We’re guilt-free because you can eat as much vegan food as you feel hungry for without harming your body, without harming animals and without harm to the planet! We’re gluttons because the food is yummy!

Thanks for reading! Be encouraged, be healthy, enjoy food and life!! There’s much more to life than bacon!

     I became a vegan about 15 years ago as a kid. My whole family converted due to some health problems my mom was having so initially it wasn’t really my choice. I was allowed to eat whatever I wanted with friends so I occasionally ate meat for the first couple months. Eventually I knew being vegan was the right thing to do but I just became just a vegetarian/ part time vegan. When I went to college it was more difficult and I had some disordered eating habits and I wasn’t eating healthy though I was a vegetarian. I became extremely ill and had to quit school for a semester. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and began treatment with an awful little drug called Prednisone. Little did I know, in spite of my severely calorie restricted diet of mostly juice and protein shakes due to my inability to really eat food, I gained a very puffy face and midsection which contributed to an even more terrible diet. Finally I recovered with the help of a book, Eating Right For A Bad Gut, which my insurance company sent me after about 4 or more hospitalizations I think they were trying to save money. I learned how food could heal me and began on my journey. The book recommended eggs and fish oils but besides that, it did not advocate eating most animal product, especially diary. My hair had been falling out due to an inability to absorb protein as my small intestine was all shredded up so eggs were recommended and I ate them.  I learned the healing properties of good fats like flax, avocado, coconut and olive oil and I began doing research for myself as I had access to the Bowman Grey School Of Medicine Library. I now depend on those good fats to keep my gi tract free from inflammation.

     After I thought I'd gotten my Crohn's under control, I  unfortunately became sick again with a mysterious illness while attempting a detox to remove all the toxins in my from taking multiple drugs including chemotherapy, biologics and steroids. With the help of five teams of doctors and the most miserable week of my life, I found out I had Lupus so I began my research yet again. I learned a combination of natural supplements and diet were key to keeping my immune system from attacking my body and a maintaining a vegan diet along with exercise and avoiding foods like hydrogenated oils, refined sugar and wheat flour among other things,  and getting plenty of rest is ultimately is the best combination for keeping myself healthy. I have been treating my condition naturally for over 3 years.  About a year ago was told I have no positive clinical tests for Lupus or Crohn’s and I have more energy than I’ve had in years. Seriously, I can't remember being completely healthy before adulthood. I was a rather sickly child and had very low energy along with with chronic joint and chest pain. I'm guessing that was due to undiagnosed Lupus.

I am so grateful for the life I live now after living a miserable, pain-filled, lethargic existence for 3 years.  I truly understand the value of a healthy lifestyle much more than most people my age. It might be fun in the moment to eat junk, drink alcohol, work too hard so you can party harder but when you reach the point of almost dying you realize how valuable health is. I am grateful that even though I lost several years of my youth feeling miserable and sick, I feel as though I have gained more years of life because I learned this lesson at a young age and now take care of myself so I can enjoy a lifetime of health.

Though most of this blog if about healthy, vegan foods and recipes, I do plan to write a few articles about how I keep my illnesses under control, so readers with similar problems might learn a little about how to recover from autoimmune illnesses such as Crohn’s, Lupus, MS, etc. I want to help others interested in helping themselves but please remember this is only a blog, I can give advice but this blog is not a substitute for a medical specialist nor is it here specifically to prevent, treat or cure any illness. Please consult your medical care provider about any changes you make to your diet or any supplements you choose to take. On that note, I wish you health and happiness!