It has been going on two weeks since I started the challenge and I am loving it (sometimes)! The first week I had serious withdrawals from sugar and fried foods. It doesn’t help that I have to walk through a dining hall that is filled with the smell of moist fudge brownies baking along with delicious shoe-string fries. It would be a lot easier if I was home away from temptation; However, I enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that although I could sneak a handful of fries into my mouth without anyone knowing, I would only be hurting myself. Victory is sweet enough for me. Also what’s even sweeter is how my body has responded to my new diet. Not only has it been cleaned of all toxins, but I feel amazing. My skin has become clearer. I can eat as much as I want and never feel that lethargic bloating feeling you get after overeating. I have more energy and I do not crave a nap after every meal like I used to. It’s crazy how by giving your body what it needs in return it gives you what you need; It gives me the ability to embrace each day with my all.

Through out my food journey I have discovered why so many of my vegetarian friends complain about the lack of vegan/vegetarian options. There is only one station for those who are either vegan or vegetarian in my dining hall and you either take it or do not eat. My diet has consisted of a ton of salads and grilled vegetables. For snacks I try to keep nuts and fruit around. Once or twice I have had no choice but to settle and eat rice or pasta, when that’s all the vegetarian station had. However, I do my best to avoid it. I have had quite a few people ask me about the criteria of the challenge, so below I have posted a quick outline.

Real Food Challenge Outline

• Fruits
• Vegetables (excluding all starches including potatoes)
• Beans
• Nuts
• Tofu (I try not to include tofu into my diet or anything else that is processed)
• No meats
• No processed foods
• No sugar