" A Vegan Adventure"

   I guess I should start off this blog by introducing myself. Then again, if you’ve stopped by the store in the past 3 months you’ve probably already met me. My name is Ariel and I am the newest employee here at Our Father’s Farm.

   I am a student, employee, daughter, sister, friend, and wanna-be-vegetarian who simply cannot resist a juicy homemade burger fresh off the BBQ—no I am not a southerner, I was raised in Cambridge, ON. I’m 22 years old, and a healthy weight according to my doctor. My blood levels are fine, and apart from a minor deficiency in iron I am in great health.

  My reason for wanting to try out the vegan diet is not that I want to fit into my 16-year old sister’s clothes (though she does have great style), but rather I want to feel healthy. By that I suppose I mean, I desire more energy, I want to kick my brothers’ butts in volleyball this summer, but most importantly I want to really put to test all these great testimonies I hear about plant-based diets. I am curious what kinds of improvements a plant-based diet will have on my already relatively healthy lifestyle, and who’s body better to experiment with than my own. I chose the 21-day challenge, because I know I can stick to anything for 21-days. If it really conflicts with my schedule than I will simply return to normal after the 3 weeks is up.

  The question remains whether vegetables are really what its all about or if the whole 'gotta eat your broccoli' mentality is just a result of dictatorial mothers wanting to inflict pain and torment on their young impressionable children...

...Join me on my quest to find out!

Today the diet has me eating...

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for breakfast. Bruschetta, breadsticks, and cous cous salad for lunch. For a snack I get toast with almond butter (or something of the like). My supper tonight is a kale salad with beans and veg...which I will be substituting for a kale/avocado juice smoothie because of time restraints.

I'll also be including a Self-Evaluation section of the blog in order to track any/all progress.
This section will look at:

1. Physical--where I will take note of any physical changes such as weight, skin, hair, vision/hearing, etc.
   
2. Emotional--this is where I will evaluate levels of stress, anxiety, optimism, etc.
   
3. Mental--here I'll take a look at my focus ability, mental fatigue, etc.
   
4. Energy--this will include drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue levels.
5. Digestion--here I will evaluate any stomach, bowel and/or cramp issues/progress
   

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1. Physical--I'm beginning this challenge in relatively good health, just a minor iron deficiency, slightly blurred vision (because I refuse to wear glasses), and my teeth and nails could be stronger (brittle/weak).
2. Emotional--I can't say that I suffer from significant anxiety or stress...though I'm still coping from my week of 7 exams just before Christmas. I would rate my mood as generally optimistic and good-natured, but after 10pm I get cranky (and my roommates know to watch out!).
   
3. Mental--I have some difficulty with focusing for long periods of time. In the evenings I generally find I crash.
4. Energy--I have been suffering from some minor dizzy spells recently, when getting up suddenly...or in the hot tub too long ;) Drowsiness and fatigue usually hit me in the evenings, when I become more or less useless.
5. Digestion--I have often found that I get severe bloating after eating ANY foods, and this occasionally comes with drowsiness as well.
   

Now that we have established a basic starting point, let the challenge begin!