New vegan- need help?

ARG! I just typed up the LONGEST answer, but I accidentally clicked back.

I'll try to make it as accurate as it was before.

When you go to a coffee shop or something, they will probably have some sort of fruit or nuts, I know Starbucks carry's that.

For cheese substitutes, My personal favorite is Tofutti brand. They also make faux cream cheese, sour cream, tons of icecream flavors, ice cream pops and sandwiches too. You can find Tofutti at Trader Joes, Mrs. Greens , Whole foods and most health food stores.

I have also seen things like soy whip cream and crazy items like that. They'res a faux version of almost EVERYTHING nowadays. You just have to look around a bit.

If you like yogurt, they're are tons and tons of options for you. Silk makes yogurt, but my personal favorite is Whole Soy &Co. They carry these at most grocery stores..

Don't buy O'Soy by sonyfield. they have milk in it!

For butter, I use Smart Balance. You can get it at almost every grocery store. It is made with flax seed, so its a great source of Omega3!

Snacks that I usually pack are raw nuts, peanut butter sandwich, and Oreos (Yes! They're vegan!)

Here is a list of common snacks and food items that are vegan friendly!

http://www.peta.org/accidentallyVegan/

Remember, have fun! :D

Being vegan, BAKING vegan and EATING OUT vegan is a challenge but it is very do able.

for eating out I recommend for food salad....but if you don't particularly enjoy eating salad, try baked potatoes, almost all asian dishes, I actaully don't exactly know how to tell you exactly what to get but I have done it for a number of years and I have never starved I have always managed to find something delicious and vegan = D does take experience though. When getting icecream with friends get sorbet or when ordering desserts get fruit pie.

Often it is preferable to not tell someone that you are a vegan because they will not know what to make you and usually if you get there, there will be vegetables salad, bread usually soup depending on the meal...and you will be just fine = D

Um cheese substitutes..soy kaas is terrific melts and taste like cheese there is a rice cheese that is pretty tasty as well...I make my own so i have never bought it that much. However toffuti make superior dairy subs. in my opinion.

Baking without butter is hard because nothing is really like butter and often when you substitute you get iffy results..my advice? Research vegan baking recipes in general for everything; google "vegan chocolate chip cookie" and I promise you will find a killer recipe. One that was designed specifically without...you will not suffer for want of information the internet is an excellent source for recipes believe me!!

When traveling a good snack to take is granola bars, mini homeade pizza rolls, pretzels, fruit, cookies...just some of the things I always pack..but I don't know if you are looking for any specifics?

by the way Vegetarian Times http://www.vegetariantimes.com/ is an awesome website and I highly recommend the magazine as well plenty of vegan stuff!!!

Go vegan recipe hunting on the internet you'd be amazed how many GREAT recipes you'll find

Happy Eating!!!

> What can I find to eat when I go to restaurants

Well, you see, restaurant food is mystery food.

Strangely people will order food, and eat it, not knowing what is actually in it. I've worked in restaurants, and you do not want to eat at 'regular' restaurants. It's just full of poor quality foods -- hydrogenated, oils with defoaming agents, msg, colouring, -- it's the cheapest stuff money can buy. Really. You need to search out the good quality places. Otherwise, just ask. Restaurants must provide ingredients upon request. All chain restaurants or places such as McDonalds, Starbucks, or etc. all have ingredients lists and you can have a look if you ask (it's also on their websites now). You'll get to know which places are 'safe' and which foods are 'safe' and when to ask questions etc.

> What are some good brands of cheese substitutes?

Sheese is really good.

> What can I use to bake with as a substitute for butter?

Margarine is just oil. Usually really bad oil. There are healthy margarines out there at healthfood stores.

> What are good snacks to pack along when traveling?

Anything goes.

> Any good websites I can go to for support?

earthsave.org

earthsave.ca

I like earthsave.

When you go to a coffee shop, get a bagel. They're almost always vegan. Pizza with vegetables and no cheese isn't usually on the menu, but you can still ask for it and usually they'll make it. Pasta with tomato sauce, bean burritos with no cheese, fries if nothing else.

EarthBalance is a good brand of margarine with no trans fat, but it's expensive and has artificial flavoring. Coconut oil is the best substitute for baking. It's also awesome for frying tofu.

Snacks: hummus and pita bread and carrots, apples with nut butter, granola.

vrg.org has information about nutrition, recipes, and vegan kids/families

Can't really say what to eat when out at coffee shops since I don't know what your locals serve. Ask the waiter/ress if they serve any vegan options. They may have fruit salad or something.

I don't think there are any good brands of cheese substitute! I've never had one anyway!

You can use coconut oil as a substitute for butter.

Fruit, veg, bread and nuts make perfectly good snacks.

Hey try vegetable lasagne, or lentil pies. Delicious. Use Tahini as subsititute . Most stores have a Vegan section now, so try there. A good place to start also is your local health food store. They will have excellent substitutes on hand and good advice on vitamins too.

Vegan.org

It has recipes and such and eating out guides.

There is also a place where you can find what vegan resturants are in your city. It really great.

heres al helpful website

http://www.vegan.com/

Good for you!