me by demonstrating what healthy eating and mindsets are. Thanks so much!!
Lori- the pleasantly plump vegan
February 16, 2008 at 7:39 pmJared and I lived near The Grass Root but never went. Our friends went and told us it was too expensive. Maybe when we go back to visit family, I’ll check it out.
i LOVE steel cut oats! i put vanilla soymilk, ground golden flax seed, maple syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon in mine!!!
Mel H
February 16, 2008 at 7:47 pmFacebook me everyone! Melissa Hill -the University of KY!! Jenna, I just facebooked you and I felt like a creepster!haha!
Emily W.
February 16, 2008 at 7:49 pmHi! I was wondering what kind of yeast you use in your Half-Whole-Wheat Rolls (aka Beginner’s Rolls).
I was also wondering why you have decided to become vegan/pescatarian..or a mix….do you find health benefits to cutting out dairy or is it just because you are lactose intolerant? I am not trying to be critical; I am open to all eating styles! I am just curious as to why people eat the way they do…ethics, health problems or health benefits?! Anyone else’s input would be appreciated too! I know that I cut out red meat from my diet because I just do not enjoy eating it, but I am not sure I could let go of dairy……
Becca A
February 16, 2008 at 8:01 pmWow, another Becca..I meet a lot of Beckys and have only met one other Becca, so I’ll be Becca A on here.
Paula-I’m a couple of hours from DC…wonder if I’m the closest, I’m in York, PA…about 45 minutes outside of Baltimore….
A facebook group would be fun…if anyone wants to add me its Becca Amsterdam, York College of PA
VeggieGirl
February 16, 2008 at 8:56 pmHere’s a link to my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1433700049
Rach
February 16, 2008 at 9:06 pmMorgan, do you go to U of Wisc-Madison? I do too!! 🙂
Alyssa
February 16, 2008 at 9:09 pmI am going to start a facebook group called “Eat, Live, Run”, without the quotations. I’ll post a link to the group on a couple of these posts.
Alyssa
February 16, 2008 at 9:21 pmHere is the link. I did not add a photo because I didn’t know which one to put up! People should sign up to be officers to make the group fantabulous!!!
http://minnesota.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9967717108
M.E.
February 17, 2008 at 3:18 pmI’m 19 and from Northern Virginina, which is about 15 minutes outside of DC. I love going in to the city to try out all the great restaurants. I vacation every year with my family in Charleston, SC. Jenna how did you not blow ALL of your money on food while living in that culinary heaven. Have you ever been to Cru Cafe?
Morgan
February 18, 2008 at 4:45 pmRach- Yes, I do!! Small world!!