vegan

3 Comments Posted on food reviews, vegan

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

(End of the Line Cafe, featured above.)

When I travel, I like to feature the “vegan friendliness” of the city I am spending time in. I like being able to share with other like-minded people where they can go to eat, showing them they do indeed have healthy options. Here’s my video I made for this occasion…

And I’ve done this before in other cities… Vegan Friendly Review of Asheville, North Carolina; Vegan Friendly Review Of Atlanta, Georgia; Vegan Friendly Review Of Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe; Vegan Friendly Review Of Ponte Vedra Inn And Club At Pompano Beach, FL…

Now it’s time for me to feature Pensacola, where my family took a mini vacation recently while driving a 2015 Toyota Sienna.

I can assure you that if you are wondering whether you can make a plant-based diet work in Pensacola, you’ve got nothing to worry about… whatsoever.

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

If you’re going to be there for a few days like we were, I definitely recommend stopping first at Everman Cooperative Grocery and Café. It’s a lot like Whole Foods, just a little smaller.

You can stock up on all your essentials there. For us, that was things like Larabars, coconut water, and Kombucha.

But while you’re there, you’ll realize what a great place it is to actually eat a meal at. Their café provided so many options for our family’s diverse tastes. We ended up having at least 3 or 4 meals there. My wife particularly loved their smoothie bar.

So whereas Everman Cooperative Grocery and Café makes for the perfect base if you’re unable to cook your own meals, there are 3 other obvious options in Pensacola…

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

The first is Mellow Mushroom. Obviously, this pizza joint is known for catering to the plants-based crowd. My wife and I never have to worry; we can easily order a vegan cheese pizza with veggies. (We actually dined at the one in Destin, but there is one in Pensacola as well.)

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

As far as the other two options, they are both artsy. At Sluggo’s, we enjoyed meatless, dairy free, “meaty” sandwiches.

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

And at End of the Line Café, we enjoyed some meatless, dairy free, “meaty” burritos.

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

There’s no question that all of these places served delicious and fun food. After all, they are very focused on healthy eating, therefore the quality is there by default.

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

Actually, there was one more that I almost forgot about. Jaco’s, in downtown Pensacola, right there on the pier. They are absolutely not a vegan or vegetarian restaurant by any stretch; however, they were very accommodating to our dietary restrictions; my son is a vegetarian, not a vegan. My wife said it was her favorite and that we definitely have to go back there next time we’re in the area.

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

So there you have it: Yes, you can totally enjoy a vegan and/or vegetarian experience in Pensacola, Florida. Thanks for reading!

Vegan Friendly Review of Pensacola, FL

1 Comment Posted on parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized, vegan

Dear Jack: Your Homemade Cinnamon Milk/Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

4 years, 3 months.

Dear Jack: Your Homemade Cinnamon Milk/Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

Dear Jack,

Well, hopefully last week marked the last of the snow for winter…

Dear Jack: Your Homemade Cinnamon Milk/Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

It definitely marked the week in which we watched Pee-wee’s Big Adventure two times within 24 hours.

You confidently expressed to me you liked it better than Big Top Pee-wee, which we watched twice within 24 hours two weeks ago. Even though the scary clown scene technically was inappropriate for you to see in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, only Mommy covered her eyes.

Dear Jack: Your Homemade Cinnamon Milk/Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

I have to admit, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a solid movie. Here’s a little bit of trivia: I was 4 years old when it came out in 1985; the same age you are now.

We also took a quick family drive to Rooster Tails, a cool retro style furniture store we’ve bought from before. You helped us look for a coffee table for our living room and a bookcase for our office.

Cinnamon

One of the highlights from this past week was when you decided you wanted to “make milk” for our family to drink over the weekend.

Over the course of two days, you would sit up on the counter with a mixing bowl, bumming spare ingredients off of Mommy and me, so you could add them into your bowl of water.

It’s all a blur, but I remember there being cranberry juice, oregano, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and chia seeds in it; among other random items we had in our kitchen. Just a pinch of each led to a big bowl of chucky, brownish gray water that you were so proud to stir up.

For dinner Sunday night, you decided it was time for all us to try your new concoction.

Cinnamon

What you didn’t realize was that Mommy poured some of your chocolate almond milk into your cup instead of what you made, just sprinkling in some cinnamon.

As predicted, you were skeptical to take the first sip. So Mommy and I gladly did. You were curious by how authentically we seemed to be enjoying your “homemade” milk.

You took a baby sip… then a bigger one.

“Mommy! Daddy! That tastes good! It tastes like cinnamon… and chocolate!” you proclaimed.

