1-Year Vegan-versary

Today is my 1-year Vegan Anniversary.  Ha! And they said it couldn’t be done! If you watched my yo-yo diet history, honestly, that’s a fair statement. ;-) Trying to stay on a diet, or even a new eating lifestyle, is virtually impossible without a retraining of your brain and all your cultural conditioning. The statistics are not encouraging: 95% of people who lose weight gain it back. Which explains my health crisis. 

I read an article by Paul Bragg when I was 18 on the benefits of clean water, sunshine, eating fruits and veggies with live enzymes, exercise, and ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) long before it was mainstream.  Something inside of me was intuitively curious about eating so closely connected to the earth. To get more information, I wrote to Shape Magazine (we didn’t have email or the internet back then). They sent a brochure of books by Paul Bragg. I bought them all.

I always wanted to be vegan. Something inside of me felt bad about all the animals abused so I could eat cheeseburgers, beer brats, and yogurt. I used to love cows when I was in my 20s. Even had a little cow collection. I’d beep the horn or wave to them when I drove past a field. Then I’d feel incredibly guilty for eating a juicy steak. Rich was the only person who really knew my secret desire to be vegan. Knowing my radical tendencies, there were a few things Rich prayed I’d never do: 1) Ask him to train with me to run a marathon; 2) Go vegan. 

I had a few failed attempts at being vegan. Before I declared I was going to go vegan in July of 2016, I had a lot of pushback from friends or family (mostly mocking or questioning how I’d survive). I wondered what was wrong with me that I couldn’t live out my convictions and my intuitive eating desire. My body always felt fantastic when I ate vegan (even if it was only for a week or two). How could I love animals so much and go against my inner principle of Ahimsa (non-harming)? I admired vegans for eating that way and sticking to their convictions. It took a health crisis for me to break free from my fears of what others think, a culture of unhealthy eating, and emotionally conditioned eating. It was like when I had to go gray because I was allergic to hair dye. It always takes something drastic to move me out of my fearful, complacent self. But a year ago, Rich sat with me in shock after my doctor told me the results of a CT scan. I had severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. I was told that I was high risk for a stroke or heart attack. I was pre-diabetic. My fat burning metabolism no longer worked. And my kidneys were not working well because my liver was so damaged. My only hope to reverse the liver and kidney damage was to commit to a whole food plant based no oil eating (WFPBNO) diet.

I need to thank a few people for making being a vegan a whole year possible: Rich, our friends and family, and Chuck Underwood from Brand New Vegan.

Rich:
This guy amazes me. He rolls with all my crazy ideas and adventures. He’s been my partner in crime in bad yo-yo- dieting. We’ve struggled with emotional and celebratory eating for decades. He’s also been my food drug enabler when I’ve gone through hard times. He hates to see me sad and would come home with Twinkies and baloney bandwiches and Sara Lee Cheesecake (all on the same day). I blame my hips on him; he brought me food instead of jewelry or puppies.

This time around, my sweet hubby was dedicated to helping me heal my liver through a whole food plant based diet. This was the guy who hates veggies and fruit. He never ate them unless it was chopped up into micro size pieces or I’d put it in a smoothie without his knowledge. 

But this time was different. We’d pick out recipes and give them a try. If they were good, they went into our favorite vegan meals recipe folder.  Rich never faltered. He watched all the health documentaries with me on Netflix or ON DEMAND. I’ve been telling him for years, but he finally saw how most of our health issues in our country were because of our poor diet. He’d tell you that he was inspired to take care of his health too as a 61-year-old guy. He’s been blessed with good genes and no health issues so far. But he’s buying his time. He knows all that bad eating was going to catch up with him in a decade. Rich’s favorite food was cheese pizza and eggs and bacon every morning. He was floored to learn that 1 slice of cheese is equal to 8 slices of bacon in saturated fat content. I used to tease him and say, “The first heart attack is gonna change you.” He feared what his arteries may look like on the inside and never looked back. And he makes a killer BLT with rice paper as the bacon. Oh yeah, we’re that radical. 

