Almost 4 months ago, July 4th to be more precise, I started a lifestyle change by following a diet based on a book (VB6: Eat Vegan Before 6:00 to Lose Weight and Restore Your Health) written by NY Times food writer Mark Bittman. I am by no means overweight. I was however not eating as healthy as I could be. What I needed is guidance on how to eat right without giving up what I love to do....eating out.
Vegan Before Six or VB6 has one simple rule, eat vegan before six at night (dinner time). After six, you can eat whatever you want. The rub is that you end up eating healthy even after six. What is nice is that you have the option to eat anything when going out to eat...which, for most people is done mostly at night. The diet and the accompanying book gives you a strong awareness of healthier dietary choices.
The book is an easy read. I read it during the July 4th camping weekend when I started the diet. It has practical advice in not only keeping a vegan diet, but a healthy one. It contains recipes that are easy to make (and tasty!). The book explains thoughtfully on what ingredients to look for in eating and cooking healthy.
One of the hardest challenge with this diet is not having milk in the morning. I recommend trying out coconut milk or almond milk with your coffee and cereal. Cheeses and butters are also a no-no. One of my favorite breakfast are crepes. Both of these ingredients are key to a basic crepe recipe. I am happy to say, I've come upon a vegan version:
I don't consider what I am doing a diet. It's a lifestyle which allows me to keep a healthy diet. Today, I am 15+ pounds lighter since I started. I feel fit and have more energy more than ever.
Vegan Before Six or VB6 has one simple rule, eat vegan before six at night (dinner time). After six, you can eat whatever you want. The rub is that you end up eating healthy even after six. What is nice is that you have the option to eat anything when going out to eat...which, for most people is done mostly at night. The diet and the accompanying book gives you a strong awareness of healthier dietary choices.
The book is an easy read. I read it during the July 4th camping weekend when I started the diet. It has practical advice in not only keeping a vegan diet, but a healthy one. It contains recipes that are easy to make (and tasty!). The book explains thoughtfully on what ingredients to look for in eating and cooking healthy.
One of the hardest challenge with this diet is not having milk in the morning. I recommend trying out coconut milk or almond milk with your coffee and cereal. Cheeses and butters are also a no-no. One of my favorite breakfast are crepes. Both of these ingredients are key to a basic crepe recipe. I am happy to say, I've come upon a vegan version:
1 Cup Flour
1/3 Cup Almond Meal
1 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
2 tbsp Sugar
1 packet Vanilla Sugar
1 Tablespoon of Vegan Butter (Earth Balance)
Seltzer (as needed)
Mix all the ingredients together into a batter. The batter should have a consistency of a smoothie. Use the seltzer to thin it out. When pouring the batter into the crepe pan, spread out the batter as thin as possible covering the whole pan. Flip the crepe over when the side browns a bit. The crepe should slide easily on the pan when done. If you like crepes, invest on a crepe pan.
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| Vegan Crepes and Coffee with frothed Almond Milk |
good for you, what a wonderful lifestyle change you have made.
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