After incorporating a lot of vegetables and less animal products in our daily meals, we realized that we did not feel deprived. Then on November 4, 2019, my family and I watched “Gamechangers” together. This was at the request of my then 14 year old son. He was already very strict with his diet as he is a footballer. He became gluten-free - then he read tennis player Novac Djokovic's book, “Serve to Win” and was convinced he made the right decision.
quinoa salad
We decided to eat only vegan meals for 6 months. Was Gamechanger our gamechanger?
red quinoa with vegetable curry
Well, the conscious decision really had little to do with the film - but it helped. We were ready for a change - for something new. Everyone in the family was allowed to choose for themselves especially when away from home. However, all meals made by me were gluten-free and plant-based.
banana bread
I was ready to rise to the challenge. I went all in. I tried my best to maintain the joy of eating while still ensuring that we ate balanced meals. I wanted to continue to delight our palates with tasty dishes. It was not easy but I think I managed.
vegetable masala
I was busy all the time with meal planning and preparation. I was either soaking, juicing, blending or cooking. No complaints however. It was part of the process. It became easier after a while. I made almond milk and had a new appreciation for coconut milk. I even made my own cheesy spread for crackers etc.
During that time, we learnt how to eat in a different way. We learnt different combinations and had a new appreciation for certain vegetables and legumes for instance cauliflower and chick peas.
I learnt how to make delicious fritters with chick pea flour and courgette.
We already loved the tasty italian risotto with oodles of mushrooms and
filling pumpkin soups,
which can both be flavourful without meat or chicken bouillons.
I continued to use most of the herbs and spices from meat dishes for vegetables dishes.
green jackfruit with caribbean spices served with rice and peas
When someone missed fried foods - there was a tempura option.
Our meals were not lacking in tastes and flavors. I was creative - making Thai,
India -styled dishes.
also Turkish wraps
and delicious meatloafs.
tasty pre-baked meatloaf
We remained vegan for more than 1 year.
chinese styled - garlicky aubergine
Now we eat animal products again, but not in the same way as we did before. Many of the dishes I made during that time became family favorites.
lentil stew
I hope you enjoyed these vegan meals!!
all photos are my own - taken with my iPhone SE2020