The End
Remember when I had the crazy notion four months ago to see if a vegan could do Body for Life?
I did it.
I ate an average of 5-6 small meals a day, comprised of a 40/30/30 carb/protein/fat ratio. I worked out six days a week, doing three days of high intensity cardio for 20 minutes. and three days of intense weight training for 45 minutes. I did it for 12 weeks, and I didn’t start eating chicken breasts and egg whites all day long.
Let’s talk about the results first. I don’t own a scale, so I have no idea if I lost or gained weight. I do know that:
*I gained 1.25 inches on my biceps
*I gained 1 inch on my calves
*I gained .25 inch on my forearms
*I lost .5 inches off my hips
*I lost 1 inch off my waist
But (even though I am slightly embarrassed to put these photos up) you have to see the results.
Can you see the differences?
Though my “challenge” is over, I still intend to keep eating and working out this way for the most part.
There were a few curve balls, mainly variety in high protein/low carb protein sources. I relied a lot on protein powders, tofu and meat substitutes, which may not be for everyone. I also had a hard time eating out, as proved by yesterday’s almost completely protein-free lunches and dinners. I simply learned to plan ahead and always carry some sort of protein on me, be it a bar, precooked tofu or a baggie of powder. However, I do plan to be a little more relaxed on meal timing and the whole “free day” concept. I’d like to have a little more freedom and eat intuitively in certain circumstances, even if it’s not my designated day to cheat. If I want to skip my fifth meal and have a glass of wine or a dessert when we go out for date night, I don’t think it’s the end of the world. At least I hope it’s not, because that’s my plan for tonight’s date. 
I think nutrition was key, but so were the workouts. Ever since my long distance running days, I hadn’t really focused a lot on weight training, never mind devoting full-length workouts only to weights. Not only did weight training change my physique, but I noticed a major improvement in my lower back pain. By building up my core (as well as my overall strength), those muscles could carry some of the strain that was previously being put on my lower back. This alone is enough to keep my crunching those abs and munching that protein.
Most of all, though, I’m just really pleased that I have built muscle while still maintaining a vegan lifestyle. One of the greatest moments I’ve had in this challenge was when an employee at the grocery store asked about my workouts because he (yes, “he,” so maybe it was a loaded question) noticed my biceps. I was so proud to say, “Thanks! I work hard…and I’m vegan!” He was so shocked they needed cleanup on aisle 4.
So much for all those stereotypes of vegan waifs. Not me. I plan on having a lean, strong, toned and healthy body for life!
