February 28, 2012

Spring Health and Beauty Goals.

Since the new year, I’ve cut artificial sweeteners, soda, dairy, meat and most white sugars out of my diet.  It’s been a daily journey figuring out how my best, most healthy self is supposed to feel, but it’s been a great experience so far.

The meat and dairy thing sort of makes me the “v-word,” which feels odd.  I used to think vegans were tree-hugging, animal-loving hippies, but now I wonder if that’s a bad thing.  I’ve been reading some awesome books like The Kind Diet and Skinny Bitch, and I feel like, for the first time in my life, I’m really learning about the importance of what I put into my body.

I feel sad for the animals who are killed or abused to produce meat and dairy, but my decision was based more on just how gross meat and dairy are if you truly think about it.  Decaying flesh?  Another animal’s breast milk?  Eek.

I had suspected for some time that I had a sensitivity to dairy, and so I decided to cut it out of my diet for two weeks.  When I started cutting it out, I also started reading and researching, and although I was supposed to reintroduce dairy into my diet after the two weeks, I have absolutely no desire to.

I.  Feel.  Amazing. 

Better than I’ve felt in a long time.  I have energy.  I’m not bloated.  And a friend came over for a play date this afternoon and asked me why I was glowing!  Glowing!  (I had to assure her, in fact, that I am under no circumstances preggers.)

This is a new journey for me, and I’m learning every single day about the vegan lifestyle.  I’m not sure how much of it is a permanent change – but I feel amazing and I’m taking it day-by-day and enjoying some yummy food in the process!

e2f896730778a5f5802429adb220e35b_280890_lrg

My newfound energy has me making all kinds of plans for spring.  I plan to pick up more sewing and crafting, and have even been inspired by a friend to make jewelry.  I saw necklaces made from wooden beads and old t-shirts on Etsy and fell in love.  I was surprised at how easy of a DIY project it was!

6f432e0131b35018d6bb4e5b54541515_369521_thm

I’ve also been debating chopping all of my hair off.  I haven’t had a major hair cut since before I was pregnant with Kennedy, and my hair is crazy-long.  I have a love-hate relationship with it, but I think I’ll end up keeping it because I’m always getting inspired by blogs like The Paper Mama to try new things with it – like this braided up-do.

a224772e8d67fc1de86784ef470e58af_221572_lrg

I also recently made the decision to get an IUD (sorry if that’s TMI) because the pill was making me feel lousy.  This change has made my skin go a little bonkers – so I have been exploring new skin-care techniques, face masques, toners, etc.  I love a good skin peel, and am long overdue for one, so I’m planning a review of Skin-Peel.com’s new Jessner peel.

Jessner peels include Salicylic and Lactic Acids, as well as Resorcinol – and claim that they will rejuvenate skin and stimulate new cell growth.  Goodbye, icky winter skin – Hello, spring beauty!

Stay tuned for more posts about all things vegan, crafty, and beauty-related!

Happy almost spring!

3 comments:

April E. :) said...

I am proud of you TT...and glad you are finding your YOU :D

April E. :) said...

I am proud of you TT...and glad that you are finding your YOU! :D

Charm City Kim said...

My hair had been getting out of control and I also found myself trying out some new 'dos I found through Pinterest (and interestingly, they usually linked to The Paper Mama!).

And I'm happy that you're pinning a bunch of vegan recipes. It gives me some new things to try!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...