The key for me is education. I'm a month or so into it. I did research before I began and I visit vegan sites daily. There also plenty of books on Amazon or at the local library. It's easy to follow, but much thought must be put into it if you want to do it healthfully. The same is true of any diet or eating habit.  Actually, I consume a lot less junk food now and more substantial food that my body can use for clean energy. Meal planning has never been a priority for me. I've never been one of those who could sit down on Sunday evening and script out what I will eat every meal for a week. Sparkpeople.com is a great site for those who do prefer planning as you can plug in preferences (only problem is it accounts for vegetarianism, but not veganism...however the only issue is the inclusion of dairy as you can opt out of eggs.) I'm using it as a tool for now to track my nutrition content to ensure I get enough iron, calcium, protein before I stand on my own two legs. I eat plenty of spinach, kale, quinoa, carrots, berries, beans, etc.. I take an iron supplement twice per day and a multi-antoxidant rich in the B-vitamins. I feel equipped and confident with no thoughts of meat and no feeling that I'm missing something. Meal time is rich, colorful, and flavorful.

Book I've found helpful this week: The Kind Diet
Website I've bookmarked: Eco-vegan gal

I made the transition from vegetarian to vegan again and finally as I've made a committed toss out of all clothing, shoes, cosmetics, cleansers, and of course consumable products.  I've committed to veganism like a marriage. I have no desire to stray. I have found some great spots for food on the go. Chipotle, Panera Bread, etc. a lot of restaurants have vegan options...my past attempts involved bringing my food in glass containers everywhere I went  which set me up for the fail.
I skimmed through Alicia Silverstone's "The Kind Diet." It's a great read. There are so many relevant books on the subject written in the past few years, if you're interested in making the journey it's a good time to start.
Are there any new vegans or vegetarians out there or have you been flirting with the idea? Let's do this together. If any senior veganistas want help mentor, that would be great. You can either make a new post or reply to this one. 

I'm considering some hair conditioner that has neem oil in it.  While I could make my own hair conditioner, I'm an eco consumer who shops to applaud companies for availing us to cleaner options. That being said has anyone had an experience with neem?  I'd never heard of it.

Johnson & Johnson Recalls Children's Tylenol and Motrin

Posted by Dr. Mercola | May 13 2010 | 11,730 views

Each year Americans buy about 5 billion over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the hopes of treating routine medical problems. Many believe OTC drugs do not pose the same risks as prescription drugs and are completely safe to use, as they are so readily available.

Unfortunately, the ease with which OTC drugs can be obtained presents a false sense of security. As with all drugs, OTC drugs are simply covering up symptoms and are not addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms. Further, even though they’re available without a prescription, they are still drugs, and many contain powerful ingredients. Take a look at the following misconceptions that are floating around to get an idea of the potential risks of relying on OTC drugs, and check out my Total Health Program to learn how to prevent many of the illnesses that drive you to use these drugs in the first place.

( Read more...Collapse )Dr. Mercola is the founder of the world’s most visited natural health web site, Mercola.com. You can learn the hazardous side effects of OTC Remedies by getting a FREE copy of his latest special report The Dangers of Over the Counter Remedies by going to his Report Page.

I'm eating food in as close to natural state as possible.  Drinking water, green tea, or green juice only. My supplements are whole food derived so let's see how I feel at the end of this week. Any takers?

I am near the finish line ofWhole Food's 365 Everyday Value Complete Body Cleanse. It's a 14 day three part detox.  I actually took a week off from it only to not have that serious urge for two weeks straight, you know what I mean. 
I lost five pounds the first week.  I took the break and haven't been able to weigh myself again.  I don't own a scale as no good was coming from knowing that it won't budge for me. My coworkers noticed a marked difference, though.  So, that being said.  It helped with regularity even for the week I didn't take it.  I went vegan during the time period, eating as raw as possible.  I hope to stick with it.  I think it's a great jumpstart.  As far as having more energy, better sleep, mental clarity, etc. as it claimed, I still found myself relying on Brain Toniq and green tea far too much to notice those changes.
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Hope everyone spreads love and goodness today! The best detox.

I live a well-rounded organic life.  I vote with my dollar shopping only for products that contribute and foster to ecological conservationism. I buy local, organic produce.  I recycle, reuse, etc. Everything is green about me except for what lurks in my cosmetics closet.  I'm transitioning one bit at a time, it's been a long, vengeful change.  Mainly, my Coco Mademoiselle.  It's liquid poison, I know it.  You know it.  Hello, my name is Lovey and I'm a cosmoholic.
So this day.  I switch to pure essential fragrant oils.
Tell me I'm not the only one out there clinging to some vile remnant.

 I have heard about it for years, but I did not buy into the hoopla.  Now that I'm on my second vat , here's what I've noticed:  Instantly hydrated skin. Minimized lines and wrinkles all over the body, especially the undereye area.  My legs look like an 18 year old's again.  Discoloration fading away. No ingrown hairs after shaving. Tired feet?  I massage a bit of this in and I feel refreshed.  Weird little panacea.  

If you try it, make sure it comes from a fair trade source.