New Focus on The Blog & Why It's Changed

A few months ago, I had been taking a couple of extended breaks from The Little Red Journal. I've been quite busy moving, switching jobs, and trying to settle in to these adjustments. That's not my excuse, though. I was getting a little burned out on writing about veganism. I turned to my husband and said, "You know, I feel like I know everything I could possibly want to know about being vegan." I think there was a slight sigh of relief from him, and he probably knew that I wouldn't be asking him to watch yet another vegan documentary.

I wrote a blog post where I expressed this burned out feeling and tossed together all 45 posts up to the point that dealt with my journey into veganism. After writing that, I felt better, and realized that although being vegan is now a huge part of my life, it's definitely led me into another direction that I never really expected it to. After nine months as a vegan, I started to think about about other ways I could improve my life. I watched Adam Baker's TED talk and decided that we should pay off the remaining student loan debt that we have.

Despite having no experience at all with budgeting, I set to work creating one with the help of Mint.com. This was something that I was really staring to care deeply about. Instead of shrugging off a purchase as an "I deserve it" impulse buy, I began to really stop and think, "Do I need this?!" I found a love for minimalism and donated even more than usual to help purge some unnecessary items from our live. Then I really started getting serious about the finances. We've paid $1,000 every month since January on the student loans and are on track to be out of debt in June 2014.

If you're a regular reader (and I thank you for that!), then you're probably thinking, "I knew all of this!" If you're new, welcome, and I'd like to let you know that this has all impacted me, as well as this blog, heavily. The Little Red Journal began as a place where I could write freely and serve as a virtual diary of sorts about my life. I used it whenever I had the time, and in the beginning, I was posting sporadically. Once I went vegan, it was a place for me to seek refuge when many people were not supportive of what I was doing. There were plenty who were behind me since day one, and if you're reading this, you're probably one of them.

My focus has since shifted, and I want to talk about a few topics seriously, and without reservation. Obviously, I will still talk about veganism, as I am passionate about this and know that this is a great place to share all of my info here. I'd also like to talk about my financial goals and minimalism efforts here. An important thing that I've learned over the last year or two is that I don't have to live by anyone else's script, and it's time to create my own. I have no interest in living the life I had always dreamed about and now realize that I'm heading onto another path. I hope you all will continue to take interest in this new direction of The Little Red Journal, and I'm more than excited to share all of these new adventures with you.

Angel's [Plant-Based] Journey to Better Health

During the end of 2012, I posted an infographic about being vegan. I truly believe in people coming in to your life and out of your life at the right moments, and this one was of them. A woman responded my tweet and said she was considering going plant-based due to cardiac issues. I offered my help, and realized she was in the Austin area. Over the next few weeks, we talked via Twitter, and eventually on the phone. I helped her get in contact with my vegan physician, Dr. Linda Carney, and she made an appointment to go see her.

We finally met up in mid-February for some vegan lunch at Casa De Luz here in Austin, Texas. I feel like I've known her for years, and it's been amazing to support her on this journey.

LRJ: What made you decide to go plant-based?

Angel: I like to say I was "shocked" in to going plant-based (pardon the play on words). I started to have major cardiac issues, including Atrial Fibrillation. It had been a chronic issue, but when I experienced it with severe chest pain, I knew I had to make a drastic change. Facing the prospect of different invasive, life-threatening procedures and medications, I opted to choose food to treat my disease. Here I am, pounds lighter and practically medication free. I love it.

LRJ: You've had some health problems in the past, and it's been a long battle, but what make this lifestyle choice different from the others you have tried? 

Angel: Most "diets" I went on were based on eating more meat than anything else. I would lose weight, but my blood pressure would shoot up because of the processed meats (and meat in general). I was always battling with water retention and other heart issues. I would drink protein shakes loaded with chemicals and become bloated and sick. I struggled with food addiction, as well. Attempting to lose weight by trying to just eat less of food that I was addicted to just wasn't working. Eating a plant-based diet has allowed me to get rid of addiction. The beautiful thing is that when I do want to eat, I can do so without guilt. The plant-based diet is a gift.

LRJ: What has been the biggest health benefits or changes that you've noticed since going vegan? 

Angel: Getting off my heart meds has been awesome. Having increased energy to workout is a huge plus. Weight loss is ALWAYS wonderful. I'm also more confident. I say what I need a lot easier.

