Don’t Eat Carbs

I’m tired of hearing/reading the following statements:

‘Don’t eat carbs; they make you fat!’

‘I’m sticking with meat only; carbs are bad for you,’

‘I’m only having a tiny bit of carbs, and I don’t wanna get fat.’

Those statements are common, amongst many others. I’m tired of hearing them! Not only are they wrong, but they also add the misconception that fuels the beginning of an eating disorder.

Now, I’m not here to say go ahead and gorge on carbs. I will say, carbs do not make you fat! How you prepare the carbs and the type you opt for, impact your diet, weight and nutritional intake.

For example, one of my favourite meals is chips and curry sauce. Of course, chips are deep-fried, and I opt for a more substantial (than needed) portion. I’ll never lie to you after all this is my blog. My safe place, my diary, my journey.

Another favourite is jacket potatoes – Which, I know many people eat them with a mountain of cows cheese, and some put animal pieces on top such as chicken or strips of a fried pig. (This is what causes the weight gain.)

Another popular carb is pasta! But again, I see people eat it covered in cows cheese and animal flesh and act surprised when the scales are showing an increase.

You can’t expect to see weight loss when eating the same combination of CARBOHYDRATES!

I for one enjoy

  • wholemeal pasta with plant-based cheese
  • Jacket Potato with beans and plant-based cheese.
  • Mashed potatoes with plant-based butter and soya-milk
  • CLASSIC CHIPS AND CURRY SAUCE

Abandon all white carbs, yes!

Switch for wholemeal/whole wheat options!

 Don’t abandon carbs! That is utterly ridiculous.

I Pledge

I Pledge

To eat healthily.

To workout.

To smile more.

To try foods, I’ve never tasted.

To read more about plant-based living.

To share my knowledge.

To be true to myself.

Any Old Iron

Any Old Iron

Any old iron? Any old iron?
Any, any, any old iron?
You look neat. Talk about a treat!
You look so dapper from your napper to your feet.
Dressed in style, brand-new tile,
And your father’s old green tie on.
But I wouldn’t give you tuppence for your old watch and chain,
Old iron, old iron.” – Petr Sellers

During my meat-eating days, I found out that I suffer from iron-deficient anaemia. My hair was fading away, nails kept on breaking and I always felt like I needed a nap. My GP (General Practitioner) at the time advised that I incorporate more red meat into my diet.

     I remember asking her why red meat? Isn’t that bad for you? She said it’s okay to have if you need it and you need it. So I added more red meat to my diet, my symptoms did not improve as the cause was not resolved.

     For many years I struggled with being anaemic, my GP prescribed iron tablets. But they came with some horrible side effects:

  • Constipation.
  • Metallic taste.
  • Always feeling dehydrated.
  • And frequent headaches.

One day I visited Holland & Barratt and spoke with a well-informed employee, who suggested I try Floradix for a few months. I admit, I wasn’t always consistent with taking Floradix, as I felt the benefits quite soon after – I felt a sense of normalcy. My tiredness faded, my nails strengthened and the health of my hair improved.

Fast forward to 2019, I gave up meat for life!

Any old iron?

Before man decided to kill and eat the animals around us, we ate from Mother Earth. Today, I eat any old iron!

  • Lentils
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Chickpeas
  • Pumpkin/Pumpkin Seeds
  • Porridge
  • Broccoli
  • Beans
  • Kale Juice
  • Orange Juice
  • Peas
  • Flaxseeds

Vegetables have a higher iron content than any choice of flesh.

Plant-based is GREAT, tell all your mates.

#IronBorn

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls

Years ago, I used to enjoy feeling peckish, as it was a signal for me to visit Greggs and purchase a sausage roll x2. Feed myself and gorge on these cheap eats and real meats.

I look back and accept I did that.

I was lured by their definition of a bargain. But what have I gained, bar the extra weight and years of rolls gained? Cheap equated to cheerful.

