It’s been 30 days for The Lives of Famous Men’s Jason Wahto and the moment of truth has come: to continue as a vegan or not? Jason heads over to Dylan’s apartment to make some healthy vegan pizzas in honor of Vegan Pizza Day and Planet Verge’s Jordana finds out the details for which we’ve all been waiting.

BONUS EPISODE: The Wrap Party!

JASON’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:

The first annual Vegan Pizza Day was also my last day of the challenge. Coincidentally it was just a few days after Dylan’s one year veganniversary. We decided to celebrate by making some home-made vegan pizza. The pizza was fantastic but it was just the start of a gluttonous celebration.

We then headed to Sweet Avenue Bake Shop for vegan cupcakes. When we arrived we were welcomed by owner Danielle Vance, with a spread of delicious cupcakes. My favorite was called “Fat Elvis.” It was a banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting and soy bacon bits on top. It was surprisingly good.

After the smorgasbord of treats had ended, it was time to get serious for a minute. I was presented with the question that had been at the center of my entire vegan experience thus far. That question was: “Am I going to stay vegan?”

I decided that I am going to stay vegan- with one exception. I am still going to eat fresh caught Alaskan salmon. I feel a little guilty about eating salmon, but I figure that it’s better than not being vegan at all.

One important thing that I realized from this experience was that it’s important to do what you can. My initial feeling about going vegan was that of being overwhelmed and I think most people feel this way.

I think that this pressure is what discourages most people from trying veganism and therefore not incorporating some of its really good aspects into their lifestyles.

Lastly, I just want to thank everybody who helped me throughout my journey- especially Jordana and Dylan. Without their advice and reinforcement I would have never taken the challenge and never had this great life-changing experience.

- Jason Wahto,
The Lives of Famous Men

Quick and Healthy Vegan Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:
*Store-bought tortillas (we used brown-rice tortillas from Trader Joes)
*Tomato sauce
*Daiya mozzarella cheese shreds
*Spinach
*Onion
*Tomato
*Broccoli
*Basil

Directions:

1) Heat oven to 450 degrees
2) Spoon a thin layer of tomato sauce on tortillas
3) Sprinkle array of veggies on top, we used: spinach, onion, tomato slices, broccoli
4) Finish with daiya cheese and basil
5) Bake in oven until cheese melts and tortilla appears crispy, about 10 minutes

Enjoy!

GOING VEGAN IS SPONSORED BY:

WATCH GOING VEGAN SEASON 1 FEATURING DYLAN MANDEL (THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN).

Before we bring you the Going VEGAN season 2 finale (will Jason stay vegan?!), we have an outtake from the Peanut Butter Intervention episode. Jason reveals his money-saving strategy, vegan on the cheap.

JASON’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:

This week I’m going to share with you my Top 5 Cheap and Easy Vegan Meals. If you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to spend but wants to eat relatively healthy- then these recipes are for you.

#5. V8 Spaghetti

-1 can of V8

-1 serving of Spaghetti

-Spaghetti sauce

Optional:

-2 tsps Black pepper

-1/4 cup flax meal

After your noodles are cooked put them in a bowl with some V8 and Spaghetti sauce. Add Flax meal to thicken up the consistency of the sauce and/or black pepper if you desire. Throw it in the microwave for a minute or two and voilà you have V8 spaghetti!

#4. BBQ Brussels Sprouts

-1/2 lb Brussels sprouts

-1/3 cup BBQ sauce

-1 tsp Black Pepper

Put your sauce in a pan and simmer it on a med-low heat. Take your sprouts and trim the ends. Then half them and place them flat on the pan. Stir them occasionally until they are soft and flavorful. You can also try substituting the BBQ with Soy or Jerk Sauce.

#3. Left-over Soup

-1 can of V8

-Leftovers

Optional:

-Tomato soup

-1 tsp Black Pepper

-1/3 cup minced Onions

-1 clove minced Garlic

-1/2 cup of Nutritional Yeast

-1/4 cup of Flax Meal

-Assorted veggies

-Rice

Start by simmering your V8 and/or Tomato soup. Then add in whatever spices you prefer (garlic, onions, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, oregano, salt). Then throw in any leftovers you have in your fridge that you want in the soup. If you have any rice or fresh veggies you can throw them in too. Then once everything is cooked you can add some nutritional yeast to give it a cheesy taste. I recommend enjoying it with a piece of toast or some crackers.

