I FIRED MY HAIRSTYLIST. SHE'S TOO EXPENSIVE!

You've just got your hair cut, colored, styled the whole bit... it looks fabulous... You go to pay your stylist, she tells you the price, "You want me to pay WHAT?!"  You think to yourself.  You may even mutter it under your breathe, or make a snide comment about inflation or it being expensive.  The audacity of this stylist asking you to pay such a huge amount, and she wants a tip.. UGH..  In your head your thinking.... She charges that much because she has that fancy iPad, or that new car, and new clothes.  BITCH.  but at least you look fabulous!  Maybe you'll go somewhere "cheaper" next time because her prices are just ridiculous.

I am going to do my best to break this down for you.  You just spent 2 hours with your hairstylist.. Chatting about work, doting on your kids... talking about where you're vacationing next or your plans for the holidays while complaining about your husband.  After all he's your additional child, always acting like a dang fool.  Maybe your husband isn't the problem, perhaps you're going through a life event and you need someone to talk to.  You spill your problems, maybe shed a tear while (hopefully) your stylist is listening with an open heart and open mind.. there to add gentle advice if you need it and to be your advocate.

Time to pay... $100.00 are you kidding me?!  That's just outrageous!  Here's what you don't know... out of that $100 your hair stylist is only taking home approximately $44.50 give or take which breaks down to $22.25/ hour.  an honorable living if your're working 40hrs or more per week.

That is just hoopla you might be thinking... The girl behind this blog is full of shenanigans.

Chances are your hairstylist, though working inside a salon, is actually an independent contractor therefore being self employed.  Self employment tax is a whopping 30%.  Kinda blows your mind right there huh?   So that already takes your $100 down to $70.  

Your stylist most likely pays booth rent...  In case you haven't figured it out yet... I have been a hairstylist for almost 13 years.  The salon I work in has relatively low booth rent, I am blessed in that regard.  Say on average your stylist has 20 clients this week... which is a high estimate even with my years of experience.  Booth rent per client breaks down to $5.50 per person.  So now we are at $64.50.

You got your hair colored, she had to buy the product to color your hair.  That can't cost mush right?!  You've seen the box color at walmart... you've seen bottles at Sally beauty supply.. It's cheap.. If you could reach the back of your head you'd do it yourself.. It looks easy!  No matter what product line your hairstylist is using I assure you its A LOT better than the wally world special.  The product she's using probably add up to $20.  It's not just the color.  It's the shampoo, conditioner, various products she's used in the styling process.

I am in a different situation than most.  I am an organic hair stylist and all my products have to be FEDEX'd in.  It's a product made in the United Kingdom.. It recently got pulled out of the US.. So I will be having it shipped in from the UK soon.  Have you seen the cost of postage lately?!

The cost of shipping aside... Other business expenses I'm not adding in your stylist has:  Sheer sharpening, business cards, liscensing, continuing eductaion, blow dryer. flat irons, various combs, brushes etc.  all those things benefit you.  Plus being self employed if she doesn't have a spouse, she's probably buying health insurance out of pocket.  Mine is $370.00/month just to give you an idea and YES! That is just the cost for me.

Let's see where we are:
$100
Taxes:        $30
Booth rent $5.50
Products     $20
without mentioning any of the other expenses you can see how we get to $44.50.

So if all 20 clients are paying $100.00 she's still making $890.00 a week, That's really good.
What about all those people who just get hair cuts?  or just waxes etc.  It doesn't quite balance out, and the 20 clients/week was a high estimate anyhow.  Your hair stylist is probably making $30k or below every year which is actually considered poverty according to today's poles.

Not only does your hair stylist have business expenses but she has to have a roof over her head, food in her belly and a running vehicle.

I absolutely LOVE my job and ADORE my clients.  A few years back I had colored 2 sisters hair in the same appointment.  I overheard one say, "do you know how much money she's making off of us?"  I should have corrected them then, but my heart had sank into my stomach, I was so hurt my that comment.

