Vegan Eating

I started eating a vegan diet in June 2017.  Actually, I started eating a Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet. There are two differences that make the qualification important.
  1. Most who become vegan do so for ethical reasons. They oppose eating animals. Many who are vegan also stop wearing any clothing made from animals, or using commercial products that impact the lives of animals. While I appreciate the ethics of many who become vegan, this was not my motivation. I became vegan for medical reasons that require me to eat less protein. Eating mostly plants, I have found, is the easiest way to get to eat more!
  2. Living a WFPB diet means that when possible, I try to eat foods that have not been overly processed. For instance, an apple is better than applesauce or apple juice.
Changing my eating habits took time, effort, and effective coaching provided by Vicki Brett-Gach with Ann Arbor Vegan Kitchen. Visit her website for advice and recipes. Michigan is the home of the Plant-Based National Support Group. They too are a great resource.
The following films helped to inspire my transformation. Perhaps they can help you too. All are available on Netflix.
What the Health
Forks Over Knives
The Game Changers

Living Gluten-Free

In October 2016 a friend challenged me to give up gluten for a month. After only five days I noticed significant changes in my ability to focus. I had no idea that wheat was what was causing my brain to feel like I was living in a constant fog. Since then I have noticed that without gluten I have more energy, am less hungry, and that I rarely experience food cravings. Sure, I get hungry, but I no longer feel that I must consume any specific type of food. Without gluten I also notice less pain and swelling in my hands and knees.

Taking a Daily Walk

Making time to walk each day takes discipline. To help maintain my resolve I started taking one photo each time I walk as a way to visually document the effort. Some days I walk because I want to, but on many days I walk simply so I can post a photo.  No matter the motivation... you've got to move it.