It works. Period.

       Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Life has been pretty hectic lately! I want to dive right in to how this diet has affected my life...
       First off,shortly after my last entry, Jason and I took a trip with our little family up to visit his parents. I was planned with food on hand for the 12+ hour journey (travelling always take longer with kids), and felt so proud of myself! I had my little ice chest with all my legal foods, and was feeling pretty darn good about myself. Then we got to his parents. I quickly realized that I had not planned enough for the trip, nor did we have the funds to buy my grocery list of required items. Thus, the diet was on hold for a week. ---And this is where I learned that it actually works. Within about two days of being off my diet, I could no longer stand in the kitchen for long periods of time. My back would start hurting, my legs were aching - it was ridiculous! The aches and pains came back. When we got home, I got right back to eating my whole foods, plant based diet. Within about two days, I started getting some relief again.
      Seriously. This diet has become my prescription for pain. I have been doing AMAZINGLY well on this diet with not cheating - I mean, we're talking going without my milk chocolate for weeks. But occasionally, like last week, the craving comes for some chocolate - specifically the rich chocolates that a lady in my church makes (these are not your typical chocolates -- they will have you addicted). So I thought I'd allow myself just a few. Well, three the first night...three the second night...by day three, the aches and pains were starting to come back. So my beloved chocolates - you will have to be an occasional delicacy... a moment of silence while I weep...
      But seriously, I don't weep too hard. I have a life with a significantly reduced amount of pain!!! And what's more, -- more energy! I can't give a fair analysis on my energy levels though, since my little ones still wake me up multiple times throughout the night. I'm hoping that once they start sleeping through the night (which yes - I know could be a loooooooong time away), I will be able to notice an even more significant increase in energy.
      Bottom line - this is my life now. I don't feel like I'm missing out on other foods. I don't have crazy cravings like I use too (only occasionally a small craving for chocolate - which is better than the everyday craving for chocolate I use to have). What's more - food is no longer my enemy. I'm not constantly worried about calories and fat content. That sort of thing use to consume my life. I eat when I'm hungry, and I eat until I'm full. No guilt. This is how eating should be.
      I only wish I could help reach out to people who are struggling like I did. For years I have prayed for a way to get my life back and not be controlled by pain, and also, quite frankly, eating disorders. This diet works. Period.
      If you are looking for a way to find some balance in your life, please try a whole foods, plant based diet. Don't let little things like extra food preparation or having to give up your treasured foods hinder you. At least give it a chance. You will be glad you did.
     I'll end here for now. My next post is going to be medical based. I'm going to open up about the actual medical side-effects I have had since starting this diet. If that's not your cup of herbal tea, by all means - don't read it. Until then -
~Lindsay