Well, it's been 1 week since I made the full switch and went to whole foods, plant based eating (WFPB). I've had no meat, and no dairy products. The executive summary for those with ADD, or little time, or both is that it was a great week and certainly a success!
My main concern going into the week, was that I would run out of energy or feel flat during a training session. So, to be certain, I ate often, and had as much fruits, veggies, rice, legumes as I wanted. Also of importance, was having a good breakfast (which I never did skip previously, just wasn't always high quality). Most days this week started with a glass of water (typical), and steel cut oats, with a mix frozen fruits and a bit of soy milk.
Because I am so new to cooking with these guidelines (not boundaries, as that insinuates restriction, when in fact I am learning there are plenty of food choices in WFPB eating; in fact, some would argue more variety), I kept it really simple to start the week. I made a big pot of brown rice and green lentils mixed together. This "base" was used for numerous lunches and dinners, and was actually really handy as you could just pull it out of the fridge and reheat. I would then fry up any mix of veggies and spices I wanted to try, and presto - a yummy, filling meal. Here are two examples of what I did with that "base":
I am not "trying" to lose weight anymore (I was focused on it the past 5 months, and with good success dropped 40lbs and am back to a good weight). That being said, over the past 7 days I lost 4lbs! What is crazy to me about this, is that I ate whatever I wanted to, anytime, until I was full. It wasn't the amount I was eating (there was no restricting), but the increased quality of food that I was eating, that has been making the difference. Furthermore, these are the "harder" pounds to now lose - I am basically not carrying any substantial extra weight around, its just getting down to racing weight now, which can be tricky, but this has been very easy so far.
I also watched another food based documentary this week called "Hungry For Change":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-WWp9wlvwU
It is a 7 part series, free to watch on Youtube. I didn't find it quite as "jarring" as FOK (see prior blog for summary), but this movie has some excellent points to take away from it, with many personal stories of people who changed their entire lives around through the food choices they made.
I am really pleased with the impact this has had on me so far! I think those 2 films should be mandatory viewing; as education (how we think about food), is crucial to why we choose what we eat (and frankly, I don't think we have given it as much thought as it deserves, which is ironic, considering how often we eat!).
Another thing that has become a part of my routine are smoothies. They are such a great way to get nutrients in quickly and delicious! I purchased a good Vegan protein powder, and add it on days when I am doing multiple workouts or long sessions. This one was soooo good! (I am using an almond yogurt, when I do put it into a blend).
This has really been an enlightening experience, to say the least. I don't yet know what I will choose to stick with "forever", but I am quite happy to carry on with this for April, as planned. I have read so many good articles, and listened to some real life athlete interviews/videos who live this way, and it has been completely informative and amazing!
I will close with this thought from "Hungry for Change". It sums up the difference between how a regular person may view "poor or fatty or tempting" food when on a diet, and how an informed person who lives WFPB looks at them:
Typical view: "I want that, but I CAN'T have it"
WFPB: "I CAN have it but I don't want it"
Think about that... it's a big difference! :)
EatStrong ;)
Jon
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