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| Angelica before and after. |
I grew up naturally thin, in a home where meals were served with lots of ground meat and starches. Vegetables were typically cooked carrots, peas, and corn. At 14, I was diagnosed with depression and put on a variety of medications. It was only after I became suicidal and years of different anti-depressants that studies came out saying MAOIs actually cause suicidal thoughts in adolescents. Go figure.
After 5 years, I got off the meds that were making me sick, and I was left with a tormented nervous system and the side effect every young woman dreads - weight gain. It was detrimental to my self-image and I began eating instead of exercising to comfort myself.
I went from a size 5 to a size 16, and on a 5'1" frame. I felt disgusting. I started different diets and gained back the 30 lbs I had shed so quickly because I was eating processed garbage. Fat free, fake JUNK was all I fed myself. But it was low calorie, so it was good, right? Wrong.
In 2009, after having my second baby, I was determined to make big changes. I stumbled upon the Eat-Clean Diet and lost 35 lbs. I took up weight training and followed the book with excitement. I felt SO energized and STRONG. After going through a rough patch, in January 2012, I recommitted myself to proper nutrition and I know Eating Clean is a huge factor.
I resolved to become a vegetarian for both ethical and nutritional reasons. I re-read my Eat-Clean book, but realized while there was a wealth of info available for omnivores, I was struggling to find a variety of plant-based protein sources. Now that Tosca has come out with her Eat-Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook I know this is a permanent lifestyle that I can live with!
You inspire me, I have been on again off again.. eating clean.. and I have struggled with depression severe.. to the point.. i have in the past tried to take my life .. almost succeed.. today.. I am older, brighter, and more happy about life.. over the year.. I have stopped taken antidepressents, and started seeing a holistic doctor and removing toxic antidepressent.. now i take vitamins.. and work at staying clean.. I am running out today to buy Tosca vegetarian book,, we are having giant party tomorrow.. and my goal is starting monday.. totally vegetariann and juicing.. I even took week off from work so i can adjust into it, without interuptions from anyone.. wish me luck.. and thanks for sharing.. your an inspiration to woman like us.. thanks also Tosca and Robert for coming into my life.. you will alllllllways be there.. always..love you both
ReplyDeleteI LOVE juicing! The veg recipe book is fantastic, there are even fish recipes so if you're not wanting to make a giant leap, I would use those as transition recipes. You can do it!! Best of luck to you!
DeleteThank you SO much to the entire Eat Clean team and Tosca for allowing me to share my story with everyone today. With proper nutrition, therapy, and a good support system, anyone struggling with similar issues CAN overcome them, too!! Wishing you all a happy, healthy weekend! xo Angelica
ReplyDeleteI too have been on anti depressants for many years. I tried going off them once and it did not go well. I can attest to the fact that eating clean makes an enormous difference in how I feel. Now when people try to guilt me into eating sugar, I just them I'm a sugar addict and it seriously affects my moods. They respect that and no longer hassle me. Keep up the clean eating and stay healthy! We're all in this together. Thank goodness for Tosca and her teams help!
ReplyDeleteEsther I think that's great that you are able to incorporate both approaches to maintain balance. Whatever works for you is what you should continue to do! My blog was not linked, but feel free to visit me at TypicalAquarian.com for follow up posts, I'd love to hear from you! :)
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