Eat Your Veggies

I need to update more often.

This, I know.

My problem is-- I always see it as such an ordeal. Not that I don't LOVE it but sometimes I don't realize that saying anything at all is better than nothing, so why wait until I feel inspired to write a novel?

Not everyone wants a novel.

Anyway.

I'm not sure what sparked it, but last weekend I started researching the Hallelujah Diet (can be found here http://www.hacres.com/hallelujah-diet/).

Don't freak out-- I'm not becoming a vegan. I have always said that there is no way I could do that.

HOWEVER.

I have always seen merit in this way of eating, especially since my Dad became so ill several years back. He adopted this diet and by juicing & eating healthier, he reversed effects that were supposed to be terminal.

If you read about how we SHOULD be eating as humans-- the way God designed us to eat-- it makes sense. He put fruit & vegetables on this Earth for us to enjoy, and it's really what our bodies are designed to digest. Raw fruits and veggies are packed with so many nutrients that our bodies need.

Anyway, I'm not going to stay on my soap box for long, because I've only been doing this for a few days. And I'm not really making a big commitment to it on purpose. I don't want to do something full-fledged only to give up a week later because it's "too hard." I simply want to try to work it into my already-busy lifestyle and see if I can make it fit. So far, I have really liked it and I truly feel great on it.

Last Sunday, I went to my mom's because she has a Vitamix (powerful blender!!). It can make smoothies or juice out of fruits and vegetables. I made a bunch of fun variations for the week. My goal is to eat as raw as possible for the first 2-3 meals of my day, then a big green leafy vegetable salad at night.

My favorite frozen juice combo is straight-up freshly squeeze grapefruit and orange juice. As it melts, it's a DELICIOUS and refreshing drink for a mid-morning snack. I also made one that includes broccoli, kale, carrots, pineapple, strawberries, apple, flax seed, and honey. Something about this combination is so sweet and yummy! You would never guess there are veggies in it.

I also put together a granola mix made of oatmeal, chocolate chips, craisins, flax seed, whole grain cereal, peanuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, and honey... and oh my word... it's AMAZING. A yummy sweet snack to eat throughout the day!

However, with that being said, I'm not strictly doing this. Like I said, I want to make this realistic, and if it can't be realistic than I know it won't happen.

So if I have a meeting with someone at Starbucks-- I'll probably still get a Frapp, or if I go out to dinner with my family, I'll order something yummy. Hopefully in eating this way, I'll naturally WANT to make healthier choices, but I'm not going to be crazy about it.

I also began taking barley pills twice a day (thanks to my Dad!!) and drinking a very natural, energy-supplying red green tea that my mom started selling. Those things paired with this "clean" way to eat has made me feel really good! It is a little tricky, because I am SUCH a protein fanatic, eating enough to keep me feeling full. However, I have found that as long as I keep filling up on this nutrient-rich food, I haven't needed as much protein from meats, eggs, or other sources. According to this diet, all the protein you need is in vegetables.

So, there you have it.

We'll see how it goes-- I'll be back soon to update!

Love you all, T