My Plant-Based Life
November 1st and 8.2lbs lighter. 🙂
September – October has been hard due to intangible factors.
I’m happy that I’ve lost some weight during these challenging times.
This November I hope to manage my portions better. Increase my iron intake and learn more about plant-based skin care. 🌱🌱🌱
Will be updating my blog more this month, sharing some tips and recipes that have helped me to become a better version of myself.
✨ 🌚Blue moon goals
As for myself Unique Fatso, my online pen name – I’m an introvert, I’m an introvert when it comes to visual displays.
I’m no good with photos, if you have one of me, you’re lucky! I’m an introvert who feels comfortable writing and I know some may say unlucky!
I receive feedback in all forms and a few often tell me so, ‘Unique, oh! UniqueFatso, make videos with you in it and your popularity will grow!’
Hmm, I never started this blog for Insta-fame or YouTube fortune. The day I launched this blog, was the day I became accountable!
For my food intake.
My wayward weight.
The clothes fitting tighter and my plant-based shakes!
Whatever ensues after will be accepted as a bonus. Without my blog, I wouldn’t have taken any own-ness? (ownership for my weight.)
I know I would sit there in my bedroom brooding.
I would blame my family, my friends and even good old Judy. I would most likely be chomping down on some animal I deep-fat-fried. I’ll be gaining weight each year and if ever I were to step on a scale, each time I would act surprised!
Like, ‘OMG! How did I get so big? I’ve no idea where that weight has come from! I walk about most days and attend the gym on some.’
I would most likely turn back to an offer. A big burger meal for £4.95 and add extra fries for like 30p at a time.
Hiding away from peering eyes. Especially the ones outside.
I digress. I digress!
I’m an introvert as stated above, my name is Unique Fatso and reflective writing is what I love.
Has my blog helped me to lose weight? Why of course it has, yes! I can also review my failures and moments where I digest…too much.
It serves as a reminder that I’m on a plant-based journey. Shows me how far I come and how all this pinkness is quite girly!
My journey will last a lifetime, meaning even when I’ve lost weight I’ll have to maintain.
I’ll share forever my positives and negatives and moments where I’ve felt emotional pain.
Love
Unique Fatso
Last night I wanted junk food!
Chips, curry-sauce, more chips and maybe a pizza?
I wanted plain doughnuts!
And sugared doughnuts and I have no excuse or plausible reason, as I’m not menstruating.
I guess that’s apart of the life.
This life.
Lockdown.
Kept in.
Alone? Yes.
I felt alone last night and craved fulfilment through the narrative of eating!
Regret followed…
Then anger! Why would I want such foods, when I’m improving each day and a year ago, I wasn’t exactly in the best place.
More regret ensued.
Fatso! She must wish to remain FAT!
No, no, no! I do not want that.
I cried for around an hour. Could’ve been two? I cried because I gave in and ordered a takeaway, plant-based foods can be junk-foods, too.
Regret took over and over my sight was blurred.
I sent texts out to a few people I’ve not heard from in a while.
I browsed Instagram (knowing that a lot of the posts are fake.)
I told myself I’m incapable of losing any more weight.
I placed my phone on flight mode. I popped it into a draw.
I entertained negative thoughts and cried even more.
I saw a vision in my mind – my mind can bare cruel thoughts. I saw _______ and my emotions felt broken.
Maybe, just maybe I have been holding onto pain. Maybe his apology wasn’t enough and I’ll turn to food again.
I share this because I’m not perfect and perfection I do not seek.
I share this because I feel awful, about my night where I was WEAK.
For a few months, I was dating a wonderful guy, who consumed meat and dairy. Initially, when I found out he ate those things, I was sure I wouldn’t get along with him long-term. Surprisingly so, we got along extremely well! Conversations, jogging and surely meditations. I also remembered when I was a meat-eater and how long it was before I transitioned to a plant-based diet. I figured that I could inspire him to make the switch, etc.
During the majority of our dates, he would eat plant-based meals and even prepared tofu stir-fry’s. Which is sweet as he quickly demonstrated the little changes, he’s willing to make to ensure I feel comfortable. Only, that never lasted long! After a few months, he was visiting friends and enjoying meat-filled BBQ’s and posting up on Instagram with the caption, ‘A real man’s plate!’ a whole rack of ribs.
That was the moment I knew he truly is Mr Wrong. How can I continue to enjoy spending time with a man who eats animals? I mean, he’s a lovely guy and we have so much in common. But this behaviour did not sit well with my moral compass. Especially as he was joining me on dates and appearing to show that because of me he’s now eating more plant-based dishes. His Instagram gave the world a different narrative.
