So this is it...our last day of so-called freedom before the start of a long 21 day challenge in which we will be fueling our bodies with super-foods and ridding of all toxins. I imagine we will feel pretty great when this is all over and then we are just left with the decision to continue down this road or go back to everyday foods that are slowly making us all sick. I for one could never give up meat or cheese...but I know I will not allow myself to indulge in these pleasures on a daily basis after this. My goal is to become more aware and take control of what I am exposing myself to. And this isn't really about weight...it's about repair and renewal. I'm pretty sure the almost daily alcoholic beverages plus the feast of potato chips and chocolate on the weekends (and then some) weren't doing much more than creating havoc on our insides...poor liver...poor intestines. Where's the magic school bus when you need it? Not to mention everything else we consume on a daily basis without thinking twice about it. I think a lot of us get sucked into the calorie counting when really we should be focusing on the one-ingredient items that aren't loaded with processed crap, preservatives, and chemicals. It's quite simple when you get past the withdrawal symptoms of being a crazed addict. Oh delectable pastries...you were constantly on my mind...how could I go a day without you? Well, I couldn't go without sweets for awhile but after a couple weeks of self-control and motivation I was able to stay away and with ease. I felt proud and that I had conquered something large. F-you Starbucks and your glass case of treats taunting me when really all I wanted was a tea. Or the massive bowl of Easter chocolate on our very top shelf, how it somehow learned to fly and make its way down to us every night after dinner. No more...the sugar monster has left the building.
Honestly I didn't even know what the word 'Vegan' really meant til about a year ago and when I did, I didn't really understand it. What was the reason behind not eating meat or dairy...ever? It's beyond what you know or what you think you know. I have (almost) all the answers now and I feel amazing just with the knowledge I've obtained. After a chapter or two into 'Crazy Sexy Diet' I was hooked, inspired, I wanted more. I'd toss and turn at night thinking about this incredible information that could change my life in such a positive way. The way I choose to take care of myself has been forever changed. If we could all strive to become even just vegan-ish I think our bodies and our earth would thank us for it.
Our cupboards and fridge have willingly opened up space for a truckload of veggies, fruit, seeds, nuts, legumes, and healthy grains. It's a lot of preparation for our meals but it'll be worth it. We're also throwing our microwave out the window and replacing it with a...wait for it........ juicer! I've been incorporating some of these plant-based meals into our diet over the last couple weeks and I have to say everything has been amazing so far. I've ordered a few raw/vegan cookbooks as well to help us through. There's no need to give up bold fresh flavors and creativity!
And yes, Cody did look at me like I had been abducted when I first started conversing with him about this exciting new discovery... But I'm glad we're on the same page now and doing this together. :)
-Angie
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