monday loves...one week vegan day one

monday

vegan: (noun) a vegetarian who omits all animal products from the diet

i have to start off by saying that i am no expert, but i have found a lifestyle that works for me and i am super excited to share it with you!!

right now i am fueling my body with very strict vegan foods and running my hiney off.  i want to feel good about myself, in shape, and wear some super cute little dresses on a dreamy vacation i have planned to new york city next month.  my goal for the year is to stay strong with my eating and exercise routine.  i know i can do it....i will do it!!!!! 

the question i am asked most is how do you get your protein????  here is a chart i found in the kind diet book by alicia silverstone on page 57.  i always answer this question with almost every plant based food has protein and i love love love my beans so i have no worries about my protein intake.

mondays menu:

breakfast
cup of hot organic green tea (jasmine)

banana mango blueberry smoothie

snack
ezekiel english muffin

lunch
layered mexican dip (original recipe found in the kind diet book)
1 can amy's organic refined beans
3 large organic avocados
fresh lime juice
1 container non dairy sour cream
1 packet organic taco seasoning (i use simply organic)
small can diced green chiles
1 small can sliced olives
diced fresh tomatoes
chopped fresh cilantro

pre heat oven to 350

spread beans on the bottom of the pan
mash avocados with lime juice and add as the next layer
stir together sour cream and seasoning and add next
sprinkle chiles and olives over the sour cream mixture
then add fresh tomatoes and cilantro and bake for 15 to 30 minutes(i usually cook it about 20 minutes)
yummy-enjoy--this recipe is great in a burrito or served with chips

snack
apple

dinner
left over mexican bean dip =)

exercise:
i try to exercise 3-4 times a week.  i know its hard and we are all busy but i honestly feel a hundred times better when i get out for my run.  choose an exercise partner-it helps a ton.  my friend brenda and i run together and we motivate each other to keep going and after a busy day we make sure we still go even though its the last thing we want to do that evening.  thank you brenda!!!!

i dont obsess about my water intake, but i do drink a couple of glasses a day.  no soda no juice!!!!  i love water so i have no problem saying no to the sugar stuff!!!

oh my goodness i have so much more to share with you....stay tuned!!!!