Lauren Brooks Fitness

First I'd like to begin by saying how wonderful this experience has been for me.  I was able to delve into the world of living a vegan lifestyle for the month.  I know it's very possible to live this way because I felt great most of the time.  Although being that I have always been someone who generally eats a good amount of eggs, poultry and fish, going cold turkey was a bit tough for me.   I started this journey as a 3-day fruit, veggie and some seed "detox.”  Then it turned in to 7 days of mostly raw vegan since I was feeling really good.  By week 2, I felt that I needed some cooked foods, so I went ahead and listened to my body.  Coming to the end of the 3rd week I was starting to feel really lethargic and my workouts were suffering a bit.  I was still eating lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes throughout the day, along with a vegan protein powder, but I felt like something was missing.  Eggs kept calling my name.  I didn't miss the t

This all started after going on a trip filled with many indulgences.  I haven't taken a "relaxing" vacation to a tropical place in almost 5 years.  Since my honeymoon.  There were 11 of us that went to Ixtapa, 5 kids under the age of 5 and 6 adults.  Needless to say, meal time was a bit hectic.  Where we stayed, the dining hall had the most beautiful display of every type food imaginable.  The foods were fresh and tasty as well.  The dessert bar looked like something you would find on the Biggest Loser TV show as a temptation.  There was all you can eat ice cream, pastries, breads, cookies, pies, and they looked and tasted homemade.  It was not a good place for someone trying to eat healthy and stay lean.  Not to mention the make your own pizza bar, pasta station, sushi, and so many other types of goodies.  The first few days I was really disciplined and just reached for the vegetables, lean poultry, salads, and raw fish.  Then I would finish off with a large plate of fre