A Success Story?

Almost a year ago I made the conscious decision to go from omnivore to vegan and it has opened up an amazing new world of food. Though my initial reason was for animals, it has grown into three reasons ... still for the animals 💗, for the earth itself, and most surprisingly for my own health.

I have lost 35 lbs since last May and am now in better, healthier, stronger shape than I was over ten years ago just before I became pregnant with Evey. Exercising, any little bit, every day has become a habit again. For example, push-ups no longer feel awkward!

In February I had my annual bloodwork done and my cholesterol is 136, my HDL is 74 & LDL is 54, and my vitamins and minerals are all at good levels. I plan and hope to live a very long time. I want to be part of the next generation of 80+ year old cavers and hikers!

I'm not perfect (mmm desserts), and I'm often really hard on myself for that even though I know I shouldn't be. 😯 I am a work-in-progress. We can always get stronger and more skilled, both physically and mentally. It's OK to celebrate along the way though, right?

First I struggled with whether to write this at all, and now I keep revising it. Why? At least in part because I don't want to come off as a braggart. Also, because I'm afraid of failing, not at being a vegan - of that lifestyle I'm confident, but of "letting myself go" again.

I will not let that happen. I have come a long way in the past year, and I think I should be proud of it. And to feel OK with being proud of it.