On August 23, 2021, I started a 30-day Vegan challenge. Why did I do it? Not for weight loss specifically or because of a new medical diagnosis, but in a quest to live healthier. I know many family members and friends who suffer with heart disease, diabetes, hypertension etc. I too have hypertension. Unfortunately, some have lost their lives to these medical conditions. Often times people (me included) blame these conditions on being hereditary. However sometimes what’s hereditary is our eating habits. Same habits, same results.
It’s not a new revelation that plant-based diets are healthier, however knowing it and taking action about it is two different things. In short, I began to read more about the benefits of plant-based eating. I followed some vegans and I watched a couple of documentaries. I decided to see if I could go 30 days as a vegan. After that, I would hold myself accountable to at least eating more plant based 50% of the time.
I was completely faithful for 30 days and I didn’t stop. On day 37, I decided I would go vegetarian instead of vegan. A girl’s gotta have her latte her way! And every now and then a little baked mac and cheese that’s not vegan.
October 23rd marks day 60. Have I remained faithful? Not completely. I ate chicken twice in the last three weeks. Once because I was buying my mother some chicken and I wanted a chicken wing, so I ate it. The second time I was at an event and wanted to try the Nigerian stew chicken. Am I still a vegetarian? Yes, in my eyes I am. I will allow myself to have meat very infrequently if I choose. More importantly, I am making 98% better choices about what I fuel my body with. As a result, I no longer have inflammation in my ankles. (Another condition viewed as hereditary.) My blood pressure has improved, my skin is clearer, I have more energy, and I’m down one size. I’ll take it!
Will I be vegetarian for the rest of my life? God only knows. But I don’t see myself stopping. I’m taking charge of my health to reduce my chance of developing medical conditions caused by poor eating habits. If I can influence one person to do the same, hallelujah!