So, a few months ago, Myk went all vegan on me. I knew it would be a lonely road I would tread, full of cheese and yogurt and …Chick-fil-A. I understand why he changed his diet and I fully support him–besides the weight loss, I’ve noticed he seems more focused, more happy, and when he’s tired it’s because he’s really tired, not because of some other reason (like getting tired after you eat or just sleeping for many hours without a good reason). Last year, we both read Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s book Eat to Live–Myk read it a few times and I read it once–and were both shocked and inspired by what we read. We made some dietary changes but I think somewhere along the line I forgot what I read and went back to my old ways: pretty much eating things that I know are bad for me and not eating enough of the foods I know are really good for me.
When we went to Israel, Myk read Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right. He bugged me for the weeks after that to read the book, being very persistent. I finally have been reading it the past week, and I swear, I may never go back to eating some things ever again. Dr. Fuhrman, unlike other “new age” doctors, supports his claims with TONS of scientific evidence. What’s more is that all of us are so immersed in our culture that we don’t question some of the things people tell us to do–it’s completely flipped my opinion of trustworthy organizations. I always thought the FDA was going to recommend things that were safe for me to take–and they will–but they won’t recommend patterns of eating that will actually prevent me from acquiring diseases later on. Dairy products, while quite tasty, are not nutritionally for humans–they are derived of milk that is suitable for a growing calf, not a human. Sure, calcium, vitamins, etc yes, but fresh green vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and beans have many times more calcium and vitamins than cheese, milk, and yogurt.
He goes on to compare the growing masses with cancer with the growing masses who consume animal products. The more I read his books, the more I really see that my body does not need animal protiens and it could really hurt me (and my future children) later. It’s so bizarre, too–usually when people tell me stuff about foods and feelings I just ignore them–I really don’t want anyone telling me what I can and can’t eat. Especially if it’s mood-related, I really don’t want to hear it. But now that I know about all the studies that Fuhrman cites in his book, I seriously cannot look at a container of yogurt and feel hungry. The idea of eating cheese on my nachos is just kind of gross because I’m not seeing cheese as a food anymore! We have some steaks in the freezer that our neighbor gave us and frankly, I want to just throw them away.
The whole point of the book is to prove that what you feed your kids in their childhood years will affect their health as adults. Breastfeeding longer, eliminating animal products, reducing salt intake from other foods, and general “nutritional excellence” as the Dr. refers to (the veggies, nuts, and beans I mentioned earlier) is will prevent cancer and heart disease. I’m so glad I’m learning this now.
I’m not even craving ice cream. I have a Reese’s peanut butter cup in my desk right now and I know I will never eat it. And what’s funny is that I don’t want to give it away–I want to throw it away–because I think it’s almost mean to give it to someone to eat. Of course, I don’t want to be a jerk, so I’m not going to say that to anyone, just write it on my blog. Heh. I guess this also means goodbye to vegan cupcakes–white flour and refined sugar will just kill us that much faster ;)
It will take a while to break myself of some of my habits, but I think I will become vegetarian (again) and eventually cut out dairy altogether. It’s a big step, but I think I really have to take it.
I’m still going strong with no animal products, refined sugar, white flour, processed foods, etc. I think it’s been about 2 1/2 months now, but I do have to have a weekly Taco Bell meal (as vile as that sounds). I’m really glad you guys recommended that book. I feel so much healthier and more stable throughout the day (no more sugar crashes)! Thank you! (and see you at the reunion!)
WOW, Kristy! That’s awesome! So inspiring. Maybe I’ll be vegan by the time the reunion rolls around. High school reunion. I’m actually pretty excited. :)
kind of off topic, but i feel like only in texas would your neighbor give you steaks
Welcome to the dark side, Lacey! ;)
Meisa: true dat.
