first week vegan

Good day fellow muggles exploring the vegan side.

About a month ago I decided to experiment the vegan diet. I decided I wanted to explore the vegan diet because one, it is something I've never tried before. Two, I needed a change. I needed something to keep me motivated and to on go my learning in the health field because the last 4-5 months I feel as if I've lost my connection to nature, and peace. I need something to make me feel more spiritual because I feel I've lost the appreciation for things that should be acknowledged such as nature, music, friends, myself.  Thirdly, I wanted to be able to relate and understand what sacrifices and changes vegans have to do to be vegan.  

I began with planning and researching the things I would have to sacrifice, and give up to be an honest vegan. I read people's stories and I have to admit, each story was unique but very motivating and inspirational. A lot of the time when you hear that someone practices veganism the first thought that goes through their minds is ohh they must only eat salads, and not enough protein or they're malnourished.  I don't want to be put under a stereotype or assumption. So I made sure I knew all the essential vitamins and nutrients that were required to be a balanced, healthy vegan. A few specific nutrients I know are crucial to keep track of are iron, B12, zinc and protein levels. I get my iron from my beans (chick peas, Black beans) and dark greens (kale, collards, swiss chard) to help with the absorption of iron I add vit C to the mix. usually I squeeze a fresh lemon on it. B12 I buy the nutritional yeast which is also a complete protein and full of B vitamins, along with spinach for B12. I eat a handful of nuts/seeds a day to get my zinc. As far as protein goes, I have purchased vegan protein powder, quinoa (uniquely a complete protein), beans mixed with rice to complete the protein, nuts and seeds, and certain vegetables.

Each morning I start with warm lemon water, and a green tea..20-30mins later I eat a large bowl of fresh fruit, mainly a banana, grapefruit, handful of berries. also with a veggy green shake, supplemented with vit D, omega 3's, vit C and the B complex and protein, sometimes ill add chia seeds for more texture and fibre, protein and omega 3's. 

On June 1st, 2015 my first day as a vegan began. So far it's been 11 days as a vegan. with each day that goes by I feel more energetic. my moods are more steady and I sleep better at night.  I've been tracking my workouts, and so far my bench press strength has not decreased, still holding 125lbs as my 1RM.

this is some fresh fruit i cut up for breakfast and to snack on. What I have is 1 banana, 1 grapefruit, 4 kiwi fruit, blue berries, raspberries, and golden berries. Super colourful, energizing, and filling. The more colour I can add to my food the happier I am! :)