I did it! I think I have reached a balance.

I think my last post was Friday. We were doing really well on our "mostly vegan" diet. I still stray with a little cheese over my tacos. Then the weekend came. I was out grocery shopping and had the bright idea to invite my sister and her BF to dinner. I know her BF does not eat vegetables, so I decided to make a tri tip. He could have all he wanted, my husband could eat some, and best of all, it could be grilled outside. I have really gotten used to NOT having the odors and greasy residue that cooking and eating meat brings to the room.


At any rate, Phil grilled the tri tip, and I roasted cauliflower and sauteed Swiss chard from the garden. I chose not to make a starch. I am not sure why. I just don't think of it any more. About 50% of the time we have a starch as a filler. I usually think of it as a source of protein in the absence of beans or nuts, but since we had the roast, I asked Miles if he would like me to make some pasta with pesto. He said, no, the meat and bread would be enough. He said he would eat some of the 'lettuce' stuff (chard). I felt a little guilt, but not enough to make the pasta. Now, in retrospect, I could have made some rice or polenta or even the pasta. Oh well. Maybe next time. At any rate, we all seemed to eat enough. My sister brought the bread and pie. I must say I was not strong enough to steer clear of the bread she brought. I can safely say it has been years since I have had store-bought garlic bread. It was a treat! Then there was the pie. She also brought a peach pie. I was happy to say I was not impressed. It was too sweet. I wonder where the peaches came from? We were thankful for her additions to the meal, though. We ate it all.

Sunday we had leftovers. Breakfast is always the easiest when eating well. I think Sunday we had pancakes. Phil hates it when I do this, but I like to throw some frozen blueberries on them. They don't need butter and I can eat them a little maple syrup. That and a little fruit, I was good for the day. I think I had leftover vegetables and nuts for lunch.

Fast forward to this evening. I made a filling, salty, rich vegan dinner. Kung Pao Brussels sprouts, stir fried some red and green bell peppers, some tofu-sesame patties (recipe later), and white rice. The Kung Pao was fabulous. Really hit the spot. 

At the store Friday I bought:

• cashews
• cauliflower
• green onions
• jalapenos
• iceberg lettuce, which we love, so sue me! 
• sliced beef and fresh bologna (like that matters) for Phil's lunch
• Raisin bran
• spaghetti noodles
• Greek yogurt
• a variety of canned tomatoes and tomato paste

We have to remember to prep our summer garden and grow tomatoes. Last year I put up more than 40 pints of tomatoes and marinara sauce. Nothing like home grown tomatoes. It makes it hard to buy tomatoes at the store.

Went back to the store today:
Costco:

• bread
• cabbage salad mix
• onions
• Peta chips
• mayonnaise

Food 4 Less:

• pinto beans
• avocados
• apples
• bell peppers