#2. Southwest Hummus

-1 can of Garbanzo beans

-2 tbsps of olive oil

-1 clove of Garlic

-2 tsps of Chili Powder

-1 tsp of Black Pepper

-1/2 tsp of Salt

-3/4 cup Nutritional Yeast

Optional:

-Blender/Food Processor

-1 tbs Flax Meal

Drain ¼ of the oil from the Garbanzo beans and put the rest in the blender/food processor (if you don’t have one then use a large bowl and a potato masher). Throw the rest of your ingredients in and blend it up. If it’s a little dry, add more olive oil. If it’s a little watery, then add some more flax meal or nutritional yeast. Serve with fresh veggies, pita bread or crackers.

#1. Super Easy Mac and Cheesy

-1 box of noodles (Penne, Rotini, or Spaghetti)

-2 cups Nutritional Yeast

-2 tbsps Black Pepper

-1/2 tsp Salt

-1/4 cup Soy Sauce

-3/4 cup Almond Milk

Optional:

-1/4 cup Flax Seed

-1 ½ cups Daiya cheese

-Veggies (kale, spinach, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes)

Cook your noodles and drain the water from the pot. Add your other ingredients to the pot and stir well.

So those are some of my favorite cheap and easy vegan meals. Be sure to check out next week’s episode where I reveal if I’m going to stay vegan or not.

- Jason Wahto,
The Lives of Famous Men

GOING VEGAN IS SPONSORED BY:

WATCH GOING VEGAN SEASON 1 FEATURING DYLAN MANDEL (THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN).

JASON’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:
This last week I went home to Alaska for the holidays and It was definitely the toughest thing that I’ve done for my challenge so far.

When I first got there, my family was hesitant about my change in diet. I understood that my parents were worried about me not getting enough nutrition. However, I think they took some comfort in my knowledge and care for my health. If anything, I think it they got a little curious about veganism.

The hardest part of the trip for me was resisting all my favorite foods. Especially when they’re practically being paraded in front of me. However, I stayed strong I didn’t even sneak one bite.

Although I do miss certain foods, there were others that I didn’t miss so much. One dish in particular was actually a little disturbing to me.

It consists of eggs, cheese, milk and ham all cooked in a big dish. It’s baffling that I ate this for so many years without thinking about how unappetizing it is. Only now am I realizing that I never even liked it before!

Overall, my family and friends were all very supportive and helped me survive my first vegan Christmas. My mom actually helped me come up with an incredible recipe for vegan lasagna. This lasagna will change your life! I’ll be sure to post the recipe sometime.

- Jason Wahto,
The Lives of Famous Men

GOING VEGAN IS SPONSORED BY:

WATCH GOING VEGAN SEASON 1 FEATURING DYLAN MANDEL (THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN).

JASON’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:

This week Jordana, Dylan and I were visited by Marisa from Vegan at Heart. The four of us went to my neighborhood supermarket in attempt to test my wits at a game called “Vegan or  Not?”

The game is fairly simple. You are presented with edible items and you have to guess “Vegan” or “Not Vegan.” If you win, you dance. If you lose, you also dance.  It’s especially fun to play in a crowded supermarket.

In-between awkward jigging and strange looks from other shoppers I did manage to make a few discoveries. I discovered that there are a lot of treats like Oreos, Mike and Ikes, and Laffy Taffy that are vegan. These aren’t something that I plan on eating every day, but it’s nice to know that I have the option.

Before this trip I really felt confident about determining what was vegan and what wasn’t- but a couple of things really surprised me.  For example,  It was really interesting to learn that Baked Lays (BBQ flavor) have chicken fat in them.  It really made me wonder if there are other foods might also be hiding chicken fat in them…

Next week I’m heading home to Alaska. Hopefully I’ll be able to refrain from my one proclivity: fresh caught Alaskan salmon. Wish me luck.

