OMG! Okay, Storytime...
Since the start of the new year, my family and I have been toying with the idea of challenging ourselves to try to stick with a Vegan diet for 90 days. Typically, we participate in a new year's event known as Veganuary. For us, we say this challenge posed by PETA during the month of January. We personally have participated for the last several years. A great way to detox and recharge after the heavy indulgence of the holiday season.
So, as readers of this blog, you are probably wondering why on earth am I sharing this here. Well, there are a multitude of benefits that happen with increasing your consumption of whole fresh foods, i.e., herbs, leafy greens, juicing, etc. I am often asked what you can do to improve your hair health. Or specifically what have I used or done to get my locs to flourish the way they do. And I can in all honesty share that the key for me has always been to always remind myself that long healthy hair starts from the inside out. And the best way to approach this is through incorporating the right foods to boost your nutrient levels.
Think about this:
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and Third, by experience, which is bitterest.” Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made. If you want a different result, make a different choice.”
~ Chinese Philosopher Confucius ~
There are times in which we must look back at ourselves and really dig deeply into our own souls surrounding the idea of what do we truly want.
Why did I change my diet so drastically?
After battling internally for many years, I sat back one night after getting really sick from eating a simple turkey burger. It was in this moment that I am cleaning myself up that I realize that my body had been giving me all the signs that conventional ideas of meat were no longer acceptable.
As I hunched over, ready to cry, I started to listen to the signs that I prayed for so many years ago. I asked God to show me if eating meat was right. I was at a crossroads; I had seen so many documentaries on all that is wrong with the food industry and how animals are treated for me to have the oh so simple turkey burger. And it was from that moment that I have had this internal battle with making a decision to let go of the remaining mammals I still ate.
I mean it has been 15 years since I have conscientiously consumed pork and pork by-products; and 10 years of no read meat consumption. I was holding on to chicken and turkey because I like so many others held a sincere concern with the idea that without at least poultry I was not going to be able to get enough protein in my diet.
I knew this was not going to be a problem since I am a student at heart. I know all of the other sources that I can get protein to meet my nutritional needs. So what was really holding me back? It was through this reflective process that I realized that I was holding onto what was familiar and comfortable. It was truly the fear of the “Unknown”. Which really was not an unknown to be honest, I just forced myself to believe that it was. It was unfamiliar territory and I didn’t know how to go about a change this big. I was raised in a carnivorous home. We rarely ate fresh fruit and veggies and of course a lot of beef, chicken, and pork and some pre-packaged starches.
I was not sure how to live honestly with myself, especially after making it be known with my family and friends when I stopped pork and beef. But in this moment, I decided that I can not continue to live life according to the design of others. I asked God for an answer long ago and he gave me that answer. I may not have enjoyed the response I got, but the message was loud and clear this time around. And with this being my second round with the dietary choice to leave animals (mammals specifically) out of my diet, I promised myself that I will not renege like I did the first time. I am confident that this is a promise that I can definitely keep this time around.
It’s more than just diet!
Now that I have gotten a clear understanding of what was holding me back as far as diet is concerned. I had to also start to ask myself what the reasons are I have put in front of myself that is blocking me from achieving my overall healthy goals. The more I thought about this the more I came to the realization that my drawbacks are completely internal. Things like me not wanting to go to the gym alone, even though once I am there, I tend to work out alone and do my own thing. I may chat a little bit but once my headphones are on, I am in my own zone.
I had to come to the understanding that fitness and nutrition are definitely complementary to one another. So, how exactly do I address this. I am tired of all the excuses, and I am needing to definitely put some measures in place for my own accountability.
The more I thought about this, I remembered a long time ago I wrote this on my old blog page:
Promise to TRUE SELF
For myself I am making the pledge of obtaining a healthy weight, healthy skin, hair and nails. I plan to develop a workout regimen and nutritional plan that works well in reaching this goal. I pledge to learn to care for my body, so that I may live to see a long and prosperous life. I will not allow people to place judgement on me and I will embrace every accomplishment I make in reaching my goal weight, no matter how small.
I pledge to never to become discouraged for any mishaps that may occur during this time. My job from this point on is to love me, care for me, and illuminate the confidence that has been hidden for far to long. I am not going to continue on this forsaken route of self-doubt, but I will sketch in a new path towards happiness for me, confidence for me and pride for me.
It shall occur in this lifetime, because I shall follow my plans and exemplify a new standard not for anyone else but new life expectations for me. I will win!
---As Long as I Have the Grace of God on My Side---
My Promise to Self!
I think I have gotten to a space mentally where I am more than ready to refocus on my promise. Because I know how far I have come both mentally and physically. I know now where my attention resides. And I am confident that this is the perfect time to focus on my health. The time is definitely now because "I’M READY!” and that is the epitome of my BIG WHY!
Throughout this journey I would like to share with you the ups, downs, twist and turns. But throughout this journey I will also share everything we experience with you all. I hope that by sharing this journey with you I can encourage you to experiment with incorporating plant-based meals into your diet as apart of getting the better results with your loc journey as well.
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