Vegan Challenge Complete..

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I have completed my Vegan Challenge... and I am excited to say that health wise I feel great. No longer do I have the afternoon slump happening, I have more energy and I am more alert than I have ever been. So, throughout this whole challenge, I have continued to cook grass fed beef and free range chickens to my family... I have heard to Mmmmms and Yummys since we switched to the more healthier animals. I have not eaten any throughout my challenge; however, I did a couple of days ago since my challenge finished. 

I cooked Adobo seasoned Chicken cutlets with lemon juice and pepper with a side of mashed potatoes and spinach salad with feta.... When I tasted a piece of that chicken, I enjoyed the flavor of it but not the chicken piece. It was then I realized that I no longer can enjoy meat or chicken as I once did. Maybe, one day I will... Thanksgiving is coming up....unsure if I will try it. I am okay with it.....being a big chicken lover....Im okay with it!! I guess. 

Oh well, this transition in my life was truly an adventure... I did not think I could do it, but I did. I have made new recipes, learned how to deal with self control and patience... Definitely patience... I am excited to continue this walk as being a Vegetarian. Although, I am a full fledged Vegan now, I still cook for my family the healthy meats and chicken. I am not anti meat or chicken.... For my health, i chose veggies and fruits.... However, I might just enjoy a piece a time or two. I never know when I will be in the mood for some. Lets hope..

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As we approach Thanksgiving... I want to remind myself and others to truly count the blessings in your life. Step back and think of the times, you should of been in a different place, but You have been carried through the situation. Remember, your health, your children, your love for life, and Remember that God is the reason you are alive on this day. It is Him that is the giver of Life and He wants you to know that He loves you. Continue your walk with Jesus and you will know the truth of your purpose.

Thanks for reading, and may God bless your family this Thanksgiving and days to come..

Your Organic Girly, 

Dina 

Day 18 Vegan Experience...

Vegan challenge #18:

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                   As my challenge has been going on, I have become more stricter with the food I consume. The first week, I ate whole wheat bread throughout the week and other fruits and veggies (of course oats etc..). However, now I have been trying to limit my whole wheat consumption and switch over to a non gluten menu. Just to check it out and see... I have still had whole wheat on occasion, just not daily. I have been consuming Quinoa, Spelt, Brown rice, and Oat based breads.... Yummy, it has not been too difficult. I eat every couple of hours some sort of fruit or veggie or Green tea. I have made this a habit now...If I eat and I am still hungry for more, drink Tea! and it helps subside the desire for more....you know, overeating. Healthy portions is key to gain health and weight control. Also, I have been eating this particular salad all week, it is the best. I just can't stop eating it. I don't know why! The combination of flavors compliment each other: Organic Baby Spinach salad with sliced purple onions, feta sprinkle on top with dried basil and a top of Apple Cider vinegar... So So So Good!! It just tickles my palate whenever I eat it. Anyway, now my mouth is watering.. Okay so, where was I?

             So, Yes,  I am very proud of myself, I have not consumed any meat products for 18 days; this is an accomplishment for me. I feel more confident in myself; I have exercised self control, and "You know what?"  It has helped me in others areas of my life too. I believe that this challenge was not only for my health benefit, but for my spiritual benefit as well. 

I encourage you to give it a try and be creative about your new adventure. Don't focus on what you cannot have, but all the things you can have. A variety of Fruits, Veggies, and Whole grains await you. I challenge you to do this with your walk with Christ, and He will show you spiritual things that need to be  tweaked and fixed in your life to be proactive in all aspects of health including spiritual. I leave you with a scripture, one of my favs:

".....Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Day 7 Experience... Doing Good as a Vegan

Day 7..... of my challenge. It has not been so bad. I have been enjoying different recipes from couscous to lentil soup and some cinnamony apples. I have not been hungry at all. I have kept myself full with periodic meals every 3-4 hours. I feel good and light. I have lost about 3 lbs so far. I thought I was going to miss meat or chicken.... not really. I believe I can live without eating meat or poultry on a weekly basis.

I did do a lot of thinking before I grabbed something to eat. I had to ask myself, "Am I really hungry or am I just eating out of boredom or because of socialization." With this particular question, I was able to target my motive for eating. There were a few occasions I  had to put stuff back. It was an eye opener and I feel like I have gained more self control in this area. After all, God does call us to exercise the "Fruit of the Spirit," Galatians 5:22-23....One of which is Self control. I wonder how many times we give in to this area of our lives. Instead of exercising the authority God has given us, we fall slave to the habitual choices made daily. I encourage you to become aware of your decisions not only in regards to the food choices, but spiritual choices in your walk with Christ. Take sometime for prayer and see the areas God is speaking to you about.

I realize that as I am ministering to my body with healthy foods; at the same time, God is ministering to me, teaching me his ways and the goodness I deserve.

Thanks for reading.... Feel welcome to post comments on your challenge

Dina "Organic Girly"

Day 1 Experience....

Question for everyone? Why is it when you decide to make a choice about something especially food, all temptations come your way of what you said did not want to eat ? Well, Well, Well... This happen to me on Day one.

        So, my family and I decide to go food shopping. My hubby decides to buy some good meat like Ribs, "Dang it, " I thought... "Oh well, I must stick with my challenge..." I thought to my self.. Him being a good hubby remembered my challenge of the vegan adventure. So, he decided to not acquire this luscious chunk of ribs. I felt a little bad for him. Watching him gaze at the piece of flesh so desirable, I stated, "Babe, don't worry I will be okay..just get it," He hesitated not wanting to cause some type of temptation. He so happily grab the rack of loin ribs and spoke with the butcher to have them sliced. He was so happy and relieved at my request.  In the end, we purchased the good meat and went on our merry way. Okay so we decide to go to his parents house to drop some of the ribs off.  My hubby decides to BBQ them there, "Ah Man, my favorite BBQ Ribs!!!! AHHHHH," I stated very loudly in my head. So we stay and he does his BBQ thing. I thought I was going to have a horrible time avoiding the ribs;however, because I focused and reminded myself of the health goal, the BBQ ribs were no match for the end result of my journey.

I wonder how many times we give in to every temptation  that  comes our way. Are you focused on your goal? Whether it is for school, life, or even our walk with Christ.... If we do not put our feet down and stand up, life will just continue and you will be left behind in the same mess as before.

I encourage you today to think about the choices you need to make or ones that you have been wanting to implement but have been failing to stay committed. Here is one goal that supersedes all , Jesus Christ as the center of attention in your life. Allow Christ to be number one and stay focused on Him and through Him goals will be reached.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to some encouraging words from all of you,
From your friendly neighborhood organic girl,
Dina