Hey guys! Hope everyone is doing swell.  Just wanted to quickly post about my workout today and for the past couple of days.

First off, I would like to mention that I do not have a set number of days I workout in a week.  I am very much in-tune with my body and if my body wants a break, I take a break.  Now, a break isn't sitting on my tush all day binge watching Netflix or youtube videos {if, if it is, I try to keep myself active while doing it by hula hooping or something}, but I will go on walks or do some yoga. Something to keep my body moving, if only just a bit.

In the past, I have tried to go by a set schedule; 5 workout days, 2 days off; 2 days on, 1 day off; etc, but so far I feel that being intuitive works the best for me.  I am able to rest a day or two if I really need it and jump in stronger and fiercer the next.

For example, it's Tuesday today and I didn't workout at all Sunday and I tried to force myself to workout yesterday but it just would not happen.  So I said screw it! And went to the BF's house instead {he's back home visiting family too! So blessed that we call the same place home!}  So, today I felt a bit better about working out and didn't have to force myself too hard.  I did an hour and 15 mins {NOT 100 and 15 mins...I'm not that insane!} of HIIT from this guy {thanks for kicking my ass Mill Hoy, you crazy bastard!}  It was one of his 1000 calorie workouts. I burned 868 cals and didn't finish the video cause I had to go hang out with my maam and brother.  Anywho, here's a little vid of me after the workout

The potato quality doesn't convey how soaked I was! Oh.my.god. I don't think I have ever sweat that much ever.  I might do another one of his videos tomorrow along with a strength workout that I am gonna try to convince the bro to do with me but we'll see...it will take some convincing since Jerry Springer will be on and of course that's way more important that working out ;)

Alright, I'm gonna go figure a workout for tomorrow then go to bed.

Catch ya'll on the flip side!

I'm baaaaaaack

How is everyone?

So, I'm back home with my family for two weeks and it's really great.  There are so many vegany things here that aren't up at school at all.  Like Vegan Fest!!!

This year was the third year that my brother and I have been going and it was PACKED! I'm stoked about the growing number of attendees!  But jeez was the wait for food atrocious.

Food I had {all Vegan obviously}

• Gluten Free Mac & Cheese 
• From Ste. Martaen
• Rib Tips
• Also from Ste. Martaen 
• Espresso Oreo Soy Ice Cream
• From Chocolate Shoppe
• And, uh so many other goodies!  Seriously, it was all so amazing and the best part is...

IT WAS ALL VEGAN!!!!!
 It's so freeing to go to a place and not have to question the contents of my food.

All in all, it was an amazing time full of wonderful like-minded people eating delicious cruelty-free treats!
...
Unfortunately, I will not end this blog post on a happy note.

One of the tables had a Gestation Crate Challenge {when one of the girls running the stand told me about it, I thought she said Grapefruit Challenge and I was like, sweet, I love grapefruit...}



I was only in the crate for a minute.  For reference, I am 5'2" and about 115-120lbs and there was absolutely no way I could turn around or move much at all.  Side-to-side, that was it.  When I was in there, I was speechless, but as soon as I came out, I burst into tears.

They give you the opportunity to write a message to the pork industry, but at the time I didn't know what to say so I would like to take this opportunity to speak my feelings in poem form {this poem is in its raw form-unedited because I don't care too much if it sounds good...I want it to convey how I feel at this moment; shocked, confused, heart-broken}

0.
Not able to communicate with words,
I felt the metal bars close me in,
cold on my bare skin.
unable to move, to turn around, to face my fate.

10 seconds.
But you, you like that, don't you?  
You don't want to see the terror in the eyes of all the pigs you secure into those crates.

20 seconds.
Locked in, no way to run.
Nowhere to run to
30.
You hear their frantic squeals, their pleas for help
but do you listen?

40.
There are unidentifiable sounds around but my only focus is on the pressure of the bars against my stomach and back 
and the light brushes of steel on my shoulders every time I try to move

50.
Silenced.

60 Seconds.
And the bars are open and I am freed

but for all those living, breathing, feeling, suffering pigs

freedom is a warm oven
and smiles on the faces of their dinner guests.

Me in the crate right before my release

Wish I could end on a better note, tonight, but I think it is important for us all to really reflect on the needless suffering of others.

Maybe next time I can write a happier post..
TFV

Hi everyone!!

Just wanted to wish all the fathers a very Happy Father's Day!!

AND I wanted to wish all the yogi's a VERY  Happy National Yoga Day!!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go get my yoga on!

I'm going home in two days, so I'll post more about my adventures there and all about VEGAN FEST!!!!!

But, until next time,

Hi guys!

