Health

30 Day Plants Based Vegan Challenge!

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“Animal lovin’ ain’t shovin’ ‘em in the oven.” -Harley Johnstone

CHALLENGE TIME!! I don’t know about you, but I always get sad when I hear about the unethical treatment of animals. Whether it’s companies using animals to test chemicals in shampoo, seeing a raccoon on the side of the road that’s been hit by a car, or just hearing the music on that commercial about abused pets… It all makes me too sad. I realize that meat is  a wonderful source of protein and I certainly don’t want to offend any of you ‘meat eaters’ out there. I’ve always been one! But I’ve been thinking about it lately and I wanted to ‘shake up’ my diet and share my thoughts.

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A healthy diet is a balanced one. Nowadays, it is considered “healthy” to eat an omelet for breakfast, chicken on your spinach salad at lunch, and a piece of salmon for dinner. Going from animal protein 3 times a day to none at all can be quite difficult. You guys know that I’m all about baby steps, so a few months ago I decided to make at least one of my meals completely plants based vegan. I’ve been dairy free for over a year now (because of another intolerance). Over the past month I’ve cut down my intake of animal protein dramatically and I’ve started eating two vegan meals a day. I’ve eaten very little meat and I’ve opted for eggs if I want something heartier.

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But lately I’ve been having the worst stomach aches, bloating, digestive distress, and a flare up of psoriasis and cystic acne. I did some research and I found that all those symptoms could possibly be signs of an egg intolerance! So, I decided to cut out eggs and see how I feel. It’s only been a few days, but I’m already feeling so much better, so I decided to create a challenge for myself!

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For the next 30 days I’m going to eat completely plants based vegan! I’m doing this for the animals, for the environment, for my health, and because eating more fruit is always a good idea if ya ask me. It’s been almost a week since I started eating only plants and I’m already loving it! I can’t wait to share the fun meals I come up with, some simple and satisfying veggie recipes, and a few tips for eating vegan. I’ll document how I feel, how my skin responds, and the pros and cons of eating like this. 

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In case you were wondering what a plants based vegan EATS, it’s basically anything minimally processed that comes from the earth- think, dark leafy greens, hearty potatoes, lentils, beans, whole grain rice, oats, juicy tomatoes, ripe avocado, seriously delicious sweet potatoes, cantaloup, watermelon, bananas, nuts, etc. …and I’ll still be treating myself to some dark chocolate because a) it’s vegan b) I stick with just a serving c) it’s organic and fair trade certified d) it’s CHOCOLATE (the most important reason of all!)

I hope you follow me on my journey (on this blog and my Instagram!) Talk soon!

xoxo Cailee!

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14 Comments

  • Reply Evi @ greenevi

    This is so awesome to hear, Cailee! 🙂
    I personally went vegan for ethical reasons, but I have to admit, I have never felt better since I gave up animal products. However, I didn’t feel the positive change within days, so I feel a 30 day challenge is the perfect start!
    I am really happy for you, girl! Can’t wait to see all the amazing plant-based meals here and on IG!

    May 16, 2016 at 8:41 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks so much for your support Evi! And I completely agree, I’ve been transitioning to a plants based diet for months now, but I know that the first few days/ weeks are often the hardest! Thanks for following my challenge!
      xoxo Cailee!

      May 17, 2016 at 8:43 pm
  • Reply Miss Polkadot

    That’s a wonderful idea, Cailee! While not 100 % vegan – some dairy (Quark and cottage cheese) – I eat largely plant-based and it’s much easier and more delicious than many people assume. Also, yes, I’ll admit dairy doesn’t always make me feel that good …

    May 16, 2016 at 9:03 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Way to go! Even if you don’t eat 100% vegan, it’s great that you’re filling up on all that nourishing produce!!
      xoxo Cailee!

      May 17, 2016 at 8:42 pm
  • Reply Angie@cuisinestudy

    I’ve been trying my best to eat more fresh fruits and veggies, and cut back on meat intake. Sounds like a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion and I definitely agree adding more veg and whole foods into your diet is the best thing anyone can do for themselves

    May 17, 2016 at 7:50 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Agreed! Yes to more fruits and veggies!! And thanks girl! Good luck on your journey!
      xoxo Cailee!

      May 17, 2016 at 8:41 pm
  • Reply Nikola Wagner

    Giirl I’m so so so proud of you! I’m gonna support you as much as I can 💜 ❤

    May 17, 2016 at 7:57 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks love!! Can’t wait to catch up tonite!! <3
      xoxo Cailee!

      May 17, 2016 at 8:40 pm
  • Reply Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    Animal cruelty breaks my heart too, Cailee! We have tons of deer here and I see them dead, from being hit by a car and just dragged to the side of the road quite often. Every time it makes me want to cry.
    I’m so sorry to hear you may have egg intolerance!!! But, hopefully that is all that is causing your health issues and it’s not something more serious. I think it’s great you are doing a 30 day plant based challenge! I try to eat at least 3 plant based meals a week, so I salute you girlfriend! Cheers! <3

    May 18, 2016 at 3:33 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks so much for your support Cheyanne!! That’s awful about the deers!! SO sad! And yay for plants based meals!! I’m loving the challenge so far and I truly hope that it is an egg intolerance (even though that would stink because I love eggs) but better them then something more serious! Hope that you’re having a great week!
      xoxo Cailee!

      May 18, 2016 at 5:04 pm
  • Reply Rach @ This Italian Family

    I look forward to hearing how this goes for you! Your eats always look so yummy! 🙂

    May 18, 2016 at 5:25 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Rach! Can’t wait to share the experience!!
      xoxo Cailee!

      May 20, 2016 at 2:05 pm
  • Reply Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness

    Cailee, this post makes me happy! YAY for you going plant based for awhile! I’ve been a plant based eater for a longgg time, and it just makes me feel great. I feel like it aligns with my compassion for animals and desire to leave a light carbon footprint on the earth. Even if you decide to add some meat back into your diet, embracing “Meatless Monday” or making a commitment to eating less meat overall will positively impact the planet – and probably your health too!

    May 20, 2016 at 3:49 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Nicole!! And I totally hear ya! I decided to do this challenge for ethical reasons and also feel like it suits my desire for love and compassion!! And yay for meatless Monday’s! Hope that you have a great weekend!
      xoxo Cailee!

      May 20, 2016 at 2:06 pm

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