Cheerful because I had change left over, which meant I could purchase two or another one tomorrow.

Back then, I had never taken a moment to consider that the meats I was eating, was once a heart that pulsed in life and was beating. It was for sale, categorised as food, so I bought it and never once believed I was rude. Wrong even, or plain dumb?

Society taught me to buy sausage rolls and live my life, while young.

Young was the gilt before she bore piglets. Young was her heart before we minced her and labelled her kind pork. Stabbing into corpses with knife, fork or our mouths.

To state that you need meat in your life is a travesty.

To voice that you’re not sure how people can live on a Vegetarian/Vegan/Plant-based diet is your unacknowledged ignorance.

To write that people who don’t eat meat are stupid is a true reflection of who you are.

Need

require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable.

“I need help now.”

There is no reason anyone alive on this earth today, requires the consumption of animal flesh to live.

Today I visit Greggs, and I purchase a Vegan Sausage Roll or a Vegan Steakbake. Both of which are 100% plant-based and better for our environment, the animal kingdom and my personal health.

Friday – Weigh Day

Friday – Weigh Day

For many of you around the world, Friday is the day you weigh yourself to check if you’ve lost any weight? I don’t agree with this day! I find that by weighing yourself on the cusp of the weekend and finding out that you’ve either gained or not lost any weight; you may turn to what society has labelled ‘Cheat Day.’

Which is a day where you give in to temptations by eating everything you want. But you are cheating on yourself. You are adding extra pounds to lose, extra sugar to sweeten your insides, extra salt to dehydrate your weigh. CHEAT as you wish.

If you find that you have gained weight, don’t dwell on it. Start again now and learn from your past mistakes. (No one is perfect, we can all learn self-discipline.)

Friday, the end of the week. The day I return home, and I sleep for longer than usual. Another day to reflect upon my journey and take comfort in knowing that I didn’t cheat this week. I ate in moderation and I took extra steps. I meditated, I relaxed, I ate houmous and I pushed through the discomfort of menstruation and completed my week.

I’m happy right now.

I never gave up.

I pushed through.

I’m here with you. Becoming a healthier version of myself.

I See You

I See You

I often pretend that you don’t exist, as if I’ve no idea what you look like, or rather, who you look like.

After my shower, the mirror in the bathroom is too steamy to notice. Other mirrors are lost? Unneeded.

As I go about my daily activities, I catch glimpses of you but ignore you.

I ignore you as I’m ashamed.

I see you, I do.

I love you. That’s my truth.

Reflection

Good Morning

Good Morning to you, to me and to all.

Today will be a challenge, but you stand and remain tall.

People may dissuade you, and you may feel small.

But be bold and be brave and say, ‘Good Morning’ to all.

Temptations

📸Bitmoji

Temptations

They are all around me, and I’m often losing time dreaming about them.

Chips and curry sauce!

I love the taste, I won’t ever lie to you. The aroma lures me in, and I’m often weak! I give in and purchase a nice hot portion of chips, with curry sauce in a small pot.

The flavours? Delicious!

Classic British dish.

Why don’t I abstain? In the past, when I’ve restricted myself, I’ve ended up eating more than I have intended on doing so.

I permit the dreams, and often they amount to nothing more, other times I give in and relish in the delights of chips and curry sauce. But as I don’t have restrictions on food, I often feel satisfied from allowing myself to dream and remember the smell, taste, and how it feels to eat one of my favourite food combinations.

What do you gain from imposing a restriction?

I can tell you what I gained:

  1. Wasted time.
  2. Frustration.
  3. Desires to eat forbidden foods.
  4. Endless day-dreams of Homer Simpson and I gorging on everything.

Restrictions are a barrier placed there by the mind, for the mind.

But who or what minds your mind? YOU!

These unseen, self-imposed rules and regulations can create heighten temptations. Which lead into over-eating and then guilt.

Why put yourself through that?

Either choose/find a healthier alternative or have it!

