Janurary recap - 9 pounds, no coffee, and still vegan

That's right, this wahm lost 9 pounds this month. It may not seem like much compared to some, but this is about me and how I'm doing. The last time I lost this much in a month, I was working out seven days a week, twice a day most days. This time around I changed my eating, cut out a lot of added fat, and walked or did a little Yoga or Pilates. Slow and steady seems better for me in my old age. :-)

Speaking of old, hubby and daughter each celebrated birthdays this past week, and the birthday cake did not tempt me. Weird, eh? I am the first to snag a piece after the birthday boy or girl. Well, I used to be. Lately my cravings have included berries, oranges, kiwi, and green smoothies. Odd, eh? I used to think so, but not anymore.

This past Sunday I started a two week challenge featured in Tess Challis' Radiant Health Inner Wealth. I cut out meat, but went overboard on cheese and eggs in the past. Now vegan, I found myself slipping into a bread and frozen vegan food-heavy state. I'm lucky enough to be recipe testing for Tess (so yummy!)and decided to continue making vegan path healthier by undertaking the challenge. No coffee, hydrogenated anything, or artificial sweeteners. Lemon water or fresh vegetable juice in the am before breakfast, fruit,veggies, whole grains, and beans. So far, better than good. I feel awesome, have surpassed hubby & son's expectations of giving up my morning (and afternoon and evening) cup, and lost a pound after holding at 8 pounds for two weeks. And I'm getting between 8 and 10 servings of veggies and fruit every day. RHIW is a great read, no matter how you eat. And the recipes are killer!

For some reason we decided we'd like to be covered in dog slobber and never have our laps to ourselves. We met a sweet Boxer boy at the Charleston Animal Society yesterday and brought him home a couple of hours ago. The trio of dogs have worn themselves out, one to my left, one to my right, and the other laying across all of the dog beds. More exercise for me! I have no problem taking another lap or two around the block.

And now I'm off to grab a snack while they're mellow. Pictures will be posted soon. Until later, peace, all.

Another pound gone, vegan pizza, and just wow

I have to make a confession. I'm in love. Go Max Go's Twilight has captured my heart. It was so rich and yummy that I will happily save consumption for a special occasion. Hubby doesn't mind. He encouraged it.

OK, with that out of the way,I have to again marvel at how easy the transition has been. Yes, I still need to snag vegan vitamins and supplements and have yet to find THE pair of cross training shoes that work for me (and don't cost a fortune), but cooking vegan and omni has not been difficult. I wonder why I let fear take over instead of taking the plunge. There are two WAHM household birthdays coming (and four family birthdays) at the end of the month, so I think the real challenge is ahead.

We have had pizza twice since I started down this road, one a cheeseless wonder from Pizza Hut, the other was soy cheese, tofu, and veggie bliss on a wheat crust at Your Pie. I should have checked ahead of time, but I believe the cheese was completely animal-free. Hopefully I'll get the answer later and can share. If it wasn't, then pooh for not checking first. If so, then sweetness! Either way, we will likely return because of the quick service and flexible menu that made the whole crew happy.

If you want a chance to win Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, swing by Vegan Family Style and comment away. I've been following Debra on Twitter for a few months now and am inspired by her progress as she's becoming healthier. Vegan and raw foods do make a difference.

Speaking of healthier, I'm down another pound so far this week, but my official weigh in isn't until Sunday. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Hubster's down another five and I'm trying not to be jealous. But I would much rather lose 1-2 pounds a week while eating vegan fare than five pounds while eating a SAD. I feel a lot better.

Peace!

8 days vegan and weight lost!

That's right, this wahm went vegan on January 1, 2010 as part of the PCRM 21-Day Kickstart. How am I doing? Great, actually, and I have only been tempted twice. Chocolate is a weakness, but Mexican cornbread is heavenly. I just whipped up a batch of cornbread from Vegan Comfort Food and am on my way to Earth Fare to snag some of the Go Max Go candy bars that people are raving about.

It's been hard to cook meat for the family, though, but that's how it was pre-vegan. I have instituted a something green with every meal rule and they are following. DD was always easy about that because she takes her lunch and loves veggies. DS is another story. Smoothies, salads smothered in dressing, and the lettuce, tomato, onion burger topping are his preferred produce pics. One step at a time.

Hubby has lost about 15 pounds since mid November and I'm down 6 since January 1. I am not complaining at all!

I've been cooking from Happy Herbivore, Veganomicon, The New Farm Cookbook, Radiant Health Inner Wealth (blogging and testing recipes from Tess' upcoming book, and throwing things together from my head. I'm a happy girl, the family is happy cause 'I haven't changed their meals.' Right. Shh.

By the way, I am not being paid for any of the things I mentioned. I thought I'd share. Maybe someday I'll be paid for my posts, but until then...

Here's to 2 more weeks of yummy vegan fare!