a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy productsMany Vegans choose this diet, as well as a lifestyle without fur, leather, or other animal-produced products, out of a concern for animal suffering. Now, I'm as compassionate and animal loving as the next vegan, but I have to admit that my motives are a little more personal.
I can't remember a time when "get healthy and lose weight" wasn't one of my New Year's resolutions. I've done the yo-yo dieting, the exercising, even went vegetarian a few times. But nothing ever worked.
The first part of my decision clicked when I was traveling. I was on this amazing adventure, visiting both coasts of this country and trekking all the way across Canada, I was walking more than ever and eating good, quality food. And yet... I still felt kinda sluggish and my skin was being a nightmare. Something just wasn't working.
The second part of my decision clicked when I was at a friend's booksigning. While she was busy talking to fans and signing books, I wandered around the store. There, on the front table, was The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. I hadn't heard of the book, but I love her and knew she was a very vocal vegan. I flipped through and it looked interesting. Just not interesting enough to buy at full price.
When I got home to Oklahoma, I ordered the book on Amazon. (The devil, I know, but so much cheaper!) I read through it. Half of the book is recipes and half is an explanation of how much healthier a plant-based diet is for the human body. And how many health problems--from heart disease to diabetes--can be improved or even cured by eliminating animal products from the diet.
That decided it. All of a sudden everything clicked into place. I didn't make the shift overnight, I waited until a Monday, but I signed off on meat and dairy. As a lifelong cheese lover, I thought this might be hard. But you know what? I haven't craved cheese once. (Until I found this awesome pizza recipe, but it uses soy cheese!) I've been to busy cooking delicious, healthy, filling and fulfilling meals. I'm actually taking joy in shopping for and preparing food.
I'm not being ultra-strict about the dairy yet--like the veggie crumbles for my vegetarian chili have tiny amounts of milk and egg--but I think I'll get there. And, for now, this is enough.
The funny thing that the food isn't the only change that clicked into place. I've also sworn off soda--I've been drinking tea and juice and, gasp, water. I'm being more productive with my days--I finished the first draft of the first Medusa girls book a month early! And everything just feels ... right.
Hopefully, you'll see the results over the coming months and years in the form of more blogs, more books, and less TLC. Check back often and I'll keep you posted.
Hugs,
TLC
7 comments:
Congratulations! Cutting out the soda alone (even diet coke) will make you feel so much better! Look forward to hearing about your progress!
Congratulations! It sounds like things are looking up for you, hope everything continues on a great path. Very inspiring, thanks for sharing :)
Awesome! I was a massive meat eater all my life and changed to vegan over two years ago. My mother was in the hospital for a stroke and while I waited next to her bed, someone handed me The China Study to read. (It's a must read!!!) Changed my life.
I'm not "perfect" with the vegan thing, but I get pretty close most of the time. Within one year, my forever long struggle with anemia disappeared.
Keep at it! It's worth it!!!!!!!
Good for you Tera! You are making a great descion that will have a big impact on your life! Way to go!
Wow! Good luck!! I saw an interview with Alicia Silverstone about that book. I don't think I could ever do that, but I have tried cutting out wheat (Dave & tried that for Lent) and noticed a difference in my skin and how I felt, and it wasn't that hard after the first week. If you decided that you don't like the Vegan lifestyle and want to try something different, I highly recommend the Montignac Method. Most Americans haven't heard of it, I don't think, because it's French, but it isn't really a diet and it really worked for me several years ago! The books are available in both French and English.
Congratulations! Being Vegan will only improve your life to new levels of amazing! It can be a hard journey with slip ups but keep up the hard work and don't let anyone get you down!
Congratulations! That is awesome! I love that you are already feeling such positive results! I have been vegetarian all my life and transitioned to veganism about eight years ago. Like you, I decided to make the change for several reasons. Among those reasons were a handful of life-changing books like The Food Revolution and Diet for a New America. I truly can't say enough great things about adopting a vegan lifestyle! :)
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