Josie Ann's Journal, 19 August 2014

I'm going to see how high the day counter on the "Weigh In Now" ticker will go! It's currently sitting at 89 days and I feel no impulse to change it. Truly, I have not weighed myself in close to 3 months and I'm good with that. Like a good FS buddy (Bella) said the other day (bit of paraphrasing) "those last 5lbs won't make you happy or happier." So very true.

It's been a long time since I recorded a journal and it was intentional. I've become a Vegan and I wanted to see how this lifestyle worked for me before I said it on here to make sure it just wasn't a passing fancy, as I was a happy meat-eater and have been my whole life.

Why have I become Vegan? Because, one day I was craving a banana, but my diet mind said you can't eat a banana - too many carbs and sugar. But, intuitively, that didn't sit well, because it's a natural whole food - c'mon! So, naturally, I Googled it and I did a lot of research (and still do most days), and came across eating a plant-based diet. The more I read , the more it resonated with me. So, I started that day and my initial impetus was to get off restricting food and to be proactive in my health. I now eat as much as I want of fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes, pasta. All high-quality carbs and naturally low in fat stuff (don't add oils or creams to my food). My first instinct was "no, you can't eat all those carbs!", but I did and my weight has been steady. (I've probably lost a bit in fact judging by my clothes). This way of eating works for me. I'm amazingly regular (like Sheldon regular), my skin has improved and just all-around feel great and energetic. The proof is always in the banana pudding!

As I may have started out being a dietary vegan, I now can't eat meat for ethical reasons too. I honestly never knew (because I didn't want to know) how cows, pigs, and chickens were treated in these damn slaughterhouses. It is beyond horrific how these animals suffer and for me, now that I know I just can't. Not to mention how the Big Food meat companies actually handle and process the meat is just plain disgusting.

We have to take control of our health and be responsible for its condition. Because the government sure as hell doesn't give a shit.

A lot has changed food-wise, but the main thing is for the first time in my life I'm discovering a freedom from food. I don't fret mealtimes anymore and I'm certainly done with counting stupid calories. I eat a whole foods plant-based diet and my weight is taking care of itself. I still exercise regularly not to burn off unwanted calories , but because I want to (I've gotten into cycling this summer!).

There is so much information on the benefits of eating a plant-based diet, so if you are intrigued go Google and try it out. What have you got to lose.

I do recommend watching a documentary called "Forks over Knives". You can watch it on Netflix.

Have a good day everyone...eat your fruits and veggies today!