Social Side to Being Vegan

by parkcity, October 16, 2009 | Permalink

There are many ways to look at th

The Emotional Side of Being Vegan

by parkcity, October 16, 2009 | Permalink

Hello All,

It is October and I am still vegan!  Come November 1st it will be four months and couldn’t imagine not being feeling the way I do right now.  I have a few stats to share 3 1/2 months later.  I now weigh 168 pounds from 195,  I made it down to 162 but felt I needed to get in the gym and build some muscle back.  I work out everyday after work at Silver Mountain Sports Club at Kimball Junction.  I feel amazing and feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.  My energy levels are off the charts and feel like I could acccomplish anything right now.  

Emotionally this has been an adventure in itself going vegan.  Patterns in life were all out of the norm and sometimes I felt lost in what direction to go next with my vegan experiment.  So when I felt lost or out of my life pattern I just ate the most amazing vegan foods I could.  This gave me focus,  great nutrition,  and a balance to what I was doing.  There were many times when I felt alone in a crowd or amongst friends because they were sharing a great meal together of which I could not partake.  But I quickly remembered what flavors they were talking about and I’ve eaten everything so why couldn’t I join the conversation about the incredible flavor they were enjoying.  I still love food and sharing it with others so I learned that just because I don’t eat it doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate it.  

Another area of emotional debate within myself was the feeling around friends and family who didn’t know what a vegan was.  There were many comical statements made which get old but are still funny here and there.  The thing I had to adjust to the most was making people ok with the fact a vegan was in the house.  People would try and not serve certain things or change the menu.  I just wanted everyone to continue as normal and I would fit my way in where I could.  No waves was what I wanted most but the first time at someone’s house will always be waves just be ready.  I eat before I go anywhere, just in case.  Nothing worse than having low calories and trying to be funny.  I struggle enough with being funny so with low calories I have no hope!  Anyhow I’m always full when I arrive anywhere so if there is food I can eat great,  if not I’m still good.  You learn after leaving enough places hungry,  grumpy,  and tired.  

Being vegan for health versus politics.  This stance has allowed me to keep my distance from heated debates where there are not appropriate…like trying to have fun with friends and family.  I am always ready to debate.  Those that know me agree with that statement.  When it comes to animal rights I believe what I believe and want to focus on being a healthier part of my community first and when I ready to engage in that arena I will.  I have so much still to learn about being vegan I want to stay on track.  My goal is to sell the best foods available to my community and we do that well with the incredible team we have at the Park City store.  I felt I was on a path with my health that might not be great long term.  So I searched around and came to the decision that what I put in my body is the answer for me.  What I do with my body after would take focus and dedication.   So 3 and 1/2 months ago I changed what I put in my body,  workout daily,  and feel better than I ever have.  Going vegan for health reasons has been great for me both mind and body.

The first 2 months were very difficult to find my emotional place being vegan.  Having a supportive coworker structure was a must to turn the corner.  My friend Marc in Salt Lake City was very supportive in being open to cooking and going to vegan friendly places to eat.  Now I have great strength emotionally in my veganism.  This comes from the support of the team I work with daily,  friends I spend time with,  the fact I live near Whole Foods Market,  I live in 2 towns with great vegan cultures,  and the fact I really want to be a vegan.  Some of my friends now enjoy more vegan meals than ever before.  I like the fact that others would want to try their own vegan experiment…there is no better emotional compliment! 

Thanks,

Jeff

First two weeks in review

by parkcity, July 14, 2009 | Permalink

Today is day 14 of the vegan experience.  I will admit it has been quite the adventure both physically and emotionally.  Today is the first day I feel completely balanced both in mind and body.  

The first week I did not eat enough as it took some time to adjust to the change in options and convenience.  This caused my energy and spirit to take a beating.  Once I realized what was happening I spoke with Corinne and got back on track the second week.  Now I’m balanced in routine and conscious of the fact that I need to plan better to sustain the calories I need to be effective.  At first I thought that I was feeling badly because of the lack of dairy, meat, and poultry.  But in any change in diet the body will go through detox so you just have to power through. 

Some great changes have happened to me since starting the vegan experience.  I sleep so well now. Before I found it very difficult to wind down and stay asleep for longer than 2 hours at a time.  Now I can sleep straight through the night until my alarm goes off.  I now wake up with instant energy.  Before I would wake up still tired and not feel fully awake until I was out the door and at least one cup of coffee in the belly.  Now I wake up and am ready from minute one.  I don’t drink coffee until I get to work and drink half the amount through out the day.  I don’t eat late at night anymore.  Before I would snack up till bed time and now I eat dinner and don’t feel the craving to snack anymore.  I fell like this is a big reason why I’m sleeping so well.

