You will rarely, if ever, find me talking about why I went vegetarian on this blog or in my daily life. That is what this section is for…
My 5 reasons for going veggie:
- I’m allergic to dairy products.
- I have always been repulsed by the taste and smell of meat. Yuck! I rarely craved it, if ever, really. This does not mean that I never eat it either.
- I have gradually adhered to a disagreement in terms of the way animal “farming” has evolved into what it is today. It downright frightens me.
- Vegetarianism naturally encourages me to ditch most processed foods and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- It has made me *the* most creative in the kitchen than I have ever been.
So let’s get honest:
- No, I am not a part of PETA (though I do not condemn anyone who is). I am simply not an animal activist though I do (absolutely) support humane treatment of animals.
- No, I am not offended if you choose to eat meat in front of me. I don’t appreciate anyone judging my eating habits, let alone would I even think to judge someone else’s eating habits!
- No, I am not even secretly judging you if you order a slab of ribs. I used to be a carnivore too. I’m probably wishing I could eat the cheese off your plate though…
- No, you will never find me telling anyone how to eat.
- Yes, I love animals. I also love humans, too.
- Yes, I drive a Prius.
- Yes, I hug trees. That was one time though!
- Yes, I am lax about making sure all ingredients are 100% animal-free. I make what I consider to be responsible choices with my food to the best of my abilities (which of course, is always subject to change because awareness is continually evolving). I am also not perfect and do not like creating labels.
Though I have a blog that is geared towards vegan recipes, I cook mainly vegan foods, and have a collection building of vegan cookbooks, I don’t call myself a vegan. Maybe by default I am, but that is about it. Regardless if you are gluten-free, gluten-fanatic, a vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, whatever-atarian, or a meat-eating lover in need of more veggie-friendly recipes, I’m so happy that you stopped by! You can always convert, substitute or add to these recipes to cater to your eating-orientation.
Fork and Beans is a site where ALL are welcome and my hopes are to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Who knows? Maybe you will realize that your parents were right when they said you’d actually like brussel sprouts! So go ahead, pull out those carrot sticks and enjoy!
38 comments
mmmarzipan says:
Nov 7, 2012
I really appreciate your honesty! I was veggie for 7 years (but with a very bad and unbalanced diet) and have been rediscovering the joys of veggie eating since my last pregnancy, during which I *craved* veggie food. Vegan baking is largely uncharted territory, but an area which I am SO excited to explore. And your blog is AMAZING! I am so glad I found it and that you are so willing to share your thoughts and recipes with everyone. Great work! All the best to you
Cara says:
Nov 7, 2012
Thank you so much! Goodness, so much kindess all in one paragraph
Vegan baking is my favorite just because I cannot stand the smell of eggs in a bowl (barf). It’s strange because most people cannot smell it but I can from a mile away. Plus, when baking vegan, the bonus is you can lick the bowl without worrying about ickies in your belly–hooray 
(can we see what my main motivation really is??) ha. Thank you again for your support. It is so greatly appreciated and I hope you like what you find over here…xo, Cara
mmmarzipan says:
Nov 8, 2012
I love what I have found on your blog so far! And I truly feel inspired on many levels. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us
All the very best to you xx
Nora says:
Jun 26, 2012
Wow I really love your honesty and your attitude towards vegetarian vegan diets in general.. I`m vegan myself, but I don`t like to judge about other ppl`s diets either because I think that that`s a very personal part, everyone has to find his or her “right” way.
D
D
And I really love your blog and recipes as well. Suuuuuch yummy stuff and beautiful pictures
lg nora
leroywatson4 says:
May 14, 2012
Hello Cara,
I know this feeling only too well. The explanation of why you don’t eat meat can get a little tedious. I have reverted to just saying ‘I like vegetables’. Its simple and to the point.
We love your blog and your dedication to all things delicious!
The Beach House Kitchen have nominated you for a
‘Versatile Blogger Award’ (http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/).