LRJ: Did you face any challenges in the beginning?

Angel: I did have some challenges with family and friends, but everyone was supportive for the most part. I had to get out of my own way and believe I could actually not eat meat. I had to do a lot of research and commit to learning about making such a substantial lifestyle change, but even that was manageable. I think the deep desire to be free from my health issues made the transition a lot easier.

LRJ: Tell me about your blog, Still Fat and 40ish. What inspired you to create this blog, and how has it evolved as your journey has brought you to plant-based nutrition?

Angel: I created the blog because I realized I was approaching "The Big 4-0" and felt woefully unfulfilled. I wanted to connect with other older women with aspirations to make a fresh start. I wanted to focus on beauty tips, starting over, fashion, and health (of every kind). When I began to struggle because of my issues and became plant-based, I began to feel so different and rejuvenated, I wanted to share my experiences. ALL of my posts were about some aspect of my plant-based life experience. I love making and sharing recipes. I definitely need to post more! I really need to talk about how my plant-based life has helped with freeing me from food addiction. That is MAJOR!

LRJ: I recommended you to my all-time favorite hero, Dr. Linda Carney! What has she taught you and how has she impacted your journey? 

Angel: She taught me vigilance. She gave me a lot of pointers about how other, non-food related areas of my life contribute to (or hinder) my health. Adequate sleep, using my CPap machine diligently, and daily physical activity will help me reach my overall health goals. She taught me that.

LRJ: What advice would you give to others who are considering making a lifestyle change? 

Angel: I would say that it's important to consider this lifestyle carefully and for the right reasons. It's not just a weight loss program. This way of life changes you completely and you will face things about yourself and others that you don't really like, but need to deal with. Friendships and familial relationships might be strained, but it's necessary to be selfish. This is only life we're given. It has to be the most important thing. Be ready for ridicule. Be prepared for lack of accommodation. Educate yourself. Prepare yourself. Interact with others on the same journey. Do what it takes to make the transition, or go cold turkey. Whatever works. Just DO IT! Time waits for no one.

LRJ: Have you shared your plant-based knowledge with anyone else in your life? 

Angel: I share everyday and constantly. I'm learning to share it only when asked and I don't judge anyone for eating meat. I know of one person who has actually opted to become vegan because of my sharing. My husband eats healthier and his constitution has improved. He's not completely vegan, but more and more, he's seeing the difference in the way he feels when he eats better. I know that I have inspired many people to live a better life for themselves and for the people they love.

LRJ: Anything else you'd like to add? 

Angel: This has been an amazing journey so far. I am grateful for people like you who've helped me along the way. It was so important to have your support when I started. You made me believe I could do this. I appreciate you.

Want to follow Angel in her journey? Check out her blog, Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Adrienne's Journey to a Plant-Based Lifestyle

I have been wanting to share the stories of some of my fellow vegan readers. We all know that becoming a vegan is a journey and it can take you for some unexpected twists and turns. Adrienne was one of the first to reach out to me when I was asked for others to share their personal stories. As a busy grad student who also is practicing Bikram yoga, she truly exudes the dedication that I see in many others who have decided to take this path. I've asked her about what brought her to this life, how she makes it all work, and what advice she would offer to others looking to make a change!

LRJ: Tell me a little bit about yourself!

Adrienne: I’m a 25 year old New York transplant now living a life powered by all things green! I grew up an omnivore in CT and went to Marist College in the Hudson Valley. After graduating college with a MS in Business, and tipping the scale at almost 200 lbs., I moved to Westchester, NY and took a job at IBM.

Soon after moving out of college and away from my parent's food choices, I realized I needed to make a drastic change in myself. I started transitioning to a more plant-based diet. I cut out all meat, although I was still eating shellfish and some dairy. I started running extensively and dropped 40 lbs. by the end of 2011. Now, as a vegan, I’ve lost an additional 10 lbs. (and still dropping!) since I’ve incorporated Bikram into my life.

Aside from my plant-life, I’m also a part-time grad student getting my MA in Marketing/Communications. I have my own blog, The Broke Vegan, and I have an omnivore “ball & chain” who good-heartedly tries all of my vegan cooking experiments.

LRJ: What made you decide to go plant-based?

