Those of you who follow me on Instagram will know this, but three weeks ago I started following the Eat to Live "diet." I am well aware of the fact that diets don't work and I hate the whole lifestyle change talk but yes, I started a big lifestyle change and I feel amazing so I'll just go ahead and call myself a hypocrite for you. I thought it was about time to share this with my blog friends as I like to call you all.
First, I have to say I have always been happy with my body, I'm don't hate my fat or anything but I did feel terribly unhealthy and knew if I were to start trying to have children in the state that I was in that it would not be the greatest pregnancy (if I could even get pregnant). No we're not ready for kids yet, but I'm doing the prep work on myself. I've always been a big girl and I don't ever see myself super skinny but I know I can get healthier, loose some weight that has been holding me down, and get away from this all time high number that I keep seeing on the scale. Oh and about that number...
eesh I can't believe I'm posting that. But seriously... I hope to never see that number again unless I'm covered in muscles :)
If you don't know the Eat to Live Program, it's a plant-based program also called nutrarian and you can get more information about it here. I only had one day of horrible withdrawals and I have amazing energy and feel awesome so I don't see myself straying far from this plan in the near future.
I have to admit, I have not been super strict on myself. I can't change my habits if I don't allow myself some wiggle room now and then, otherwise I will give up. So I've just been doing my best to stick with the plan and definitely plan ahead for times where I might want to eat with family or friends, but I'm still eating better than I ever have in my life! I've been posting photos of all my meals on Instagram to help with accountability.
I have been getting questions about my progress and some of my favorite recipes on Instagram, so I thought I'd share some of that info here since it's easier to write a full blog post than to reply to each individual person with the information.
So far I have lost 8.6 pounds. I'm working out 2-3 days a week burning around 600 calories each time. Like I said, I'm not following the 6-week plan as strictly as I could, but I'm enjoying everything so that is best for me and I haven't had fast food in three weeks and that's a HUGE deal.
An important thing to remember on this diet is that it is not vegan. Most vegan recipes will not work for this plan (because of oil, processed foods, salt, etc.) but many of them can be tweaked to fit. These are some of the recipes that have been my favorite. Some have been tweaked to fit the plan.
My favorite hummus recipe - I use the tahini but omit the oil and pickle juice and add a little water until it reaches the right consistency.
Chopped thai Salad - I made it without chicken and oil. I heavily adjusted the dressing recipe using garlic chili paste, bragg liquid aminos, powdered peanut butter instead of some of the other ingredients listed.
Sweet Potatoes stuffed with black bean and corn salad - One of my absolute favorite recipes so far. These were sooo good!
Cosmic Cashew Kale with Chickpeas - I loved this one so much I've made it twice in three weeks. It's delicious!
I started an Eat to Live pinterest board to keep track of recipes I want to use and ones I have made.
As you can see I called this post Part 1 so I'm planning on sharing my progress and some recipes every few weeks so stay tuned!! If you have questions as away and I'll answer what I can.