Update

I'm back...it's been a long time!! I had graduation week, then a week at home and then we went to Mexico (Cabo San Lucas) for a week. Just getting back into the groove of things. Still sticking to the diet, with a small deviation during graduation week and our trip to Mexico. I can definitely tell what makes my body happy, and that's a vegan lifestyle. I felt tired, bloated, and just sick overall. Since coming back on Sunday, I have gone back to my normal diet and am surprised on how quickly my body snaps back to feeling great.

We have a timeshare in Mexico and will be going back for many years to come. Therefore, I am interested in finding out how their produce is grown. I will be doing some research on what foods to avoid.

Heath is doing great on the diet, I am so proud of him. He did even better than I did when we were in Mexico. I think I ate too much cheese. A lot of the cheese was goat cheese, which doesn't bother me as much, but still doesn't make my gut happy.

We ran out of dishwashing detergent, so to save money we are washing by hand. I don't really like to do it, but not only am I saving money by not buying detergent, I am saving energy and water by washing by hand. So, we'll continue this for the present.

I'm Back!

After a long weekend away from home, I am back. I ate vegetarian this weekend, NOT vegan. It shows. I came home exhausted, with headaches, tummy aches, and mood aches. I will be starting back pure vegan tomorrow. I am looking forward to feeling rejuvenated. I must have to make these mistakes in order to learn how my body reacts to things like refined sugars, small amounts of dairy, lack of fresh veggies.

I am starting a new fitness regime tomorrow, I will be setting my alarm for 5:30 am in order to run before getting ready for work. I want to take the last 5 pounds off before our trip to Cabo San Lucas in a month. I will keep updating work out progress. Maybe this will keep me motivated.

Fun update: I made Vegan Peanut Butter Cups tonight. I am bringing them to work tomorrow. I got the recipe from Alicia's book "The Kind Diet." I had to try one to make sure they were edible. :) They are amazing. I used carob chips that I bought at Whole Foods while I was in Omaha.

Speaking of Whole Foods: I know that there's some controversy about how organic and "whole"some they are, but I was very impressed with my visit there on Monday morning. I really wish we had something comparable to that in Sioux Falls, but I may just have to wait until we move somewhere a little more organic-friendly.

In the clear

It's been a promising week. I am heading out of town tomorrow to visit my best friends in Omaha, so I will be leaving Heath to fend for himself for a few days. I think he gets the jist of what to eat/not to eat, I think he'll do well. I have lost 5 pounds since the beginning of this, although I am not weighing myself frequently, nor counting calories. I can tell that my clothes are fitting better, and I feel amazing. With the exception of a little sore throat (everyone is sick around here!), I am feeling the benefits of the dairy free/meat free/processed food free diet. I no longer hit a wall around 3 in the afternoon, I feel generally well all day long. No cravings for junk. I have been sleeping better. My skin is super soft. My mind is clear and my tummy is happy.

New find: I did some research on Apple Cider Vinegar as a natural product for...just about everything! I was having some skin issues with the detox right after I went pure vegan, and was finding it hard to bounce back. I looked up some natural remedies, and have been using ACV for about a week now. I mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water, put it in a container and soak a cotton ball in it. Then I apply to the affected areas of the skin. I leave it on overnight, or all day when I apply it in the morning. It cleared my skin up within a few days. Google ACV for more natural remedies.

The Aftermath

I've been wondering what happens if I cheat a bit. Well, I have encountered the aftermath of a vegan cheating fest. Yesterday, Heath and I had planned on a date, but Laila has been sick and wasn't feeling well; therefore, no babysitter. We went to Subway to eat. (Our previous plans were Granite City; they have a portobello burger which is vegan). They no longer carry the pizzas that I like (which aren't vegan, but vegetarian)...so, in a quick glance across the menu, I chose the tuna sandwich, on flatbread. Added lots of veggies, just two slices of cheddar cheese. Didn't eat chips, had a Barq's Root Beer in lieu of aspartame laden diet sodas. Felt a little ill afterwards. (Maybe the mayo??) Went to the duck park with Laila, walked around. Still feeling nauseous. Went and rented a movie, wandered around Walgreens. Heath was a doll and got me my old fave, Gummi Bears. I decided this couldn't be too bad, shared a bag with Laila. I ate about half the bag while perusing real estate in Texas online. Didn't feel too hot afterwards, a little sugar LOW. I was up most of the night with Laila (high fever, bad cough, can't breathe very well). Woke up this morning feeling as if I had a night of crazy boozing and barhopping. As in...feel hungover. With none of the fun memories to go with it. So.
High fructose corn syrup+refined sugars+dyes+tuna+mayo+root beer=feeling like crap the next day.