Adrienne: In March 2012 I made two of the greatest decisions of my life: I got a roommate and made the jump to a fully vegan lifestyle. My non-traditional roommate is a 5 lb., black, white and brown bundle of fur, a 2 year old rabbit named Lady Bug (like royalty, not like the insect). As a prey animal, I couldn’t bear to think of anyone ever considering her as something to be featured next to sautéed asparagus. It occurred to me that every being has feelings, emotions and awareness. I started doing research about veganism, made up my mind, and never looked back.

Incidentally – Lady Bug is also a vegan!

LRJ: You're super busy working full-time, going to grad school part time and studying Birkam! How do you plan for your meals or have time to cook?!

Adrienne: I live and die by my spreadsheet. I am constantly on a timeline, and do a lot of prepping for my meals. Everyone loves the convenience of microwaveable meals – and there’s no reason why you can’t have that in a healthy, vegan, budget-conscious way.

I usually make a crock-pot full of lunch meals on a Sunday, and every night make my lunch for the next day. My new favorite cook-ahead are my Super Green Muffins – I make a dozen on a Sunday afternoon – volia! – all my breakfasts for the week (paired with a banana) and I’m off to my 6 a.m. yoga!

Dinner is anything I can throw into a sauté pan. Literally anything. No secrets – just healthy convenience!

LRJ: I tried Bikram a while back and loved it, but I didn't feel I had enough time to commit to it. I definitely felt challenged and motivated when I was in the studio, though! Tell me how the Bikram yoga come into play with your new lifestyle change.

Adrienne: Going to Bikram is a PITA (pain in the a**) and I’ll be the first to admit it. I have to take 3 outfits, 2 towels, 2 mats (one towel and one mat), a water bottle – honestly, I could use a small suitcase. Not only that, but the only time I can usually get to go is at 6 a.m. Yeah, 105 degrees at 6 a.m. Talk about a recipe for misery. I know why Bikram isn’t for everyone!

For me – even though it takes a lot of prep – it’s worth it. If you can’t tell, I’m a Type A personality, with a lot of stressors on my plate. Bikram gives me the 90 minutes where it’s just me and my mat. No cell phone, no distractions. I find myself so much more in control of my emotions, and my energy level is off the charts. You have to love yourself enough to go, and compassionate enough to let each session be whatever it is – and in that love, you find love and compassion for everything else. Sounds like hippie 101, but I swear it’s true!

LRJ: What has been the biggest health benefits or changes that you've noticed since going vegan in March 2012?

Adrienne: That’s an easy one – I haven’t been sick. If I’ve been sick, it’s for one or two days, and that’s it! Cutting out all the processed chemicals, dairy and meat has allowed my body to build up some incredible natural defenses. I used to be the queen of sinus infections (multiple times a year) and I think I’ve only had half of one since becoming vegan!

LRJ: Did you face any challenges in the beginning?

Adrienne: Of course, everyone makes mistakes. I’m not a Veg-magazine-thumping vegan, I’m not going to judge you for accidentally eating an egg in a piece of bread. I too had a fair share of mistakes as I was navigating the early waters. The biggest challenge was/is giving up seafood. I grew up on the coast of CT, and summers were filled with hush-puppies, fried and lobster boils. It’s very very hard to break old behavior patterns, especially when they’re so closely tied to memories.

LRJ: What advice would you give to others who are considering making a lifestyle change?

Adrienne: My number one suggestion: Watch this video by animal rights activist Gary Yourofsky titled, “The Best Speech You’ll Ever Hear”. He makes the most compelling, logical, fact-based argument for veganism I’ve ever heard. If you don’t at least consider living a plant-fueled lifestyle after that, I don’t know what to tell you.

LRJ: Have you shared your plant-based knowledge with anyone else in your life?

Adrienne: Yes – I’ve told everyone and anyone who will listen! I don’t mean that I go around handing out PETA brochures, but if nutrition and health is brought up – I’m happy to add my two cents. My boyfriend is incredibly supportive, and always makes sure to choose restaurants that have veg-friendly restaurants. I’m trying to convince my parents to become more plant-based; I actually got my dad to eat (and enjoy) a vegan meal at a local café – and he does like vegan cookies now. Although, who doesn’t like vegan cookies?!

Veganism, like any other decision directly affecting your health, is a very personal decision. People become a vegan for many different reasons, and, in my opinion – any steps towards a more compassionate lifestyle should be considered steps in the right direction. If you’re interested in veganism, do what anyone does: Google it!

