You can't have your pudding if you don't eat your meat!

I have been wanting to do a vegan "challenge/cleanse" diet for awhile now.  Well, it's been over a year and I am finally doing it.  I've been flirting for the past year but I've decided to try a committed relationship...on a trial basis.  Why do I want to be vegan for a week? 

1. To think a little more consciously about what I am putting into my body and where it came from.  I mean, I know burgers come from McD's and the "non-fast food" version (according to P) In-N-Out (because that name definitely doesn't sound like fast food!)  Love you babe.
2. To cleanse my body a little of animal by-products. and gook of meat.  There's got to be a bit of build-up in the old pipes.  I've heard my pipes will be working overtime during this week.  Bring it. 
3. A personal challenge. 
4. To see if I am one of those people who just feel light and free or will I turn into a royal bitch during "detox."

I don't plan on being vegan for life and I don't think there is anything wrong with eating meat and cheese and eggs.  I just like to know where it is coming from and that the animal had a fun and happy life (like the CA happy cows) and dignity in death.  No, I can't look my dog in the eye and say that i would eat him if forced but I do think that it's part of the circle of life.  I try not to eat anything off of a feed lot and I subscribe to weekly organic veggie pick-up.  Do I still go to McDonald's?  Yes, genersally right ater I pick up my veggies, I know I'm SOO bad!!  It's just all personal choices.   

Back to my challenge.  I didn't want to start the week with nothing to eat and setting myself up to fail.  A few personal choices so I wouldn't be discouraged. 

1. First, I went to Whole Foods so I had tons of choices.  I will be back later this week if not to just browse.  The WF here is AMAZING!! 
2. I didn't buy the fat free or light version of things.  Why?  Well, frankly even with all the animal by-products the lite and FF versions often taste disgusting so I didn't want to jump in head first into the kiddie pool. 
3. I like the taste of meat and not tofu.  I'm sorry, but no matter how many people tell me "you won't taste it," um, you are lying.  So, I am trying all different things like seitan, new veggies and Gardein.

The book that I am going by is "The Kind Diet" by Alicia Silverstone, yes she was in Clueless.  Another book that is popular (thanks to Oprah) is "Veganism" but I haven't read it yet.  I like that Alicia tells you which brand she prefers so you aren't having to buy all different kinds and then then not use them.  Nevertheless, shopping the first time, even at Whole Foods, was hard.  I just felt like those guys at the store who constantly are staring at the list and then shelf and then calling their wife.  That feeling is called lost and confused. 

Breakfast:

• Coffee with coconut milk and Spenda (I know, I know Splenda is bad for me but it's yummy)
• Going to try going back to my tea with agave for the rest of this week. 
• Whole wheat sourdough toast with Natural Balance butter (vegan butter that I actually used even before this challenge)

Lunch:

• Boxed corn soup -
• Brand:  Imagine
• Taste:  tastes pretty good, something I would eat if I had my wisdom teeth removed I guess
• Fresh tortilla chips & salsa from Whole Foods
• Coconut water
• Brand:  CO2
• Taste: It's an acquired taste but I like it.

Dinner:

• whole wheat linguini
• Brand:  365
• Eggplant marinara saucs
• Brand:  365
• Taste - Okay, but I prefer Trader Joe's organic basil sauce, more flavor
• Ground seitan (Brand:  Westsoy)
• Mixed with sauteed onions, basil, oregano, garlic and crushed red pepper. 
• Taste - good, kinda like ground turkey where it's fairly bland but I the texture was good. 
• TONS of protein!

It's 7:15pm and I haven't had any meat or animal by-products today!!  I can't wait to have my Purely Decadent coconut milk ice cream.  This is a brand I tried when flirting with this before and I buy all the time now!  So creamy!!!  All the explanation points should express my excitement.  :)

*Thank to Meghan for that title. Love it.  I really wanted the pudding in the fridge today but I couldn't eat it because I am vegan this week and that was her line.  :)