- Jason Wahto,
The Lives of Famous Men

A NOTE FROM JORDANA:

At the beginning of both Jason and Dylan’s vegan journeys, I signed them both up for Vegan At Heart’s free email service, providing daily and weekly vegan “missions.” Vegan at Heart helps its subscribers make changes in their lives (via the email missions and more) on the road to veganism. What I love about it is that its not of the “all or nothing” mentality, it’s about making a small change every day. In the same way, I feel that with Going Vegan, it’s not about perfection; it’s about making small changes that are manageable for the individual (because even small changes pack a punch – Going Vegan just one day a week for a year would save more water than if you gave up showering in 2011).

GOING VEGAN IS SPONSORED BY:

WATCH GOING VEGAN SEASON 1 FEATURING DYLAN MANDEL (THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN).

JASON’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:

This week Dylan and Jordana visited me in Brooklyn to give me an intervention- a peanut butter intervention. I’ll admit, my love of peanut butter got a little out of control since I started my veganism (I had four huge jars of it in my cupboard). However, I can now say it’s under control thanks to them.

In addition to my intervention, Dylan and Jordana came over to show me some easy and delicious recipes for cooking a vegan meal. They brought me two recipes. One for a zesty-cheesy-veggie-bake and one for guacamole. The veggie bake was basically a lot of raw veggies in a pan smothered with a delicious cheesy sauce. The sauce definitely made the dish. It was made from cashew nuts and nutritional yeast. I learned that nutritional yeast, not only tasted like cheese but it’s also very good for you.

The veggie bake turned out great but the guacamole was another story. Here’s a good tip when making guacamole: Don’t ever buy an unripe avocado AND THEN try to ripen it by cooking it AND THEN try to emulsify it with a knife AND THEN cut yourself so badly that you have to wear 3 band aids AND THEN try to fix the guacamole by adding several cups of vinegar AND THEN try to eat it. Fortunately, the quality and the quantity of the veggie bake satisfied our hunger.

All in all, I think I learned a fair amount from this. I learned about how nutritional yeast is good for you and tasty. I also learned that I can’t make guacamole. However, one out of the two dishes were edible, which I consider a success for my first vegan cooking experience.

- Jason Wahto,
The Lives of Famous Men

CHEEZY VEGGIE BAKE RECIPE:

Ingredients:
-3lbs potatoes, any variety
-2 zucchinis
-1 onion
-3 large tomatoes
-spinach or leafy green
-fresh basil
-tumeric
-fresh garlic (1 clove)
-salt & pepper
-1/2 cup cashews (raw)
-nutritional yeast
-juice of 1/2 lemon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Oil or spray bottom of large casserole dish. Cut raw veggies (potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes) into 1/4 inch slices. Dice the onions. Layer the veggies in the casserole dish similar to how you make a lasagna. Start with potatoes on the bottom. Between each layer of veggies, sprinkle with fresh basil, salt, pepper and tumeric (or a favorite spice of your choosing). Follow the layer of potatoes with a layer of zucchini, then onions, spinach and tomatoes on top.

For the cheeze sauce: Take several handfuls of raw cashews (or approx 1/2 cup) and put dry into food processor or blender. Process them until they turn into a powder. Add approx 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast, minced fresh garlic, juice of 1 lemon, salt to taste and water. Eyeball the amount of water you use. Start small (a few tablespoons) until the blended mixture is the consistency of a thick sauce.

Pour cheeze mixture on top of veggie casserole. Bake in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through.

GOING VEGAN IS SPONSORED BY:

WATCH GOING VEGAN SEASON 1 FEATURING DYLAN MANDEL (THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN).

JASON’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:

Hey all!

This is my first week of the vegan challenge. Coincidentally, I went to my first vegan event this week hosted by Olsen Haus-Pure Vegan.  I was truly shocked at the amount of people who came out to support the event and veganism in general.

One of the best things about it was definitely the food. There was a ton of delicious vegan food to try–which was great for a rookie vegan like me.

In all, the people that I met at the event were very knowledgeable and passionate about veganism. Talking with them about why they chose to become vegan really helped me figure out my own reasons for taking this challenge.

After the event, I realized that in the coming weeks, I was going to be explaining to my friends and family about my reasons for taking this challenge. So I took some time and thought about this question.  I decided that my reason for going vegan was that I’ve heard how a vegan lifestyle has positively affected people and the environment, and I wanted to experience it for myself. I also realized that even if I do decide to go back to using animal products, at least I learned something from this experience.