Alternatively, meditate! *This helps immensely when I’m craving a takeaway.

temptation

/tɛm(p)ˈteɪʃ(ə)n/

Learn to pronounce

noun

  1. the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.

Body Parts

Unique Fatso’s wrist

Body Parts

I have one body, I have many parts. I dote on some parts and wish others were better looking.

Why do I do this?

Why do you do this?

Why do we behave in this manner?

Society consistently tells us, through voice, words and images that we should look a certain way. Once we look a certain way, we will achieve certain things! Fame, fortune, favourability and let us not forget, we won’t be forgotten!

I love my wrists I fragrance it with The Scent by Hugo Boss, I feel special whenever I spray it on my wrists, my neck and my collarbone. For a moment, I’m only focused on those body parts, I forget about the extra weight I’m carrying or the bag of chips and curry sauce I’m craving, but I don’t need.

Aged 17 society told me I should be skinny, like those models in the magazines. Models in magazines that state they’re promoting the latest trends, but left me feeling insecure and out of place. Wasn’t skinny enough to even dream about being one of them.

I remember seeing models eat burgers!

Drink fizzy-pop and manage to pinch some from the plate next to them. Remaining skinny throughout. I often felt that when I ate such foods, I felt the weight embedding itself within my stomach.

Did I mention how much I love my wrists? We all have favourite body parts. Someone I once knew loved my hands. Someone I know loves my eyes. But what of the eyes? They show me who I am.

I’m more than just a body part, I’m Unique Fatso!

I know we all tend to focus on certain parts of our bodies and others ‘my favourite body part is…’ the fact is, we should express gratitude for what we have. If I were only a set of wrists, what good would that be?

I have a beautiful mind, intriguing personality and emit vibes from our universe.

Equally, you all have divine hearts, and while they continue beating, I want us to focus on being the best we can be! Not what society deems we should be.

There is no other you!

You are amazing, I need you to know that.

Every inch of your body is yours, and you are working towards better health. I’m proud of you.

My body exudes magic.

Remain True

Why Plant-Based?

Fatso’s Files

Why PlantBased?

For the Animals

Years ago, I was off work due to feeling ill. While in bed and when I owned a television, I clicked onto a link via Twitter. It took me to YouTube – A video of workers shoving metal tubes down the throats of geese, force-feeding them to make Foie Gras!

I was disgusted and felt anger and resentment toward these people. But at the same time, I continued to devour meat burgers, meat-based meals and almost all my meals contained some form of meat on my plate. It was a considerable challenge rewiring my brain to agree that the chicken dishes I was eating was inherently wrong.

Over the years, I switched to a vegetarian diet, but that only lasted a few days. By 2019, August! (possibly July) I had given up meat FOR LIFE.

Ponder with me for a moment, place your hand over your heart and feel it beat.

Cuddle your dog/cat and feel their hearts beating.

The meat you consume once formed the body of an animal that had a heart that beat just as yours beats. The cute lil duckling photos you like on social media before tucking into your animal-based meal. Makes no logical sense.

I understand it is a challenge to first acknowledge meat is not food, then to accept it is not for human consumption, than to abdicate from eating meat again. I know the uphill challenge entirely – It has taken me years.

For Our Environment

Because life in plastic is FANTASTIC.

We buy for today and discard before tomorrow.

All the Plantbased, Vegan, Vegetarian eaters – Are the living evidence that we DO NOT need meat. Our world is perishing in front of our eyes, yet many still incorporate the corpse of an animal into their weekly shop. Delivered to their stomachs daily.

There is no need for me to expand here because this information is widely known and available. Eating meat is the most significant detriment next to plastic that is murdering Mother Earth.

For My Health

I’ve touched on briefly in some of my 2018 posts, how much my plantbased diet has helped my health.

  • My hair is growing.
  • Energy is up.
  • Nails are growing.
  • Skin is clearer.
  • Bowel movement daily!

