In January I introduced you to all of the members of The Extended Family. Each month I’ll be asking them questions. This week we will hear from Christopher & Kara and Emily & Tony. Check out The Extended Family page to read short bio’s from the whole family.

Christopher and Kara

1. What has been the biggest struggle with adopting a plant-based diet?

Our biggest struggle adapting to this diet would most likely be making sure we get enough protein and iron each day. I have been using a calorie counting program online, not for calories but to monitor the amount of each nutrient we are consuming to make sure we are getting appropriate levels. I grew up as a vegetarian and remember feeling low on energy and tired often. We were totally eating all the wrong foods! In college I began reading, “The Blood Type Diet” and noticed an immediate difference in energy when I was consuming higher amounts of protein. The best tips I have discovered to ensure we are able to keep up with our fast paced lives are; be sure to eat beans, millet, brown rice or quinoa each day and try your best to “eat the rainbow” with all your produce as well. This is really not hard to do when things are pre-cooked and readily available.

2. Have you noticed any positive changes in you or your family since beginning a plant-based diet?

The positive changes in our lives have been we feel healthier! It’s
hard to describe it but we feel “lighter”. We have a lot more energy
and sleep better at night. We seem to bounce back quickly from colds. Our
digestion is much better and we really enjoy the taste of food now. Everything
seems more vibrant and tasteful to us as far as grains, spices and vegetables.

3. What is your favorite plant-based meal?

A few of our favorite meals are Holly’s Broccoli and Brown Rice Casserole with a
twist. We like to add water chestnuts and cashews for an extra crunch. I really
like glazed acorn squash stuffed with wild rice and cranberries, green beans
with almonds and a lemon squeeze followed with some crusty bread. That’s a
great meal!

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Emily and Tony

1. What has been the biggest struggle with adopting a plant-based diet?

Our biggest struggle is that it is still very new (only a few months in) and that we do not know anyone else who is adopting a plant-based diet locally and therefore we do not have much support from those around us.  Some think we are crazy. Some ask questions.  Some are intrigued.

The past few weeks have been a little busy and it is easy to fall back into old habits (like the drive through at Taco Bell-though I do love their Cantina bowl….that’s okay right?).  We also had a game night at church and there was pizza….so we ate pizza.  We have also been invited over to people’s houses and we don’t want to be rude so we eat what they have prepared.  So overall it has been a struggle the past few weeks with support and we have realized how easy it is to eat junk again and want to stick to a plant-based diet!

2. Have you noticed any positive changes in you or your family since beginning a plant-based diet?

My favorite change I have noticed is in my children! They ask for oatmeal for breakfast (which is huge/I was shocked!) and we have gotten rid of most sugary cereal.  Also, we are still transitioning the milk for them but when asked if they want “cows” milk or almond….my daughter (2 ½) chose the almond. We used to go through 3-4 gallons a week of “milk” and now it takes 2 weeks to finish one gallon! Also, I love that for snacks my children are eating bananas, oranges, blueberries, strawberries and apples all on their own.  (maybe because we don’t have many other choices) But overall, they are doing pretty well and that is a very positive change!

I have started running since beginning a plant-based diet and so far so good. I was even able to run 3 miles last week!

3. What is your favorite plant-based meal?

We enjoy the Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole and have made it several times.  Right now though one of my favorite sites is Chocolate Covered Katie. She is a vegan and so are all her recipes.  She even has a lot of gluten-free versions. She has mainly deserts but a section on other main dishes as well! Everyone should check her out!

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Thanks Christopher & Kara and Emily & Tony! I appreciate your transparency as you allow us a glimpse into your lives. I know I’m encouraged by your stories.

Can you relate? Feel free to share some of your struggles, victories, or favorite meal recommendations.

Tagged: kids, Plant Based Diet, The Extended Family, Vegan