You can adopt a Plant-Based lifestyle

 If you've noticed in my title, I did not put Plant-based DIET. I put LIFESTYLE. This is not a temporary way of eating, or at least it shouldn't be. Diets are something you go on in order to drop a few pounds, then what happens? You go right back to eating the foods that got you fat in the first place. 

Some people think they cannot possibly stick to a plant-based way of eating. I used to think that. Once you try it (even for a week), and you see the difference in how you look and how you feel, it will motivate you to stick with it. Right away, you lose inches, you lose all the bloating, and you just basically feel great! For me, I sleep amazingly after eating this way. I notice when I go off, that is when the bloating comes back, I feel sluggish during the day,  and I cannot sleep at night. Trust me, your taste buds WILL change. I love foods I never really cared for. Veggies taste amazing to me now. 

Sometimes you have a hard time sticking to this plan. Whether it be because you just crave something that is not plant-based, or you went out to eat and blew it. Whatever the reason, just pick yourself up and get right back on track. The longer you stay off this plan, the harder it is to get back on track. With pretty much any restaurant you go to, you can find something that you can eat. Baked potato with some steamed broccoli on top, a big salad, etc. Just steer clear of the basket of white, processed bread they bring to the table. 

Some of the ways that have helped me get back on track is to watch, or re-watch documentaries, such as Forks Over Knives, What the Health, Eating you Alive, The Game Changers (One that EVERY man needs to watch!) or Hungry for Change (My personal favorite)  They always encourage me and help me to start eating right again. 

It's easier when your entire household is eating the way you are, but that is rare. It can still be done, just let your family know this is what you are doing, and to please not bring unhealthy food into the house. Even so, you can do this, you just have to get and stay motivated. Your health is worth it! 

I have had people tell me that they just are not losing weight on this way of eating. Hard to believe, but maybe you are consuming oil, which is a huge no-no, or maybe you are still putting butter on your potatoes or pasta. One thing I tell people is to eat a huge salad every day along with a big bowl or 2 of bean soup filled with every veggie you'd like, and plenty of water. And have a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast or Overnight oats. 

Search Plant-based recipes and you will find there are a lot of great ones out there. When tempted to eat something you shouldn't, go for a walk instead, or drink a big glass of water. Read a book, or watch TV, whatever it takes to get your mind off that craving. Grab some raw veggies, or make yourself a smoothie. I don't recommend drinking smoothies every day, as you should not drink your calories, but when you just need something to take the edge off your hunger, then go ahead. 

I hope this has helped. I also highly recommend any books by Rip Esselstyn, Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Dr. Gregor, and T. Colin Campbell. Staying informed will be a huge help. 

Strawberry Banana Smoothie bowl

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl. Vegan and Oh, so delicious! 

I love smoothie bowls first thing when I wake up. Very filling and yummy!

Coffee?

 I get asked a lot if you can drink Coffee on a Plant-Based Diet. The answer is a resounding YES!! But, there are exceptions if you want to stay Plant-based. 

#1 Use only Plant-based milk or Creamers. Such as Almond, Oat, Cashew, Soy, etc. No cows milk as obviously its Dairy. No sugar, but you can have natural sugar such as Xylitol, Stevia or if you have to, you can use Pure Cane sugar, but use sparingly. The best thing is to drink it naked, but that for most people is very hard. If you are like me,  I like a little coffee with my creamer 😉  I have cut down a lot though. 

#2 Limit intake to no more than 2 cups per day. We want to get ALL of our water in, so make sure you save room for that. 

As you can see in the photo, I am using my Christmas cup. I use it all year long, because, well, I just love Christmas 😀