21 days doesn't seem like that long...right? Three weeks is all it is. Starting this Monday I am going to do a 21 day vegan kickstart program. Why vegan you ask...well the health benefits of going to a plant based diet are phenomenol, especially considering my cholesterol level is over 200. In addition to being able to lower my cholesterol, gaining more energy, feeling good about myself and losing weight--it's worth giving it a shot. Three weeks is all it is.
Won't it be hard to give up meat?
No--I don't think so--I really haven't been consuming much meat now. Maybe a chicken breast here and there but I can do without for a minimum of three weeks.
What about dairy--no milk, no cheese, no eggs?
Dairy and I have a horrible relationship anyways. It does a number on my stomach and the only thing I will miss is ice cream. I have to look and see if there is a vegan italian ice of some kind. I don't use cow's milk now anyways. Andrew and I have switched to almond milk which we both love.
So here it is. I am going to use this blog to track my progress. If anyone wants more information go to: http://pcrm.org/kickstartHome/
Friday, September 2, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Changes
I have struggled with my weight my entire life and now I'm struggling with the effects of that..my cholesterol. I had it checked at the beginning of this year and it was through the roof. Not exactly what you want as a 26 year old. A friend of mine from college has become a vegan and has reaped multiple health benefits from it. I'm not aiming towards becoming a vegan but I my goal is to eat more plant based foods.
Here is a really good post she posted on her blog:
"A “Plant Based Diet” is not a diet in the sense of how that word is thrown around today, it is a lifestyle. That said, if you are looking for a healthy, sustainable way to lose weight and keep it off, a plant based diet will most definitely do that. I had several stints of losing 40 or so pounds, but I could never keep it off long term until I started a plant based diet. When I did, I even lost a few extra pounds that were clinging on, have kept it off, eat pretty much what I want, and as much of it as I want (until I am full).
We often refer to PBD as “Low Fat” which they are, but that term sometimes is thought of in another way. The “Low Fat” term when used in reference to a PBD does NOT mean low fat in the sense of a Lean Cuisine meal which is lower in fat because artificial additives, tons of sodium and other chemicals to bring the fat and calorie counts down a few notches and to try and add flavor. Anything like that will be in the processed foods realm; freezer meals, boxed meals, etc which are best to not eat at all.
By nature, whole plant foods are simply lower in calories and fat, contain NO cholesterol, and are higher in fiber, protein, and many other essential nutrients. Sure there are plenty of carbohydrates, but when the carbs come from whole foods as opposed to processed foods they tend to have a lower glycemic index which is better for your body. Processed carbs are notorious for spiking your insulin and are big contributors to Type II diabetes…anything like white bread, bleached pastas, etc fall into that category. Eating plant based also fills you up well in combination with being able to eat decent sized portions and the fiber content. With increased fiber intake, you feel full longer and generally do not get that hungry feeling soon after. Studies show that even without any other dietary changes or exercise, that subjects lost around seven pounds by increasing their high fiber food intake. You will definitely get your fiber on a plant based diet!
Research shows that vegetarians are not only, on average, 10 percent slimmer than omnivores, but they are also at dramatically lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and a host of other diseases. Plus, the food is delicious and easy to prepare. If you are trying to lose weight or are looking for a new diet consider going plant based. It is just as good for your waistline as it is for the rest of your bodies health."
Here is a really good post she posted on her blog:
"A “Plant Based Diet” is not a diet in the sense of how that word is thrown around today, it is a lifestyle. That said, if you are looking for a healthy, sustainable way to lose weight and keep it off, a plant based diet will most definitely do that. I had several stints of losing 40 or so pounds, but I could never keep it off long term until I started a plant based diet. When I did, I even lost a few extra pounds that were clinging on, have kept it off, eat pretty much what I want, and as much of it as I want (until I am full).
We often refer to PBD as “Low Fat” which they are, but that term sometimes is thought of in another way. The “Low Fat” term when used in reference to a PBD does NOT mean low fat in the sense of a Lean Cuisine meal which is lower in fat because artificial additives, tons of sodium and other chemicals to bring the fat and calorie counts down a few notches and to try and add flavor. Anything like that will be in the processed foods realm; freezer meals, boxed meals, etc which are best to not eat at all.
