Diary of a Vegan, Day 3

We are hanging in there despite a busy couple of days. Henry has been sick with the green snotties for almost two weeks and developed a high fever last night. According to his doctor it looks like he has picked up one of those random kid viruses just as his cold was starting to get better. I also felt pretty crummy yesterday with a sinus headache and sore throat. I'm not sure if Henry has passed his germs to me or if it's just allergy-related. But I think I would feel worse than I do if I were still on the SAD (the rather appropriate acronym for the Standard American Diet). So I guess that's a win for veganism.

I feel like I am eating more often but I'm not sure that's true. I may just be more conscious of what and when I'm eating because I can't just grab a handful of goldfish crackers or a Luna Bar out of the pantry. I'm also spreading my calories out more instead of having a few large meals, which I hear is good for metabolism. Pita with hummus and olives is becoming my lunch of choice, and my favorite snack these days is the homemade trail mix I created when I was first nursing Henry and needed a quick influx of calories. Now I like it because it feels like I ate something substantial. It's my go-to snack when I really feel hungry.

3-2-1 Trail Mix

3 cups nuts (I use bulk mixed nuts)
2 cups dried fruit (usually a cup of raisins and a cup of Craisins)
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Dump it all in a bowl and stir it up. This makes a large bowl but you can very easily double it or use 1/2 cup portions instead as needed.

It's a very satisfying combination of sweet/salty/tart, as well as chocolatey enough to satisfy a dessert craving. I am trying not to have too much in a day because Rip says to limit nuts to half a handful a day if you are trying to loose weight. I far exceed that but I fear I would feel weak if I didn't. Also I break the rules and use salted nuts. I justify this because (1) I'm eating almost no processed foods so there's not much sodium sneaking in my diet, and (2) I think eating salt to taste is healthy for most people. A warning: don't leave a bag of this in your car cup holder. Even though it's October it's still hot enough to melt the chocolate chips here in Texas.

Tonight we are having Ellie Krieger's Penne with Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic, and White Beans. I'm super excited because this is a recipe Husband and I have made before and liked. Even though it fits within the parameters of the E2 diet it still feels like normal food, and these days normal is a treat. Of course we will have to forgo the parmesan cheese. Boo!