The Vegan Pig

Binge Day

2010-03-30T11:38:00.002-04:00

Another binge day yesterday. I can't properly explain it- I'm not hungry but I literally cannot stop myself. I feel my whole body tense up as if I need to feed that feeling. It's like craving a drink or a cigarette. That's how I need food when I'm in the middle of a binge. And since I've quit smoking (2 months and 3 days!) and drinking (over 2 years ago).

Anyway, today so far I seem to be ok. I'm being kind to myself. I am in the middle of Geneen Roth's "Why Weight?" and I can tell it WILL help me if I am able to stick to the damn guidelines. They are simple, but one seems completely impossible - stopping eating when you're not hungry. This is so foreign to me! I literally CAN NOT STOP once I start.

Why Weight?

2010-03-24T09:39:00.003-04:00

Two nights ago, I started Geneen Roth's "Why Weight?" workbook after reading "When Food Is Love" and having it open up my mind to the deep-rooted and DISTURBING reasons that I use food in the way that I do. The real cause of my overeating was a total shock to me and difficult to acknowledge, but I know I'm just experiencing growing pains - and I look forward to what will come at the end of this growth spurt!

Low Carb Vegan Diet Interview

2010-03-18T15:29:00.003-04:00

LOVED this article. I'd like to start adhering to a similar diet. I'll try to keep 3 servings of fruit in mind (I tend to overdo it with the fruit!) and surrender to the cost of buying fresh veggies everyday.

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/vegetarian/a/veganlowcarb.htm

Vegan Stuffing Recipe!

2010-03-15T09:32:00.002-04:00

First, let me apologize for being completely MIA for over 2 weeks. I was battling some SERIOUS flu and couldn't even handle thinking, let alone writing. But thankfully I'm 100% healed and back in effect!

This weekend I made a vegan stuffing that was TO DIE FOR.... enjoy ;)

VEGAN STUFFING

1 cup chopped onions

2 cups chopped celery

1 cup chopped carrots

1 lb sliced mushrooms

3 cloves garlic, grated

2 tbsp dried parsley

Black Pepper, to taste

1 1/2 c. Vegetable Broth

1 large bread loaf

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat onions, celery, mushrooms, spices, and broth in a large pot until it all boils. Simmer about 5-10 minutes or until the chopped onions are translucent. Cool for 10 mintues.

Tear the bread loaf into small bits and add to pot. Mix well, adding broth if necessary for moisture. Place in a covered baking dish and cook at 350° for 30 minutes, taking cover off during last 10-15 minutes to crisp top.

So Close!

2010-02-24T15:24:00.003-05:00

ARGH - almost made it. 34:11 today. It was a HARD one, too. Maybe because I ate a ton of pretzels about an hour before my workout, and totally forgot to stretch. Hmm?

My knees are killing me and I've got painful blisters on the balls of my feet. Tomorrow I'll take the day off from running (I think) since I have an appointment with my trainer.

And it could totally be my imagination, but is my waist getting smaller??

Lovin the challenge,
The VP

5K Update

2010-02-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

Ran 5K again at lunch today and brought it down to 34:30! Can I shave it down to 34:00 tomorrow?

A 30 minute runtime seems a loooooooooooooong way away.

My First 5K Run

2010-02-23T08:44:00.002-05:00

So I completed my first 5K run. It was by myself, on the treadmill, and during my lunch hour, but 5K nonetheless. I ran it in 37:18. That is NOT an admirable time by any means, but I'm accepting it as my starting point. From here on out, I can push myself to just keep building my endurance and getting better, stronger, and quicker.

My short-term goal is to run 5K in 34 minutes.

My long-term goal is to get it in 30.

Hopefully this blog will keep me motivated enough to commit and not let it die. I CAN do this!

Raw Revolution Bars

2010-02-19T16:45:00.003-05:00

You MUST try these! Delicious and filling, like a brownie. All of the RawRev bars are great but the Chocolate & Coconut are my favorite.

I wrote the folks here to tell them how much I loved it, and they responded right away with genuine gratitude. Great customer service? Even better!

Check 'em out:
http://www.rawindulgence.com/

Soda Cake

2010-02-17T15:32:00.002-05:00

Anyone on a diet is about to LOVE me for sharing this... On WW, each slice is ONE POINT!

