I have been active my entire life. As long as I can remember I can hear my dad saying, "you better watch it or you're going to get the Mischke rear end". My cousin and I joke about this...and we run so we don't become the butt of the joke (pun intended). I've always been above average in height (I'm 5'10" and haven't grown since I was 14) so it was assumed I'd play sports. Luckily, I was coordinated and athletic enough to be a three sport athlete in high school. I played intramural sports throughout college but never thought about running as a sport. I thought those cross country people were crazy.
In 2007, one of my cousins asked me if I would be interested in running a half marathon. I said OK and off I went. I've learned a lot about running since then. I've also completed 10 half marathons, 1 ten mile, 1 Ragnar relay, 1 sprint triathlon, 2 marathons, and more 5Ks and 10Ks than I can count. I also bike, do yoga, and play volleyball (when I'm not a full time grad student).
Overall I feel that I have the exercise part of my life to where I want it to be. Now, I want to focus on the eating part of the equation.
This past summer I was invited to partake in a 40 day alcohol free challenge. I skipped the challenge last year because I wasn't interested. This year I thought, 'why not?'. I found that after a few weeks I didn't want beer or wine. I completed the challenge plus a few weeks before I had my first beer. It was OK. After having several more over the course of two weeks I decided to go alcohol free again for the remainder of the semester (early December). I feel clearer and find that I have more energy.
Next step: food!
I've thought about going vegetarian or vegan for several years but haven't shared this with ANYONE because I was afraid of what others would think. I grew up on a farm and consumed an excessive amount of dairy and meat. I've recently met some vegans who swear by their lifestyle choice. It IS a lifestyle choice. I've also been doing a lot of reading on the subject (more books from the library soon!). I'm already 95% dairy free (other than a little pizza cheese and half and half) as it disrupts my digestive system.
Reasons why I am hesitant:
- I like meat
- I really really like eggs
Things I assume:
- People will be weird about it
- Going out to eat will be a nightmare
- Eating with extended family will be difficult
- I will have cravings for meat
- This will be HARD!
My goal:
- Eat as close to the ground as I can
- Completely eliminate dairy (not sure why I haven't already)
- Completely eliminate meat
- Limit egg intake
- Limit processed foods
I feel that if I say I'm going vegan I'll feel painted into a corner. (Maybe I'll be there someday, but not right now). It is my goal to document this transition and share any other health info I come across.
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