more than coils

Two years ago I started on a natural hair journey and loved / love it. Now it is time for me to "naturally" take care of the whole me.

[coilyq-blog]

Meal Prepping My first time EVER preparing meals ahead of time. I gotta say, it was very overwhelming but I do see the point of it. Eating clean, vegan, or just in a healthy manner takes discipline, thought and a bit of prep time if you don’t want to find yourself grabbing the quickest most unhealthy thing in sight. So I will continue and believe it will get easier over time. Oh yeah, I’m also learning that I wasn’t eating enough (I knew that) but was so off the mark for my protein/ grain intake so I think this is going to help me stay on track and put on a little weight.

[coilyq-blog]

Vegan Girl Continues, OMG y'all! I'm still vegan! Whoot whoot! But I feel like I've had some set backs. I slowly began to slack on my huge veggie intake, going from five servings per day down to three, sometimes two. And my water intake decreased from eight glasses down to four. I was experimenting with different recipes which was pretty cool but what I noticed I was not able to maintain my weight so I started frying more foods and eating more chips to help me keep more fat in my diet. I started to not feel as good. The tired, sluggish icky feeling started to creep back in. My bowels changed back from soft serve to hard balls (I know, TMI) Then I became frustrated thinking, I didn't become a vegan to deal with the same health issues I had while eating any and everything I'd ate before. AND what I've sacrificed to be healthier, ie...no meat, cheese, dairy! So I thought what can I do to gain and maintain weight and still be healthy? Hmmm, I decided to embark on a little twist in my journey. I'm going to start a weight lifting/ sculpting plan. I'll be following a high protein diet, which is what I need sticking to my vegan plan and adding in more healthy carbs (kicking out the chips I love so dearly) this should help me put on and maintain my weight while keeping me truly healthy. I'll keep ya posted.

[coilyq-blog]

Briefly interrupted! Hey all, I’m still continuing my vegan journey but have been kinda put on hold from posting due to the announcement of my book release. I’m sooo excited to be in this place right now and I’m working very hard to get the word out about my book! This summer I started my twitter account @3pministry, my Instagram account @3pministry_, and my website has recently been launched! 3pministrybooks.wix.com/staceynelson. My hope and prayer is to encourage, empower, and challenge individuals to tap into their best selves and with this book equip individuals/couples with the tools needed to have a blessed healthy marriage. This book will truly change the way you care for your marriage. It is NOT a quick read. It IS more of a reference tool to be visited often. It will teach you godly principles that will change your relationship with Him and improve your relationship with your spouse. Purchase your copy today on Amazon.com.

I’ll return soon to my page to share with you guys all about my vegan journey, all is well but I have had some interesting happenings. Until next time guys✌

[coilyq-blog]

The journey continues...... It's been two complete months of giving this vegan lifestyle a try. I must say that I have learned so much about myself as far as my (strong) will and discipline. I did not have a clue what this new way of living would entail but I embraced the challenge/journey whole heartedly and here I am. Have not eaten meat or dairy since April 1st, 2016! At times I can hardly believe it. I cannot lie and say I don't miss it. I do miss the texture, the crunch and believe it or not the taste. I didn't stop eating meat because it tastes awful. I come from soul food roots and I don't know of anyone who finds soul food nasty. I stopped eating it for health reasons. Nothing more, nothing less, strictly health reasons. All of the research has proved to me there's no benefit in eating animal products and the slight benefit that some may find cannot outweigh the risk. (In my opinion) I had my first visit to the holistic doctor and really appreciated that experience. Finally felt like an important human being with a mind, body, Spirit, that was all being considered. My first round of blood test came back great. Most importantly, hemoglobin, iron, blood sugar, vitamin D and thyroid all normal. Now waiting to hear about micronutrients, especially B vitamins. Lots of prayers until then and continuing on my healthy food regimen. I'm learning more and more every day of how to work with foods and what different spices/seasonings taste like, and what foods go together. Up top, I prepared steel cut oats topped with bananas. In my former day, I never would have added fresh fruit to my oatmeal. I'm growing/learning and becoming the healthy individual I always dreamed about.

[coilyq-blog]

Removing Salt From the Diet I’ve found that over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had to take a good look at my long term goal of being 100% vegan. I haven’t changed my mind and yes, I’m still motivated but I realized that I can’t stop doing some of the things I used to do “cold turkey.” For instance, my biggest weakness was salt so for me to stop adding it altogether is detrimental to the success of my healthy food journey, especially if I want my children to take hold of this new lifestyle. It’s one thing to not eat meat, but it’s another thing to prepare meatless meals without adding salt. Let me tell you, can’t be done, not by someone who was heavy handed with it in the first place. I’m adding salt to all of my new recipes and slowly cutting back. I think what’s important right now is that I keep a mindset of a marathon runner and not a sprinter. In the end, I (my family) wins! Let’s journey on… FYI I do not add salt to my salads but thought it was amazing how the saltiness comes through in the vegetables when you cut back on your salt intake.