When clients complain about price, to us stylist it's like your boss saying you make too much money.  You don't deserve raises, and even though the cost of living has gone up you're going to make the same amount of money you make now 15 years from now.

  This blog is not to shame anyone, rather it's to put the facts out there.  I promise your hairstylist isn't getting rich off your hair appointment.

I have 2.5 jobs and I barely stay a float.  I don't live a lavish lifestyle of champagne and caviar, In fact I am grateful I don't eat meat because I couldn't afford it anyway!  I am single, no husband to counter the bills.  My house cost $80k which I bought in 2004.  I buy my clothes at Kohl's because I also work there and can get a sweet discount.  The most expensive thing I have is my vehicle, I needed a nicer car to be self sufficient due to having no family near by.  PLUS my old car was a 2001 and it literally blew up! LOL

I realize this does not apply to all hair stylists, but a decent amount I imagine.

Please share this blog with as many friends as possible,  I am hoping people gain some understanding to the price of beauty, and what really happens with the money you pay your hairstylist.  So now that you see how little we make, tips are not expected.. but ALWAYS greatly appreciated.

Coconut oil! My miracle from nature!!

I am way behind on getting ya'll this amazing information on coconut oil, I apologize greatly!  With school happening, I'm finding myself writing more for grades than for pleasure!

So.... In case you didn't already know.... Coconut oils is the bomb ya'll!  What does it do?!  More like what doesn't it do?!  Pretty much everything!  You know in the movie My big fat Greek wedding where the guy uses windex as a cure all for everything?  Yea that's me with coconut oil! 

First of all, It's edible!!  Just keep in mind, when melting it... a little goes a long way!  I had the clever idea to put it in the pan before cooking like I would with EVOO or real butter...Sooo... The first batch of eggs were a super greasy mess and ended up in the trash can...  Approximately 1/4 Tsp. should be sufficient for pan cooking!  Whoopsie!!  I also throw about a tablespoon in my morning smoothies!  Why?! You may be asking.... Coconut oil has a healthy amount of fatty acids that are great for brain development and brain function.  Coconut oil also does not contain saturated fats.

Coconut oil is a great metabolism booster, and in turn provides us with a great source of natural energy!  Who doesn't want more energy, right?!  An added bonus to the boost in metabolism and energy is burning more calories, resulting in weight loss!  

I could go on, and on about benefits of ingesting the stuff, such as it having anti fungle, anti-virus, and anti-bacterial properties, also lowering cholesterol and heart disease risk, but lets get to the topical properties!

I have been using coconut oil as a facial moisturizer for 2 years and I love it!  It doubles at a moisturizer as well as a sunscreen, anytime you replace something full of harsh chemicals with something actually nature made your body will thank you!   A gal I work with kept breaking out in hives on her neck no matter what brand of moisturizer she used.  I told her multiple times it was chemically related,  she didn't want to use the coconut oil due to it being "too greasy"  meanwhile she was suffering greatly.  Eventually she made the switch and the hives were discontinued!

Since I was a child, I have had an allergic reaction to "perfume soaps"  I can not use any lotions or soaps with fragrance.  I will spare the name of the soap that sent me to the Dr. with a rash.  We all know these are harsh chemicals doing a number on our skin and even worse soaking in to our bodies.... but is smells so good you say?  Smells good at what cost?... Get yourself some essential oils and you are set!  There is a number of other things I am allergic to because of the chemical content.... sooooo.... this is TMI.. HOWEVER, it helped me greatly and I would like to pass on that coconut oil is also a perfect personal lubricant.... Moving along gracefully....