Never again. This is how my body felt all the time, but I never noticed it because I was used to feeling that way. Next time I want to go a little crazy with the sugar, I will remember this queasy feeling and grab a piece of fruit.

Treats

Here's to dedication-3 weeks completed, 99.7% vegan. That is probably an average between the 2 of us, Heath cheated a bit while on vacay, and I've been royally disciplined to be 100% vegan. Overall, things are still going very well. This week was a bit rough, the sickness has gotten to our family for the first time in a long time. Stomach flu came about, fevers, and a bit of allergies/colds. It appears our immune systems are not as strong as I'd like. But I suppose everyone gets sick every now and again.

New tastes: For dairy free alternatives to sweets, I tried Soy Dream ice cream, in French Vanilla. Delish. Also, I had a bit of a craving for some sweet during Easter weekend, and bought a vegan chocolate bar, Raspberry Dark Chocolate...(can't remember the brand). Ate about 3 squares of it, it was rich and very satisfying. Got Laila some organic M&M type candy. Other than that, Annie's Cinnamon Bunnies are a good treat. I do find that my cravings for sweets (especially at night) have dramatically decreased. I can sit right by the leftover Easter candy that people brought to work and not even desire a taste.

Tidbit: In The Kind Diet, I learned about a lot of interesting information...but the one I am putting into practice immediately is...changing my chewing. Alicia talks about how important it is to use our mouths to break down the food and aid in digestion. I know it also helps our brains to recognize when we are full; by eating slower, we can enjoy our food more. I am already a painstakingly slow eater, but I wouldn't say that I chew all that much. I am trying to remember to chew each bite as long as I can.

Reading: I am reading Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action by Matthew Sleeth, M.D. I am only on Chapter 3, but so far I am enjoying it. It's basically about a doctor that was into the "green" movement, but felt he was living hypocritically. So, he and his family sold half they own, downsized dramatically, quit the high paying job and fast lifestyle in order to do what they thought was right in the eyes of God. It's a basic wake up call to Christians (and everyone, really) to forget the goal of consumerism-driven success, and live for what is real and lasting. We should be taking care of the planet for God and our future generations. The book also looks at disease and how the ever-polluting environment is contributing to the rising rates of cancer, etc. I don't know if he'll bring diet into it, but I do agree that it's a gamut of things that bring about all the health problems that most Americans face these days. He brings an interesting point:

Why do we continue to try to find a CURE but put aside finding the CAUSE?

Amazing article on GMO's (Genetically Modified Organism)...:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/03/jeffrey-smith-interview.aspx

Since watching Food, Inc. last night, I am deeply affected to change the products I buy and the companies I support. There is a farmer's market here in Sioux Falls that will be arriving soon, and for the first time, I plan on supporting the local farmers that grow their crops organically. As I read the side effects of these GMO's, and other foods that I used to consumer, I am certain that my own digestive issues are a cause of this. The best thing I can do is spread the word to others, and raise my child so that she won't have to deal with any of these health problems herself.

On a spiritual note, the film and its message hit me to the core, because I know that God is not happy with these practices that hurt animals, people, and the environment. Here is yet another way that America has turned from God. It seems like such an enormous issue; how can I help?? But with everything, we can only do our part, and God will do the rest. He expects us to stand up for what is right. Praise Him for being on the throne and allowing our eyes to be opened.

Random Thoughts

Today has been quite productive on the natural food front. I went shopping with Laila after work today to restock on Omega 3's and probiotics. I also got a B-12 supplement after doing some research on why it's necessary in a vegan diet. This B-12 supplement is from plant sources (the same place the animals get it from). I also have switched from using Cod Liver Oil for Omega-3 to Flax Seed Oil. Far less saturated fat, plus it's fish-free. It tastes a bit better too, although our fish oil was lemon-flavored, the flax oil is a bit nuttier taste. Plus, the thought is a little less disgusting. At Target, I found Alicia Silverstone's book The Kind Diet (20% off!) and picked that up as well. More recipes! Plus a lot of valuable information.