[imgloriaann]

I’m not bound by time or space. I am multi-dimensional, unlimited light beings of great magnificence, power & energy. & so are you ☀️

[coilyq-blog]

Well said

[coilyq-blog]

Best chip ever, hands down... Beanitos are by far the best snack I’ve eaten (along with my Bekka Valley Hummus) since taking on this vegan lifestyle. In my mind they’re considered a healthy snack, made from beans, five grams of protein and full of fiber! Did I mention the taste? OMG, put it like this, my downfall in my unhealthy eating days was salty and crunchy. I love chips! These chips put me in mind of Tostitos with hint of lime but oh so much better! There’s no hint. It’s more like a splash of lime! The flavor is amazing if you like it that bold. Was looking for something to substitute the Dorritos with the kids and these win every time. Haven’t tried the nacho flavor yet but can’t wait. p.s. you can find the best hummus in the world on Facebook Bekka Valley page

[coilyq-blog]

Spelt Blue Berry Waffles Spelt waffles started out as Spelt pancakes from the Engine 2 Diet cookbook. The pancakes were an instant hit so I thought I would make waffles. Instead of using maple syrup this time, I decided to make an old time favorite berry sauce (from the “Eat This, Not That” book) and added some powdered sugar to top it off! Making healthier choices does not mean deprivation, it simply means better food selections. All ingredients are organic, whole grains and controlled amounts of sugar. Vegan is not a diet. It’s a lifestyle.

[coilyq-blog]

Green smoothies These are my new BFF at this moment. Green smoothies are a way to get a large amount of greens in and if you pour in the flax/ chia seeds you'll pack an extra punch of essential vitamins, nutrients, mineral. Oh yeah and an enormous amount of protein! That's right all the protein you'll ever need right here in the plant kingdom, imagine that! Add frozen fruit and blend, whalaaa....a meal fit for a king or queen 😉

[coilyq-blog]

Frustrated

I find myself so frustrated. I've only found one recipe that I really can give a thumbs up. I know it's only been two weeks since I've committed to this vegan lifestyle but man I wish I had at least a good five recipes mastered. Well, I guess one will have to do for now. I'm determined. I will not quit. There's no turning back for me. Funny thing is, I really am enjoying eating raw fruits and veggies. There much easier and I enjoy the taste (funny)

[coilyq-blog]

Officially Vegan! So after I completed my 20 day cleanse of eating only raw fruit and vegetables, I just decided to continue. The main determining factor was/ is health purposes. I’d never ever thought of doing something so drastic so I’ve never given vegan ism much thought. I really didn’t know what it was so today I did a little research and found that yup, I’m a vegan (oh my…) I don’t eat meat, dairy, eggs or all that other junk/ processed food. I do, however, eat whole grains - nutrient dense foods and low calorie foods.

[coilyq-blog]

Going vegan, vegetarian, nutritarian can be a bit overwhelming. After completing the 20 day cleanse of all raw veggies and fruit, it's kind of taxing experimenting with new recipes. This is all new to me. Some, we'll most of the terms in the cookbooks I've never heard before so you can imagine how overwhelming it must be trying to put meals together. I tried "bbq ribs" (tofu) for the family. It was so funny. My oldest son who's all in said they were great! My second son asked why does our food taste so different but kept on eating. My 5 year old daughter said I don't like the top, the bottom or the inside of the bbq, LMBO. My baby girl didn’t hesitate to try the "ribs" but politely skipped to the trash can to spit them out. I personally was taken back by the taste. I really did not enjoy the sauce so I added non organic, Sweet Baby Rays. I also think that the brand of Tofu I bought made a difference because I've eaten it before and it tasted better. The hubby ate a huge plate of everything (I love his support-thanks babe) I also tried to make cabbage soup. Everyone ate it and said it was good. My oldest said, "yeah it was good but it tastes healthy. My son who's "all in" said that it was the best thing he's ever tasted, hehehe...... and my youngest son ate three bowls. Me on the other hand, I took a large bowl of it for lunch and didn't care for it at all. I'd rather eat steamed cabbage. I'm realizing that as much as I want this new way of eating to be our way of life, I still have to take it slow so the family as a whole doesn't crash and burn. At times, I just want to go back to raw veggies and fruit to keep it simple.

