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.

Time To Get Fit

Due to some familial peer pressure, I decided to officially join a gym, Maple Valley Fitness.  My mom has been going to the gym, albeit a different one, for a long time now and back in November Jeff joined Maple Valley Fitness.  Since I had made an unofficial resolution for 2014 to get my butt seriously back on track I decided to go with it.

We're both seeing personal trainers now, although I'll probably just see mine a handful of times so I can learn what things will help me the most and then maybe I'll make follow up appointments throughout the year.  According to my evaluation last week, losing about 12 lbs and gaining lean muscle are what's on the table for me to get healthy.  Since I'm blogging it, it means I refuse to fail!  I am, however, not brave enough to post any before pictures!!  I am tracking my weight and measurements weekly though.  Perhaps if they make me happy I'll post those in a few weeks!

I am really enjoying our gym so far.  The people there have been friendly even though I still feel awkward when I'm there.  I've never been a gym rat ... but I'm getting used to going.  It's especially nice that they have a kids room so we can bring Evey and Zach along to play.  Both Jeff and I are going three to four times a week.  Onward and upward!