I’ve been a vegetarian for the last two years, and I’m trying to transition into being a vegan. It should be easy. I’m allergic to eggs, and I’m also lactose intolerant, but I just can’t resist all things involving cheese pizza, and smothered in cheese, besides that’s what Lactaid is for. But lately my lactose intolerance is getting worse, and even three Lactaid isn’t helping. I’ve decided to start off slow, and make two-thirds of my daily meals vegan.

Every week when I go grocery shopping I start off by purchasing at least five things that are completely vegan. I really enjoy trying new products that I have found locally. I also stock up on fruits and veggies. I plan my vegan meals around using all of the fresh produce first. I keep fresh fruit ready to go, and the kids love to snack on it too.

I’m still cooking regular meals for my family. However, I am encouraging my kids and my husband to try vegan and vegetarian dishes too. I have been surprised with how many vegetarian meals they have really liked.

Today makes two weeks of two-thirds vegan dishes. Here are some photos of the tasty dishes that I’ve been enjoying .

Vegan Chili

Baked Sweet Potatoes, Homemade Veggie Rice-a-roni, and Roasted Veggies.

I use Earth Balance Spread instead of butter to toast the rice and pasta. It is also perfect on baked potatoes, and baked sweet potatoes. Roasted veggies are a favorite of my husband.

Burritos, and Double Decker Tacos

Rice with Soy Sauce, and Baked Sweet Potatoes

I try to bake several sweet potatoes at a time, and then I keep them in the fridge so they are ready to go.

Pasta Salad, Pickled Okra, and Celery Slaw.

Black Bean and Rice Tacos

Avocados, Rice with Chopped Cashews

This has been one of my very favorite dishes so far. I add a little salt, pepper, and lemon juice to the sliced avocados.

Salsa Rice with sliced  Avocados

Black Bean Double Decker Tacos

Guacamole Burritos and Guacamole Rice too.

I found a perfect bag of Haas avocados, so I ate them for just about every single meal.

Vegan Tostadas

This is a favorite meal of everyone in the house.

I’ve been surprised at how easy it has been to incorporate vegan meals into my everyday cooking. The meals have really been delicious too. My stomach is behaving better, and I haven’t had any heartburn. My migraines are improving dramatically, and my knee pain and joint pain have eased too. Also my hair is curly now, which is strange, but kinda cool too.

I’m going to keep up cooking and trying out more and more vegan dishes. I’ll keep posting pictures too.