Why This Pescatarian Will Go 100% Plant Based Soon!

As a Spark member, I've gone through a sort of metamorphosis, as I'm sure you have too. While I write this, I think back to my prior days as a NutriSystem payee, Weight Watchers, The Cabbage Soup Diet and an assortment of starvation fads- I've done it all since my diagnosis. Back and forth I went, attempting to gain control over my body and health. None lasted long, other than WW, but my illness was a domineering, dominating opponent...

So I decided to drop fast food; probably one of my best moves ever! If it wasn't Subway or Panda Express (teriyaki chicken and vegetables) or sushi, I didn't eat outside of my kitchen. I'd already left soda behind me, so that move was rather easy. Sadly, I found no enjoyment in eating out at restaurants, with my husband and son. They love to eat- especially at AYCE's, but they didn't do it for me and it was hard to stay on track, so I began saying "NO".

And I lost weight, but it wasn't enough for me. I was miserable that food no longer had any flare and I always got tired of eating before I was even full - which my auto-immune disorder wasn't crazy about. So I began reading on Asian foods; I don't know why, so don't ask. lol

Now I'm the over weight girl who walks every day and does Zumba each Friday, faithfully, yet I was slowly losing. Not that that's bad, it just wasn't enough for me. I've been a size 6 and a size 26/28- I had to get the weight off faster than half a pound or two each week. So I let go of meat and became Pescatarian.

Because of my illness, I do not process meat well, so I stopped with red meat altogether, along with chicken. Yes, I said goodbye to it as well, and replaced it with fish. Shelled and scaly were my new friends, and they partnered with me quite well. I was no longer bloated, I had more energy and skin began to clear up. After a year or so, I presented myself with a new question:

What if I lived by plants alone? Would that help me even more? What are the benefits and how in the world would I get my protein?

I began searching the internet, studying the pros and cons of a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. I purchased books (book in that category are freaking expensive!) and asked many friends if they regretted the decision. I knew one thing was certain- I wasn't going Keto! I chucked cooking oils and purchased coconut oil. I hunted down nutritional yeast and even purchased Fred and Ricky's meals, and amp'd up my exercise regime. All the changes and new staples to my kitchen lead me to something special.

As I now type this blog, I'm proud to say I'm knocking on the door of both 60 pounds down and the 200 Wall! This is actually working! Now I'm not saying this is what everyone should do; I'm just sharing that after going through all the heartache, illness and frustration, I've found what clicks for me and my body. I now can see I've made the proper decisions for my body and my future.

Plant based eating means making sacrifices. By the end of this year, my life as a Pescatarian will end. I will no longer eat cheese or eggs as well. I know it's going to be tough, but I have some fab Vegetarian/Vegan magazines to help me discover other snacks and sweets to keep me healthy and happy. I'm experimenting more too, instead of scrunching my nose at things like brussel sprouts and beets. It's a whole new world for me. I also pay even MORE attention to food labels, if that's possible, because many vegan/vegetarian items and recipes load down in carbs and sugars. I can't have that either. The thing is, I'm learning.

I see 2018 with me being much healthier and thinner! Have you recently made a dramatic change along your health journey? I'd love to hear from you! I know I'm going to need help with this and I truly welcome any advice you have! Thanks for reading and have an amazing day!