So this year is all about GROWTH and CHANGE. I have adapted so many habits into my life in order to make my lifestyle the healthiest it has ever been both physically and mentally. I wanted to share a few of the habits that have completely changed my life.
I have many more that have shaped my life in one way or another, but I was able to take the list down to my top 5 habits! I hope you enjoy!
Many studies prove that following a vegan diet can dramatically decrease your chances of getting cancer. In one well-known study, blood samples were taken from women with breast cancer, who were then asked to try a plant-based diet for two weeks. After the fourteen days, the women’s blood was taken again. The results showed that the vegan blood had nearly eight times the stopping power when it comes to cell cancer growth, as compared with blood taken from people who follow a Standard American Diet.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US. The Cancer Society estimates that in 2019, there will be an estimated 1,762,450 new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,880 cancer deaths in the United States.) This scares the you know what out of me- so if eating a diet in plants minimizes the risk of developing cancer… count me in.
Many studies have replicated these results. The crazy thing is that a diet high in fruits has actually been shown to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. This was surprising for me because all we hear is “Fruit will make you fat.” Now, I know that isn’t true, but I really want to de-bunk this for sure. I will be doing lots of research on this and will let you know what I find.
Look, I’m not one to push this part of the lifestyle, but the reality is eating a whole food plant based diet will result in a lower body fat percentage. In fact, those who follow a vegan diet are on average 20 lbs lighter than those who consume meat, dairy, and eggs.
1 in 4 Americans have high blood pressure, and only about 50% of those with high blood pressure have it under control. A vegan diet, greatly decreases the risk of hypertension and high blood pressure by 33-75%.
High cholesterol levels lead to coronary heart disease and in some cases death. Consuming meat, dairy, and eggs results in 25% higher cholesterol levels than a diet in plant based foods.
70% of the antibiotics used in the US are used in the animal agriculture industry. Antibiotics are fed to farmed animals to offset the disease risks posed by overcrowding, stressful conditions, early weaning and maximising production. These are given regardless of whether the animal is infected or not. Greater use of antibiotics in modern animal farming raises the risk of antibiotic resistance, meaning increasing antibiotic failure for human diseases.
Just, no bueno.
Continue reading “15 Reasons you Should Try a Vegan Diet in 2019”
I once loved eggs. They were a huge staple in my diet. Even now I can think of my favorite dishes that involved eggs. Even when I was considering going vegan, eggs were the one thing I struggled to let go. Once my values and priorities changed, cutting out eggs became not only easy, but necessary. This isn’t a post meant to sway anyone to a vegan diet. I just want to start sharing my take on food and nutrition, as I am sharing so much of my lifestyle here and on my other channels.
Even if you decide to keep eggs and simply cut down your egg intake you will be lowering your risk for heart disease, obesity, and various other health problems tremendously : ]
So without further ado, here are the reasons I no longer consume eggs:
Getting enough protein seems to be everyone’s biggest concern- No matter the diet you follow. Even those who consume meat at every meal will supplement with protein powders.
When I went vegan, I kept seeing all of these posts about vegan protein deficiencies, and how there is no way that being vegan will give you enough protein. I’ll admit… I bought into it a little bit. Suddenly, every single symptom I experienced while transitioning was blamed on not getting enough dang protein.
After stressing about my muscles eating themselves to survive for a week I decided to do some research. I believed that there was just no way that protein did not exist in plant-based whole foods.
Here is everything I learned…
Hey Guys,
It’s been a minute. I recently started at a new job, which has taken some time, and I have been putting a lot of focus into my other platforms, but I’m here (for good!)
I have been planning and working on vegan yummies for you all, and I can’t wait to share everything with you!
I have so much planned for this blog and my other platforms. I plan to incorporate more fitness, health, and nutrition – so stay tuned because this will all be starting very soon! (like this week soon)
So to kick this all off I have 2 “dessert” recipes for you!
Hey guys,
I have been known to work extra protein into my meals. One of my favorite recipes is this homemade granola, and I have now tweaked it to include extra protein!
This granola is cheap, easy to make, and full of a variety of foods. This would be a great addition to your weekly meal prep as you can add it to so many different meals.