And I’m positive that the locations and attendees at the BBQ’s were mixed. Not just his house-hold support bubbles. Which during these unprecedented times is irresponsible and may negatively impact those around him.
Takeaway?
When it comes to the world of romance, everyone wants to love and be loved. And I didn’t want to seem to come across as pernickety. I have noted that I at least tried. Dating someone who consumes animal-meat/milk isn’t for me. Those images made me heave and seeing him after that, I knew I had to do what’s best for me.
Future Potential?
Hmm? Of course! Just never a meat-eater.
Love
Unique Fatso
You stepped on the scales this week and seen the increase in your weight.
This could be due to various factors, such as menstruation (for females,) or an emotional event. When I’ve experienced something that has caused me a great deal of emotion, I’ve turned to food and not just any food – I’ve gorged on junk food, as a way to find comfort and alleviate any emotional pain that I may be feeling at that particular time.
Just as I was, you may also be aware of what you’re doing. But you do it anyway for the temporary relief.
You feel awful about it.
You feel that you’ve now wasted all this time losing weight, only to gain weight now. It’s now fair on you, you’ve invested so much time and energy and can’t understand where this weight gain has come from.
You turn to food.
In the past, you’ve turned to food, so you think, ‘why not?’
You feel because you’ve gained weight, you may as well eat some junk food.
It’s not just any food it’s junk food.
Don’t do it!
You’ve already come so far on your health journey. You’ve made so many positive changes and you see and feel the benefits that your efforts have transformed into.
No one is perfect!
Even people that have dedicated Chefs, Personal-Trainers and Motivational Coaches, slip up at some point during their journey.
You should be proud that you’re doing this without expensive assistance. I mean, in an ideal world, I would like that myself. However, it’s not something that I’m able to afford. However, you must remember that you’re human and no one is perfect!
Continue to eat healthily.
Continue your healthy eating and don’t dwell over weight-gain. Like I mentioned before, weight gain could be down to several factors.
Going Forward
I recommend keeping a health journal, this way you can review the period between your weight-gain and your previous lower weight. It may help to identify what may have led to you gaining weight or at least provide you with some clarity around the scales displaying a weight higher than you expected.
When you’re feeling low due to weight gain, don’t turn to junk food, alcohol or drugs. Eat something healthy, drink some lemon water and continue.
Remember you’ve already come this far.
I believe in you.
Love
Unique Fatso
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In my previous post, I spoke briefly about becoming ill due to not eating properly and allowing my anxiety (shopping during the pandemic) to take over my life.
Today, I found out from my GP that my blood results came back and indicated my iron count is low. I must go and collect a prescription from my Doctors surgery and begin to take them asap. However, I’ve been fine with iron-rich foods, so I will be resuming my iron-rich food intake and will strive to stick to it.
I know many people across the world are sceptical about eating right – and would prefer to take pills for all their health needs. Which I respect is a choice we all have to make in our lives. However, for me and the fact that my body lacks iron, I’m choosing to eat more iron-rich foods.
Taking iron tablets in the past has been a horrible experience which led to other problems. Whereas incorporating more iron into my diet, has aided the increase of my iron count and provided me with a bounty of positive benefits.
The rewards of eating right outweigh the need to consume medicated pills for nutritional deficiencies. I believe that if you’re able to change your diet to help heal your body, then you should do that. Alternatively, you can introduce small changes to your diet. Rather than changing it too suddenly, different people require different things. And some people need more time, whereas others can change overnight.
It may seem daunting to eat healthier, I know some people who have a plethora of excuses not to even try. I recommend you try first!
I believe in you!
Love
Unique Fatso
Yes, I agree weight loss is a serious aspect that you’re incorporating into your life. However, who said you can’t enjoy yourself?
I can list 5 things that I have fun with during my plant-based weight loss journey:
Your weight loss journey shouldn’t be daunting or a negative experience. Remember, you’re doing this to live a healthier life. Who said you can’t enjoy yourself?
Love
Unique Fatso
Nothing can be successfully achieved by doing nothing. One must strive to work hard at everything they do, to reap the benefits of success. I know it can be difficult to remain focused or even motivated on your goals, no matter the size.
Remember that while the notion, ‘work hard’ is easy to say and harder to do. You mustn’t put all your efforts into the wrong areas. For instance, using up all your energy on your job role but failing to eat properly or exercise.
Work smart! Should’ve been the caption, as through smarter working practices you’ll find good outcomes. Or at the least, you’ll feel some sort of pleasant satisfaction.
Before the pandemic, I was buying fresh fruits and vegetables, weekly. During the lockdown period, I continued to eat the foods my body needs. However, the past few months have been difficult. I feel anxious when buying groceries, due to a large percentage of the general public not adhering to the distance element of the social-distancing rules.
