It has been a month and a half since I started this plant-based diet experiment and I am surprised to say that I am still going strong. The process has been easier than I thought. It does take a bit more work to prepare and cook the food I need, but I usually spend Sunday afternoons making large batches of my go-to dishes that last me the entire week. Those dishes are mainly veggie chili with quinoa and rice & beans. My wife usually picks a couple “buddha bowls” from the Balasia stand at the Emmaus Farmers Market which are usually some rice, lentils and some other tasty foods. They are really good. I have deviated a couple times while dining out, such as having cheese on a Margherita Pizza at California Pizza Kitchen and Shrimp with Coconut Shrimp Curry at Bonefish Grill, but other than that I have been in line. It sometimes simplifies ordering when dining out since most places only offer one or two items that are vegan or vegetarian. Most of the time I opt for just cooking myself.
Vital Signs…
The main signs that this diet change is making a positive difference is in my blood pressure and weight management. I actually stopped counting calories and am still gradually losing weight. It appears that my weight is naturally stabilizing itself. I would like to record my calories for a couple days just to see what it looks like, but haven’t had a chance to. Blood pressure too has also dropped down to more healthy levels which makes it all worth it.
How I Feel…
So the eating is going well and there are surely medical-related signs that eating this way is making a difference, but how do I feel? I really thought I would be extremely tired and my performance would be substandard, especially as I get into the heart of my triathlon season training. Quite the opposite has occurred. I am feeling very better than I ever. Recovery time seems to be lessened. My training this year has been increased to include more speed/quality work and I am able to bounce back day-after-day to perform high intensity workouts. At this point, I really have no desire to go back to my old diet. After all if it is working why change it?
