Food Finds and Healing with Veganism

Hello Pumpkins! I hope you are having a fabulous week. As some of you have noticed my diet isn't as "raw" as it once was. I must say, during pregnancy I have gone back and forth with wanting ALL raw to NO raw. Right now I am at a happy medium. I am enjoying lots of fresh whole foods and think I will continue with this after pregnancy, since I am feeling my best. I wouldn't call it "high raw" or put any label on it. The only label I will use is "VEGAN", because that is something I will never give up and I am super proud of. Veganism has brought me from being so ill that I couldn't leave the house, to MAYBE feeling sick once or twice a year.  I feel that cutting out all meat and dairy has helped my Crohn's heal A LOT and I would never go back. Besides, I love my animal friends too much to eat them! :) I know labels are getting a bad rap as of lately. But I find saying I am vegan helps people understand the way I eat. Like when I go to a restaurant, or when someone asks how I am able to live a normal life now, where as before I was chained to my bathroom. So yes, I will wear that label loud and proud. And I do not have any issues with those that aren't vegan or vegetarian. My own husband eats meat! I don't agree with people bashing veganism and saying that it is impossible to heal on a vegan diet. There are many ways to heal, everyone is trying to find their own fit. I tell others with IBD that veganism might not work for them, they need to figure that out on their own. I've eaten all raw, high raw, no raw and for me balance is key. When all raw wasn't working, and my iron levels were low, I didn't turn to meat, I added in more cooked foods. I would say beans and nori brought my levels back to normal. The funny thing is, when I got out of the hospital, during my last stay (2 years ago), I was told by my doctor and family that I should eat a big juicy steak. NOTHING in the world was going to make that happen. I could not in anyway shape of form do that (even if it was covered in chocolate!), so instead I bought these nori wraps and ate them like crazy. My body couldn't handle beans yet, so I wasn't going to there, but my levels shot up and I got stronger and better. I wouldn't say that the wraps brought me back to health, but once I was strong enough to enjoy beans and lentils again, my levels were normal.


Anyway, I felt that I should share my story, since so many others are sharing about their own healing process and the changes in their diets. I want people to know veganism (with a balance of cooked and raw) can heal too. It's not one size fits all, but it's always worth a shot.


Phew, so onto a more amusing topic: FOOD! I found this little jewel at the health food store over the weekend: a rambutan. Some of you are probably going to think it looks gross (Gena, I know you will!). :) But it was actually pretty tasty. Like some sort of berry.

I actually bought a few, they are pretty simple to open and eat. Although, the fact that it looks like an egg, kinda creeps me out.

I also picked up some raw organic pumpkin seeds. Yum! I read that pumpkin seeds are a great food to eat while pregnant. They are good for brain and nervous system development. Plus, they have a good amount of protein. I have been adding them to everything!

Of course, kale salads have been my staple. Although, I had a few months when I couldn't even think of kale. I know, crazy!!!!!! This one had avocado, olives, pumpkin seeds, sprouted sunflower seeds and Bubbies pickles in it.

Unfortunately, this past month, or so, I had to stop drinking my morning smoothie. They were making me gag and I was feeling sick all morning after drinking them. So I switched over to oatmeal. I like changing it up and adding in different things. I added Sunwarrior protein, raisins, almond butter and almonds to this bowl. Perfect for the chilly mornings we've been having (believe me, I am not complaining).

Over the weekend we went to the Farmer's Market. There is a vegan baked goods stand there that has a wide variety of gluten free items. All of the stuff they sell has pure wholesome ingredients too (no egg-replacer or stuff like that). I picked up a delicious gluten free oatmeal chocolate chip cookie! Wow! This was so good!!!!

And T convinced me to grab a loaf of vegan zucchini bread. I have never had zucchini bread in my life. I MISSING OUT!!! This stuff is delicious! As you can see, we had already gotten into it before I took a picture. He he!

And one quick story from the Farmer's Market.... There is a stand that sells pickles, and gives out pickles on a stick. Well, just about every kid walks around eating a "Pickle-on-a-stick", and guess who was right there with the kids eating one.. PREGGERS! HA HA! Yes, I was the only person over the age of 10 walking around with one. It was quite funny! Have a great day all! XO