This is the way my life was meant to be.

Since choosing to become a vegan and change my whole lifestyle I can honestly say I have felt some truly incredible things. I have never felt so healthy. I am full of zest and have such a different outlook on life than ever before. I am feeling like the "true" me is really able to come through. I no longer feel as though I need to hold myself back from anything that I want. It may sound like some b.s. you heard on a late night infomercial about a wacky hair restoration gimmick, but it's really been a life changing experience. We've been totally vegan now for just about 3 months and I've loved every minute of it. I'm going to sum up some changes I've endured these past few months.

We had not been drinking cow's milk at all for about three months before I decided (after much reading and researching) it was time to stop with ALL dairy and animal products, i.e. eggs! I didn't buy anymore animal products. I checked the labels of the remaining stuff in my fridge and cabinets and made sure there was nothing left. It was as simple as that. We just cut it out. Got rid of it. I thought I would be a lot more sad to see my "beloved" cheese go away, but honestly it was liberating. I no longer felt a victim to the god damn orange block of fat! I chose right there in that moment to break my awful addiction to cheese. Some people think food addictions are a load of shit, but think about that person you know who says they can't function without their morning coffee. Well ladies and gents, that there is an addiction. Sure it's not as bad as crack, but it's definitely not doing any wonders for your mind or body. Feeling like we need anything to carry on a normal day in our lives, whether it be meth or cheese, is our body and mind telling us that we NEED to CHANGE something in our lives.

I revised my recipe book and threw out the things that I wouldn't make again, but kept most all of my recipes, because you see, if you put your mind to it you can make anything vegan. And then I got down to business, searching books and the web for great vegan/whole food recipes. And the rest is history my friends! I now just continue to research on my lifestyle and keep my eye out for new vegan recipes!  

Immediately after quitting the animal products I noticed my bloating vanish. After I'd eat a nice veggie plate loaded with butter and cheese I'd say hello to my new little food baby that seem to grow instantly! Not anymore!! I have not had one, not a single, stomach ache/illness since changing my diet. My menstrual cramps are almost nothing these days which is so nice as any woman who has suffered would tell you! Sure I still get bloated sometimes, especially after I eat three huge helpings of Micah's vegan mac 'n' cheese, but it's not painful anymore.

One of my favorite perks is the weight loss I've experienced. Within the first 3 weeks I lost about 4 lbs effortlessly, that is incredible to me! Once I started working out regularly I dropped a pound or two here and there. I have to be honest, I've fallen off my workout wagon ever since I got my wisdom teeth out and the cold front moved in, but I've got 10 yoga sessions waiting on me and my wii active is calling my name! I will get toned damn it! But seriously, I don't restrict myself from what I want. I don't practice portion control or calorie counting. I eat. I eat A LOT. When you eat a whole food plant based diet you just loose the unneccessary weight that you carry. When you eat processed foods with addictives and animal products the calories add up very fast, along with saturated fats and cholesterol. Plant foods don't have cholesterol!!!! They are low in fat, high in protein and vital nutrients that help our bodies thrive!

I have more energy than ever! I was actually jogging when the weather permitted. That never ever happened unless it was gym class or cheer camp(yea yea "you were a cheerleader?!" It was middle school people, I'm trying to prove a point!). I can keep up with Annabella. I don't feel like a zombie in the morning. I sleep great, especially without bloating and stomach aches keeping me up all night. Ever wonder why they call it "Taco Hell"?!?!

I feel good about myself. I am much more confident. I feel like a kind and compassionate person for caring enough about the welfare of others. Not just animals, but people. I write this stuff because I would love to have others share in my wonderful experience, to have all these great feelings right along with me. I'm not here to preach, just to simply share, educate, and enlighten! I've wanted to start a blog for about a year now, and once I got comfortable in my veganism I found that courage and will!

My hair is really shiny. Seriously though. It's not like greasy shiny, it's healthy shiny! I remember when I used to have to use a shine spray to add that life and gloss to my hair, but now I don't have to. It just sparkles! My skin is so soft and smooth. And my body hair grows slower, which equals less shaving, which makes Amanda very happy! I attribute that to not having some crazy growth hormones surging through my body anymore from dairy!

Every day I feel the benefits of my lifestyle. And when I say lifestyle, I don't just mean the way I eat. My family and I choose to not use any animal products anymore. We don't buy fur or leather(our car has leather seats, but we bought that pre-vegan. I'm realistic, I can't go dumping my car, but I would love to have fabric seats!) We don't go to the circus, or buy products that have been tested on animals. It's a lifestyle change. A way of life. I love it. I never thought I could "commit" to it, but I did and now I KNOW there's just no other way for me! This is the way my life was meant to be!

A happy healthy vegan Mommy!!!