Going plant based is a process... we had a slow start but it's getting so much easier!

I never thought I'd see the day when we would head to a vegan restaurant with the kids and everybody would order something, and actually EAT it. When all of this change in eating started, all I would've heard were groans when we pulled up to the place. Open minds were pervading on Saturday when we showed up in Hermosa Beach after a soccer game and all ordered a vegan dish at The Source on Hermosa Ave (love this place!!! Lots of veg options). My oldest looked at the menu and asked to girl to try the quinoa kale salad before he ordered it. I swear, I almost passed out. I think I did pass out when he actually ordered it, then ate the whole thing. He was eating it, and looked up at me and I guess the look on my face said it all when he asked me, "Mom, you are not going to post this on Facebook are you?" Absolutely not, I will protect your anonymity kid! :)

Dunc dug into a huge kale salad and I had a wrap with lots of veggies and beans in it. JD was in breakfast mode so had a vegan muffin. Would not of been my first choice for him, but I try not to judge him since he's trying really hard now. One of his good friends fathers was recently diagnosed with cancer and saw what he considered to be the top three doctors for cancer in LA, and each one of these doctors put the man on a Plant based vegan diet. Somehow my reading incessantly, attending conferences, doing certification programs and plant-based nutrition we're not enough. These doctor's orders definitely sealed the deal for JD. Coming down to the plant-based nutrition conference in San Diego while I was there didn't hurt either. He came and saw several speakers with me and was definitely impressed by so many doctors congregating in the same place talking nutrition, specifically plant based nutrition. Was pretty powerful, and empowering. 

It has taken many baby steps to get where we are now and the boys and JD still aren't 100% plant-based. Just the effort of trying to get there has improved upon their nutrition beyond where I ever thought it would be. There are fruits vegetables and whole grains galore at  every meal and it actually what they dig into these first. I really like this Huff Post article about easing into plant-based eating. Starting your week with  meatless Mondays is also a great idea. Kids love alliteration (let's face it... who doesn't?) so it is a good place to start. There is a great Meatless Monday website that has lots of info on ways to start and some delish recipes as well. Many school districts in the country and all over the world have adopted Meatless Monday. If your school district hasn't, ask about it, and be careful that it doesn't turn into cheese filled Monday. Keep it plant based. 

The other school of thought is to just go for it. I thought the first 60 days were the most difficult. Switching gears is hard and there are times you feel lost not going back to those foods that you're used to eating. Here is a spot on link to a video on the website plant-based athlete. He goes over some really helpful tips of just going cold turkey and starting the plant-based diet. He talks about how you end up having to eat more food than you're used to want to plant-based diet. I can totally vouch for this. I definitely eat a lot more than I did before. Because I'm eating so many fruits, legumes, and healthy grains, beans, I need more food. Without eating more you will not get the right nutrition. 

My next blog will be about go-to's and how to find new ones. This is a crucial step in going plant based!!

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