Feeling good, feeling great.

All the yes to this image right here! I'd be lying if I said I didn't get excited every time the number on the scale went down. Maybe it shouldn't be, but it's one of the ways I gage my success in this endeavor. However, It's becoming less and less important. I'm noticing changes in the shape of my body which is awesome, and I'm feeling great, which is even better! I have so much energy now that I actually look forward to burning some of it off with exercise! In fact, I've not only worked out every day, for the past three days, but I've also managed to get at least 10,000 steps each day too! This is pretty huge when you consider the fact that I used to average about 3,500 steps per day, and very rarely exercised. I'm blown away by how much better I feel simply from cutting out meat and dairy and eating more plant-based foods. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been easy, and I'm definitely not perfect. I might have had some bruschetta at a party tonight, the bread from which might or might not have been vegan. I couldn't tell you and neither could the party coordinators. Sometimes you just have to eat the bruschetta.

So yes, it's definitely difficult at times, especially when you're in a social setting. It can be difficult to stay the course when you're surrounded by non-vegans who silently judge you while eating their shrimp cocktail and cheese platter. It's difficult when you want to socialize but the socialization all seems to be happening around food that you can't eat. The one thing that has made this adventure easier has been surrounding myself with like-minded individuals. I'm lucky enough to have a couple of vegetarian friends who are awesome and a huge inspiration to me. They keep me sane. Yesterday I even attended a club meeting for vegetarians and vegans at the local university. Not only did I get to eat some amazing vegan cookies, but I also got to meet some pretty cool people who are in the same boat as me. It's just nice knowing that I'm not alone in this. There are people out there who have been where I am now, and who can remind me why I'm doing this. And the next time I want some questionable bruschetta, I'll remind myself that I'm doing this because the life I've gained, is so much more satisfying than the meat and cheese I've lost.

Savannah