One day you’ll read this letter and realize why.

Love,

Daddy

Cinnamon

Leave a comment Posted on Health, Uncategorized, vegan

What I’ve Learned From Being A Vegan For The Past 2 Years

What I’ve Learned From Being A Vegan For The Past 2 Years Nick Shell

It was March 6, 2013 that I accidently decided to become a vegan. Wow, that was a quick 2 years!

In hindsight, I definitely went through a self-imposed, self-advertised, and awkward public transition during the first couple of months that followed. You could say I may have been a little too zealous about my lifestyle change at first; on Facebook, in particular.

Since then, I have grown up; not only in how much more reserved I’ve become on Facebook in general, but also how I communicate regarding stories about my vegan lifestyle.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve learned to become more inviting (and less bold) when it comes to sharing about it all.

It doesn’t help, as I’ve recently learned, that I have a “D” personality; according to the DISC personality test. In other words, I have the most aggressive personality, so I am learning to control how my passion comes across to others.

At first, I was so eager to prove the vegan lifestyle to the entire world.

What I’ve Learned From Being A Vegan For The Past 2 Years

These days, I simply want to be known as the token go-to vegan in everyone’s social circle. I’m not eager to convert anyone. I’m just simply here to offer information to anyone suffering from chronic sinusitis and/or dyshidrosis (eczema); both of which I am cured of now that I discovered this lifestyle.

For example, being a vegan for 2 years has taught me a simple concept: Mucus in, mucus out.

No one wants to think about this, but ultimately, both milk and eggs contain a certain amount of mucus, from a foreign species.

When a human ingests that mucus (which is a product of the endocrine system, which truly is disgusting when you consider what else the endocrine system is responsible for), it can definitely have negative effects; as mucus itself is a defense mechanism the body to uses to fight off foreign substances.

Therefore, roughly 20% of the American population has chronic sinus and allergy issues (like I did for 22 years). According to my theory here, it’s because they are ingesting the foreign-fighting mucus of a foreign species.

This is not the sort of thing I openly talk about on Facebook, like I did at first. Instead, I reserve it for open-minded/curious people who care enough to actually read an entire post like this.

What I’ve Learned From Being A Vegan For The Past 2 Years

In addition to learning to be more reserved in my communication about it, another thing I’ve learned is how my psychology has evolved.

I see now that my relationship with food has transitioned from an emotional relationship to a functional relationship.

Well, obviously I’ve survived the past 2 years without eating any animal products (eggs, dairy, meat, etc.). Granted, I had already been a vegetarian for more than a year before my vegan conversion, and had been kosher (no pork or shellfish, etc.) for several years before that.

While some people have assumed it must take extra discipline to live my life this way, I actually believe the indirect opposite is true:

I don’t have the discipline it takes to only say “yes” in moderation to certain foods. But if the rule is consistent, that I can never have certain things (anything that registers 1% of my daily cholesterol or greater), then it actually takes the temptation away.

In the past 2 years, by default, I’ve learned the importance of getting all my necessary nutrition from 6 things: vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.

I’m happy. I’m never hungry. I eat all the time. It works for me.

If you have any questions, I am happy to answer. I want to be known has the friendliest, least annoying, most helpful vegan you know.

What I’ve Learned From Being A Vegan For The Past 2 Years

You might also enjoy these other vegan-themed posts I’ve done as well:

Dairy And Egg Free Testimonials: Nick Shell- A Year And A Half Later

I Survived A Year Of Being A Vegan, Part 1

I Survived A Year Of Being A Vegan, Part 2

How To Stay Fuller But Eat Healthier This Year (And Still Eat Meat): A Starter Plan

Ask A Vegan Anything: Is Dairy Related To Allergies And Sinus Problems?

Ask A Vegan Anything: “Where Do You Get Your Vitamin B12?”

Ask A Vegan Anything: Here’s Your Chance

How To Have A Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher Or Plant-Based Christmas

Vegan Friendly Review Of Atlanta, Georgia

Vegan Friendly Review Of Ponte Vedra Inn And Club At Pompano Beach, FL

Vegan Friendly Review Of Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe

Vegan Review Of The Farm House In Downtown Nashville

Vegan Recipe Review: Quinoa And Pinto Bean Sloppy Joes

Review Of Dandies Vegan Marshmallows By Chicago Vegan Foods

5 Reasons Your Facebook Friends Are Going Vegan

Dairy And Egg Free Testimonials: Ben Wilder, 6 Months Later

1 Comment Posted on food reviews, parenting, Uncategorized, vegan

Dear Jack: Our Visit To Mellow Mushroom In Downtown Franklin, TN

4 years, 2 months.