So I'm an organic hair stylist, lets discuss the benefits of using coconut oil in your hair!    Deep conditioning. and detangling!!  Oh my gosh!  For deep conditioning make sure you have ample time.  Melt a small amount,  slightly over what you would use for regular conditioning.  apply all over hair especially on the ends as this is where hair tends to dry out the most.  Comb the coconut oil through your hair and cover it with a shower cap... or... plastic bag from the store!  Hey! It works in a pinch!  the longer you let it sit the  better it will work.  minimum time would be 1 hour, if you are able to sleep in it that would be best!

Massaging coconut oil into your scalp is great for dandruff and dry scalp, also doing this can promote hair growth if you are looking for long beautiful tresses give it a whirl!

Using a little coconut oil on you hair before brushing and combing will help ease the tangles out, and best of all you are not adding any harsh chemicals to your hair!!

I have only been writing this blog since February!  Happy to finally be getting it to you in September!  better late than never!  If you are located in the OKC area and wish to have an Organic Hairstylist please click  Organic Hair Care to visit my website!!

The Great American Diet!



 

 

The Great American Diet!

 

The great American diet!  Yum!  Nothing says type 2 diabetes and cancer more than convenience foods.

Pictured above are the groceries of two different friends of mine, people I actually know and know on a pretty close level.  Yes!  GASP! "The Organic Girl in the City" associates with the likes of these two!  The way I see it Jesus hung out with the sinners so it's whatever!  I kid! I kid!  However, I hope some of my healthy ways will rub off on these two ladies!

 

The photo on the left a friend sent me after going grocery shopping, we'll call her "Christina".  At the time Christina didn't have access to a car or live close enough to a store to go on her own.  She had been anticipating her room mate taking her grocery shopping for quite some time.   She was ecstatic about her grocery finds.  I received the photo and my first though was, is this a joke? 

 

Let's break this down for a minute, you know I'm an advocate for a healthy lifestyle, did she think it was going to be a celebratory moment over the chemicals she had laid out on the counter?  That I was going to congratulate her on her pseudo food finds?  My response to her was exactly this, "Where is the produce and ingredients to cook meals with?"  She was dumbfounded...  her response to me was, "the cookies are for someone else." 

 

She actually believed what she had there was sustainable food.  Usually I would have got on my soap box (kinda like I'm doing now)  and preached about every individual item, and told her what she could have purchased instead.  I was so in shock over some one's excitement for processed chemical food like products.  I just told her, "you know I'm going to write a blog about this right?"  At the time I don't think she understood. 

 

Shortly after the photo on the left was taken, Christina unfortunately fell on a bad situation and ended up staying with me for about 3 months.  I think it was culture shock for her, she had never even stepped foot inside my house until that day.  I'm not saying I'm perfect, there are definitely some no no items in my pantry. I mean let's get real, I'm still human!  The first night she was at my house, I made a meal with fresh ingredients from scratch!  She went on and on about how good it was, I said, "Thank you, I know!  This is what real food tastes like!"  Just Christina living here made her realize the importance of healthy eating.  She started buying real groceries, at times she would even buy ingredients and ask me to cook certain things for her!  Christina no longer lives here, however she calls frequently to ask how to make things, or questions about the gym etc.  She now understands what a GMO (genetically modified organism)is, and why it is important to consume whole foods regularly.  Christina even asked for a smoothie maker for Christmas, I like to believe it was my influence!

 

The picture on the right. Sigh!  Oh that photo!  While visiting another friend of mine, we'll call her "Dixie" I snapped this photo.  Dixie, fell on some bad circumstances and had to move back in with her parents.  I already knew Dixie was one of the most unhealthy people I had ever met.  Junk food is HIGHLY addictive, In fact high fructose corn syrup is more addictive than cocaine.  You have to want to change your lifestyle.  Giving up processed "food" is like giving up smoking, drinking, drugs, and over eating.  They really should make an AA type meeting for people specifically with processed food addiction.

