Weight Loss Update --- BETTER Outlook

Back in March, I made a post about wanting to lose 20 lbs by June. 

I really want to wear shorts that don't look like they belong to my mom! Real talk.

When I wrote that post, my weight was 161 lbs. A few weeks ago, I hopped on the scale and saw that I gained 5 more lbs. FIVE lbs! I got discouraged and lost interest in going to the gym.

I just checked my weight a few minutes ago.......

                        At least I lost those 5 lbs lol

I don't plan to spend a lot of time focusing on the pounds this time around. Instead, I want to just get a solid workout routine and be a little more mindful about what I eat. No more pity parties!

Another weight loss challenge is going down!  I'm going to document the challenge here this time around to keep me accountable.

I can do this!

P.S. You're a vegan. Why are you having weight issues? I eat a lot of carbs! Pasta, fruit and vegan junk food. There's a misconception that vegans can't be overweight. Sadly, I contributed to that nonsense with this post.

Subscribe for more weight loss posts, recipes, and plant-based tips

Come to the Grocery Store With Me #2

A few days ago, I went to grocery store with the KIDS, NO grocery list and a camera. Umm, yeah. I was about that life!

I just tried to stick to items that we buy often-onions, garlic, beans, fresh fruit, rice, bagels, seasonings, cashews & walnuts (for raw vegan desserts), avocados, green leafy vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and a couple of bags of frozen vegetables.

Even though the kids distracted me a bit and Jason (my oldest) wanted to leave on more than one occasion, it wasn't too bad. I spent $150 on this grocery trip.

Here's the recipe for the homemade ice cream I mention in the video.

Are you heading to the grocery store this weekend? What's on your list?

Subscribe to my mailing list for more grocery vlogs, recipes & tips

Processed Vegan Foods Are Helpful. Here's Why...

From my Instagram last night:

Caption under pic "I made portobello lasagna tonight using spaghetti sauce, vegan sausage, spinach, basil, oregano, vegan cream cheese, garlic, and onion. I haven't made this since last year and usually add Daiya "mozzarella" but it wasn't necessary this time. Our taste buds are changing again and we use less vegan cheese than before. Faux meats and cheeses definitely helped our family a lot in the beginning of this food journey. What's for dinner at your house?"

After posting that picture, I thought about our family's vegan journey. When I started cooking vegan meals 3 years ago, we ate a lot of vegan prepacked items, faux meats and cheese.  It really helped us transition as a family because I didn't know much about vegan cooking and the faux meat and cheeses made for quick go-to meals.

I may have given up on a vegan lifestyle without being able to rely on the processed faux products.

Even though I have no plans in the near future to eliminate vegan meat (mainly Field Roast sausage) and vegan cheese from our diet; I will say we no longer buy seitan, Gardein products, or Amy's prepackaged meals.  It's not because I dislike these products, but mainly because I feel so much more confident in the kitchen.  I find myself making vegetable stir-fry, spaghetti with TVP & black bean tacos as filling, simple and inexpensive meals.

In the beginning, vegan cooking can be intimidating.  Sometimes it's hard not to see meat as the center of a meal and faux meat can help make the transition easier.

If you're fairly new to a vegan lifestyle, don't beat yourself up about eating a lot of processed foods. As you research, learn and grow, that will decrease and you will love eating more whole foods.

Thanks for reading!

Subscribe for free recipes, inspiration & plant-based tips

Be Gentle with Yourself-Healthy Eating Journey

I was inspired to record a short vlog about buying Oreos again, after going about a month without eating them.

I'm really learning not be so hard on myself and to love and embrace my healthy food journey.  Food shouldn't be associated with stress or pain and I'm learning to be gentle with myself. 

I saw this picture on That ARThletic Girl's Tumblr that was right on time!  I hope this video & picture inspires you to be more gentle in your own food journey. Baby steps are okay!

Instead of saying "no more junk food" say "I'm going to eat more leafy greens, drink fresh juice and blend smoothies."

Subscribe to my mailing list for more vlogs, recipes and tips

Mike Tyson 100 Lbs Weight Loss

I did a post on Mike Tyson decision to embrace a vegan diet around this time last year.

Tyson was recently featured on OWN's Where Are They Now series and he continues to credit eating plant-based meals for maintaining his ideal weight, clearing up his congestion, arthritis and  reducing his blood pressure.

Subscribe for more celeb vegan posts, recipes & tips