And, as promised, I am watching "Food, Inc." I can barely put into words how this film is affecting me. I am so blessed to be able to afford/have access to wonderful, organic produce. I am also blessed by God with an open mind to expose myself to a lifestyle that is so foreign to most Americans. I cannot express how much I want people to SEE THIS MOVIE. It might change the way you think, it might not. But regardless if it changes the way you eat or the products you buy, it will plant a tiny seed of discomfort in the way that we are raised to eat in this country. I still have about a half an hour left in the movie, so I will leave this for now.

Update: Springing forward

Still going strong...Heath is on his own for a few days, he's out of town and it will be up to him to make his own meals and decisions. I did provide him with a shopping list, so he can go to the store and make his own food while he's staying with friends. He updated me yesterday that he has lost 5 pounds. I wish I could say that. It seems that my body is happy where it is...but I have some shorts from last spring that say otherwise. But I think the weight will come off, slowly.

For the curious, this is what I ate today:

Breakfast: Blueberry bagel with Smart Balance Light vegan butter. 8 oz oatmeal with raisins, apple, flax seed.

Lunch: 2 c. spinach, red pepper, sprouts, broccoli, balsamic vinaigrette dressing, 1 1/2 cups fruit salad with cinnamon

Snack: 2 handfuls of almonds with dried blueberries and cranberries

Dinner: leftover Pasta with Peanut Pesto (from last night-delish!!), 2 pieces sourdough bread

Weekend plans: to watch Food, Inc. I haven't seen it, but hear it's very interesting. I will bring further thoughts after I have seen it.

Link: I watched a very interesting clip of Alicia Silverstone talking about going vegan. It's short, here's the link.
http://fora.tv/2009/10/19/The_Kind_Diet_Alicia_Silverstone#chapter_05

New goal: to incorporate even more raw food into my diet. I am making the transition to 100% vegan, and want to eventually get to 50% raw. This will take some more experience/planning/research. I will keep you updated on this.

What does the Bible say about our bodies and nutrition? I will be looking for verses/passages on this topic. The first one that comes to mind is:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Still Going Strong...

Day 14:
Today is Sunday and things are still going well. My former meat/processed food, etc husband is doing so awesome. I am so proud of his discipline and desire to better his health. Heath has had a few cravings here or there, but is learning to satisfy them with things he CAN eat. Last weekend was a case of the chocolate cravings, so he picked up some dark chocolate, and eats just a serving. It has great antioxidants, and can satisfy easily because of its richness. Yesterday was a nacho cheese craving. I decided he just needed some sodium, so we bought some nut mixes and sunflower seeds with sea salt. Salt is not bad in and of itself, but table salt has a lot of bad and not a lot of good...sea salt can be very beneficial. We started using sea salt a while ago, so I season things as desired without reservations.

After my last post, some friends commented on my new "green" dishwashing detergent. They mentioned laundry soap/cleaners in general, and suggested making my own. I wondered why I hadn't thought of that, and think that I will start doing that after my store-bought cleaners are gone. I found some links online for recipes.

Below, I have a link about something that is very important to me: keeping my child free of hazardous chemicals/dyes/metals. I am a strong believer in keeping our bodies free of contaminants that can cause disease. I do not vaccinate my child, not because of my fears, but because of what I believe is right. Listen and read with an open mind.
PS: I am not going to be dyeing my hair anymore. Chemicals are even more dangerous to our body when they are appplied on the scalp, especially when wet.

Link: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/20/david-ayoub-interview-february-2010.aspx

Goal for this week: I work 8-5 this week, which means that I will miss the majority of the beautiful weather that we're to have this week. My goal is to take Laila for a walk each day, regardless of the things I have to do each night. I want to cherish the time that I have with my daughter, and let her know how important it is to enjoy the world that God has blessed us with.

One Week Down

Update: It's been one week since the experiment began, and I have to say that it's going very well. Heath loves the "diet." I know it's because I'm preparing all the meals for him, and he doesn't have to lift a finger. I am preparing breakfast for all of us before work, usually hot cereal. I am also preparing lunch and something for Heath to take to work with him. It does take a little extra time, but no more than 25 minutes in the morning. I have peace of mind because I know that my family is well fed.

Groceries: I have devised a plan where I write out one week of meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. I recently got the new 1,000 Vegan Recipes by Robin Robertson. I also use the Healthy Cooking for Kids cookbook by Shelly Null. There are so many interesting recipes in both these books, and I won't need to stray from them for quite a while. I am also surprised that my grocery bill isn't skyrocketing like I thought it would. There are some extras that I am now purchasing:

organic cane sugar, organic confectioner's sugar: I have learned that regular granulated sugar is processed using animal bones. Gross.