I feel healthier, look healthier and live healthier due to my meat-free lifestyle.

Finally, thank you.

If my blog provides at least one person with a spark of inspiration, then my blog is a success.

I appreciate there will be people that do not agree with anything. However, I implore you to adopt a meat-free healthy journey and reap the seeds you sow with plant-based living.

Unique Fatso

By Choosing Plantbased

📸 Unsplash

Tiger Tiger

📸Unsplash


Tiger Tiger
Years ago, I boarded a scale, comparing the results to a Health Weight Chart, which informs me I’m overweight.

I know such charts are there to provide users with what may be deemed as factual information, but it doesn’t fill me with hope.

It delivers anxiety to me, in bulk.What it tells me is that I’m not good enough, I’m fat, I’m overweight, I’m obese, I’m very obese, I’m morbidly obese. Keep telling me that.

Throughout time I began to bare stripes, my body was stretched, and I was in denial.

The first stripe was tiny; I thought I don’t have my stomach on show anyway shortly after it gained a friend, and eventually a following.


Anxiety blended in with anger, and I switched lanes on the chart. My stripes darkened, and my mood was even darker.

I wrapped up in black and aspired to be a silhouette within society. I’ll be your shadow.


The eyes that scan me as I checkout at the checkout.They see my basket, and I hear them say, I’m not sure about Unique, but FATSO, definitely.At least she’s trying?


The thoughts that infiltrate my goals, I succumb to the languishing of sugared-ring doughnuts, £1, deal. Done. Eaten. Alone!


I was once asked what they are?

I answered, I am a tiger, I bore tiger stripes!

I am a tiger.

A tiger.

Tiger, tiger.


If We All

📸 Pixabay

Down

Down

Sometimes you’ll feel down and wonder what’s the point in all of this?

You’ll doubt your ability to choose health and stick with your fantastic choices in life. You know deep down that choosing health is the best thing for your life. Choosing plant-based is a bonus!

You’ll still doubt yourself and question is this worth the hassle?

YES!

Yes, it is!

I know this health journey is a huge challenge, but we can accomplish goals together and help each other out.

I know the feeling and I understand the doubt. But trust me, we will make it.

Choosing you is what matters here and if you need time for yourself, ‘take it.’

Don’t allow self-doubt to hinder your progress.

Keep going! You’ve got this!

#MotivationMonday

Unique Fatso

Porridge Power

Fatso filming faves

Bean

Ovarian Cyst

A few months ago, I wrote about the bad pains I get, that is heightened during my monthly menstruation.

After a horrible appointment with my GP and a subsequent complaint. I was booked in for an ultrasound last year. Which I became scared of and cancelled.

Fast-forward to 2020, and I brave it and attend a private clinic for an ultrasound scan.

They identified the cause of my pain.

They advised me that I have a cyst on my left ovary.

I know this sounds awful, but I’m happy that I finally understand what it is. For months I had no idea, I tortured myself over all the things it ‘could be.’ That was partly to do with my paranoia but mainly to do with how my initial GP visit went.

I’ve named my cyst ‘Bean.’ As it annoys the hell out of me and I’m always aware it is there.

I will find out more information about Bean in a few days. I will keep you all posted – my mind has been full with this ongoing issue. When I receive the detailed results, I’ll know what to do then.

I’ve been trying to remain positive and focused on it, as I do eventually want to start a family of my own. I also want to be rid of this pain, no point in creating negative energy.

Blogging helps a bit, so thank you for reading.

UniqueFatso

Missing Out? Really?

📸: Photo by Unique Fatso

Missing Out? Really?

Them: ‘Unique, I really don’t understand how you can survive without eating meat!’

Unique: ‘Well, I’ve been plant-based for a few months now. Can you still see me?’

Them: ‘I personally couldn’t live without meat! You’re brave!’

Unique: ‘I think you’re brave to continuously eat from a life that once had a heartbeat.’

