As I sit here, eating pizza at 10:00 pm on a Friday night, I have an idea. Recently, I became a vegetarian and I sort of absolutely suck at it; I just really miss tacos. Everything I see online, whether it's on Pinterest or Buzzed, glorifies the vegetarian lifestyle. PETA even apparently has a "Hottest Vegetarian" every year (and I'm hoping I'll make the cut soon). No one talks about the transition between eating Taco Bell three times a week to shopping at an organic market and cooking things like zucchini chips (which are really good by the way). So, this brings me back to my idea--start writing the process down. I'm a very forward person and honesty goes far with me so I've decided to pass that honesty and speak freely about my process of becoming a
healthier me.
I've tried to watch what I eat before and it lasted maybe four days, tops. I would eat something healthy, like a salad, and think that I was set for the next month. Not the case. I played volleyball for a long time and for the most part, I was in really good shape for those years. I mostly ate junk food but didn't really care because I was exercising for a few hours a day. I was also extremely dedicated and I'm not saying that I am accident prone or anything, but I have had five concussions and, well, after the 3rd one I was told to take it easy with sports; it did take two more concussions to finally listen.
My first semester at college, I'm a starting player on the volleyball team, I've put so much time into this sport and I get told I can't play anymore! For the next two years I ate whatever I wanted and didn't work out, whatsoever. One weekend in early March the highs reached the mid 50's which meant it was time to start my hiking season. The waterfall hike I chose was a new one and was in a very rural area with little cell reception, the perfect place for a hike. Hiking down to the falls was a piece of cake, a little mud but it never bothers me. The hike up was... hell. I stopped constantly to catch my breath, even bending over a few times. I stopped and sat down close to the top before the end of the trail and I realized how out of shape I was. Starting a new job shortly after that sidetracked me for a few weeks and than I started the most basic step to becoming healthier; I started drinking a lot more water. Then I started adding healthier foods to my diet, I snacked on mixed nuts instead of cheez-it's, I cut soda out completely and I started eating more fruit. I didn't really notice a change. So I decided the next step to get in shape was to start working out. I didn't want to go to the gym until I was more comfortable with myself so I started running some nights after work. I. Hate. Running. I ran to the end of my street and back and called it a night. Shortly after, I tried running for fun. I started doing home work-outs. I did a free demo of a fitness app, screen shot all the circuits and then unsubscribed before they charged me the $12 a month. (Shhhhh...) I finally noticed a difference.
My body felt a lot better and I started waking up energized. I dug out the old Nutri-Bullet from the back of the cupboard, blew the dust off and started making smoothies every morning before I headed to work. I'd mix a few fruits, some almond milk, added chia seeds and wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am I was hooked on my morning smoothies. I really loved the way my body felt and one morning before going into work I stopped at the gym and signed up. After work that night I went back and did some light work-outs. Starting at a new gym is weird, I didn't want to use someone's machine (yes, I have a certain elliptical that I have to use) or I look stupid. It took a couple weeks of going everyday to realize I didn't really care how I looked doing whatever work-out at the gym. Everyone at the gym is there to improve themselves and it inspired me by pushing me to do that extra set of weights or hit the treadmill even though I. Hate. Running. A gym isn't a place for people to feel self-conscious, a gym is the place to help you feel confident. I really began to love going to the gym, I fell in love with watching my body change for the better.
My gym is next to an organic market (beautiful planning on the market's part) and at first when I went in I felt overwhelmed. Once again, I didn't want to look stupid because I knew absolutely nothing about organic, non-GMO, or vegan foods. The next couple days I researched the benefits of eating organic and started a Pinterest board devoted to exercising and eating healthy.
I promised myself I would change. My days began to look like; wake up, make a delicious smoothie, pack my lunch, work, gym, home, shower, eat, repeat. I typically pack a salad for lunch and some fruit and veggies, mixed nuts (unsalted), and granola to eat through out the day a jug of water. Most of the food is organic. I've never been that much of a meat eater, I ate chicken occasionally and only ate red meat in the form of tacos and Italian subs. Once I changed my diet, I realized I wasn't eating meat more than maybe twice a week and thats when I decided "hey, lets try the vegetarian thing." Becoming a vegetarian is more of a self-challenge. I know I can do it and it has made me appreciate my fellow vegetarians and vegans. Seriously, you people rock! I also decided becoming a vegetarian was a good fit for me because I am a huge animal rights activist, most of my papers for writing classes in college were even on animal laws, animal testing and the abuse animals face while in captivity. The more I thought about really committing to this lifestyle the happier I became. But it wasn't easy. Somedays I'll be good, make my smoothie, eat my hummus and avocado on a pita for lunch and go to the gym after work. And than there are the
other days, like today, where I'll be
mostly good and might have skipped the gym but then came home and ate a vegetable pizza.
Life really is all about balance. So there's some background on me. I'm really excited to share my journey with you as I continue my stewardship towards healthier living, whether you're on a similar journey, or need some motivation to start your own journey I hope this helps. I just believe in keeping it honest and keeping it real.