Mix one box of powder cake mix with one full can of diet soda (any kind) instead of the oil and eggs, then bake it per the instructions on the box.

I tried it when I got home last night with Devil's Food cake mix and diet pepsi - DELICIOUS! My coworker said she did it with a Black Forrest cake mix and diet black cherry soda. Next I want to try Angel's Food cake with diet orange soda.

Couldn't you just DIE?!??!
The VP

I'm Addicted to Food and I Don't Know How to Stop

2010-02-12T10:24:00.005-05:00

I can't stop. Last night was the worst it's been in awhile. At one point I actually couldn't breathe. My heart rate was quickened and I kept having to get up to almost throw up. But I kept right on coming back to the food....

I just feel so ashamed. I saw my reflection in the subway window today and besides appearing bloated from everything I shoved down my throat yesterday, there was a look of desperation. Like - no one knows this secret about me. These people would be appalled if they knew what I'd done last night.

I ate:
3/4 of a loaf of Irish sodabread (not even vegan) smothered in earth balance.
An entire bag of salted organic popcorn. When I say bag, I mean a regular family-sized bag.
About 20 Newman's Own vegan cookies.
1/2 a pint of Soy ice cream (I usually eat the whole thing without a problem but fell asleep while it sat on my nightstand - it is through no will of my own that I didn't finish the whole thing).

I'm sick today. I feel awful. I can feel my belly move when I walk. All I want to do is cry.

I don't know how to stop.

Nighttime Eating

2010-02-09T10:48:00.003-05:00

I've been at it again...

The overeating. The binges. The multiple dinners. The carbs. The not-even-close-to-Vegan junk. I am OUT of FrEAKing conTROL.

I can't seem to go more than 12 hours without craving fried food or ice cream or crap of some sort, and justifying it by saying "I'll start over tomorrow." Then I do start over tomorrow. And then night comes...

For some reason, night is a trigger for me. I love sitting in my bed, catching up on DVR, and eating myself sick with comfort food.

I joined WW online. I've done it before. This cycle will never end, will it?

Sick (both physically and mentally),
The VP

Running Playlist

2010-02-08T13:15:00.005-05:00

So, I'm consistently running about 16 minutes every day. After that I either get bored or just can't physically keep going. However, I LOVE the first 10 minutes of running or so. It's almost like dancing ;) My current running playlist is:

Sweet Dream - Beyonce
Louboutins - J.Lo
Sexy Chick - David Guetta w/ Akon
Im'ma Shine - YoungBloodz
All the Above - Beanie Sigel & R. Kelly
Evacuate the Dancefloor - Cascade
Go! - Common
When the Lights Go Out - Foxy Brown
Party and Bullsh*t - Biggie
Bulletproof - Foxy Brown
Lighters Up - Lil Kim
Green Light - John Legend
The Sound of Violence - Cassius
Chelsea - Stefy

Enjoy!
The VP

Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Fries Recipe

2010-01-29T11:33:00.000-05:00

Mmmm, yes please!

http://sarahscucinabella.com/2008/01/22/oven-baked-sweet-potato-fries/

Paralyzed

2010-01-21T14:58:00.003-05:00

OH

MY

GOD.

The pain today when I woke up was unbelievable. I couldn't bend my legs, couldn't even get comfortable while LYING DOWN!

I somehow got to work (very slowly - it took me an extra 10 minutes because I could only manage walking at a snail's pace). I mainly sat at my desk all morning and heaved and ho'd everytime I had to cross my legs, tie my shoe, get up to go to the bathroom.

And I was REALLY nervous about going to my second training session during lunch, because I didn't know if I'd be able to actually move at all. Funny - my trainer didn't care! He laughed it off and started me warming up with 200 crunches. When I realized I wasn't going to get any sympathy, I just bucked up and starting working. It was a great session and not only has the pain somewhat subsided just by moving my muscles, but I also feel energized and excited to get back to him next week.

Next session is a full week from today... I hope I can motivate myself (and remember whatever the heck we did) enough to keep it up until then!

Ouch!

2010-01-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

So, I went to my first session with my new personal trainer last night. It was great! He gave me a full hour and we did old school stuff that I haven't done in years - sit ups, lunges, squats, push ups, etc. I forgot those things worked! I am so gloriously sore today.