 I’ve never been so proud of Rich. And I don’t have to feel guilty because I make him eat this way. He eats and cooks vegan because he wants to. He’s a good vegan chef too. When he’s out of town, he eats vegan. That’s is hard to do if you’re traveling. (Kudos to you, Hon for learning how to accept fewer options and eat simply while on the road.) Rich has made conscious choices to learn all he could about how our planet is impacted and soils and water reserves depleted by eating meat products 3x a day. And learning why eating a whole food plant based diet can heal the body (and heal my body). I have a wonderful eating partner. And when we cheat now, we cheat vegan (something that’s more processed or sugary or oily).

The first few months we went vegan I’d ask, “If I died tomorrow would you go back to eating meat and meat products 3x a day.” He said, “Definitely!” His taste buds had not fully changed yet. He had not become consciously competent at how to eat vegan in all situations. He had not yet lost 30lbs. Now, without prompting, he tells about every other day, “I love eating vegan.” I’m so glad. Thank you, Rich for being my constant soul mate on this amazing journey during our one and only life.  Thank you for caring more about my health and helping me heal (emotionally, physically, and spiritually). I love you for so many reasons.   

Friends and family:
I know we’re the weird friends and family members (for more reasons then eating vegan). But you have been so gracious to support us. When we’ve come over, instead of panicking about what to feed us, some of you have looked up something vegan to cook or just brought out the veggies and fruit trays. Some of you felt nervous about meal planning. So we took the burden away; you allowed us to bring all the ingredients and let us prepare a vegan meal in your home. Thank you. We love doing that. You’ve offered to go to vegan restaurants (to give it a try). Nobody has gotten defensive as we explain our reasons why we have to eat this way. Everyone has been curious and supportive. And if you eat meat or meat products in front of us, we don’t get offended or grossed out. We won’t throw blood on your leather shoes like PETA or call you a baby calf killer. We each have our own health journey. We honor you. Thank you for honoring us.

Chuck Underwood at Brand New Vegan:
I found Brand New Vegan on Facebook. Chuck and I were in the same McDougall Friends Group (a bunch of plant based, no oil, starch eaters). Chuck had been a whole food plant based no oil comfort food blogger. He would post all of his recipes in our closed FB group. Because I had to give up oil (because it’s processed, and fat was now in my liver cells), I had NO IDEA how to sustain cooking vegan without oil. Thankfully, I found this group and Brand New Vegan. Chuck is a regular guy who mastered how to cook vegan comfort food that Rich and I love. He’s so helpful too. If I had questions, Chuck would answer them. He had been a part-time food blogger. This past year he went full time. His food blog is so helpful. He’s a great writer too. (I have food and writers envy.) He has his own FB page and private community. I feel like we should invite him to Thanksgiving or something. I hope to meet Chuck someday because he probably saved my life. Without Brand New Vegan’s encouragement and step-by-step meals, I don’t think I would have been able to stay vegan for a year. Thank you Chuck for following your passion. http://www.brandnewvegan.com  

People ask me, is it hard to give up meat and dairy? Not really? I miss a few things, but Brand New Vegan makes a yummy brat and gyro that does the trick. I had the hardest time giving up fish. I loved sushi. We watched A Plastic Ocean Documentary and that helped me do it for the planet. I still go to sushi restaurants at least once a week. I just eat veggie sushi now. And once in a while, I’ll cheat and have a mushroom veggie sushi with truffle oil. YUM! 

When Rich watched The Last Heart Attack by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, it changed his life. You can't unsee what you've learned. If you love animals and want to understand how the food industry has impacted these creatures and our planet, there are fascinating, informative documentaries. And don’t feel like you have to change your lifestyle overnight. I gave myself a year to transition. Vegan eating isn't for everyone. But making conscious choices that serve the planet is for everyone. 

