the original food diet: the final stats

The results are in! 40 days of the original food diet will certainly change your body.

At least it did ours.

My husband lost 16 lbs. in 40 days- eating as much as he wanted to eat. He lost 3 inches in his waist!

I can't say how surprised I am at the results of this diet! I always liked the idea of eating real food. I was excited to see how my body would change. But I didn't expect change to come so easily after the initial two weeks.

Here's a summary of how I felt and changed:

Body: I lost about 4 lbs. in 40 days. I feel like I might have lost some muscle tone by this point- but I feel as strong as I used to be. I challenge myself to do heavier weights just out of curiosity, and I can do them. I've lost a inch or so off my waist and hips, and I can see more muscle definition. So even if I lost muscle, I guess I didn't need it!

I have a very steady amount of energy. I'm surprised at how good I feel when I exercise. I was sick and could barely walk on Monday, and by Tuesday, I was exercising normally again. I didn't feel the residual exhaustion of sickness that I usually do.

Skin: I was probably the most excited to see how this diet would change my skin. It's hard to see changes in your own body that happen so slowly, but I feel like my skin is softer, and some of my facial redness is fading into a more even skin tone. My acne has not completely gone away {depending on the time of the month}, but it is far better than it used to be.

Hair and nails: My hair growth has slowed down, as has my nail growth. Before this diet, I consumed some type of animal protein with every meal, and my hair and nails grew crazy fast. They've both slowed down but not stopped.

Mind: I feel happy about this diet, more than ever. I love that I don't have to worry about how much I eat, and how easy it is to eat vegetables at home. Eating out is very different and more difficult, so we can really only eat at one or two places. {eating out on this diet is a post all it's own!}. 

We generally call ourselves vegan now, because that covers what we don't eat. But I'm finding out that we fall closer to raw food vegans, even though we cook our food, because we don't eat processed food. :)

The decision: We've decided to stay with this diet indefinitely. We really, really enjoy eating good foods. Everything tastes better than ever- and we've lost our addiction to artificial sweeteners and fake carbs. Our bodies have changed {my husband's, dramatically so!}, and for now we couldn't be more excited about a diet.

I'll keep you posted on how we feel over the next few weeks as well. I have a feeling that the changes will continue! :D

DIY design sneak peek: birds, florals, and funky patterns

I've been dying to tell you guys all about the DIY stuff we've been doing lately! We're working steadily but not quite ready for the big reveal{s}. :)

For now, here's just a little house tour teaser! It's a glimpse of what I've been working on for the last couple of months. :D I've got a few new thrifty room makeovers almost ready for you! :D

Here are some of my favorite little design elements of the new rooms {in no particular order :) }:

Little birds in fun colors...

vintage red and yellow...

and fun shades of orange in chevron style...

and stained glass transom windows and fans aplenty. 

This house gets hot in the summer!

Bright florals....

new cabinetry {yayayyy!}....

and funky patterns make everything more fun...

Eeek! I'm sooo excited. I can't wait!

But I guess with four new rooms to show you over the summer, I'd better get to work! :D

 You know what I'll be doing in my free time from now on! :P

Have a lovely day, friends! :D

what i wore this week {straight from Goodwill edition}

wondering what this series is about? read here to find out more… :)

So I did get at least one picture outside {of the dressing room, ahem} this week.

This is one of my favorite easy-going outfits- a $4 clearance dress from Target, paired with a $2 thrifted AE undershirt, and my old clearance metallic sandals. 

{Oh, and I guess this is also my "after" shot- from 40 days of the original food {plant-based} diet.  I didn't take before and after pics because I wasn't thinking I would lose weight eating nuts, and avocados, and potatoes, but surprisingly, I did! This one really stood out to me- for the first time, I really noticed a difference in muscle tone/definition in my upper body. Yay for unexpected results!1}

I was seriously thinking of rewarding myself for making it to the "end" with some cute workout clothes from Academy, but I didn't find any good sale or clearance items. :(

I did get a wiww pic though! 

thrifted Seven for all Mankind jeans {$7}, the Gap belt {$8} and wedges {$20}, and a clearance AE tee

Rob had to work on Saturday, so we went with him and I used my "extra" car time to work on answering emails. Then it was Goodwill time!

