I am crazy

Yes that's right, officially insane.  I don't know what prompted me down this road but I suppose it deserves a background of sorts.  A few years ago I lost about 70-80ish lbs by adopting a sort of clean eating lifestyle.  For those of you not in the nutritional know that's eating lots of fruits, veggies, lean meat and dairy, and whole grains or in simple terms no processed foods.  Pizza rolls - out.  Quinoa - in.  That sort of thing.  But this, coupled with a lot of exercise, did the trick for me and lead me to a healthier lifestyle.  Fast forward a few years and a baby later and while I lost most of the baby weight I find myself still struggling with about 10 lbs.  The things that worked for me in the past just aren't working anymore.  Granted my diet isn't quite what it used to be but I still eat far better than the average American.  I eat very minimal amounts of processed foods, I don't eat anything fried, and I have whole wheat coming out of my ears.  Almost literally actually, I grind my own flour (you saw the insane part).   So after reading some other accounts of normal people from non hippie roots greatly improving their health by following a vegan diet I decided to give it a try.


This challenge consists of 21 days.  Why 21 days? Because 7 days is too short? Because I like my numbers divisible by 3?  I think it's the ideal amount of time for choice to become habit.  That's what I'm seeking to gain.  And I also saw it on Oprah so it has to be true.  I don't intend on being vegan forever but I do think it's the perfect opportunity for me to make conscious healthful decisions and increase my intake of fruits and vegetables.   Which is what I need.  You see I may have a bit of a sweet tooth.  I firmly believe I am in the midst of a full blow sugar addiction and that is not something I want my now 14 month old to inherit.  Now while technically sugar by itself would be vegan, some of my favorite sugar counterparts, butter, eggs, are most definitely not.  Therefore, hopefully, limiting the appeal.


So what is a "vegan"?  Someone out protesting cutting down trees? Someone not welcome at your family turkey day dinner? While those may be correct, a vegan diet is just like how the average American eats.  Except take out the meat.  And oh yeah that milk, yeah that too.  O.k., so that butter? Yeah not so much.  Oh and the eggs too.  Basically any animal products or bi products.  Now while some may do this for moral reasons, mine is solely based on health. 


So why embark on this journey? Well you saw the crazy part, but also I do well with rules and limitations.  You see I am scientist by trade, and I guess we science nerd types thrive on rules.  Even if we make them up as we go.   Speaking of making them up, did you know vodka is totally vegan? Whiskey too.  I'm just saying.