Vegan!

Hi Addie,

So you may someday ask us about the time we decided to go vegan.

While I'm enjoying this vegan thing now (like a whole lot), I don't expect your dad to stick with it forever.  Actually I don't expect to stick with it forever, as I miss cheese and baking with eggs and butter too much.  The no meat thing doesn't bother me as much, though...

Nonetheless, I was inspired to go vegan so I could get healthy.

I realized that in order to raise a girl who intrinsically values herself and her health over her appearance, I have to be a role model for that behavior.  So how do we get healthy?  We opted to go vegan... but not just any vegan, it's a whole-foods, low fat diet.  Nothing that comes out of a cardboard box, whole grains, lots of veggies, fruit, beans, peas, legumes, nuts... if it grew out of the ground, we have eaten it.

And you seem to like it!  You're eating lots of veggies, and you have a healthy little toddler glow about you.

More importantly you're healthy, inside and out.  I feel good about the foods I'm feeding you because they're fresh, healthy, and won't cause your arteries to clog prematurely.  I still make sure you get plenty of mama-milk for the good fats, and I do still give you and Owen cheese.  But it's the exception, not the rule.

I vow not to pinch my fat rolls anymore, because I don't want you to pinch yours (well, I'll try my best anyway).  I vow to be confident in my own self, without worrying about what others may say about my appearance, dress, makeup (or rather the lack of makeup), or choices.

And it starts with this- abstaining from things that simply aren't healthy.  Rejoicing in the amazing flavors and taste combinations that exist naturally, without being refined.  Who knew that frozen peaches could create such a divine dessert?  Who knew that red beans and rice doesn't require sausage to get creamy and delicious (it takes 20 hrs in a slow cooker, but OMG amazing).

I hope to give this knowledge and lifestyle to you, because I don't want you to rely on boxed convenience foods.  I want you to enjoy an apple, banana, or even some kale chips :).

I want to give you the gift of health, starting at a young age, so you are set up to best do whatever it is that you are going to do with your life.

Love you my girl,
Mama

PS: You SOOO didn't want to get up this morning.  Until you saw your brother, then you were all smiles :)