 

Dixie opens her pantry for a snack and I say, "oh my gosh, can I take a picture of this?"  No one can be around me for any length of time without hearing my spill on healthy eating.  Not because I'm a snob or I think I'm better than anyone, but because I have lived the junk food life.  I made the change to the healthy lifestyle, pretty much cold turkey.. I don't eat meat so.. I gave it up pretty much.... warm salad... Okay that analogy doesn't work but you catch my drift here, and for the record,  clean healthy eating becomes much easier as you go along as well as makes your body feel great!  When I made the switch I had more energy, I felt great, and my skin started to glow!  It is amazing what your body can do for you when you're good to your body.

 

Back to Dixie,  as harsh as it is for me to say these words to a person,  I would often tell Dixie, who has had some major health issues in the past, if she continued to eat like she was, she would most likely end up with cancer.  Dixie's argument to me was always, "there is no history of cancer in my family though."  She was right there WAS no history of cancer in her family.  I would explain to her that there is a first time for everything and it could pop up anywhere in anyone.  She had, had major health problems in the past, so I tried to level with her and explain, she of all people should take care of her body before she regrets it later, her body was already fragile.  I should also mention Dixie is under 30 years old, so is Christina actually.

 

As I said, there was no cancer in Dixie's family, however Dixie's mother is obese, with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, a bundle branch block in her heart, and sleep apnea.  If that alone is not a wake up call, you're pretty much doomed.  Recently Dixie's Mother was also diagnosed  with uterine cancer.

 

I actually know someone in my organic lifestyle circuit who was diagnosed with stage 2 uterine cancer, and cured it herself with the help of a natural doctor. We'll call her Susan.  I do not have all the details, but I do know cancer can NOT live in an alkaline body,  a vegan diet makes your body alkaline.  Susan is a Mom of 3 daughters, she's a fighter, she went completely vegan, gave up sugar, used essential oils, took recommended supplements, saw the natural doctor and has been cancer free for over a year.  I hear you now, "I could never give up, meat, dairy, or sugar."  That's what's wrong with America,  Americans just want a pill for their quick fix so they can continue to eat crap, and not change.  That's a sad way to live guys, I have news this is why the pharmaceutical companies rule our country, why we have so many health problems, and why once you've "cured" your cancer with chemotherapy or radiation, It's coming back somewhere else in your body.  You have to change your life, or lose your life.. It's your call.

 

Like my friend "Tami" with 5 kids and stage 4 colon cancer.  She had an extremely inspiring positive attitude fighting it off.  Of course she did everything on the chemical route, per doctors orders.  I can imagine being diagnosed with cancer is extremely frightening, so you just do what you're told by the physicians.  Tami fought off her cancer, thankfully she is alive yet has to carry a colostomy bag.  A small price to pay for your life.  I had the privilege of visiting with Tami last week,  I asked her if she had changed her diet any she replied, "no!  I eat whatever I want."  just like that, like it was no big deal.  My heart aches for these poor uneducated souls.  I didn't say much about it as hard as it was however, If she doesn't change her diet, that cancer will come back somewhere else in her body.

 

When I first told Dixie about Susan, the woman who cured her uterine cancer on the natural route, it was long before her mother's diagnoses.  She didn't believe me, which is pretty standard for most people brainwashed by the media.  Of course after her mothers diagnoses somehow I become the one with all the magical answers.  It is very sad to say this, but I was very reluctant to re-tell Dixie, Susan's story.  I felt like it would be a waste of breath and time for me to go over it.  Also given her Mom's track record, I knew she would never give up junk food even if it did cost her her life, leaving behind her two daughters and two beautiful grandchildren. 

 

I have gone over the vegan diet thing some with Dixie, and told her other things Susan did, as well as known foods that halt the growth of cancer cells.  Despite minimal changes in diet, no Dixie's Mom has not made any major changes to her lifestyle.  She is under going surgery and all I can do is pray, it goes well, with the obesity and heart conditions going under is very risky.

 

Dixie has made few changes in her diet, I am sure it is difficult when you live in a home with a plethora of junk food always available.  She has made some changes, frequently asks me for help, and genuinely tries, so I wont give up hope on her.