As I was on my way out for a run today I realized that my ipod was dead. Bummer. So, I just decided to fudge it and go for a run without music.  On my run {~2.5 miles since I only had half an hour today}, I reflected on my past 5 years as a vegan.  Then I thought, I might as well tell you all a long-winded Vegan story...

 **warning, this post may be triggering for anyone who is suffering or has suffered with disordered eating.  I can write a post more about that if people would like, but for now I would just like to say that if you are triggered by people's stories of EDs {even though this is very much a story with a happy ending}, please just skip this post. It's not worth it to bring up any bad feelings**


In high school {I graduated in 2010, for reference}, I suffered with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.  My therapist classified it as EDNOS-Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified  {I can write more about this later, but for the sake of this post, I do not want to go into more detail}.  As a way to lose weight, I started eliminating some food groups.  Meat was the first to go.  Because I was so emotionally unstable and vulnerable, I relapsed quite a few times.  I would eat meat and feel terrible about myself. Then I would binge on sweet treats because why the hell not? I already effed up once.  Then, I officially went back to eating meat {for the time being}.  I continued to be an emotional wreck, I continued to hurt myself physically, I continued to abuse myself with food.  Then, I decided after doing some research on the health benefits of eliminating meat, to do it one more time.  At this time, I was on my last year of high school and so sick of being sick.  So I became a vegetarian. 

For the most part, this time went WAY better than before.  I felt like I was doing myself a favor and helping myself by going vegetarian, instead of restricting myself like I had been previously.  This time I replaced the meat I once ate with more fruits, vegetables, and grains.  I was still eating a good amount of dairy and eggs, but at this time, I didn't understand how bad the egg and dairy industries are.

Eventually, though, I did my research.  I watched a ton of undercover slaughterhouse videos that made my stomach turn.  I read countless articles on the impacts of the dairy and egg industry on the environment, our health, and the animals.  My eyes were opened wide to the steps my ice cream took to get to my bowl.  And finally, I went vegan and realized that I didn't need eggs for breakfast {I could get my high protein kick-start elsewhere}, I didn't need mayonnaise on my sandwich {hummus is way better anyway}, I didn't need cheese on my pizza {it might sound weird, but give it a try!}, and I did not need that ice cream {um, hello So Delicious Cookie Dough ice cream}.


It may sound silly, but I feel so good about the decision to go vegan.  I feel like, for the most part, that is what helped me in my recovery.  Oh, sure, I have my darker times, but I am much more able to recognize that what I am thinking is not healthy and I am able to eat a big, yummy salad and know that what I am putting into my body is not bad.  Eating is not bad.  I shouldn't feel guilty for putting healthy, vibrant food into my body to nourish it. And neither should anyone else {yes, even you.}

What is the moral of my story, you ask?  It is to do what you are doing for the right reasons.  When I first went vegetarian, I did it for all the wrong reasons, and it didn't stick {and not only that, but I felt worse than ever.  I think my ED and depression/anxiety were at their worst around that time.}


My advice is to reflect on the choices you are making.  Are they hurting anyone or anything?  Think about the animals, the planet we live in, your friends and your family who love you dearly, and yourself.  You have your one beautiful body.  In the words on one very intelligent unknown person who has been quoted by many, many others including myself right now,

If you do not take care of your body, where will you live?

Whew, I think that's long enough for now.  I will leave you all with this video I found of the glorious Chris Pratt getting rapter-pranked by some Polish guy.

Oh why hello. Didn't see you there...

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days.  I went home to visit family for a night and the days leading up to it were packed.  Plus, I just haven't really had any ideas for blog posts...
That's something that I struggle with.  I always start things, but never finish {or never continue beyond a week}, mostly because I just don't find my life very exciting.  But maybe the problem is {or really, the solution is} to make my life more exciting.  I need to venture out! I need to try new things and meet new people!

So, I'm asking any of you who are reading, please, introduce yourselves! Tell me something about you; Are you vegan? Are you not? What kind of music do you listen to? Are you a student? What do you do/want to do for a living?  Have any pets? Tell me something interesting about you!

Alright, so I decided to talk about  youtubers that I like.  In alphabetical order:

