I was vegan for a year and a half. I quit when I hit a stint of depression that lasted a couple of years and cheese quickly became a comfort food for me. I've been wanting to go vegan again, but I just couldn't figure out how to give myself that final push. I've been cutting back on dairy for months, but once I decided to run the marathon, I gave up dairy immediately. When I was eating vegan with a lot of raw foods, I felt healthier than ever. I had more energy. I could run faster and farther. I was happier and my tummy didn't hurt as much. Since I'm going to be working hard for this marathon, I've decided that I want to do everything I can to set myself up for success. I've been reading some books about vegan super-athletes and I know that it is possible to be a healthy vegan athlete. The books are listed in the bar on the right side of my blog, if you are interested in them.
How am I going to do this? I don't really like to cook and I am one of those people who wants to eat as soon as I get hungry. I don't want to figure out what to cook, prepare it, and then cook. That is too much waiting and I will always reach for a processed quick meal instead. My solution is to carefully plan out my diet. I am shopping and cooking on weekends. I'm making enough to get through the week, so that I can eat healthy all week long. I eat salads everyday for lunch, but have started adding quinoa and tofu to my veggies. This gives me more protein and helps me get through the school day easier. It also gives me more energy to exercise after working all day. I've also been making some sort of protein-rich "meat substitute." Last week I made vegan sausage patties that I ate like burgers. I discovered that I don't miss sausage and won't make them again. This week I made vegan meatloaf. It is yummy and hearty and Nick even likes it. I'm also keeping lots of fresh fruits and veggies around the house. My new favorite breakfast includes a small glass of juice with chia seeds and two pieces of whole wheat toast with almond butter and either apples or bananas on top. Super yummy! I realize that to be 100% vegan, 100% of the time, I pretty much have to give up eating out. In Coos County, it is difficult to find vegetarian meals, let alone vegan ones. I've decided that it's ok for me to have a bit of dairy or eggs if we go out to eat, but I'm limiting that option to once a week. I don't think it'll even be that often. I will also eat eggs if I get them from friends who have spoiled chickens. I would like to have my own chickens someday, but until then, I'm going to avoid eggs.
I've been vegan again for a week and I'm happy with my choice. I get excited to cook and try new recipes. I am having fun shopping at natural food stores and trying new kinds of food. I feel healthier, even when I eat unhealthy things like dark chocolate. I don't know if I can attribute it to my diet, but today was my farthest run and I took about a week off because I wasn't feeling well. I ran 4 miles and included some short, but steep hills. Usually, after taking 5 days off, I struggle to run the same distance I left off at (about 3 miles in this case). Today I was able to do 4 and had the energy to go farther, but my knee was getting sore and I didn't want to over do it.
Anyway, that is my diet plan...for life, not a quick fix. I won't preach veganism to you, but if you are interested, I am more than happy to talk to you about it or recommend cookbooks. :)
CHALLENGE:
My challenge to you is to change one thing about your diet to make it healthier. It can be anything. Maybe you eat a salad for lunch every day or give up sugar or meat one day a week. Maybe you give up diet soda (the aspartame is REALLY bad for you) or limit your fast food intake to once a week. Please feel free to share how you are making your life healthier through a small diet change.
Cheers!
Ashley
Loved this post! You are kicking some butt! Food lifestyle changes are so challenging, and it sounds like you are on an excellent track :)
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I have gone through many food changes, over the years, because of my food/chemical sensitivities and allergies. So, I mostly eat raw, organic, fruits, vegetables, chia, flax, potatoes, chemical free, humanly treated healthy-fed meat...foods that have life, enzymes, and come from healthy earth <3
After many years, I am *finally* at a place in my life where I am avoiding 99.9% of soy, chocolate, pork, corn, gluten, eggs (recently we did found an awesome farm with happy, healthy chickens and eggs I can digest), MSG (truthinlabeling.org) processed glutamic acid, and many, many chemical additives in food.
(I say 99.9% because of occasional cross-contamination, and ingredients that may have been processed with a food I am sesitive to. Like xanthum gum being cultured in processed soy and/or corn.)
One of the big challenges I have been having, as well, is cooking (eating out just isn't an option for me.) I am not a fan, and prepping/cooking every single meal is just so much work. Luckily, I currently have help with cooking. I've been challenging myself to try any cook more batches of food less often, so I can have more grab-and-go foods ready - like granola bars, sandwiches, crackers (also homemade) dips, et cetera.
I'm really enjoying following your journey. Thanks for sharing it!