Yesterday morning, I went to the awesome Whole Foods Devon to see the equally awesome Char Nolan about the Engine 2 Diet 28-Day Challenge...I'm sure it's just as awesome. Well, I already knew about the challenge and was already fairly certain that I wanted to do it but as the day approached, I felt my resistance growing. I've wanted to eat a plant-based diet for quite a few years but have kept getting in my own way of reaching that goal. Well, I'm finally there...here...on the eve of my brand new and long-awaited healthier lifestyle. Right now, I am feeling very excited and nervous...but mostly excited.
Despite having stopped eating all animals two and a half months ago and having given up milk and most other dairy more than four months ago, I find my biggest resistance with letting go of sugar. This might give you more insight as to why... for breakfast every morning, I'd enjoy a bowl of Kashi Heart-to-Heart cereal with sweetened almond milk and coffee with two teaspoons of raw sugar and soy creamer. Yummm...and yes, very sweet.
I was mistaken, apparently the Engine 2 Diet allows raw sugar. YIPPEE! Although, I'm pretty certain that cutting sugar out of my diet entirely would be the best thing but I also know that if I feel as though I am depriving myself then it will feel like the bad word "DIET" instead of a positive change and I want to ensure this is for the long haul and not ever feel deprived.
So, tonight I did the task of going through my pantry, fridge, and freezer and packed up all the foods I will no longer eat...including olive oil, salt, and all processed foods. I even decided to return a bag of frozen food that I bought more than two months ago to Trader Joes...no questions asked.
Tomorrow I begin and I have put an end to my resistance, I decided that I'm willing to exchange my Kashi cereal for Ezekiel cereal with fruit and unsweetened almond milk but I'm also keeping my coffee with two teaspoons of raw sugar and soy creamer...for now anyway. After breakfast, I will take my new and improved shopping list and head to Whole Foods to stock up on the essentials plus.
Cheers!
Good for you! and good luck.. I'm interested in healthful eating and will be interested in how it goes, incorporating more veggies.. which is my weak point.. eating more plants. I have to admit I was surprised, though, to see the popular olive oil on your list of foods to be rid of. I avoid it b/c it's 100% fat, and to me, fat is fat, mono- or omega 3 or not... but wonder if that is the Engine 2 reason... Bon appetit! Michelle
ReplyDeleteThanks Sbp, Engine 2 cuts out all extracted oils, refined sugar, processed foods, all animal products (including fish, dairy & eggs). I'm not sure why it cuts out olive oil...maybe he goes into detail in the book, which I haven't read yet.
ReplyDeleteoh and sbp, there are definitely differences in fats, they are not all created equal...and olive oil isn't a bad choice but I will pass on what I learn. And since we need fats in our diet and I won't be using olive oil now...I'll be sure to eat my share of avocados, olives, and nuts. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, S... I'll stay tuned to find out :-) I always thought olive oil was like a refined food. There's oil in nuts, but we dont ingest it by the tablespoonful! Same idea, maybe fat is best if it's eaten along with its fiber (as in your olives, avocados, etc)... just a theory.. we'll see :-)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I hadn't thought of it that way and I'm guessing that you are correct with that theory. Thanks.
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