It really did not seem that bad when @wired2theworld brought it up… I mean vegan and gluten free for 21 days – 3 wks based off of the Quantum Wellness Diet. Why would I do this? Why not. Oh, and I should tell you there is also no sugar, alcohol, or caffeine allowed either. I have taken vacations for three weeks, so it was kind of like a little 3-week vacation from my normal routine. Except that it was not a real getaway to some place warm and tropical with a white sand beach and crystal blue waters. I thought that it would be easy as my daily routine normally consists of almond or soy milk in my coffee which is decaf. Normally, I do not eat a lot of sugar, but instead surrender to my sweet tooth with agave nectar swirled on top of plain yogurt, oatmeal, or flax cereal and pieces of extra dark chocolate late at night. YUM, I am sure that you are now jumping up and down at the thought of flax cereal, but it is good, really (or at least that is what I keep telling myself).
You see, I enjoy eating well. I like the process of purchasing my ingredients and coming up with an entire creation from start to finish. So when I really thought about the 3 weeks of vegan/gluten free/no alcohol I had a few questions for myself… What would I do with my vanilla flavored protein powder? There is milk in there. Oh, and I do like to have an occasional glass of red wine. I suppose that I would have to just stare longingly at the bottles as the dark ruby red color shined back at me and whispered into my ear just how good it was for my heart and that perhaps, just perhaps, I was actually doing my body a disservice by not sipping a glass of Duoro, Baltos, or Cabernet every other night with Hector. Then there are those moments, when you get home from work and you just want to grab whatever is most convenient. Often, that tends to be a piece of bread or a cracker or something. It is about relearning what to grab and thinking about the choices that are really and truly what I want.
But 3 weeks? I
could do 3 weeks. So here I am
rounding out week number 2 and it really has not been that hard. Perhaps the hardest part is explaining
to friends (when they invited us over for brunch) the situation…
Them: So do you want to come over for brunch?
Me: Sure, can we bring anything? [CODE FOR ME TRYING TO GET AROUND THE SITUATION]
Them: How about some wine? [DAMN! I AM STUCK NOW…]
Me: OK, but I am doing this vegan thing for a few weeks just so you know…
Them: OK, will you eat eggs?
Me: Ummm, no, but Hector loves eggs! But I will be fine.
Them: No problem, we have tons of friends who are vegan!
So for the past two weeks my meals have consisted of (not all in one sitting mind you) oatmeal, fruit, flax seeds, several goes at gluten free bread, veggies in every which way, soups, beans, tofu, nuts, and I would be remiss if I left out dark chocolate...
Suddenly the situation is no longer a problem. So I guess what I am doing is really like
a mini vacation. When I am
traveling, I do not eat the same way that I do when I am at home, and truth be
told, I rather enjoy it. What do I
miss? A few ounces of grated parmesan
on top of grilled vegetables and an occasional glass of wine. A piece of rye bread under the broiler
with melted jarlesberg and dried chili peppers on top. However, I do think that it is always a
good idea to break from routine and try something different from time to time,
and this is exactly what I am doing. I do not think that I will stay in this zone forever. There is my wedding to think about, and I know that nothing will keep me from that cake that has eggs, sugar, flour, etc. And a champagne toast will be in order. So events will occur and I will partake. However, what has occurred is a different level of awareness regarding the food that I eat. Thank you Kristina!
