A New Way to Live

I grew up in Oklahoma and later lived in Texas.  In Texas, we believed that you could improve any food by frying it.  There was so much good food in Texas, I learned to eat and cook the food I loved.  Along with my heredity, I found myself at 50 facing some health challenges but, at the same time, addicted to the foods that were making me unhealthy.  I loved fried foods - I was accustomed to processed foods - and caffeine was my best friend.  I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was about 40-50 pounds overweight.  

I decided to make a change.  Kerrie Roberts, a Christian performer, was probably the greatest influence.  When she came to perform for our church, I was in charge of setting up meals for the band.  Her request was to have the vegan option.  I had to google it.  

We are still trying to discover exactly where we are going to land on the way we eat and live.  But, basically the only meat we eat is a little seafood.  So, you could call us pescatarians except that we do not eat dairy (another thing I never thought I would never do).  So, you could almost call us Vegan, except for the fish thing and I don't belong to PETA..haha.  The final radical move we made was to give up caffeine.  I don't really remember that week - but, I am glad I made it through it.  

What have the benefits been?  I lost about about 15 pounds in two months and haven't felt this good in a long time.  My resting blood pressure is 115/85 without any medication.  My doctor reduced my cholesterol medicine to 20mg.  I hope it will be eliminated when I go see him next time.  I feel so much more optimistic about my future.  I feel like I a starting the second half of my life with a fresh start.

Maybe this lifestyle is not for everyone.  I would simply encourage everyone to do what they can.  Make small changes that improve your life and understand that you can do a lot more than you thank you can.  The bonus is that you may enjoy it much more than you think!