We’re at it again: back to eating all plants, all the time. Some of you may remember that our house went on a vegan diet for about a month last year. Not really sure why we quit, except that we just…started eating meat again.
My plans are not to never eat another piece of meat or cheese again. My plans are instead to eat food that doesn’t make me feel bad at the end of the meal and hours afterward. I do have specific health goals that I want to sustain that I feel the “All Veggie Way” will support right now:
1) No More Acid and Indigestion
For the past several months, I’ve had horrible bouts of acid reflux and indigestion that have interrupted my day and – even worse – woken me up at night. Every day, no exceptions. Within 3 days of going vegan again, it was gone and hasn’t returned (I’ve been going strong with no breaks for about 3 weeks now). I’m sure there are some of you that may not have such problems or are able to ignore them, but not this lady. This works for me and I’m tired of carrying around a bottle of Maalox like an old drunk carrying a flask.
2) Sleep, the Kind that Can Last All Night
As I mentioned in my first point, acid reflux/indigestion was waking me up in the middle of the night but that wasn’t my own sleep-related problem. Actually getting to sleep was an issue. It was taking at least an hour for me to fall asleep, even after a “wind down” time. I quit drinking soda last year and I was cutting out my caffeine consumption at 5 PM, but it seemed to make no difference. A week into vegan, I was falling asleep within a few minutes of laying down. At this point, I haven’t greatly increased my physical activity so I’m sure when I do, it’ll be even easier.
3) My Business Doesn’t Need Lags
We’re doing our best to start up (and keep going) 2 businesses and I don’t need big dips in energy to halt my momentum. Except for the 4 days I was battling a cold, I’ve had no mid-morning or afternoon fatigue during being vegan, which was common before. My mind being clear and my body being able to keep up is a priceless addition to where I am now in life.
4)I’m Going to Be a Runner, Damnit
My boyfriend and I are starting our training for our first half-marathon next week and we need all the energy that the veggies are giving us. I’ve heard that plant-based meals are better for recovery too (I’d love to get input from any current athletes). P.S. If you’d like to contribute to the fundraising side of our goal, please visit our race page here.
So go ahead, let the snide comments and eye-rolling begin. I picked on self-righteous, hippie-acting vegans at one point in my life too – but then I tried it and it helps me live better. Not pushing this on anyone, but I do love to talk about how good I feel.
Anyone else doing the same thing right now? Any “tried and true” vegans have advice?