I’m excited about this next month and hope that this experience shows that it’s not hard to effect positive change in your everyday life.

- Jason Wahto,
The Lives of Famous Men

GOING VEGAN IS SPONSORED BY:

WATCH GOING VEGAN SEASON 1 FEATURING DYLAN MANDEL (THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN).

Going VEGAN (Season Two) Debuts January 24

New York, NY- January 13, 2011– The Lives of Famous Men keyboardist Jason Wahto is eating peanut butter for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is not quite what he had in mind when Planet Verge TV challenged him to abstain from animal products and document it for season two of the Planet Verge Internet TV series Going VEGAN, but the dietary transition has been a bit of a struggle.

“I took the vegan challenge because I’ve heard how a vegan lifestyle has positively effected other people I know. I want to feel like I’m a part of something bigger. Like not contributing to global warming,” states Wahto.

Luckily, Wahto’s bandmate and star of Going VEGAN season one, Dylan Mandel (drums), is mentoring this journey. “A peanut butter intervention was necessary,” explains Mandel, who has remained vegan since he took the 30-day challenge. “Sure it’s vegan, but you can’t live off of it. I didn’t want Jason to start his challenge on the wrong foot and fall into a sticky situation. I almost did the exact same thing a year ago, then I bought a cookbook.”

Going VEGAN season two will debut on PlanetVerge.com and Peta2.com beginning January 24, with new episodes following weekly. Watch as Wahto meets influential vegans at the Olsen Haus Vegan Glamour Designers of the Future event in New York City, learns to cook vegan recipes, food shops with Vegan at Heart’s Marisa Miller Wolfson and goes back home to Alaska, where he must face his family’s traditional holiday meaty meals. Will he succumb to temptation or make it a meat-free new year?

SNEAK PEEK Going VEGAN season two:

Going VEGAN season two is presented by Vegan Essentials (www.veganessentials.com), the one-stop shopping destination for all things vegan and youth animal rights organization Peta2 (www.Peta2.com).

WATCH Going VEGAN season one.

ABOUT PLANET VERGE:

Planet Verge is an all-female staffed indie music and lifestyle Web site and Internet TV show (Planet Verge TV) at the forefront of “what’s hot” and “what’s important.” Watch Planet Verge TV for interviews with international superstars (including 30 Seconds to Mars and David Garrett), performances from on-the-rise rockers (like Closure in Moscow and The Gay Blades), VIP access to beauty and fashion events, and inspiring episodes on vital social issues, like going vegan, adopting shelter pets and saving endangered animals.

Coming soon to Planet Verge TV: Interviews with hip hop mogul and vegan Russell Simmons, cruelty-free fashionista Elizabeth Olsen of Olsen Haus pure vegan shoes, and songstress Nellie McKay.

GET SOCIAL:
PlanetVerge.com
Twitter @PlanetVerge
Facebook.com/PlanetVerge
MySpace.com/PlanetVerge
MySpace.com/PVGirls

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube.com/PlanetVerge

ABOUT THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN

Whether playing a nondescript club in their snowy hometown of Anchorage, Alaska or the sound stage for Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Lives of Famous Men never fails to captivate an audience with its versatile brand of indie rock. The band has been featured on the pages of Spin and Alternative Press magazines, on televisions tuned to MTVu, and on blogs all across the map. Regular appearances at festivals including SXSW and CMJ and tours alongside acts like Wyclef Jean and The Spill Canvas round out an impressive resume from a talented young band.

CONNECT WITH THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN:
MySpace.com/TheLivesOfFamousMen
Facebook.com/TheLivesOfFamousMen

###

The Lives of Famous Men play Webster Hall in NYC and Dylan meets Megan from Peta2.

DYLAN’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE

So I recall a conversation between Jordana and I about why someone would choose a path to become vegan. “You mean you can’t eat fish? or even cheese?!” I asked. To me it sounded insane, unhealthy, and too costly. It was about then Jordana gave a pitying smirk and flattened my arguments. Then she told me I couldn’t hack it.

