Tomorrow will mark my 3 week point in my Vegan journey (began 10/28/17) and I am super excited to share my experience thus far! In everything I do I believe in transparency - not over glamorizing a lifestyle or creating unnecessary hysteria.

I decided to start a diet free of meat (including fish), dairy, and eggs simply because I was curious to see if my energy level and frequent migraines/low immune system would improve. The inhumane living conditions animals endured before arriving on my dinner plate never set well with me either. Three years ago, in my college course, I was required to watch Food, Inc. narrated by Michael Pollen. The documentary opened a window to the food industry that never crossed my mind and it freaked me out. Of course, after viewing the film I decided to start a vegetarian diet which only lasted 6 months, after going to Chili’s and breaking my vegetarianism over…. Chicken Crispers 😕. From there the documentary was far behind me and I settled back into my old eating habits. This time around (a little older and wiser) I do not see myself going back to a Non-Vegan diet based on the results I have experienced so far.

Noticeable Changes:
• Great skin is not solely based on the amazing SimonneRose products you use, but the foods you fuel your body with. Since cutting out meat, eggs, and dairy the clarity and brightness of my skin has improved greatly.
• I have more energy and less restless nights.
• I no longer have headaches every day, which typically occurred in the afternoon.
• I have adult ADHD and my overall clarity of mind has improved as well.

There are many conflicting opinions/biases against choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions I have received.

• Q: Are you adequately receiving the vital nutrients your body needs to properly thrive?
A: Yes, there are many sources of protein and vital nutrients in foods such as beans, lentils, and quinoa just to name a few.
• Q: Are products containing soy more harmful than the effects of eating meat?
A: It depends on the form in which you are purchasing it in. There is a lot of speculation that soy contains phytoestrogen which mimic the estrogen our body naturally produces - increasing the risk of cancer and inducing hormonal imbalance. Purchasing organic, fermented, Non-GMO soy is the best way to go. Another alternative would be to eliminate soy altogether and consume plant based foods high in protein such as lentils, chia seeds, and beans.

Vegan: A plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish and shellfish), dairy, and eggs - as well as products like leather and any that have been tested on animals.
Vegetarian: A person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons.

My goal is to live a healthier lifestyle mind, body, and soul. The healthier and happier you feel within yourself allows you to become more present and influential in the individual's lives around you!

Until next time!

If you live in the Houston area, I recommend Pepper Tree Veggie Cuisine
Address: 3821 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77027

- Documentary Recommendations: Food Inc. and “What the Health”