Wednesday, December 31, 2014

New Year's Challenge

New Year's  is the perfect opportunity to set goals and make changes. At least 50% of the people I have talked to mentioned something about "losing weight" and "getting in shape." That's great; good for you, but that's not very specific. If you're striving for a healthier lifestyle in 2015, what better way than choosing a lifestyle clinically proven to improve your overall health? I don't expect anyone to become a Vegan overnight; but just this one time, I dare you to try it. I always get comments about how difficult this must be or, my personal favorite, the "Good for you, but I couldn't do it." Well you'll never know if you don't try! If you're looking to lower your cholesterol levels, reduce your risk of diabetes, and lower your blood pressure; give one (or more if you're feeling extra adventurous) of these options a try.
Veganuary
Veganuary is an online pledge to go Vegan for the entire month of January. Instead of listening to what i have to say, why don't you try it for yourself? This is only 31 days of your life. If you hate it, then you can at least say you know what you're talking about. The Veganuary website gives you information on Veganism, refutation of common myths, and over 200 recipes. Even if January ends and you no longer want this lifestyle, at least you can say you tried! I understand that one month is a huge commitment, but it doesn't have to be torture. Think of it as a challenge... I am daring you. I'm at the six month mark right now and I have to say; this wasn't easy. Month one was by far the hardest. Veganuary is the perfect opportunity to improve your health and educate yourself on the power of a plant-based diet. Sign up and take the pledge. It takes little to no time and I promise it will change your life. Here's the website link if you want to check it out: http://www.veganuary.com Go ahead and click on it. The blog will still be here when you're done. 
Meatless Monday
If you aren't ready for a huge commitment, this one is simple. The name is self explanatory but it's the simple agreement to give up meat one day per week. That's not so bad, right? It may not seem like much, but you have to look at it from a bigger perspective. If seven people give up meat for one day a week, that's the equivalent of one person giving up meat for a whole week. Now think about that for 52 weeks. Maybe after awhile you'll be able to move up to two or three days a week. Then, eventually, entirely Vegetarian. If you don't like the idea of having this set plan, at least try to cut back some. Make it a plan to make a meat&dairy free meal at least once a week.
Cut Out Red Meat
Red meat, out of all meats, is the biggest contributor to air and water pollution (not to mention you're basically eating a heart attack). If you aren't ready to cut out all meat, you should consider cutting out beef, lamb, and pork. Eating red meat has proven to harden the blood vessels and significantly increase the risk for heart disease. You aren't just saving the planet, you are saving yourself. I always recommend this as the first step to those looking for a healthier diet. Help the animals, help the planet, and help yourself.
If You Absolutely Can't...
At least pledge to buy local, cruelty-free meat. Cruelty-free simply means that these animals weren't tortured in the process. This one shouldn't be a problem for any of you since you still get to eat meat. Most local health food stores sell locally raised meat. When you buy cruelty-free meats, you are not only helping your body but lowering pollution rates, reducing the prevalence of animal cruelty, and stimulating your own economy as well. We all have to make some sacrifices for the greater good. This one may seem small, but it has a massive impact.

Even if you don't take any of my advice for the New Year, at least set some of your own goals. Now is the perfect time to work for that thing you've always wanted. Now is the time to change your life and be the person you've always wanted to be. So set some goals and make a plan to stick to them. Write out step by step what you want and how exactly you will get it. Make 2015 your year because life is too short to be anything less than what you want.

Always Remember:
Animals are friends, not food.
Sincerely,
Jasmine Millner
P.S. Happy New Year & let me know if you try any of these!

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