vegily

I ate my last non-veg meal in November 2007, on Thanksgiving day, specifically. I had just finished reading”Skinny Bitch” by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, and the harsh realities of the factory farm environment, coupled with the negative side effects of eating lots of meat long term hit me hard. I was lacto ovo vegetarian until May 2011, when I transitioned to a primarily vegan diet - avoiding eggs, cheese and milk, in addition to the countless animal-based other ingredients that make their way into processed foods.

Over the past 4 years, I’ve had the opportunity to undergo a simple health screening annually as a benefit through my employer. I’ve saved the results from the past 3 years, and although I don’t have a comparison showing my pre-veg numbers, the changes in my body are apparent, especially between 2011 and 2012, when I transitioned from vegetarian to vegan.

I should mention that I’ve always maintained an active lifestyle, working out 3+ days/week, and although I’ve lost a few pounds, that pales in comparison to what’s been changing inside me. Take a look:

2010 (lacto ovo vegetarian)

• Weight: 129
• Waist Circumference: 28”
• Total Cholesterol: 129
• HDL (“good”) Cholesterol: 79
• LDL (“bad”) Cholesterol: 28
• Fasting Triglycerides: 112

2011 (lacto ovo vegetarian)

• Weight: 130
• Waist Circumference: 27”
• Total Cholesterol: 156
• HDL (“good”) Cholesterol: 100
• LDL (“bad”) Cholesterol: not recorded
• Fasting Triglycerides: 150

2012 (vegan)

• Weight: 126
• Waist Circumference: 25”
• Total Cholesterol: 113
• HDL (“good”) Cholesterol: 88
• LDL (“bad”) Cholesterol: 14
• Fasting Triglycerides: 55

People often ask how veganism has changed me and if I feel different, and my typical answer is that, yes, I feel great, very energetic and focused. But, honestly, that type of conversation can come across as quite subjective. Now, when asked, I can say confidently that a vegan lifestyle has made me a healthier person, reduced my total cholesterol by 15+ points, my triglycerides by 100+ points, and my waist by 3”.  Now, those are benefits worth talking about.

I realize Starbucks has had a bit of bad press this week, but I don’t see any harm in recognizing the company for something positive. On a recent business trip, I found myself on the road, short on time, and hungry. Desperate for sustenance in a sea of fast food, I stopped at Starbucks thinking I’d at least be able to find a fruit salad to nom on. A happy surprise awaited, however, in the form of a Sesame Noodle Bistro Box, which is the company’s recent vegan addition to their bistro box offerings. I’d heard rumor of its existence, but had ever actually seen one in a store.

The Sesame Noodle bistro box includes a noodle salad made with broccoli, carrots, red pepper and snap peas, seasoned tofu (which I tossed in with the salad), pickled cucumbers and sesame peanuts. Last but not least, a small square of dark chocolate to sweeten the deal. I found the noodle salad to be a bit bland, but the seasoned tofu added just the right amount of flavor. The pickled cucumbers were tasty, adding an unexpected burst of flavor. Hands down, the sesame peanuts were by far my favorite (besides the chocolate, of course). Overall, this bistro box provided a balanced meal that left me comfortably full and satisfied. I dreaded checking the nutrition information, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the entire box was just 11 grams of fat and 350 calories (see full nutrition facts here).

I don’t often find myself at Starbucks, and when I do, it’s typically not for food. My positive experience with the Sesame Noodle bistro box is likely to change that. Now, if only Starbucks could find a way to use less plastic in their packaging…

The New Year is upon us, and no matter your feelings about celebrating the epic ball drop on December 31st, you can’t deny it - a new year brings the opportunity for a fresh start.

As you might have guessed, I am a huge fan of making (and keeping!) New Year’s resolutions. The idea is not to create insurmountable challenges, but rather to state achievable goals that are in line with my ‘ideal’ self - that is, the best person I know I can be.

A review of the top ten New Year’s resolutions shows that many are focused on health and wellness. I think this is because deep down, we ultimately know that a healthy mind and clean body are often the key to solid relationships, success at work, and personal satisfaction. My 2012 resolutions, listed below, follow that same vein, and as I write them, I know they will set the course for a positive and productive new year. What are your resolutions for 2012?

My 2012 Resolutions:

1. Stop thinking, start doing.
2. Run a marathon.
3. Devote energy and attention to relationships that matter.