40 Below Fruity
Ali Kamenova
Bite Size Vegan
Emily from BSV is one out of two youtubers that I would cry in front of if I met them.  I idolize this woman! She has a way of speaking about veganism that I could never manage,  Here is a link to her About BSV video and here is a video of her being subjected to branding like so many animals are.  Also this is a link to her personal art website.  I actually just found this today.  It's NSFW, so be warned.  Most of it is very sexual, but I personally enjoy art like that.  It's full of expression.  I mean, the human body is a beautiful thing so why not show it off?
CarbedUp VeganMuscle
A fantastic channel for those who are heavy into weight lifting and want the tools needed in order to build muscle and strength on a vegan diet {but, really, the "vegan" part doesn't matter.  If you are consuming a varied vegan diet with sufficient calories an working ass in the gym, you'll be building strength}
Christine Salus
Christine is a High Carb Low Fat Raw Vegan and posts What I Eat vids along with A TON of HIIT workouts {one of my absolute favorite types of workouts!}
Eco-Vegan Gal
Whitney from E-VG is the second youtuber that I would make me cry if I met them! She has been vegan for over a decade, which is amazing! {Someday, someday...} She posts videos on how to save money on a vegan diet, how to be eco-conscious and how to be conscious of what you are putting on to your body in the form of makeup, clothes, soap, etc.  Great channel!
Fitness Blender
Daniel and Kelly are a married couple and the founders of Fitness Blender.  The channel compromises of any and every type of workout you can imagine! There are over 200 workout videos ranging from just a few minutes to an hour and a half.  Highly, HIGHLY recommend them!
FullyRaw Kristina
Happy Sexy Healthy
Kino Yoga
Kino is an accomplished yogi and my number one flexibility inspiration
Megan Elizabeth
Okay, I guess I may cry if I met Megan as well...man, I cry a lot...She is, like Christine, a HCLFRV, but doesn't stress about it like many people in the Raw Vegan community. She seems like an amazing person and very down to earth and I would love to one day meet her!
Millionare Hoy
NaturallyStephanie
Psyche Truth
Raw Vegan Not Gross
Tara Stiles
Vegan Black Metal Chef
I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but when it comes to music, metal is my favorite.  Now, I don't listen to too much Black Metal {as Folk and Death Metal are my favorites}, but this channel is pretty sick! VBMC is a great channel for those who are vegan or transitioning and are missing  their old favorites.
VegSource
Yoga by Candice
Yoga with Adriene
My favorite yoga channel. Adriene is funny and sweet and her videos are really great for both beginners and more advanced practitioners.


Well, because that was way longer than I anticipated, I'll stop here even though I'm a bit gabby tonight...I think my plan for the rest of the night is to watch a few youtube vids, do a bit of yoga {I'm working on my headstands!}, write, then go to beddybye..

Until next time,

stay true, stay you, stay vegan
TFV

So last night into all of today I have been CRAVING ice cream {vegan, of course}.  I made these chocolate peanut butter cookies as a way to satisfy my cravings and although they were delicious, even when I was done eating them I still wanted some fricken ice cream.  I think it's the cold that I'm craving {along with the creamy texture, the sweetness, etc etc etc...}.  If only my naners were ripe, then I could freeze them and make some nana ice cream.  Damn you unripe bananas!!!!

I have no problem with having some ice cream every once in a while, but it's the act of going out and getting it..I'm so lazy.  I'll probably do it, though, if I can drag S away from The Witcher.

Oh, here's the cookie recipe. Super duper simple an real yummy!

You will need:
1 {preferably ripe} banana
1/2 cup oats
1/2-1tbs chocolate powder {I used cacao}
1tbs of peanut butter
whatever add-ins you want...I used raisins but chocolate chips would be really good..

Steps:

• preheat oven to 350 F
• Mash banana in a bowl
• Add in the peanut butter and chocolate
• Mix those 3 ingredients together
• Add in oats
• Mix well
• Depending on how big or small your naner was, you might need to add in a bit of water, just start with a tbs and add from there to get a batter consistency
• Add the add-ins
• Form into small balls, use a spoon as a guide
• Put on cookie sheet and place on middle rack. Bake for 5 mins and check
• May need to bake for a few more mins.  Check every 2 mins after the initial 5 mins

Enjoy your cookies!!

TFV

Hey there!

TGIF amirite??

What do you all have planned for the weekend?  There's nothing super special going on here. Tomorrow I am volunteering at the Farmer's market.  There is a vegan stand run by one of the most amazing groups of people I've ever met! It's my first time volunteering at the summer one and instead of having it inside of a middle school, it will be outside, downtown. Hopefully the weather will be nice, it's been so rainy here.  I do like the rain, though..

Whelp, internet is all janked up.  But I was able to take a few snazzy pics with my morning smoothie:

 I don't know if you can tell, but the glass was pretty big. Like the size of my head.  And I didn't take a picture of it {because I dove right in}, but it was filled to the brim.  This smoothie was a peach cobbler smoothie:

• frozen bananas or raw bananas
• frozen peaches
• vanilla 
• cinnamon
• oats {makes it thick and creamy!}
• water {or other liquid}
• raisins or dates

I purposely did not put any quantities because everyone tastes things differently, so I'll leave it up to you to decide how much of each you want in there.  But, just blend it all up and enjoy! Yum!