To mitigate these nerve-wracking trips to the supermarket, I used to leave out early to get to the store for opening time. However, I’m often required to log onto the intranet to complete work. Then I don’t like the busy shopping periods in the early evening. Which means I was frequently postponing the need to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Last week Wednesday during my morning shower, I almost fainted. I had to sit down in my shower for a few minutes before having the strength to turn off the shower and return to my bedroom to lay down. Before that morning, I had experienced a great deal of stress. Which meant I hadn’t eaten Tuesday night and went to bed quite upset. I stayed indoors that day and slept, waking up late afternoon to eat something.
The next morning Thursday, I woke up with a lump on my neck and slight swelling around my neck, back and shoulders. I was lucky enough to get a face-to-face appointment with my GP. However, she was unable to confirm if this lump was a lymph-node or an effect of my thyroids.
Today, I had a blood test, which will check various elements and my iron count…my GP suspects the reason for my faint moments, could be down to my levels of iron being low. Although that does not explain the lump that’s appeared on my neck – a scan has been booked to help identify what this lump is.
I can’t stress enough the importance of eating to keep your body nourished and able to absorb what’s needed from the plant-based foods. And I admit, I’ve allowed external factors to interrupt my health journey. I’m currently at home resting up and building back up my intake of iron-rich foods. I’ve also received some great tips about anxiety and how to manage it when shopping for fruits and vegetables.
Food shopping would be so much easier if people kept their distance. I can’t fathom why then stand so close or browse the same shelves/fridges and reach right across your small space. It annoys me, but I’m not responsible for the actions of others. I’m only responsible for my actions.
I know many of you around the world are experiencing all kinds of unexpected scenarios, this pandemic has affected everyone in some way, shape or form. I hope we all continue to push through and beat Covid-19. So many lessons have been learnt in the past 6 months and I’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Please, remember to eat well and take care of yourselves.
Love
Unique Fatso
A couple of months ago I began dating a meat-eater…
I have told myself for the best part of a year, that I would only date someone who was plant-based. As I’ve given up meat, so it’s only right that the person I date doesn’t eat animals during mealtimes.
During many of our conversations, I was very clear with pointing out that I’ve given up meat and won’t consider it ever again. He was cool with this and asked, ‘do you mind that I eat meat?’ and before I answered he added, ‘would be a shame to discontinue our dates when you used to eat meat and I may change.’
I thought about that point for a split second and agreed, he seemed like a lovely man and I would be wrong if I backed off because of a diet I once followed a year before.
Overall
I enjoyed spending time with him, his personality is beautiful! His mind is the encapsulation of a SUPER-GEEK.
Pros of Dating
Well, companionship etc, etc. You know.
Cons of Dating an Animal Eater
How Do I Feel Dating One?
I have moments where I feel odd.
We’re eating and he has some lost life on his plate. I watch him eating and enjoying his meal and I remember feeling the same as a meat-eater but even better with my plant-based meals. I wonder if deep down I’m a hypocrite? Does dating a meat-eater mean that I condone barbaric food choices? Maybe, I’m partway delusional and blinded by the fact that he’s amazing?
Could it be that because his choice of food isn’t entering my stomach, so I’m not actively approving of his way of life? Or maybe, I subconsciously feel like I’m absolved from feeling any type of way because I’m dating someone who claims he can cook a delicious tofu-stir-fry?
I’m not saying that it’s wrong to date anyone who eats meat, as most of us were/are meat-eaters. I’m not saying that they shouldn’t be considered when getting to know someone romantically.
However, I do invite you to take this as an opportunity to educate them on plant-based eating. Also, understand that it can sometimes take a while to recognise that switching is best all-round – it took me several years to accept that fact.
Also, why I don’t agree with people who eat meat in their diets, I’m not going to meat-shame them about their choices. I think it is perfectly fine to highlight that you don’t like meat-consumption etc. But I don’t think it’s healthy to finger-point and call out people for their choices. I believe that when you come across forceful, it creates a narrative that depicts plant-based enthusiasts as militant on a quest to convert the world.
Again, if you want to shout from the rooftops or make a video about why eating meat is wrong, then I implore you to do that. However, mocking people for the choices they were (most likely) taught as children, isn’t fair. And it highly unproductive.
Yes, I’m pro-plant-based and I’m dating a meat-eater – my internal thought processes belong to me. If at any point I reach a spot and I’m feeling uncomfortable, I’ll act then. And yes, I’m aware that the odd feelings I have when I watch him eat meat, some would point out, ‘that’s you feeling uncomfortable!’ I must interject and say, no one is perfect in this life and we could go back and forth on the animal-based products I would find in your home. Even some plasters are made using animals.
