Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

I wanted to share two tips that I have found invaluable for incorporating more and more fruits and veggies in to my everyday experience. They will seem very back to basics, but I believe that is what it takes to create sustainable change. If something is so challenging that you are unable or unwilling to keep it up, than it will not be a  change that you are able to maintain.

Tip 1~Clean, chop and prepare your fruits and veggies as soon as you walk in the door from the market.

In the moment, it feels like a hassle. I want to pour myself a glass of red wine and contemplate my healthy choices while sitting on my front porch. But,  I promise you…once it is done you will have so much more to celebrate. If the  produce gets put away in the  drawers unprepared…it is as good as garbage.

We buy produce with the best of intentions. We want to eat the foods that are best for us, but lets be honest…after a long day doing whatever we do, the very last thing we are up for is cleaning radishes or trimming celery. The huge salad we envisioned ourselves eating when we bought all this stuff is still sitting in the fridge as a head of lettuce.

If it is already cleaned and ready to go, you will eat it.  I clean and chop up radishes, celery, melon, broccoli, cauliflower…you name it.  If I brought it into the house, I prepare it and put it into ziploc bags so I can grab it and eat it when I am hungry. Otherwise, I will grab something more convenient like a bag of  salt and vinegar potato chips. They are always ready to be consumed. All I have to do is open the bag.

I swear, this will change your life if you give it an honest try. You really will reach for the hummus and celery first if it is ready to go.

Tip 2~Allow yourself to purchase already chopped fruits and veggies

I have released my need for perfectionism when it comes to preparing and consuming healthy foods. I buy bagged salad because I know we will eat it. Sandy and I eat an entire bag of salad almost everyday of the week.  I open it, wash it and add all the chopped veggies I have waiting for me in the fridge.  I can use my time to pick out the perfect dressing, add pine nuts, apples or whatever we fancy.

I buy already chopped butternut squash and cleaned and sliced sweet potatoes that are ready to be baked. If it is the difference between not having these things when we are in a pinch for time or spending a bit more money because they have been cleaned and chopped for me, I am all for spending the extra.  I am worth it. My health is worth it.

Photo By: S. Duquet

We have had a very busy week. I snapped up a bag of already chopped broccoli and cauliflower at the store. On one of our busier nights Sandy threw them in the grill basket with some tempeh  and sauce for a scrumptious meal that was quick and easy to prepare.

If purchasing already cut up fruit  will help you and your family eat more fruit than do it. If the already chopped broccoli and cauliflower will encourage you to throw them  on the grill  when you would have ordered a pizza,  please try it!

There is no shame in paying for convenience if it will help you eat more fruits and vegetables.  I promise you, this small step will change your eating habits and your life.

Release the need for perfectionism and embrace the joy of convenience and self care. Prepare your produce when you walk in the door. If you don’t have time to prepare the produce then buy it ready to go. You are worth it and your health is worth it.

Have great day.

Tags: 30 day challenge, compassionate eating, convenience foods, prepared foods, preparing vegetables, tempeh, tips for eating more fruits, tips for eating more vegetagles, trying vegan, vegan experience