For the past decade or more my focus has been on other people and other things (like my career) and I’ve had the tendency to put my own health, well-being, desires, and dreams on the back burner.
This year, 2012, I’ve decided to change that. I’ve decided that it’s about time I start really paying attention and taking care of myself.
One of my themes this year is ‘me’.
It’s not about putting myself first to the point that I exclude others and neglect my responsibilities. It’s about putting myself first so that I have the energy, stamina and desire to continue to move forward and face both the highs and lows of life from a place of love and strength.
Building and expanding my core of love and strength begins with my body and my diet.
Although I’ve been a vegetarian since 1999, I have not been consistently vegan. I’ll have a storemade or homemade pastry made with milk and eggs, a Hershey bar, pasta with cheese, a bagel with cream cheese, mayonnaise, butter and an occasional slice (or two) of cheese pizza. I never feel good after eating these foods. Physically my reaction from eating these foods can range from feeling mildly fatigued and nauseous to a full blown IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) attack that can last for days. On top of feeling yucky physically I’ll beat myself up for eating these foods because I know the pain and suffering that has been caused from their production. After each episode I ask myself “Why do you do this to yourself?” The answer is most often is that it is easier to ‘forget’ once in awhile and allow convenience to override my values and what I know is right for me.
2012 is about making a commitment to myself, my values and what is important to me. That’s why I’ve decided to commit to a gluten-free, vegan diet. It’s the right diet for ‘me’, physically, intellectually and spiritually.
I’ve made this commitment before and failed. I’m not a superhero. I can’t do it all at once, all in one day. Although I did stop eating any flesh foods from the moment I read an article about factory farming in August 1999, going gluten-free, 100% vegan is a much bigger leap.
Thinking about it yesterday I panicked. Then I reminded myself of my new my motto – 52 weeks, one day at a time. Plus, I have a plan, a twelve month plan, to transition from vegetarian, occasional vegan to 100% vegan and gluten-free. Having a written, step-by-step plan was a huge factor in calming my panic and giving me a sense that I can really do this.
I’m still a little nervous. The thoughts and questions that run through my head don’t really stop . . .
-
“Can I do it? Not eating meat is easy because it’s recognizable. Can I stop ‘forgetting’ that something has eggs, cheese or milk in it? It’s easy to not eat meat because I don’t want to cause any living thing pain and suffering. Can I apply that same philosophy to myself, not wanting to cause my own pain and suffering? I make not harming animals a priority, can I make myself a priority? What I’m going to eat when I’m out with friends? How can I remind myself, in the moment, what’s important to me? Can I let go of convenience and not fall prey to advertising and marketing?”
The questions continue, but, I’m ready. In addition to having a written plan I’ve also started a new journal where I can explore these questions, my feelings, my successes, my failures (I’m know there will be a few, maybe even more than a few) and to document my journey.
Here are a few notes and pictures from my new journal:
Sunday, January 1, 2012
- 2012 intention is to go gluten-free, 100% vegan.
- January is Step 1: Going Vegan and letting go of all the little things that get in the way: pastries, bagels & cream cheese, pasta dishes with milk or cheese and butter.
- Try one new recipe a week for 52-weeks so that by the end of the year we are gluten-free, 100% vegan.
- My new philosophy, 52-weeks, one day at a time – a gentler way of aligning my diet with my values will allow me to finally eat the way my body needs.
- Blog about the journey – share recipes, books, pictures and maybe a video of me cooking. Sharing my commitment makes me accountable.
- I desire to feel better, let-go of my aches and pains, move with ease, feel lighter, feel leaner, feel stronger, stabilize my blood sugar and hormones, reduce inflammation, feed my brain, improve my eyesight and lose 60+lbs and achieve my IBW.
- Physical movement (move into my body) – resistance/strength training, Yoga, walking, dancing.
vegan journal page 1
New recipe: Tricolor, 3-Bean Chili (soy free, wheat free, vegan) from Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s new book The 30-Day Vegan Challenge: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cleaner, Getting Leaner, and Living Compassionately
Tricolor, 3-Bean Chili cooking on the stove
You can find out more about Colleen Patrick-Goudreau at www.CompassionateCook.com/
One of my own vegan desserts: Vegan Blueberry Coffee Cake
Sandy's Vegan Blueberry Coffee Cake
Wow, Sandy. Amazing. I went gluten-free a little over a year ago. I was so happy to find that I felt young in my body again – no more little aches and pains – that it wasn’t hard at all to stay committed to it. In the same way I lost a taste for meat once I knew the horror animals endured, I lost a taste for gluten products once I knew how much better life could be without it. I so applaud your direction! It’s very, very exciting.
Go, Sandy!
Jeanne
Sandy, I think this is wonderful! I’ve heard about the benefits of being gluten free and I think you’re going to do a great job with your goal this year. Breaking it down by week is much easier to manage, too. That blueberry coffee cake sure sounds delicious!