The Naughty Vegan: when you can’t have just 1 slice

Right before a big show I put some extra attention into what I eat. For a while I did the low carb high protein thing on show day, but the downside to that is 50% of the time I end my night trying to fight off a major migraine. So instead Iโ€™m back to eating low sodium the entire week before the performance. I also up my veggie intake, drink more water, and try to steer clear of pasta. The slightly healthier diet combined with exercise and a fancy costume is what makes me feel great when I go on stage. I donโ€™t want to be on stage wondering if anyone notices my tummy bloat (Iโ€™ve seen those photos and the do not make me happy). Since burlesque is so support of all sizes the minimal amount of water weight I drop by show time is probably only noticeable to me, but when I feel good, then I am focused on delivering a great performance which is what matters.

This week I discovered I could enjoy a guilty pleasure with half the calories of a traditional pie.

Homemade Pizza:

Okay, when I say homemade I do mean I assemble it at home. I donโ€™t make the crust myself. I used to, and frankly Iโ€™m too busy to be bothered.

photo 2
photo from You Cook and I’ll Clean

Iโ€™m a frequent shopper at Trader Joeโ€™s. The shop is well known for its convenience products in addition to its low prices. I usually buy the Rustic Ciabatta Flatbread and top that with Marinara, vegan soy cheese (either the Trader Joe brand or Daiya), and whatever veggies I have around the house. Now the package does not say โ€œveganโ€ so I always feel a little odd buying this flatbread.

Please note, I can eat the entire pie in 1 day. 6 slices in one sitting and the last 2 slices 15 minutes later. The bread alone is almost 1,000 calories. Not good for a girl who likes to eat an entire pizza by herself.

No235x300xMG_3693-235x300_jpg_pagespeed_ic_6X5ubX4LJ6w letโ€™s meet the new Trader Joeโ€™s Organic Pizza Crust.ย  There are 2 pizza crusts in a pack.ย  They are thin, the crust wonโ€™t rise, and if you like fluffy crust then this is not the way to go. However I pizza crust (1 whole pie) contains only 520 calories. Last night I used Tomatillo Salsa instead of Marinara, Vegan Soy Cheese from Trader Joeโ€™s, and frozen spinach– an entire pizza in 1 sitting and about 700 calories. Finally I donโ€™t have to feel guilty about getting a pizza craving the same week as a show.

Photos from blogs: You Cook and I’ll Cleanย and Club Trader Joe’sย  check out their blogs and see what they think of the pizza crust mentioned.