I think the attached picture explains why I don't cheat, but I thought I would write about it anyway.
Back in 2011, I was over 350 pounds, having tried many different diet plans and feeling hopeless. I was addicted to unhealthy foods. I was eating fast food everyday, eating candy in huge quantities and not feeling very healthy.
I should listen to my own advice. As someone who got my certificate in personal training, I should know better. But the other day, I had a reminder of how important proper form is... I got back pain. Thankfully, it has since healed but it served as a good learning experience, but a painful one too.
I was actually doing upward rows, not the deadlift that so many people seem to injure their backs with. I was trying to hurry and I also was going a bit too heavy. Instead of slowing down and taking some weight off, I pushed myself and because it was too heavy, threw off my form. The result? I felt my muscle in my back pull. I knew it wasn't good but I felt alright the rest of the day. It wasn't until the next day that I noticed the pain.
Ever since I lost weight, my mission has always been about health. I studied nutritional studies online, read many books by Dr. Greger, Dr. Fuhrman, and Dr. Campbell, among others. Each author mentioned had a big impact on the healthy way I eat today and all deserve credit in helping me lose and keep off 150 pounds.
My obsession with nutrition has made me contemplate going back to school to study nutrition. I'm not sure I want to do this as I know I won't agree with some of the nutrition courses as many of them more than likely won't acknowledge the benefits of a plant based diet. I'm sure that some of them will be biased toward animal products. I don't want to make such an investment if I don't think I'll get much out of it.
I eat clean and have been whole food plant based for over 18 months now. I feel great, have lots of energy, etc. So what would I want to do a 7 day detox reset for?
I love a challenge and when Ian Myers mentioned the raw food 7 day reset when he interviewed me, I thought why not? I kept hearing from others how great they felt doing the challenge. Plus, I thought maybe it could help tighten my abs a little further.
There is no shortage of protein when eating completely raw. I find that aside from the energy I have, I'm able to workout just as hard as I have been, maybe even a little better!
The protein myths are still out there. Somebody asked me today about the protein, especially after being raw. Come on, where do you think animals get their protein from? Yes, when someone is plant based, they have to constantly defend or educate others on healthy eating.