 

I know there are many out there saying, "everything causes cancer, might as well eat what I want."  While this may be true, for me personally I want to prolong my health as long as possible.  I also want to feel great as long as I am living.  The food choices you make drastically change the way your body feels, looks, and the way your brain functions even.  Think before you purchase, think before you eat.  It could be life changing.  Change your life or lose your life.

 

 

 



Beauty starts from the inside



 

In case you are new here, I have been writing a blog for the past 2 years and some change about things regarding organic lifestyle.  Not only about food, also about all things holistic, which includes but is not limited to kindness!  I was new to the holistic world myself, as I learn I am sharing my experiences with others who may be new to this amazing lifestyle as well!  

 

I am doing a blog cross over starting now!  Never fear!  I'm not done talking about food and lifestyle, I'm just adding beauty in addition to!  I am a Certified Organic Hair Stylist, yes we exist!!  You are dumbfounded and you asking yourself... but how is that even possible?!  I was a regular ole hair stylist until I started researching chemicals in foods, which in turn led me to chemicals we put on our body!  If I wasn't putting the chemicals in my own body,  I couldn't justify putting them on peoples heads all day.  I did some research for about 6 months before finding an amazing company out of the UK.  Everything works like traditional products without the harsh chemicals.  All their products have certified organic plant based ingredients, are cruelty free and certified by PETA, and also vegan!  The line is truly amazing, I can do anything with it, perms colors, straighteners,  But that's not what I'm here to talk about!!

 

I love getting texts or emails from clients (who I also refer to as my friends) asking me for healthy or natural ways for this or that!!  Keeps my brain flowing, trust me... it needs flowing!  Probably a side effect from the 10 years I wasn't an organic hair stylist!  I kid! 

 

For real though! I'm here to tell you that beauty does in fact start from the inside out.  What you put inside your body reflects on your skin, in your hair and with your nails.  Sure you can take biotin and other vitamins as much as you want, however no supplement will ever compare to what happens with your body when you put the proper nutrients in with good whole foods.  All this said, you cant have a salad smothered in ranch dressing for lunch and expect to wake up with glowing magical skin and hair to your waist! 

 

If you want that gorgeous hair, glowing skin, and healthy finger nails you have to be mindful of what you are putting in your body 24/7.  Sounds boring and scary but It's not!  Don't eat fast food,  don't eat junk,  eat produce with every meal, if you are a meat-eater choose organic lean meats.  Nothing tastes good you say?!  You've been on the chemical train way too long my friend!  Fast food and junk food have no nutritional value, most the time it's not even real food, it just looks like food. When you consume chemical foods, it dulls your skin, and slows hair growth.   Do you want to look good?  Feel good?  Have more energy?  Feel happy?  All this starts on the inside from nutritionally dense whole foods, which by the way taste amazing! 

 

It wont happen over night.  It takes 35 days for the whole foods and nutrients to build up in your body so you can see it on the outside.  I have witnessed this first hand, not just in my own life also with my clients!  When a client comes in talking about how suddenly their hair hit a growth spurt.... My first question is,"have you started eating differently?"  9 times out of 10 the answer is yes, more produce less junk!  It works! 

 

Take a 2 month challenge and see the change, I promise you wont be disappointed!  I will be back next month to talk about the beauty benefits of coconut oil.  Here's a sneak peak... It's Amazing!!  

 

To schedule an appointment visit

www.JaydeTheHairLady.com

 

The fun questions a vegetarian gets asked!

      I'm a little behind on my blog writing, life really takes off sometimes!  Back in September I celebrated my two year anniversary of a (mostly organic) vegetarian!! Yay me!!  That's a triumph for someone with a 60+ work hours per week life, and a signature phrase that was, "It's not a meal if it doesn't have meat!"  You know what that means?!  It means no matter how busy your life is there is no excuse!!  Might I also mention, I own a home which I live in alone (hence I have no help) have 2 cats and 1 dog, 2 jobs, attend a bible study weekly, a yoga class 3 times per week and I'm starting school in the spring (more on that later)!  I'm not saying this to brag, I'm saying this to let you know... Where there's a will there's a way to make a healthy lifestyle happen!! 

