vegan challenge







Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.  I hope all your homes are decorated, shopping is done and all your holiday parties have been great.  I haven't done much decorating or partying but thankfully my shopping is done. :)

What I'm really excited about is the new year which is coming so fast...right?!  Where did this year go?  I was recently approached by blogging friend, Laura Henderson who is the Executive Director of an organization called Pasado Safe Haven, a non-profit working to end animal cruelty and create a more compassionate world.  She asked me if I'd be interested in doing a New Year's resolution post and because New Years is my favorite holiday and I love personal challenges, I said Yes. Pasado's Safe Haven is launching a new initiative called 7 lives in 7 days which inspires people to try and hopefully maintain for life, a vegan diet.

Click here for a full 7 day menu of healthy, delicious meals.  

They include a shopping list and a swap list.  To be honest, I don't eat that fancy throughout the week.  I eat oatmeal every morning and a salad for lunch.  Dinners revolve around beans and pasta dishes.  It's so super simple, super economical.




Not only will you be doing your health an amazing favor, who doesn't need a healthier happier you right now?  You will also be helping stop the horrid treatment and suffering of beautiful animals that needlessly die to feed us.  Also, animal agriculture is the most destructive industry on this planet. What a way to start a new year!  You can start today or you can make it the best New Year's resolution ever.  My suggestion would be to have a good pantry and refrigerator clean out right after Christmas.  Stock the kitchen with lots of healthy foods for this challenge and then just go for it.
You in?

P.S. - I'm back on Instagram

57 comments

  1. I'm actually struggling with Christmas this year and it's so bizarre. Like who am I? I don't even have all the ornaments on my tree yet. I think the weird weather is throwing me off.
    New Year's. I can't deal with that depression yet. But I'll be right in line with your challenge because I think I'll have my jaw wired shut 12-31 at midnight anyway. And my arms shackled. So I'll make sure my IV is plant based in your honor.
    Merry Christmas!

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  2. I thought that I left a comment a few hours ago...it must have been gobbled...maybe by a turkey!
    Mr. HB does not know it but we are eating way more vegan friendly meals...SHH!
    Think it is time to be more proactive with the veggies...
    Stephen you must be tired from all the Thanksgiving preparations...sounds like you are going to have some surgery...hope it goes well.

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    1. Luckily no surgery. I just meant to stop me from cooking and eating!

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    2. i used to be pretty sneaky with L's meals too. :)

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    3. With spices and the flavours of veggie chili and pasta with tomato sauce it's pretty easy not to mention less expensive too.

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  3. Count me in! I have been vegetarian for several years, and as the only person on the planet who doesn't care for ice cream and cannot stand the taste of eggs, going vegan should be simple. But I do like cheese. I am curious as to what your thoughts are on locally, humanely sourced foods such as a local, small farm goat cheese. Looking forward to the new year! And did you paint the wall behind your sofa? I'm loving the dark color!

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    1. yay michelle! you must be the only person that doesn't like ice cream! we have a small goat farm near us that started out by taking in orphaned goats. it's grown into a quite a success and the goats are treated like royalty. i love that. i don't eat the cheese but i support what they are doing.:) the wreath is hanging in the office which is benjamin moore's old navy. x

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    2. You're either vegan or you're not. Picking and choosing ( oh but I like cheese) doesn't seem to fit. I'm vegan but I like meat. That's okay isn't it?

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  4. Thank you, Janet. I copied off a few of their recipes.

    With much appreciation for all your great posts in 2015, happiest holiday to you and yours, and wishing you all the best in 2016. (Hope you got to enjoy some of that little-bit of rain yesterday/Saturday; we were very grateful for it here where I am, north of the big city!)

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    1. thank you vicki for always leaving such thoughtful comments. the readers here are an integral part of this blog. without you it's nothing! yes, we've been loving the rain every few days we are getting. it's so cold and actually winter-like! x

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  5. The meals certainly look delicious. I've been a vegetarian for years, but feel my diet could be improved, so count me in.

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    1. they do make it look easy and delicious. good luck and thank you so much for joining the challenge. x

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  6. Happy New Year, J. I canNOT wait for 2016. Don't let the door hit you in the hiney, 2015! Bye, Felicia!

    (I looked at the menu. Very pretty! I personally hate most fruits and veggies and could not choke them down if you paid me. Looks like a lot of good ideas though - good variety.)

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    1. yes, i feel the same way lor. it's been a rough year around here too. my ex boss could not stand fruit and vegetables either. she lived on doritos and pepsi. lol x

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    2. Oh, yuck! That sounds even worse (eyes bugging out) and made me hungry for an apple! LOL See, now your work is complete. I may be converted at least to fruits and veggies with that combo. Merry Christmas, Janet.

