Last week we met Pragati , who lost 8 lbs in 21 days. Today we meet Lisa, who has more energy, clearer thoughts and has gone from a size 16 to a size 4 in almost a year!
HH: How did you learn about a plant-based diet?
I saw an episode of Oprah last March, where she and her staff went on a one-week vegan challenge. I decided to join in but wanted to challenge myself for two weeks. In April, Dr. Oz had a segment on his show featuring " Forks Over Knives ." I sat on the end of the coffee table absolutely intrigued with the info I was hearing. The documentary had not been released yet, so I had to read all I could about it until it was available.
March 30 will be one year that I've been following the plant-based way of eating.
HH: Was adopting a plant-based diet a big adjustment for you?
I have never been a big meat eater so that part was not hard at all. I did however eat fish, dairy and eggs. It took a little getting used to, but it was something I could do without too much stress. Now I don't miss those things at all.
HH: Have you experienced any positive changes?
I have lost almost 65 pounds and I feel better than I ever have in my life. I have gone from a size 16 to a size 4.
The weight started falling off AND something amazing happened to me (me, the one who has been addicted to fat and sugar my whole life). What I started to experience is, when I totally eliminated processed foods, sugar, and oils, I no longer craved them. Oh how I wish I had known this years ago. The impact this has had on my life is greater than I could ever explain. Every day I'm approached by people asking me how I lost the weight. I'm very excited to tell them. I honestly feel like I know a secret and want to share it with all. So many people can't believe that you can live (and thrive) on plants!
HH: Any other positive benefits or lifestyle changes?
My daily lifestyle starts with me bounding out of bed every morning with energy, clear thoughts, and such patience with the world around me. It's amazing. My biggest lifestyle change is to always plan ahead. I always walk out of the door with a kit full of water, fruit, nuts, seeds etc. It's a routine now. I don't even have to think about doing it. I also carry a small bag in my purse with shakers of nutritional yeast, ground flaxseed, chia seeds and a small bottle of apple cider vinegar. These come in handy when I am out to eat and need to dress up a salad or baked potato. Also, if I know I'm going out to eat, I smuggle an avocado in my purse to add to my salad.
HH: What's a typical day of food look like for you now?
My daily meal planning is simple. If I wake up wanting a traditional breakfast, I opt for oatmeal or Uncle Sam cereal, or Lindsay's Tofu Scramble ;) I eat a lot of homemade soups. Almost everyday, I have some sort of wrap with a Tex-Mex flavor...and always avocados! I usually have my three main meals before 4:00 pm and then have fruit in the evening. I really try not to eat after 7:00 pm.
HH: Any advice for those thinking about adopting a plant-based diet?
I would recommend to anyone who is having a hard time dealing with food addiction/diet issues to try a whole foods, plant based diet for about three weeks and just see how wonderful you feel! Totally take out meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, oils, sugar, artificial sweeteners and processed foods of ALL kinds. Like I said before, when these foods are really gone, you don't crave them anymore and it's such a freedom! I would also recommend reading about plant based nutrition before diving in.
I just turned 46 in February and for the past nine months, for the first time in my life, my food addictions are gone. I eat to fuel. For the first time I can taste and appreciate the wonderful flavors that grow from the earth....and finally, I have peace with food issues.