The Versatile Blogger Award is a great way of meeting other like-minded bloggers and getting folk to have a look at your pages (I believe it is known as ‘traffic’).
The rules for the Versatile Blogger are as follows:
If you are nominated, you’ve been awarded the Versatile Blogger award.
-Thank the person who gave you this award
-Include a link to their blog
-Select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly
-Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award
-Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself
Thats it!
Congratulations and happy blogging,
Lee and JaneX
http://www.thebeachhousekitchen.wordpress.com
Cara says:
May 14, 2012
A BIG thank you to you both! What a true honor to have you guys nominate me–I’m a fan your blog as well and just so appreciate it! Much love, Cara
Aly says:
Apr 25, 2012
Great Blog, I recently went vegetarian, trying to go vegan too, on almost your same principles, but many times people think i will criticize their eating habits (I know vegan people that do this) I hardly even think about it, it would be great if everyone was conscious about what they’re eating, but hey! even I have trouble leaving cheese alone (Just like you, I was never a fan of meat) Thank you for inspiring me and reassuring me it’s ok to be relaxed, everything turns out better this way =)
Cara says:
Apr 25, 2012
Oh you are so sweet, Aly! So happy to read this comment. There are plenty of people out there who criticize, not even just food choices but ALL choices so I like to think it is our duty to not be those people
Good luck with the transition if that is what you want to do but you are right, not taking ourselves too seriously is the best way to live. xo
Abby says:
Apr 20, 2012
Helllooo!
I know I’m late to the game here, but I bopped over from Spabettie and just had to say, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” to everything you said above. I’m not gluten-free, but many of my veggie food choices are guided by the exact same principles that you have listed above. It’s kind of freaky, actually, and I want to print this out and staple it to my forehead.
At any rate, I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I shall return…
Stephanie H says:
Mar 23, 2012
Hi Cara! I just came across your site and i’m so glad! Your “mission statement” above is EXACTLY how I feel about eating a vegan diet (except I don’t own a Prius, hehe). I don’t call myself a vegan either, although I have no animal products in my house and eat a vegan diet for the most part. I don’t freak out if my veggie burger was cooked near regular burgers, I will eat bread at a restaurant if it potentially has milk in it, etc. Calling myself a vegan made me feel so anxious, because I was nervous that I would accidentally be eating something wrong and the “vegan police” would chastise me. Now I try to identify with people that have a similar outlook on plant-based eating, which is why i’m so happy to find Fork and Beans! My passion for years has been to get people to eat healthier, and eating this way has only intensified this and helped me to reach out to even more people. I will be sharing this site as well to others in my mission to save our health one animal free product at a time.
Cara says:
Mar 23, 2012
The vegan police. haha. That gave me a great chuckle this morning–thank you for the smile you just put on my face. Thank you so much for all of those kind words–it’s so nice to meet people who have the same goals/vision for eating and who I know aren’t going to judge me if I consume honey, or whatever. The world would be a nicer place if allowed others to just be and to inspire through example {and owning a Prius}
ha. Much love and I hope to see your face around here a lot! xo, Cara
diaryofachefswife says:
Mar 19, 2012
Your blog is really great and very very informative! So much helpful information – and good timing too since I’m on a cleanse of sorts.
Cara says:
Mar 19, 2012
I am so happy to hear that! It was one of my biggest goals for setting up Fork and Beans–glad to know it is working for someone out there! What kind of cleanse are you doing, out of curiosity?
diaryofachefswife says:
Mar 19, 2012
Most definitely its helpful…and sometimes its hard to find so I’m happy to have come across your site. The “cleanse” I’m doing with my husband is more of a challenge. You can read more about it here http://wp.me/p2drm6-2B. We basically eliminated gluten, dairy, meat/poultry, coffee/black tea, alcohol, refined/artificial sugar for 28 days. We’re two weeks in! Yay! And we’re discovering all these new healthy alternatives in the process.