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  7. It seems very worthwhile . Have a lovely Christmas . I've enjoyed your posts this year. 🐝🦃🐿🇦🇺

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    1. thank you so much studio. wishing you a lovely christmas too. x

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  8. I don't know where the question marks came from!

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  9. Although I've been lacto-vegetarian for 47 years we actually eat vegan most of the time with rennet-free cheese and free range eggs only occasionally (quality food doesn't come cheap).
    To be vegan in India would be virtually impossible as pure veg food usually includes ghee, milk powder or paneer and it would make travelling a pain.
    Have a wonderful Xmas, Juanita! xxx

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    1. traveling always poses a problem with finding the right foods. i had problems in utah! anyway, thank you and wishing you a happy christmas too. x

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  10. We are eating vegan more and more and of course son is vegan. While I'm not there fully yet, ism committed to further increase our meatless and dairy-free meals. Merry Christmas, Janet and the yanks for the inspiration!

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    1. you are welcome wendy and yay for your son! merry christmas to you too! x

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  11. Janet what an excellent challenge, and such a positive and kind way to start the New Year. That menu looks so delicious, just the sort of meals I love. I've been cooking more vegetarian food this year and we are loving it, we are already strictly pork-free so it's not a huge leap to go vegetarian. I've been working on some recipes for winter that are filling after a day of skiing but that don't contain meat, there are so many yummy options even in a slow-cooker which is normally used for meat-based dishes.
    Thanks for the motivation and I wish you the Happiest Christmas Week and the best New Year Ever. XOX

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    1. oh i look forward to hearing about the crockpot recipes. i've never used one since being vegan. i used to love using them! merry merry christmas to you and yours. x

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  12. Thank you for the lovely holiday message, Janet!

    There are so many terrific vegan kickstarts, starter kits and challenges that make becoming vegan easier than ever. There's a new one that goes with New Year resolutions called Veganuary (pronounced vee-gan-uary).

    Launched in the UK in 2014, Veganuary is a global campaign that encourages people to try vegan in January.

    http://www.veganuary.com/

    The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's 21-Day Vegan Kickstart gives tips and recipes. Based on research by Neal Barnard, M.D., one of America's leading health advocates, this program is designed for anyone wanting to explore the health benefits of a vegan diet.

    http://www.pcrm.org/kickstartHome

    Many have found that a good way to get inspired to make changes is to watch the ground breaking documentary "Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret." The new Leonardo DiCaprio produced "Cowspiracy" cut is streaming on Netflix and the original release is available on the Cowspiracy website:

    http://www.cowspiracy.com/

    In the first two weeks of December, "Cowspiracy" was screened before the European Parliament, the Italian Parliament and the Dutch Ministry of Finance.

    The Cowspiracy web site also carries Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's 30 Day Vegan Challenge

    "Whether you want to help the environment, improve your overall health, shed a few pounds, or demonstrate your compassion for animals, expert Colleen Patrick-Goudreau gives you the tools and resources you need to make the vegan transition. Addressing your every question and challenge, Patrick-Goudreau holds your hand the entire time, helping you to break free from old habits and to experience lasting benefits – both tangible and intangible."

    You can check out the Colleen-Cowspiracy vegan kickstart here:
    http://www.cowspiracy.com/take-action

    Happy Holidays!

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    1. thank you KO for all this great info. happy holidays to you too. x

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    2. thank you KO for all this great info. happy holidays to you too. x

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  13. I think you are in my head. We are going Vegan in the beginning of the year too. Not just dipping a toe but full in. I am even working on eliminating my household of products animals tested and not environmentally good for the planet. I even bought reusable produce bags. : )Thanks for the link and challenge.

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    1. yay heather! that's how i did it, full force all in one day. have never looked back! good luck and happy christmas to you. x

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  14. Good post Janet! Aside from the obvious animal suffering, I think a lot of folks do not realize that the beef industry is the biggest contributor to global warming, generating the most greenhouse gases.

    I tend to make the same vegan meals although I found a curried red lentil stew to try for tomorrow night. I'm going to check out the 7 day menu link. I know my husband would never go 100% vegan, but he's on board most of the time.

    No partying around here....B*O*R*I*N*G!! Not even a neighborhood party to attend this year! :(

    Glad to see you on Instagram again! LOVE the photo of you and Larry with your granddaughter.

    Have a great Christmas!

    Linda
    xo

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    1. Oh, I just viewed that photo, too. What a beautiful shot of the three of you, Janet! Adorable baby but, man, you and Larry don't look like anybody's grandparents; you look as if YOU are the parents; who'd know you're in your 50s?!