Excuse all my exclamation points... apparently I am feeling extremely enthusiastic about life right now!

Okay!  lets get to the good stuff! Over the past two years, I have been asked a plethora of questions about my lifestyle.  I don't typically tell people I'm a vegetarian, as I don't like to draw attention to myself.  Obviously friends and family know, and occasionally it comes up with different people in life.  I have been asked the age old question that makes all vegetarians want to roll their eyes and strangle someone... "Where do you get your protein?"  I even wrote a previous blog about this.  No one cares about your protein intake until they hear you don't eat meat.  What about my Vitamin E intake, or my Amino Acids?  Why does no one ask me about that?!  Why don't they go ahead and ask me about my bowel movements while we're at it?!  I don't mean to be harsh on the uneducated people, who are seriously interested.  Maybe google it, it is the most asked question to vegetarians and vegans!  My go to response is,  "Americans take in too much protein.  A cow didn't eat another cow for protein."  You can't argue the facts!  Also,  I have not lost any muscle from lack of protein, in fact I have gained muscle!  I have been called fat most my life, but recently was told I was mostly muscle and had an athletes body!  That's whats up!

Okay!  For real now!  The super fun questions I have been asked!  "Have you ever dreamt you ate meat?"  and, "Have you ever accidentally ate meat?"  The answer to both those questions are YES!

I first went vegetarian in late September 2012.  I hadn't intended on starting my new lifestyle until after the holidays, I accidentally stumbled onto some meat research, swore it off at that moment and never looked back except for in dreams!  I was a big meat eater before, hot, cold, throw the leftover meat from dinner in an omelet for breakfast.  Shortly after my swear off of meat, the holidays arose.  My first Thanksgiving as an organic vegetarian I went hardcore.  I cooked all my own food organically and took it to my Moms.  She was not happy about that, I have since cut back on the organic in family as well as friend situations.  The truth is you can't stop living life and socializing due to a lifestyle change.

We had Thanksgiving dinner, everything went off wonderfully for me!  It wasn't until later that night I had an issue.  It happened... The dreaded, I ate meat dream.  It was the most silly simple dream, however it sure did make me suddenly wake up with a gasp!  I dreamt it was the day after Thanksgiving, I went to hang out with my family.  I'm a scavenger always digging through my parents fridge so that was nothing new.  Behold I found the container of cold left over turkey meat, I grab it start eating right out of the container and talking to my family with my mouth full of turkey meat like a barbarian!  So I'm eating away and it suddenly clicks in my head... My eyes get huge, my mouth drops, and I say in a horrified voice, "OH MY GOSH!  Guys, I'm eating meat."  My Mothers attitude remains the same in real life and in my dreams, she gives me the you're stupid look and replies in a snarky voice, "SO."  I reply with a scared, what have I done voice, "I'm a vegetarian."  She rolls her eyes huffs and walks off leaving me standing there terrified with the rest of my family starring at me.  That's when I wake up, My eyes shoot open and I gasp!  Shew It was all a dream!  Shortly after that I did read that dreaming you ate meat is a common occurrence for new vegetarians as well as vegans.

I've had a few more instances where I have accidentally eaten meat, or rather got meat in my mouth and spit it out in disgust.  I try not to be too picky when I'm with my meat eating friends.  Truth is, I have no qualms with anyone eating meat, it does not offend me, so I try not to offend others with my vegetables!  Some vegetarians are sticklers on not wanting there food even cooked on a griddle where meat was.  While it does bother me,  I'm aware I don't have much of a choice here in the Midwest and try to be thankful for any vegetarian options. 