I'm a little nervous about how to keep it up when I don't have him pushing me every step of the way. Unfortunately, it's too expensive to afford more than one 1/2 hour session each week.

If anyone is reading this who has worked with a personal trainer in this way before, please share your experience with me. I want to be reassured that I'm not wasting the money on a 1/2 hour per week workout!

Can't walk,
The VP

Yeah, baby!

2010-01-12T14:44:00.002-05:00

I just ran for 16 minutes straight at 5.5!!! That was new! I wish I could say what was different this time, but I really can't. I was happy with a few great songs in a row on my playlist, maybe that was it?

Bored to be Buff

2010-01-11T14:10:00.003-05:00

Have another run planned this evening. I'm up to 3 minute intervals after 2 minutes of walking, for a total of 30 minutes. Once I ran 8 minutes in a row at a speed of 5.5 and haven't been able to do it since.

I keep doing it for the Runner's High, but God, I get so booooorrrrrrrrrrrrred most times.

Bored to be Buff,
The VP

Fat and Frumpy

2010-01-07T15:02:00.002-05:00

Well, that last post was a crock. I still haven't worked out.............

At all...............

Since Saturday.

And I've been maintaining life on a diet of chips and candy for an entire week now. My legs were actually SWOLLEN last night from the salt and sugar. Sweatpants that literally fell off of me to the ground the last time I put them on actually fit like a glove last night. Scratch that - they were tight. I holed myself in bed at 6pm and ate until I fell asleep. What's with the self-sabotage? It had been awhile. I guess I thought I as cured.

I feel like mush. I started back on the right track today and am hoping to get to the gym tonight, but God, I'm defeated. By no one but myself :(

Fat and frumpy,
The VP

Candy Mask

2010-01-04T16:27:00.002-05:00

Sooooo sorry for the lag, folks. I couldn't stop enjoying my week and 1/2 long vacation long enough to write!

So, running is going well. Dropped the speed down to 5.5 the other day and ran for 8 minutes straight. Epic for me! I also tried a yoga class. It wasn't too difficult to get through (besides ignoring the flighty language and dippy instructor while trying to concentrate on the moves) but I was so sore for the following two days, in a wonderful, wonderful way. I'll definitely try it again, though running is where it's at for me right now.

Went right back on the carbs at Christmas and ate, oh, I dunno... like 89 crackers and 7 dinner rolls. Did a little better during the week and then flubbed up at New Years again and ate soooooo much candy. I have to say, I don't feel heavier per say, but my skin is atrocious. It's enough to make me stick to fruits and veggies, nuts and beans all the time. The added sugar of the candy just put my complexion in a bad place, and my energy is shot from all the complex carbs.

So I want to take tonight off from the gym (I took yesterday off too so this is a risky game)
because I have to unpack, food shop, and set a serious facial mask of some sort to get rid of these pimples. So, I'll allow myself this, and will hit the gym every day for the rest of the week. Deal? Deal.

Happiest of New Years!
The VP

New Year's Resolution

2009-12-16T16:14:00.001-05:00

Had a realllllllllly tough time running today. Only got through two 3-minute intervals. My legs were burning, yes, but it was more that I couldn't breathe!

Ugh, New Year's Resolution to Stop Smoking - nice to meet you again! Haven't seen you in a year. Then a year before that. Then another year before that.

Defeated,
The VP

Stupid Humans

2009-12-14T13:55:00.003-05:00

I challenge you to watch Food, Inc. and NOT come away a vegetarian. I can't even finish typing this because I'll get preachy and judgmental, and who wants that? Just trust me - watch it. It's good for your soul.

Week 3, Workouts 1 and 2 went splendidly! Can't wait to run again tonight!

The VP

Unexpected Challenges

2009-12-09T11:41:00.003-05:00

Well, last night was a little difficult. Perhaps it was because I had taken 2 days of rest rather than 1? Or, I'll admit - I caved in to the disgusting habit of smoking yesterday a few times before the run. In any case, I finished Week 2 Workout 3, but didn't feel as great about it as I had been.

What inspired me to keep going yesterday was the knowledge that SP is doing this with me, so I need to stick with it.

Is it bad to run everyday? I love the high after a run, so why do I need to rest between them? Plenty of people run everyday, don't they?

