Whether due to the aligning of the planets or the changing of the seasons, I've been feeling incredibly restless lately, like I want to climb out of my skin and explode in every direction at once. I've been itching for change, something significant and meaningful, and after much thought, I've settled on changing one small thing.
I'm going vegan.
Okay, so maybe that isn't really a small thing. A complete overhaul of my diet and eating habits is a pretty major change, especially considering my recent food choices. Quick and easy has become my motto, and that's lead me down a really, really unhealthy -and honestly, disgusting!- road. Anything made in large batches, from chili to spaghetti, has been my staple, but that's left me feeling bored with meals and disconnected from my food. And though fast food is an easy source of instant satisfaction (if it's greasy, salty, and fried, I'm all over it!), it's been wreaking havoc on my body.
From constant lethargy to adding a few extra pounds and inches to skin breakout and dull hair to having awful gastrointestinal issues, my body has been literally screaming in complaint for months. And like any average American, I've kept right on keeping on, overlooking the origins of the symptoms of my unhealthy habits while inwardly feeling more and more frustrated and depressed with my overall physical state.
But no more. Inspired by many of the blogs I've been following, I started a wholly vegan diet on March 1, and I'm already really surprised at the result.
First and foremost, I have energy! I no longer feel like a giant slug oozing along through life. Even on nights when work is beyond stressful and I'm sleep deprived (Did I mention I'm a Registered Nurse working night shift on a critical care unit at a large urban hospital? More on that later!), I still feel really, really good. I'm still not sure if this is the result of my diet changes or simply psychosomatic, but I really don't care... for the first time in months, I have the energy to do the things that I want to do with my life!
Second, I've rediscovered the joy of food. I've always loved cooking and experimenting with new recipes, but my work schedule has brought that to a screeching halt - I've allowed myself to believe that I simply don't have time to cook while working twelve-hour shifts and that I deserve a break and an easy out (i.e. fast food) on my days off. Lies! Okay, so I still may not have hours and hours available to me to dedicate to the kitchen, but there are so many quick and easy vegan meals that I've really enjoyed making and eating these last few days. And can I just say that a toasted sprouted wheat bagel with natural peanut butter for breakfast might actually be heaven on earth? It's delicious, nutritious, and filling - I don't find myself snacking a few hours later.
And hello fresh food! It sounds a little silly to say, but somehow fresh fruits and vegetables never found their way into my prior "quick and easy" diet. I know, I know, I'm a nurse... I should know better. Well, I do now! Snacking on a piece of fresh fruit or quickly steaming some fresh veggies has been a treat lately, and I can't for the life of me remember why I haven't been doing this for ages.
So there you have it. Six days of vegan eating so far, and I'm loving it! Project Vegan will last for at least the remaining days of March - we'll see how I feel after that.
Upcoming Menu:
Vegan Miso Soup from Everyday Foodie Canada - I've been craving Miso but was never brave enough to attempt making it on my own!
And probably something sweet to satisfy that craving!
For now? Off to enjoy the beautiful spring weather by taking the dog to the local dog park. Tomorrow, we'll be climbing Mount Wrightson, a twelve-mile round trip trek to the summit of the tallest peak in southern Arizona... who wants to join us?
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