 
I’m vocal about things that matter to me on Facebook. My page. My opinions. My digital record of what mattered to me long after I’m gone. I’ve been cautious about posting any vegan benefits or animal cruelty facts or memes. I don’t want to make people feel guilty for not being vegan; eating is so personal. However, I wonder if I should educate on the subject? Before I went vegan, I had no idea what food was doing to damage my body. I had no idea how mass industries were affecting our planet: soil, air, water. I talk to people all the time that are struggling with inflammation, joint pain, or other health issues. I wish people would know how eating meat and dairy 3 times a day is truly affecting their health and the planet. They have options. And if you're like me, about to be put on meds or given a drastic diagnosis, it's possible to heal your body eating whole food plant based. 

So this one time, I’m going to share what I’ve learned. I’ll leave it up to you to do your own research. 

Even though it took a shocking health crisis for me to face the silent killer of liver disease, I’ve always said, ‘The Body Wants to Heal.’ I believe that to the core of my being. All my numbers came down within 4 months. I lost about 30-lbs too. I’m no longer pre-diabetic. Inflammation is gone. We can’t control a lot of outcomes in life. However, we can control what we eat and how we consciously interact with everyone and everything on the planet. 

This has been a fun year of learning new things and trusting my body to heal. And for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m living in alignment. My next goal: 2-years vegan. Make some easy how-to vegan recipes on YouTube. 

IF you too feel intuitively curious to heal your body, lessen animal abuse, and heal our planet, these are the documentaries that we watched, books we read, and restaurants that we went to below:

The Last Heart Attack. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tnj0nmtwVbI

Netflix:

What the Health (2017)

Forks Over Knives (2011)

Earthlings (2005)

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

Speciesism: The Movie (2013)

Vegucated (2011)

PlantPure Nation (2015)

Food Choices (2016)

The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue (2011)

Live and Let Live (2013)

Hungry for Change (2012)

A Plastic Ocean (2016)

Food Matters (2008)

Food Inc (2008)

Why NO OIL: Processed Oil damages your endothelial cells, the protective cells that line all your blood vessels and are responsible for producing nitric oxide which moves blood and nutrients through your blood vessels and blood flow. (*ahem* nitric oxide...this has to do with blood flow baby). 😉  At a dense 120 calories per Tbsp, and with NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE, there is no reason to include any oils in my diet. Healthy fats, yes...but those are found in plant foods, and are abundant in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olives. 

Books:
The Cheese Trap        (Dr. Neal Bernard MD)

How Not To Die        (Dr. Michael Greger MD)
The Starch Solution  (Dr. John McDougall MD)

The China Study       (Dr. T. Colin Campbell PhD, Thomas Campbell MD)

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease (Dr. Cadwell Essalstyn MD)

   

Happy Cow: App to show where the closest vegan or vegan option restaurants.

Favorite FL Restaurants:
Darbster’s—West Palm Beach
Sammy’s Mediterranean—Vero Beach
Ethos—Winter Park
Cider Press Café—St. Pete
Rawk Star Café—Oldsmar
Ozona Pizza—Ozona
Casa Tina—Dunedin

Pisces Sushi—Dunedin
Ohana Café—Dunedin

CA:
Sanctuary in Berkley—great owners. GREAT food. I’m jealous Rich can eat there while in CA on business a few times a year. Best nut-based cheese.

Philly:
Vedge—BEST Vegan Restaurant we’ve been to yet (small portions though). I’d fly there tomorrow. Just to eat there.  BEST vegetable based cheese fondue.

IL:
Purple Sprout Café-Wheeling

Poop Happens

Woke up to Buddha crying. It was 5am. Rich was out of town for the night on business. I jumped up and got him out of his crate. I assumed he needed to go outside to go potty. 

I didn’t even get my shoes on before he shit something that resembled black tar, all over the new carpet. 

It smelled like death and diapers.

#$%*, @#$@, $%^&#*! “Oh poor baby, you okay?” @#$%!  “No, no, NO! Not there too! Not on the carpet!!” #@^*! 

There have been some recent coyote sightings in our area. I’ve been nervous about going outside in the dark. But now I have to; I have a sick dog. I’m in my pajamas. It’s eerie quiet out and spooky. Buddha is squirting gawd-knows-what in the dark grass. I’m on high alert. There is a man parked in his car on the side of the road. I hold my phone up like I’m talking to someone (I actually had 911 on speed dial).

