Faux Vegan

I usually pack breakfast and lunch for work.  Usually, I'm pretty good about it but when I get busy I fail to do so.  I’ve been doing it for a while now and I’m telling you, my bank account thanks me.  I hadn't been to the grocery store lately so when I got up 7 days ago I had no clue what I would eat for the day.  I grabbed a container of Greek yogurt and headed out the door.  Somewhere between the ride to work and before lunch, I decided I wouldn't eat any meat that day.  I don’t know why I did it, but I announced to my coworkers that i wasn't eating any meat for a few days.

I’d say for 5 days out of the week I eat pretty healthy.  I tend to snack on chocolate chip cookies but mainly I’m a healthy eater (don’t judge me).   Almost every weekend since my birthday in May, I have been on the road on the weekends.  It’s hard to try and eat the way I normally do when I’m travelling.  It seems like something is always going on and food is almost always involved.  Why spend money when I can get a free home-cooked meal? Picture fried porkchops smothered in gravy, stringbeans cooked with ham hocks, my aunt’s famous Mac n cheese, or some fried chicken gizzards. (im country, yes) My excuse: “I don’t eat like this at home”.

I noticed that I was starting to get very tired again.  I was coming home taking naps for 90 minutes, trying to work out and feeling very fatigued, catching cramps, feeling bloated, etc.  I knew it was because my schedule was off.  Sometimes I wouldn’t make it to the store during the week and I would just grab something on the go, still trying to be as healthy as possible.  Once I decided I wouldn’t eat any meat for a few days, I really wanted to submerge myself into the vegan lifestyle for a few days.    I went to the nutritionist at my job a few months ago (FREE btw) and was given certain goals on how much protein, carbs, fat, and calories I should eat every day.  It’s not a diet but I began to understand how to eat.  She told me that I’m a very good eater but by looking at my goals every day I will know HOW to eat.  And yes, it’s been working when I actually follow it.  But this post isn’t about weight loss or dieting. 

I want to let you guys know the difference I have felt in these last 7 days since I have removed ALL meats from my diet.  I have not craved any meats and no I haven't been on the scale.  Like I said, my reasoning for this initially had nothing to do with weight loss.  (but hey, if it comes, I'm not one to Block the blessings of the Lord).  The first few days were difficult because I could only think of eating bread and pasta to fill me up.  That satisfied my carbs but I had to think about protein.  I went to a wedding, the bar, and a comedy show this past weekend and was able to successfully stick to my plan.  Day 6 was probably the 1^st day that I had a well balanced day of eating.  I went grocery shopping Sunday and bought veggie and black bean burgers and meatless chicken strips, for protein. I got my normal stuff, veggies, fruit, greek yogurt, almond milk, high fiber/protein cereal, eggs, etc.  I went to Zumba Monday night as well.  I hadn't worked out in a week so I dreaded going.  This aint your average Zumba class.  If you don’t believe me, hit me up on a Monday or Thursday night and I’ll prove it to you.  Surprisingly,  I was very energized.  I usually catch a meannnnnnn cramp across my stomach whenever I do an intense workout but I didn’t feel a thing tonight.  I was up at 4:30am that morning so I was anticipating a nap when I got home but I didn’t need it.  For dinner, I made the faux chicken strips and they shocked the hell out of me.  They were pretty darn good.  They taste just like chicken from the Chinese restaurants. (no offense).  I don’t feel as bloated as I have been and my energy has been up.  My digestive system is still getting used to my new diet but overall, I feel the changes.  For now, I will keep this up as long as I can.  I’m not trying to be inducted into the Vegan society but for now I will reap the benefits and update you all.   I've learned that to be Vegan actually means you don't consume or buy any products that are animal derived.  Sorry I cant give up eggs and my makeup so you see why i consider myself a "faux" Vegan.  There are entirely too many distinctions about vegetarians and I, for one, AM NOT HERE FOR THAT lol.  I am very proud of myself because I am treating this experience as an exercise to build discipline.  I wonder if I’m only noticing a difference b/c of the anticipation or am I really feeling a change.  Please feel free to give me food suggestions or leave any comments or questions.  