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    2. that's funny linda b/c i'm planning on trying a recipe for curried red lentil soup. like minds! super boring here too. btw, i wore the necklace you bought me to work the other day and got so many compliments on it. thank you again...x

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    3. thank you vicki! you are too sweet. we really do look old in person...i swear! x

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    4. That's funny Janet because EVERY time I wear the necklace I get one or two compliments on it. And I agree with Vicki, you two do not look like grandparents!

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  15. I looked at the 7 days of menu. Really. Buying things that "taste" like turkey and cheese? Can you imagine the amount of processing and chemicals involved? Why bother??

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    1. well joanne i think there are a number of reasons to bother or try. the only thing you'd have to leave out are the deli and cheese slices but you could easily just have a veggie sandwich in place of the deli suggestions. i think their aim is to ease people into the diet and show them that there is a lot of variety in it. i rarely eat vegan deli products but in a pinch i will. x

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  16. Hi Janet, being a vegetarian and slipping back sliding once in a blue moon the Vegan challenge won't be too rough for us, my daughter and I here... My daughter has two girl friends are hard core vegan and trust me we never catch them slipping up... We have purchased ready made vegan dinners endorsed by actress Alicia Sliverstone... We have her book and being already a health nut on the intake of what damage we do to our bodies and earth this will be a worthy cause and I will give it my all.

    Perhaps I will atart December 26th giving myself a jump start here.

    Thank you dear for taking the time to visit my post and Christmas Production, I can attest that no animals were harmed while making this post come to life.

    Boy oh boy a vegan life can be really tough when I start to look at what's made with leather in my home or what I may wear, make-up, art products that have animal fats in it in the making of glues and such, oh wow! You have me really searching as to what is made with what now! :)
    Thank you Janet for all the peer pressure here you have given me!

    Xox
    Merry Christmas

    Dore

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  17. PS...is the black wall in your home? Or a family members? Love that black and cream floral pillow.

    Xox
    Dore

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    1. thank you dore. i did the same thing. i used to have a leather ottoman in our living room and after turning vegan it bothered me so much. i finally just got rid of it and have never missed it. no, the wall is navy blue as is the pillow. :) merry christmas to you and your daughter. x

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  18. Happy Christmas Janet - to you and your husband and all the family!
    Warmest wishes, Pammie xx

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  19. Definitely accept the challenge! It's my way of eating so it really isn't a challenge at all. Will definitely investigate the recipes but I'll bet any of your simplified vegan recipes tops all of the ones listed! Happy Holiday to you and your family. Janie

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  20. Thank you for the beautiful photos and stories throughout the year. I wish you Merry Christmas, and good health, happiness and life optimism to you and to your family in the upcoming year.
    Jana

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  21. I couldn´t agree more. And don´t forget the fur and the leather as well. There are other options.
    Merry Christmas!

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  22. You house looks prettier than ever. May I ask what white paint colors you used on the interiors-- for walls, ceiling and trim? Getting ready to paint again at our house. The black bean exterior is so adorable, and vegan...

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    1. the walls and trim are benjamin moore simply white, the ceilings are benjamin moore decorator white. the office is benjamin moore old navy. thank you!

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  23. Merry Christmas to you Janet, and I've loved your posts this year. I think anyone remotely health conscious loves a good vegan recipe. Even putting aside the animal cruelty message, eating more veggies is just good for you in general…. especially after the excesses of Christmas. Thank you for the links. xxx

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  24. Merry Christmas Janet! thank you for the link, I could always use more help in eating healthier and more compassionately. I agree with some of the other readers about the vegan deli options. they can be a convenience but I wonder about the amount of processing. and I really don't like the "cheese" substitutes.
    Blessing to you and your family in the new year.
    Darby

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  25. How great of you to put out the challenge. Nice job Janet. I think if people just experiment or flirt with the idea of giving up at least meat, they will see the world is full of beautiful, healthy, high protein plant based food. If the idea of going vegan is too daunting, at least try being a vegetarian. Baby steps....

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  26. Happy Birthday!!! Your birthday picture looks marvelous on Instagram. Where did you find the walking coat? It is very pretty. Happy New Year, too.

    I love a Mediterranean veggie sandwich with garlic humus instead of mayonnaise(like the one from Panera Bread)and black bean soup-Yum.

    Glad you are back!

    Sincerely,
    Debra from SENC

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    1. that coat was an estate sale find! your sandwich sounds so yummy. x

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  27. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL SISTER!

    jeanne

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  28. Great post. Would love to do this. Seems when I go all veg I get so hungry for protein...just not the right kind. Love the blue wall, wreath and pillow. Do you happen to know the name of the floral print on the pillow? I'm searching for a duvet and that print would be perfect. I so enjoy reading your posts. Thank you!

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    1. the print on the pillow is nanking by ralph lauren. thanks mary!

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