Week 1

I felt a little tired and stressed. I’m trying not to depend on coffee and chocolate for my “pick me up”. Struggling with my water intake, not drinking like a fish 😔. – Michelle

Just over a week prior to starting this journey, I got sick. I still have a cough so I had to keep stepping away. When prep was finished, mentally I was on Cloud 9 but physically I was toast. I’m already missing my sweets. I’m addicted! So during the week I made a Gingerbread Cake (vegan/gluten free). It tasted like Molasses cake; reminded me of my grandma 😢. On the positive note I am drinking lots of water, to help my cough. Veda

Week 2

Feeling HAPPY 😃!! The sun is shining and I’ve been taking my vitamins regularly. My “I need chocolate at 3:00pm” meltdown is going away. Still not drinking like a fish, but improving. My goal is 60 – 65 ounces of water per day. My body weight 🤫 divided by two. – Michelle

I still have a cough, my friends and family are concerned but, I can feel myself getting better. I didn’t complete my meals because my appetite is not 100%. I’m coughing less so I’m drinking less water and it makes a difference. In general, I have to force myself to drink water. So, my goal is to drink more water and to wrap my mind around eating the same meal three times per week. I’m not feeling that part of this plan, yet. Michelle gave me a few ideas. Lastly, I miss my sweets!!! So during the week I made a Chocolate Chip Cookie cake (vegan/gluten free). 😊 Veda

Week 3

This week Veda and I meal prepped solo due to scheduling. When the winter season ends I’m all about salads. I prefer cold meals unless its winter. Sugar meltdown came back to haunt me (the power of sugar). Water situation hasn’t improved, unless I can count my wine intake 😉 – Michelle

I’m making strides and feeling more energized. I’m hit and miss with vitamins so I need to get serious with that. Same struggle with my fluids and sweets. I made less meals this week (plan to eat them twice). Primarily because I got free food from Northstar Cafe and Brassica for Earth Day! For my sweet tooth I made a healthy version of Nutella to dip my apples. I know I need to eat more whole fruits… someday. Oh by the way, my intestinal issue (mentioned in About Us) has improved. I’m happy! Veda

Week 4

This week Michelle and I meal prepped solo due to scheduling. I prepped one entree, a super large pot of vegetable chili. As a result… I have a few servings in the freezer for a rainy day sort-to-speak. Also, I made a lemon cheesecake (vegan & gluten-free). Lastly, I have a weekend trip to DC/Maryland, so no promises. 🤫 – Veda

Feeling Great 👍🏾- Michelle

Week 5

So, food wise, how was my trip to DC? Well… I came prepared with oatmeal, a cooler of two meals, snacks (including fruit) and water. Day 1: No breakfast. Stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel and I had a vegetable plate (3 of them green and 1 pinto bean), cornbread and hot tea. For dinner I ate the food I packed, yay me! Day 2: Breakfast was oatmeal with apples and raisins. From that point on, I fell off the plant-based wagon, sort-to-speak. We ate late in the afternoon so lunch and dinner was combined. I had seafood and dessert (hummingbird cake). Day 3: Breakfast was granola and the other dessert I bought the night before (peanut butter cookie w/ chocolate chips). Lunch a vegetarian Cobb salad (had an egg on it, no bacon) and dinner Thai fried rice with 3 meats (chicken, shrimp, and beef). I only ate half, if that counts for anything. LOL 😆 Day 4: Breakfast was granola and lunch/dinner was pizza and cinnamon roll. NOTE TO SELF: Prepare my mind along with my bag. I was not determined. I made allowances and excuses. What’s the harm? Nothing serious nor permanent. My belly was bloated and I was constipated. Was it worth it? No, not really. The food was good but it was not phenomenal. It was convenient. I’ve never vacationed with food for the day in my trunk. I wasted my time and energy beforehand bringing food I didn’t eat because I didn’t think things through. Big cities don’t have gas stations and Panera Bread conveniently placed to warm up food. WHAT’S NEXT: This week’s prep didn’t happen. I have less than a week home and I’m flying out to FL for a week. I’m not taking food on the plane but I’ll have access to a full kitchen. 🤔 – Veda

I’ve increased my water intake. Ready to start running.-Michelle

Week 6

I stayed focus in Florida! Used the kitchen a lot and made good choices when eating out, proud of myself. – Veda

I’ve started jogging, doing activities outside and loving life.- Michelle

Week 7

I’m struggling to get back to meal prepping. My food choices are alright but I miss the structure and mindless/lazy weekday eating. This week is CO visit. Next week is NY to visit my son. So… week 9 will be time to get SERIOUS again. – Veda

Nothing new to report. I’m trying to incorporate new recipes. I love my tried and tested recipes. But, I’m trying to venture out for y’all.-Michelle

Week 8

Fun in NY this week. 😋 – Veda

Week 9

I’ve had the most salads this week than since starting my journey. Buying precut produce makes it easy to fill it with goodness. Also, Trader Joe’s has frozen falafel, packaged lentils, and steam in the bag butternut squash that’s super yummy. BUT, it’s too expensive to be lazy. Lol. It’s a good reset to my body but I have to get back to slicing and dicing everything myself Tuesday. – Veda

Week 10

Back in business, sort to speak. I’m still working to spend less time in the kitchen. I had fun playing in the kitchen, all alone. Still… I miss my buddy. 😔 – Veda

Week 11

Well, I actually spent more time in the kitchen. Why? I’m on a Vegan Keto Diet – eliminating grains, high carb vegetables, fruits (except berries), and sugar (including honey, dates, and maple syrup). Basically, it’s similar to the traditional Keto (low carb, high protein and fat) but a healthy version. I feel like having a variety will help me stick to it until I adjust, besides giving me more nutrients. I don’t know how long I will be on this diet. As long as I feel alright and shed a few pounds I’m good with it. By the way, I’ve discovered hemp seed are high in protein and they actually taste good. There’s protein in many vegetables too. – Veda

Week 12

This week was all about simplicity. My cravings have diminished. I think I’ll forever have a keen taste bud for sweets. However, I’ve noticed I can live without it. Lol. “Mind over matter” is my mantra. Also, it helps that Danny is also eating Vegan Keto. It forces me to make it appealing so he’ll stick with it longer. Btw, he frequently says “I’m not going to go meatless for the rest of my life. ” “I like meat” is his mantra. 🤷‍♀️ – Veda

Week 13

Still going strong. People are noticing our weight loss. Exactly how much I’ve lost I don’t know. It’s somewhere between 12-15 lbs (Danny lost at least 15). What’s important to me is belly fat. I’ve lost 3 inches. I’m elated!! – Veda

Week 14

Done with the Keto portion of my weight loss. Returned grains and potatoes. I will add beans and corn soon. Why? So I have energy to exercise. I exercised twice this week (went for walks). I haven’t exercised in a very long time. – Veda

Week 15

Well, I’m enjoying carbs. Its not a bad thing, their healthy carbs. I’ve slacked up on my water, got to get back to drinking more. Been on my feet, in the kitchen, most of the day Tuesday. I’m notorious for picking recipes with depth/numerous steps. What can I say… I want the flavors to explode, that’s the goal. – Veda

Week 16

This week… Summer in full swing (busy, busy). Next week will be another busy one. I feel bad not posting recipes (but, people can request any time). I already know in advance, I don’t feel like standing in the kitchen for hours next week. So I may set a record for salads and smoothies. One final note, if my buddy isn’t able to participate in the blog soon, this may have to be put on a pause. My hat goes off to all bloggers out there. – Veda

Week 17

My blogging days have ended. Michelle may pick it up later. ✌ Veda