Whole Food Plant Based adventure.
PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
ANSWER: My name is Rena and I am 29 years old with two children; a son who is eight and a daughter who is three. I am married to a very supportive man who sticks by me being vegan. He is still a little confused on “how it all works” and he asks questions often.
IS YOUR FAMILY ALSO PLANT-BASED?
ANSWER: At first, my husband told me he would never give up meat, but when I tell you how thankful I am he is learning to think outside the normal diet, I cannot begin to express how much he has changed. He has converted to plant-based milks, given up pork and beef and has started to try a few alternatives on his own. My son is a very picky eater anyway so he is not really big on meats, but I am slowly letting him try alternatives as well. My 3-year old is amazing! She loves mommy’s food and has been most kind to our new way of eating.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START LOOKING INTO A PLANT-BASED, VEGAN DIET?
ANSWER: March 2018
WHAT MADE YOU TAKE THE PLUNGE? WHAT WAS YOUR “WHY”?
ANSWER: I took my first blood test January of this year, 2018. My doctor “highly” recommended the keto diet[1]. I knew all the risks prior to his recommendations but silly me, I tried it until February. I took another blood test that month and it showed a slight improvement, but my cholesterol skyrocketed! That’s when I knew I needed to be my own dietitian. I started researching online, comparing keto to other diets and I ran across Whole Food Plant Based (WFPB) Vegan living videos and books. I joined tons of Facebook groups and when I learned how amazing people’s health and lives had gotten, I decided to go full force overnight.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PLAN THAT APPEALED TO YOU THE MOST?
ANSWER: WFPB[2] appealed to me the most. It’s simple and filling and eaten in its natural state. And I am very cheap 😊 WFPB has saved me TONS of money.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AND HOW DID YOU MANAGED TO GET PAST THIS CHALLENGE?
ANSWER: My biggest challenge at first was juggling three different kinds of meals since I am the only vegan in the house. But now that I have recipes, ideas and Pinterest has become my new best friend, it is easier to cook for everyone without sacrificing what they want. Now, I cook all of my vegan friendly foods, hubby eats them as his sides and the kids enjoy them most of the time.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICED AFTER SWITCHING TO THIS LIFESTYLE?
ANSWER: The weight fell off! OMG, initially being on Keto I had seen a weight loss of about 10 pounds. But since going vegan I have lost over 45 pounds since February. I feel amazing, I have more energy than I know what to do with and my skin is glowing.
DO YOU EVER CHEAT? IF SO, WHAT IS IT THAT USUALLY CAUSES YOU TO GO OFF THE PLAN?
ANSWER: I try my hardest not to cheat at all but when we had a going away dinner for my mom leaving for Belgium, the diner they chose wasn’t too vegan friendly. I ordered pasta (fettuccini) and a salad because I didn’t want to be rude and I figured it was better than blowing all of my hard work on a poor innocent animal.
DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT TO GET BACK WITH THE PROGRAM?
ANSWER: Nope. I learned if I stay on track and do everything right now, I won’t be tempted later.
Her skin does glow!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING THIS WAY OF EATING?
ANSWER: Just do it! Do it first and ask questions later. What do you have to lose? Weight? Stress? Acne? It does all of that. I challenge anyone to try it for a month & you’ll never go back.
THANK YOU, RENA for opening up about your Whole Food Plant Based adventure and for sharing your personal before and after photos with my readers. Congratulations on the weight loss! It was great to hear your inspirational story and I wish you continued good health.
RENA’S FAVORITE RECIPE
Garlic and Herb Kale Rice with a side of avocado, purple onion and tomato salad. YUM!
[1] Keto Diet: Myths and Facts – PODCAST https://www.pcrm.org/podcast/keto-diet-myths-and-facts
You will hear the key data available about the short-term promise of a ketogenic diet, as well as the risks it could pose to your health in the future.
[2] Whole Food Plant Based https://plantbasedgal.com/what-is-plant-based/
