Well, it's been one week my friends. One week of really clean, vegetable based eating. I have to say, it's been really good! Top Craving: Coffee - specifically for soy lattes. Solution: I had two decaf lattes this weekend. I do miss the little jolt of energy I get from coffee - but I don't miss the cravings that accompany it, the mood swings, or the tiredness factor that follows. Trust me when I say that I don't need any extra help with feeling tired and moody! The smoothie pictured was my lunch yesterday. In the (Vita)mix: -2 cups spinach -1/2 cucumber -1apple - 1 pear -1scoop greens -1cup water.For dinner last night I rolled portabella mushrooms in pine nuts and seasonings I threw in the food processor - YUM! 
I also threw together some chickpeas with chopped veggies and balsamic vinegar - I was trying to make it a Mediterranean theme. One of the other benefits I noticed this week is how much more creative I feel with meals. It's so good to see all of the color on my plate! One very simple way to see if you're eating balanced meals, is to check out the colors on your plate. Think about processed and fast foods - they are often one or two colors. It really all looks the same - but when you are eating a balanced, plant based diet, it is a rainbow of color! 
I can't take credit for these tasty creatures - but they are simply; nuts and honey. They are actually called Raweos; Chai Flavor. I think I could make something better on my own, buy they won't look this cool... Week One Summary: ~My clothes are looser, ~my skin isn't itching(I was seriously itchy the past month) ~my moods aren't as up and down, ~I feel more energized,~ motivated, ~and hopeful, ~and my cravings(other than for coffee) were barely even noticeable! I feared that I would be out of control with cravings, but I have felt satisfied and content! I had a brief moment yesterday when I wanted to step on the scale, but I did not. I am weighing in once per month. If I had stepped on the scale and not seen a big loss, or somehow had a gain, I would feel all freaked out, defeated, and hopeless. The scale still has too much power over how I feel about my health - and I don't want to give all of the good things I'm feeling away because of a number. It can be a useful measure, but for me - it is not necessary to weigh weekly right now.
I am off to enjoy a sunny Sunday with my BFF(Mr. Ball). What are your Sunday plans?
