Well, at least for the next 3 weeks. We'll see what happens after that. For the last week I have had no caffeine, alcohol, sugar, or animal product in my diet! Im not going to say it has been easy but it honestly isnt the hardest thing Ive ever done. Im planning on doing it for a month for a few reasons:
1- Most habits are formed after 21 days.
2- Ive been watching way too many documentaries on how animals are treated in the food industry and the benefits of a plant-based diet. I suggest Vegucated on Netflix or Hulu.
3- Oh you know, still trying to lose the weight.
4- I love a challenge.
Aaaannnnnyyyyway, Im one week down. And here's some of my thoughts/results:
First off, I was not aware how many things I could NOT eat. There's a lil bit of an animal in almost everything. Honey in bread, chicken stock in rice, butter in this and that. But at the same time, it made me realize how Ive been playing into the food industry game for so long. And I dont wanna be a part of that at all. Ive researched and there are so many plant substitutes you can use for butter, milk, eggs, ect. So Ive had fun trying out recipes and using the family as guinea pigs. Ive actually built quite the collection of recipes, turns out you can eat just fine using only plants!
I guess it should be noted that I am not making my husband and sister adhere to this diet as well. I told them they could eat whatever they wanted for breakfast or lunch but I would be making a vegan dinner every night. Thus far, my sister has only gone to Popeyes twice. But she's beyond picky. The hubs is way more supportive and open to trying new things.
Secondly, I have lost 5.5 lbs in a week. Heres the funny part though- I caught the world's worst stomach bug yesterday and saw everything that was in my guts for almost 36 hours straight. So I cant really say its all from the diet thing. But if I had to honestly guess, I would say Ive lost about 3 lbs from the diet and not the death I experienced this last day and a half.
Lastly, in this last week I realized how horribly I had been eating. Since I had to restrict in my diet, I realized how much I was eating crap! I had a day in the country, and 2 networking events, and I didnt break at any of those. There were brisket tacos, sausages, and queso galore. Not to mention alcohol. I was worried about going to my in-laws in La Grange but my MIL is amazing and provided me with lots of veggies and fruit!
So Im pretty jazzed about this whole deal and am looking to post lots of vegan fake-out recipes that blow your meat eaters' minds! Until then, Im gonna take a nap, cause Im still feeling kinda yucky. But not about my eating, thats making me feel great! :)
Later gators!
Susannah
