How it all started

As some of you may know, Alex and I recently embarked on a new eating plan. I refuse to say we are on a diet..fearing if I do I will be tempted to rebel. I say eating plan because I see this as a whole new way of living for us. It isn't something I plan to do for a certain length of time..only to loose weight I will eventually gain back. I have been looking for a way to shed a few pounds and feel "better" for a while now. "Better" meaning, more energy, less lethargic(kinda redundant, I know), Less depression, you know..just all around better! After a glutenous Presidents day weekend spent eating super heavy greasy meals and having no energy for much more than couch surfing; I was ready for a change. Enter, "Forks over Knives". If you haven't seen it..get to it! Talk about a slap in the face. This show talks about folks with some serious health issues that were able to turn them all around in a matter of weeks. Whats the miracle drug you ask? A whole foods, plant based diet. Yep, that's it. No more heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. What exactly is a whole food, plant based diet you ask? Well, basically it means going vegan. We gave up all meat and dairy products. We still eat eggs in this house, because, as far as i am concerned, they are a super food! We do only buy from farmers we can look in the eye while purchasing. Free Range, Organic, Happy chickens only! We also cut out refined sugar and all processed food. Let me tell you, our grocery cart looks a lot different. We are buying tons of whole grains, veggies and fruit. I will not say it hasn't been a challenge to stay creative and keep yummy food on the table, but the benefits are so worth it. Alex and I both feel loads better already. It has been about 4 weeks and we have both lost weight. We don't have a scale in our home, but clothes are fitting noticeably better. We both have more energy and I am in a better mood, even with this funky weather! I decided to start this blog so friends and family that ask me "what in the hell CAN you eat" will see that there is a huge variety in what we are eating..you just have to be creative! Alex and I have both been Vegetarians on and off, so we are pretty comfortable cooking and eating like this. Taylre is hanging in there, bless her little heart :) I have never really been a huge fan of most meat or dairy, so this has been pretty easy for me. I will admit that the first words out of my mouth were, "I wont be giving up half and half in my coffee". Then I looked up the calorie content in Half and half. And then I measured how much I put in my coffee on average. I will admit I was a bit horrified. So, I switched to "so delicious" coconut alternative. After about a week..I was over half and half! Butter was a bit tough..But I bit the bullet and went cold turkey! I can honestly say, I haven't looked back. Yes, bread with butter slathered on it is awesome..its just not what I'm choosing anymore. I also recently read a book called, The end of overeating. After describing what has been my relationship with food all of my life, it gives you tools and strategies to help you change your evil ways (hence that little.. its just not what I'm choosing anymore, bit back there).  Each individual has to choose what works for them and their body, this seems to be it for me. I hope to post recipes, shopping ideas, and garden tips here. Stay tuned and I hope you enjoy!