Those of you who know me know I am a cashier at Whole Foods Market in Franklin, TN. I've learned SO much working here about nutrition...but yet I still end up treating myself to our delicious cookies and chicken fried tofu on a near daily basis. So, enough is enough! It's time to make a change. I've noticed a significant change in my body over the last year and an even more significant increase in the numbers on my scale after my decadent trip home to Wisconsin for Christmas. Now, I'm not going to start putting myself down on here. I'm just saying I kind of dropped the ball in the weight management/nutrition portion of my life and I'm proudly proclaiming that I am going to fix that!
That being said, I'll be participating in the Engine 2 Diet 28 Day challenge at Whole Foods Market!!! We'll have weekly meetings discussing the diet and sharing recipes and will even get an opportunity to meet the founder of the Engine 2 Diet: Rip Esselstyn!
So, what IS the Engine 2 Diet? Well, it's a plant-strong vegan diet that is free of refined and processed foods, pressed oils and added salt and sugar. Sounds a liiiiitle intense, but I'm always up for a challenge! I've just gotten tired of feeling tired, unmotivated to work out and less agile. I literally have a harder time moving around because my extra stomach fat gets in the way. And I thought if I'm having a hard time getting around with about 20 extra lbs on me, imagine how folks who are 50 or 100 lbs overweight feel everyday? Also, all this nutrition talk lately has made me consider going back to school to get another degree in nutrition to help low-income families find healthy AND affordable meals to combat childhood obesity. I try to live frugally and am always looking for the best bang for my buck (and giant bags of kale sure help with that!)
The Engine 2 Diet 28 Day Challenge starts February 3 and runs through March 3! I will TRULY be sticking to this diet, avoiding all animal products, oils, sugars and salt and can't WAIT to share my experience with you! You'll see daily photo updates, recipes, and get a first-hand account of how my body and mind feel during this transitional period into healthier eating. I've heard only great things from Engine 2 Diet participants, so I'm pretty darn excited!
I know you're dying to get a glimpse of the first "Before" photo (because that's why I always watch those weight-loss television shows), so here's one to hold you over until the start of the challenge!
Heather Jean: 173 lbs (wow, she admitted it!)
Just 5 more days! See ya soon!
To learn more about the Engine 2 Diet 28 Day Challenge, visit:
http://engine2diet.com/28-day-challenge/