Caroline says:
Mar 8, 2012
Your blog has helped inspired me to try a vegetarian (and somewhat vegan) lifestyle. It has been 3 months now and I am happier than ever! Thanks so much!!
Cara says:
Mar 8, 2012
This has got to be the coolest thing I have heard all year, Caroline! Thank you so much for letting me know. How freaking awesome is that?? Much love to you, xo!
Kim says:
Feb 18, 2012
Cara, I am in the thinking about it stage. I have always been lactose intolerant but come summer I eat a big bowl of ice cream knowing the results. Soy works for me in moderation as well as gluten. Meat has never been that attractive unless someone else was cooking it. However, now that my gall bladder no longer works I am rethinking my approach to my food. Because I am tired of my stomach being a problem. Your blog is helpful start to my new eating adventure. Thank you for the information.
Cara says:
Feb 18, 2012
Oh Kim, I am so happy to hear that Fork and Beans can be of help to you and your health issues! Stomach problems are just not fun, nor is a non-working gall-bladder, so I am definitely excited to hear how the next months unfold for you and your health. Let me know if you need anything and keep me updated, please
xo, Cara
Christine says:
Jan 16, 2012
I am going vegan for lent. Just as a test drive. Can’t wait to use your recipes to get me through! Maybe a permanent change will follow
Cara says:
Jan 16, 2012
I have a feeling you will get hooked. Going veggie became the most creative time for me in the kitchen. I have a feeling it will do the same for you! xo
bekah says:
Jan 5, 2012
i love your site and your photos! i’m a 12-year vegetarian who has made one of my goals for this year to complete 6 weeks dairy and wheat free as well… A good solid challenge, since cheese is my ultimate love much like you used to be. It looks like i just found my bible for this challenge thank you!
Cara says:
Jan 5, 2012
HI Bekah! I could not be any more excited for you that you have found Fork and Beans. Seriously, I remember when I first started out and had no clue where to even start–it’s a bit overwhleming but I hope you make yourself comfortable over here and it helps you with your 6 week challenge! Oh cheese. *le sigh* I miss it sometimes but strangely, it gets easier. I have a feeling you might find yourself a changed woman once you go dairy and gluten free… xo Good luck!
AnonymousBurn says:
Dec 10, 2011
I absolutely agree with your position. It is one that mimics my own. I’ve been on-again, off-again vegetarian for 12 years. When I’m on-again it’s only chicken. I was heavily soy-based (soy milk, soy-meats, etc) until I expanded my know-how in the kitchen. I wanted less processed, let’s get clean. So switched to beans and tree-nut sources. Welp, I’m allergic to beans, soy, and some tree nuts. So now…I prefer to supplement my diet with fantastic vegetable dishes but if I want tacos or sloppy joes or burgers, I haven’t found another option to ground meat. But my life, my choices, I’m not gonna make myself feel badly and I sure as heck won’t let anyone else. In return, I’ll extend the same courtesy. No judgement here.
Cara says:
Dec 10, 2011
Allergic to beans????? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! That is a sad day, my friend
At that point, you just listen to your body and eat whatever the heck you want, you know? A label is a label and to say “I can’t eat that” simply just to sit to a label is called a fad anyway–and it will never be permanent. I don’t like calling myself anything (though I cook mainly vegan) just because I never know what the next week will bring… So glad that you stopped by! And even more glad that I clicked on your link from MJ’s blog. What a fun find! 
AnonymousBurn says:
Dec 10, 2011
I know! It’s awful. I miss them so much. Hummus, falafal, chili. Gone. I was looking at your list of recipes and thought, “Man, I think I’m gonna cry.” I didn’t of course…big girl panties in place. I realized that when I made my quinoa and squash chili, some how, just some how, we were gonna get this thing sorted. Also, barley. Which isn’t a limiting as gluten just means I can’t use all-purpose which also means buying baked is outta the question. Just another curveball.
Fun find, indeed!
