Week 1: The Down and Dirty

For all those that doubted me: *insert middle finger here* ha!  I'm just kidding.

Week 1 was a success!! There has been some tempting moments that I have had to picture those poor animals in the wretched conditions we call "commercial farms" in order to get me through.  There were moments that I was almost in tears.  I know that you think tears a bit extreme, but have you ever tried to give up cheese?  Not dairy, not eggs, just cheese. Hardest.Thing.EVER!  It's on subs, pizza, pasta, sauces, dressings, rolls/breads. It's literally on almost every item in the grocery store except Popsicles and fresh produce.

Moving on from my mini rant.  Let's discuss my grocery shopping experience.

I walked into a local grocery store, Pick'N'Save.  This is a normal grocer and doesn't claim to specify to any dietary needs or preferences.  I was in the store for an hour and a half and spent $119.36.  It was a rather educational experience.  Thank goodness for mobile Internet!  I was Googling all sorts of ingredients that I wasn't sure if they were Vegan or not.  This particular grocer has an "Organic/Health Food" Section in almost every aisle in the store.  The only aisles that are excluded from these selections are: Dairy, Meat/Butcher, and Chip/Soda.  I found that many items in the rest of the isles are labeled "Contains Wheat/Eggs/Milk/etc" so I didn't have to read too much in depth.  The hard part came when I was looking at items that weren't particularly on the healthy side of veganism.  Risotto, Rice, and Pasta mixes were difficult because many contain Whey, which is a dairy byproduct.  So those were out of the question.  Below is a brief list of some of items I purchased.

• eggplant
• asparagus
• spinach
• kale
• lemons
• avocados
• cauliflower
• dehydrated cranberries
• protein/energy mixed nuts (peanuts, raisins, soy bean, sunflower seed, almond & cocoa)
• black beans
• garbanzo beans
• risotto
• brown rice
• Tofurkey lunch "meat"
• tofu dogs
• Bocca burgers
• Deli fresh bread & buns
• oatmeal
• wheat germ
• almond milk
• soy milk
• mineral water
• frozen vegan spring rolls
• marinara sauce
• organic pasta
• freshly ground spices
• and finally cat food/litter (not vegan... I don't think)

There were some other things in the cart, but this was a few days ago.  So far so good though. I have been making healthy (and yummy) dishes for myself, as well as Francisco.  The hard part is when I work.  I am not a big morning eat-er.  Usually breakfast for me is around 10am.  However, when I work, I am up at 5am and on the road by 630am.  I have zero appetite.  I have been waking up, making a water & lemon bottle to go, eating some of my energy nut mix (which Francisco has now polished off!), and taking a banana for the car ride to work.  With this I am also taking the following supplements:

• 2000 IU's Vit D-3 (Promotes Teeth, Bone, and Immune Health- Mostly for my S.A.D.)
• High Potency B complex (Promotes Energy-Metabolism-and Nerve function)
• Thiamin (B-1)
• Riboflavin (B-2)
• Niacin
• Vit B-6
• Folic Acid
• Vit B-12
• Pantothenic Acid
• Calcium
• Calcium, Magnesium, & Zinc combo (Promotes Bone Health and Nerve Function)
• 200 IU's Vit E (Promotes Cardiovascular Health)

All these are beneficial for more than what they are listed.  They are just highly intended for those areas.  I will be starting a Prenatal vitamin, Omega-3, and Vitamin C next week as well.  Just to make sure all my bases are covered.  It seems like a lot of pills to take, but a I don't receive enough of B or C vitamins in my everyday diet (even pre-vegan).  Most B vitamins come from meat sources and C is all across the board. 

The Effects:

For as long as I can remember I have also had issues with my bowels.  Not that I have I.B.S. or Chronic Constipation, but I've never been as regular as someone my age should be.  Even at that, there are times that I won't go for a day or 2 and then it's almost like I get food poisoning or something and have to go every minute all day.  (I'm trying to limit the graphics here people!) However, now that I have switched my diet up, I am going regularly and without any difficulties.  I have been a little gassy due to the broccoli, but that is normal for women.  It may be normal for men as well, as if has a high fiber content. 

I have noticed that my skin is softer and just looks better.  I have always had combination skin and minor breakouts on my chest & shoulder blades.  That is also starting to clear.  I haven't switched anything other than my diet and shampoo/conditioner. 

However, not all is well this week.  As I am detoxing, I am physically drained.  I will have bursts of energy and notice that my mood is much lighter, but then I will have a crash because my body is craving fats and preservatives.  Think of it as an alcohol or drug problem, when those people detox all they want to do is sleep... It is the same in my case, only a bit less severe.  I don't have the sleepiness, I just feel drained.  I even go through moments at work where I need to take a step back and drink some cold water.  On a side note: I really like fresh lemon water.  It's amazing!

The Cravings:

They aren't as bad as I've heard some people get.  Although, there is just something about a McDonald's Double Cheese Burger with no Onions, Fries, an Orange Hi-C with no ice, and a side of Spicy Mustard that just always sounds good! (Notice that I have that order down pat?   That is my infamous drunk food order.)  Today, there was a moment that I almost had a mental breakdown.  Toppers Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Two of my favorite things:  Pizza and Buffalo sauce.  Then I saw the chicken... Rubbery "chicken" all of a sudden was not so appealing. ha!  To sway the cravings, I have sought the help of Qdoba.  You can't go wrong with a veggie burrito.  I pile it so high with salsas, beans, and guac, that you don't even notice that the meat is missing.  It's great.  But I know that fast food isn't the answer.  Right now, we are saying no more than 1 day a week. :)

The Break Through:
Francisco and I went to Trader Joe's a few days ago.  I got to educate him in all sorts of things about food and being vegan.  It was satisfying to me to be able to explain the benefits of what we are doing.  The best moment was purchasing Vanilla flavored Soy Milk.  He was 100% unsure of this product.  I opened it as soon as we got home, and he fell in love instantly.  He said that he isn't going to believe what he hears from now on and is going to try new things.  For me, that was a great moment, because I know I won't be alone on this journey. 

