My back is finally feeling better after over-doing it in yoga. Stretching twice a day, along with scheduled walks, has helped tremendously. My plan of eating better; however, has not improved.

In addition to a busy schedule, there’s another test to my healthy eating plan–my son Jake and his wife Alex are practicing vegans.

And, currently live with my husband and I while Jake is going back to school. They have two precocious little boys, Nolan – 5 and Lincoln – 10 months. While it doesn’t matter much to Lincoln, Nolan struggles with his Nani and Grumpa eating animals. This is super challenging when sharing meals, keeping snacks in the house, and having very different ideas of what’s healthy and what’s not.

I am not an animal rights activist, nor do I think it’s wrong or unhealthy to eat animal products. For Nolan’s sake though, I tried really hard to give up meat.

This proved to be a bit of a disaster.

Who knew? Too many grains, beans, and certain fruits and veggies actually irritate an already “irritable” digestive system.

Being vegan is also a ton of work! When time is tight, you’re traveling, you want to go out to eat, or going out is your only option, you might be out of luck.

I want to eat things that taste good and make me feel good. Sometimes they have to be quick and easy too.

After two vegan weeks and another two vegetarian weeks, I confessed to Nolan being vegan just wasn’t for me. He did express he was “concerned” I’d have problems later in life (he is five going on 50 after all) but is resigned and loves me even though I eat animals.

We live in a society rampant with diet and lifestyle induced health issues. We have just as many experts with solutions to fix them. Ultimately, each of us lives very different lives with values that shape even what we put in our mouths. There is never going to be a “one size fits all” diet that works for everyone.

So here’s what I need to do:

• Be OK with my kids being vegan, and realize it’s also OK that I’m not
• Be open to finding dishes we can all enjoy
• Plan meals together to include the foods we all need

Here’s a recipe Nolan loves which is pretty yummy, although I have to tread lightly with it. Jake’s “veganized” version of the Pioneer Woman’s Black Bean Burgers is quick, easy, and tastes great with any of your favorite burger toppings.       

Jake’s Black Bean Burgers

• 1 15 ounce can black beans
• ½ white onion minced or grated
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs (plain or Italian, it’s up to you)
• 1 flax-seed egg (mix 1 tbsp ground flax seed and 3 tbsp water. Let rest for 5 minutes)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Squish all ingredients together, then form 4-6 patties depending on how big you want them. Cook on a slightly oiled surface (a cast iron griddle or fry pan works great) till warmed through and lightly browned. 

Eat and enjoy!