"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." - Vincent Van Gogh

Friday, April 5, 2013

Vegan Update

Five months ago I became a vegan. I was tired of looking and feeling the way I did. Counting calories and exercising daily was not causing the scale to tip in my favor. Frankly, I was depressed about the state of my health and more than a bit worried about things like cancer, heart attack, diabetes and stroke. I was eating an average of 600 calories a day and exercising and yet gaining weight! I was not one of those people on "The Biggest Loser" that admits to eating bags of cookies and potato chips! I was just a middle aged woman whose metabolism had shut down.

I knew that I needed to do something drastic that had proven effective for me in the past. Since I was already convinced of the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle it didn't take much thought for me to know that this was the path that I was to take.

In five months, nothing has swayed me from my course. I have on a few very special occasions chosen to "lighten up" a bit on my rules, but have not been deterred. Even the death of my father and two weeks on the road didn't set me back.

So, how have I faired health wise?

Today I visited the doctor for my checkup. My last one was more than two years ago. I lost 40 pounds since my last visit. Since I know for sure that I had gained more weight in the past two years (the average person gains 10 pounds a year and well, let's just say that my jeans were not wearable), it might be more accurate to say that I've lost between 50 and 60 pounds eating vegan for the past 5 months.

I have a ways to go.... but I feel so much healthier. I'm able to run across the streets of Boston now without getting winded. I'm so much lighter on my feet... literally.

Was it worth giving up meat, dairy and eggs, sugar and ice cream, the pizza and thick juicy steaks?

Yep... no doubt about it! If you are feeling like you need a change in your health go back and read my old entries in November and December. It's good for the body and the soul!


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