Hello

Hi, I'm Jen - welcome to my blog! So since I was a teenager I have never been a big fan of meat - well apart from the odd happy meal from McDonald's and roast chicken with my Sunday Roast and then of course there is the turkey on Christmas day and don't forget cold turkey and coleslaw sandwiches on boxing day...... However, things seem to have changed.

After spending three years studying food and nutrition at University I have read about every type of diet - and must admit have attempted nearly all of them (apart from the maple syrup!) with little or no success. Now I have a qualification in nutrition I feel more confident in structuring a plan to follow and also making sure I get the right amount of minerals and vitamins to keep my body and mind healthy - I knew my 10 boxes of nutrition books would come in handy one day! This time I dont want to just go on a diet I want to make a total lifestyle change - maybe its the thought of turning 30 in 6 months bringing this all on - who knows. Since the beginning of this year I have become more and more grossed out by the thought of meat and what it actually is - flesh! I don't need to eat dead animals to be healthy and to be totally honest I don't even really like the taste of them - and there it was I made a commitment to myself to become a totally dedicated vegetarian. I am proud to say that since making my pledge to not eat meat I have 100% stuck to it - I haven't even been tempted by the smell of bacon sandwiches cooking on a Sunday morning or burgers on the BBQ this summer. I am quite happy with my bean burgers thank you very much.

Last month I bought a book (to add to my huge collection) - The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. I have read this book from cover to cover and am in love with the thought of living as a vegan. How long I would actually be in love with the lifestyle if I actually converted to veganism may be a different story. Anyways I could do with losing a few holiday pounds and seem to be stuck in a junk food rut and need to get OUT! Plus I like a challenge - especially if its around my favourite topic - FOOD.

As from Monday I will be embarking on my journey to veganism. I will detail my diet plan and everything I eat and drink on this blog in an effort to stick to it (and any exercise I decide to do too). Its gonna be tough - I love cheese and as a veggie everything I eat seems to consist of cheese - this must be one of the major factors contributing to my muffin top! It would be a bonus to cut out all processed food as well which I will try and adhere to but the main object is to stick to a vegan diet. With that in mind wish me luck! It doesn't start until Monday so I still have time to sneak in a few more bevvies and a slab of cheese....

Happy living x