Discover a Healthier and Happier You in 2016!
Monday, January 4th, 2016 | Uncategorized | No Comments
By Silvia Jacobs, Vegan/Vegetarian Coach
On the top 10 list of our most commonly broken New Year’s resolutions, these three caught my eye:
» Lose weight and get fit.
» Learn something new.
» Eat a healthier diet.
If you’re like me, one of those three resolutions is likely on your list again. The most common reasons we fail at achieving our resolutions include a lack of support or understanding from our family or friends, peer pressure, or not having the necessary information to make the desired changes.
The great news for all of us is that it’s never too late to start all over again. Let’s discuss these three most commonly broken resolutions and get you back on track to a healthier you for 2016. Whether you’re trying to consume less red meat, considering a vegetarian lifestyle, losing weight, or learning something new, these tips might help:
1. Start with small steps. Add more grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits to your diet, and start eliminating meat from one or two meals a week or leave it out of one meal every day.
2. Adapt family-favorite recipes with meat-free products. You can purchase them from a health food store or learn to make your own.
3. Explore international cuisines, particularly those in which vegetarian dishes are standard fare such as African, Caribbean, Indian, Indonesian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, and Thai.
4. Read labels carefully to search for “hidden” animal-derived ingredients, including rennet, gelatin, lard, or gum base.
5. Purchase a vegetarian recipe book, or take a vegetarian/vegan cooking class.
6. Know exactly why you want to become a vegetarian or vegan. Write it down, so you can use it as a source of encouragement at your moments of weakness.
7. Surround yourself with people that will encourage and support you.
Keep in mind that the food you eat should be chosen carefully. Here’s a good reason why from the book Ministry of Healing:
“Our bodies are built up from the food we eat. There is a constant breaking down of the tissues of the body; every movement of every organ involves waste, and this waste is repaired from our food.” (Page 254) “It is a sacred duty for those who cook to learn how to prepare healthful food.” (Page 260)
There’s a huge difference between adopting a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and going on a diet. When you know exactly why you want to be vegetarian/vegan, you simply don’t stray from the lifestyle. This is why it’s so important to learn the benefits of a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. Once you’ve taken the time to open your eyes to the real effects animal products have on your life, it just sticks with you, and there’s no going back on that.
Remember, every little bit counts. Whether you go vegetarian, vegan, or simply cut down your consumption of animal products, you’re taking a step in the right direction. And, just as important, don’t allow yourself to be labeled based on your diet.
Also, don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed. Adopting a vegan lifestyle isn’t necessarily difficult, but there is a learning curve. Take your time, expect some mistakes, learn from them, and move on! Believe me, your body will thank you!
To learn more, I invite you to call or visit me at Mountain Sales Health Foods, where you can also pick up a free copy of the book Ministry of Healing.
Mountain Sales Health Foods
105 Warren Street
Madisonville, TN 37354
(423) 545-8585
mountainsales15@gmail.com
