Are Holidays Vegan?

Sipping my turmeric tea latte (without the coconut creme. would've taken too long!) at 2:12 a.m. I couldn't help but sit and jot down some thoughts as we are now 4 days out into what is looking to be an abundant 2021.

For the record, this turmeric raises your body temperature. Word to the wise if you planned on wearing a sweater while sipping.

The holiday season came and went beyond fast. Several times the robust aromas of jumbo, pinto beans, roasted black eyed peas...and still the same awkward encounter ensued. "Umm...so what exactly do you eat, again?"

I'd be lying to you if I told you I ate 100% vegan between the dates of November 26 - January 3rd (I mean leftovers...am I right? Half of the food tastes better the next day! *drools*)

For those of you like myself who'd rather eat what they had instead of a) scrambling in a mad dash through the snow to Trader Joes/Whole Foods b) dust off the can of black beans in the far back of the cabinet and reheat the frozen broccoli... you'd probably do what I did: fill up your plate and feel the sting of defeat as the green's juice trickles into your stuffing. *Foiled again*

Mrs. Guilt came out of nowheree as I heard my phone ding with a picture from my plant-based cousin showing me literally the most beautiful Thanksgiving plate I had ever seen. She got from a local restaurant, and as I glanced at my mac-n-cheese loaded...turkey neck flavored greens havin' plate all I could do was commended her on a job well done. lock my phone. and go about my way (cuz that's my business @ Tabitha Brown).

BUT my body did feel changes. After now about 1 year of scaling back on meat/dairy, and now officially really nixing eggs, dairy, poultry, AND white flour/sugar I can say my body's got into a new routine. Between those and the food allergies you can cue the, "so, what exactly do you eat again" chorus to play in the background. I'm not one to preach going vegan. It's like converting to a religion, do what works best for you. I'll just always suggest adding more plants to meals-and literally almost EVERYTHING can be found plant-based now.

For me, I've found:

-dairy causes me to make hella mucus. real nasty stuff. I still gotta prove this theory but I'm sold on the idea the "crust"/sleep in your eyes is completely dairy related. Mine stops until I have some. Cheese...it tastes amazing but it doesn't play well with my indigestion. I've heard fantastic things about vegan cheese and my friend gave me a vegan parm that was to die for!

-cutting back on all of the stuff listed above dramatically reduced symptoms associated to the flow and symptoms of my cycle. it's insane.

-meat is something I'm still deciding for myself...moderation. I get a bit of indigestion, but nothing too major. I'll most likely never consume red meat or pork again because I really do believe they don't have any tangible benefits (but a lot of negatives) to the body. if you catch me slipping it's eggs, fish, or chicken if it's really that serious.

-white flours/sugars: super chemically addictive and a lotttta empty calories. ever notice how you get hungry again only a few hours later or have baddd cravings for sugar or more carbs? my suggestion is to save for special occasions and gifts from friends. <3

Changing eating habits is a wholeee process. Listen to your body and of course be gentle with yourself. Do what works best for you-but, I can promise throwing more bright colors in your diet will improve mood, sleep, energy, andd hunger cravings.