Cara says:
Dec 10, 2011
Oy vey. Well, at least it keeps you on your toes and makes that creativity of yours work on double time. I thought that all these dietary restrictions would make me boring in the kitchen and I would be limited to eating nothing. But that has been the farthest from the truth–in this past year I have never been more creative with cooking. I like your attitude
kt says:
Dec 9, 2011
HaHa, I drive a prius too!! And if I had a blog the Why Veggie part would sound very similar, except the man in my life doesn’t have Lupus. I also have your relaxed attitude to being a vegetarian/vegan. Look forward to making some of your recipes and following your journey.
Cara says:
Dec 9, 2011
You know, I was just listening to my fav radio station here in California and they did a phone-in topic of “Why Prius drivers are so hated.” HAHA. I thought it was hilarious to categorize us into one big stereotype, the same way we do so with vegans. Not all of us are a-hole drivers, just as not all of us are fanatics about what we eat. Thank you for stopping by KT! I look forward to seeing your face around here more
Melissa says:
Dec 4, 2011
Great outlook indeed. This is exactly my thoughts on going veg. You look fantastic and glowing. Thanks for the wonderful information and recipes. I look forward to following this blog and preparing some of these yummy looking foods. I’ve been researching and looking for gluten free vegan stuff especially as my daughter and I both do not care for the taste of meat, red meat in particular.
My daughter is experiencing a lot of bloating and abdominal cramps(pain) around her belly button always when I ask where. I have noticed a trend in pasta days and bloating. I do know she is intolerant to something in cow’s milk dairy. Ped as a baby determined she was probably latcose intolerant. I did try to introduce whole cow’s milk at a year but anytime I got the dilution at 50/50(cows milk and soy formula, she had stopped nursing
) Not sure if its gluten intolerance but I do HIGHLY suspect my grandmother and possibly even myself, mother and aunts are all gluten sensitive(at least). My grandmother had pretty much your entire list growing up PLUS seizures(epilepsy, that later went away) nobody knew why she had tummy problems. In her elderly years they did diagnose Crohns but I believe she probably was Celiac the entire time. No way to know since she passed away several years ago. 
Cara says:
Dec 12, 2011
Thank you so much for leaving a comment over here (and such kind words, too), Melissa! I always think that we are our own best doctors. Though I never say to not seek medical attention (very important to do so), I am a firm believer in listening to our bodies and learning how to read them. Sounds like you are doing a great job watching your daughter’s reactions to food. I am interested in how things turn out–keep me updated, will you???! xo
Nora @ Natural Noshing says:
Nov 30, 2011
I adore your attitude, outlook and opinions– if only more people were like you my dear!!! Another one of the zillion reasons I love you
Cara says:
Nov 30, 2011
I adore YOU!!
Vivian Cutler says:
Oct 6, 2011
LOL!!! You two are so Funny!!!! Love this!!!
Cara says:
Oct 6, 2011
You can now look for the Prius on the 405. Wait, I will just blend in with the millions of others…nevermind
Rose says:
Oct 6, 2011
Ah, if only other people were as open-minded as you
I am an omnivore and maybe one day meat will no longer be in the picture, but I appreciate your “so what? who cares?” approach to other people eating meat.
Cara says:
Oct 6, 2011
So what? Who cares? hehehe. Actually I DO secretly judge you when you are eating meat, I just don’t let you think I do. And it’s just YOU. Only. Ha. Just kidding. I like how we are talking to each other as if we have only known each other for such a short amount of time and not the actual 80 years that we have been around each other’s lives, torturing one another with our brattiness….
Rose says:
Oct 7, 2011
Speaking of 80 years…Grandma Rose is watching the “Golden Girls” while eating sorbet because it’s the only dessert I can quickly get at the store (that doesn’t cause anaphylaxis)…see you in 12.5 hours…
Cara says:
Oct 8, 2011
Cannot wait to see you, Grandma. Bring some of that sorbet for skippy!