All that said, I have learned it is probably not a good idea to share a pizza with a meat eater.  There has been several instances where the pizza place of choice has mis-cut the pizza and I end up with meat on my side!  The bummer of this is.. when there is extra cheese.... sometimes its not noticeable until... dun... dun... dun.. it's in your mouth!  WHAT! Gross meat in my mouth.  People like to tease me and say I like getting it... Let me tell you.. maybe if I accidentally ate a hamburger or a steak I would enjoy it,  but processed pork.. No thank you,  I didn't eat pork before!

One particular time I almost ate meat.  I was eating at a local pizza place with one of my best friends,  She is so good at ordering things without meat when I'm around.  Not because of me really, but rather because she's not a meat fan herself.  We both ordered a starter Caesar salad (anchovy free dressing).  There I am shoveling ice burg lettuce into my mouth like a bunny rabbit who hasn't ate in 3 weeks.  Suddenly I stop in my tracks, I look at my friend in shock, dig out a random colored piece and hand it to her, "Is that bacon?" I ask confused as neither of us have ever known Caesar salad to contain bacon bits.  Again I did not eat pork previously to being vegetarian therefore never understood the bacon hype.  "It sure is bacon."  she confirmed... We both grabbed a menu to see if this particular restaurant adds it to be different.. It is not listed on the menu.  We both dig through out salads in case there is more.  She has no meat in her salad, meanwhile I pull a giant piece of ham out of mine.  We can't help but laugh hysterically.  I would be the one to get meat in my salad, we stop the waiter, he confirms they do not put meat in any salad except the ones listed.  We explain the situation and he offers me a knew one.  I kindly decline. 

Similar incidents have happened to me other places.  Something I ordered the other day had a big chunk of chicken in it.  Somehow it still throws me for a loop.  If I ate meat I'd probably enjoy it like when you get surprised with an onion ring in your french fries! SCORE! 

Those are my two biggest asked questions, that are worth answering.  Those, and is this forever? I can't really answer that, I would like for it to be forever, I feel so much healthier and happier, but there is no promise of forever. 

So here is to two more years as a happy healthy vegetarian!!

47 days a Vegan!

 

 

       Prior to being a full time vegetarian, I gave up meat for lent two years in a row, eventually vegetarianism just stuck!  Although I am not Catholic I like the idea of sacrificing something for lent.  As I am already a vegetarian, this year I opted to go vegan for the 47 days of lent, little did I know how much more of a sacrifice that would be!

 

Before starting this adventure, I toured around a vegan friendly grocery store in search of vegan options for the things I was already using, like coffee creamer.  I am a lover of cheese!  I attempted to try some vegan cheese... guys it was not good, the texture was really off!  In fact I gave the cheese to a friend to attempt to feed to her 3 year old niece, I wish I had a fun story about how that went, however Grandma intercepted when she saw it in her fridge and threw it out!  I know I should have taken the vegan cheese label off!  I have been told nut cheeses are much better and would be open to trying one!  I did purchase some raw vegan protein powder, as I am a runner and wanted to double check my protein intake, although I probably didn't need it, it was delicious!

 

Life obviously can not stop due to my food choices, Google was my go to friend for this 47 days!  Its amazing to me how many animal products are in foods it has no business being in.  I attended a birthday dinner and luckily was able to order a salad with no cheese or croutons with vinaigrette, while everyone laughed including myself!  I have since been told I could order a bowl of lettuce and ask them to put all the veggies they have in it!    I am a wine drinker, thank you Grandma and Grandpa for teaching me to drink a glass of red wine for your health!  Most wines are NOT vegan!  I am just as shocked as you!  A lot of wines contain casein, an animal derived protein, however it is not the good kind of protein.  Too much animal protein such as casein is linked to many types of cancer, breast cancer being the most common.  The good news for wine drinkers, there IS such thing of vegan wine and they are delicious!  I even found a company in California that sells organic vegan wine and it IS amazing, they have several options!  Here is the link if you are interested: http://www.organicwinelounge.com/

 

I have always been told when you go vegan you have more energy.  I think it takes longer than 47 days for that to kick in.  I was tired at first, I felt depleted, that said, I am certain  it was just due to my body detoxing any animal proteins left in my body.  Had I pushed though the 47 days I would have been more energetic!  