I had such an exciting trip! I ended up doing a little impromptu live thrift shopping excursion there! I posted the outfits on Facebook as I tried them on, and got real-time "yeas and nays" from you guys! It was so much fun! Like having a lot of sisters and besties to give me their opinions!

Here's what I tried on at Goodwill {tell me what you think!}:

The dress that started it all:

I posted: adorable vintage dress... a little too big, but for $6 should I go for it?

{I got a resounding yes!}

And I loved the teal ruffles on the top {$3} paired with a like new pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans for $6....

and this funky/fun boho Pacsun top for $4....

and I really fell in love with these gold metallic sandals that were practically new {$4}, designer denim skirt {$4}and the coral-orange plaid top for $3.

I even found a like-new Nike top for $3! 

Unlike Abbie's 30 minute Goodwill challenge, I definitely took my sweet time. I think I might have spent 30 minutes in the dressing room! I was having way too much fun. :) I'm a slow tryer-on-er anyway! I have to bend over, spin around four times and sit down in everything at least once. ;)

 Some of what I tried on came home with me and went straight to the washer so I could wear it on Sunday! {The $6 Citizens, and the $4 strappy sandals!}

I paired my new finds with an old Goodwill favorite- this coral pink shirt that I found at GW for $4 from way, way back on a weekend thrifting getaway with the girls.

Oh, and my one other outside wiww pic: here I was at the beginning of our Sunday night/Mother's Day camping trip {little did I know what was to come!}

I look optimistic, no? :) Coral is actually a good camping color. It is.

So I'm dying to know! What did you think? Which one was your favorite GW outfit? 

And which outfit will you see next week on wiww? hahaha! :D 

linking up at the pleated poppy!

mother's day + giving up control

This was my favorite Mother's Day yet! We had some plans change at the last minute, so we had the chance to go camping after lots of Sunday fun. :D

I woke up to my little cuties bringing me these from some special hidden place outside:

It was the sweetest thing they have ever done. I was so excited. Noah told me later they were free from Atwoods {a local farm and ranch store}, where they even had the kids color a free card to go with them. How cool is that? Atwoods just scored some major brownie points with this mama! And thank you husband for shopping there! :D

We went to an early lunch on Sunday before we headed out. We went to a steak house {no, I still don't eat meat :P}, and while we waited tried to grab a pic. This was the best shot by far. 

Two and a half people looking at the camera is success in my book. That's half!

And we even ate a small piece of bread...

So what exactly do vegans eat at a steakhouse? {the waitress wasn't even sure}...

the veggie plate, no butter. {and I didn't ask what they rolled the potatoes in...some things are just better left unknown}

And I had a chance on Sunday to go and pick up a book at Barnes and Noble with a 20% off coupon:

And then we were ready to camp...

I had been really tired after the last couple of weeks of running, and we decided it would be fun to get out of town and enjoy the fresh air- no work, no internet, no house projects. We just both needed a break.

{don't let the ruffly pink shirt and gold sandals fool you... I can camp on my air mattress in the concrete shelter with electricity and nearby hot showers. We were roughing it. ;)

My husband treats all of his girls like princesses. He brought the Barbie Jeep along for his little girls:

Okay, so I gave him a really hard time for overpacking just a bit, but as soon as the girls hopped in their Jeep and drove it away squealing, "Daddy, this is so fun!" I knew his love language was caring for his own. :)

And this boy is turning out just like him, which I couldn't be more proud of.

He's such a trooper- a little man. He's only 8 1/2, but he's so grown up already.