Seventh Generation Dishwashing detergent: Heath raised an interesting point about eating healthy but not paying attention to the chemicals that your dishes are washed in...case in point. Switched to a better for the environment/better for the body detergent. Will soon be switching to a friendlier form of cleaning solutions for the house, more than likely.

Goal for this week: Getting as much sun as possible now that it's starting to get nice outside. I have been weaning down my Vitamin D3 to 4,000 I.U. starting today, because the best sources come from the sun. I am amazed at all the research that I find that supports how vital Vitamin D is to our health. Especially the little ones. Below is a link that has a lot of different information about Vitamin D3. There is also a handy guide to decipher how much one should be taking, if not in the sun daily. If in the sun, make sure you expose face and hands to the sun for about 10-15 minutes daily. This needs to be sans sunscreen, because sunscreen blocks some of the rays necessary to absorb Vitamin D. Just a small detail: Laila has been taking Vitamin D all winter long. She has been sick one day. And that was a small cold which she fought off quickly. And yes, she goes to daycare.

Link: http://www.mercola.com/article/vitamin-d-resources.htm

Day 3

Sample day:
Breakfast- raw fruit salad with cinnamon on 6 oz strawberry soy yogurt
Snack (optional)- 1/4 c almonds, 1/4 c raisins
Lunch- whole wheat bagel sandwich with hummus spread, 3 slices avocado, 1/4 c sprouts, raw spinach, 1 c raw bell peppers, 1/2 c Kashi organic crackers
Dinner- black bean quesadillas, avocado on side, mixed raw bell peppers, 1 1/2 c jasmine rice
Dessert- 1 orange, 1/2 c fresh pineapple

This is what I ate today. I didn't eat the snack, but left it optional for Heath and Laila. I have been eating early, and not eating anything past 9 pm. I think this is working out the best, because I have been waking up feeling very refreshed and not bloated. I have had a lot more sharpness of mind during the day. I am not counting calories, and I don't eat until maximum fullness.

I must admit that this is the first time I have ever eaten raw bell peppers. I bought 1 red pepper, 1 yellow pepper, and 1 green pepper. I didn't know how good they tasted! Laila even ate them, and wanted more. I read that kids will eat them if they are presented in different colors; my kid is proof of that.

Supplements: Laila takes a children's multivitamin from the health food store, and D3 (1,000 I.U.), plus a probiotic for kids. The days we don't eat a good source of omega-3 fats, we take Carlson's fish oil. 1 tsp for me, 1/2 for Laila. I also take 5,000 I.U. of D3 (with calcium), and a probiotic. I am hoping we can discontinue the D3 for most of the summer, once we are outside more and can get it from the sun.

Tidbit: Laila has dealt with eczema in the past, and I have found since she started the fish oil that it has ceased to exist.

Goal for the week: I don't want to throw out food at the end of the week. I read an article about how much food Americans throw away, and it was not cool. I know that the further we get into this journey, I will get used to how much we all eat every week. This should help me avoid throwing out any produce that has gone bad.

Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start.

I have a confession. I eat meat. Yet I call myself a vegetarian/vegan. I should clear this up. I rarely eat meat, maybe once a month. And most of the time, that's fish. So I may be a hypocrite. But, I am mostly vegan, with the exception of the fish. I don't "do" dairy products. I have been "vegan" for about a year, and am very happy to report that my digestive system likes me this way.

I have been attempting a strict vegan diet, but I have a husband and a child who are not exactly on the bandwagon here. Heath likes meat. A lot. Laila loves cheese. And candy. So, occasionally I fall off my plan. Especially when we go out to eat.

That brings us to the decision. We went to Perkins on Sunday afternoon. We ate breakfast. Heath and I got into a conversation about basic health issues. I have a strong belief that diet contributes to a lot of health problems, and that most ailments can be helped dramatically if one's diet changes. I brought up the topic of an experiment. I would find it interesting if Heath would try my vegan/raw food (more on that later) diet for one year. ONE YEAR. He agreed promptly. (Surprise!) So, here we are.

We started yesterday. I am planning on blogging about random thoughts on diet, and will include any results/complaints/general ideas about the progression of this journey.

I am excited to see where this takes us. Faithfully feasting, we strive to please the Lord with our food choices in order that we may be the very best for His Glory.