Dear Jack: Our Visit To Mellow Mushroom In Downtown Franklin, TN

Dear Jack,

Last Friday after work, I drove straight to Mellow Mushroom in downtown Franklin; which is only about 20 minutes from our new house.

Grandma wanted to take our family out to dinner to help celebrate us moving in our new home.

I suggested Mellow Mushroom, already familiar with the idea that it was “vegan friendly,” though we hadn’t eaten there since I became a vegan nearly 2 years ago.

Dear Jack: Our Visit To Mellow Mushroom In Downtown Franklin, TN

Turns out, it was one of the best meals I’ve had eating out at in a long time. I was pleasantly delighted to be there; and so were you!

You enjoyed getting to see “the Mushroom Man,” who was made completely out of spare car parts.

I liked their kids’ menu. You ordered a cheese pizza with a side order of steamed broccoli… which you ate all of.

As for me, I had a delectable vegan pizza which came with vegan cheese, tofu, and plenty of veggies.

Plus, I’ve never been to a Mellow Mushroom when the service wasn’t perfect. The staff is always so helpful, yet laid back.

Dear Jack: Our Visit To Mellow Mushroom In Downtown Franklin, TN

I almost forgot… Mellow Mushroom is where Mommy and I went to dinner the night I proposed to her!

Back in January 2008, I had planned to propose at Saffire restaurant at the Franklin Factory, where we had first met. However, the day of, I found out that restaurant was closed on Monday’s.

So we had dinner at that same Mellow Mushroom there in downtown Franklin, then we drove to the Franklin Factory, where Mommy said yes when I proposed.

While we’re obviously not new to Mellow Mushroom, now that we are a plant-based family I feel that we have now discovered our official go-to eat-out restaurant closest to our new home.

Obviously, you know we don’t go out often, but when we do on special occasions, I’d be fine with going to Mellow Mushroom every time. We’re actually going back this Saturday night for a fun, family Valentine’s dinner!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Our Visit To Mellow Mushroom In Downtown Franklin, TN

Leave a comment Posted on Health, Uncategorized, vegan

Recipe For The Vegan Fruitcake Breakfast Smoothie: Williams-Sonoma Smoothie Week

After recently discovering my post, Recipe For Vegan Banana Split Milkshake With No Added Sugar Or Anything Artificial, from last summer, Williams-Sonoma asked me to share a new recipe for Williams-Sonoma Smoothie Week.

Williams-Sonoma Smoothie Week

I am glad to help out with this because, actually, I’ve been meaning to get around to sharing the recipe for my daily morning smoothie.

I call it the “Vegan Fruitcake Breakfast Smoothie.”

It’s full of fruit and nuts, like a fruitcake, but doesn’t contain the typical artifical food dyes and added sugar that fruitcake contains.

Not to mention, I think most people would prefer the taste of my Vegan Fruitcake Smoothie over fruitcake anyway.

I created the Vegan Fruitcake Breakfast Smoothie because I wanted to invent a delicious, easy breakfast starter that was full of good fat, but like all vegan food, contains 0% of your daily cholesterol allowance.

Here are the ingredients:

1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 banana

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

1 tablespoon of vegan cocoa powder

1/2 cup of cashews

1/2 cup of berries (your choice of strawberries, blueberries, etc.)

4 cranberries

First, I pour the almond milk into the blender. Next, I place the banana. From there, I toss the rest of the ingredients in. Then I use the pulse button for about 10 seconds to ensure there are no clumps.

From there, I drink it!

Recipe For Vegan Fruitcake Smoothie: Williams-Sonoma Smoothie Week

I seriously make this smoothie everyday in my blender. I’ve been doing it ever since I invented the Vegan Banana Split Milkshake 6 months ago; that smoothie is what inspired this thicker version of it.

Recipe For Vegan Fruitcake Smoothie: Williams-Sonoma Smoothie Week

As we are just one week away from moving into our new house, I am considering getting a newer, bigger, badder food processor; not only for my smoothies, but because as a vegan/vegetarian family, we use blenders and food precessors a lot!

Thanks for learning about my recipe for the Vegan Fruitcake Breakfast Smoothie!

To check out more recipes for Sonoma Smoothie Week, you can visit the Pinterest Page or the Facebook page on Friday, January 23rd where they will be highlighting some of the recipes.

And please let me know if you decide to try the Vegan Fruitcake Breakfast Smoothie!