30 Dr. Seuss Quotes that Can Change Your Life

Each week I babysit two little munchkins that I met during my stint at a local daycare as the youngest child's teacher. We've got our routine down really well and when it's time to settle in for the night, I read them each a few books. Dr. Seuss books are always scattered on their bookshelves and I often reach for those when it's time for their stories. The youngest likes to read Green Eggs and Ham, Left Foot, Right Foot, and The Cat in the Hat. The older child enjoys Oh, The Places You'll Go. 

I often try to read Oh, The Places You'll Go to them, because there are so many amazing pieces of advice in that book. My high school English teacher read this to us at the end of our junior year, and I didn't fully get it until just recently. It's generic enough to apply it to any situation, but there are a few sentences that really stand out to me. While reading this recently, I began to think about how much it really applied to my life, where I've been and where I'm headed. The part that really struck me was the bit about waiting: 

The Waiting Place…for people just waiting.Waiting for the fish to biteor waiting for wind to fly a kiteor waiting around for Friday nightor waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jakeor a pot to boil, or a Better Breakor a string of pearls, or a pair of pantsor a wig with curls, or Another Chance. 

Everyone is just waiting.No! That’s not for you!Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying.You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing!With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high!Ready for anything under the sky!

Reading this nearly nine years after hearing it in my high school English class really has an impact on me since I know more now than I did then. I was always so naive and thought the world was different. Then I learned it's really what you make of it, and that all depends on how much effort you'd like to put into it. Although I've learned many valuable lessons since entering "adulthood", these books are something we should all read, no matter what our age, from time to time.

One of my personal favorite Dr. Seuss quotes is simply the word "Unless". After switching to a vegan diet for health reasons in February 2012, I found that word to be amazingly inspirational. The actual quote is, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." This will be my next tattoo, and it applies to so many different aspects of my life. I pride myself in being different, and that's why there's a little red bird on The Little Red Journal logo.

See my "Unless" tattoo and why I selected this Dr. Seuss quote for my third piece of art.

Below are 30 great Dr. Seuss quotes [infographic created by Mamiverse] that I'm sure many of you can glean some inspiration from.

Which quote is your favorite? Let me hear it below in the comments!

Top 5 Reactions to "I'm vegan!"

The last thing you expect when you take charge of your own health and take the path of a plant-based journey is to receive harsh criticism. I know I've mentioned in passing that I've had to deal with some negativity and other reactions, but I haven't fully explained this phenomenon. Here are some of the things that I have encountered when people discovered I had gone plant-based.

1. "You're taking this too seriously." Yes, I now take my health more seriously than ever before. Here's why: my grandma was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a decade ago and my mom received the same diagnosis in January 2012. See the pattern? I'm trying to break it. I thought by being young, I was essentially bullet-proof. The real story: my health had been on the decline since college. Now, my health has significantly improved and I'm nearly at "optimal" levels for all of my bloodwork, which is impressive compared to my results in January 2011.

2. "Where will you get your protein?"I've answered this question already in another post, but I'd like to take this moment and ask anyone who's thinking that, "Why do you think I need meat to obtain my protein?" I don't remember hearing this information ever in my life, but there are many other foods that provide the right amount of protein. Too much animal-based protein in a diet can actually contribute to severe problems like osteoporosis, cancer, impaired kidney function and heart disease.

3. "I'll have to eat enough meat for you and I both!" I was shocked when people said this, albeit jokingly. The reasons why I have cut animal products out of my life can easily be explained in the Forks Over Knives documentary, which is on my blog to watch for free. If you're feeling blah and don't know why, consider checking out the documentary and see what it's all about. Whatever you do, don't double up on your meat intake just because of me!

4. "[Insert illness or health-related problem] runs in my family!" I understand the link between genes and illnesses, but I also have researched and discovered the benefits of a plant-based diet in relation to illnesses—both as a means to prevent and reverse problems. When my mom called and told me that she had type 2 diabetes, I selfishly thought, "Well, I must be next. It's inevitable!" as I tossed my hands into the air. However, one month later at a fateful appointment, my weight inspired me to take action, and since February 2012, my health has reflected my change in numerous ways.

