Jess L Hunt Well, Almost?
Truth be told – at the beginning of the month I was determined to make it the entire 31 days without having dairy, meat, seafood or eggs.
But then I turned 39 and my husband surprised me with a breakfast date at our favorite spot in DTA (Downtown Annapolis for all of you non-Marylanders), Iron Rooster and then a night out in Baltimore. And life is too short not to enjoy your favorite staples while celebrating your birth. Am I right?!
So, Why Completely Change My Diet?
I eat healthy.
But I like a challenge.
I love cheese.
I love meat.
I love eggs.
But I didn’t love the way I was feeling most days.
So, logically, I did what any somewhat sane person with absolutely zero free time on their hands does and spent hours researching how to start a plant-based diet.
Veganism 101 for Jessica.
I thought it would be hard, really hard to make the shift.
I was wrong.
Minimal Research
You know what I found interesting from the very beginning? The lack of research into veganism for athletes. I have no doubt that in the coming years this will change. But for now, there isn’t a TON of research on this topic.
Where Did I start?
For me, it started with figuring out how to consume enough protein to keep my body functioning on a daily basis. Normally, I eat around 125-140g of protein a day. While this may seem like a ton of protein for someone who weighs roughly 125lbs, I know my body, I know what works well for me. I know I need more protein.
Between Olympic lifting, weight training, CrossFit workouts and my newfound love, Peloton – my body needs a little extra protein.
Prior to January, 90% of my daily protein intake came from animals.
So, What Did I Eat?
This by no means is a complete list of food I’ve eaten over the past month but in general – these are the ingredients I have utilized to make a variety of meals. The beauty of living in today’s virtual world – you can find a recipe for literally everything!
I highly recommend finding a brand of collagen you can dump into your daily coffee or tea. Currently, I use this specific brand of Vegan Collagen.
The Top 7 Health Benefits of Collagen
- Oatmeal
- ChickPeas
- Black Beans
- Low Carb Tortilla Wraps
- Arnold Bread (most varieties are vegan)
- Jasmine Rice
- Chickpea Pasta
- Vegan Protein Bars
- Sweet Potatoes
- Japanese Sweet Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Bell Peppers
- Kale
- Spinach
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Variety of Frozen fruit
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Spaghetti Squash
- Cauliflower
- Romaine Lettuce
- Avocados
- Bananas
Overall Health – Feeling Fantastic
I have more energy.
I am less bloated.
I have fewer cravings for crap food.
I’m craving all the veggies.
My digestive system is super happy.
Vegan Blogs to Follow
- Simple Healthy Vegan Recipes – Simple Vegan Blog
- Pick Up Limes
- Lazy Cat Kitchen – A food blog with plant-based recipes from all over the world
- Blog Page – Roshni Sanghvi
Final Words
I am, by no means an expert when it comes to veganism or living a plant-based lifestyle, but I do know how my body feels and for now, I’m continuing on with my journey.
Does this mean I will never eat animal products again? No.
I’m sure there will be some occasion where vegan options are limited, and I will cross over to the dark side (Just kidding friends).
Ultimately, you have to discover what works for your health, your body, your mind.