Forty-five minutes later, Buddha was finished squirting. It was still dark.

I gagged my way through scooping up poop stained carpet. That took two hours on my hands and knees. Miraculously, it worked. Secret formula: wipe up all poop. Dawn dish soap scrub. Roll of paper towels to soak up damp carpet. Vinegar. Baking soda--yes, I was amused by the science project I was creating. Wait until it dries. Scrape up excess dried baking soda with a handy queen of hearts card onto a paper plate.  Vacuum. When daylight comes and the stores open, go to Bed Bath & Beyond. Don’t forget your coupon. Buy a hand held carpet cleaner. Steam the rest of anything that is attached to the carpet fibers. Pray it works.  

By mid-day, I took Buddha for a long walk because he was staring at me disapprovingly. I can’t take it when he looks all Morgan Freedman god-like, knowing all my weaknesses. I assumed he was hungry by his sideways glances at the pantry. I didn’t want to feed him because I wasn’t sure if he was still sick? And I was going to at least wait until my carpet dried. 

Sick dogs can be like sick kids. You gotta wait it out, intuitively, watching them carefully. Often what they have can pass in 24hrs.

It was a beautiful day here in Florida. I distracted Buddha on our walk. I was feeling calmer and more peaceful after my early morning poop-alarm. I just got done looking up to the heavens and saying out loud, “How does it get any better than this?” Buddha slowed down and stopped to puke yellow bile on the concrete. I'll be damn, it does get better. At least he didn't puke on my carpet! 

Moving AGAIN

We are moving AGAIN on December 31st. The last few years I feel like I've been getting a degree in Change, and a minor in geography and demographic studies. 

We'll be moving a short 3-hour trip, from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast of Florida. We'll see sunsets instead of sunrises. 

There hasn't been a week that hasn't gone by in 2-years, and 3-months that we don't say out loud how much we love living in Florida. 

It's the craziest thing. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd love living here; but I do. People used to say to me when Kevin moved here 13 years ago, "Oh, you'll move to Florida to be near him." I'd laugh it off. Florida seemed too touristy for my taste. Whenever I had visited Florida it was while standing in a long theme park line in the blazing heat of summertime (it wasn't the best impression of what Florida is all about). 

Eventually, those brutal Chicago winters got to me. After Kevin moved to Florida, the rest of our kids all moved away too. We had no reason to remain in Illinois. Rich and I love the ocean, crave the warmth, so we chose Florida. 

For 6-months we look past hot hot weather. During those hot hot months, we can always get out early in the morning for a walk or bike ride, or be outside later in the evening sitting on the patio or eating in an outdoor cafe listening to music. What's not to like? It beats hibernating inside under an electric blanket, in Chicago, for 5 months of my life each year (you know those months add up over time). And for 6-month's the weather is absolutely glorious. Florida is not for everyone. The humidity never bothers us because we get a nice breeze being so close to the ocean. Any place else inland and you will suffer a waterfall of sweat (especially if you brave any theme park in the summer months).  

But moving to Florida hasn't been without it's difficulties or surprises. For starters: "We're not not in Kansas anymore (or the Midwest)". There are many different kinds of vibes down here. 

Indian River 

The town we moved to, Vero Beach, was ultra conservative and Republican. There are wealthy islanders who live along the coast; many are snowbirds who come during winter months. In our town, most are seniors. The middle class families are vocal against the local government and school boards; they want change now and everyone is to blame. We don't have kids in school anymore, so we never identified with their struggle. There is also those in our town that are poor and uneducated, showing their intolerance and pride in confederate flags or 'don't tread on me' bumper stickers. Usually, within minutes, we know who we were talking to. I've learned to redirect conversations away from potential differences of opinion at the grocery store or the doggy park. We never really felt like we belonged here in Vero Beach. We're not rich or conservative. So after a few years, it was time to move to another coastal town (a larger one with  more diversity and progressive ideas). Pinellas County (the Tampa Bay area) has a few million people. We're bound to find our tribe. 