Adjusting socially has been a learning experience as well.  I went to a vegan BBQ the first week and it was great.  Everyone there was eating the same foods and I felt no difference than any other BBQ I have been to. Then I went to a BBQ for the 4th of July, most in attendance were non vegan.  Evan the host was very gracious in providing options but it was a reality check that things will be a little different when eating out with friends.  It was the first time I really felt that I have changed my lifestyle.  All of the foods provided and snacks were most of my favorites and I couldn’t touch them.  It was like a kid in a candy store but the candy was behind a locked door but there were other kids inside having the time of their lives.  I no longer crave the foods I used to eat and don’t really crave anything that is a substitute.  I have no interest in a philly cheese steak vegan style.  I would rather eat something that was created to be what it is.     

Eating out has been an adjustment as well not only for me but my friends.  Restaurants that have vegan options are where we go that simple.  Most restaurants have options but you must be savvy enough to know how to order and communicate what you want.  The ones who have notations on the menu are simply just awesome.  I find that my friends often are eating better choices even though they are not vegan when we go out.  Now going to a restaurant that specializes in vegan food is just the most amazing feeling.  There are choices, confidence in preparation, and you are surrounded by people with similar passions.  The restaurants I have dined at promoting vegan options are Vertical Diner, Oasis, Mazza, and Squatters.  Mazza has been my favorite so far.  My dinner was the most flavorful vegan meal I have had so far.  Now a pleasant surprise can be in store if you go out to eat and vegan options are not on the menu.  Just ask the waiter what is the most popular vegan meal ordered and cross your fingers.  Twice the chef has prepared me something not on the menu vegan.  Both times they were to best meal at the table hands down.  When a chef can prepare something outside the box you know it will be special.

I was very worried that my energy levels would be at risk during this experience.  I am very high energy everyday and can sustain those levels from start to finish.  When my levels were low it had nothing to do with what I was eating it was all about the fact I wasn’t eating enough or drinking enough water.  My energy levels are higher than before but I can wind down and relax when needed something I couldn’t do before.  I also feel like I don’t need caffeine like before to get energy when I need a boost I eat my energy instead of drink it.   

Tonight I’m preparing pesto from scratch for the first time.  I love pesto on pasta and most if not all are prepared with cheese (didn’t know that).  My fresh basil on the porch is out of control huge and a friend suggested I make my own and freeze it.  I made a small batch tonight enough for 2 serving so I’m off to have dinner with my old friend pesto!       

Tomorrow I will blog more about the emotional side of this experience.  

Sincerly,

Jeff

My first day of Vegan Power!

by parkcity, July 1, 2009 | Permalink

Today is day one of the vegan journey.  I had a raw breakfast to start and quinoa black bean salad for lunch so far…Yum! 

My goals for going vegan for the month are very basic.  First to understand a healthier eating lifestyle,  second to better learn the vegan options we at Whole Foods Market provide, and third to experience the vegan culture including the restaurants in our community.  

After this month we will be able to provide more vegan options to our shoppers here in Park City that are passionate about them.  We will provide recipe cards from my favorite dishes.  We will better understand the vegan options in the community and be able to partner better and open the circle for healthier eating options. 

I am not alone in this journey for the month.  Our Marketing Specialist here in Park City,  Corinne Piazza, a 7 year vegan, will be my mentor through this adventure.  With any change in lifestyle you need a partner and an advisor.  Corinne will help me with menu options,  restaurants in the community, books to read, nutritional guidance, and just be there for support. 

Once we accomplish our goal of 30 days Corinne and I will both be mentors for anyone in the community looking for healthier eating options.  Look for “I am a vegan buttons” on our Team Members in the Park City Whole Foods Market if you have questions. 

Corinne and I will both be blogging throughout the month so check in online daily or come see us at Whole Foods Market Park City.  Stay tuned…!

“I Want to be a Vegan!”

by parkcity, June 25, 2009 | Permalink

Welcome to the Park City Whole Foods Market Blog, the coolest foodie place to be in Park City!

Starting this July 1, we will be launching our “I Want to Be Vegan!” project! 

Most everyone is looking for a healthier lifestyle, more energy, clarity of mind, and even a happier spirit these days.

Jeff Gonzales, our Store Team Leader here at Whole Foods Market Park City, heard the vegan lifestyle provided these opportunities, and declared “I want to be a vegan!” So, we’re making Jeff put his money where his mouth is this July, where he will be spending the month learning how to go vegan!

Now many of us have been intimidated by trying something new to us merely because we don’t know where to start. Jeff won’t be alone on this journey! Corinne Piazza, our Marketing Specialist and seven year vegan, will be his mentor on everything from what the best products are at our store, to the best places to eat in the community, to the best recipes to make at home!

The best part is if you’ve ever been interested in trying out veganism, you aren’t on this journey alone either! You can follow Jeff this July as he discovers how easy it is on our blog!

Stay Tuned….!