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."

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/

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!