Sunday, December 09, 2007

Where Have I Been?

I was going to start out be apologizing for being absent for so long, but I'm really trying to blog for myself, so I'm not going to apologize. I will say that I'm sorry if you missed me. I missed you too!

I've been busy doing this new thing...I think they call it exercising....

For the last two weeks I've been doing a ton of walking. I decided that it was a little silly to not exercise because it cut into my knitting time. So, everyday at lunch I've been walking as fast as I can for 15 minutes one way then turning around and walking 15 minutes back (although some days I come close to skipping the "back" part :p

Stu and I have also been walking in the evenings (last night we did a 25k walk, which was very hilly and damn cold!).


I've also made some major changes in how I've been eating. My diet is now about 98% vegan. And seriously, I feel great! I have more energy than I've had in years, or possibly ever!

How did this all start?

Well, it was a culmination of things. First, I've gained "a few" pounds, and have been becoming more and more miserable about my physical state, and of course, the more miserable I was, the more crap I ate, etc, etc, etc.

Second, the right book landed in my lap at the right time. It was the stern talking too/dose of reality I needed. The book is called Skinny Bitch and it changed my life. Seriously.

Aside from cutting out nearly all meat, I have also cut out white flour, white sugar, and white rice. Instead, I'm using things like dehydrated cane juice and agave nectar (super yummy and doesn't f*ck with your blood sugar), and whole wheat flour, and brown rice. Don't worry, I'm getting lots of protein too. Mostly from beans and some tofu (I'm one of those strange people who actually likes tofu).

I have also cut out cheese. I figure that if I can't use it responsibly, I can't have it at all. So far, this has been the most difficult thing to eliminate, but it is getting easier. And if absolutely necessary, I allow myself a very small amount no more than once a week.
One of the best things about eating this way is that I HAVE to cook. It is a lot harder to go out and pig out or get take out, because I'm not eating most ingredients the restaurants use. This is making me have to cook and pay attention to what I am eating. So far I've made up some really awesome things. In fact, I'm finding this type of food actually tastes better than the over-processed crap I normally eat.
I also found an awesome website called The Post Punk Kitchen. I made their vegan pumpkin muffin recipe (with a few alterations) and it was awesome. I even got the muffins to rise! I took them over to my parents' last weekend and they were a hit. Although, things that taste remarkably similar to pumpkin pie are usually a hit. They were so good, I made them again this morning.

The results so far?

I have a ton of energy, my skin looks better, and the best part? I can pull my old jeans on again. I tried to put them on before all this stuff, and I couldn't get them over my hips, not a chance. Now I can get them on. Not done up. But on. And that's good progress.

Honestly, the real best part is that this is sustainable and I am seeing results.

5 comments:

Karen said...

Good for you!! I'm so proud. I'm diabetic, and I just bought a couple of books on the glycemic index and changed the way I've been eating too. Isn't it amazing how much better you feel?

T.M. said...

Congratulations! It's amazing how a vegan diet can change everything. A really great set of cookbooks are by Sarah Kramer-The Garden of Vegan,How it All Vegan,and La Dolce Vegan. Excellent,easy recipes and very tasty. Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

I should use tofutsies to make your socks. bwahahahaha

I like tofu too! Especially in a lunch time veggie stir-fry.

martin said...

Ahhhh!!! no, not CHEESE!
precious cheeese?!?!

Ann said...

Sounds great to be energetic & healthy & at the same time enjoy wholesome food! I am also trying to eat healthy & it feels great.