We had lots of fun that night, and just relaxed and set up our little camp. We made a fire from the last person's embers. We team nested an old hot coal we found underneath the fire pit and took turns blowing on it until it became fire. It was so very Bear Grylls.

The next morning I woke up with the most dreadful nausea. {My first thought every time I wake up sick like that is inevitably, "oh my gosh, am I pregnant??" which is followed by a burst of adrenaline, then I start calculating days and such to see if it's possible before I make it to the bathroom. Four pregnancies made me so weird! ha!}

I walked the walk of death across the trail and up the hill to the bathroom. God answered my prayers, and gave me the hottest shower I could ever ask for at a campsite. Oh, after a night of not sleeping, my body was aching like crazy.

The kids found me {of course}, and I found out my little trooper had been sick too, and he hadn't even told his dad until he threw up the second time. He is such a little man.

We packed up and headed home. I've never been so grateful for a bed and Sprite, and a bathroom 10 feet away.

It's so funny how something so very small like a virus can make you so very sick.

I had all these plans for Monday- goals, menu plans, projects, teaching classes. I was supposed to be running again :), instead God had other plans for me. I slept for more than 16 hours yesterday, and I'm still tired today.

I'm so much better, but still feeling like I'm walking through quicksand.

It's so weird how I can think I'm in control of anything, and something so small can take me out just like that.

I'm such a weak little human- I can't control a single bit of my life. 

I can make plans, I can have ideas of what's going to happen, but it's not ever in my hands. 

Which could be such a scary thought if I weren't trusting that my God is good, and He loves me.

It so reminded me of this verse, Proverbs 16:9:

A man's heart plans his way: but the LORD directs his steps.

And this: 

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Proverbs 27:1

At one point yesterday, I almost blacked completely out and when I was on the floor by the bathroom and my heart started beating so strangely, I laid there thinking I actually might die right now. It was so surreal.

We don't know when we will breathe our last. We just don't.

yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14

What should we ask for then, if we have such limited time?

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

“O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Psalm 39:4

What is man, that he is mindful of us? {psalm 8:4}

He loves us, and directs our paths. 

He made the entire world. He even controls that tiny little stomach virus. And our Mondays. And Tuesdays.

He loves us, and He is sovereign.

Every part of Him is good, even when our own plans fail {as they are destined to do!}. He changes our steps, and knows every part of our lives. He is control of every single thing. 

We are so, so blessed to be alive and moving and breathing today, aren't we?  :)

Did you ever have a time when God changed your plans like that? 

the original food diet: what I learned in 40 days

I just finished 40 days of the original food diet. 40 days of eating only real, plant-based food.

Three weeks ago, I was thinking this day would never come.  :)

I'm happy to say that today, 41 days after we started, I've never been more excited about a diet.

I've never followed any specific sort of "diet" before, so it was a completely new experience to have "rules" to follow. I mentally rebelled against the rules when I started. I missed my half and half and my salad dressings, and my granola bars. And the large {ridiculous} amount of caffeine I had acclimated my body to.

It's been 47 days since I had a Diet Dr. Pepper or any kind of soda. And coming from a serious ddp junkie, that's pretty much a miracle! I never thought I would give up drinks just like that.

I love the way I feel not drinking them. I love the way I feel not eating fake carbs like granola bars and cereal and cookies and chips. It sounds silly, but they drag you down and make you feel terrible. {coming out of 40 days without them, I can say that! ;)}

ah, dear cinnamon stromboli, you taste so good but I learned that you are not so kind to my body.

I've really learned a lot about myself in the past few weeks.

I always knew I had a love/hate relationship with food. I love to eat, I love to cook, and I love the way food tastes. I enjoy food.

But I had to micromanage what I ate in a way. I added up calories in my head, and the higher calorie empty carbs I loved often left me starving for more. Carbs and caffeine cycled in a way that kept me at high energy to exercise, but left me low after I was done. And it was always a delicate balance of trying to eat just the right amount so I felt good.

