Food-Switcheroo

Based on the image, I know you guys already know what this post is going to be about. Yes, you guessed it, FOOD! Food is life. And without it, we obviously cannot survive. Although food is LIFE, it can also bring DEATH. Some people choke to death, others consume so much unhealthy food over a long period of time, which eventually leads to chronic illnesses and diseases such as; obesity and heart disease. There are other factors involved like physical inactivity that also contributes to those illnesses and diseases, but the major component is FOOD.

I'm not here to scare you all, but I do want you guys to fully understand the importance of a good diet. (I know some don't like the word diet, but it simply means whatever you eat or drink)

Here's my story on how I made the switch:

In June 2017, Nael (my boyfriend), and I went to buy Chinese food this one afternoon. This time around I did not order my usual chicken lo-mein with fried chicken wings. Instead, I shared a plate with Nael who ordered his usual orange chicken with fried rice. It was time to chow down, and as I was eating, I realized that their orange chicken actually had orange peelings in it, which did not sit right with me. Not only that, my stomach began to rumble and I was so confused as to why. Mann... that night I was throwing up so much. It was so HORRIBLE! I don't even want to gross you guys out right now. Just know I ended up having food poisoning.

Once I told Nael what happened, he suggested that we do a 2 month "no meat" challenge. Perfect timing right? SMH. He really took advantage of that situation. lol. I mean, I always wanted to revert to a plant based diet anyway, so I decided to take on the challenge. So for two months, Nael and I did not eat meat. Once August came along, we legitimately had no desire to go back to meat, so we made it a lifestyle.

Here I am 8 months later. I would of NEVER thought that I would be here right now you guys. That goes to show that you can do anything you put your mind to, and ask God to help you be consistent. Trust me, it's still challenging till this day. I'm the only one in my household that does not eat meat, so when I smell chicken, or smoked turkey neck bones, y'all already know I find myself in the kitchen contemplating if I should continue on this journey. But then I look back at how far I came along, and why I'm doing it, and that's what motivates me to continue on.

I know! Chicken is sooooo good. Trust me, I GET IT! I've been raised on eating meat. But guess what, it's possible! I know this is cliche, but if I can do it, you can definitely do it too. Especially the fact that this post is coming from a girl who was in love with chicken. Meat in general! Aha.

FAQs

Q: Why don't you eat meat?

A: For physical and spiritual reasons. We obviously can see that eating a plant based diet is healthier for us. If you eat healthy, you tend to live longer and who wouldn't want that? lol. My spiritual reasoning is because Gods' original diet plan for us did not include flesh foods. In Genesis 1:29, it states, "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." Knowing that God's original diet plan consisted of plant based food showed me His infinite wisdom because He knew that it was beneficial for us. Yes, God did permit the eating of flesh foods, but only because there was no vegetation on the earth after the flood. I'm not saying its a sin to eat meat.. because we see in Leviticus chapter 11, it outlines the clean and unclean meats. However, all I'm saying is since the original diet plan is healthier and God preferred that diet, that's why I personally chose to continue this diet.

Q: What do you eat?

A: Lots of veggies, grains, fruits, starch (potatoes, pasta, beans) & etc.. I love me some potatoes and pasta y'all. lol But since I'm Haitian, it's a lot easier for me to have a variety of food to eat. I'm not restricted to just eating a salad. Which doesn't even make you a vegetarian or plant based like most think. My typical daily meals is rice, beans, and vegetable. But I switch it up all the time throughout the week.

If you are just starting off, don't cut off meat altogether. You will lose a lot of weight! lol. Gradually cut off meat and definitely find substitutions. There are great alternatives out there for meat! Don't sleep on the vegetarian or plant based lifestyle.

Q: Isn't it hard?

A: YES! YES! YES! YES! lol. But honestly, starting off is tough. You will get discouraged, and want to return to your old eating habits. What helps me continue on is asking God to help me. Like I mentioned earlier, there were times when I wanted to just throw in the towel, but I prayed for God to help me overcome my negative thoughts and my perverted diet as a whole. I honestly wouldn't go back though. I feel great, and I do feel like it reflects outwardly. (I just need to start working out again though.. but that's another story)

Definitely give it a try! If anything, start off small. Ex: cut off dairy milk, or beef... and continue to cut off as you go along. You will not regret your decision, I guarantee it!

Let me know how it goes!

Much love, Kat (:

#foodswitchup #diet #plantbased #nomorechicken #veggielover