[coilyq-blog]

The full body cleanse did my body good! #ilovedherbs #dherbsdiscounts #disipline #dedication #vegan #vegetarian #nutritarian #plantbaseddiet #byebyebellyfat

[coilyq-blog]

I learned a lot during my 20 day cleanse. Most important, how to eat my greens. Because I couldn't have salad dressing, I had to learn how to make my own and how to get creative and use all types of fruit on beds of greens to make them taste better. I removed as many chemical containing products from my possession as possible. I stopped using my #Rodan and Fields facial cleansing system. Now I’m using a more natural cleansing wipe to remove makeup. I just use my washcloth with warm water then organic olive oil to moisturize. I exchanged all (well most) of my unnatural makeup for natural makeup by #Tarte. I started using a natural body wash and lotion by #sheamoisture and my deodorant remains the same, baking soda with a non talc powder. I figure if I’m going to see the most change in my overall health, I need to switch up the whole “shebang” and make everything as natural as possible. Sooo, things I noticed why detoxing. I tried to stop taking all medications. Well I was only taking one (for acid reflux), vitamins, and a probiotic. So I stopped taking everything. The reflux didn’t get better, only became worse. Towards the end of cleanse, I could feel the pills getting stuck in my throat from inflammation. I am noticing fine lines and ever so slightly deepening pores in my face. I gotta be honest and say that #RodanandFields anti-aging products ABSOLUTELY work but I want to allow my foods to bring anti-aging to me from the inside out. I never felt less energy eating a #plantbased diet. I continued to workout doing aerobics, weight lifting, and yoga. Last but not least… I gotta say it y'all. My bowel movements were the bomb! Soft served just like Dr. Oz says they should be.😊 That’s a big difference for me. I would have a bowel movement daily but they weren’t nice and soft. Let the journey continue 😉

[coilyq-blog]

Detox Completed.... I'm one happy girl! I completed the 20 day cleanse but what I'm so happy about is, not only did I complete the cleanse but I discovered how to bring about the most healthy me. During this cleanse I wanted to focus on what I would do different afterwards to be about the most healthy me. I never thought the end of the cleanse would lead to a vegetarian, nutritarian, vegan or any of the like but it has. I'm still kind of shocked but yet totally convinced I made the best choice for me. In these past few weeks, I've done countless amounts of research and it all was saying the same thing.... the thing that stands in between me and my most healthiest me is the food we eat in this western society. Between the processed foods, GMO, high salt, high sugar, high fat and protein found in meat, it's no wonder America has some of the most sickest people in the world (nevermind the fact we spend more money on health care than any other country) disease is still running rampant and the conclusion I've come to is that the only one who can help me is me. Here I go......good bye meat, good bye high salt, fake sugar, fat GMO and processed foods. Hello new food pyramid. Thanks @cuzimkat Life has never felt so good to be in control of my health and not afraid of what condition may pop up next. Nope, this 20 day detox was not difficult at all because I made my mind up before I started that I was gonna do it and not just for 20 days, vegetables and fruit was going to become a normal part of my life. (I must confess though, I did miss eating a hot meal cause everything had to be raw.) So now I'm ready to get in the kitchen and learn some new #vegetarian #nutritarian #vegan #plantbased recipes 😊

[coilyq-blog]

Day 11 of the cleanse was a struggle. I mentioned before how I've had severe heartburn/acid reflux since carrying my first child. Well, I stopped taking my medication two days into my cleanse and have been doing well up until yesterday evening. I felt a little bit of a burn last night but today the "burn" was in full effect. I had a difficult time putting my finger on the cause. I ran out of alkaline water so was drinking distilled water the past three day (no big deal, I thought) then I ran out of distilled water so started drinking purified water. (I knew this was a big deal because the directions of the cleanse specifically states not to use purified water) I don't know how this might affect others, but I had to do a process of elimination because I was that close to taking my medication again and I was hoping, praying, believing I would make it through the cleanse without any meds as I detox my system. This morning I went on a mission, first, to the store to pick up more water then online to do a bit of research to find out which plants help with heartburn. Well, I found the article above so I thought I'd try the herb tumuric. It is said to not only treat but heal acid reflux. I know that natural remedies take a little time to work so I'll come back to share how effective it is.

[coilyq-blog]

One of the things that concerned me most was not getting in enough protein as I sought after a healthier lifestyle. Everyone would ask the same question, "how are you gonna get enough protein?" I even pondered this question myself before I started the plant based cleanse. I was fooled. I was wrong, just like most Americans. I too, believed the myth that if I wasn't eating meat, OMG, something terribly wrong would happen. I was going to be weak or get sick. As a matter of fact, the first thing I told myself was that I wouldn't work out during the cleanse because I wouldn't be taking in enough protein, smh. I'm so glad I took out the time to research and find the truth. The truth is......eating a plant based, whole food diet supplies all the protein our bodies need. In fact, it's the "healthy" protein that our bodies crave and need to keep us strong and healthy.