This way of eating has changed the way I feel and how I eat in so many ways! I have a steady source of energy, and I don't feel like I need to eat something all the time to keep it up. I'm rarely really hungry at all these days.

But what I was surprised by the most?

It wasn't the physical aspect of the diet.

It was the heart aspect.

I was kind of shocked to learn at least three different things during this challenge. I just never expected this to be any more than a surface level experiment. I mean, it's just food, anyway!

Here's what I found over the last 40 days:

1. I was finding my joy in food.
I had no idea that I put so much stock into what I was eating. When my favorite foods were taken away, I was nearly depressed. I didn't want to eat anything for a while. I couldn't have my favorite croutons, or bread when we went out, or the sushi I loved so much, or a piece of carrot cake on our date, and it actually made me feel sad!

I put so much anticipation and let my food choices control the way I felt. I don't overeat, so this was such a revelation to me. I loved food in a way that made it sort of an idol. It controlled my emotions. I misplaced my affections by finding so much fulfillment and joy in what I ate.

It might sound silly, but this diet has actually been a fast from my love of food.

2. Legalism is a battle I didn't know I faced.
Even though I love being given grace, I'm apparently a super rule follower {I'm sort of type A!}. I found myself being very mentally upset in social settings when I needed to eat something that wasn't on my diet. I said from the beginning, people before food- that I would choose to eat what was served by my friends and family because I loved them more than my diet.

But my heart still wanted to follow the law. I hated breaking the rules that I {a human!} had made. My own rules. Forget the big picture: that I was changing our entire lifestyle for the better, and that was on the diet for at least 40 days, and that one serving of something wasn't going to hurt me in the least. I was worried about the jot and tittle.

I found comfort in following the rules. And it makes me think about my spiritual life in a whole new way. How many times would I rather just follow the "rules" than the big picture- seeking after the heart of Jesus? Ahhhh.

3. Self-discipline is a very good thing for my heart. 
The past 40 days have been huge for my family. We've changed the way we eat, and I started the 12 hour challenge, where I stay offline for 12 hours a day so that I can lose my addiction to the constant flow of information.

Both challenges were extremely hard for me in the beginning. I felt like I lost my best friend or something. It was so difficult to let go of the things that I love so much!

But the results have been amazing. Disciplining myself to eat only foods that were good for me made me realize how poorly I was feeding my body in the past. Doing the same with the internet made me realize how much I was neglecting the things I needed to tend to in lieu of being in the know.

Disciplining myself actually brought me more freedom in the end. I now can enjoy whatever I want, because it's all good for me. Not being on the internet {a sacrifice for me}, gave me the ability to walk away from it and be present with my family.

I'm so glad to have walked through this 40 days.

It's funny, but I can't go back now. Freedom tastes too good. I love the food I'm eating these days- good, filling food.

We're staying with this diet, hopefully as long as we are living- but with one caveat- that we are allowed to eat meat, or dairy, or eggs if we feel it's important to the situation.

We will allow ourselves to eat a piece of cake on our special date. That's how I think we can stick to it long-term. We've changed our bodies to like the good food, but we don't want to leave behind every good thing and be all legalistic about it. :)

I'll update you with a physical changes post soon! I'm waiting to find out the final 40 day measurement stats! :D


Q: If you joined me, how did you do? I'd love to hear!


And whether you did or not, do you ever find yourself seeking joy from what you eat too? I'd honestly never thought about it before, but I placed so much emotion in to what I was eating! It was such a perspective change for me!

recipe: quick and easy veggie chili

This has become one of my favorite recipes on the original food diet! 

{can you believe it's the last official day?! I'm going to give a full report tomorrow! :D}

My husband loves McAlister's veggie chili, and for some reason it took me weeks to think of making a version at home. It's fast, easy, and super cheap. We love it! 

