I cannot believe it has been 78 days since I last had a product that came from an animal. When I think about it, 78 days is a lot of days, but it does not seem that long despite the multiple holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) I endured without animal products.

I assume it does not seem that long ago since I last had an animal product because it has been easier than I anticipated. Yes, the first few weeks were tough, but I owe that mainly to the lack of variety in my food choices. Beans were getting old fast. As I have progressed in this diet I have a better understanding of what I can and cannot eat. I am able to find or make viable substitutes for some of the foods I used to eat on a regular basis that I thought I was going to have to give up for good. Sometimes these substitutes are terrible, sometimes comparable and believe it or not, sometimes better. I have also found foods that I never thought I would eat becoming a regular part of my diet.

The most important question for me is how has this diet impacted my health and daily life? I have not had any blood work done so I cannot say with certainty how it has impacted my cholesterol, glucose, etc. I would venture to guess that it has been beneficial. My weight has decreased by about 7 pounds, my resting heart rate is down by about 5 beats and my energy levels are increased. The amount of sleep I need has definitely lessened as well.

Has this diet been worth it and will I continue? For both questions the answer is “yes.” I think the most important aspect, however, has been the sharp decrease in my consumption of processed foods and sugars. I am not against including meats in my diet, but personally have no compelling reason at this time to add meat products back in to my diet.