My Vegan Week: Day 1

I tend to enjoy short-term "fasts" to kick my body back in gear. At the beginning of this year, I did a 21 day raw, vegan challenge. I felt as vibrant and full of life as the colors in my fridge, until I started to notice myself having severe fatigue and weakness. Was I getting enough protein? Plenty. Was I drinking enough water? A gallon a day. Was I working out enough? 4-5 times a week. I was so confused as to what was causing this energy-loss with a diet that was so full of vitamins and nutrients, so I went to my doctor for some blood work. The results came back and he told me that I had very low levels of Vitamin B12. After doing some research, it all made so much sense. Vitamin B12 is vital for energy levels. A deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, and anemia. Where is Vitamin B12 found? You guessed it- animal products. Meat, dairy, eggs- everything that I was avoiding. Vitamin B12 is not naturally found in plant products. My doctor put me on a prescription of B12 supplements and I noticed a drastic change in my energy levels. After my 21 days of raw veganism, I slowly interceded animal products back into my diet. 

Since my raw vegan fast that kicked off 2016, I have lost 15 pounds! I still have a few to go before the wedding, and I have been feeling very sluggish lately, indulging in way too many rice krispy treats and ice cream, and have been dreading working out due to the oppressive heat and humidity. After I reminded myself that all of my excuses suck, I decided that I would like to reboot my body to get out of the slump I am in, and do another 21 day challenge. 

My 21-day challenge is based on The Daniel Fast. It is a 100% plant-based diet, with a few other rules (such as no coffee or tea) that I won't be following this time. My diet will be vegan and gluten-free, with one gallon of water per day and exercise 4-5 times per week. I would love to check in on my blog for accountability (Hey readers! All 3 of you! And mom!) and post some of my recipes and workouts. 

Tonight's recipe was pretty thrown together, but that's what you get for a Wednesday night. I had stir-fried brown rice noodles with tofu and vegetables. I could eat it every day. The recipe is below! 

Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables

• 1 2oz package brown rice noodles
• 1 package firm tofu, cut into cubes and patted dry
• 1 large carrot, cut on a bias
• 1/2 white onion, cut in half moons
• 1 large portobello mushroom cap, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• Cilantro and chopped peanuts for garnish, optional

1. Cook the brown rice noodles according to package directions.
2. Brown the tofu in a hot skillet with olive oil
3. Sautee vegetables in a hot skillet with olive oil
4. Whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and ginger together in a bowl
5. Pour sauce over vegetables and serve over rice noodles with tofu 

Fave Five Friday

Oops! I'm writing a blog! Well, since we're here, I should introduce myself. My name is Shawnae! I'm 22 years old and I am currently an administrative assistant for a property management company on the beautiful campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I recently graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration: Entrepreneurship and moved from the green, rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains to the vast and flat country-scape of the Midwest. Originally from Utah, I have an incredible passion for the mountains, among other things like jellyfish, chocolate, pole dancing, cooking and baking, health and fitness, and most importantly, Jesus Christ.

For now, I'd like to keep this blog uncategorized. My title, "Burlesque and Basil" highlights two of my passions: Dance and cooking. But here you will find posts on anything and everything. I am hoping to post things such as recipes, original photos, product reviews, workouts, stories, wedding planning shenanigans (September 24th is the big day!), and the occasional rant.

I'd like to kick off this blog with a "Fave Five Friday" post. These are five things that I am loving this week!

1. Lara Bars

Okay, guys. I am slightly obsessed with these things. Made with minimal and whole ingredients, these bars are my ultimate go-to snack. They are truly what their brand advertises, "Food made from food." I get them on sale at my local grocer for only $1 per bar (usually advertised 10/$10), and they make a great mid-morning snack or pre-workout energy boost from all-natural fruit sugars. The base ingredient in most of the bars is medjool dates and a healthy dose of omega-3s, protein, and MUFAS (mono-unsaturated fatty acids- the "good" fat) from nuts and seeds, like cashews or almonds. My favorite flavors are Cashew Cookie (2 ingredients- dates and cashews!) and Apple Pie (6 ingredients- dates, almonds, apples, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon). The best part of eating these bars is the texture- they are soft and chewy, not like your normal crunchy fruit and nut bar. At around 200 calories, they hold me over until lunch.

2. This salad (Recipe below!)

I think I have eaten this salad every single day this week for either lunch or dinner. The weather has been teasing us with glimpses of warm sunshine. It is making me eager for summer, and this salad is oh-so summery! I use a mix of romaine and leaf lettuces, and top it with sliced strawberries, blueberries, chicken, feta cheese, chopped toasted pecans, basil-infused olive oil, and a generous drizzle of balsamic reduction.

3. Under Armour Women's UA Flux Gloves

The palm is lined with a rubber material which gives you a great grip on poles or bars. Pull-ups have been my go-to workout for increasing my upper body strength for pole training, but my hands always get sweaty and I slip off the metal. For anyone who struggles with grip when lifting, I would definitely recommend Under Armour UA Flux Gloves ($22.99 here). The reviews all say they run small, so size up!

4. Nutri Ninja with Auto IQ

I don't know how I lived without this beautiful machine for 22 years. Earlier this year, as I began my fitness journey with a FullyRaw fast, my amazing fiancé surprised me with a Nutri Ninja with Auto-IQ 3-in-1 blender pitcher, nutrient and vitamin extractor smoothie cup, and food processor. He said, "If you are going to do this, I want you to be able to have what you need to do it right." (Oh yeah, did I mention I'm engaged to the most incredible man ever?) I use it every single day, whether its for my breakfast smoothie, banana "nice" cream (my favorite healthy treat!), or trying new recipes. The possibilities with this beauty really are endless. My delicious-looking green smoothie here is inspired by carrot cake! Check out this awesome carrot cake green smoothie recipe!

5. Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

If God is at work in your life, these things will be evident. I have made it a point to choose one fruit of the Spirit each day to focus on for that day. In my morning prayers, I say, "God, today I choose ______" Today I choose Love. Today I choose Patience. Today I choose Self-Control. Lord knows this week my Patience has been tested! It is comforting to know that through the power of the Spirit, we each are capable of these qualities. When I struggle with Peace and am overcome with worry, anxiety, and fear, I turn to God for comfort. The Spirit guides me when my Faithfulness is being tempted. There is Joy in my heart when I think of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

There you have it! My Fave Five Friday! I hope you all enjoy the weekend, and I am looking forward to keeping in touch here! Please feel free to comment below! I would love to hear your feedback about this post or ideas for future posts!

What were your five favorites this week?
What is your favorite fitness accessory?
What Fruit of the Spirit is most evident in your life?

xo,
Shawnae