I thought it was definitely appropriate for a thrifty thursday post. :) We made it this week as you can see on our meal plan, and I think it's going to be a weekly menu item from now on.

It can be as easy as you'd like to make it. If you'd rather mince onion and garlic fresh, and use fresh tomatoes, even better! I like using the dried and canned versions at my house for easier meals. :)

Here's what you'll need:

5 cups of cooked pinto beans {can be canned- 3 15 oz. cans}

1 29 oz. can diced tomatoes {fresh is better}

1 29 oz. can tomato puree

3 tbs. onion, minced

3 tbs. garlic, minced

3 tbs. chili powder

1-2 tbs. of salt {to taste- I like 2 tbs.}

1 tbs. oregano

dash of cayenne {optional}

Stir all ingredients together {undrained} in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes, then simmer on low for at least 15 minutes. 

The longer the simmer, the better the flavor!

You could also let it simmer on low in the crockpot for several hours for an even easier meal.

So filling, and so delicious.

Easy, frugal, and yummy. The best of all worlds! :)

What's your favorite go-to easy recipe?

what i wore this week {lovely edition}

wondering what this series is about? read here to find out more… :)

So I uploaded my iPhone pics and found this dressing room what I wore pic from a couple of months ago:

and I couldn't help but think three things:

1. I love Ann Taylor Loft's skinny mirrors.

{such things do exist- mirrors specially created to make you look leaner. I have many women to back me up on the fact that you love the way you look in the clothes there, and get home and think, "what in the world was I thinking buying that?!! It's going back." So crazy. I don't want the clothes, but I will take one of the mirrors, please... }

 2. I'm so blessed to have a husband who's willing to take my outfit pictures. {and even move to the right lighting or background for that day}. He's incredible, and patient, and wonderful. And his pictures are so much better than my cell shot. :)

and,

3. I love the fun layers of winter, but wiww is way more fun in the spring with all the bright colors. :)

Although I'm a redhead, I love neons. I do. I said it. :)

Neons do not have to love me back, however. But I still try to wear them just in case.

It's okay, neon, I'll just pretend I have the deeply bronzed skin that goes so well with you.

The glowing neon top was $7 from Target, and the flower tank is an old a&f find, the jeans are from Goodwill- 7 for all mankind, for $7, and the wedges are Gap for $20. They are a newer purchase, and I've worn them at least 3-4 times a week since I bought them. I love a good pair of sandals! :)

So it's safe to say the winter clothes are officially stored away for the Texas summer. It's been 91 degrees here already, and sleeveless shirts are a girl's best friend on the hot and humid days. :)

This outfit was a bit pricier, coming from sale racks and eBay instead of the thrift store. I bought the shirt for under $20 at the Gap last year, the Miss Me jeans from eBay for $27, and the leather Gianni Bini pumps from Dillard's for $28ish on clearance. The bracelet was only $1 though! That counts, right? :)

And last weekend my mom came down and bought me a dress. :D

We did a little clearance Target shopping and found this flowy floral dress for only $8:

{and there are those Gap wedges again! :P}

Free, and navy with flowers! :D I love it! Thanks, Mom! :)

And then the casual weekend day:

... the same Gap wedges {all week long, I tell you}, $7 Anoname jeans from Goodwill, and a $5 Target shirt. :)

I guess I'm being a bit sentimental {you'll see why}, but I keep thinking of how blessed I am to have a husband who not only provides the money for me to buy all of these clothes, but even takes my pictures of me in them for my outfit posts. Ah, I love him so much.

And he loves me so much. 

What a gift that is! God brought us together to love each other.

I take it for granted so often.

Love is an amazing thing. And it's a gift from above, without a doubt.

I saw this video, and it just made me cry, because God is so awesome. And His love is so much bigger than we could ever imagine. It changes the hearts of His people.

If you have a chance, you should totally stop and watch this video. It's seriously the most beautiful picture of His love between two people today.

Beautiful.

linking up at the pleated poppy