Kickin' it Vegan-style for Three Weeks: Day 1

Long story short, we're giving this a try to see if it helps Will with some long-standing joint issues (and because we're curious about what benefits it would have for us overall). I thought it might be interesting to keep a daily log about it for anyone else who's curious about giving this a try.

Weight this morning: 138 even. I'd love to get down to 125 if possible, but I'm not hugely concerned with my weight as long as I stay in the 130s. That said, I'm interested in what this lifestyle will do for that number.

Workout: Level 1 of Six Week Sixpack (35 minutes). Love Jillian Michaels!

Breakfast (7:30AM): Shake I've been having for months now (minus protein powder, because that was whey-based). Handful of spinach, large carrot, stalk of celery, ~1 T flaxseed, 5 blueberries, 1/2 cup flaxmilk.

Mid-morning snack (11AM): 1 orange

Lunch (Noon): Spinach salad with craisins and toasted almonds/sunflower seeds, with raspberry-lime vinegarette. Some strawberries.

1PM: I noticed that I missed the animal crackers I used to have after lunch. I only brought 11 each day, but they were tasty and just sweet enough to feel like a dessert. But we're trying to stay away from processed foods, too, not just animal products.

2PM: 6 oz. can of low-sodium V8 (yeah, I know that's processed, but still - it's V8).

3:15PM: A few more strawberries

4PM: Some baby carrots

6:30PM: Black bean chili on romaine lettuce with crushed corn tortilla chips (YUM!). I used this recipe but drained the water (next time I'll leave most of the liquid out to begin with). I added corn and lemon pepper.

Around 7PM I noticed that I hadn't felt my knee hurting all day. It's been bothering me noticeably for over a month. Since noticing that (and paying more attention), I've felt it mildly once. I'm amazed. This stupid knee has been bugging me significantly for a long time! Interesting...

Just before movie time with Will, I knew I HAD to have something to feel like I was treating myself a little bit, so I found this recipe for banana oatmeal cookies. Substituted apple sauce for the oil, and they were DELICIOUS. They're very sweet and definitely have more sugar than I should be having for this change, but I only had two cookies (unimaginable for me lately! Okay, and a spoonful of dough), so I figure I'm definitely moving in the right direction. Will, his normal cautious self, took two cookies to start but went back for a third. A good sign! ;)

Overall today? I did feel hungry frequently, but I also feel really good. This might be one of the healthiest days I've ever had. The three weeks ahead feel like they'll be an adventure. Not easy, but exciting. I could not do this without Will being on board.