 

Over all it was a wonderful experience, and I intend on doing it again next year!  Meat eaters can participate in what's called Meatless Mondays, which is a concept where they give up meat one day a week for a plethora of reasons.  Everyday is meatless for me, I have incorporated one day a week where I go vegan!  I love that this experience has opened my eyes to new things!  Who knows vegetarianism started this way for me, perhaps one day I will be standing in front of you a vegan!

I just felt like running!

   I just want to make it clear right off the bat, I am not a runner.... At least I wasn't a runner previously.  I was that kid in gym class that instead of running the mile I would walk it with a friend and we'd talk the whole time!  Yes!  I was the annoying one with the 25 minute mile and the whole class standing there starring at me waiting for me to get done! 

At the ripe age of 30 suddenly I decide to run a 5K, that in itself was a strange decision for me!  I have never been that athletic, I have had a few gym memberships in the past but was never very regular with it.  For some strange reason in the summer 2013 I kept thinking maybe I should join a gym and start working out, but for real this time!

I had gone through a severe depression back in the fall 2013 which I wrote about in another blog.  I was trying to conquer it without synthetic drugs, and everything I read said you should work out to release happy endorphins.  I finally got myself to a point where I decided to say YES to every invitation I was given schedule permitting!  One of my friends asked me to do a 5K in a tropical place, I would have 4 months to prepare so I figured why not and said yes!  I immediately got signed up for the gym as it was a bitter cold winter here, I freeze when it is 60 degrees let alone 16 so running outside was not an option!  I didn't even own a pair of running shoes, as I wear converse 92% of the time even with my dress pants and skirts, they just don't make good gym shoes.  Luckily someone gave me a pair, they tied me over until I was able to purchase my own!  I downloaded the couch to 5K app and went to running!

Working out really can get addicting!  It is an amazing feeling, and gives this incredible sense of accomplishment.   I'm not going to lie, it is an internal struggle for me to even get to the gym, and once I'm parked I sit in my car and contemplate going in for a minimum of 5 minutes each time.  I have never reversed out of the parking lot or regretted going in for that matter.  Once I'm in, I'm in and most of the time I give it my all!  I have heard about this "runners high"  unfortunately I have yet to feel it, but I will keep trying for it.

The tropical 5K fell through, so I signed up for a different 5k a month sooner here in the city.  It was a night time race in March with very unpredictable weather.  I had every excuse not to go, the 4 girls I invited to run with me all bailed the week before for various reasons.  I finally found one of my awesome fit friends to do it with me the night before the run.  The weather the night of the race was 26 degrees with precipitation.  In fact, it iced later on that night and we had a two day ice storm.  Anyhow we bundled up and made the best of it,  our bodies were so frozen I think we walked more than we ran, but the fact of the matter is we got out there and we did it!!

I recently participated in my second 5K with the same awesome friend!  Luckily for this one the weather was sunny and gorgeous, we jogged most of it even.  We finished and felt amazing, there is something so rewarding about finishing the whole thing!  My body was so sore the next day, but it was a good sore, what I would call battle wounds of accomplishment! 

The 5k association often takes action photos, I can't help but run them with a smile on my face every time!!  My next 5k is a month away and I am completely stoked!  Never in a million years did I ever think I would enjoy running unless it was to get away from an axe murderer or giant people eating gorilla, but I DO enjoy running, the happy endorphins and all the health benefits!! 

I challenge you to attempt a run even just once, you wont regret it!  Here's to running a 10K and maybe even a half marathon in my future!!