Former Arizona Cardinal, now Seattle Seahawk, Deuce Lutui lost 60 pounds after committing to a vegan diet. (LUI KIT WONG/staff photographer, The News Tribune)

This week we’re passing on a little love and inspiration from some of our famous vegan and vegetarian friends. We gaurantee you know who they are, but they weren’t always meatless. Here is a glimpse at each one of their stories:

Former 398-pound Arizona Cardinal, now 338-pound Seattle Seahawk, Deuce Lutui reportedly turned vegan after failing an NFL physical. According to Lutui’s agent, Ken Harris, “The commitment that he made to himself and his family revolved around not only being the best player, but being with them for many years to come …”

Mac Danzig is a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitor has also maintains a vegan diet, but that wasn’t always the case. “In 2004, I got to the point where I was sick of eating chicken … I was about a month out from a fight and I decided I was going to cut out all meat. I was working with a trainer who was vegan and he helped me make the switch. I won that fight and went on a 12-fight winning streak.”

“Well, what do you eat then?” A common question directed toward vegetarians, vegans and anyone else who makes conscious dietary modifications that differ from the mainstream. Our celiac friends are no exception, and while gluten-free options have become much more popular and increasingly accessible, this week’s mock is dedicated to the meat free AND wheat free.

First things first, according to the Mayo Clinic, “celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is primarily found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients.”

Now that you’re subtracting wheat-based flours, spelt, oats, barley and rye from an already meat-free diet, the kicker is that most faux meat and soy meat products (including textured vegetable protein) are filled with gluten. But before you think the joy of eating is gone forever, check out some of these resources:

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For some people the distinction between vegetarian and vegan is life changing, for others it’s more of a case-by-case basis. Regardless which classification best suits you, we believe everyone can enjoy vegan cuisine from time to time without feeling guilty about where their leather belt came from.

Even if you’ve mastered the art of vegetarianism, the crossover to vegan will likely bring about a whole new set of challenges – first and foremost: dining out. To help remedy this inevitable and delicious part of life, we’ve compiled a list of our 6 favorite spots for vegan dining:

Bombay Spice Grill and Wine is a perfect alternative to the sandwiches-and-salad vegan cuisine. With a separate and clearly specified vegan menu, as well as an international wine list, what could possibly be better?

The Pomegranate Cafe is a little East Valley gem that features fresh, local and organic ingredients in the entirely vegetarian (vegan upon request) cafe. Since the focus is on seasonal offerings and supporting farmers, you never know what the special might be.

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Contrary to popular belief, we don’t actually mock meat. We celebrate options and mediate between the “veggies” and the “carnies.” Simple enough. Which is why this week’s Mock Meat Monday is dedicated to the old school: classic recipes and favorite dishes.

What we’ve done is alter one or two ingredients to accomodate the vegetarians, while maintaining the integrity of the good home cooking everyone loves. You’ll be surprised how easy and delicious these ideas will turn out and all you need is an open mind.

Who doesn’t love lasagna? The meatless lasagna from All Recipes delivers all that cheesy tomato-y goodness that you’d expect and then some.

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It might be the 4th of July today, but all anyone seems to be talking about is Mexican food. Not that we blame them – few things bring smiles to our faces like a fresh taco and a margarita on a hot summer day. So, once you’ve had your fill of hot dogs and decided to turn off your scorching hot grill, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

According to EaterAZ, Big Earl’s BBQ in Scottsdale is in the midst of a Mexican revolution, from a taquitos transition to a dabble in “tacotory” to full blown Mexico City cuisine. While you’re waiting for the online menu to become officially updated, have a read, or better yet, pay Big Earl’s a visit. Whatever you do, don’t order the barbecue.

Meanwhile in Old Town, America’s Taco Shop is opening a new location, as reported by Chow Bella. Known for being “the home of the greatest carne asada in the Valley, ” this location will bring the restaurant’s count up to five (including the location in Arizona Mills Mall). Are they being franchised? Find out here.

If downtown Phoenix is more your thing, you’ll find new Mexican food there too. Chow Bella has covered opening of Tediberto’s Mexican-inspired vegan restaurant on Roosevelt Row. Get the details here … or skip the vegan joint and dig right in to some Mexican barbecue. Phoenix Bites highlights the prix fixe barbacoa tasting dinner at Distrito in Scottsdale’s Saguaro Hotel. The three-course dinner (plus dessert) is available Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Click here for details.

If we still haven’t convinced you, feast your eyes on Mouth By Southwest’s Taco Tuesday roster. Not to mention how Barrio Cafe, Bianco’s Tacos & Tequila and Sir Veza’s Taco Garage will soon change the dining game for locals and tourists alike at Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4. Stay tuned for updates.