S, and some friends and I went to see Jurassic World last night @ midnight..it was okay, but Chris Pratt...I'm telling ya...oh man..


So I'm just about to go to the gym. Today is light squats with a booty emphasis:
Squats
4x5-7 @ 105lbs 
Weighted Bridges 
3xAs Many As Possible
Straight Leg Deadlifts
3x8-12
Lunges
3x8-12 each leg
Flutter kicks on bench
6x 8-12 each leg w/ 10 sec break in between

Then, if time permits, I'm gonna end Mountain Climbers on the Treadmill

Alright, time for me to head out.

I'll probably talk later, who knows..
Stay true, stay vegan :)
TFV

I like the title...maybe I'll do some themes each day...hmm

So today was a heavy lower body day.  I did:
Squats

• Set 1: 5x1 @ 135lbs
• Set 2: 3x3 @ 120lbs
• Set 3: 3x5 @ 105lbs

Assistance Exercises

• Back Lunges: 20 each leg w/ 50lbs
• Curtsy Lunges: 20 each leg w/ 50lbs

I had to cut the workout shortish today because I went to the gym after work so I had my car and, because parking isn't free, I didn't feed the meter enough change..oh well

Well, I was gonna post pics of what I ate today but {surprise, surprise}  my laptop camera doesn't work.  It's just a black screen.  If anyone knows how to fix this problem, pleeeeaaaase do let me know!!

So, I'm just gonna end the post here so I can dick-around on the web, and eat some nana ice cream!!!

ba-bye er' body!
TFV

Hey everyone!
So today was a Medium Upper-body day.
I did
Bench: 6 sets of 3-5 reps @ 60lbs
Pull-ups: 4x1.  Eventually I'll be able to do more, I just didn't have access to an assistance band today.
Barbell Rows: 4x7@ 45lbs, 50lbs, 55lbs, and 60lbs
Dips: 3x2-5 unnassisted
1-Arm Shoulder presses

My cardio today was walking to the gym and jogging back home. Pretty simple today.
...

Alright, so like the title mentions I am SO FRICKEN HUNGRY today!  Most likely explanation is this culprit right here--> .  {if you catch my drift..} And I'm eating up all my food! I wanna have the last of my dates, but then I won't be able to get any for a while since I'm running low on dolla dolla bills, ya'll.  

 


Dates; the best kind of date

Welp, there isn't really much else for me to talk about right now. I'm gonna go try to find some fewd and start reading Motorcycles & Sweetgrass.

Talk at you all again, soon.  Stay healthy and stay vegan :)

Since it was the first day of summer vacation, I decided to start a newish lifting program.  Because of my class schedule, I was only lifting 3x a week. But now that all I have to do is work, I'll have more time to focus on progressing on my lifts! yay!  So today was Day 1 of my 6-day split.  It was "medium lower-body + hamstrings and abs"
My Monday Funday Routine:
-Warm Up: walking to the gym ~1 mile.
{10 Donkey Kicks, 10 Straight-Leg Dead-lifts, 5 rep squats with bar. Repeat this twice to activate glutes and hamstrings.}
-Squats: 6 sets, 3-5 reps with 80% 1RM
{I ended up doing 3-4-4-3-3-4 reps @ 120lbs}
-4 sets of 5-7 reps Straight Leg Dead-lifts
{I did them from a deficit @75-85lbs}
-4x20 cable side crunches
{20 reps each side=1 set.  I increased weight each set by 5lbs}
-2x10 Natural Glute-Ham raises
{It's an awkward movement, but you REALLY feel it in your hammies and calves}
-Burnout: 2x8 rounds of Tabata on Stair Master
{For any readers who don't know what Tabata is, you can find a great description and brief history here, but basically, it's when you work hard for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times}

This took about an hour and, because of my sweet Garmin and the heart rate monitor, I found out that I burned roughly 500 cals {including the ~1 mile walk back home}

The last thing I wanted to talk about quickly was the new blog format.  I thought, maybe if it had a sick new look, I will blog more.  Only time will tell if this works.

Oh also, in a few months {or whenever the BF gets the heck out of the house} I'm gonna start vlogging.  I don't have a cool camera or a fancy smart phone, so laptop it is. Unfortunately, I think it might lag...like, a lot...

Well tata for now. I'm gonna watch Big Fish with S

TFV

• Gain strength-Increase lifts ~20 in 6 weeks
• Gain flexibility-I'll write a post all about flexibility later
• Devout more time to activism-More on this one later, too
• And, for vanity's sake, I want to lose some fat-Roughly 2-5% this summer.  Or, really, whatever.  Since I'm not looking to loose weight at all, this number doesn't have to change much.  I would just like to become more svelt.