Just Another Vegan Ready For a Big Change

[Noelle]

When It Starts With Food came in with my library holds, I honestly didn't remember requesting it. I didn't even think I'd heard of it—but it literally had my name on it. I started reading the book that night, and I couldn't put it down.

I've been eating a vegan diet for almost six years. After my son's birth five years ago, I discovered—through a doctor-recommended elimination diet—that I am very sensitive to gluten, and fairly sensitive to soy. Years of a gluten-free, soy-free vegan diet followed. I saw some of my health issues improve, but I still feel unwell often, and I deal with chronic low back pain that no one (allopathic and naturopathic alike) can explain.

For the past week, I've been doing a "practice Whole30," eating lots of eggs and fish instead of my old beans and grains, and...I don't want to say it too loudly, but...I'm already feeling better than I have in a long time.

My back is less tender. I'm not always looking for a snack. And I have energy in the morning now! That alone is pretty astonishing, as I also have a four-month-old baby daughter who still wakes up several times a night to breastfeed.

I'm going to start my official Whole30 on January 7th—my 30th birthday.

In the meantime, I'm gathering recipes and re-learning how to shop for meat and seafood, so I'm not flying by the seat of my pants. I'm a little nervous, but also very excited to be going on this journey.

I'm so glad this program found me.

[Ayla2010]

Good on you for making the change, and good luck

[clementine]

Good for you! I am on day 7 and feeling a ton better, (don't want to say that too loudly either)! Hope things go well for you!

[Tom Denham]

Oh that was fun! I had to lean forward at my desk to read your "muted" comment. I am so happy for you.

[Noelle]

Thanks, everyone!

The hardest thing so far has been the mental shift. I'm having to completely rework my sense of what "a complete meal" looks like. It's an interesting (and delicious) challenge.