1.5 c lentils (cooked)
2 c rolled oats
1/2 c raw almonds
1/2 c raw pecans
1 c unsweetened coconut
1/4 c chia seeds
3 tbs maple syrup
1/4 c melted coconut oil
Steps:
I hope you guys give it a go! Feel free to add any nuts or seeds of your choice!
All the best,
Hey guys,
If you know anything about me at all then you know that I love living a healthy lifestyle. I am constantly infusing my life with healthy habits and routines that can improve how I feel both on the inside and the outside.
Each year, I create health focused goals in three different categories.
These three categories combined create my healthy lifestyle. I made a lot of goals this year regarding my health. I feel like 2018 brought so much growth, but it also kicked my ass. I went through a lot emotionally and physically. I want to be better this year.
So, how do I ensure that I don’t get overwhelmed and quit? How do I make these goals last?
Continue reading “How to Stick to Healthy Goals and Resolutions”
Hey Guys,
Happy 2019! I can’t believe another year has already come and gone, but I know this year will be our best yet.
With each new year- comes goals and resolutions. One of the most common goals of the new year is to eat healthier, and I know many people will be trying plant-based eating. According to a survey completed in the UK, it is expected that 3 million people will be going vegan this year.
There is no denying that the plant-based trend is growing. Between the new brands and products on store shelves, the continued increase in obesity, heart diseases, and cancer, and the research that is being published regarding the state of our environment – more and more people are considering transitioning to this lifestyle. Luckily, it’s easier now more than ever.
I wanted to make it ever easier…
As a counselor, the biggest question I get asked is, “How do I find my purpose?” This is always such a hard question to answer, because our purpose ultimately comes from what we take away from our experiences and aspirations, and is incredibly personal. Plus, I too struggle with defining my purpose and with finding ways to remain truthful to it.
The truth is, finding your true purpose is just step one of the process. You then have to create goals that define your focus, create an intentional routine that will help you achieve these goals, and then continuously check-in with yourself to make sure you are aligned with your goals and purpose. A lot of us (myself included) get really caught up in creating goals and placing focus on the wrong things.
Let me explain.
Four years ago, I was a senior in undergrad studying medicine and biology. I was part of a sorority, had a position of leadership in a couple clubs, and had a pretty great social life. However, I was completely and utterly detached from myself. There were many times where I would be in tears wondering how I felt so alone, unhappy, and unlike myself. When a problem would occur, I would ask myself, “What would Taylor do?” just constantly trying to get back in touch with the girl I once was.
My purpose in life has always been to help others. I have felt this since I was just a gal in diapers. However, as I got older my why had become clouded with wants and desires. This caused me to create goals that weren’t truly aligned with my purpose, and were more about pleasing others and my superficial self rather than focusing on what I actually wanted just for me.
For instance, I had zero interest in being a doctor. I just knew that doctors made a lot of money, and I would be financially taken care of. Also, no hate on the people in my life at this time, but I was surrounding myself with people who were not at all aligned with who I was. I kept them close simply to check the box of having a social life. I was only going after outward goals.
Hey guys,
One thing you absolutely have to know about me is that I’m obsessed with the holidays! Getting together with family, the decorations, the beautiful weather, and let’s not forget the movies that leave you feeling oh so fuzzy. However, there is something about the holidays that a lot of people don’t like to talk about. Burn out.
My admiration of the holidays usually results in me feeling a little more stressed out than usual. I mean, during the holidays we are; socializing more, spending more, eating more, doing more, and sleeping less. For a people pleasing introvert like myself- that can be a lot.
What usually happens is I am in busy bee mode for three months straight without taking any time to take care of myself. I usually end up with a cold, and a messy apartment as soon as New Year’s rolls around.
I wanted to compile a list of self-care practices that we can all do this holiday season. Whether you are like me, or if you just want new ways to take extra care of yourself, try to take advantage of at least one of these self-care tips.
I have also created a self-care guide that can help you with quick ideas for self-care, learning what types of self-care work best for you, and the situations that may result in you needing some self-care.