Dating a meat-eater is like dating any other person, it’s the period in which you spend time getting to know one another. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow more as an individual.
Are you currently dating/partnered with someone who has different food preferences?
Feel free to discuss below in the comments.
Love
Unique Fatso
Gee, Saturday is turning out to be tiresome.
How are you doing?
I’m currently being phased back into work and I’m finding the whole experience quite strange. After all, I’ve become accustomed to waking up and lounging around, logging on for 0900 completely whatever work is there.
Once I’ve logged off, I have a nap.
Wake up.
Eat lunch.
Nap.
Nothing exciting.
I’ve been trying to ensure that I complete some form of exercise at least 5 days per week. Although, I’ve found (lately) that I’ve felt exhausted when returning from the office. I guess, I’m going through that period of adjustment and it will take a while to get back into a longer workout session each day.
However, I promised myself to workout at least 20 minutes per day! And to support my goals, I’ve developed a poster that now sits on my fridge. If you feel you may benefit from my 20-minute workout planner, please feel free to download.
It simply serves as a daily reminder, which is great as I’m trying to limit my usage of my smart devices. Often, I feel mentally drained from the amount of information that is available at a finger swipe. I feel great having taken some time away from social media – even better for sitting back and writing more. I’m currently laying in bed thinking about all the aspects of life I wish to write about.
I sometimes find it hard to contextualise my ideas into words or practice. However, I will always try.
I appreciate the e-mails I’ve received from some of you, they’re very heart-warming and forever valued.
I digress.
Hope you find my posts useful.
Love
Unique Fatso
Recently I jumped into the dating pool and started swimming again.
It has been an interesting experience so far. The general, deciding where to eat together, where to explore and most importantly, staying safe from COVID-19.
However, I’ve struggled with the first part of this new experience. Which is something I never thought I would? As many of you know, my diet is plant-based! I’m not a fan of labelling, so while I wouldn’t class myself as Vegan – I’m wholeheartedly supportive of cruelty-free consumption.
Nevertheless, I’ve been feeling as though my diet has become sluggish and brings me down. Why? Well, I try not to come across as super-fussy when dining out. I’m aware that I shouldn’t feel this way, but I fear my date being put off by my constant river of questions whenever he books somewhere to eat. In England, bookings are now mandatory for bars, restaurants and pubs – due to the COVID-19 safety measures in place.
I ask:
Ah! I forgot to add one important aspect of my dating life. I’m currently dating a meat-eater! (that is a whole other blog post.) So, while he appears to show interest in my dietary requirements, I don’t think he takes it seriously.
Anyway, I’ve been feeling sluggish lately about the food I’ve been consuming. I mean I love chips and wholemeal pasta. But I find myself selecting chips or a white pasta dish. Just not wishing to come across pernickety every time we go out to eat.
The increased consumption of poor choices is taking its toll on me. I’ve not felt motivated to write much on my blog, as all I’ve been eating is pasta!
Today, my date rescheduled and him doing that caused me to have a deep moment of reflection. How is this sustainable? And why am I negotiating my plant-based requirements, for the sake of keeping a date ‘happy?’ I say happy because I don’t want to seem over-zealous! Although, in theory, that’s exactly what I need to be doing.
Why compromise my life choices?
Dating and dieting is hard at the best of times, dating someone who does not share your thoughts on food is one of the greatest challenges I’ve faced since switching to plant-based eating. **Is it lust that creates an illusion when I’m with him?
The increase of chips and pasta in my diet brings on an increase of 5lbs in weight. I know, many will say, why not just visit places that suit my needs and have more variety to choose from? However, with COVID-19 restrictions, its not always easy to book places I’m comfortable dining in. And in the early stages of dating, I don’t want this to become the focal point of our dates.
Nonetheless, I’m thankful I’ve taken a step back and processed a lot of thoughts around dating and dieting. I’m grateful I have a place to share those thoughts and going forward, I shall try harder to encompass the fact that it’s perfectly fine, to be fussy with dining out.
Any advice on what I may wish to consider?
Love
Unique Fatso
I’ve only just realised that this wasn’t posted on the 1st – I had accidently schedualed it for the 21st. Apologies!
This month I’ve decided to mix it up a bit and shorten some of the workouts. This is due to slowly returning to the office. I’m happy to be getting out more and building my confidence each time I workout outdoors.
I want to get in as much training as possible before the nights start to get darker and the mornings take longer to shine through. Try to alleviate some anxiety and lose a few pounds.
I hope at least one person finds this plan beneficial.
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Unique Fatso