f....Yes? The word thrive could even be substituted in here, maybe, I don't want to get to crazy about being plant powered.
Week Two of the 'Vegan Project' went much better than the first gurling week. I now have a few staple vegan meals I have mastered, I'm getting better at checking labels and I successfully participated in my first road trip as a vegan involving hot yoga, mountain climbing and wedding bliss complete with dancing.
With two weeks under my belt, there are definitely some benefits of this lifestyle I am enjoying immensely along with some challenges that make me question why I'm doing this to myself.
Thankfully, the list of pros are winning when it comes to this experiment.
PROS:
Pop-tart Pastries
I eat these almost daily. Yes, this is a junk food cop out but I'm pretty certain there's a junk food gene in my DNA so I'm doing the best I can with it, okay?
Belly Bloat
I have yet to be bloated after a meal while doing this vegan thing, unless there is beer involved then all bets are off. I'm sure a few of you can relate on 'after lunch bloat' or 'after dinner food coma' I have yet to be uncomfortable after a meal which is a life I have never known, sadly.
I'm Running Faster...?
I am not sure that this is a direct benefit of plant power or the fact that my marathon training is progressing to the point that my body is capable of running faster because of conditioning. But this 12 minute mile running fool is closing in on the 10 minute mile mark and that is huge for this turtle.
Loose Clothing
Who doesn't love this feeling?! And I know it is a direct result of no longer having the convenience of driving through Wendy's at 7:30 pm which would gloriously happen at least once a week back in my meat-eating days. Yes, I do this move in the mirror every morning as I dress my fine self, you should try it some time.
Healthy, Regular BM's
Yes, it does exist! I am a semi-regular kinda gal when it comes to bowel movements. There are good times and there are terrible times in regards to bathroom time in most peoples lives but this vegan thing... best. poops. of. my. life. Highly recommend giving this a try if you experience the highs and lows in the world of BM's.
CONS:
Food Prep
I am guilty of depending on Starbucks for my breakfast and caffeine fix, swinging by the drive thru for lunch (Wendy is my girl), tossing crap into the microwave for dinner, just basically eating whatever is closest and easiest. I do go through kicks where I manage my macro nutrients religiously but being vegan has taken food prep to a new level for me and it is cutting into my free time. And there have been evenings I don't eat dinner because it's 9 pm when I get home and I am too lazy to anything but shower and go to bed.
Food Cravings
I have yet to miss anything the way I miss pizza and nachos and I am not ashamed to admit that. It is not a dramatization when I say all of my favorite foods contain animal products, also not ashamed. I spend a good part of my daydreaming creating my first meal after a month long sabbatical from animal products. Logically, I know this is a good thing, purging my body of processed food. Emotionally on the other hand...I feel like I am going through withdrawals at the rehab clinic I just checked myself into.
Business Meals
Eating with co-worker's and/or clients happens minimum of twice a week for me. At least half of those meals take place at small town bars or local restaurants, which I love, but have very limited vegan selections. They always seem to have some sort of iceberg lettuce salad and they will hold the cheese, so I got that going for me.
The Halfway Mark
Honestly I'm surprised to make it this far, especially without slipping up and sneaking a delicious cheesy snack or being too exhausted to function or committing murder because it's been two weeks without my true love; nachos.
Who knows, I might make the change to veganism permanent after this experiment...
Check in next week for my recap of Week Three!
Have any vegan recipes? Share them in the comments and I'll feature them in Week Four!
