{Post #804} Changes on the Horizon

There are big changes going on in my family.  As of this morning, we are going vegan.  For those not in the know, vegan is a stricter form of vegetarianism.  It means NO foods from animal products.  No butter, milk, eggs, cheese; also no oils of any kind.  Yes, the reality of the diet change has probably hit you by now.

Last night we watched the Forks Over Knives DVD (where, oddly enough, the knives they are referring to are surgical scalpels, not dinner knives).  We were impressed by the health changes after being on a plant-based diet.  So as of this morning, we are heading towards much better health.

I will let you know how we progress, and how I do specifically.  I am too embarrassed to post my present weight, but I will be giving occasional updates in the form of X-10 (meaning my original weight minus ten pounds, etc.).

My BP has always borderlined on too high.  I will also be monitoring that, but not posting updates about it.

So, what DID we eat today?  I have several friends who are curious about what one can eat after being on the standard American diet of way too much animal-derived proteins and fats.  Here you go...

Breakfast:  pan-cooked old-fashioned oats with chopped apple, raisins, and cinnamon (so sweet w/o even adding any sugar)

Lunch:  white rice topped with steamed broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower

Snack:  one gala apple and about a handful of peanuts

Supper:  spring mix (mixed green lettuces) salad with raisins and fresh broccoli; added a smackerel of non-fat raspberry viniagrette dressing, but did not like it (will eat it plain next time)

Lots of water throughout the day, which is my norm.

Yes--I thought of all the things I could NOT eat ALL day, but my kids were being such troopers that I didn't want to be a wet blanket. 

This war will be won one meal at a time.  Susanna was a huge help.  She cleaned out all the off-diet foods from our pantry, Lazy Susan, and frig.  She even cleaned the actual frig.  One of the downsides is that I have a huge stash of frozen meats in my freezer, but it's an opportunity to be a blessing to others.  I will be taking my Emily a huge box of pantry staples as well as frozen meats when I next visit her.

Here's to good health.

~Joan