Photo courtesy of tliciousaz.com.

As you know, food truck culture (aka gourmet mobile dining) is alive and well in Phoenix. What you may not realize is that a food truck lunch does not mean barbecue and hot dogs. In fact, when it comes to the wide range of food truck specialty offerings throughout the Valley it’s quite the opposite.

The next time you find yourself at a food-truck-worthy event, look out for our favorite local, vegetarian-friendly food trucks:

T-Licious Teazy Tacos – choose between the no meat in me taco and the Diablo Cheese Nachos

Sunshine and Spice - you’ll find a variety of options including a soy shrooms burrito, guacamole rangoons with sauce and a good old veggie burger.

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Courtesy photo.

Eating foreign foods and bumbling over the basics of another language may sound like components of an unforgettable trip abroad, but we’re actually referring to international dining around the Valley. Much like traveling, food is best when shared with loved ones and good friends. Here are four international suggestions guaranteed to please the vegetarians and the carnivores in every group.

Mijana in Scottsdale is a Lebanese restaurant that has it all; flavor and class, more vegetarian options than you could possibly consume and live music and entertainment. Catch the buffet Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. After 2 a.m. the place transforms into Hoookahmania lounge and offers a wide variety of Hookah flavors. »READ MORE

Photo by Kara Philp

Truth be told, most carnivores don’t understand vegetarian cuisine and are often afraid they’ll be forced to eat a flavorless, textureless excuse for a _________ (fill in the blank). All while pretending they’re enjoying it.

In a feeble attempt to dispel such myths, we present the first installment of Mock Meat Monday: a classy look at the local vegetarian scene. Hopefully the next time you have guests in town from Portland or you end up on a blind date with a “veggie” you will call up one of these tasty suggestions. Win-win.

Where else would a respectable vegetarian voyage begin, than from the mecca, the almighty, the godfather: Green. Self-described as “New American Vegetarian,” Green is actually 100 percent vegan and features a gluten-free menu as well. And face it, it’s just plain trendy.

The menu includes traditional comfort food dishes made slightly different than one might be accustomed to, but the flavors and ingredients do not disappoint. With fresh salads and fruit, sandwiches, noodle and rice bowls, pizza (and we’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend the appetizers) supplemented with vegan cheeses and “mock meats” there truly is something for everyone.

The last thing you’ll want to do is to forget to save room for dessert. Green’s infamous Tsoynami’s are nothing short of a vegan blizzard. Not to mention the pastries, espresso and other treats that will remind you how glorious the experience of trying new things can be.

For locations, menu and hours, click here.

Another year, another you. Nope, we aren’t speaking metaphorically here, with all the amazing food in the Phoenix metro area and beyond, it’s hard not to look at 2012 as a year to literally add on another you. If you haven’t broken your dietary resolutions just yet, let us help you along with this week’s food blog happenings:

If you are a Trader Joe’s fan, you know that going in there is like stepping into a mecca of meals so easily prepared, it would make Rachel Ray jealous. You can even pick up a few pre-made lunches while doing your regular shopping like this Spicy Lentil Wrap brought to you by Chow Bella. The post, entitled “Vegan in a Hurry”, is an ode to what could only be considered a gourmet lunchable and is enough to make you screech your wheels over there. Healthy, delicious and just $3.99, it kind of makes us want to swim in the side of tahini sauce in celebration.

Tempe’s favorite coffee spot (that doesn’t sport a Mermaid) is now serving alcohol, according to EaterAZ. Cartel Coffee Lab is now making a whole lot more things Irish thanks to the implementation of their new liquor license. They’ve expanded their hours to 10 pm allowing Tempe’s hippest a place to grab a craft brew before it’s socially acceptable  to head over to Casey Moore’s for the long haul. The other locations should be following soon. Read the full article to get hilarious insight on Cartel and what 2012 has in store.

Finally, who doesn’t love a good year-end countdown? We sure do, especially when it’s carefully crafted by the man who should write food encyclopedias as a hobby, Dominic Armato of Skillet Doux. Despite some mild frustrations with the Phoenix food scene this past year (some we whole-heartedly agree with), Armato’s list has grown yet again to include no less than 30 dishes he enjoyed in 2011. Classics like Pizzeria Bianco’s ‘Sonny Boy’ Pizza (pictured top) made the cut, while several dishes from lands far and wide (Chicago and Las Vegas) smattered the list and made us care a little less. Anyway, it’s worth reading so you can head those restaurants and try what once made a food blogger smile.

Pen & Fork also had a great countdown on her blog last week. Ten Food Trends in 2011 is a well-thought out l look at what we would like to call “the floppy hats of food” or maybe “the colored denim of the culinary world”. Check it out.

Until next week, stay strong, my friends.