The VP

Couch to 5K Podcast

2009-12-08T10:40:00.001-05:00

I'm running along with Robert Ullrey's Couch to 5K podcast. Download it from iTunes! It's great. I've even grown to enjoy the music...

http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/podcasts/podcasts.html

It's WORKING!

2009-12-04T16:03:00.002-05:00

My running is going swimmingly (hehe)! I was dying last week - simply dying. Then I did my 4th workout last night and it was a pure breeze. I don't know why, but my body seems to be responding to the training ... I'll take it!

It's so exciting to see the changes in my body right now. My legs are getting more toned, I have less of a belly than I did just 2 weeks ago, and every time I see someone they are commenting on how I lost more weight. I'm not sure if it's the low-carb diet, vegan diet, Couch to 5K programcutting down on salt, or a combination of all of it - but something is working and it's working well ;)

Gotta stick with it. Have a good weekend everyone!

The VP

Couch to 5K

2009-11-30T09:38:00.003-05:00

I feel good!!! I avoided most carbs all holiday weekend, minus the devouring of vegan sweet potatoes (Delish - Just mashed sweet potatoes with coconut milk and a bit of ginger). I didn't weigh myself, but my clothes are getting bigger and bigger on me.

I also started a Couch to 5K running program. I am NOT a runner. In fact, I hate it. But I'm trying...
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I've completed workouts 1 and 2 of the first week, and tonight will be my third. I'm considering trying the Week 1 Workout for 2 weeks and doubling the time of the program (usually 9 weeks, I'll make mine 18). I'm in no rush, this is simply for endurance and fitness.

Try it with me?
The VP

Victory!

2009-11-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

Lost SIX pounds!!! Cutting down on carbs is doing wonders for me!

Bleh.

2009-11-19T15:53:00.001-05:00

Been on a low-carb diet for a week - felt like I lost weight and suddenly feel horrid after getting rejected by a guy. How high-school-lame am I?

How can just an action make me feel fat?

Tomorrow Never Comes

2009-11-05T12:22:00.003-05:00

I've been a beast lately. Eating anything that's not nailed down. My skin is breaking out because of it and my clothes are fitting poorly. It drives me into such a state of uncomfortability that I'm in bed with the lights out in my fat-forgiving pajamas by 7:30pm. GROSS! I can't stand this "addiction" to food that I so clearly have. Even when I'm not hungry I can't stop myself! There is this constant "start tomorrow" chant that runs through my head. What about starting right now?

The VP

Great Veekend

2009-10-13T12:28:00.002-04:00

I absolutely LOVED my Vegan Weekend - or Veekend :)

Angelica's Kitchen was the best vegan experience I've had... The carob brownie with Pistachio whip at the end of the meal made me want to move to the East Village just to pick one up every night.

VegFest was a little weak but I picked up some nice pamphlets to hand to those who question why I'm making the switch in the future... I'm tired of talking about it.

And the film ingredients made me want to move to Oregon and become a farmer... maybe that's in my future.

Not happy to be back to the grind,
The VP

Food Fest!

2009-10-09T14:56:00.002-04:00

I'm looking forward to trying Angelica's Kitchen this weekend... any of you NY'ers ever been?
http://www.angelicakitchen.com/

Also attending VegFest in Tompkins Square Park on Sunday and a movie screening of Ingredients - an exploration of the local food movement. http://www.ingredientsfilm.com/the_story.php

It's going to be a Foodie Weekend in NYC!

See you there,
The VP

Tofurky, My Behind.

2009-09-30T13:24:00.003-04:00

Ya know what? I'm NOT going back to that nutritionist. The more I read about veganism, the more I learn she is wrong. I am NOT supposed to be eating soy every day. Tofurky is NOT a healthy replacement meal. And I've been eating MORE since I've gone to her because she says it's not enough to just snack on fruit, so I have to add nuts and a starch to that "snack" as well. It's no mystery why I'm not losing weight!

More veggies, more fruit, and I'll find my protein from beans and nuts. ENOUGH with the Tofurky.

Taking my will back,
The VP

Starting Over

2009-09-19T12:50:00.003-04:00

Well, last night I really went for it... I isolated, ate a pint of soy ice cream, a veggie burger with fries, and way too many pretzels. I passed out at 8:30 - probably from an emotional hangover.