5. "This is dangerous for your health!" I pretty much started to freak out when people told me that what I was doing was dangerous. What did I do about it? I promptly found a plant-based doctor and remembered that I was eating nothing but fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds—healthy food. No one thought it was dangerous when I ate myself into this mess through fast-food drive-thrus, unhealthy eating habits and a general disconnect with my health.

I really don't want to come out of this post as seeming negative, but when you're battling cravings, reversing 20+ years of eating habits and trying to hold it all together while people that are close to you are not being supportive, well it just sucks! So that's what this blog is about. I'm here to support YOU in YOUR journey! It's inevitable to run into these responses early on, but once people start to see your results, they will start to ask questions and will want to learn more. Be patient and be kind—these people care for you. Don't let it affect your progress. Your health is too important!

Looking to go vegan? Check out these related posts below!

Where to Begin
Kitchen Overhaul

5 Tips for a Healthy Vegan Diet

Pinterest Plant-Strong Board
Protein in a Vegan Diet
5 Tips for Eating a Plant-Based Diet (Anywhere)
Veganism in a Nutshell (video)
5 Things I've Learned Through Veganism
Foods That Kill

Results of Adopting a Vegan Diet: 6 Months Later!

Today is officially my six month mark of when I changed my lifestyle. On February 13th, I stepped on the scale at my doctor's office and decided that was not a number I was happy about. More importantly, I knew my past bloodwork didn't really give me much to brag about, either. I had already seen Forks Over Knives, my mom had recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (and so had her mother within the last decade) and I was ready to make a change. I picked up the Engine 2 Diet book and ran with it.

The last six months have been challenging. I tried new exercise routines, learned how to cook in bulk and even found a way to satisfy my cheese cravings after falling off the wagon and experiencing a two month relapse with the dairy product. After seeing my doctor in June and receiving some good news, I decided to forgo the cheese and haven't had any since.

Is it hard? Well, sometimes it can be challenging, especially when many people around me don't eat like I do. I slightly miss some products, but now that I've embraced all of the research and information that I've accumulated over the last six months, I now know why I don't want to eat them anymore!

I'm proud of the fact that I've encouraged and influenced some fellow coworkers, friends and family members to think twice about nutrition and have strived to spread the knowledge that I've obtained. I've smiled when people are concerned about my protein and ask me hypotheticals to see if I would fall back into my old eating habits. I've learned so much and messed up a few times, but I got back on track quickly and redeemed myself.

My husband, friends, coworkers and family have all supported me and have kept me going strong even when I feel defeated. So the results are in: I've lost 25 lbs. to date, my total cholesterol has dropped by 80 points, my bad cholesterol dropped by 60 points and my resting heart rate and blood pressure have both improved. I know my heart isn't working as hard as it had to before, my eating habits have improved and I now crave fruit and vegetables instead of greasy burgers with a side of fries.

I'm here to help if anyone has any questions about veganism and I want you to know that you can have success with it, too! Whether you're looking to lose some weight, lower your cholesterol, reverse your diabetes or any other problems that can be solved with this amazing lifestyle, just let me know! It's really worth it when you feel better, look better and are the healthiest you've ever been in your life.

August 13, 2012

Looking to go vegan? Check out these related posts below!

Where to Begin
Kitchen Overhaul

5 Tips for a Healthy Vegan Diet

Pinterest Plant-Strong Board
Top 5 Reactions to "I'm Vegan"
Protein in a Vegan Diet
5 Tips for Eating a Plant-Based Diet (Anywhere)
Veganism in a Nutshell (video)
5 Things I've Learned Through Veganism
Foods That Kill

Vegan Inspiration & Motivation

During my five months of veganism, I've held several meaningful conversations with many people that have inspired their own personal dietary changes. A few weeks after I'd made my switch, I met up with a former coworker that I hadn't seen in a while. After she mentioned I was looking "good", I quickly proceeded to tell her about my new and exciting journey that I was on. She seemed interested, so I told her I'd help her get started if she wanted to make the same switch.

At home I was sharing little pieces of research with my husband and cooked plant-strong meals for both of us. Slowly, he started to make the same changes and eventually lost 30 lbs. during the last five months. He's now on board with our lifestyle and even stood tall during our last family visit while adhering to our beliefs and sharing his reasons as we munched on veggies and fruits.

