Here are some of the answers to the many questions I have been asked since I started The Healthy Bitch and began living a Vegan lifestyle.

The heart is arguably the hardest working muscle in the body, pumping blood, oxygen, and nutrients to all the body’s organs. Eating animal-based foods impairs the heart’s ability to do its job. Meat and dairy products are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. As these fatty substances, or “plaques,” build up inside the walls of arteries and blood flow to all areas of the body is impeded. This artery damage is called atherosclerosis. It often begins very early in life and develops gradually. When too little blood reaches various regions of the body, normal immune systems are impaired, setting people up for a number of diseases, most notably heart disease. Heart disease is the number one health problem in the United States today and, according to the American Heart Association, the single leading cause of death. Most heart disease is diet-related and caused by animal products. Research shows a highly significant correlation between the consumption of even small amounts of animal-based foods and the increasing prevalence of heart disease.

Cholesterol comes from animals! Our liver naturally produces the cholesterol in which we need. Did you know that 3 ounces of beef has just as much cholesterol as 3 ounces of chicken, that’s approximately 86 mg of cholesterol. What about a nice glass of 2% milk? Well guess what, eight ounces of milk contains 20 mg of cholesterol and one egg has 215 mg of cholesterol.

Now ask yourself this, how much cholesterol should one have?
According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) the recommended daily consumption of cholesterol should not exceed 200 mg a day. According to MRC (Maria Rose Comitto) and BDC (Brian Daniel Comitto) the recommended daily consumption of cholesterol is zero.

Ok, even if you wanted to argue that the NCEP has thoroughly researched the appropriate intake of cholesterol with the consumers health in mind, and you buy into the myth of “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol”, now ask yourself: What’s in the meat I am eating? Whether it’s “millions served everyday” or “what would you like this evening sir” it’s all the same shit, literally. Along with shit in your meat you’ll find antibiotics and growth hormones, so no wonder little jenny has boobs by the age of eight.

I don’ know about you but that’s enough of a reason for me to stay clear of the delightful array of animal products, but incase you need more here are some statistics.

Research shows that vegetarians are 50 percent less likely to develop heart disease, and they have 40 percent of the cancer rate of meat-eaters. Plus, meat-eaters are nine times more likely to be obese than vegans are.

Ask yourself, when does change usually take place?

We all end up with the same answer, when something happens in our life that we cannot reverse.

Nobody wants to admit that their will to want to make a positive change in their life is more often than not controlled by fear. Fear of failure, fear of disappointment and fear of the unknown, lurks over each and every one of us when it comes to change. We are conditioned to except the routine that we have created for ourselves. Little do we know that our daily activities have been influenced not by a true conscious choice but as a result of our surroundings? We are a product of the society in which we live. Once you come to this simplistic realization that you have the ability and opportunity to be accountable for your choices, by simply finding truth in your actions, this is when change will occur. This is the moment when you will be able to make a conscious choice, one in which you can be proud of.

The truth can be ugly and many will not want to bear the cross of knowing, but I can promise you this that with truth comes strength that will allow you to live a life full of purpose.
Everyone has what we call “vices”, to be truthful there are too many to list, if you look inside yourself you will find what it is that holds you back from the person in which you know your capable of being.

I cannot reverse the loss of loved ones, and I cannot go back in time where change should of happened, but I can make a change now by knowing the truth behind the choices I make. I will no longer be subject to change based on need or change based on tragedy, and I no longer will be blind to the choices I make.

The difference between a Skinny Bitch and a Healthy Bitch

I started my journey out wanting to be skinny. Who doesn’t want to be skinny? The problem is that most people will do just about anything to be “skinny” and very few people realize that the key to being “skinny” is being healthy.

When I first read Skinny Bitch I was shocked, I had no clue how harmful animal products could be for your body. Keep in mind I am the typical Italian girl raised on Chicken Cutlet Parm and Spaghetti with Meatballs. I love food, and my mother is an amazing cook, so you can bet that there is always gravy on the stove. So what was I to do, cut out all the things I LOVE in life and become a vegetarian and even possibly a vegan. The Answer is YES! But it took me some time to make the change.

I am not a nutritionist, I am not a doctor, what I am is someone who has been dealing with obesity my whole life. Becoming consciously aware of what I eat has changed my life and the people whom I love and care for in so many positive ways.

It’s not about being skinny, it’s about taking care of your body and educating yourself on the food you eat. Do that and you will reap the rewards far beyond just a size 2.

Learn More about The Healthy Bitch

How I Got Here – Over Weight And Unhealthy

A New Life – Making A Conscious Decision About What I Eat