change is a process.

I never intended to live a vegan and gluten-free lifestyle,

just like I never intended to be a photographer.

Sometimes life really does just happen in ways we cannot explain.

Ultimately, I believe in listening to the loud

or subtle voice within us that speaks to us.

The voice that we love to doubt,

but deep down we know its intentions are pure and True.

After graduating from college in 2010 Malc and I

went on a month long vacation to the East Coast, Canada, and Miami.

During that time, I had the time of my life indulging in

ice cream and steaks and hamburgers and more ice cream.

My body on the other hand, was not having such a great time!!

I wanted to run away from the beach because my stomach was always majorly bloated

and I had very groggy mornings waking up to the beautiful Atlantic ocean,

an ocean i couldn’t fully enjoy

because I had no energy to go swim or walk the ocean!

Arriving home after the month ended, 

i just knew i had to change my eating habits

because my body was clearly suffering.

A 21 year old body wasn’t suppose to wake up groggy with no energy.

I had a specific feeling my body couldn’t handle beef and dairy,

so that’s where I started,
nothing from a cow.

I haven’t had a bite of beef since June 2010.

The results were amazing and i felt them within a week of this change.

I finally had energy all day long, sometimes too much energy!!

My entire body “deflated,” my face thinned out, looking back it appeared puffy,

and of course bloating wasn’t a huge issue anymore.

Later that year, I ceased all meat, including fish,

after I had a few nightmares that delivered a clear and concise message.

It wasn’t until November 2011 that I decided to go gluten-free for a month

just to see if i could do it,

a test of my strength and will power.

Malcolm has been gluten-free for a few years so I am educated on the dangers of wheat,

but still, I never felt an urge to quit eating it… so i didn’t,

because I have had a love affair with bread!!!!

Bread dipped in olive oil has always been one of my favorites.

So for some odd reason,

i decided to put my love for bread aside and live gluten-free for a month.

After a week,

I realized I could go days without it intervering with my life!
I was pretty amazed!

Some people say, “But i get cravings…..”

Yes, we all get cravings,
but once you change your habits, 

Your body is very smart, 

it knows what it needs to be healthy!

Don’t allow Pizza Hut or McDonald’s even be an option for a meal.

Honestly, I forget I have the free will to drive to Pizza Hut and grab a pizza

because I don’t consider it an option.

The only time the seed is planted in my brain is during a tv commercial,

and even then, Malc and I say,
“if we were ignorant we would go run to Pizza Hut!”

but we aren’t ignorant,

we are clearly aware and educated of the consequences,

so its not even an option to pick up the phone and dial Pizza Hut’s number
or drive to McDonald’s drive-thru.
(Do you see how convenient they make unhealthy foods?!)

I want to know why a lot of people think that our body is a temple
concerning sexual purity.

The body is a creation, a gift from God,
why don’t we treat it that way
with everything we do?

This week,
let’s take a step or a leap,
or at least one decision that benefit’s and nourishes our bodies.