As we are slowly coming to the end of the contest or the beginning of a new lifestyle? Has this twenty-two-day challenge gotten the best of me? Well, today is day twenty-four.

I saw the picture below at a restaurant :)

Remember that book?

I am still reading the Proteinaholic book written by Carth Davis. I was hoping to finish reading by the end of this week, but work doesn't allow for much reading time. I am, however, learning that doctors go to school to understand medicine, not treat people to heal them. Also, we can eat meat. If you don't want to live a long healthy life, but everyone has a choice to choose health and yummy food.

I am shocked at the amount of information about the various diets out there. Granted they all work short term. Most people gain the weight back, but everyone tries it. I wish I grew up with more vegan or health conscious family friends to guide my parents. They did really well feeding us rice, beans, and veggies. They failed to see that it was the overconsumption of meant that caused the family to struggle with weight.

So, now what, you're vegan for life?

Momma always said anything too extreme isn't healthy.

Happy Birthday JADE!

It's become a habit now to choose items without animal products. I wish I could say, I feel great, my skin, and my hair is glowing. Truth is my skin isn't great. My hair needs work and I think I drink too much coffee. Which might be the reason for the skin issues. However, I am grateful I no longer have to take pictures of my food. I was the worst at that.

I am also shocked at the lack of veggie options in places in general. I sometimes wonder, what if they recalled all the animal products one day? How great would the options improve! What if we empowered farmers to plant, harvest, and allow the land to breathe as the seasons lead? What if the price of meat was to increase in order to prevent people from over-consuming it? What if you accepted the challenge and went vegan for twenty-two days?

But, you love raw food!

I do miss fish a lot. Sushi isn't the same without cream cheese. I wonder how great a vegan equivalent would be?

Finding your favorite foods is the new challenge. The naysayers were silent for a bit, but they’re back. People are always soo shocked when they hear you've stopped eating meat and cheese. Especially, if it's not temporarily like most Monday diets, especially when they think of ALL the foods you can't eat, especially when they were just like you before you changed. I have no idea how long this will last. I really do enjoy being vegan. I enjoyed the challenge of finding foods that are colorful. I haven't worked out much, but I'm excited to see how much lighter I feel.

What about Europe?

As I mentioned last week: I remind myself why I took one this challenge. First, I wanted to do this challenge to help boost my fundraiser efforts. I am blogging my way to Europe and the SBD prize is exactly what I need to get there. Secondly, I want to live a healthier lifestyle. Whenever I take on a health challenge I commit to it 100%. Only if I will revert back to my old ways after the challenge ends. Also, if I slowly dive in with the mindset that this is a long-term commitment then I give myself more grace. With this challenge, I really want to prep myself to eat less animal product and processed foods.

The toughest part about being a vegan is what isn't changing your diet; it's what's between your ears. You determine what you will achieve or not. You physically control what you consume every day. I've decided that holding on to a vegan diet is beneficial to my short-term and long-term health. Do I want to live until I'm 1000, probably not? Do I want my heart to keep up with me when I am 80, absolutely?

I used to plan every outing based on what and where we were going to eat. Now more than ever this is true! Maybe, I'll miss out on a few treats while in London and France. Maybe, I'll find a great alternative. Just maybe, I won't miss out at all and enjoy the food, the culture, and the friends all the more. Being vegan isn't the same as being allergic to milk, but it does have the same benefits of avoiding those types of food. Everything in moderation.

That's been my journey on this challenge. I entered for the money and I am leaving with so much more. You were right choo and heart-to-heart. Living this life is pretty amazing! Best of luck to all the other contestants, I hope you are all feeling amazing! Below are my meals for the week.

THE MEALS

Breakfast & Dinner

Is it possible to have too much almond milk? I think I need to cut it down some and coffee too. I thought once a day would be a good amount, but I think I need to cut it down to a once or twice a week.

Dinner & Lunch!

The Brazilian culture thrive on meat and are terrible salad makers. However, this bean soup was pretty good. This mini salad came with the fried shrimp.