Feed Your Mind, It's Reading Time

The title of this post was inspired by a PJ t-shirt that I simply love. I recieved it a few years back at some sort of teacher's conference and for some reason it quickly became my favorite. I have tried to convince Patrick that an x-large tshirt with with pictures of young children and holes in the armpit is lingerie but he remains unconvinced.

So tomorrow is my first day back with the kiddos. Even though this is my 4th year as a teacher and I had many "first days of school" before even becoming a teacher, I still get butterflies the night before school starts.

Because I was a little nervous and worked up today, I completely spaced on taking foodie pics. Mostly I had some lunchbox staples: dinner leftovers, cherries, veggies & hummus, whole wheat pita, etc.

I know, lame right? Who wants to read a list of what I ate without any visuals?? Don't worry, I have a special surprise to make it up to you ; )

In honor of the first day of school, and the fact that I am indeed a reading teacher, I'm announcing the first ever Veggies and Beanz GIVEAWAY!!

When I first decided I wanted to make a change in my diet, I did not immediately go vegan. I started reading. The more I read, the more I knew veganism was the right choice for me. That is not to say it is the only choice, but regardless of whether you eat meat or not, it is worth reading about the food you're eating. Trust me, if you're like me, there is a lot that will shock you. Below is a list of some of the books that have most influenced my diet and a brief description of each.

Here is how the giveaway works. Post a comment before 9:00pm tomorrow night saying what book from the post you would like to read and provide a brief explanation of why you're interested. I will randomly select a number and award that reader with a brand new copy of the book of their choice. Hurray for reading (and food of course...)

This is the most recent book I read. It explains why eating has become such a complicated issue in our country and gives you some simple tips for how to eat right and drastically improve your health. Very readable -I read it beachside in St. Lucia if that tells you anything.
This book is by the same author as the first but it is a little more in depth. It explains the science behind the food we eat each day and even traces some of the food we put into our mouth back to its source in a factory or laboratory (but rarely a farm) as you'll find out...

This is a cookbook I just recieved from a great friend : ) The recipes are a little complex but the results are delicious. It is also the most complete vegan cookbook I own.

This is sort of an "in your face" approach to veganism. It focuses on the moral and political issues associated with our eating choices and suggests that veganism is the ONLY way. Not for the faint of heart. However, the authors have a unique style that left me laughing out loud more than once.

This book is amazing if you know little about the food revolution that is beginning to occur in our country. It gives an overview of the problems with the way food is produced and distributed in our country. However, it is not a boring, dense, informational text. The author uses personal anecdotes to illustrate his points. This one will surely affect the way you feel about food and our world.

This is a basic guidebook for new vegans. It answers all the questions you are probably wondering about if you are considering making a change in your diet. It includes information about nutrition, grocery shopping, cooking and even how to talk to other people about your lifestyle without sounding preachy or totally nuts!

This is the book that inspired me to change my lifestyle. I have to say, it is not as well written or researched as some of the others on my list but it is so charming and engaging. I couldn't put it down and clearly I was convinced. Also, this is one of the few books on the list that includes some yummy recipes!

My FAVORITE cookbook. The recipes are easy to follow and delicious for vegans and nonvegans alike.

Which one do you want???? My treat! Just leave a comment below : )

The winner will be announced tomorrow. Good luck!