My First Test

That's me blowing bubbles and my two beautiful granddaughters during our girl's day today. I love spending time with them. Taking care of myself has to be a priority if I want to be around to see them grow up! 

I had a girl's day today with my daughter and granddaughter. First, we made our vision boards together at The Optimist Store, then we went out to dinner at Applebee's. For as long as I can remember every time I went to Applebee's, I always got the Sample Platter appetizer that comes with nacho chips and warm spinach artichoke dip. The rest of the family would eat all the other things on the sample platter, but I always ate most of the spinach dip. For the main dish I would get tomato basil soup that is topped with croutons and shredded cheese. When my granddaughter ordered the sample platter, I silently said a prayer that I would be strong enough to stick with the steamed veggies that I ordered.

One of my first thoughts when I decided to stop eating processed foods and all animal products including dairy, cheese and eggs for at least the next seven months was what I would eat when I went to traditional restaurants with my family. Almost every restaurant has salads and baked potatoes, so I know I won't have to sit on my hands while everyone else eats, but it's the toppings that get you. What can I put on a salad or baked potato? Do I need to get used to eating it plain? Maybe mushrooms or salsa? I know, I have to make sure the mushrooms are not swimming in oil.

So, out comes the chips and dips platter. I normally scrape the sides of the spinach dip and could easily eat a second helping. Surprisingly, it wasn't hard to resist it at all. I just focused on the veggies nourishing my body with the nutrients I need to be healthy.

I am totally committed to this challenge I have set for myself to go seven months eating whole, unprocessed, plant-based food. I have a feeling this will be a permanent lifestyle for me, but I'm taking it one day at a time. First test passed with flying colors. Go me!

Now to find a vegan spinach artichoke dip. The recipe from Yup, It's Vegan looks yummy or maybe this one by The Official Hungry!