Quarantine Life: Vegan Intermittent Fasting. THE LOW DOWN!
Have you ever “detoxed” or “cleansed” your body? Have you been curious about Veganism? Ever wondered what it would be like to jumpstart your own wellness or fitness journey? Just want to see what your body and spirit are made of? Well I had the same inquiries (and reservations) as well, and after over twenty successful days, make that officially 28 DAYS OF VEGAN INTERMITTENT FASTING I have an honest and relevant review FOR YOU!
First, you should know that this post is IN NO WAY sponsored by any brands. I am not sponsored or compensated by posting this, any links you click ARE NOT affiliate links so please just enjoy and click away! Also, I am obviously not a physician. Please consult your physician or nutritionist prior to embarking upon a drastic health change such as this!
I initially started this quarantine like you — in an absolute frenzy. Baking, cooking, really just eating up a storm definitely came with the territory. I think the waves of anxiety, frustration, and the uneasiness of what lay ahead lead me to “eating my feelings” — so to speak. I was munching away and frittering my time with school projects, home projects, and of course, fun on social media. I also was going for runs and walks in order to stay as active as possible, but I wasn’t really achieving any noticeable results with my body. I think my calorie intake was just too high and the limited exercise was just not enough. Usually I tell people it’s okay to consume whatever you want; so long as you’re exercising or “going to the gym.” With the gym completely out of bounds and only a couple of fitness supplies at home, I began to wonder if the habits I was developing would send me up the weight charts and down the road of no emotional return. After pondering this I immediately decided it was time to go on a juice cleanse for 20 days, if I could make it through the planned 20 days then I would proceed to embark upon a vegan challenge which would potentially end in going vegan or at least pescatarian. I’ve celebrated Meatless Mondays since high school, and was vegetarian for my entire high school experience so I was open to reintroducing this sort of lifestyle into my present day routine. I also decided that I would measure out / weigh my food to expedite results. To meet the “fasting” requirements I stopped eating first thing in the morning and at night.
The first stop to aid in this endeavour was an order of cold pressed juice from Pressed Juicery. Every meal for the first two weeks of this adventure was swapped with juice. I would not consume anything more juice after 6-8PM, depending on how busy or late the day became. Pressed Juicery made it easy as I began to keep a “food” log and time my beverages for every two hours. The first round of juices was part of a collaboration with Bragg. Each juice or shot had Bragg’s apple cider vinegar in it which curbed my cravings. The log and 2 hour timers on my cellphone really helped me get through those first few days. I ran every other day and introduced stretching and yoga (through the One Peloton app’s 90 day free trial) as a more subtle means of exercise when I wasn’t running. I continued this for another week and treated myself to a cheat meal — a strawberry soufflé’ pancake from Miss. Cheese Tea Cafe in Pasadena. It was scrumptious and well deserved.
Tip: Keep yourself accountable with visuals, whether that’s a journal, note on a whiteboard, or an app on your phone. Something that helps you monitor your consumption as well as track your progress will keep you going! Let’s also not forget to mention the timers, small portions or in this case juices will only keep one held over for so long! A 2 hour timer will give yourself something to look forward to so that you don’t give up!
Tip: Don’t get mad at yourself if you have a cheat day or cheat meal. It’s all about the rebound, keep going back to your goals. One day will not set you back if you continue to move forward!
After that I set an order for Purple Carrot food delivery — Purple Carrot is a 100% plant based (vegan) meal kit delivery service similar to Hello Fresh / Blue Apron. All of the ingredients were sourced locally (California) or from Mexico and were perfectly portioned. My first dinner was take out inspired. “Take Out Style Noodles with Bok Choy & Sesame Ginger Sauce” to be exact. The most delicious fresh ramen noodles that easily could have come from a Thai or Chinese restaurant in Silverlake, Los Angeles, California. I actually allowed myself to the full helping instead of weighing the noodles out (1/3 cup) because it was that good!
Tip: Again, remember it’s all about BALANCE!
The second supper from Purple Carrot was “Tofu Marsala with Roasted Mustard Herb Potatoes & Green Beans.” This was downright drool worthy, I could never remember tofu tasting as delicious as this was until I tried this recipe, and I will definitely be making this again. I love how absorbent tofu is to flavour — whatever you season it with is what you will get out of it! I now just love using coconut oil to crispy fry my tofu in. It’s so delicious!
