A Vegan Adventure - Day 9

It's hard to believe that its been 9 days since the start of my challenge. The first thing I've learned in attempting this...thus far...is that the transition period is the hardest part. Once I established a bit of a routine it became much easier. Secondly I've learned that there are animal products in EVERYTHING!!!! While that may be a slight exaggeration, I had not realized how much of a commitment it takes to really stick with a plant-based diet. And in saying that...I have a bit of a confession to make. The I recently broke down and had some chocolate (the really-good-but-really-bad kind of chocolate)! I used all the excuses in the book to justify my actions and in the end what did I learn you may ask?! Interestingly enough you may have noted I haven't really been seeing much of a change as far as health is concerned over the past week (see prior self-evaluations). However, immediately following my little chocolate escapade my body began reacting in an unusual way. Now keep in mind this is coming from a chocolate addict! Immediately following, I began to feel nausea, and discomfort in my stomach. As the day continued I began feeling drowsy, tired, and craving more sugar...as if it was the only solution to staying awake. I had not realized how much of a difference cutting out sugar had been. My intention was not necessarily to cut out all sugars and sweets, but to stick with vegan options. In doing so I've eliminated a lot of things that wouldn't normally be a big deal.

This brings to mind a quote by Henry Wheeler Shaw (humorist writer and lecturer) “Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.”  Similarly I hadn't noticed any health changes until it was a simple indulgence that woke me up to the reality of what is taking place. Health is a process of daily choices forming a lifestyle. Everyday I choose the plant-based diet but the immediate affects are not always so apparent, and my eyes remained unopened until I got a stomach ache from a little chocolate. Not to fear though...I still have 12 days (or more) of healthy choices ahead of me!

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Today the diet has me eating...

Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Loaded Salad
Snack: Oranges and Raisins
Supper: Bean Tacos and Mexican Corn Salad
Desert: Berry Mouse

....Delicious Berry Mousse....

1 package of reduced-fat extra firm tofu, crumbled
2 3/4 cups thawed frozen unsweetened berries of choice
3 tablespoons sugar or 2 tbsp of agave nectar

Blend until smooth. Refrigerate. Serve chilled.
Makes approximately 4 servings.

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Self Evaluation

(post chocolatey extravaganza)

1. Physical--Tired, drowsy.
   
2. Emotional--No noticeable changes here either besides the effects of fatigue.
   
3. Mental--Drowsy, absent-minded.
   
4. Energy--Little-none.
   
5. Digestion--Stomach ache.

...So this is the result of giving in to the temptation of chocolate. Suddenly this puts it in a different perspective and I think next time I will definitely think twice. Especially with so many vegan options available like NibMor, Mahalo, Buccaneer. Below I've included a recipe for Raw Vegan Brownies for all you chocolate lovers out there!