Moms Talk Network

There are many people who think that they can’t go Vegan. However, being a former meat eater myself, I often challenge the skeptics to give it a try. It really is not as bad as it seems.

Here are some ways you can go Vegan for a day:

* Try some marinated tofu with your salad. You can purchase it in the produce section of any grocery store. My favorite is the blackened or bar-b-qued tofu. Slice it up over some salad or seasoned brown rice and you have a great meal.

* Instead of putting beef in your stew, why not use TVP (Textured vegetable protein) or a grain like quinoa or brown rice. Your stomach will thank you for the break and you will add a good source of fiber to your diet.

* Bake a potato and instead of dairy butter and sour cream, try the Tofutti brand of sour cream and Earth’s Balance butter. They taste just like their counterparts, if not better, and there is no transfat.

* Instead of bacon and eggs for breakfast, try some steel cut oatmeal with a slice of whole grain toast. Add some flax seed oil to your oatmeal for your daily dose of omega 3.

So as you see, going Vegan for a day is not that difficult. All it takes is some creative ideas, a visit to the grocery store, and a little time in the kitchen.

- LaTara Ham-Ying is owner of Vegan Family Living.