As usual, I've been packing for a month. The house is just a holding place for bins and boxes, and a place to sleep. I've stopped dusting or sweeping until moving day.  We purged AGAIN. This is our 3rd move in 2 years. After the hurricane, I was able to let go of more things (including my grandmother's cedar chest--because Kevin didn't want it). I know we'll have one or two more moves in the future. Where we'll be living is only temporary. But hopefully, the town will feel like home for years to come. 

The most positive upside to moving to the Gulf Coast is we know many old, dear friends from Chicago who live within an hour. I'm looking forward to getting reacquainted and making new memories.  

Nik came to hang out with us a few times. 

Our Illinois neighbors Randy & MaryEllen Jones

Lunch right on the Indian River w/the Jones

I've come to appreciate many things about Vero Beach even though it didn't become our permanent home. There is lots of cultural events: art, music, and theater. Vero has the best doggy park. Buddha had a blast making friends on the small side or the big dog side of the park (he preferred the big dogs). He couldn't out run the greyhound dogs but he could outsmart them and make shortcuts when they all ran around. He always managed to find the only mud puddle at the park. 

Vero Beach was a beautiful and calm place for us to transition our first few years in Florida. We were able to rest here while our minds and spirit were transitioning. 

The best kept secret in Florida is Vero Beach. The beaches are amazing (except after a hurricane).  The Atlantic is rough and wild. I always felt like I was standing on the edge of the world each time I put my feet in the water. This ocean is so vast and awe-inspiring. The clouds and colors are breathtaking. I've come to respect the tempestuous Atlantic waves; each day was different. Each day we adjusted to her mood. 

I will miss searching for gifts from the Atlantic sea. My favorite pastime on the beach was searching for sea glass. I always thanked the ocean for the assorted colored gifts she offered to me. And I'll miss standing at her waters edge in worship and adoration of the east horizon, sunrises, or when the ocean would take a bow and smooth out under my feet. And lastly, I will miss seeing so many full-moon rises at night over the horizon. 

We'll be back. The Gulf Coast is bustling with tourists too. There's more traffic. I imagine there will be times when I'll want to escape the diverse tribe I've longed to be a part of. Vero Beach will always be a special place to come visit--the idyllic beaches and the lovely people we met in our first Florida town. 

While moving is a hassle, at least no matter where I go in Florida, I still get to be a flip flop girl. 😉

Facebook Sabbatical

I've been on a month long Facebook Sabbatical, and I like it. No, I've loved it. It's felt refreshing to be unplugged. 100% transparency, I was occasionally on Twitter. I have no relationships on Twitter. It's all information based. And I was occasionally on Instagram. That's like flipping through a photo album. And I didn't post any pictures. 

I've taken Facebook Sabbaticals before--usually after being pissed off by some backhanded, subliminal mocking, or from being despondent after the 2016 elections when I didn't think I could cope seeing the 45th President, daily, on my Facebook newsfeed. Of course my need to speak out or speak up against injustice or political insanity, share baby goats and baby donkeys, and see our kids and grandkiddo's pictures, an the latest vegan recipes keeps me coming back. Sometimes, it feels like I'm apart of something bigger than myself on Facebook. Other times, I know I'm wasting too much time. My greatest fear is I'm wasting my breath. 

I'd love to think that what I have to say matters. Because of childhood experiences, there is an unconscious fear that nobody is listening. If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is listening, does it matter? As a tree hugger I say, sure it does. If I post an important Facebook status, does it matter? I'm not sure? And that's why Facebook Sabbaticals are good for me. I need to detach from time-to-time to remind my ego-self that the world will go on without me; it doesn't need my battle cry, my soap box issues, or my two-cents (or my dog Buddha's pictures). And you know what? That kind of feels like a tiny-death to me not to participate in real-time. 

I've not made many girlfriends in our Florida vacation/retirement town (one of the reasons we'll be moving to the Gulf Coast next month). Even though it has the best beaches in Florida, it's a predominately senior community. Facebook has been nice tool to fill the social void at times (especially when I'm bored). And while I've never been addicted to Facebook “likes” or “comments”, I do enjoy dialogue and conversation among my far away friends. 