Today, it's my task to let go of last night. To reassure myself that others DO lose weight so it CAN happen for me. I'm letting go of yesterday and starting over today.

Defeated

2009-09-18T13:25:00.002-04:00

No weight loss :( 3 weeks of healthier eating with no weight loss.

I went back to the nutritionist. She said I need to incorporate more vegetables but for the most part I'm doing well. What irks me is that on top of eating well and doing well, I have been to the gym almost every single day and worked out HARD for the past 3 weeks. And no weight loss?

Tonight would be one of those great, reclusive Fridays ... Cuddled in bed with a side of fries and a pint of ice cream. Can't say I'm not considering skipping the gym for the aforementioned Plan B.

Bummed and Big-butted,
The VP

My New Fave

2009-09-15T09:59:00.001-04:00

Delicious! Not too hot, a little bit sweet, and just perfect over dry brown rice!

Piggy's Visit to the Nutritionist

2009-09-01T13:58:00.005-04:00

WOW. No WONDER I am always hungry. Apparently stocking up on vegetables and carbs isn't worthwhile if you're not getting the protein and healthy fat needed to hold onto the nutrients.

See the pic of the "Healthy Plate" I posted. Since Friday, I've had to make sure my plate looks like this at each meal.

1/2 full with vegetables, 1/4 full with starches, 1/4 full with protein (hard to get when you're a vegan), and there should be healthy fat somewhere on the plate (olive oil on the veggies, nuts, etc).

Try it with me?

The VP

MIA

2009-08-25T14:24:00.002-04:00

Sorry, folks. Have been on vaca - both literally and mentally.

Eating has been better since my first OA meeting. I am conscious of my binges when they are started and am starting to identify the feelings that propel me into one.

I will be seeing a nutritionist this coming Friday to get me started down a healthy vegan path. Will keep you all posted on what I find out!

Happy Eating,
The VP

My First OA Meeting

2009-08-18T10:03:00.004-04:00

I did it! I went to my first Overeater's Anonymous meeting last night.

The speaker said so many things that resonated with me. Like I do now, she used to used food as a way to "numb out." She was embarrassed to let anyone else know how much she ate, so hid it. She would eave dinner with her friend where she'd eat a salad, and go home and binge on junk food. She would sometimes have 2 lunches, 3 dinners. She was close to 200 pounds and wore sweat pants and pajamas most of the time. She came into her first OA meeting 9 years ago, and hasn't "relapsed" with a binge since.

It never really occurred to me that you can NOT eat like that for a full week, let alone 9 years. She must weigh 115 pounds, if that. In fact, I was shocked to find that only one woman of the group of 10 was overweight, and she claimed she had just come back to "the rooms" after a 3 year relapse. Many of the girls introduced themselves as bulimics, anorexics, or "restricters" on top of their qualifications as compulsive eaters. I guess it's all as simple as this: everyone in the room has issues with food.

So, last night I didn't binge :) I ate my dinner - a baked potato and corn on the cob with a handful of grapes for dessert - and I went to bed, knowing I would be able to eat again in the morning.

Hi, I'm The VP. I'm a compulsive overeater. I have 2 days.

Oh, The Horror!

2009-08-17T09:11:00.008-04:00

Hmmm, wonderful. My trusty, always-fit-me, size-12, guaranteed-look-good black pants DIDN'T zipper this morning. This is bad.

Something has to be done. Tonight I am going to my first OA meeting. 5:30pm. Hopefully posting this here will hold me accountable and I'll actually go...

The VP

Fridays can be scary.

2009-08-14T13:39:00.004-04:00

Fridays can be scary.

Since I quit drinking almost two years ago, Fridays have adopted a different feeling than they used to hold. I still look forward to the end of a week of work, but there is also a little tickle of anxiety as I think about spending the night alone.

I say "alone" because, let's face it - My drinking friends just don't come calling on this nondrinker on Fridays anymore. This is fine. I somewhat enjoy the idea of winding down the work week in a quiet manner - Reading? Watching a movie? Going to the gym? Anything other than getting plastered in a bar.

