So I was thinking about how my lifestyle has changed for the better in the last year. It's been a year now since I cut all animal products out of my diet. Wow, the year just flew by! I did eat animals products on a couple of occasions, but only a handful of times. Might I also mention that I never felt good after eating those things, not physically or emotionally!
When I began this journey a year ago, I was overweight with high blood pressure and just overall unhappy with where I was at with my body and health. It has since become so much more to me than just getting healthier.
I have learned about things that I never knew about before such as the horrors of animal agriculture, the leather/fur industries, animal testing and the completely unnecessary suffering I had participated in. I had no idea about some of the things going on, but somethings I knew and sadly choose to overlook. Not anymore :)
There has been quite a bit of education and even more soul searching. Compassion and respect for all sentient creatures equals abstinance. How can I claim to love animals and then turn around eat them, buy their skins or even products that cause immense suffering with their testing practices? I may not personally end animal suffering or save this beautiful planet, but it doesn't excuse me from doing my part. My heart and conscience are clear now! Besides, the way I see it, it's a win win all the way around. When I don't participate in the suffering or killing of animals, I am doing as much as I can to leave a smaller footprint on the planet and I'm healthier for it!
I have also learned about organics, GMOs, nutritional needs, blood pressure, cholesterol, adequate sleep, and more about my overall health than I ever knew before. Yay me!
I learned very quickly how beneficial a whole food plant based diet was for making me feel amazing! I also learned how delicious vegan food can be! I remember feeling overwhelmed in the beginning about what I was gonna eat and what it would taste like. How do you give up dairy? What a pleasant surprise it has been that I love what I eat now so much more than I ever enjoyed what I used to eat!
There have been some very visible changes, as well as some that are not so noticeable. I've lost about 35 pounds without any deprivation. I eat as much as I want until I am completely satisfied. The only thing I did was change what I eat! I will admit that I did let myself get sucked back into calorie counting briefly and found it detrimental to my happiness and physical wellness! I am so much happier than I used to be. I chalk this up to being at peace with my personal choices, my physical appearance (self-acceptance), better over all health and adequate sleep.
My sleep is amazing and I always feel full of energy. I can't rave enough about how amazing it feels to be energetic and never mentally foggy. Being able to focus is so huge for me as I have always been a bit scatter brained ;)
All in all it's been an incredible year and wonderful beginning to my journey towards health and happiness!
Stay tuned for more changes that took place this year. I will be writing about living in less than 400 square feet, minimalism vs. consumerism and what it took to get where we are today. Another work in progress that is enhancing my life every. single. day.
Peace and Blessings ♡
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