Body Measurements and Vegan Cleanse Aftermath

I just did my measurements. Since 2012, I have lost 47 pounds. My waist size went from 41 inches to 34 inches since February 2015. My hips went from 46 inches to 44 inches since 2015. My BMI went from 36 to 29 since 2012. I sometimes a hard time about not hitting my goals. I need to savor my success just a little. Then back to work.

Went a little crazy with the gluten and the sugar. Terribly headache and I need to drink a ton of water and probably take an allergy pill. Hope I don't have a gluten sensitivity. I am going to go easy the next few days. I will definitely be paying closer attention to my sugar intake too.

Vegan Cleanse - Day 19-21

Today is the last day. It has been a struggle these last few days. I have turned down every so many happy hours, meals, etc. I have gotten officially sick of making very complicated recipes. I have lost 2 pounds where as the last time I lost 10.

You would think that I would be frustrated. However, I have learned a lot. I have a caffeine addiction. I wasn't eating enough vegetables. I was eating too much sugar.

I am still eating too much sodium. I was thinking of going mostly vegan. I do not want to eat that much soy. I had a family history of kidney stones and soy is a no go. I still like tofu just not every day. I am not sleeping much.

My goal from after that is to follow the Mediterranean Diet. Lots of veggies, fish, olive oil, and some poultry. All doable for me. I am looking for something that is sustainable. A lifestyle change rather than a diet. I am tired of counting calories.

My goal is to now do 300 minutes of exercise. Drink rarely (although not really a huge deal.) Keep a real eye on my sodium and sweets.   Avoid eating dried fruit. Try to only drink caffeinated tea rarely.

As a treat to myself, I made this mac and cheese (with roasted broccoli) recipe. It was great.

Overall, this cleanse served my purpose. I will try to do it again next year. I was thinking for Lent but 40 days might be a little much.

Vegan Cleanse Day 18

I went shopping today. I am still between sizes although closer to the smaller size. I need to  do about 900 squats a day. Once I am completely healed, I am going back to yoga. I want to try and do 300 minutes of exercise a week. I will have to start counting my calories again.

I have a lunch planned next week out. It will be my first test. I have been too tired to make dinner some nights.

Vegan Cleanse - Day 17

For some reason, I am feeling very emotional today. I have been thinking about what is going to happen once I go off of this cleanse. The rigidity has given me tremendous structure.It is giving me some anxiety.

 I like the way I look but I know that I cannot maintain this. I am thinking that the Mediterranean diet may make the most logical sense for me except the feta of course.  

Vegan Cleanse - Days 15 - 16

I am starting to crave all things gluten today. I don't know if it's psychological or physical. I stared longingly at the artisan bread today in the Whole Foods. Still costs a bloody fortune for groceries although obviously not as bad as previous weeks since I have more basics now.

I need to experiment more with different fruits and vegetables. I didn't really have a list today. I am trying to figure out what I am going to keep from this cleanse. I am definitely not going to keep Swedish fish in my drawer as a snack. I am thinking of just doing one very small cup of caffeine a day. I really have a serious addiction.

Also, I am going to really read the sugar content labels. I cannot realistically be completely sugar free.

I tried this really yummy tofu recipe on Sunday. Spicy!

Vegan Cleanse - Days 12-14

Sweet David Bowie. Two weeks down! I was told today that my skin looked good. I don't know if that was because of the foundation I was wearing or from the diet. My body has been out of whack with my illness so my lady time has started again.

I thought I was totally healed today but I tried to walk quickly the 7 blocks to the subway but I became winded. I am sorry to have not done the exercise portion of the plan but alas circumstances have not permitted it.

I have really started to take note of sugar content. I am never looking at a breakfast/granola bar the same way again. I am still consuming way too much salt.

Tonight was quinoa with mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Needed a bolder flavor profile. Thinking of making green curry tomorrow.