each with their own mini (and not-so-mini) goals.
Our categories are:
Family, Friends, Career, Health, Home and Hobbies.
In {Part One} I/we focused on our Home category.
It’s still a work in progress...and will be for awhile.
Today I’m focusing mostly on my Health,
with a little bit of Family and Hobbies thrown in.
I never struggled with my weight until I had my son.
(Not his fault.)
Yeah, I was one of those girls who could eat anything.
In my 20’s:
Ice cream every night. For real.
A triple stack of pancakes with peanut butter and syrup. More please.
The entire pan of mashed potatoes-
shaped like a volcano with enough butter to make lava.
Geez, I was clueless about what I was eating.
But I did eat more than my share of fruits and veggies too.
Most of my life, I’ve been a vegetarian and/or vegan.
Until I had Sam.
(Again, not blaming him.)
What did I crave while pregnant with Sam?
MEAT. Give me ground beef, NOW!
Meatloaf, meatballs, my favorite vegan chili crammed packed with hamburger.
It was a constant battle between my conscience for eating animals
and my son’s need to be supplied with endless amounts of animal protein and iron.
Of course, the kiddo won. I’m a huge believer in listening to our bodies.
Or, at least I used to be.
Which is why I’m going to start listening (and hearing) my body again.
I posted this picture of my weight struggle on Facebook recently.
It was supposed to funny.
But it got me thinkin’…smoke coming out of my ears and all…
Maybe it’s not my metabolism?
Maybe it’s because I’m not being true to myself.
To make a long story short:
We struggled with a lot of stress for a few years after Sam was born.
(And again, not his fault. - I really want you to understand we don't blame him.)
Stress messes with our bodies in major ways.
I chose to focus on our family as best I could and left my food instincts in the background.
Now that we’ve all been in a very comfortable place for a couple years,
it’s time for me to listen to my heart and my conscience about what I’m eating.
Gluten-free, soy-free and dairy-free diets have worked extremely well for Tyler and Sam.
I tried to eat their way but it wasn’t right for me.
I, myself, need to be gluten-free, soy-free and vegan.
Food has been my hot-button issue.
Having a son with autism changed the way I look at everything (for the better).
Household cleaners, clothing, personal care items,
anything I bring into our home to be used by my family is scrutinized.
We are label readers.
For the past couple years,
I’ve spent time researching what companies are doing what,
who is owned by who,
what politicians are voting for as far as food is concerned
and I even write politicians to PLEASE pass or don’t pass certain food related bills.
I also vote with my dollars when I shop.
And I know I don’t know everything.
But knowing a little, for me,
is better than putting food on our table that is dangerous for my family.
This is in NO WAY an attempt to make anyone else change their diet or lifestyle.
Food is a very personal choice.
Sam, Ella and Tyler eat meat and I’m okay with that.
(As long as it’s organic, grass-fed, preservative free and hopefully local!)
Tyler’s brother and sis-in-law’s recent visit was my “last hurrah” to eating animals.
It’s been six days of eating the way I used to.
I feel great.
I’ve lost 3 pounds.
My skin is clearing up.
My heart feels happy.
I plan to do a 30 day check-in with my new (again) vegan lifestyle.
Vanity aside, I hope to see other positive results from this way of eating.
More energy, maybe?
I'll definitely feel better about my personal choices,
saving animals and helping the environment.
I’m cleansing my mind of this internal debate I’ve had going on for far too long…
Next week I’ll share what I DO eat.
(Gives me time to attempt a few food pictures.)
And maybe a few recipes.
It’s all really simple.
If you have anything to add or questions,
please feel free to leave a comment or email me.
Edited to add: I posted some of the foods I'm enjoying HERE.
6 Sweet Comments:
I am looking forward to seeing your post about what foods you enjoy. I do not eat meat or eggs. I do cook them for my family though. My mom has said that I would eat either from this time little. Each time I was pregnant guess what I crazed...meat. So funny you did as well.
I'm looking forward to your food post too. I only eat poultry and seafood (the latter very rarely) and am always on the hunt for yummy recipes that don't include meat.
simply dropping by to say hey
Oh great, Kelli and Tarra, I'll share some soon. Really, there's nothing fancy - just quick, simple food.
Anonymous- hey back :)
Good for you trying to do better. I understand the whole... stress with food. I struggle with it as well. Hope to see you making more progress next week!
Thanks Catherine :) Stress causes our bodies to do such strange things...but I guess that's the point. Warning flags and red lights flashing- our bodies usually tell us when something is wrong. I've been doing a lot better listening to my head and heart. I'm back to my new (old) diet again. See some of the foods I'm eating HERE.
Post a Comment