A year in review with Liz! Over 40lbs lost!!

 Last year I interviewed Liz as she embarked on a major lifestyle overhaul! Liz was on a quest to not only change her life, but also shed some unwanted weight. Her journey is a huge inspiration as she lost 40lbs and continues to work on making this lifestyle work for her! Read her original story here!!

Here is an update! This was a picture from her wedding in 2012, and an updated picture in her BIKINI!!! 

How long have you been on this weight loss & health journey?
I started my lifestyle on March 11, 2013, where I lost 40lbs in 3 months. I was so happy and felt amazing! I lost track a little bit when we moved across country in July, because I was stressed and food has always been my crutch. I kept all weight off that I had lost previously, but my eating habits had changed since getting a new job and felt myself unhappy with what I was putting into my body. I encouraged myself to get back on track in December and have lost 4 pounds since then.
Besides weight loss, what changes have you noticed?
More energy, happier outlook on life, a new found confidence. I have always been self-conscience of my weight, and related it to depression issues in the past. I no longer feel depressed, I no longer have anxiety attacks like I used to, and sleep well through the night.
What have you enjoyed most about this lifestyle?
Talking to other women about it. I have had a lot of people ask me how I did it, and what am I eating, and have a lot of questions. When I first started, in 2013, I really didn’t have all the answers because the research I had done was minimal. I’ve made it a point to research more and to really devote time to understanding why I am doing this and how it is going to benefit me in the long run!
What have you enjoyed the least?
Minimal options when going out to eat. My husband and I love to go out to eat. I really don’t like cooking and he’s a chef, by trade, so we don’t spend too much time in the kitchen if we don’t have to. But, the flipside of this is that it has brought me out of my comfort zone to cook more at home and get creative!
Is it hard sharing your meal times with non vegans at home?
Outside of the home, the biggest question I get from people when they know they are going to be cooking for us, or taking us out to dinner is: “What can you eat?”… I try to avoid this question and typically answer, “Do not make anything special for me. I know what I can and cannot have, I’m sure there will be something for me..” As far as in the home, I try to make meals that are based around what we all like. I have made some great connections on Facebook and Pinterest with blogs and recipes that will suit everyone. I typically make meals that have big sides and salads, and minimize the amount of meat intake the rest of the family has.
Have you found it difficult to stay vegan?
Yes; mostly because I wanted to eat all the things the rest of the family was having. But I needed to make a conscience choice to say, “This is what I am having. And the rest of the family is going to eat this to. You can still have the things you like, but how about these options as well?” I am the only person out of my group of friends and my family that has adopted this lifestyle. However, I know how these particular foods make me feel as opposed to others, and I don’t want to risk feeling crappy anymore.
What are your favorite vegan foods?
Roasted Chick Peas, Kale Chips, Stuffed avocados, Portobello mushrooms, Tofu and homemade veggie burgers!
Where do you see yourself down the road in terms of diet?
There is really no going back now. I have made a conscience decision that I need to do this for my well-being and I am much happier! My new goal is to get the rest of the family on board! I have introduced some new things, like ‘Meatless Monday’ and my kids love to tell me when they see something that is gluten-free, as well as educating myself more on this lifestyle. This lifestyle is truly not a burden, but a change that has positive, lasting effects.