I took this year's Facebook Sabbatical so I could get some perspective on a few personal issues, clear my head, chat with God, be still and know. Works every time. Within days I didn't miss Facebook. I felt more present and engaged with what was happening right in front of me. Rich and I weren't sitting on the couch with our phones or laptops; we were cuddling, hugging, and laughing more. We were more starry-eyed-happy to connect with only each other in the moment. Because I wasn't on Facebook, Rich wasn't on as much too. 

Do you know how much Facebook time is filled while sitting at restaurants, waiting at the airport or waiting rooms or standing in lines? A lot! Get off Facebook and you'll realize how much time you used to look down at your phone. And on a side note, the left side of my neck feels better too. 

My favorite thing to see on the beach. Older couples holding hands. 

More time with Buddha

Sand Dunes on the Gulf Coast

People Watching 

The GEICO Gecko came in the mail

The Salt Life 

I've had a wonderful month. Slowed down. Notice everything. I got to go to California to see April, Nehemiah, and Ava. Meet April's new boyfriend, Tor, and his daughter, Caroline. I got to hang out one evening with my old boss, Steve McNitt, and his wife, Susie. There is nothing like reminiscing and catching up with old friends. While I captured some moments, I missed a lot of Kodak moments (like a group photo with the McNitt's). I was so into watching Nehemiah soccer tournament and connecting with those around us, I didn't take my usual hundred photos of every moment. Mostly, I loved just taking it all in.  I also got to go to Colorado to visit Sarah and baby Annika (John was in Europe). All the Grandkiddo-time blessed my heart. The Grandkiddos are growing up so fast; their smiles and tears are all precious. My favorite thing was watching April and Sarah be incredible mothers to their children. 

Oma reading to Baby Annika (9mos) 

Sarah is an amazing mommy

April always makes life a party

Nehemiah having Christmas in October

Oma & Annika's first selfie

I gave Ava some of my hat collection. 

Ava in one of G.G.'s original hats

Nehemiah looking cool before a soccer game

Flight For Life Helicopter 

Distraction causes thousands of accidents and deaths each year. Rich and I were driving on Highway 95. Thankfully, I wasn't looking down at Facebook on my phone. A few cars ahead I saw car parts coming off onto the road. I yelled at Rich to slow down as we saw cars sliding without control to the grassy median area. We averted a serious accident between two cars.  I was able to be one of the first on the scene (Rich called the police). A young male was twisted in the front seat of his car, unconscious and not responding. Soon men and an off-duty medic arrived to try to get him out. I went to the next car. I held an injured Hispanic grandmother's hand in the backseat of the other smashed car. She didn't speak any English. I didn't speak any Spanish. She was bleeding from her eye and her arm was broke. Time goes slowly when you're in need. The only thing I could do was visually coach her to breathe through the pain, in and out, until the paramedics took her away.  The Flight-to-Life helicopter landed in front of our car to take a young male injured driver away swiftly. I pray everyone hurt is all right and healing well. 

Sunrise over the Bay

I saw glorious sunrises and sunsets that couldn't be captured in photographs (but I tried). As I get older, I'm more introverted then extroverted. I forced myself to have conversations with strangers to feel more connected to humanity. I came across a sidewalk caulk contest in Clearwater. If it hadn't been 90 degrees out in the sun, the inner coloring-booker in me wanted to join them. 

Chalk contest in Clearwater

 I always envied pastors who took months off from ministering to their flock. Sabbaticals are meant to rest the mind, body, and spirit. If you're someone like me who’s compelled to share their heart, time off Facebook is necessary. I don't have a Facebook flock--although, I do have a few Facebook groups that I lead. It's good for me to give myself permission to let go of all social responsibilities: Let go of my need to lead or guide. Let go of my need to know. Let go of my need to control. Let go of my need to be a part of social conversations. Let go of my need to be heard or understood. If I want that, I'll go hug a tree. 😉🌴

Free At Last

Owning your shit

can be the most beautiful,

spiritual, holy thing 

you can do

 to set yourself (and others) free.