Yet, I still want to feel that "freedom" of getting plastered like I used to on Fridays. I want to feel that total abandonment, that lack of control. I want to exercise bad judgment and wash all of the stress away by indulging... and that indulgence has become FOOD.

I don't WANT to devour an entire bag of pretzels with hummus and a pint of soy ice cream AFTER I've already eaten dinner. But I don't know how to stop. It has become a habit - one that I both love and hate.

How do I stop a binge when it's coming full speed ahead?

Wish me luck,
The VP

Out of Control

2009-08-13T11:34:00.008-04:00

So, I'd be remiss if I didn't blog a bit about my struggles with food - and not just the typical struggle with non-vegan ingredients.

I am - and have been for as long as I can remember - a compulsive overeater. Photos of me throughout my life are a testament to this. It's hard to pinpoint what year any given picture was taken based on how I looked; I've weighed close to 200 lbs within the same year I've weighed 140. And even 140 isn't thin on my 5'2 frame.

I'm somewhere in the middle now. And while I'm ok and feel hopeful that veganism will eventually help me reach a healthy weight without depriving myself of too much. However, deprivation and exercising discipline are two very different things, and I'll admit I rarely participate in either.

I've been reading about caloric intakes, what's normal and what's not. Finding that I should be eating about 2,000 calories per day, I've started tracking what I eat. Not only does it NOT help me, but I become completely overwhelmed and find myself binging at the end of the day because "I'd already screwed up the day, so why not??"

Today, for instance - it is merely 11:30 am and I've already devoured 850 calories. So I panic. I think "how am I going to make it through lunch or dinner with only 1150 calories?" And miraculously I begin feeling hungry again. I know it can't be real - I can't TRULY be hungry - I just ate a banana, a bagel, jelly, blackberries, and mixed nuts in the last two hours. But what is it that triggers me to want more food? Emotions?? Even if I can pinpoint what it is that makes me eat, how do I change it? What can I do?

Unfortunately, I don't have an answer. But below are the signs of a compulsive eating disorder. I meet every... single... one:

-Binge eating
-Continuing to eat, even when you're full
-Eating rapidly during binge episodes
-Not able to control eating and thoughts of eating
-Feeling depressed, disgusted or upset about your eating
-Feelings of no self control while overeating
-Uncomfortable eating in public, or with others
-Chronic dieting
-Believing that life will be better when they lose weight
-Withdrawing from activities because of embarrassment about weight
-Social and professional failures attributed to weight
-Feeling tormented and trapped by eating habits
-Weight feels like focus in life
-Mood swings. Depression. Fatigue.
-Insomnia. Poor Sleeping Habits.

Not So Happy Eating,

The VP

Delish.

2009-08-12T15:01:00.002-04:00

Vegan Beginner's Guide

2009-08-12T14:49:00.003-04:00

Here's a decent Vegan beginner's guide: http://www.exploreveg.org/resources/vsk.html

Piggy's First Post!

2009-08-11T11:40:00.012-04:00

Well, if you're reading this post, my bet is that it's been awhile since it was written... I'm assuming I won't have visitors swarming my blog right off the bat. In any case, thanks for stopping by! This blog is intented to share information about a vegan diet.

It's been about 3 months since my decision to cut out animal byproducts completely. My reasons? Too many. Mostly I want to practice what I believe in - existing on this earth without harming anyone or anything in the process.

In addition to the ethical aspect of my venture, I have to admit I was curious about the effects the vegan diet would have on my body. I've noticed a few things:
- I'm much less fatigued during the day, and no longer find the need for caffeine in the afternoon.
- I have a great deal of energy when I wake up in the morning. In the past I used to have to down a few cups of coffee before doing anything even similar to functioning.
- My skin is clearer.
- I've lost 10 pounds.

Though I've been trying my best to make a clean transition from a lacto-ovo diet, I am still surprised when I find out something I thought was "safe" to eat actually includes animal derivatives.

I'll start off by mentioning a few ingredients to avoid if you're striving for VEGAN living. I've pulled these from a great article I stumbled across here - http://www.exploreveg.org/resources/ingredients.html. Some nonvegan ingredients worth mentioning are:
Casein
Whey
Gelatin
Any ingredient with -stear- in its name
Glycerides, including glycerin and almost any ingredient with -glycer- in its name

What about you? Got tips?

Happy Eating,
The VP