Changes

Even though I just started being vegan on Monday [June 1st], I've already noticed quite a few changes in myself.

I've already mentioned how I'm not sick every day, I don't have the daily migraines from Hell, and how I have more energy. But not only have I noticed those things, I've noticed some differences with my skin. I naturally have extremely oily skin and I break out all the time. I am almost 22 years old, and I have the skin complexion of a 12-14 year old that's just going through puberty. It's ridiculous, I tell you!! I hate it so much!! [Plus, it doesn't help that when I went to an appointment back in January, my stupid doctor gave me stuff that only worsened my skin and literally tore it up.] But since I've gone vegan, even in just a few days, my skin hasn't been as oily and I'm not breaking out as much!! How awesome is that?! Also, my skin isn't as "loose" and flabby as before. I can see and feel that it's changed already. It's not a massive change, but it has changed a little bit, which is better than absolutely nothing. I have, what I like to call, "old lady hands". My hands just don't look like they belong on an almost 22-year-old. But already, my hands don't look as "old". I know it might sound weird, but I am self conscious about my hands and feet. [Let's not even get started on my feet. Feet in general are disgusting, but mine are just a bit passed the disgusting line.] Other than my skin, I've also noticed a change in how I sleep. I've never been much a deep sleeper or sleep very well [especially ever since I had Michael], but I am noticing that I am getting more sleep now and that it's a deeper sleep than I'm used to. And let me tell you something, it's wonderful!!

Now I know this next bit will be a bit TMI, but since I've cut out animal products, oils, and nuts, digestion has been a lot better. Some people know that I used to get incredibly sick before the switch over to being vegan. My stomach would hurt so bad and I'd be curled up in a ball at least once a day, practically every day, crying because my stomach hurt and it'd be difficult for me to digest foods. It was horrible!! Grease and oils would tear my insides up like you can't even begin to imagine. But since I don't ingest foods with a lot of grease and oils [if any at grease and oil at all], my digestive system has been a lot happier, as have I!!

Working out has been going well. I haven't done anything yet today, but I don't know if I want to go for a run and/or do some Yoga. I'm still debating. But the last couple of days have been great. Monday I did lower body and abs, as well as took a walk. Tuesday morning I did some running/walking intervals, and did Yoga in the afternoon. Wednesday I did upper body and abs, and took a walk. Thursday morning I went out for a run [but did walk very little during that run], and did some serious stretching in the afternoon and evening. Friday [yesterday] I did lower body and abs, but I didn't go for a walk. I've been feeling good about my work outs lately. The one time I slacked, I made up for it that evening.

I'm feeling great about myself!! I love the changes I've seen in just a few days!! It's amazing what a little change can do to someone. Monday is when I weigh myself next, as well as take my measurements. I wonder how much of a difference in my weight and measurements there will be. It's going to be interesting. I'm not planning on seeing major differences in my weight and measurements, but I think there will be changes, for sure. So once Monday rolls around and I've got my new weight and measurements, I'll definitely share with you how much has changed.

UPDATE
Well, I decided to go for a run. I went out right around 1:00 PM, and was out for 1.5-2 miles. I ran all but about 800 feet. I felt really good when I was done - as well as exhausted. The sun was beating down right on me. I like to run in the morning because I don't have to worry about all of the heat and sun beating right on me, but it wasn't too bad running today. I'm really proud though because I did push myself. Whenever I started feeling like I was going to give up, I'd just tell myself Just get to that corner and you can start walking. But once I'd hit that corner, I'd keep running and just tell myself again Just get to that corner and you can start walking. I did end up walking though while I was out. I walked about 50 feet before I started running, just to warm up a little bit. About half way through, I walked about 500 feet or so because I was exhausted after running up a hill, then went back to running for a little bit. Then I walked about 100-200 feet because I was on a road without sidewalks, and there were cars going in both directions - I felt that walking was the safest bet in that area. But I did run just about the whole distance, which I'm proud about!! Once I got back from the run, I got in the shower and just stood there under the hot water for about 5 minutes before I even shampooed my hair. HA. I feel so good about myself today!! I woke up this morning after having a fabulous dream, but then had a complete 180 in my mood when I saw the bank account. I called and got a few things fixed with the bank account, which put me back in a good mood. After that, I went on my run, and I feel refreshed [with a little upper back pain - HA]. But let me tell you, my dream was seriously amazing!!!! I'd love to tell you about it, but I'm not going to. HAHA. Just trust me though when I say it was fabulous.

PS - I leave for Indy in one month!! I can't wait!! I'll be there for a week!! It's going to be nothing short of amazing!!