How I Finally Lost Weight and Regained My Health!

For the longest time, I told myself that living a whole foods plant-based lifestyle was difficult and unrealistic for me to do. Everyone I knew and loved didn't live this way. There weren't enough convenience foods out there, and restaurants didn't cater to vegans. How could it possibly work with my busy mom life?

This is the story I heard in my head repeatedly, and guess what? After listening to it over and over again for years, it became my reality. I honestly believed I couldn't change and become the healthiest version of myself, something I've always wanted, because of the circumstances surrounding me. I was settling and letting society take control of my life. And now, looking back, I realize it was all a big excuse. An excuse so I could stay lazy, eat the unhealthy foods that I loved, and continue to feel sorry for myself - all without having to put in any work to make the change I wanted.

Until one day, six months ago, I had had enough. Enough believing I needed to live someone else's life because that was "the norm." Yes, I had zero family or friends who were vegan, but that didn't mean I couldn't make it work. So, I stopped feeling sorry for myself, trapped in this unhealthy body that became mine for seven years, and I did something about it. I was determined to find a way to make the life I wanted work - and that's what I did.

I kept things (and still do) simple. I didn't complicate my meals. I ate when I was hungry and nourished my body with amazing, energy-giving plants. I learned how not to restrict myself and eat lots of food that satisfied and filled my stomach, including many carbs. Can I get an AMEN?! This way, I wasn't tempted or searching for the bad stuff.

Before I knew it, what I envisioned for myself became my reality. I regained my health and my life all because I stopped believing the lies I was telling myself. I made the life I wanted to work, and it wasn't hard at all. It's been pretty easy, honestly. I just needed to own who I wanted to be and become her. We have to stop with the excuses we tell ourselves. "But how will I continue to go out with my friends?" "What about my favorite sushi roll, or pizza?" "My family isn't vegan; how can I be the only one?" We are who we tell ourselves we are. If you want something enough, you can and will make it happen - you just have to find a way to make it work.