Changes in my diet

Today is all about a new "thing" I've been doing (I would almost call it a hobby but not sure that's the right word? I'm talking about my diet, and no I don't mean the I'm going to do this for 10 days to loose weight diet, I mean what I actually eat on a daily basis. My food diet.... Let me back up and start with a little background. I welcomed the first few days of 2014 in with the worst sinus infection ever and possibly something more. Not quite sure what I had but I know I spent 3 days in bed miserable. What did that leave time for? Netflix! Instead of starting a new show I decided to watch a documentary called Forks Over Knives. With no background knowledge of this movie I had no idea what to expect. The whole documentary was about following a plant based whole foods diet. I found it so interesting that it caused me to watch more documentaries and do way more research on the whole topic. So, with that being said I've been [for the most part] following a plant based whole foods diet the past 20ish days. 

So, plant based whole foods diet. 

What is that?! Plant based whole foods diet means you eat only plants, vegetables and whole grains. If it comes from an animal you don't eat it, if it's processed you don't eat it. Many people think "oh thats vegan" but it is actually quite different. Without going into too much detail, not eating processed foods and only whole grains versus things like white bread is the main difference between plant based, whole foods and vegan. 

Why? I totally get this question. Why would you give up things like hamburgers, fish, hot pockets, etc.. all foods I once loved! For you to really understand the why you HAVE to do the research for yourself. Watching documentaries like Forks Over Knives and Vegucated are great places to start. The book Engine 2 Diet is also awesome. What I learned is that by following a plant based whole foods diet you can drastically lower the chances of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and much more. What has become the norm in America as far as food is causing these diseases to skyrocket like never before. I also think once you really start to think about what you are eating and where it comes from your idea of eating changes. I don't want to look at an ingredient label and not be able to pronounce 20+ of the ingredients. Chances are these chemicals are slowly poisoning our body. So whats the big deal with meat? Well meat isn't the issue but the hormones and chemicals put INTO our meat before it ever hits the grocery store is the problem. I could go on but still don't feel like I know quite enough and don't want to say anything that isn't true. If you are curious though watch the videos! It's truly eye opening. 

"Some people think the whole plant based, whole foods diet 

is extreme. Half a million people a year will have their chest 

opened up and a vein taken from their leg sewn onto their 

coronary artery. Some people would call that extreme.”

- Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn

But... Do you feel like you are missing out on foods? No, I honestly don't! I've been eating really awesome meals! I'm still eating burgers, pasta, pizza, tacos, etc... just without meat and with tons of vegetables! But.. you posted a picture of sushi yesterday? you put creamer in your coffee.. you ate a hamburger last week. Yes, yes and yes. I have not 100% changed my dietary lifestyle. I have made a major shift however. I think it's a process and something that takes time. It's a whole new way of thinking about food. 

The best part? I feel AWESOME. Seriously, so much energy all of the time. No more 2pm slumps. I've also dropped several pounds and noticeably have a smaller waist line. This wasn't in any way the goal but is also totally welcome! It even adds motivation to stick with it. It's also been so fun to try out new recipes and new ingredients! I've been surprised how much produce is out there I haven't ever even tried or heard of!  

The hardest part? Other people. Not everyone has supported this decision and that can be hard. It's not fun to have to justify your meals to your closest friends but I've realized it comes with the territory. It's a new way of thinking and isn't for everyone. I get that... I just wish people would sometimes keep their negative opinions to themselves (; ..Oh and chocolate. That's also the hardest part... I can't quite give that one up yet! 

In the end.. Will this be something I do forever? I have no idea.. I just know that I have enjoyed trying it out and plan to keep it up a little while longer to see where it goes. Will I eat a oh so perfect Bojangles Cajun Fillet biscuit? Probably. But will I eat one every weekend? No way. What it all boils down to is being more aware of what I'm eating and doing what's right for me. Has anyone else tried anything like this?