Here I am one month later, having not consumed any fish or cheese, or any animal products for that matter, and I feel the better than I ever have before. My once sound and resolute arguments seem juvenile, and now I am the one who feels pity when I hear comments like “How do you get your protein?” or “Aren’t you tired all the time?” Today I realize that most people just aren’t informed. I’ll admit that a month ago I really had no idea where my food was coming from or what exactly was in it, and frankly, I didn’t care to know. It’s easier that way. Now, I am privileged to have done the research.

People will debate for ages whether or not being vegan is healthy, but there really is something to be said about how good I feel. My skin has cleared up and is smoother, I have tons of energy, I smell better, I feel sharper and more focused, I lost 10lbs. and I’ve only been doing this for a month! I think above all, the most rewarding part of this challenge is the sense of accomplishment that has overcome me – I now feel as if I can do anything. For anyone who is thinking about becoming vegan but is unsure, my advice would be to set a goal for yourself, do tons of research, and when you’re through anticipate a rewarding feeling unlike any other.

I want to thank all of my friends and family who have supported me throughout the month, to Planet Verge for orchestrating the challenge, Peta2 and Vegan Essentials for the sponsorships, and especially to Jordana for this amazing experience.

Empowered and enlivened, I can safely say that I’m staying vegan. I feel too damn good to give it up. So with that, I guess the challenge continues tomorrow…

-Dylan Mandel, The Lives of Famous Men

ABOUT GOING VEGAN

No meat. No eggs. No cheese. No Jello.
Planet Verge challenged The Lives of Famous Men drummer Dylan Mandel to abstain from consuming animal products for one month and document the process for its On The Verge. The series, titled Going Vegan, will follow Mandel at his home in Portland and as he road trips across the USA, where he will cut flesh foods, eggs and dairy cold turkey (pardon the pun) from his diet. Follow him as he learns that being vegan goes beyond his diet, to his clothes, shampoo and even daily vitamins. He’ll meet vegan friends who help him along the way as he takes his 30 days one day at a time.

DYLAN’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE

Almost a month! In this episode we officially take this challenge on the road and I receive kind words and support from Cro-Mags frontman John Joseph and fellow bandmate Andrew Totemoff.

I gotta say, so far this new diet has been pretty easy and not too taxing on me, but the challenge has been taken to a whole new level of difficulty as I move out of our apartment and into the van. Besides a backpack and pillow, I’m armed with a big bag of my signature oatmeal concoction, some produce, mixed nuts, boiled quinoa, and some dry cereal. Not having a kitchen and fridge at my expense is kind of a concern, but I think I’ve done enough research so far to keep me healthy..

The first few days aren’t so bad – a hearty breakfast can keep me tied over for some time and almonds are great for hunger pangs. I’ve discovered that quinoa and hot sauce isn’t as bad as it sounds, and Subway has become my best friend. After about a week though I start to feel the effects of subsisting on only dry foods: lethargic, grumpy, tired to name a few. It’s surprising how much your body reacts when you subtract essential nutrients from it – both mentally and physically. I am short tempered in the van and especially exhausted after shows, this sucks actually.

But things get better when we have a few days on the east coast in the studio without shows. A refrigerator and stove?! Oh how I’ve missed you! Not only do I have the chance to go to a grocery store and stock up on some delicious goods but I also try Indian food for the first time(so good!). I’m happy, the guys are happy, and my tummy is happy. Life is ok

So a big thankyou to John Joseph for providing advice, support, and showing me that veganism on the road can work. He is a great example of success for me and anyone else out there who is considering trying this wonderful yet challenging way of life. I feel recharged and determined. Almost done!

-Dylan Mandel, The Lives of Famous Men

ABOUT GOING VEGAN

No meat. No eggs. No cheese. No Jello.
Planet Verge challenged The Lives of Famous Men drummer Dylan Mandel to abstain from consuming animal products for one month and document the process for its On The Verge. The series, titled Going Vegan, will follow Mandel at his home in Portland and as he road trips across the USA, where he will cut flesh foods, eggs and dairy cold turkey (pardon the pun) from his diet. Follow him as he learns that being vegan goes beyond his diet, to his clothes, shampoo and even daily vitamins. He’ll meet vegan friends who help him along the way as he takes his 30 days one day at a time.