Heard of The Starch Solution (SS)? It's basically a vegan meal plan that reduces your fat intake (nuts, seeds, oils, avocados), eliminates processed foods and increases starchy food intake like potatoes, quinoa, rice, pasta, etc. I'm proud to report that this is my first week of loosely following the meal plan and my energy level is through the roof.  I've been to the gym almost every night this week. YAAASSSS! 

As I progress, I will remove pasta because it's not a necessity and has virtually zero nutritional value (I used to be a pasta junkie, so that's huge for me). Potatoes, quinoa and rice rock though! Typically, I don't make rice at home, but I definitely eat it when I order veggie burritos, veggie sushi, etc. I put potatoes of all kind in my soups and vegan mash-ups (a whole bunch of cooked veggies together). Quick Meals = Greatness and potatoes, rice and quinoa help me to achieve satisfying meals in a short amount of time. Can't let those go, Son! 

So, why am I embarking upon this new journey anyway? 

I had to clean my vegan. 

People have the misconception that just because you are vegan, you are eating clean. That's not necessarily true. I eat out a lot more than I should because vegan options are so accessible in Oakland and because sometimes I just don't feel like chopping (the lazy truth hurts)! On SS, you must take the time to plan ahead and it's been a lifesaver. It's cyclical - prep meals, eat better, gain more energy to work out, feel better. Prep meals, eat better, gain more energy to work out, feel better. Prep meals, eat better, gain more energy to work out, feel better!!

My palate needed altering and by George this is going to do the trick. I have experienced less cravings this week and I'm ready for more stellar results! I'm expecting the great. Need to clean your vegan? Starch it up!

March is such a special month for me! It's my birthday month, the beginning of spring and it provides a true feeling of renewal. There's a newness in the air in March and I love it! 

I turned 32 on the 5th and I have re-committed myself to better health, more weight loss and a phenomenal state of mind. Sometimes, you just have to re-evaluate what you've been doing and re-commit to what you KNOW is the best thing for your body, mind and spirit and emotional health. 

Let's do this!

Boost your potassium with Avocado and Bananas. 
Detox with Broccoli.
Increase your fiber intake with Spinach, Quinoa and Beans.
Enjoy the deliciousness of lower blood pressure with pure Chocolate. 
Tell cancer to kiss yo ass with Red Grapes, Green Tea and Cherries.
Be forever 21 with anti-aging Berries.
Boost your brain development AND your unborn child's brain development with folate rich Kale and Cauliflower.
Reduce blood sugar spikes with Asparagus, Tomatoes, Spring Onions and Sweet Potatoes.
Calm the fire in your joints with Brussel Sprouts.
Get your metabolism going with Garlic.
Don't run your Boo away though; fight bad breath and gum disease with Grapefruit.
Lower your cholesterol with Walnuts and Cabbage.
Keep your bladder under control with Mushrooms and regulate your bowels with Brown Rice.
Lose the hypertension with Pistachios and Oatmeal.
Strengthen your answer to the question: "Where do you get your protein?" with Peanut Butter and Tofu.
You can run AND hide from germs with Pineapples, Nectarines and Carrots.
Boost your cardiovascular capabilities with Leeks.

Hungry for more? Wondering which of these are my favorites? Click on the video below for my top 5! 
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Sometimes you just have to "feel it." The great thing about a holistic lifestyle is that you have already given yourself permission to live how most people don't, so don't mask your feelings like most people do. . .especially when you have the luxury of taking a moment to just breathe. Here's my story. Oh, and there's a smoothie recipe inside of the video! Yipeeee - add frozen bananas to really change the game.