Change for the Better.

The theme of this blog is Vegan & Verdure, which I define as the health and vigor achieved while eating a plant-based diet.  I feel that so far I have done a very good job of showing the health aspect, but I have not mentioned the vigor aspect yet.  Well, that is all about to change because I feel pretty vigorous right now!

Here are just a few exciting highlights from my personal experiences while eating a vegan diet!

Since changing my eating habits:

I have lost 15 lbs.

I have run faster. (I ran a 5k on Saturday and it was less than challenging. Time to up the distance… half-marathon anyone?)

I have learned [and am still learning] how to cook.

I have become more informed.

I have learned how to love and respect my body.

I have learned how it feels to be judged and how to show love despite that because, well, now I know how it feels to be judged.

In this moment, I am the healthiest and happiest that I have ever been in my life.

What could possibly be more exciting than that? Well, knowing that I can keep pushing myself to learn more, eat more, run faster, and live longer.

Whoever thinks being vegan is boring, stupid, tasteless, and weird needs to do some serious re-evaluation because I absolutely LOVE my life and thank God everyday for the health that He has given me!

Vegan Diet Helped Prisoners

This article was very encouraging!

It is about how a prison in California created a program called NewStart in which prisoners were offered a vegan diet along with Bible studies, anger management, and job training.

The prisoners who participated in NewStart experienced very positive changes in how they felt physically, mentally, and spiritually.

This only goes to show how important it is to eat a healthy diet, because what you eat affects every cell of your body!

Read the article Here

A little something called pH

pH levels.
Isn't that something that I vaguely remember from high school chemistry class?
Well, yes. And as it turns out, it is something that you should pay more attention to.

pH (or potential Hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity and alkalinity of a solution.[Source: Simply-Hydroponics.com]
Ok, so why is that important?

Our bodies are controlled by their pH levels.  The range of pH levels are from 1 (the most acidic) to 14 (the most alkaline) with 7 as neutral. An acidic blood pH level will lead to fatigue, excessive weight, heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The body's ideal pH is 7.35, which is on the alkaline side of neutral (Thrive, Pg. 47).

[Click photo for source]

Did you know that cancer cannot live in an alkaline environment? There is a cure for cancer. It is called eating an alkaline forming diet (which is plant-based).

Today's North American diet consists of fast food, pre-cooked meals, and processed foods that all lead to a very acidic blood pH level.  No wonder everyone is so tired, overweight, and dying from heart disease and cancer.

These problems can be fixed by simply eating the right foods!

Here is a small list of alkaline forming foods:

• Avocados
• Bananas
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Celery
• Lemon
• Mangos
• Mixed greens
• Onion
• Parsley
• Peas
• Sweet Potatoes

Some of these foods, such as lemons and apples, are considered acidic, but once they are consumed then they become alkaline forming.
 (Thrive, Pg. 49-52)

... the list goes on.

So how do I figure out what my body's pH level is?

Well, you use little test strips that look like this:

You simply put a piece of the strip on your tongue and watch as it changes color.  Then match the color to the pH scale that comes with the pack.  You can buy them at places such as Walmart, you local health food store, or even on amazon.com.
Here is a link to some test strips on amazon: Phinex Diagnostic pH Test Strips.

Be informed. And eat your fruits and vegetables!

Thrive

      I recently started reading the book Thrive by Brenden Brazier.  It is about his journey to optimal performance as a professional iron-man triathlete.  Guess what gets him there? A nutrient rich, plant-based diet.

Expect good things from in the next few days as I post recipes and health tips inspired by Thrive!