By nature, whole plant foods are simply lower in calories and fat, contain NO cholesterol, and are higher in fiber, protein, and many other essential nutrients. Sure there are plenty of carbohydrates, but when the carbs come from whole foods as opposed to processed foods they tend to have a lower glycemic index which is better for your body. Processed carbs are notorious for spiking your insulin and are big contributors to Type II diabetes…anything like white bread, bleached pastas, etc fall into that category. Eating plant based also fills you up well in combination with being able to eat decent sized portions and the fiber content. With increased fiber intake, you feel full longer and generally do not get that hungry feeling soon after. Studies show that even without any other dietary changes or exercise, that subjects lost around seven pounds by increasing their high fiber food intake. You will definitely get your fiber on a plant based diet!
Research shows that vegetarians are not only, on average, 10 percent slimmer than omnivores, but they are also at dramatically lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and a host of other diseases. Plus, the food is delicious and easy to prepare. If you are trying to lose weight or are looking for a new diet consider going plant based. It is just as good for your waistline as it is for the rest of your bodies health."
Monday, July 25, 2011
Engine 2
Tomorrow I will embark on the Engine 2 diet. It's not going to be a diet, its more a lifestyle change. I need to get myself healthy in order to have a family and to BE HEALTHY. That's all it's about.
The engine 2 diet is all about being "plantstrong". I would love to become a vegetarian, you don't need meat to survive so why eat it.
Here is what week one consists of..I'm going to use this blog to track my progress.
http://www.engine2diet.com/
The engine 2 diet is all about being "plantstrong". I would love to become a vegetarian, you don't need meat to survive so why eat it.
Here is what week one consists of..I'm going to use this blog to track my progress.
http://www.engine2diet.com/
Friday, July 15, 2011
6 years!
It's crazy to believe that on Tuesday July 19th Andrew and I have officially been together for 6 years. We have both grown and changed so much in that time. Who would have thought we would be MARRIED!
Married life is going great. I fall more and more in love with Andrew every day. He is truely amazing!
Our honeymoon was SO MUCH FUN! Too short but it was amazing.
Port in Nassau, Bahamas
Laying on the beach with crystal clear blue water...nothing more relaxing than that!
Married life is going great. I fall more and more in love with Andrew every day. He is truely amazing!
Our honeymoon was SO MUCH FUN! Too short but it was amazing.
Port in Nassau, Bahamas
Laying on the beach with crystal clear blue water...nothing more relaxing than that!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
48 days
48 days until the big day. AHHHHH. I'm most concerned about losing weight, thats my number 1 priority! I'm so scared of looking like a huge cow for my wedding day. I don't want to let myself down.
I've been following a nutrition plan created specially for me by a fitness trainer. When I stick to it 100% I feel amazing and I'm never hungry and have no stomach issues. sounds great right? it is..then I fall off the wagon and eat crap. I'm starting it back up tomorrow after pretty much not following it all week long. I sabotage myself and I hate it! I'm going to submit a nutrition plan change to Mike, the trainer, and hope it's something good I'm tired of the plan I have now. This is week 4 of it.
School is drowning me right now. I feel like there is so much going on that I can not come up for air. Only a month left and I know I can do it. I just need to focus!
I've been following a nutrition plan created specially for me by a fitness trainer. When I stick to it 100% I feel amazing and I'm never hungry and have no stomach issues. sounds great right? it is..then I fall off the wagon and eat crap. I'm starting it back up tomorrow after pretty much not following it all week long. I sabotage myself and I hate it! I'm going to submit a nutrition plan change to Mike, the trainer, and hope it's something good I'm tired of the plan I have now. This is week 4 of it.
School is drowning me right now. I feel like there is so much going on that I can not come up for air. Only a month left and I know I can do it. I just need to focus!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Military
I'm sure anyone who reads this knows Andrew is looking to enlist in the Marines again. When we started dating he was stationed at Camp Lejeune and we saw each other almost every weekend (except when mike and him did not pass field day and he had to stay in NC for the weekend). Our relationship survived, with ease, his second deployment. He finished his active duty dec 2006 and finished his inactive reserve duty April 2010. After much thought he has decided he misses the marines and wants to go back. I fully support him because that is what makes him happy. I've done a deployment before, I can certainly do it again. Plus deployments make really great diets, haha.
I will be proud to be a Marine Wife
I will be proud to be a Marine Wife
Sunday, February 13, 2011
104 days to go!
Isn't it crazy how fast time flies? I feel like just yesterday Andrew and I met now here are 104 days from our wedding. Things are coming together very nicely. I went with my cousin yesterday to pick out bridal shower stuff. I'm thrilled!
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