Never in a million years had I pictured myself becoming a vegetarian. I loved dairy and meat, cheese was my favorite!! Growing up I used to say I was allergic to all vegetables just so I wouldn't have to eat them. Anything that was smothered in ranch, chips, chocolates, soda, you name it I loved it. In 2013 I ran into an old acquaintance from high school and we somehow got on the topic of America's food industry. I learned he was a vegan and had been for a few years. He told me about his skin changing and how much better he felt since cutting dairy and other processed foods out of his diet. This to me was mind blowing and I had to see what he was talking about.
I slowly started to cut cheese, meat, and other processed foods out of my life. I replaced them with salads and more water. I stopped going out as much and if I consumed alcohol I would have Bacardi Limon and water with lemon. The next six months would be life changing. I cut some not so good for me people out of my life and decided to adventure to Montana and live with my sister for 3 months. I kept up with being vegetarian but would still indulge in a few not so good for you things here and there. When I returned home from Montana none of my clothes fit. I was wearing a size 5 jeans and suddenly was fitting into my size 2 jeans that I wore back in high school all because I was eating more green and less bullshit. I remember looking at pictures from a few months prior and literally seeing the difference in my face. This felt amazing, I was proud of myself.
Four years later I am still vegetarian, mostly vegan but really who puts a label on things. I eat what taste good to me and what makes me feel great. Sometimes I do get burnt out on salads but there really are so many different vegetarian combinations the possibilities seem endless. The benefits that come with healthy eating are amazing but looking into the food industry alone should make you want to eat a plant for dinner. I'm not saying cut everything out, I do believe " everything in moderation" is key to a healthy lifestyle. Down below are a few of my favorite salads! ( the list could go on and on) The best part is all salads are pretty quick to be prepared and taste delicious!!
1.) Mango Salad
Cucumber, Celery, Red Onion, Red & Green Peppers, Tomatoes, Mango, Almonds, Dates, Raisins ( portion to as much or as little as you want)
Dressing: Pure Maple Syrup & Apple Cider Vinegar ( as sweet or bitter as you like)
2.) Sweet Apple Spinach Salad
Spinach, Apples, Cranberries, Walnuts, Avocado
Dressing : Agave or Maple syrup
3.) Veggie Burger Salad
Spinach, Veggie Burger, Onion, Tomato , Avocado
Dressing : Honey Mustard
Remember you can always switch something out. If you don't like onions maybe pick a different veggie or skip it all together. If you love Avocado add as much as you want it's totally up to you! I love to add pecans, walnuts, almonds, and peanuts to my salads. It adds a different crunch flavor every time and this way you don't get burnt out on eating the same thing. Small steps to a healthier you :)
Here I have linked the Superfood Cookbook from Amazon, this book is full of delicious vegetarian options. Clink the link below and have to shipped right to your doorstep. Another small step towards a healthier you!
