Yes. You read that correctly. VEGAN. If you’ve been following our Instagram stories (or mine), you know that I did an entire detox day at Heal Thyself Atlanta, about 5 weeks ago. I had been feeling pretty gross for a lengthy amount of time and decided to take a holistic approach to determine why. My detox day consisted of a deep tissue massage with Ms. Billie, a foot detox with Abbe, and my very first colon hydrotherapy session (colonic) with Lala. Literally a full day of discovery, grossness, and education—all of which I recapped on our Instagram stories and saved to our Detoxing highlight on our profile.
In conclusion, I decided the best way for me to begin healing my body was to commit to a plant-based diet and my darling Lala, the owner of Heal Thyself Atlanta, encouraged it. So, I did it cold turkey. Here are 5 reasons you should consider shifting to a plant-based lifestyle:
1. Minimize bloating.
My belly is bloat central—not just during my period. Before my new health journey, it didn’t matter what I ate, I always ended up looking like I was 6 months pregnant. Disgustingly enough, it was really backed up sh*t just sitting in my body that basically made my belly expand any time ate. So, food on top of waste. Yuck! Most adults have years—yes, f*cking years—of toxic waste lining their colon. The moment I started eating plant-based and getting weekly colonics with Lala, I would wake up and my stomach was on supa dupa flat-FLAT! I never feel stuffed, I never have the “itis,” and I have way more energy. BIG WINS!
2. Reduce inflammation.
Arthritis runs in my family. My Daddie had it, my Granny has it, and so do my Aunts. It never mattered what doctors and specialists prescribed my Dad, nothing ever improved his pain or swelling. Since the beginning of the year, the right side of my body has been throbbing, particularly from my neck to my wrist. I initially chopped it up to just being right-hand dominant, but when the swelling kicked in, I knew it had to be more than that. During my foot detox and colonic (they “read” both my water and my waste, but that’s another story), both Lala and Abbe said there was way too much inflammation present. Lala immediately said, “you need to eat vegan.” God, was she right. My pain and swelling aren’t gone completely, but they have reduced significantly.
3. Calm anxiety.
When I was still being my little lovely carnivorous self, my anxiety was on one thousand. Since committing to a plant-based diet, I definitely still get anxious, but it’s not nearly as frequent or intense as it used to be. My food has literally become my medicine, instead of the “drug” I’d run to for a temporary fix (hello, fried Oreos!). When we were in Miami last month, we dined at Organic Food Kings (100% vegan restaurant) and chopped it up with the owner and Miami-native, Alex. Alex shared his personal story about his struggle with anxiety and depression, and how veganism shifted that battle for him (he is literally the coolest, most hospitable restaurant owner I’ve ever met). Then he shared something with us that will stick with me for the rest of my life: Just like us, animals experience emotions and have anxiety. Then they are slaughtered in whatever emotional state they are in, and we consume them—their flesh and their emotions. My mind was blown, and Alex is no longer dealing with anxiety and depression. But based on my own experiment with food and anxiety, so far, it’s proven to be true. I cannot find the lie.
4. Improve sleep quality.
Food doesn’t exhaust me anymore. It used to make me feel heavy, overly tired, unbearably weighted. During my foot detox, Abbe pointed out that the water my feet were submerged in indicated that my body was not retaining enough water, nor the nutrients and minerals it needs for functionality to thrive. I was perplexed AF. All I drink is water. Like all day long! She asked do I get up to use the restroom frequently in the middle of the night. My answer was yes—three to five times a night. Way too much. Thankfully, this isn’t the case anymore. I may wake up once a night to urinate, and sometimes not at all. The more plants I consume, the more water my body retains, the lighter I feel after I eat and when I prepare to rest at night. I’ve been experiencing the best sleep of my adulthood, and I’m not willing to give that up. Not even for my darling bacon.
5. Develop a healthier relationship with food.
In my twenties, I was never an emotional eater. I was actually the complete opposite. If I was in my feelings, I was probably starving, too (not intentionally, of course). I had zero appetite, which is incredibly unhealthy, but I loved my dress size (funny, but NOT funny). My thirties are a completely different story. If I’m in my feelings, my stomach is (well, was) a literal endless pit for tacos and freshly baked goods. Mindful, plant-based eating has motivated me to develop a much healthier relationship with food. I no longer order Tiff’s Treats (even though they are bomb AF) every time I’m in distress. There are so many delicious vegan dessert options to satisfy my sweet tooth, but I hardly crave sweets any more. I’ve never been the person that wouldn’t die without dessert, but I’m glad I am now.
I don’t know if I’ll stay 100% vegan forever, but I love the way being plant-based is transforming my life and my body. I do know that if and when I decided to consume animal-based products again, it will be minimal—like a once-a-week or every 2 weeks type of thing. I encourage you to do what’s best for you, your body, your lifestyle, and the future you. Basically, do you boo-boo. DO YOU!
Consult a doctor and/or nutritionist before drastically altering your diet.