Carrie: thanks sista!
so… a lot of this sounds like things i’m trying to do myself. in the sense that i’m shying away from processed foods more & more. eating things that are very much in their natural state… but i just don’t know about the whole, “no animal” deal. i have a good friend here in the ATL going the vegan route. and the outcome is quite dramatic. but when i run on just raw breads, fruits, veggies too long – i crave some poultry or fish. i had a steak this week – and it was the first time i’d had red meat in quite a while. i don’t really crave that… but i sure like it when i have it. anywho…
oh – and as long as i can clear my sked here at work (shouldn’t be a problem) i think i will indeed be crashing the reunion. a-w-e-s-o-m-e.
I try and eat everything in moderation. I rarely have fastfood or soft drinks and eat lots of fruits/veges at home. But I know if I don’t eat my ice cream, I won’t be a happy person!!!…or my gobstoppers…or a muffin….or a popcorn…or my cake……..or….or…yuuuuummmmmm.
Must eat refined sugar….must eat refined sugar…
Jason–haha. I feel ya. I am a total sugar addict and I HATE it when people tell me what I can and can’t eat. I guess that’s why I’m reluctant to just jump in full force. I might have to do what Myk did and er, “say goodbye” to foods one at a time. Oh pizza, oh morning muffins, oh scones. Oh vegan chocolate cupcakes. Oh…mmmm…
Nick–Yay! It will be fun to see you. We’ll arrange something beforehand. Also, if you follow Fuhrman’s plan, you’ll feel satisfied. If you just go vegan without a kind of plan, you’ll feel unsatisfied and will fall off the bandwagon. That’s my guess anyways :)
Lacey – exactly. There is no full proof diet for making people healthy. If you wanna become a vegetarian/vegan because of the treatment of animals, then great, but just because you cut out all animal products doesn’t mean your a healthier person.
My life plan – eat everything in modertion and ‘move more/eat less’.
Exercise as much as ou can and do not overeat. Lean your diet toward the healthier foods, but don’t beat yourself up if you want a piece of cake. I eat very little red meat and fried foods, but plenty of fruits/veges….. but I like some diary products – yogurt, ice cream, etc. If it means I’ll live a few more years if I don’t eat ‘em…then forget it! Let me be a happy 80 year old holding an ice cream cone than a sad one eating a rice cake.
Oh my GOSH, Lacey, GOOD FOR YOU! I want you to know I support you and Myk on this 100%. We’re having this exact conversation over on flickr, too!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/toastforbrekkie/508418491/
i’m trying to think of a joke about a vegan bandwagon… but perhaps the idea of that itself is funny enough…
Hey Lacey!
I’m excited for you (and Mky) and i agree that it’s important to start thinking about what we eat and the effects that it has on our bodies. (although realizing that I have to think about this makes me feel old…) I was a vegetarian for about 10 years and there are only two things that i would caution you about. One is to make sure that you get plenty of iron and calcium. You can totally do this without any animal by-products ~ i was just lazy. It takes 8 cups of cooked spinach to equal the calcium in 1 (8oz) glass of milk. Osteoporosis is horrible and 80% of those affected are women. The second thing was my reason for going back and re-learning how to eat fish and chicken. While i prefer eating fruits and vegetables, when i was in Chile i found that i would visit families that were quite poor and in their excitement of having an “honored” guest they would prepare a meal with meat… since that was big thing for them. It broke my heart to have to refuse their food because i “couldn’t eat it” (I was actually really sick when i first tried to eat chicken and fish again.) So while i still love tofu, i decided it was important for me to be able to eat fish and chicken. That being said when you and Myk come and visit Aaron and i will totally find vegan friendly food :-) (Just in case you were trying to think about where to fly to next).
I really admire all y’all vegans; you’re doing something great and make it look so easy. I’m really interested in the vegan life and subsequent health benefits, but I don’t know if I have the willpower to do something that drastic especially when I can’t stick to a simple diet let alone a vegan one. I still wonder if all the rigid restrictions are worth it. I mean, I could be eating vegan so that I can live into my 100s and then get hit by a bus tomorrow. From that perspective, I think a cupcake would be totally justified. Cupcake or no, I’m still checking out that book Lacey – you’ve piqued my curiosity.
Can you give some examples of things that are on your menu? I’m tired of what I’m making. Thanks.