Here's the stir fry I made last night using the meat-less chicken strips:

the Gentle-man

On his 16th birthday, Karanja and his best friend were playing around with a gun they had found in their neighborhood.  His best friend pointed the gun at him jokingly and KJ got upset.

“Chill out, I know what I’m doing”, said his friend.

Telling KJ that it wasn't loaded, he pointed the gun at his own head and pulled the trigger,

killing himself,

in front of his best friend, on his 16th birthday.


When I first met KJ, I knew this brother had a testimony.  Accepting a job as an Economist for the city, he moved back to Richmond last year after receiving his Master’s from Savannah State.  We worked on several projects together and at the same time he was in the process of becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was a mentor for Big Bro, Big Sis.  I thought I was a busy person but it seems KJ always had one up on me.  He always takes initiative and never slacks when we are involved in any projects for our organization.  I get inspired by people I see out here grinding, taking full advantage of the world.  One day we were editing a video we made and I blurted out, “Where do you get your drive from”.  If you know me, you know I talk a lot and I ask a lot of questions.  You can say I was being nosey but I wasn’t.  I wasn’t trying to get in his business but I just had to know what kept him motivated to handle and conquer so many responsibilities. I know my question caught him off guard, but being the gentleman he is, he laughed it off and simply replied, “long story”.  I didn’t press any further.



You wouldn’t know that KJ witnessed his best friend kill himself from the tailored suits he wears.  You wouldn’t guess that all of his role models when he was a boy sold drugs and resided in penitentiaries from his chivalrous mannerisms and the way he always holds the door for women.  You wouldn’t imagine that he was expelled from high school and even landed in a jail cell himself from the smile he that is always present on his face.  KJ told me that it was his mother, who constantly prayed for him that helped him overcome adversity and that he wants to be the role model that he desperately sought out as a kid.  After talking with KJ about his story, all I can say is, “That’s God”!  Today, I salute my friend Karanja and say that you ARE that role model for young men and continue to let your light shine.  We’re watching and its evident, Your Gift Looks Good on You.

-grannyBee

The Maverick

This guy Vernon.  Vernon and I attended VCU around the same time.  I used to see him quietly on the scene.  Our paths crossed again last year as we both were part of an 8 month development program at work.  Every class, Vernon was dressed as if he was about to shoot for GQ Magazine.  That boy was sharp.  I noticed a slightly older gentleman, equally dressed to the nines, was one of the leaders as well.  Lo and behold it was his damn daddy.  You could definitely tell that his style and demeanor were inherited.  

 What I found noteworthy about Vernon as the weeks went on was that he had an extremely strong work ethic.  He was recognized for having completed a rigourous IT program and receiving a promotion.  I believe there were only two African Americans in that particular program at the time.  (insert Plug for STEM education) Although he was quiet, I could tell that this young brother was on a mission.  Vernon graduated from VCU in 2012 with a degree in Information Systems.  Getting to college was one of his greatest challenges.  Having graduated high school at the age of 16, he was never focused on his schoolwork or putting any real effort into going to college.  Living in New York at the time, Vernon started working and was only concerned about getting money and acquiring material things. Drake and Trey Songs’ “Succesful” hook comes to mind here.  He was denied entrance at almost every college he applied to.  Afraid of letting his parents down who were both Virginia Union University alumni, he applied to VCU.  He was accepted but had to pay for his dorm and tuition out of pocket and maintain an A grade average.  It was only UP from there.  In the meantime Vernon pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is a voulnteer Lacrosse coach for youth in DC.  

When you see Vernon, it’s evident that he invests a lot in himself and takes full advantage of every opportunity.  At some point, we all have to realize that we ARE more and HAVE more to offer if we just apply ourselves.  Vernon realized this early on and has been reaping the benefits of exceeding his potential.  As you probably guessed, Vernon said every man should have a well-tailored suit. I used to joke with my friend that Vernon never wore any socks with his loafers lol.  Once the winter hit, I noticed his pants were a little longer and his ankles were covered lol. (just kidding Vernon).  Today I #salute Vernon Howard who is well on his way.  You can follow him on Instagram @ mavr_1ck  .