For this transformational Thursday talk, I want to tell you about my transformative weight loss.  I’m down 20 pounds since Jan and would have lost more if I was more diligent to a fitness routine (but more on that later).

In Dec of 2016, I decided after the Christmas overeating that I would go vegan.  I had been vegetarian over ten years ago for about two years so leaving the meat out wasn’t a big transition.  In Jan 2017 though, the huge transition came when I was invited to be part of a 30 Vegan Fitness challenge.  Hey no sweat, I could do this effortlessly…so I thought.  The caveat to the vegan fitness was no oil, no refined wheat, no sugar etc.

The wheat wasn’t an issue, nor the sugar except the 1 time I got a craving lol and then made some no bake cookies from oats, raisins, peanut butter and agave.  The other sweet tooth cravings were satisfied with “nice” cream made from frozen bananas.  But oh, the difficult part that brought me to my knees was giving up the oil because I just didn’t want food saute’d in water lol.

Fast forward within 3 weeks I saw 8 pounds gone, more energy, and a new appreciation for life and myself.  I stuck with it and at the end of the challenge I had shed 13 pounds.

I kept going with it, eating food saute’d in oil every now and then and noticed the effect it would have on my energy and body.  I felt tired and bloated.  Everytime I choose to eat something that is a no-no due to convenience or social reasons, I end up feeling blah.

That is not who God created me to be.  The word tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  The word also tells us that we can have the abundant life and let plants be our medicine. I want to live the best life possible and be in good health so I have started exercising again which I will maximize during this 5 week summer break from teaching.  Also I have recommitted to eating healthier vegan options again because for a minute there I easily went down the unhealthy vegan trail.

My message to you tonight is that you don’t have to be vegan in order to get fit, but it is what I chose.   And it works for me.  In whatever you do in life in an area where your want transformation, find what works for you.  I pray you God’s best for your life.