We are not nutritionists or food experts. We are two friends who’ve decided to fuel our bodies with plant-based foods.  As with any journey there will be ups and downs, so buckle up and enjoy our ride!

MICHELLE

I got into food prepping by mistake. My friends were doing Whole 30 and I wanted to be supportive.  So, I read (skimmed through) the book and started the Whole 30 program. After the third day, I realized I wasn’t going to be successful if every day I had to live in the kitchen. After researching the internet, I came across meal prepping. One day a week I spent 3 hours in the kitchen, and I could eat for a week! I was hooked!

After I successfully completed the Whole 30 program, I continued to meal prep. So now you’re probably wondering, “What journey is she starting?” A plant-based lifestyle. I’ve been a pescatarian for the past 13 years. I’ve tried a plant-based lifestyle many times, only to go back to eating fish and eggs 😔.  The struggle is REAL!

When Veda asked me to join her journey, I was more than ready.

This blog is our open diary as we start our journey.

VEDA

I was born and raised in the state of Ohio.  Every year, the eight of us went to my grandparents’ farm in the state of Georgia.  Watching grandpa cultivate and seeing grandma practically live in the kitchen was not a motivating force for me.  ‘They had 13 children; they had no choice’, I reasoned.  Food is food, right?  Nope.  So why and how did I begin this journey?  

For health’s sake.  I have no major health issues or food allergies, that I know of.  I’m simply tired of being tired.  I experience muscle and joint aches and frequent, albeit mild, constipation.  Yes, I’m getting older.  However, I’m not content with that line of reasoning.  I believe I can do and be better.  Lastly, I’ve witnessed many die prematurely from poor eating habits.  I remind myself of the old adage, ‘if you want a different result you have to try a different approach.’ 

I’ve tried to be vegetarian and vegan on and off throughout the years, never for a long period of time.  The longest stint was 6-8 weeks.  My bowels improved and I lost a few pounds, but the struggle to continue won out.  After all, I’m not considered fat and I can take an herb to move my bowels, so I took the easy route.  Since then, I’ve educated myself and I’m ready for a new ‘lifestyle.’  Pardon me, I digress, I’m not a fan of labeling myself to be on a certain diet.  Most labels are commonly mistaken to be healthy.  For example, many think vegetarians simply avoid meat and vegans avoid meat and dairy and they eat more vegetables and fruits.  However, some substitute those things with bread, pasta, and lots of sugary things; which doesn’t leave much room for other healthy food items.  Hey, I hear even Oreos can be considered vegan.  Anyway…

My approach is to be selfish.  What?!  Yes.  Food, what can you do for me?  Or, what are you doing to me?  I know we live in a society of labels, so for that reason I’ll put myself under ‘whole food plant based’.  A famous quote of Jack LaLanne was, “If man made it, don’t eat it.”  Yet, I’m a realist.  I will occasionally succumb to my weaknesses.  I will have challenges.  Come what may, with the support of my fellow foodie Michelle, I can make great strides on this journey.  I am excited to share this journey with you!