The third meal from Purple Carrot was just as delicious as the first two. “Crispy Lemon Tofu with Sumac Lentils & Herb Sesame Breadcrumbs” would be right at home at Sweetgreen, Bodhi Bowl, WILD Living Foods, Cafe Gratitude, Tocaya Organica or any of your favourite herbivore based food fronts. After trying these recipes I was confident that I could try my own hand at veganism without the help of Purple Carrot. As much as I love Purple Carrot, I am still a student and have (unfortunately) not been working due to COVID-19. I took a look on their website and noticed that they do share their recipes, so I’ve been delightfully cooking from their website without breaking the bank! I usually like to choose high protein, low carb meals.
Tip: Use resources so that you are cooking something that excites you! Just because it’s plant based doesn’t mean it has to taste bland! Put as many colours on your plate as possible!
Tip: I limit myself to 1/3 cup of carbs. I do however enjoy heapings of protein and vegetables. Consider vegetables unlimited and don’t forget to stay hydrated! Water, water, water!
Tip: Try to stay away from too many processed items (you know the kind from the freezer aisle)! Veganism is best kept to vegetable based recipes!
As previously stated, I don’t eat first thing in the morning and I no longer eat at night. I always start my day with warmed lemon juice water, and proceed to work out. I am utilizing the fasting to ignite more unity between my mind, body, and spirit! Sometimes it’s strength exercise, cardio, yoga, or a bit of both but I always end my practice with a meditation. The One Peloton app has been such a game changer for me, I am able to really zero in on my fitness AND relaxation goals thanks to this app. If you haven’t tried One Peloton, I really encourage you to do so.
Why intermittent fasting?
Do you feel lethargic? Bloated? Aren’t losing weight at all? Intermittent fasting may be an option for you! Intermittent fasting is not for everyone, I implore anyone who is interested to further their own quest by paying their due diligence through thoughtful research. Here are some additional video resources that helped me:
1) 365 Day Review of Intermittent Fasting
2) Intro to Vegan Itermittent Fasting
3) Nutrient Breakdown
I personally wanted to test the limits of my body, soul, and spirit. I wanted to see results fast and read online that fasting is the best way to retain muscle mass while losing weight.
Tip: Drink herbal tea before bed, it’s almost like having an apres dinner chocolate or dessert. You get to enjoy something stimulating without the guilt!
Why vegan?
When you consume meat does it feel like it’s weighing you down? Do you feel like it’s hard to digest? Have you just been eating too much animal based protein? Is it more of an ethical choice? Whatever is igniting your curiosity is doing so for a reason! Follow your instincts! I wanted to completely jumpstart my body, cleanse out everything and feel WHOLE. What better way to do this than with nature’s gift — vegetables?!
So how do you feel now?
I feel lighter, I feel more alert, and I feel more conscious! I’m way less moody, and I don’t feel the need to sit all the time! I am packed with energy and I'm aware of when I am actually hungry, as opposed to parched/thirsty. Please let me be clear though, there were days (and there still are) where all I wanted was bubble (boba tea) and some 85 Degrees Bakery Cafe (that may never change), but I looked past the instant gratification of the present and what I would like the quality of my life to be years from now. I am the boss of my reality! This endeavour has helped me to harness my power! With the COVID-19 quarantine a lot of us are looking inward and seeking perspective in order to be prepared for the future. I invite you to look into your deepest most intimate self and find out what your goals are. What will set your soul on fire? For me, right now, it’s walking that graduation stage in September (hopefully… fingers crossed) and knowing that I not only gave it all to my first degree but to myself too. The fact that I have the knowledge and power to influence the quality of my life to stay happy, healthy, and confident is jet fuel right now. The vegan intermittent fasting is still going strong, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to jumpstart on feeling more focused, driven, and in control. I may not stay vegan forever, or even pescatarian, I could go back to the carnivore's way but right now this is what is keeping my happy and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Do something for yourself today, whether it’s ig or small — living your best life is the chicest thing you can do!
I hope that you are happily quarantining wherever you are! We will make it through this, have faith in the normalization process! Try to stay home if you can, even with environments opening up! How are you spending (what is hopefully the last weeks of) quarantine? Sound off in the comments below or feel free to DM me on IG!
XOXO,
Victoria + Alpha