Since giving up eating meat, I’ve found and enjoyed many plant-based alternatives. I’ll continue to do so for the rest of my life.

     I wish people wouldn’t act like eating plant-based is criminal. I mean, what is so bad about eating fruits and veg? I’m not participating in the murders of animals, for the benefit of a plate loaded with their roasted corpses.

     I’m simply choosing health! Not only for me but for the future of our Mother Earth. I want to know that when my brain realised that consuming meat was wrong, I did the right thing and went meat-free.

I’m not here to criticise meat-eaters, as I was once one myself. I’m here to make you aware that life without meat is far greater than life with a now silent heartbeat.

I hope that one day everyone will be meat-free!

Saturday shop? #MeatFree

📸: Fatso Fave

The best vegan sausages I’ve devoured! 😋 Available @tesco

Choose Bamboo

📸: by Unique Fatso

#ChooseBamboo

#BambooFibreCup available @tesco

EcoFriendly

The future of Mother Earth depends on #YOU

UniqueFatso 💚🌱

Don’t Give Up

You’ve got this! 💚🌱

#ChooseYou

You

  1. YOU will achieve your weight-loss goals! It won’t be easy, but you will accomplish them.
  2. YOU will become comfortable in your own skin and love the body you have.
  3. YOU will be healthy and thrive on a plant-based diet.

Beetroot 😋

📸 by Unique

Don’t Eat Meat – Choose You

📸: Unsplash

What’s in Your Basket?

📸: by Unique

I went shopping this week and bought:

  • Potatoes
  • Cabbage
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Mushrooms
  • Beetroot
  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Green Smoothie Packs
  • Berry Smoothie Packs
  • Velvet Houmous
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Cherries
  • Wholegrain pitta-bread

I also had a pack of 4 sugar ring doughnuts in my basket, but thought, there’s no point.

So I left them at the counter.

I had to be strong, I really wanted those doughnuts.

Wanted, not needed.

I filled my basket with a variety of vegetables and a few fruits. Shopping is hard, with every item I ask myself ‘is this healthy?’

I kept the doughnuts in my basked until I got to the till.

Do you have similar challenges when out shopping for food? Any tips that you wish to share?

Apple Juice

📸: by Unique

I’m currently enjoying the relaxing glass of apple-juice.

💚🌱

Who needs wine?

Always Have Breakfast

📸: photo by Unique
📸: photo by Unique

The Safe Way to Takeaway

About Yesterday

The Safeway to #takeaway

#ChooseHealth

#ChoosePlantBased

#ChooseYou

No point in placing restrictions around yourself. #ChooseWisely

You have the ability to CHOOSE!

Ask how you food is prepared and the ingredients.

#EatConsciously

💚🌱

Unique Fatso

Fatso’s Breakfast

📸: Fatso’s Breakfast

Targets & Challenges


📸: Unique Fatso’s wrist

Fatso’s Curves

📸: Unique Fatso

There she stands in running tights.

Like a second skin covering her skin.

Wrapped around her to deliver a comfortable run, as she wants to be healthier but not THIN.

The brand is Adidas and the style is patterned. Size is XL so she must not fatten (anymore)

Through the city she will run, albeit very slow. Through the city you’ll hear her cry happy tears, as dripping fat is kinda fun.

There she stands round as if she were made from dough.

As she runs she will bake and you’ll see her GLOW.

Fatso’s Jiggle

📸: Unique Fatso’s jiggly bits

Hello Unique Fatso

📸: Unique Fatso

Hello I’m ridiculously shy! I’m and I’m an #introvert

However, it’s a new year and we all have things in common. Mine is to lose weight and become a healthier woman.

2020

#HealthyNewYear

#WeightlossJourney

#Motiv8

#ChooseHeath #ChooseYou #ChoosePlantBased🌱💚🌱 ‘Check out my blog’ #FollowMyJourney

#UniqueFatso @uniquefatso

#LivingMyBestLife