So where are we now?  I am trying to implement more raw veggies, since they have more nutrients in them.  I am also trying to start juicing.  I need to invest in a juicer.  They are ungodly expensive, but I think it will be worth it. 

_________
XoX
Amanda

Pre-Vegan Background - The Initiation

It all started when I was about 14 years old.  My love for food was deeply routed in an Italian heritage and in a father that was pursuing a culinary degree.  His family was all about the culinary conquest.  But then again, in the early 2000's, who wasn't?  Rachel Ray, Paula Deen and Bobby Flay were all the buzz. 

On a daily basis I would come home from school and make a sandwich.  White bread, processed meats, processed cheese, and a mean combination of yellow mustard and mayo.  Oh!  Let's not for get the pickle and potato chips.  For a family who loved intriguing cuisine, this was NOT an after-school snack to be raved about. 

Flash forward a few years... 2009.  I am a college student at St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, Minnesota).  At this point in time, I was dating an athlete and was partying just about every day of the week.  Beer, pizza and Pop-Tarts were the main food groups that I survived off of.  It wasn't that I didn't want to cook.  Or not even that I didn't know how.  I was too broke to buy fresh produce, lean meats, and I simply didn't have the time.  Getting about 6 hours of sleep at the absolute maximum, working 6-8 hours a day/36-40 hours a week, and going to school full time; There was a lot of pasta and frozen pizzas as well.   

So here I am.  Amanda Peterson: age 23, in a relationship, and could lose about 35 lbs.  As of today, I am sitting at 167 lbs.  My weight should be around 130-135 lbs (if I was in ideal BMI range).  I am working as a Manager in Training at a local Marriott hotel. AKA pursuing my chosen career path! There has been a lot of changes in my life over the past few months.  I've had a falling out with my mother who was recently diagnosed with cancer, found out my parents are divorcing, moved in with my life long best friend and her family, and I have finally found someone that I can say I 100% trust and love unconditionally.  So not all bad news right?  Wrong.  I found out about a whole slew of illnesses that run on both sides of my family.  From cancer and mental illness to (the now rather basic) diabetes and heart disease.  This was the starting point. 

The next thing I know I am eating more veggies and trying to become a healthier human, with no veganism intended at this point...  Unknowing that I am about to make a huge life changing decision.  Here we go. This is it.

2 weeks ago, I was at Francisco-the boyfriend-'s apartment and I was waiting for him to come home from work.  With no cable connection and my complete boredom of Facebook, I decided to check out some Netflix!  I grabbed a Salami sandwich, 2 Clausen's pickles (yes, I love pickles), made some tea, and wrapped myself in the most amazing plush blanket I could find.  Scrolling through the movie selections, I was in the mood for something educational.  Having flashbacks to being 14 again, I thought culinary education would be a fabulous idea! Get the mind rolling for some dinner ideas and what not. Vegucated was the flick I chose to pass some time with.  It was a documentary from 2010.  (A complete list of documentaries is listed below.)

Holy sh*t!  I had heard of animal cruelty, animal testing, unhealthy conditions and adding hormones, but good grief!  Talk about an eye opener.  Suddenly, my Salami sandwich wasn't all too appealing. I was getting physically ill at even the thought of what I had just consumed.

So starts the research:  I was online ALL night trying to see how healthy veganism is and what it entails.  It seemed like not too bad of an idea, since I am also lactose intolerant. So I pretty much would be simply cutting out eggs, meats, and anything containing animal byproducts ... just kidding, this isn't simply by any means!  Through it all, I was becoming more and more turned off to consuming animal products.  Thanks to educational/activist groups such as PETA, I was able to watch some behind the scenes footage of what the common processes are for slaughtering pigs and cows. YEP! Totally done with meat!!! 

Dr. Oz has an amazing website full of useful Vegan tips.  You can Google the term "vegan" and the links are endless. Aside from the animal cruelty issue, there are more than enough studies to prove that being vegan/vegetarian is much healthier for your body.  I don't mean this in terms of being physically fit, but in terms of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and all sorts of internal things. Not to mention juicing and eating raw veggies is AMAZING for your skin.  And obviously you have to keep a steady work out regiment to obtain your goal physically.  Plus there is more to it than just eating veggies.  You need to eat veggies (some raw), grains, fruits, legumes, and drink lots and lots of water.  FYI: Oreo's are Vegan... But that doesn't mean you should buy them!  A lot of junk foods that are high in sugar/sodium are vegan, but eating Frito Scoops and Famous Amos Chocolate cookies isn't going to make you healthy.  It's a life style change, and it's one that cuts out all food that are straight garbage for your body. However, if you are the person who cannot cut out ALL the bad things, here is a list of all the things that are Vegan in your (probably current) Carivorous daily life: PETA Accidentally Vegan

Collectively, Francisco and I watched about 5 documentaries and conducted some independent studies.  After our findings, we decided to embark on this journey together.  It is always easier when you have someone to accompany you not only for support, but for the competition factor as well. Monday, February 18, 2013 we officially became practicing vegans.

Here is a list of documentaries that you can currently catch on Netflix or watch online:

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead
Food Matters
Fors Over Knives
Hungry Fro Change
Vegucated

The above documentaries have forever changed my point of view on health, happiness, medicine, my personal lifestyle, and the world as a whole.


A new opportunity.  A new life. A new me.