Since Going Vegan...

VegOnline.org recently gave me one of their Vegetarian Website Awards for excellence in vegetarian information.  While I was pleased to be contacted by them, it also brought on some guilt for my lack of veg-related posts as of late.  I previously posted a Meatless Monday entry every week.  As I got heavy into marathon training I chose to eliminate those posts.  I had so many people tell me how much they enjoyed and appreciated the recipes and information provided on Mondays, yet I couldn’t “find the time” to post.  But, that’s what this blog is all about.  My goal is to share with my readers the wonders of a plant-based diet including the physical, mental and emotional benefits.  I also like to demonstrate what a profound impact it has on our planet and the lives of other animals.  I am personally thriving as a vegan athletic woman and I want others to feel encouraged, rather than afraid, to go plant-based.

I came up with a list of some of the greatest changes I have experienced since going vegan over a year ago:

*Increased energy.  I was anemic back in 2008 and I had to take iron supplements.  Now, I only occasionally take a supplement and my iron stores are right where they should be.  If anyone tells you that you need to eat steak or other red meat to get enough iron, do not believe them.

*Improved digestion.  Prior to eating a plant-based diet I dealt with constipation on a regular basis.  Anyone who has been constipated knows this is not fun.  Once I took dairy out of the equation my issues were resolved and now things run smoothly, as they should.

*Weight loss.  I switched to a plant-based diet with no intentions or hopes of losing weight.  Within a month or so I noticed my pants were looser and people started to make comments about me looking thinner than usual.  It was true!  I lost about 7 lbs.  On my frame that is a pretty significant amount.  When I thought about it further it made perfect sense!  How could I not lose weight when I was no longer eating fatty foods like cheese, butter and creamy sauces & dressings?  Plant based foods are naturally lower in calories than animal based foods.

*Increased consciousness.  Going vegan opened my eyes to the cruelties and injustices all around me.  I began to overflow with compassion toward animals which spilled over into increased compassion for others and even myself.  I began to love and respect myself a bit more.  I was finally living in accordance with my values and nothing feels better than that.  Going vegan was my way of stepping into consciousness.

Thank you, VegOnline for the compliment and I vow to do my absolute best in spreading awareness and information about all things plant-based and natural. Check out their website for recipes, information on sustainability, where to shop, nutritional content of plant-based foods and so much more!  Also, check out my Go Veg tab for more vegetarian resources.