Stick with what works.

It’s Monday again! Was your weekend relaxing enough to prepare you for another week? I hope so!

 

My weekend was crazy! David, Dixie and I loaded up the car Saturday afternoon and made the two hour drive to see our family. We stayed there until we made the drive home Sunday night. It was nice to catch up with family and spend some time “home.”

 

Saturday night I was more HANGRY than I’ve ever been. I felt my blood sugar dropping and I was getting light-headed driving to my Dad’s (where I stayed for the night). I walked in the door and ate the closest things to me: brownies and a slice of pizza (definitely NOT vegan).

 

After not eating any animal products for a month, my body definitely revolted. I immediately felt so sick and lethargic. I even had to cancel my plans that night.

I should have recognized that although my being vegan is easy enough, it does require planning- especially visiting a house full of processed foods and Splenda yogurt. I could have picked up a quick frozen meal or brought some dry oats in a bag. So many things I could have done… but I didn’t think.

I ended up also eating eggplant parmesan (with cheese) Sunday at a big family party. Another thing I didn’t think of was what my family would have to say. Most know I’ve switched up my diet but they don’t totally understand (or support) it.  SO I ate the dairy… and the consequence was even worse.

I originally became vegan out of suspicion that dairy was causing all my stomach troubles. I knew I was right when all pain went away three days after going vegan. Now all that pain is back… and worse. The pain is surely a reminder that I need to be kind to my body and remember what works for me. My health is worth a few minutes of planning and a few extra minutes of explaining to my family why I eat the way I do.

I’m so grateful I’ve found a diet that leaves me feeling fresh, healthy and happy. I’m thankful that I don’t have to have my stomach in knots all the time.

Never would I say or believe that everyone should eat one particular way. My experience is with my body and how I react to certain foods. There is nothing wrong with the foods I ate… it was just how my body reacted to them. I know we all have things in our life that throw us off balance. Let’s work to listen to our bodies and treat ourselves well!

Vegan in Review

In place of my regular post about today’s eats, I’d like to talk about what veganism has been like for me so far.

Almost three weeks ago I decided to go vegan (after being a vegetarian for 9 years) after a good talk with Ryan. The week after my decision I saw Food, Inc. which really made going vegan so much more important to me.

I don’t have any doctor’s results to share, and it has only been three weeks, so here is my casual review of what veganism has done to me so far.

Stomach- One of the main reasons I changed my diet was the horrible stomach pains I had been experiencing. All stomach pains went away within a few days of eliminating animal products.

 

Food- My food has been so much more fresh, healthy and whole. I’ve tried amazing  vegan dishes in my own home and out that I would have never tried otherwise.

Cooking- Before I had a few dishes I would rotate. Now, I am using cookbooks and my own creativity to come up with yummy meals and snacks. I don’t think I’ve had the same meal twice!

Freedom- This  might seem contrary to what veganism is, but by removing all animal products from my diet, I actually feel more free. I feel empowered when I cook and eat food and I’m getting more excited about it now than ever before.

Energy- Before I was so tired all the time. Now, I have much more energy and have no problem staying awake in the evening. I sleep better, too.

 Skin- My skin seems brighter and more even-toned.

Complexity- Eating vegan has been unbelievably simple. The transition was definitely easier for me since I was already a vegetarian

Cost- Vegans win :) A can  or bag of beans will always be cheaper than yogurt, cheese or meat! Although I have been spending more on quality produce, so I think it evens out.

David- David has been eating so many vegan and vegetarian dinners. The food is whole and filling and he seems to like it.

 

Weight- My weight has not changed.

Cravings- I have no cravings for animal products. A while ago I did eat some cheese (and my stomach hated me for it) and it was out of habit, not craving.

Overall- Veganism has been great. I feel better, I am eating better and my actions are good to animals and the environment. I am most surprised at how easy it has been. I plan on continuing eating a vegan diet.

Neverending Belly Dilemma

I have a big problem and I need your help. Here's the lowdown:

At work I've taken on an intern for the summer. (Wooohoo!) He is great. He is hard-working, smart, willing to put in long hours... and constantly eats. Since our offices are right next to each other, with the kitchen on the middle/side, his snacking becomes a colleague event. Regardless of my plans or intentions, I end up consuming countless cookies when he is here. The cookies make me feel gross, which leads to me being less productive.. and less of a healthy, happy ashley when home in my new apartment!

But I can't seem to stop. I've tried lecturing myself, allowing one or two, writing down my food for the day, replacing with other snacks... but nothing works! And the cookies are gross! They are something like 40 little cookies for $1.50. And 50 calories each. Not to mention the popcorn crunch we opened today. All of this really adds up.

I hate not feeling good. Please help. Advice? Lectures? I NEED INTERVENTION NOW!!!!

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