Even at work I was holding several conversations during my lunch breaks with some coworkers and now make lunch outings to discover new vegan options offered in our city. Many of them are supportive and share interesting recipes and tidbits of research with me on a daily basis. (You guys rock!) It's been amazing to have so much support!

Most recently, I had a vegan pizza dinner and invited a friend over to share this yummy meal. We started talking about my lifestyle and I offered up my Engine 2 Diet book for them to borrow. Since then, we've made trips to the grocery store, farmer's market and shared some of our dishes straight out of the oven.

I was personally inspired by a former colleague of mine at my last job. She has been a huge supporter of my change. I only hope to be as supportive and inspiring to others. After I started thinking about all of the knowledge I've learned and attempted to share it with anyone who's interested enough to listen, I realized that my efforts have not been wasted. If you is interested in learning more or are just veg-curious, I'd be happy to help guide, inspire and motivate you.

Looking to go vegan? Check out these related posts below!

Where to Begin
Kitchen Overhaul

5 Tips for a Healthy Vegan Diet

Pinterest Plant-Strong Board
Top 5 Reactions to "I'm Vegan"
Protein in a Vegan Diet
5 Tips for Eating a Plant-Based Diet (Anywhere)
Veganism in a Nutshell (video)
5 Things I've Learned Through Veganism
Foods That Kill

I'm not on a Diet; I'm Eating Healthy!

 

I've always taken my health for granted. When something goes wrong, I don't even know why I'm shocked! Looking back I know exactly how I got here. Now, I've never considered myself to be "overweight" or anything, but in the last few years I've noticed just a little extra that kind of bothered me.

A few weeks back at my yearly health checkup, I stepped up on the scale as the nurse requested. I was horrified by the number. It isn't terrible in some people's minds I'm sure, but to me 154 just didn't look right!

I've been telling people my excuse lately: in college I walked everywhere! To class, up the hills, down the hills and to my apartment for a quick nap. You see, I lived close to campus and I only drove my car to get groceries. I also didn't eat well.

Since I was getting so much exercise, I was burning off calories I didn't even consider that I was consuming. As a college student, I'm sure you know diet isn't usually a concern. (Mac and cheese for dinner? Yes, please!)

Fast forward three and a half years. Same diet. Near to none exercise. That equals a problem. Now I will say that I was in such shock over my nearly 25 lb. weight gain since high school (which was almost seven years ago now). And yes, I'll never be 18 again.

So I hopped on to my own scale in the bathroom. Luckily that one read 144 the same night. (Instant 10 lbs. of weight loss. Woot!) Now I don't know if the scale in my bathroom is accurate, but I've been weighing in on that one since my "lifestyle" change.

Yep, I'm calling it a lifestyle change. Not a diet! Diets can work for people who stick to them, yes, but a lifestyle change is something I feel is more permanent for me. You see, my mother recently found out that she has Type 2 diabetes. I knew it was now or never. So I studied up and did something I've never actually done before: cook meals at home.

And not just any meals. Healthy meals packed with vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts. Tacos stuffed with sautéed veggies and a side of beans. Whole gain pizza crusts covered in fresh veggies. Homemade fruit "ice creams" that I didn't feel guilty eating.

Friends are asking me, "So you're vegetarian, now?!" I don't know the answer to that just yet. However, I was surprised that 18 days later I'm now down six pounds. Not only that, but I'm feeling phenomenal! I'm getting to work an hour a half earlier and waking up without attempting to hit the snooze. I can see a change in my body and I crave the taste of my next decadent meal with the full flavors all the vegetables and fruits offer.

And I'm not looking back! Sure, there's been challenges. I've been tempted during my workdays with pulled pork, warm chocolate chip cookies and even endured the smells during Waffle Wednesday. It's all been well worth it, though. I'm excited about the challenges ahead but feel more empowered and in charge of my health than ever before! For more information on my new lifestyle change, please visit the Engine 2 Diet website.

UPDATE: See how going plant-strong changed my life and my results six months later here!

Looking to go vegan? Check out these related posts below!

Where to Begin
Kitchen Overhaul

5 Tips for a Healthy Vegan Diet

Pinterest Plant-Strong Board
Top 5 Reactions to "I'm Vegan"
Protein in a Vegan Diet
5 Tips for Eating a Plant-Based Diet (Anywhere)
Veganism in a Nutshell (video)
5 Things I've Learned Through Veganism
Foods That Kill