Doing some research

Hey Everyone!

I am really excited and nervous to start this challenge!  Excited cause I like to challenge myself, and nervous cause I am so scared I am going to "miss" certain foods or feel hungry all the time.  I think its going to start off rough, until I get over the urges to eat meat, the same feeling you would get if you quit fast food.  Like that addicted feeling.  That feeling that you need to eat it!  I wonder if it's media that teaches us this, or possibly the government. Have you actually read the food guide that the Canadian government has made up?  Is it for our health, or maybe to keep the economy going?

Skinny Bastard is the first book that I am going to read.  I heard its a good read and will help you change the way you eat.  Once I am done reading it, I will give you my opinion.

Also, I have been to Fortino's and was shocked that they have quite a few vegan items.  Still have to journey to Goodness Me to check out what they got. There is vegan cheese and cream cheese, coconut yogurt, tofu italian sauages.  My stepmom, Ingrid, has a vegan chocolate cake that she is going to make for me!  I can't wait!

I have been thinking daily about what I need to change in my current daily diet and brainstorming creative ideas.  For example, my wrap currently has tuna, or salmon but I need to replace that, maybe with a 4 bean medley, or grilled eggplant sprayed with balsamic vinegar (Thanks Charlie for that suggestion).  Also, I have learned that you need to keep your iron, B12 and D vitamins up.  There are lots of different options.

One last thing, I am going to try hard to not become one of those crazy vegans.  You know, the ones that say things like, "Your body is a graveyard" or imitate the screams the cow probably makes as it is slaughtered for you culinary enjoyment every time you bite into a hamburger.  I wonder if the vegans have a vegan pride parade?  LOL

Thanks for reading and once again, the challenge is open to you too!  I mean, vegan is pretty hardcore, so if its too intimidating, try something like giving up red meat and pork, or something as simple as adding more veggies to your diet.  Really, what do you have to lose besides inches off your waist?  Really, what do you have to gain besides getting your health back?

Well hello Everyone.  Looks like I decided to go on another crazy adventure.  I decided that as of April 1, I am going to try to live a Vegan lifestyle for 30 days.  Well, I guess it's more of an experiment then an adventure.

I know what you are thinking, Why?

Well, here is a list of reasons:

1) I am hoping to shed some fat.  Almost like a detox.

2) I want to see if living a vegan lifestyle is affordable.

3) By trying this, it will change my diet or food options giving me the opportunity to research new recipes and ideas.

4) To challenge myself and try something new

5) To see if it will have a positive impact on my soul.

I am also sure that this has been done before by countless people, who have wrote blogs, books, or whatever.  However, I am doing this for my family and friends.  I think that if you know someone on a personal level, that it becomes or seems more real.  I may even inspire one of you to try this with me.

So, I hope you enjoy this blog.  I will be updating frequently, what I am feeling, what I ate that day, and new recipes or food products that I tried.  I will also do a weigh in every week, and record some measurements, such as waist, neck and chest.

Thanks for reading!

Joey Cipolla

aka Vegan