On Trying A New Diet

As part of the kickoff of the New Year, we are trying a new diet.

The particular one we are following is provided by an organization called Forks Over Knives - in this case, a vegan meal plan.  It is on a trial basis:  we are doing the three month trial in which they provide weekly dinner plans and a shopping list.  You shop and cook.

I know what you are thinking:  vegan.  No, we have not gone vegan.  I am still regularly eating yogurt and cheese and eggs and may or may not even have had some breakfast bacon tacos last week.  But we decided that we were looking for something that incorporate more vegetables and less processed foods into our lives, and with diabetes and heart conditions on both sides, a little weight loss would not be inappropriate either.

Some observations after following the "program" for a week:

1)  Cooking takes a great deal longer, due to preparation time for the vegetables - all things are vegetables and start in their natural state, thus having to be cut, peeled, chopped. or otherwise processed.

2)  It makes a lot.  We have easily had enough to feed four people plus at least two leftover lunches or even an entirely second meal (in some cases, still with leftovers).

3)  Everything is pretty good.  Although I have not gone out of my way to avoid meet, I am kind of surprised how little I crave it (again, dairy and eggs - another story).

4)  Oddly enough, even though we have enough (and more so) every meal, I find myself either feeling very full or completely hungry.  Not sure what is going on.

Other physical outcomes?  Not really sure I can comment yet. My weight, at least, has remained about the same.  I am certainly less hungry more of the time and find myself eating more out of habit than out of an actual need for food.

It has at least been an interesting experiment so far - and a good reminder that change, sometimes even drastic change, can be a good thing.